Mikmek walks up to the fallen mites and he picks up three small sized daggers. “What brings you in here? Seems like it’s a little cramped for you to come with no reason.” Mikmek moves to this fallen comrades and begins to cut them free from the roots that tie them to the wall. As he lays them on the ground he speaks something over them before returning his attention to the group; “Well? Will you help me find my clans holy statue and then I will be your squire?”
With a roll of his eyes, Dhavik moves to look into the chasm; “Something red and reflecting you say? Wonder what kind of treasures these mites have stolen and tucked away in this tunnel system…” he quickly looks into the chasm then moves back to join the group.
I still think you could incorporate the familiar into your role playing. I don't know if having a more combat capable would change the role playing aspect of the familiar that is being left behind.
Just run with it and make it part of the character as you wanted when you picked having a familiar.
The kobold continues to struggle against the roots that holds his arms in place. He sees Mirana approaching, one of those who rescued him from the torment of the mites, and his eyes go wide as she swings with her quarterstaff against the roots on his arms. The kobold begins crying out in anger and pain.
Draconic:
“Ahh!! Stop stop! You’re crushing my arms…. What is wrong with you!”
As Caitir moves up to help free the kobold. Easy enough with the use of a dagger. The kobold shoots Mirana an angry glare as he moves to position the others between it and her. It begins to rub its arm where the quarterstaff struck the roots.
Draconic:
“What is wrong with her? Is she trying to turn my arms into mush and pull them free?”
The kobold begins speaking in a surprising language, common; “You freed me! I owe you my life. I am in a life debt to you and will serve you honorably. But only after I rescue my clans holy statue from these nasty blue mites. My troop was captured in our risk to get it back, I am the only one left.” he looks at his fallen comrades before he looks around to the five of you; “My name is Mikmek, who is it that I owe my life too?”
Dhavik speaks up; “Look at that. The one smart enough to speak common pledges fealty to you.” looking at the kobold; “I think this could work out…”
Updated Map
Kunala cast Dancing Lights and uses it to illuminate the chasm. It does reveal more, but more of the same. The thick root system that you see goes down roughly 30 feet, but it is mostly blocked by roots. It is hard to make out, but you think that Kunala’s light is reflecting off of something red in the depth of the chasm.
The opposite side reveals a bit more, there is a room there and you can see something moving about within but not enough to tell what it is. The roots prevent that.
Dhavik responds to Kunala’s statement of But there’s no reason to risk your little owl “Speaking of… where did the little creature go?”
As the mite flees from the group, Kunala and Iradyiel cut down the two standing in their way. Iradyiel begins to chase after the fleeing mite but stops just short of the chasm. Difficult terrain/30 ft movement…
As Iradyiel stops he sees a deep and ominous chasm splits the passage. The chasm is a few yards wide, but thick ropes of tangled roots fill the area that prevent full view of what lies below or beyond the chasm. The passage does continue on the far side of the cas, and between the two ledges, numerous loops have been tied into the roots to serve as hand and footholds.
Dhavik moves forward drawing an arrow and loosening it past Iradyiel into the roots. Looking at the fallen mites; “You couldn’t have saved one for me?”
We are technically “in rounds” still, but unless you continue the chase we can fall out of rounds. Your call.
Both Caitir and Mirana move forward trying to get as close to the battle as they can. From the tunnel that everyone came through you can hear grunts and complaints as Davik brings up the read and tries to make it into battle.
The two mites up front both attack out with daggers, one on Kunala and the other on Iradyiel. Upon seeing how poorly his companions do in attacking the intruders, the mite in the rear makes a break for the opening in the back. You see him swing from roots down grow down into an opening but goes across into what appears to be another room. Not being lit, it is hard to tell what is beyond the root filled chasm.
The Kobold continues to struggle against its root restraints to no success.
Where at on the map would you like them to be moved? I don't want to set them up in the wrong spot from where you were thinking. Let me know the distance and location in relation to the other PCs or physical items on the map.
Both Iradyiel and Kunala’s attacks strike true. Iradyiel’s Falchion cleaves the mite straight through shoulder to waist and falls to the ground in two. The two mites to the back look panicked by the ease of the brothers to cut through the other mites.
The brothers move forward attacking out at the Mites. Iradyiel’s attack cuts down a mite as he was turning to see the commotion rushing his way. Kunala’s attack is less successful as the mite nimbly dodges out of the way of Kunala’s longsword.
