Callum looks at the massacre laid out before him, a sweat starting to form on his brow.
"What devil has done this.."
He lifts his shield in to guard in front of him, readying his sword to strike, eyeing each door as if each one lead to Hell..
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Callum kneels beside the man listening to his tale, He rolls him onto his back and inspects the wounds.. He sighs and stands up "The Archbishop?..but why?" Callum unslings the shield from his back and draws his sword staring at the entrance of the abyss that is the cathedral, trying to listen for anything. "Very well friends..let our journey begin" and with that he begins to walk through the entrance. rolling a perception check to see or hear anything from inside.
Straight up Hellboy haha. It's okay, I've drafted a ton of characters and realized I totally made something I didn't mean to. One time I made a Paladin who was a Grey Paladin and used the bad guy rule set, he was fallen from grace blah lbah used the powers for good but something was always "watching him" blah blah and so I named him Totally-Not-Spawn.
Both of the dead Ettercaps twitch and click at the parties feet! The things smell terrible too.. The forest is silent and still as death..it still feels like they're being watched almost. The area seems clear of the things and no present danger in sight. After looking around a path becomes clear and obvious as to the way out..how they got so turned around they'll never know. Also...the party....levels...UP!!
Creature 1 struggles against it's bonds trying to break free
Creature 2 charges at Aren slashing wildly in it's death throws!
Stats of Creatures
Creature 1 continues its onslaught against Bayard
Creature 2 slashes wildly against Orsiks thick armor
Stats of Creatures
Stats of Creatures
Creature 1 Gnaws at Bayard again swinging its claws wildly!
Creture 2 continues its onslaught against Orsik, dodging his clumsy blows! But the Dwarf wields a shield better than a hammer it seems!
Creature1 hisses in anger from the javelin tearing across its flesh and opening a wound! It moves in again on Bayard and attacks. But the Elf's dexterity proves to great.
Creature 2 doges Orsik's mighty hammer but stumbles from the blast of energy slamming into it. It attempts to rid itself of the Dwarf and swats at it clawing and biting. It's great claws rake across Orsik and is followed by its fangs finding soft flesh as well!
Creature2 dodges back from Orsik's attack, it's giant fangs clacking together in anticipation of a meal. It slashes out with it's two large claws!
Creature1 Hisses at the Wood Elf breaking free from it's webbing, it slashes out again at the Elf, trying to slow him down!
Even with Tyr's blessing Bayards jab doesn't strike true. The creature slaps it away and opens it's maw as thick webbing streams from its mouth!
The other creature moves in on Aren! Seeing an enemy alone seems like easy enough prey. After it charges in it swings its thick black claws to and fro, also its great fangs clack towards Aren's neck.
As the group collects them selves to leave the way they came they see two creatures emerge from the wooded area! one drops down from a tree and the other rises from beneath a log, maybe a cave? One of the creatures(1) hisses and clacks its mandibles, sending out a stream of webbing at Orsik!
The other Creature(2) charges at Bayard slashing its claws and jabbing forward with its fangs
Players may go! image of the creatures
Bayard kneels down and checks the surroundings, he can't see anything that really stands out about where they're out outside of it being infested with bugs and webs. He identifies some of the insects and notices an abundance of spiders..but nothing too dangerous. Aren is in a state of wonder as he peers and glances at all of his surroundings, the insects were fascinating. One in particular was interesting..a beetle like creature about the size of his hand, he leans down and pokes at it as it stops, faces him and makes a hissing noise. Aren frowns at the creature and about then it sprays a green cloud from its abdomen, stinging his eyes!
Orsik spins around noticing something odd but he can't place it..they hadn't wandered far into the woods.. he spins again noticing the problem. All of the trees and brush have webbing to thick to walk through or cut..they're actually standing in a dead end..
As the party recovers and gains their bearings, one might notice an abundance of cobwebs littering the area, an abundance of insects also seem to flutter and scatter about on the ground. You may of not of realized it but you seemed to of stumbled into some type of insects..den?
DMtervention real quick (see what I did there? Word play!) As the fog continues to pass you notice there are significantly less carts than there were before..You count 4 missing. The missing ones are the ones you suspect. Not a large setback as the only safe and quickest route will be the North road. No other side roads or cart could roll over through the brush and make it safely. They have simply gained a head start. Maybe the fog was intentional?..Maybe it was magic? Also, Bayard can drop a Perception check to see if he can remember any of the Draconic they dropped during their talk..mayhaps one of the party members would know more?
