Seeing it's doom, the goblin opens its jagged toothed mouth about to sound the alarm, when Rothwillian lets fly an arrow flying straight through the roof of it's mouth and into its brain. It colapses, jerking stiffly at Arvhil's feet.
Standing at the cave mouth, looking into the dark interior, Roth, Ràghnall and Iago can see that a passage branches off to the right. Soft clinking of chains and the occasional yip or growl can be heard over the trickling water of the stream.
With their superior eyesight from their Elven heritage, Arvhil and Felicia can see further in, that a passage branches up and to the left.
Iago walks over to Ràghnall and says, "Hold a minute my friend. Let me heal your wounds..." Luckily the arrow had passed through the Ranger's arm and the barb has not gotten trapped. The two remove it before Iago asks "Ràghnall, which god do you pray to? I would hope it was Amaunator... In any case now feel his power. Iago begins chanting in Turmish, the language of his homeland.
And the Ranger's wounds close up and he is healed.
"Thank you Iago. My family prayed to Mielikki through Gwaeron Windstrom, like many rangers from the north. The way I see it though, Amaunator seems just fine by me."
Ràghnall gives a nod in acknowledgement.
I have a simple magic I learnt from my order to create light in an instant. Arvhil, after we're finished here why don't you lead us with your darksight and try to reconnoiter before I light up the cavern. This way we might not be quite so open to surprise.
To the other party members he says,
Let Arvhil and I lead with our superior armor.
I'll be happy to keep your blessed armor in front of us. However, seeing as there is a second passage to the left, as well as the right, might I suggest we slightly split those of you with superior armor? One of you take a guard position on the tunnel we don't proceed down and then follow us to make sure our soft selves aren't left with naught but a word and a spell to save us? Felicia says quickly, her desire for tactics driven from nothing but a purely selfish desire to not meet her end at the prick of a goblin's blade.
Focusing her gaze on Iago, she quirks a smile as unvoiced words echo directly into his mind, Plus, so long as I can see you and you stay somewhat close, I can speak directly to you, with no chance at detection. Regardless of his reaction, she will beam and her eyes will dance before she speaks to the remainder of the group.
I can, conveniently, speak with individuals with no sound, so long as I can see them. If I stay firmly in the middle, I should be able to easily relay information across the group.
Iago fixes his eyes on Felicia and whispers, That is an interesting power indeed... That will indeed unite our strategy... To the rest he says, I'll take the left junction if Arvhil takes the right... He lifts his shield on his left arm and, swinging his mace over it, demonstrates what an unfortunate greenskin might get in response to a surprise attack
Iago's big grin belies the weight of his words I put my life ahead of those of my firm friends, I hope that you will watch my back in return. Knowing that please stay close
"Indeed I can help the wounded. Come here Roth and let the healing power of Tyr knit your wounds.
Rothwillian makes a half bow to Arvhil. "Much obliged. Now, I have some experience with deceptions and the sort of sabotage we're likely to see in a fortified home. I should be near the front." Roth will head up and keep his eyes honed for traps or tricks.
"I'll stick with our rogue friend here. I've got a knack for hunting goblins."
Lead on
The party begins marching into the cave, Arvhil at the head of the line. Peering around the corner of the right hand branch he sees a few uneven stone steps that lead up to a small, dank chamber on the east side of the passage. The cave narrows to a steep fissure at the far end, and is filled with the stench of animals. Savage snarls and the sounds of rattling chains greet your ears where three wolves are chained up just inside the opening. Each wolf’s chain leads to an iron rod driven into the base of a stalagmite.
The wolves begin a low growl as they perhaps smell a strange creature near their lair, then they all leap forward straining against their chains snapping at the air in front of Arvhil.
@Iago What are you casting light on? I'm assuming for now it's on your shield or mace. If you want to change that to another item, (or an item on someone else) let me know.
Iago whispers to Felicia Follow behind me to the left branch so you can tell what you see up there. The Cleric then moves up to the left branch with as much of his body behind his shield as possible, ready to take cover behind the edge of the cavern wall and cast light should the party need illumination
Felecia nods her head and follows Iago up the left branch slowly, taking care to keep the rest of the party within the line of sight.
I can see passably enough without the light. Just go slowly and I'll be able to, hopefully, spot any threat before it's a true concern. Again, her words echo directly into Iago's mind.
Iago and Felicia move past the rest of the party, leaving the others to deal with the snarling, snapping wolves. Iago quickly finds that he can't see his own hand in front of his face as he moves deeper into the cave, and, with a soft incantation casts light on his shield.
Iago and Felicia make it halfway to the left passage when suddenly a goblin voice rings out from a rickety bridge that spans the main passage ahead, connecting two tunnels that are 20 feet above the stream, half a second later the passage is suddenly filled with a mighty roar, as a huge surge of rushing water pours down from above!
Felicia perception
Iago perception
Disadvantage
Arvhil: 5hp of Lay on hands used
Felicia starts to scream out as the surge of water pours out from above, but quickly clamps her mouth shut, struggling to not draw further attention to herself.