Mirana and Caitir make their way through the tunnel and preparing themselves to join in on the battle. Dhavik hears Iradyiel’s battle cry and double moves to bring up the rear and closes the distance with the rest of the group. "Don't kill all of them without me!!"
Two of the mites away from the group begin chanting and convulsing causing dread to creep up on Iradyiel and Kunala, but they are able to shake it off. They shake if off just as the three mites up close swing out with small daggers which do not find their mark
After hearing Caitir’s words of promised freedom, the kobold begins struggling against its bonds trying to break free.
I am okay with you guys planning your actions if we are not in rounds or in a situation where your characters can not really talk to each other. The situation we are currently in is you aren't near each other and talking would cause change to what was unfolding, both with the Mites hearing and with what Iradyiel was planning to do without knowledge of the caltrops.
I never want to hinder what you are doing, but I want to have things happen in character.
Both Caitir and Mirana would know that the mites have unnatural protection that would prevent the damage from the caltrops from hurting them. In fact, most weapons would be less effective unless made of a specific type of iron that is mined and forged deep underground; Cold Iron.
The mites continue to attack the Kobold when suddenly one of the mites lets out a shriek when it sees you all sneaking in. We are in rounds, you all are up then the Mites then Kobold. If you are still in the tunnel, each space counts as 2.
Please try to keep planning to something we do in character. It is okay to talk about stuff ooc, but do what your character was planning to do from the point of their last in character conversation when they moved in.
@Kunala I will be doing perception check once you all are done with this surprise round. @Caitir that is a great question that you could get the answer with a K-Nature check
They do not seem to notice you... the mites are overly engaged in the torturing of the kobold prisoner. What do you/all of you do next? I can roll initiative, but you currently have a surprise round if you want to act on it.
Surprise Round (refresher more for me than anything else):
If some but not all of the combatants are aware of their opponents, a surprise round happens before regular rounds begin. In initiative order (highest to lowest), combatants who started the battle aware of their opponents each take a standard or move action during the surprise round. You can also take free actions during the surprise round. If no one or everyone is surprised, no surprise round occurs.
Dhavik post up to guard the way the party came through and readies his bow; “Nothing will come through without catching an arrow first. Keep an eye out on the tunnel ahead, who knows what else is down here that might have heard that one die.”
The rest of you take a look around in this room. All of the tools are crudely made and not exactly anything that would produce something that would last long. They are more tinkering tools that could craft “one shot” items. As Iradyiel makes his comment about bringing them back to repair the ones at the Trading Post, he gives it a second look and realizes that if you were to move the catapult that it would possibly fall to pieces, and indeed it does as he easily pulls it to pieces.
Scanning the room with her Detect Magic, Mirana finds that all of the tools and items in this room are mundane non-magical items.
Iradyiel begins making his way through the tunnel that continues in this room. This tunnel is a steeper hill that leads down, thankfully the root system in the walls and that crisscross the path allow you simple handholds to make your way down. “Take 10”
As Iradyiel gets close to the bottom he can see light coming from the room below, but also hear high pitched cries of terror coming from within…
If Iradyiel pokes his head in to look, give me a stealth check then click the spoiler button:
Updated Map
The walls of this egg-shaped cavern are obscured by thick tangles of long, pallid roots. To the east, the chamber opens into a wide, root filled chasm.
Poking your head in, you see six mites tormenting a kobold that is tied to the roots along the wall. It is one of four that have been captured and tied up. From the look of it, the other three are dead and hang limply in their bonds.
The last kobold shrieks in pain as the six mites take turns poking it with sharp sticks, each shriek bringing forth a fresh wave of giggles and cheers from the mites.
I am so sorry. It is hard to tell on the map, I did not leave enough of the path showing. In the room you are currently in there is the entry to the right you came through to get into this part where you found the two mites. Then in the bottom left corner of this room there is a path leading down. That is actually where the mite was heading towards before its demise.
I will wait to reply incase things might change in what you posted above.
Bringing up the rear, you can see clear disappointment on Dhavik’s face when he sees that the two mites have been taken care of before arriving; “You made quick work of that… sure thing, I’ll watch the tunnel.” seeing that there is another tunnel ahead; “This one we came through or the one up there?” He moves to guard whichever tunnel he is told to guard.
Looking through the remains of the mites, you find them each to have a small sized dagger and their tattered clothes. Nothing else. Looking around you find a small pile of caltrops lying beside the caltrop launcher. Gathering them, you have enough for 2 uses. The caltrop launcher is something that you could take with you, but with an easy check you are not sure how well it will continue to hold together.
You also find some crude tools and other scrap parts that the two mites were using to craft their creations.
