Chapter 1, Day 2: Into the Witchwood | Thread

Sep 1, 2015 8:21 pm

Map of Elsir Vale

Map of Drellen's Ferry

You wake in the morning, having stayed at the Old Bridge (it was hard to turn down free room and board) and were served a hearty breakfast by the inn staff. As you are eating a messenger from Norro arrives and delivers a small bag of gold to each of you - 250 gold a piece, half up front as promised. The inn staff provide each of you with a care package of dried, salted meat and bread for the road. At least your first meal won't be stale rations.

Before long you've crossed the river and are preparing to head into the witchwood, when you are confronted with the first decision of the day: follow the Dawn Way, or take the Witch Trail.

(You are at the "I" on the top left of the map. The Dawn way continues West while the Witch Trail cuts south directly into the woods. You know little about the difference - except that the Witch Trail is less travelled, and that the Hobgoblins' efforts have been focussed on harassing travellers along the Dawn Way.)

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 2, 2015 11:32 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

I yawn and stretch before turning to the others. "The Witch Trail, then?"

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 2, 2015 1:57 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"I agree," Zaris replies. "My readings lead me to believe that it will offer the best protection for us. We should be able to take cover more readily; something we may very well need."

unique_exemplar Inactive for 16 days

Sep 2, 2015 4:33 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Very good Zaris. As much as we can hope for the best, it is often a wise course to prepare for the worst."

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 2, 2015 8:38 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Let's start out straight away. Who knows what the weather will hold for us?" Zaris checks his shortsword one last time and then sheaths it in favor of his cross bow. He readies a bolt and readies for their march.

Corban Alladar

Grendelthebrave Inactive forever!

Sep 2, 2015 9:44 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Corban approaches the party, in something slightly above a stumble, but clearly impaired somehow. "Gods, is the sun usually this bright? Zaris don't you have something you can use to shield some of this blasted light?" Corban gives his head a shake, then seems to collect himself. "Witchwood then? i suppose avoiding the direct Hobbo activity is a good idea, I'm certainly not feeling up to a fight at this point."

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 2, 2015 10:38 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Seeing Corban's state, I walk behind him, tap him on the right shoulder and yell "Hey!" then step backwards towards his left, as sneakily as I can.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 3, 2015 1:56 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Xara, please!" the wizard says with only the slightest hint of irritation. He shakes his head and chants a few words quietly in Elvish. Out of the air forms a one foot disc of grayish smoke that hovers just over Corban's head blocking as much as the sun as a simple prestidigitation spell can muster. The wizard smiles and looks back towards the dark wood up ahead.

unique_exemplar Inactive for 16 days

Sep 3, 2015 2:21 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Glad to not be on the receiving end of any teasing, I give a small smile to the Xara, Zaris, and Corban. "Yes, Corban, we'll be heading out soon. Has anyone seen Rurik?"

Rurik Ironfist

Ceadron Inactive forever!

Sep 3, 2015 5:09 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

A foul stream of cursing precedes me as I join the rest of the group, "Great, more forests, I don't suppose we'd ever have to explore a more welcoming environment?" I mutter sourly, not willing to admit that I drank too much in my quest to get Corban good and hungover.

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 3, 2015 11:28 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

You follow the Witch Trail, a footpath that leads from the field's eventually north of Drellen's Ferry. When you reach the stream you follow it westwards, as Sorrana had recommended. The trail leads past a small cabin in a deep forest glade. A ramshackle front porch is littered with fishing baskets and skinning frames. The cabin overlooks a dark bayou or lake, with old gray cedar-trees draped in moss rising out of the water. An old skill is tied up on the shore nearby, and a little smoke curls from the fieldstone chimney.

Everyone gains Inspiration

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 3, 2015 3:09 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Let's make sure we don't look threatening everyone," the wizard says looking the cabin over and following the curls of smoke high up into the morning air. "No sense in scaring anyone."

Corban Alladar

Grendelthebrave Inactive forever!

Sep 3, 2015 4:07 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Very well Zaris, I'll keep my sword stowed for the time being. I'll go knock on the door, see who's home."
Corban approaches the door slowly, whether slowed by careful advance, or the too bright sun boiling the gnomish bitter in his blood, will still be debated by the Oghman priests in thousands of years.