Dex save:
Str save:
The rushing water sweeps down the tunnel, Iago manages to leap into the left passage to get out of the way but Felicia is swept from her feet and tumbled about pulled out of the cave by the current.
Rothwillian and Ràghnall both have time to get to safety outside but Arvhil instinctively leaps up the stairs into the reach of the wolves.
Two of the wolves snap at Arvhil as he comes within their reach.
Arvhil manages to fend them off with his shield and then steps back. Safe for now.
Iago can now see a goblin crouched low on the bridge above, watching him.
Arvhil: 5hp of Lay on hands used
Iago, cursing at the new predicament, prepares to unleash the Sacred Flame of Amaunator at the goblin on the bridge if he's fast enough
The goblin helps as good flames surround it, then it scurries down the side passage above out of sight, trailing smoke behind it.
Arvhil stands at the foot of a few uneven stone steps that lead up to a small, dank chamber on the east side of the passage. Three wolves on chains, snarl and snap aggravated by the presence of intruders.
The main passage from the cave mouth climbs steeply upward, curving around to the right underneath the bridge that crosses 20 feet above.
Ràghnall and Roth are safe and mostly dry just outside the cave mouth, Felicia is dripping wet as she climbs out of the stream, a little battered from being washed down the stream.
Iago stands in the left hand passage. This almost vertical passage is choked with rubble and leads up to what looks like a T intersection with another passage. It looks to be a very difficult climb and the handholds don't look like they'd hold much weight.
Iago moves back alongside Arvhil and waits for the party to regroup. He readies Sacred Flame should the goblin return with friends
"Well this adventure started with an ambush and already has me covered in filth and soaking wet. I'd say it's almost time to find a chest of treasure and retire, my friends. I'm very much thinking of a life as a fat business owner." Rothwillian grumps as he tries to help Felicia out of the stream.
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Felicia's eyes seethe with cold hatred for the goblins that caused her to take her tumble. With gritted teeth she gets up with the help of Rothwillian.
Thank you, sir Rothwillian. Your assistance is appreciated. She says, words clipped and short as she flicks water droplets from her fingers and her typically wavy ebon hair is stringy and saturated with water. She feels her power course through her, burning as the stars burn in the night tapestry. Angrily she stalks back into the cave, meeting with Iago and Arvhil.
Gentlemen. I endeavor to find the cretins that decided to unleash this deluge upon me. I will see their souls wracked with the torment of the great heavens and their bodies burnt with eldritch fury. They will feel my wrath and I will rejoice. We should get the others and press through the right hand tunnel. Rout these ankle-biting demonspawn. She says, voice frigid and eyes steely. Her magic roiling inside her, wisps of moisture begin to dance from her fingertips, like breath on a cold winter's day.
"Nice trick you've got there." Ràghnall says to Felicia.
He loads up an arrow, ready to fire at a moment's notice.
"Time to hunt."
Looking at Ràghnall, she cocks her head to one side slightly before looking at her fingertips. Slowly one corner of her mouth turns up.
Ah yes, my frozen fury. It can certainly manifest spectacularly against a foe. Aye, let's hunt.
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Seeing Felicia's fury Iago can't help but feel a little responsible for setting off the ambush. Chagrined, he addresses the Lady I'm sorry Felicia I feel partly responsible for your um... current state... indicating Felicia's dripping clothes and hair, but I promise the greenskins will suffer for their insult.
Iago finishes his sentence with a full stop strongly indicating his anger. His chalk-marked brow furrows, making the ochre lines into W's
This is the first time the others have seen Iago truly angry
The troop heads further into the tunnel, around the right hand bend, underneath the bridge to some roughly cut stone steps. All is quiet except for the sound of a waterfall...
Arvhil climbs the stairs into a cavern that is half filled with two large pools of water. A narrow waterfall high in the eastern wall feeds the pool, which drains out the western end of the chamber to form the stream that flows out of the cave mouth below. Low fieldstone walls serve as dams holding the water in, one has recently been knocked down. A wide exit stands to the south, while a smaller passage leads wes presumably to the bridget. The sound of the waterfall echoes through the cavern, making it difficult to hear. Flickering fire light can be seen coming from the exit to the south.
Arvhil spots four goblins taking cover behind stones and corners. All have arrows ready at their small bows!
**
12.2
15.75
The goblins pull back on their bow strings and launch a hail of arrows at Arvhil!
One of the arrows finds a gap in the paladin's formidable armour
One of the goblins retreats to the south up some stone steps into the room where the fire light is coming from. The others drop their bows and ready their shields.
Arvhil: 5hp of Lay on hands used
Arvhil grunts as the arrow strikes home, but immediately surges forward and seeing the goblin off to his left, swings his weapon at the sudden target.
Attack-melee:
Damage:
Iago follows Arvhil's lead and charges forward to strike the closest goblin (top right of map)
Iago, trust that this is not your fault. The goblins could have taken a different approach. For their impertinence, they will suffer. She says coolly before pushing past the assembled group, her fury unabated. As she follows Arvhil up the stairs, she sees the goblins standing at the ready. Words flow as she points her finger, the wisps of moisture fading away as the magic blasts out at the goblin.