@Kunala thanks so much for the link to it. The tunnels between are smaller and more of a need to crawl, but is doable with a blade in front of you without rushing. And no worries about the PA feat. It happens. Combat Reflexes is a solid feat, one that is undervalued in my In-Person gaming group.
See above spoiler for AoO attack/dmg roll
The mite lets out a little shriek before it turns to run away down the tunnel to the south. Kunala takes the opportunity to strike out with his Aldori dueling sword, cutting down the Mite with a single swing.
As the sound of its body falling to the ground dies, only the sounds of the party remain.
@Kunala also, I don't know how I missed it before but when I was looking at your sheet to find your attack/damage for the AoO I noticed Kunala had Power Attack and one of the Prerequisites for it is a BAB of +1. You will need to find another feat to replace that since Bards have a BAB +0 at level 1. Sorry about that. I'm not sure how I missed it.
The brothers move forward in tandem to attack out at the mites. Iradyiel is able to move up and strike down the mite that flung a caltrop at him, while Kunala steps up between the other mite and his brother.
Dhavik moves into a defensive position; “You two get down there and help out, I’ll bring up the rear and make sure nothing follows.”
Caitir is up. It is a double move to crawl through the tunnels due to squeezing. Owl would be fine to fly through without penalty to speed.
Initiative
Kunala
Iradyiel
Dhavik Caitir
Blue Creatures
Mirana
I did a spoiler box for you both, the "low ceiling" rule is written in the module and not something that is "in the books"
I would make a judgement call that since you are crouching down a in there that it would be awkward to charge. You couldn't get your real full strides. No charging if you are medium or larger in size.
Dhavik, crouching down in this short ceiling chamber, grunts; “Probably best they stay up there. No real leg room as it is.”
As Iradyiel heads left, Dhavik looks to the right path but doesn’t say anything or go further.
Iradyiel heading down first
The chamber might just be shy of 5-feet, but the tunnel that continues down forces each of you to crawl. The tunnel continues to lead down, but the winding nature of it with the roots gives you easy handholds not to fall.
Popping your head out of the tunnel, it opens into another room that is larger than the first but still just shy of 5-feet. You see two crude, wooden workbenches, their tops strewn with various tiny tools, metal and wooden hardware, and blocks of wood. You see a pair of small bluish creatures scurrying about the room. You notice they have a miniature catapult rigged out of bones and branches. The two of them are taking turns firing caltrops at one another’s open mouth. When one misses the other laughs as it points at the other.
The floating orbs follow Iradyiel down the tunnel and illuminates all of this scene for him. But it also draws the attention of the creatures. The one jumps on the catapult and fires one at Iradyiel’s face as the other one begins to charge. The caltrop that is fired from the catapult strikes Iradyiel in the face. Iradyiel takes 1 DMG
Initiative
Kunala
Iradyiel
Dhavik
Caitir
Blue Creatures
Mirana
With Iradyiel blocking the way no one can gain access until he moves. The tunnel is something you have to crawl through, you cannot bypass the person in front of you. Currently Iradyiel and Kunala are in the tunnel.
In the rooms with the low ceiling you receive a -2 on attack roles or any physical skill checks. In the tunnel you are considered squeezing
Squeezing:
In some cases, you may have to squeeze into or through an area that isn’t as wide as the space you take up. You can squeeze through or into a space that is at least half as wide as your normal space. Each move into or through a narrow space counts as if it were 2 squares, and while squeezed in a narrow space, you take a –4 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty to AC.
When a Large creature (which normally takes up 4 squares) squeezes into a space that’s 1 square wide, the creature’s miniature figure occupies 2 squares, centered on the line between the 2 squares. For a bigger creature, center the creature likewise in the area it squeezes into.
A creature can squeeze past a creature while moving but it can’t end its movement in an occupied square.
To squeeze through or into a space less than half your space’s width, you must use the Escape Artist skill. You can’t attack while using Escape Artist to squeeze through or into a narrow space, you take a –4 penalty to AC, and you lose any Dexterity bonus to AC.
As a DM and player, I always find it weird mechanically and, in the narrative, when people don’t involve their familiars. I understand the that it only has 4 HP and a single arrow could take it out, but realistically the owl is also not a threat. A person wouldn’t use a potshot at the familiar when there are real threats around.
I understand that the owl would be nocturnal, but what kind of backpack are you carrying around that it is hunkered down in? It would seem to me that you wouldn’t have any other room in there for the rest of your gear.