Aren is able to get Bayard to the safety of the tree line, shouts can still be heard of the people trying to figure out what is going on. No one else seems to be injured though. Bayard lets out a groan and begins to come to, obviously still dazed from the blow, but nothing fatal.
With a loud crack Bayard slumps to the ground, watching boots scuffle back and forth before him..the same strange language being thrown back and forth.. A heavy fog begins to roll in, surrounding the caravan and thick tendrils slithering between every crack it can find. Every ones vision becomes limited, not even the camp fires can be seen. In a panic people being to shout and arms can be heard gathering, running back and forth as people run into others. As quickly as the fog came in, it was gone, as it were just a cloud passing lazily over a clear sky..
A few more show up with the man questioning you. He shoves Bayard up against the cart. "Cut the b@$&*$&*! Do you think us to be so foolish? Your group has been painfully obvious in it's endeavors of following us!" Bayard's threats fall on deaf ears and he isn't able to convince them otherwise, although the man looks familiar... Bayard recognizes him as one of the bodyguards that was with Langdedrosa back in Greenest. The man begins to speak in a dialect unknown to Bayard
Bayard lifts a flap covering the caravan, laying inside are a few crates and barrels as well as wool blankets wrapped tightly. Unrolling the wool he finds precious gems, necklaces, and metals roll out from it..it's safe to assume this cart is laden with riches! A voice booms behind him
Bayard, in your response make a perception check as well.
The Carvan had traveled 20 or so miles as the sun creeps down behind the mountains. The crack of lightning and boom of thunder can be heard close by as a light rain begins to trickle down. The caravan teams being to form a circle, protecting one another from any outside harm. Once the wall is set up, posts are set with a watch and every one begins to break camp in the center.
Brock's men seem to stand up straighter and seem to look about a bit nervously. They seem equipped okay enough but..these men are not soldiers, merely guards and hired blades looking for work. They await Aren's orders Orsik's men shrug and nod to each other and begin to dispers taking their places among the other carts, slinging their shields over their backs. Orsik strokes his glorious Dwarven beard, the first thing he notices is that this is something all of his men lack, a Dwarven beard..maybe he'll straighten them out soon. He squints, bringing himself back to the task at hand of finding out who is a Tiamat dragon lover and who isn't. The men under him don't seem like novices, but no experts either, they're all just blades for hire trying to get by. He continues to scan up the caravan train, most people are paying merchants to hop onto their cart, avoiding the long walk, a few more hired blades and.. an odd group of 8 wagons up front refusing people rides on their wagon, even though they obviously have the room for them..he takes note of these in particular. Most hired blades seem to be introducing themselves to each other or clasping hands at the sight of old friends and fellow guards, not everyone, but most. Although there seems to be a group of 6 guards whom don't seem to be very talkative with anyone at all...not even each other.
Aren and Orsik get hired on as Sergeants! They're paid 8gp per ten day plus food and living expenses along the road Bayard gets hired on as a Sergeant!He gets paid 8gp per ten day plus food and living expenses along the road The Caravan train will soon set out for Waterdeep in the far North, Sergeants are expected to manage two to five other guards.
I'll post for Bayard to keep things moving forward Bayard approaches the caravan on his own, checking out each wagon to see who may be a worthy host. After finding a good train he competes in a contest of athleticism, showing off his skill fairly well.
Ackyn nods and points Aren in the direction of a few Taverns, insisting that if they mention his name they'll surely be hired on as a guard, but maybe a show of skill would help as well. After a day or two passes by Ackyn's shop seems to be booming, a large caravan will be heading North soon and everyone is gathering up to watch one another's back. Aren and Bayard may make Perception checks to see if they recognize anyone from the cultists camp. Every one may make either a Persuasion check or Athletics check to convince any of the caravan masters to hire them on for the journey.
No worries Orsik, I assume that would be like..1s but it's nbd. Some of the Smith's seem bothered by your questioning and others seem suspicious of you. Others laugh and exclaim "Classic Orsik!" Surely a cult of their size wouldn't be as so foolish to speak openly about their 'love of dragons' or the return of Tiamat. The Cult is well organized and is even careful not to alert The Harpers. Who knows..maybe one of the Smiths is a cultist himself...
Orsik, elaborate on questions you ask about the cult towards your fellow smiths? When asked about Ackyn, most of the Smiths shrug and nod in agreement that Ackyn is a good man and runs an honest business. They fill some of his orders when it comes to some of the wagon repairs, outside of that he seems to be an average man. Aren does his best to discern what kind of man Ackyn may be, he has fair prices, makes small chat, and seems like a kind man. Other than that he isn't able to tell too much about him. Aren, the cost for all of those goods comes out to be 95Gp..Are you sure you want to make that purchase? It may also be supicious for a cart of merchants heading North...with no goods. Cost break down is below.