OOC: Corban is taking his time in case anyone wants to protest or take up some specific positions before he knocks on the door...

unique_exemplar Inactive for 16 days

Sep 3, 2015 5:11 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Let us keep our weapons sheathed, but keep them on you. Better to be prepared just in case." A thought came to me as I was about to walk with everyone up to the cabin's door. "Perhaps one of us should go to the door while the rest of us stand back a bit. Zaris, you are right. Let's not scare anyone. Would you like to go to the door?"

Corban Alladar

Grendelthebrave Inactive forever!

Sep 3, 2015 6:12 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Zaris does have that kindly elven look about him, perhaps he would be a better ambassador." Corban steps to the side and gives Zaris room to advance on the door.

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 3, 2015 8:44 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Of course," Zaris says swinging his crossbow back onto his shoulder. He walks up to the door....

Last edited September 4, 2015 1:59 am

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 3, 2015 8:46 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"I dunno about that- he looks plenty dangerous to me!" I give him a wry grin, then motion him to go ahead. "By all means." I wait a few moments, then follow behind him.

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 3, 2015 9:48 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

As Zaris approaches, but before he can get closer, a low growl comes from below the porch. In a flash of fur and fangs two large hunting dogs dart from beneath the porch. They stop with ten feet between themselves and Zaris and continue to growl and snap but do not advance closer.

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 4, 2015 1:59 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Startled, Zaris tries his best not to look scared despite the fact that he is pretty sure he wet his undergarments. "Easy boys," he says in as calm and low a voice as possible. He slowly moves his arms out to his side, ready to grab his sword if need be.

Jorr

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 4, 2015 2:02 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

A shutter over one of the cabin windows swings open and a grizzled man leans out, "Heel." He shouts and the dogs relax and retreat back to the cool shade under the porch.

The cabin's door opens, and a lean woodsman of indeterminate age steps onto the porch. He has a seamed, leathery look to his face and arms, and a big curved knife sits in a sheath strapped to one thigh. "Don't get many visitors out here," he rasps. "Who're you, and what do you want with me?"

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 5, 2015 12:34 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Go on then, Zaris!" I nudge him forward with my elbow.

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 5, 2015 11:22 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"We mean no harm sir," Zaris says calmly. "I am Zaris, and these are my friends," he adds motioning behind him to the rest of the group. "We are traveling from Drellen's Ferry. A man by the name of Norro has asked for our help in sorting out the Hobgoblin problem that has been plaguing the area." he pauses, watching the dogs carefully but arms still well away from his weapons.

"We don't mean to trouble you at all, but if you have any information or advice, we would be most grateful," Zaris adds.

Jorr

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 5, 2015 1:50 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

The gruff man snorts and then spits, "Goblins. I hate em'." He folds his arms over his chest and fixes his gaze on Zaris. The weight of bears down on Zaris, "What do you need to know?"

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 5, 2015 5:05 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Despite the harsh gaze, Zaris feels slightly more at ease and relaxes ever so slightly, the tension in his shoulders subsiding. "We were told that they have been raiding up and down this area but no one is sure where their base camp is located. Do you have any idea where they may be hiding?"

Jorr

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 5, 2015 5:09 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

He shrugs, "I've seen worg riders and trouble makers up and down the Dawn Way all day. The goblin folk live up in the Wyrmsmokes, but it seems like there is a big ol' war party in the woods. Might be they came down Old Forest Road, might be they came by Skull Gorge. My gold's on Skull Gorge."

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 6, 2015 4:09 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Why don't you come kill some goblins with us? Could be fun."

Last edited September 6, 2015 4:09 am

Rolls

Persuasion - (1d20+1)

(17) + 1 = 18

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 6, 2015 1:19 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

A contemplative look crosses Zaris's face as he turns towards Corban. "What do you know of this Skull's Gorge Corban? Is it a place that we could enter without to much attention?" the wizard asks, hoping that the morning's march has cleared the drink from his friend's mind.

Jorr

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 6, 2015 1:30 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"I hate goblins as much as the next woods dwelling man, but I can't just go risking my neck for the good of others." He ponders for a moment then says, "For 5 gold a day, I'm your man."

Corban Alladar

Grendelthebrave Inactive forever!

Sep 6, 2015 5:33 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"I know it sounds like a lovely vacation spot! I feel like I might have heard something about it..." Corban digs deep trying to remember something.

"Either way, I'll bet we'd find trouble at skull gorge"

OOC: can I try a history or INT check to see if I can remember anything about the gorge?

Rolls

History +4, INT+2 - (1d20)

(16) = 16

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 6, 2015 5:49 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

The Skull Gorge is a stone bridge along the Dawn Way that is flanked by watchtowers. The bridge is the largest crossing of the Elsir River. The only other way across is along Old Forest Road, but that's a difficult crossing if the river is running high.