Now, I am not going to punish you for not playing the owl as part of your character. But, please feel free to do so. I am not going to gun for your owl because you are using it. Have fun with it as a part of your character. Use it to add to the scene that is unfolding.
Real life talk. Glad to hear you are okay Caitir. Our neighbor had a scare which impacted us because we were all just over there. Thankfully you and our neighbors came back negative. RL trumps a game every day, but happy to have you back in action.
Oathday 18th Pharast 4710AR
Mite Lair MapPlease forgive the map. Only the brothers and an owl are currently in the hole.
Moving forward we need to keep your owl in mind. I don’t think it would have been staying in a backpack these past few days. Make it part of your character, part of her body and personality. No more book back rides ;-)
Iradyiel and Kunala climb down this snug shoot into a dark room. Kunala cannot see a thing outside of the moonlight above. Iradyiel’s elven heritage blessed him with slightly better sight to see that they are in a roughly 15 foot dug out room. Sight is not needed to realize that both of you are not able to stand up straight in this room the ceiling is just shy of 5 feet tall. You know that this will cause difficulty if the rest of the lair is the same.
The call for Amber provides illumination to this room. There is nothing in this crudely carved room besides two more rough dug tunnels that go deeper into the earth. One is to the west(left) and one is to the east(right). The light from Amber shines into the two tunnels, but the rough dug nature of the two tunnels will force you to crawl deeper to find what is within.
While the brothers crawl down Dhavik approaches Caitir; “What about them?” pointing to the kobolds with the but end of Iradyiels bow.
Under the cover of night, the party is led by the small gang of kobolds to the mite lair. Iradyiel is taking his time scouting ahead as you move forward. But he finds nothing. Maybe it is as the kobolds said and the mites are too dumb to set up a watch or patrol around their base.
As you make you way up to the tree, Iradyiel begins looking around for some entry point. He is just about to give up when he discovers within its gnarled root system there is a tight burrowed hole that drops straight down. Without any light you cannot see how far it drops, but the few feet you can see into the hole you do see that the shaft down is root-lined which should make it easier to climb down.
Dhavik comes up besides Iradyiel to look down the hole and leans into his ear; “Looks like it’s about 10 to 15 feet down, then opens up. That’s all I can see.”
In a whisper the kobold leader speaks up as he is pointing towards the hole Iradyiel found.
Draconic:
“We brought you here. You go in and kill the mites and bring back sacred statue. We wait here and finish off any who try to escape or try to come in.”
The night before on watch Iradyiel w/Dhavik but if you’d rather use a longbow I have one I used for hunting. Dhavik responds; “That would be good. I am about as good of a shot with either, which isn’t saying much. But, if I am only using a bow it would be a quicker reload. Thank you, Iradyiel.”
morning
As Dhavik is readying his horse and hears Kunala speak of a picket line, he chimes in; “That is a better idea than letting them roam free. Do you have enough line?” Pulling off his back pack he frees his rope and pulls out a piton. “I have these if you need them.”
Once the team is ready
Dhavik sees the Kobolds beginning to move on; “Looks like it is time to move on… damned things better be worth it.”
As the conversation continues about the plan for the morning continues, Dhavik nods in agreement; “Iradyiel up front followed by you, Kunala, Caitir then, you, Mirana? I’ll bring up the rear from a possible ambush. I will have my crossbow, but I am not the best shooting into combat. I will try my best not to nick one of you while shooting into the fray.” he gives you all a smile. “Unless there is anything else I am going to get some shut eye. Wake me up at second watch!”
It doesn’t seem like it is too long befoe the half-orc is asleep and letting out a snore every once in a while. The evening passes without much of an issue. Feel free to RP anything your character would like to do during the evening, conversations or otherwise. Not trying to rush camp fire situations.
The third watch is an abbreviated one so that you can get an early start towards the mite lair. Those who are up during the third watch give me a Perception check
Perception DC 17:
It is hard to tell because it is quite some distance off, but back where you came from towards the tree line you think you see something move on the ground. It was rather quick, plus the darkness and distance could be playing tricks on you, but you believe you saw something scurry or crawl across the ground before you lost sight of it again.
You have no idea what it could have been, or if it was anything but shadow mind tricks.
Oathday 18th Pharast 4710AR
It is still early as those who are on third watch wakes the rest of the party. Dark is still covering the land, but dawn is quickly approaching. You will be to the Old Sycamore before the sun begins to rise.