The remaining time spent on the boat is spent in peace as it makes its way up river towards Baldur's Gate. Off boarding the ship, the Captain thanks the party again for saving his cargo and wishes them safe journey. Pouring rain always seems to be coming down in the city, that combined with the narrow streets is what prevents anyone from entering the city with any type of cart or animal. Not even stray animals can be seen ducking between the buildings.. Frume had recommended a contact by the name of Ackyn Selebon for the party to check in with. His shop is in the Outer City, North of the city wall, in a district called Black Gate. There he sells all the material needed for long-distance freight hauling: wagons, rope, netting, grease, chains, wheels, and so on. He is not directly involved with the hiring of caravan guards but he knows people who are. Surely his shop would be a good stopping point for any of the caravans headed North bound.
The booming voice of Orsik rings in the goblins ears as they stumble forward into the river, each step bringing them closer to their dark and cold fate. The goblins scream in their mind trying to break the command, but those voices slowly silence as the water engulfs them..
The Ambush party has lost too many of it's own! they scatter back into the brush and woods, retreating from the characters. Seeing their support break away from the banks the remaining goblins take what little loot they stole and abandon ship! They leap off the sides into small canoe,s breaking off from the barge in attempts to make it to shore! The crew see to the wounded while the captain praises the party. He thanks them for saving his crew and boat, he offers to wave the costs of the journey in return.
I assume you meant Gob5 Aren? The one shooting you? Aren moves into combat with Goblin5 swinging his mighty great sword! The goblin throws its arms up in a desperate defense but the blade cuts through, digging deep into its shoulder! The Goblin slumps to the ground! Bayard jabs forward with the javelin, digging deep into the creatures throat! It lets out a gurgle and struggles off the tip, falling backwards! Goblin2 swats the Dwarven warhammer to the side! It hisses in rage at the racial enemy of the goblinoids! the goblin brings it's scimitar about and digs it deep into Orsik's side! The Goblin chatters in victory, already planning to take a braid of the Dwarfs beard as a trophy!
The Crewman seem to be struggling with some of their opponents! As the fight continues a group of goblins on the bank let arrows fly, The ship as floated right into the ambush! This will be done as a a hit/miss damage vs the players. 3 successful attacks against the ambush group will make them scatter
The dark arrows clip by Bayard and Orsik, drawing small wounds! Aren swats one successfully aside with his blade. Goblin1: Dead
Bayard's Javelin strikes true! the unsuspecting Goblin catches it to the throat, crumbling to the deck with it's black blood pooling under it! Goblin2 tries to dodge out of the way but the searing light of Orsik's God burns it as it rolls out of the way!
Aren's arcane energy slams into the goblin knocking it over board, the goblin falls into the murky depths but doesn't come back up! Goblin4 Attacks Bayard! He leaps towards the elf chattering away, it jabs out with it's weapon and strikes true! The goblin hoots and hollers in rage and glee as the blade meets flesh!
Goblin 5 unslings a shortbow from its back! he knocks a dirty arrow covered in filth and lets it fly towards Aren! But the rocking of the boat knocks it of balance, letting the arrow fly harmlessly over head!
Goblin1: Dead
The party counts 10 Goblins about the deck! Players may go! If you choose a goblin to attack just assign it what ever number to start keeping track of HP, ie 'I attack goblin4!' and so on. It helps matching attacks/saving throws.
The party gathers about the docks in search of a suitable ship to start their journey up river to Baldur's Gate. They sign on to a decent sized barge carrying trade good and has enough room below deck for travelers. The grizzled half-orc captain doesn't ask too many questions and his crew seems like a good bunch. The trek up north goes smoothly, the half-orc telling exciting tales of his adventures on sea and the monstrous Krakens and Leviathans that inhabit the waters. In mid tale a small horn can be heard and feet moving frantically above deck. As the party bursts on deck they see Goblin raiders scrambling over the rails and running about trying to pick everything up that isn't pinned down! The Captain roars in anger and begins to chase them off, grabbing a club and swinging it wildly!
Master of Treasure! Aren Subtract 15 Gp from the parties funding to cover all provisions needed for the journey
Leosin smiles at the motion of a messanger "Trust me..the Harpers will know how to get a hold of you."