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 7, 2015 9:16 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Turning to the others, Zaris whispers "This seems like a good idea. I'll pay his fee out of my own share if it means having someone a bit more...combat ready then myself." he shrugs meekly and looks back at Jorr.

Corban Alladar

Grendelthebrave Inactive forever!

Sep 7, 2015 10:29 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"5 gold a day is a reasonable price to have someone along who knows a little more of the terrain. When can you be ready to leave? "

Jorr

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 8, 2015 12:03 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Moments." At that, Jorr turns, goes into the house and returns a moment later with a longsword in a sheath on his hip, a longbow over his shoulder and a quiver packed with arrows slung over the other, "We can leave as soon as you are ready. Where did you want to go?"

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 8, 2015 3:55 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"To Skull Gorge!" As the leader of this group, I am glad that they have followed my advice and my example. We may survive whatever comes after all!

Corban Alladar

Grendelthebrave Inactive forever!

Sep 8, 2015 3:59 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Corban has a quizzical expression and leans over to Zaris and asks in a loud whisper. "She's our leader now? How drunk was I last night?"

unique_exemplar Inactive for 16 days

Sep 8, 2015 5:21 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

I raise an eyebrow and slowly turn my head to look at Xara. "I believe we can speak for ourselves." I say flatly with a small smile that dirdn't reach my silver eyes.

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 8, 2015 12:17 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

I raise my eyebrows at him. "You have any objections, Kaiakas? Speak your mind. If not, then we should keep moving unless you have better things to do?"

unique_exemplar Inactive for 16 days

Sep 9, 2015 12:25 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

I look away, forward toward our new guide. "You do not speak for me." I almost end my sentence by calling her a thief, but cut myself off as to not offend her. I want to keep the group working together, not at each other's throats.

Jorr

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 9, 2015 12:35 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Well." Jorr says, acting as if the infighting wasn't happening, "If we're headed to Skull Gorge the surest path is down the Witch Trial until it connects back up with the Dawn Way, then taking the Dawn Way to the bridge over the gorge. Probably safer than taking the trail most of the way, and we'll have to pass Vraath Keep on the Dawn Way if we take the route I suggest. Might find some goblins holed up in there on the way past. If I were to set up camp somewhere in this wretched woods, and didn't have my cabin already, the keep is where I'd start."

unique_exemplar Inactive for 16 days

Sep 9, 2015 1:41 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Ready to move on with our business and be done with petty issues, I quickly step forward. "If you would lead the way then, Jorr." I will follow the man and not look back.

Zaris Dalpherkiir

Arjen Inactive forever!

Sep 9, 2015 2:10 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Yes, please lead on." Zaris says. He walks back towards Xara and smiles. "In the name of civility, I would suggest you tone down your....forwardness slightly. Kaiakas is anything if proud and he does have a point; we all can speak for ourselves." He looks at the rogue hoping for some sign of agreement.

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 9, 2015 3:19 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Zaris, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't we all in agreement here? We're gonna kill a bunch of goblins and save the town, right? And now we have a guide and a direction. That's not too shabby. And for the record, I didn't tell anyone what to think or say. Kaiakas or anyone else is free to disagree or make other suggestions whatever they want." What the hell? I make all these smart decisions and all of a sudden these people are mad that they didn't think of them first? Really?

Rurik Ironfist

Ceadron Inactive forever!

Sep 9, 2015 3:31 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

After spending much of the trip so far lost in thought and paranoia due to the woods, I perk up at mention of the keep, "Finally, a place away from the blasted trees, lets go! And Kaiakas, the lass did a fine job leading us when we were trapped in those caverns afore I met you." Fixing said lass with a level stare, "long as her preference for frivolity won't get us in trouble, again"

Jorr

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 9, 2015 4:00 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"Aye." Jorr says, hopping off the deck and heading down the trail, "This way. We'll cut down the road a bit and avoid crossing the small river here on the Dawn Way. Another path along the Witch Trail winds around it and cuts back to the main road just by Vraath Keep. Should only be an hour or so. Hopefully you're still friendly with each other when we arrive." He winks and heads off.

It's difficult to keep up with him, as he moves almost effortlessly through the overgrown path, thickets and occasional marshy passage that is more muck than pathway. But, eventually, the woods give way and you find yourself standing again on the main road. Decently well kept, and relatively well travelled. The Dawn Way here isn't as wide as it was in the open fields between Brindol and Drellen's Ferry, but it's still wide enough for a wagon to comfortably fit.