Dhavik stretches and gathers his belongings; “I am only bringing what I need. I know it could be a gamble, but I don’t think we should tie the horses to that tree. I am going to let the horse roam. Wouldn’t want it to be tied down if something were to attack.” Dhavik gathers provisions, straps a backpack on his back, sword on his hip, and crossbow in his hands; “I am ready when you are!”
The Kobold that has been speaking for the group speaks up
Draconic:
“We will show you secret hole to mite lair. You crawl down, kill mites, bring back sacred statue!”
The kobolds chitter between themselves and motion forward towards the tree.
Dhavik is going about his business caring for his horse and his belongings for this evenings stay when he hears Caitir say “I’d rather we pour accelerant down the entry point and light a fire.” Dhavik says under his breath; “Note to self, don't piss her off.” He continues looking through a saddlebag and pulls out some dried meat then joins the conversation.
“Though as interesting as seeing a mite run out of the tree on fire and through the field could be... I thought the whole point of helping them is to get some magical statue, or whatever it is, back. I don’t know how easy it will be to go through whatever is in there if we burn it all down.” taking a bite of meat; “What if we label that under ‘if all else fails’?”
Sorry about the slow posting this week. A friends mother passed away on the 1st and I had to officiate the funeral yesterday. Busy week trying to get everything squared away.
Caitir & Kunala w/Kobolds
The kobolds look anxious to continue moving on towards the mite’s lair. Eagerly chirping and barking as they look at the tree that is within sight. Caitir & Kunala move up to explain and when Caitir is finished a look of disappointment come on a few of the kobolds. Their leader speaks up
Draconic:
“No later than first light, that is when we move on. Mites are dumb, they don’t use scouts. We could sleep under the tree and they wouldn’t know we were there.”
At the last comment of the leader kobold the remaining ones begin to laugh. The leader does nod in agreement to make camp.
Setting Up Camp
As you move to the location that Dhavik pointed out, you all begin to make camp. It seems that even if you wanted to make a fire you would not be able to do so. There are no downed trees or anything to really sustain a fire overnight.
Dhavik speaks up; “I’ll take second watch, and if we are going to get at it early I don’t mind missing out on sleep.” looking between the four of you but settling on Kunala; “What is the plan to attack these mites?”
Dhavik nods at the mention of attack at first light; “We need to let them know,” motioning towards the kobolds; “that we won’t be going tonight. And that we won’t be having any fires.” He turns to look around the country side; “It would be best if we could find a spot that we can be out of sight, but also keep somewhat of an eye on that tree…”
As he is looking around he points to a location that is closer towards a tree, but it does fall in elevation just enough that it should hide the horses. “That is probably the spot we want. Iradyiel?”
Iradyiel:
Taking 10, he would know that the spot Dhavik is pointing out will be as good as any.
It is closer, but should be far enough away to avoid any Mite scouts if there were to be any.
Iraydiel missed his survival check, can he take 10 or roll again?
Great question!!
I am okay with you two doing the "take 10" with two stipulations.
1) You are not in combat or in a time crunch
2) It isn't a skill that has a negative for failing (climb/swim/disable device)
okay I fibbed, there is a third.
3) It is not a social skill (diplomacy/Intimidate/Bluff/Sense Motive) With those skills I do take into consideration the RP of the social setting when deciding on how successful the check was.
All of that to say simply say yes, Iradyiel can take 10 on survival.
w/Kunala “Build a town? Well if you are going to have a goal why not make it a big one. It’s not my kind of thing, but that could be interesting to watch. People can be such a pain in the arse that it wouldn’t be worth it, especially with so many in a town.”
Next day when the tree is in view
When the talk comes around assaulting the mite lair Dhavik speaks up; “I am fine either way, but if they have look outs in the tree they are going to see us long before we get there. I don’t see a real way around that. Also, if we camp we won’t have a fire to keep us warm. They would see the light of the fire and smoke for a ways off.”
Looking around you do see that this is still a hilly land, but no natural or manmade shelters in sight. It is still early spring and the winter chill hasn’t fully left. Pharast is similar to March and it is their first month of spring.
Kunala:
Just a reminder of what you know about the mites from a K-Nature roll you made back at Bokken’s hut.
Mite: These are small fey creatures that love and thrive in the dark. It is known that because they are fey blooded that they have some natural magical abilities. Also because of their fey blood, normal weapons are not fully effective against them.
Wealday 17th Pharast 4710AR Weather: Foggy w/cool breeze Updated Map Everyone regained their spells and daily abilities. If anyone was missing HP you regained 2 HP back.