Leosin leads the conversation again. "We know that the cult is heading north. Where exactly and what they're planning to do with it are our next two questions. The best option to do this is to try and get hired onto their caravan as guards." Ontharr continues on where Leosin leaves off, stepping forward some. "With out a doubt the cult will have to pass through Baldur's Gate. If you take a boat along the River Chionthar it runs straight from Elturel and into Baldur's Gate. If you cannot get hired onto the cults caravan then surely there are others heading the same direction. All you need to do is keep an eye on them and go where they go." Leosin digs around his belt and tosses a pouch onto the table.
He looks the group up and down, rubbing his chin.
The group begrudgingly abandons their table and drinks to follow Leosin. The room is well lit and the table is adorned with deep cups of red wine as well as a few more pitchers. Ontharr bows some and rests his hands on the table. " Well..we don't have much time for pleasantries and I'm sorry for that." The Paladin's face wears a serious expression. "My friends, at this point, you know almost as much about the Cult of the Dragon as we do, and thanks to you, we know twice as much today as we did a tenday ago. Something rotten is afoot. We have no formal organization to oppose these rascals -- Not yet anyway. We're working on that. And we need people like you, who know how and when to fight, and how and when to keep their heads down and observe. We can't promise you anything except long days filled with danger and stress -- but what could be better than that, eh?" Leosin steps forward and clears his throat. "If I may, Ontharr and I, along with a handful of other concerned leaders and scholars along the Sword Coast, are in the early stages of organizing against the Cult of the dragon. I belong to an organization called the Harpers, we are dedicated to furthering equality and justice and to keeping power out of the hands of those who don't deserve it. While Ontharr represents the Order of the Gauntlet, his order emphasizes faith, vigilance, and constant struggle against threats of evil. Many members of his order are Paladins and Clerics." Leosin takes a long pull of red wine and sets his cup back down, taking a seat along with it. "You see, the Cult of the Dragon remained active in the East and it was focused on raising Dracoliches. But it has shifted to the Sword Coast and now has a new fascination with living dragons, as well as Tiamat..both are cause for concern. The cult is on the move and it's up to something. Which is now what our two organizations are working on finding out, and hopefully stopping."
Leosin finally returns, a broad-shouldered human in tow behind him wearing plate armor and a silver gauntlet on one hand, a fur cloak following behind him. They exchange words and the human goes into a back room while Leosin approaches the group. "Please..follow me. That would be Ontharr and we have much to discuss.." He eyes the newest companion for a second. "We have a knack for Dwarven companions eh?" He smiles and continues into the private room that Ontharr had entered.
you do not :) Orsik rolls the amulet back and forth in his hands feeling the craftsmanship and eyeing it with skill on a Dwarf could have when inspecting craftsmanship. The amulet is of Dwarven quality, there are hardly any blemishes in the gold and the stones are set firmly in it, runes run down one side of it that spell out "Frostbreaker" more than likely a signet belonging to said clan. The amulet is not magical.
You return back to Leosin and see him sitting comfortably with the horses awaiting your return. You mount up and continue on your way to Elturel. Elturel, a large, orderly city overlooking the River Chionthar, is filled with merchants, river traders, and farmer;s markets. It's most distinguishing feature is a brilliant magical light the hovers above it, illuminating it day and night. This light is painful to undead and is visible from almost every corner of Elturgard, appearing from afar as a star or distant sun. You gain entrance into the city with ease and Leosin leads the group to an inn a sign reading "A Pair of Black Antlers" sways in the gentle breeze.
The party acquires 3 pieces of Dwarven jewelry worth 25gp each and a total of 75gp.
The Half Orc laughs "Rangers!? Oh okay! Rangers! from the high peaks of the mountains come down to hunt me and my boys down eh!? In a matter of a day!?" He seems to think the subject is very funny as he continues his laughter. The bushes rattle again and a Hobgoblin looking feelow stammers "R-rangers?..Toe-Splitter don't fight Rangers!" he stammers backward and starts to take off through the brush. "Rangers is comin' boys! Clear out!" A few other shouts and questioning voices are heard in the brush as sounds come from the North. Seeing his forces slowly dwindle the Half Orc sighs. "I ain't runnin... I'm just going to get me boys back and we'll show you a thing or two Elf!" He takes off into the brush shouting at the others trying to rally them back, his voice slowly growing softer as it gains distance
Aren kicks around in the open trying to discern what is what in the surrounding area. After inspecting around a bit a rustle in the brush is heard, emerging from the thicket is a very tall, very big Half-Orc..it's a wonder how he was actually staying out of sight. He straightens himself up almost clearing 7 feet..he seems more Orc than just Half honestly. "I'm tired of just standing in the bushes!" he jabs a finger at Aren "Whadda ya want elf?!" He seems rather upset at your intrusion on upon the camp site.