Ràghnall fires an arrow at the farther goblin to clear the path for his companions.
Roth cries out a curse followed by "GOBLINS!" and draws and fires! for damage!
Arvhil surges forwards, swinging his flail, smashing it into the side of a goblins head. There's a sharp crack as the goblins skull collapses and the goblin falls to the floor, it's head a mess of blood and gore.
Iago rushes in next, shield shining brightly. He charges at a second goblin, swiping with his mace. The goblin neatly ducks the man's blow.
Felicia takes the stairs next aiming her hand at the goblin in front of Iago. The wisps of moisture fade from her hand and coalesce up around the goblin forming into icy frost. The goblin grits its teeth, somehow fighting through the numbing cold.
Aiming waiting for the perfect timing, Ràghnall fires an arrow whipping past Felicia and the goblin that Iago is fighting, directly into the heart of the far goblin. The goblin topples to the ground, a shocked look on its face.
Roth notches an arrow to his own bow and fires at the last goblin in the room, but the arrow skitters off the small boulder in front of the goblin.
The remaining goblin curses and growls. Drawing a Scimitar he cuts at Iago
Iago deflects the blow with his shield. Then the goblin fakes a move to the left before retreating up the stairs to the south.
Iago can see into the southern room. Up the stairs in the flickering firelight he sees a badly burnt goblin(4), the goblin(2) that just retreated and a hulking specimen of a wolf.
Arvhil: 5hp of Lay on hands used
You foul being, you will know the rage of my arcanum. Your soul will suffer an eternity in the cold dark abyss. Begone from these lands you beast. Felicia whispers coldly directly into the mind of the fleeing goblin as she steps slightly forward. Gripping her crystal, she points a finger at the receding goblin, letting loose a cackle as her eldritch magic flows out, shooting straight for his back.
The goblin turns, eyes wide, terror etched over it's face as the crackling energy of Felicia's eldritch blast slams into its chest, extinguishing it's life.
Iago: 1/2 spell slots used
Arvhil: 5hp of Lay on hands used
Iago moves past the dead goblins into sight of the next cavern leaving space for his companions to stand at his side and back. He roars and calls down the Flame of his god on the nearest goblin
Ràghnall keeps his sights on the retreating goblin , draws another arrow, waits for a moment and fires.
Iago moves up, seeing more goblins and a hulking bugbear around a fire.
He calls down the flames of god upon one of the goblins. The golden flames desend, burning the goblin to a crisp.
Ràghnall stalks towards the southern room, aiming and firing at the next goblin he sees. The arrow plunges into the goblins head, right between its eyes.
Arvhil moves forward until he too can see inside the cave. He readies his shield and flail for the goblin counterattack.
Roth double moves to behind Arvhil.
Sacks and crates of looted provisions are piled up in the south end of this large cave. To the west, the floor slopes toward a narrow opening that descends into darkness. In the middle of the cavern, the coals of a large fire smolder.
The large bugbear yells " How dare you invade cragmaw tribe cave? Kill my goblins?! Raaagh! "
He leads a charge, his wolf beside him.
Iago fends the wolfs biting jaws off with shield and mace.
Klarg swings his Morningstar down at Arvhil with brutal strength. Arvhil manages to interpose his shield, but the force of the blow is incredible, rocking the paladin back on his heels.
Further back in the room a goblin pulls back on his bow, loosing an arrow at Iago
The arrow goes very wide, skittering off the cave wall.
Iago: 1/2 spell slots used
Arvhil: 5hp of Lay on hands used
Iago mace sings as it cuts the air towards the large wolf
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Rothwillian scoffs a the bugbear. "Speak plainly, furball. We're not only here to kill goblins, you'll do as well!" Roth fires at him!
for damage!
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Grinning to herself, she stares at the bugbear. Your goblins? Then you bear responsibility for their actions. It is your skin I shall char, your bones I shall grind for flour, and your blood will dye my scarves. Let your mind suffer under the weight of the Abyss! she shrieks into his mind before whispering a melody of horrendous discordance that only seems to reach his ears.
Ràghnall sends an arrow whizzing by the bugbear. It might be in the same room.
"Hmmm... Never hunted one of these before."
Arvhil strikes back at the bugbear...matching his flail against the beast's morningstar.
Attack-melee:
Damage:
Iago clubs the wolf in the head, it's skin splits and blood pumps from the wound. The wolf looks shaken but is still up and fighting.
Rothwillian insults the bugbear and fires an arrow Past Arvhil, at the bugbear, the arrow flashes past the creatures shoulder, barely missing.
The Bugbears eyes suddenly widen and snap to Felicia. Fear clearly etched across its face!
He turns and runs wildly into the far corner of his cave.
The Bugbears sudden retreat throws Ràghnall's aim off and his arrow flashes through the empty space that the Bugbear used to be in.
Arvhil spins his flail at the wolf but it manages to duck out of the way.
--------------------------------------
Iago: 1/2 spell slots used
Arvhil: 5hp of Lay on hands used
Felicia: 1/1 Spell slots used
Iago sees the Bugbear turn his back and shouts Coward! He lashes out with his mace