Night before w/Kunala
Dhavik strugs; “You never know what you are getting into. It is a gamble each time you go out. It is nice to get out, better than being stuck in the tent besides the stables back at the trading post.”
The next morning
Iradyiel’s comment of Kunala’s hot air will make it evaporate about the fog gets a chuckle from Dhavik. “You two are funny ya know, a good bit of entertainment in the wilderness. Seems like we might be out here for a while, so don’t use up all your good digs yet.”
As the conversation about the ‘Spider Queen’ continues, Dhavik turns from securing everything onto his horse; “Spider queen? Ha, what is a monstrous spider to a three-foot creature? I’m with Mirana, take care of this mite situation then we need to get to the bandit camp. Hopefully we will still catch them off guard.”
Dhavik climbs upon his horse whistles to get the kobolds attention and with a wave of his hand “Lead on” The kobolds don’t understand the language he is speaking, but anyone can pick up on his nonverbals.
As the group sets out the sun rises and so does the temperature. As the fog lifts the others can see what Iradiel saw the night before, just how large this forest stretches across the land.
Survival DC 15:
From where you currently are D10 on the map, you believe that it is about a two day journey west to arrive at to the area where Bokken spoke about the Fangberries he was seeking.
Not wanting to rush anything you’d like to do, but I am moving on. Please feel free to RP whatever you would like in-between
The kobolds lead on for several hours as the rolling hills pass under hoof and foot. Unless the group decides to stop for any reason, the Kobolds press on. Only stopping for water, food, or to relieve themselves. As the day passes, the sun even begins to set as you see off in the distance a large object.
Wish a slight whistle; “That is one big tree. They said the lived in the three? Around it?” Dhavik speaks up as soon as the tree comes within view.
The kobolds stop the group and the leader steps up and begins speaking. As he does he motions with his hands towards the ground and makes a circle with his two hands. He makes a digging or a crawling motion followed by a swinging motion with his hand as if it was clutched with a weapon.
Draconic:
“There is mite layer. Hole in ground at bottom. You crawl in, kill mites, and get back sacred statue!”
During Second Watch
As Kunala reaches down and shakes Dhavik’s shoulder he quickly opens his eyes, grabs his blade and looks around. Seeing that the campsite is calm, Dhavik sets his blade down, rubs his eyes, and takes a long pull from his waterskin. When Kunala ask about casting message he nods.
“So how did you come to be with Kesten?” “I joined in Restov. I overheard that there was going to be a group coming down to protect a trading post from some bandits. Figured it would be easy coin. Turns out it isn’t going as easy as I figured.”
He starts to gather his equipment and weapon and heads to the opening of the cave; “I am going to look out and see if there is anything noteworthy.” He heads out into the darkness of the night without a torch or a lantern.
A couple hours pass by no return of Dhavik. If Kunala goes to the opening of the cave your eyes have a hard time adjusting with the glow of the campfire behind you. The moonlight does give enough light to see slight shapes in the distance; trees, bushes, nocturnal animals out looking for a meal. But no Dhavik.
Another hour passes when Dhavik returns; “Nothing out there worth mentioning. Nothing looks to be hunting us or even knows we are here.” Dhavik begins to get his gear together and set up as if he is going to sleep shortly. “We should get the nest ones up and get to sleep. If they weren’t lying, we should arrive tomorrow.”
The rest of the night goes without anything threatening the cave. The kobolds switch their watch as needed so they can be fully rested but still keeping two of them on watch.
Wealday 17th Pharast 4710AR Weather: Foggy with cool breeze
Morning comes and the Kobolds are munching on their radishes and bits of the jerky that they had left over from the evening before. Dhavik is up and has his horse saddled and his bags attached.
One of the kobolds pulls Caitir around the cave and points east.
Draconic:
“Don’t go that way. Hamirdaar lives there. Go through forest or around.”
Hamirdaar roughly translates to Spider Queen or Queen of the Spiders
Dhavik approaches the rest of the party; “Once you are ready we can set out. The fog might slow us, but should rise soon enough.”
I do not think we need to write out every single detail of what is going on. That being said, whatever details you want to build into your RP/Narrative is perfectly fine.
"We Make Camp" says to me that you gather what is needed for a fire, make sleep sites, and unpack the horses/caravan.
But I was mainly wanting to make sure I don't move things forward before you're able to do what you want.
Laying on the ground with shut eyes, Dhavic responds to Kunala; “If those catapults would be repaired it would make it the strongest fortification in the region. I would love to see the bandits faces the first time they tried to come to the post after getting them fixed and some logs or bulders are being hurled at them” Dhavic begins to laugh a little. “On that note, wake me up for second watch.”