Durin sees a small cleared area that is littered with some goods, tents and a smoldering fire. But no Bandits! He stays out of sight..if anyone is there to see him.. Bayard stays out of sight! Although his elven eyes reveal nothing a head! Aren fails to hide and to see his foe! In fact he has probably alerted them to his presence with knocking the tree over! Durin and Bayard are hidden!
The camps fire is the central location. 10 feet East from it are 3 medium sized tents. Just North of it 10 feet as well are two barrels and a crate! nothing seems to be exposed, who knows what's inside. West of the fire pit is a sword stabbed in the ground with a few arrows..although no bows. A rough map, assume N E S W like a normal compass Barrels
Aren fails to notice anything in the woods, seeing nothing but the green leaves and the brown bark surrounding him. As he crouches low to get close without being seen he steps behind a tree and leans on it a little to survey the area some more. As he does so there is a loud crack as the trees rotted trunk buckles and tips and falls over, crashing through branches and slamming down onto the ground.
Leosin smiles at the Dwarf and nods to the group "You all go a head and find master Durin's gear.. I hate to see this group prey on any more travelers" He beings to lash the horses up to a fallen tree, sitting down and taking a minute to relax. "I'll watch our gear and the mounts, just to make sure we don't fall prey to the same situation!" Leosin laughs and rests beneath the shade of a nearby tree. The woods lay to the North by a few hundred feet, all open field minus a few stumps and rocks a long the way. The path is straight forward and seems safe, nothing suspicious emanates from the woods!
Best wishes for you and your parents Keith and thank you for the rolls!
After a few hours of discussing and debating it is decided by Leosin that they all must travel to Elturel. It lies north of Greenest by about 6 days on horseback. The group makes last minute preparations and starts their journey North. Leosin describes a man by the name of Ontharr Frume and that he would likely be the best source of information as to current course of the Cult and the best way to track them. Rain pours, winds howl and the sun beams down over the journey. Half way to Elturel though a dwarf sits on a log that had been felled near the road. The rain is light but he lacks a cloak..dew clings to his beard and he looks like he has just seen the bad end of a beating.. leosin halts the group before the Dwarf. Looking up from under his brushy brow the Dwarf sighs "hullo.." he says in a voice surprisingly gentle for a Dwarf "If yer stopping to take anything, you'll half to go that way"
Nighthill and Leosin look distraught by the news. Leosin sits on a near by bench and rubs his face. "It truly pains me to hear the loss of Marneus..But even now we have no time to grieve. I should not of sent you to go without more aid and it was too much to ask of anyone. I am sorry for the pain you have suffered attempting this quest." Nighthill on the other hand seems to have taken a different attitude towards the news.." More support? And from where, master elf will I find more support? Greenest is in ruins, her people robbed of their goods and many of the militia are still recovering from that night!" He takes a deep breath steadying himself "Forgive me..I forgot you had still helped us before but..Greenest is in near ruin Aren..we are having a hard time even recovering now after a handful of days..I cannot spare the man power to help you..I'm sorry" Nighthill explains that the keep's services are still theirs to use and they are more than welcome to stay and rest up. Leosin stands again pacing the floor, thinking. "Did you find out where they were going? where the next target may be? and dare I ask...of the dragon eggs inside?.."
The ride back to Greenest is silent as you mourn the loss of Marneus. His time with the group was short but his sacrifice will live on. You arrive back in Greenest with ease, heads hanging low and exhausted from the fight and the journey, the hour is late and torches are lit to fight back the darkness tracing its fingers around the keep. Being recognized the guards let you pass to the Governor. He sits in a high backed chair finishing a discussion with some advisers. Seeing your return he stands and approaches you ignoring the pleas of those he was talking to. " The Heroes of Greenest return! My heart swells with pride to see you return safely!" He dispatches someone to find the monk Leosin to discuss the cave. "So! what of the dragon eggs? The cultists? Do we know anything more or if Greenest will be safe?" Leosin arrives smiling soon after Nighthill asks his questions. Looking around he notices the lack of one party member..
Deywyn continues his shouting at the elemental as well as giving it bright arcane signs of what to put out
The fire sputters and steams but stays true while the water elemental seems to be able to hold himself together near the roaring flames
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