As time goes on, Caitir gives Kunala a brief lesson on Draconic. The two Kobolds that are awake are enjoying Kunala’s attempt at learning their language and snicker from time to time when he mispronounces a word, causing a completely different phrase.
When they are offered the jerky, only one of the Kobolds moves forward with a questioning look. When Kunala eats a piece off of what he is offering the Kobold moves forward and tries a piece. The Kobold clearly enjoys the meat and quickly takes the four pieces and hands two of them to the other kobold on watch.
The one who took the piece holds it up and nods in approval
Draconic:
“good”
The two of them go back to their watch, but they seem less watchful of the two of you.
Attempting to learn their language and a food offering gave you a bonus to your diplomacy roll. It appears you are gaining trust from them, but they are still keeping watch.
Is there anything specific your characters would want to do during their time on watch? Any conversations they would want to have with the person they are on watch with? I do not want to move things forward if there are things you would want to do.
Specifically things like the linguistics learning session RP moment. That kind of stuff is great!
At the cave
The kobolds push their baskets of radishes towards the back of the “cave” area, wedging them tight to be out of the way. Two of the kobolds sit in front of the baskets guarding their goods, while the other two curl up going to sleep.
Turning to Kunala, Dhavik shrugs; “I question the gold spent on building that fort then letting it go to waste, then to later give it away to become a trading post… Seems odd the sudden interest in this area once again. Is it worth all of the work if those who sit on a throne suddenly become uninterested again…” Dhavik finishes with unloading his horse and places the belongings out of the rain. “Going to get some sleep if we are going to take middle watch.” Dhavik leans against his saddlebags and uses his cloak as a makeshift blanket. Falchion by his side at the ready.
Iradyiel
Iradyiel heads back out of the cave area to take a look around. Because of the rain that has been coming down, everything is soggy and muddy. Due to the rain, you do not see much wildlife about. You see a few birds here and there pecking at a worm that has surfaced, you also see a lizard scurry off as you step closer towards it. You see a few more things about, but nothing that would provide much of a meal, let alone the five in your group plus possibly four kobolds.
Looking around you do not see anything that stands out. Behind you, you do see the forest you have exited and how far south it stretches. You might get the sense of an overwhelming task ahead of you, or excitement of what is to be discovered in these lands. As you are standing there looking, your eyes fall on the muddy grass and see a few paw prints. Nothing as large as the bear paw prints you saw around the claw marks on the tree, but enough to take notice.
I do not understand what you mean by “were we purchase moving at half speed?” You were moving slowly with the kobolds because they walk slowly. Before being with them you were moving slowly because you were tracking the bandits footprints and to track you move at half speed.
Dhavik listens to the four of you going on; “I’ve always liked being talked about as if I’m not standing right here. Must be the Orc half of me that doesn’t include me in the conversation. Strength in numbers is probably the best, but I ask if the numbers are worth dying for.” Dhavik pulls his cloak a little tighter and rides closer to the kobolds.
The kobolds lead on a spot where there is a slight rock formation that juts out causing a natural ceiling. Not what you would call a cave, or even a spacious spot to rest, but it is out of the rain. Cramped as it might be. An audible grunt comes Dhavik as he dismounts and begins taking the saddle and bags off of his horse.
The kobolds point and crawl under the ledge and make themselves comfortable. Once you make your way under, you can see where the ceiling and charred from fire and smoke marking this as a regular camping spot.
“I can take second watch when it is the darkest or last watch. Whatever you four decide.” Dhavik says.
Draconic:
You hear the kobolds chattering about trusting the five of you and who is going to take watch. Also talk about being hungry and if there is any more dried meat to go with the radishes.
"Hey Caitir, I pick up languages pretty quick, do you think you could teach me draconic?"
figureing on takeing draconic as language at second level, can't hurt to work it into the discussion.
I am glad you brought this up. This is how I want to handle languages. I want you to work on it in game and spend some downtime actually learning it. I am not a fan of just putting a rank in it and all of a sudden the character knows the language without actually doing any in character learning.
Your conversation continues on as you follow the Kobolds across this hilly grassland. The cool breeze that you were feeling within the forest has picked up as you leave the slight protection of the trees. Along with the breeze picking up, you notice clouds starting to roll in.
Survival DC12:
It looks like it is going to rain, but thankfully you can tell the worse is going to miss you.
Dhavik chimes in; “I know I’m along for the ride for when we get to the bandits, but I agree with Mirana for what it is worth. Having the thing they want will make them see we are not a force to mess with, and possibly someone they will want to ally with for protection. They” pointing to the Kobolds. “know more than we could imagine about these lands. They might think they would be gaining the biggest benefit from allying themselves with us, but their knowledge is far more valuable that what we can provide.” Looking off to where they are heading; “Just don’t let them know it.”
I am going to move time forward a little bit, but please feel free to RP anything that would happen before this next section.
You ride on for a few hours and the clouds that started to roll in brought a drizzle of rain along with it. Just enough to cause an annoyance. The Kobolds act as if nothing is happening, where Dhavik pulls out a cloak and puts it on pulling up the hood.
The kobold that seemed to take charge points north.
Draconic:
“We go this way to a cave. Rest for the night and get dry.”
As he quits speaking, he turns in the direction that he had pointed and continues to lead the group onward.
Hey guys! Sorry for my absence. I am on a 2 week vacation and this past week I was at the cabin unplugged. I thought I was going to have a connection but I did not. Apologies aside, I needed this time away mentally and spiritually.
The calendar is there because I want to keep track of time, especially when it comes to the Kingdom aspect of this AP. That is also why I had you give me birthdates of your characters.
I am still on vacation, but this second half I am connected to the "real world" once again and will dive back in.
Caitir’s response to the “leader” of the group earns a nod from it as it turns towards his companions and begins speaking. Then turns to Caitir and repsonds.
Dhavik’s tension is still present, but he follows the head shake from Kunala and moves his hand from his pommel to his hip.
Draconic:
“We head to the mites, let’s go.”
Turning to Caitir “You keep your word, we keep our word. You follow.”
The kobolds begin to walk past the five of you, not giving any of you a distrustful look. You can tell the change in direction. You know you were to go west/southwest and now you are heading directly south.
The party led by the kobolds make their way through the forest for a brief period of time before emerging from the forest to see rolling hills and not the flat plains near Oleg’s Trading Post.
Once on out of the trees and underbrush Dhavik mounts his horse and continues riding. "If this is a journey these kobolds make regularly they do not need to walk themselves. As much as I don't want it, should we offer to give them a ride and speed this process up? They do have little legs..."
I will roll a Sense Motive for Caitir, if anyone else wants to do one I will be giving them a significant penalty because they cannot hear the dialogue.
Caitir:
You are not sure about these kobolds. Their excitement of retrieving the magic statue makes you believe they are willing to help you with your bandit problem. But, you also know that some creatures and people would say anything to get what they want.
Hey guys, sorry I was MIA for a little bit. Things are changing as restrictions are being set back in place and it is causing things to be a bit hectic for me. I am going to continue to do my best to be consistent with my postings. Sorry for the delay.
Dhavik sheaths his blade as Caitir approaches and informs the group about the stolen statue and the mite war. Nodding when Iradyiel says Did they know where the bandit camp is at? “If they know where the bandit camp is at, we could use the kobolds to ambush the bandits. Even if they gain reinforcements, a kobold tribe helping clear it out will be less chance of our own blood being shed.” Dhavik makes his way to free his horse.
As the five of you are discussing, the kobolds begin chattering between themselves.
Draconic:
Nothing overly important. Mainly about gaining prestige when it comes to killing all the mites, ending the war, and getting back the statue. A small argument begins with who will present Chief Sootscale with the statue when they arrive back at their cave.
The kobolds step back from Caitir and begin talking quietly between themselves. Every now and again, one pops its head up and looks at Caitir then goes back to its conversation. They break the circle up and all stand in front of Caitir with spear butt ended into the ground no longer in a threatening manner. The one who was front and center the entire time begins speaking to Caitir.
Draconic:
“You will need friends. Will take us couple days to get there. We will guide, you will kill. We should go now.”
The kobolds pickup their packs and baskets readying themselves to begin the journey to the mites layer.
Still holding their weapons defensively, the Kobolds still yip and churck at Caitir
Draconic:
“You help with mites? We take you to help!” … “She can kill them all!” … “We take her there and get back magic statue! Then we will gain favor” … “Yes, YES!!”
The one standing in front of Caitir points to her with its hand, not its spear this time;
Draconic:
“You will take us and we gain favor. Then we help you. Deal!”
Kunala/Iradyiel/Mirana/Dhavik
When Dhavik sees the others moving forward he lowers his voice; “They haven’t seen us yet, or at least they are not acting like it. Us moving forward could cause problems. But, it’s your call” Dhavik waits for the others lead as he grips the pommel of his blade.