Looming out of the woods ahead is a haunting sight-- a ruined keep. The old castle sits on a small rocky hillock, and you can catch glimpses of a broken tower between the trees. A moss-covered stone at the side of the road you are following marks a footpath that looks like it leads up to the keep.

"There she is. Vraath Keep." Jorr gestures up at the old ruined fort.

Corban Alladar

Grendelthebrave Inactive forever!

Sep 9, 2015 4:19 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"If that building isn't lousy with goblins, I'll eat my boot." Corban lies easily to the others, and loosens his sword in its scabbard. "We should tread carefully. I've seen the traps those beasts can put together, ugly stuff. Or was that Kobolds?" He glances at Zaris, then shakes his head.

"We might want to scout it out is all, what you say Jorr, are there any good approaches where we might get a look at this place from a bit of a distance? Well, closer than this, of course."

unique_exemplar Inactive for 16 days

Sep 9, 2015 10:10 am

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

The trip to the keep soothes my agitation to the point that I feel guilty for being so gruff with Xara ... slightly guilty.
Perhaps Rurik is rubbing off on me more than I realize.
After hearing Corban mention traps, I turn to Xara with eyes softer than last she looked at my face. "Perhaps someone with great skill can scout ahead to see what lies in store for us?"

Jorr

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 9, 2015 12:42 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"'fraid not. That tower is the highest ground in the whole forest. Options are limited. You could walk up this path, or scramble up the brush along the slope. The slope will take longer, but you might remain hidden."

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 9, 2015 1:29 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

"I got this. Easy." I dart forward, quickly moving alongside the main road and and hoping to obscure my approach towards the keep. I move silently and keep an eye out for anyone or anything.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+7)

(17) + 7 = 24

Perception - (1d20+3)

(16) + 3 = 19

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 9, 2015 5:01 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Xara vanishes into the brush and you quickly lose track of her as she makes her way up the hill. Twenty minutes go by without her returning and Jorr informs you that she's probably just made it to the top. While the path is a short hike, the hillside is dense with undergrowth and thick with trees. It would take some effort to scramble up that, and even more to do so quietly.

As Xara crests the top of the hill, after a twenty minute scramble, she sees that the old keep is in poor repair. The gatehouse is partially collapsed as is a section of the wall to the south. A small wooden building sits next to the remains of a long-abandoned garden in front of the structure. The walls surrounding the keep are about fifteen feet high, with a two-story tower looming in the southwest corner of the courtyard within. Large boulders lie strewn amid the ruins of the two watch towers, and a massive humanoid skeleton slumps amid the ruins of the northern one. The skeleton still wears tattered fragments of hide armor, and a large clubs lies next to one of its bony arms. Xara's keen eyes notice a thin plume of smoke rising from the southern section of the keep.

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 9, 2015 6:02 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

I edge closer to the southern wall in the hopes that I can peek in and see if there are any obvious signs of lookouts, guards, bands of roving goblins or anything else of interest. I'm feeling especially inspired by Kaiakas' faith in my ability to scout undetected.

((ooc- is inspiration a reroll? I've included another one just to be safe.))

Last edited September 9, 2015 6:06 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

Stealth (just in case) - (1d20+7)

(7) + 7 = 14

Using inspiration - (1d8)

(3) = 3

Stealth (attempt #2) - (1d20+7)

(7) + 7 = 14

Candi Inactive for 4 months

Sep 9, 2015 6:09 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

Vraath Keep Map
(you are located at the ruined portion of wall on the south side, peering into the courtyard)

You creep up to the knocked out portion of the southern wall into the courtyard. The courtyard is hard-packed earth and has an eerie air of desolation. Jagged boulders embedded in the ground seem to have dropped here, or were thrown from a great distance; many of the walls bear large dents and cracks where these boulders might have once struck. Two massive skeletons lie at opposite ends of the courtyard, one propped up by the watchtower and the other sprawled at the far end by a building that could be a stable. To the south, where a section of the keep's outer wall has collapsed, a third giant skeleton lies partially buried in the rubble.

Your keen eyes notice that there are fresh tracks in the courtyard, leading into and out of the ruined front gate on the east side.

Xara Nemetsk

Moofsalot

Sep 9, 2015 6:39 pm

Re: Chapter 1, Day 2 Morning: Into the Witchwood

I head back to the group and report on what I've seen. "I didn't see any obvious problems up ahead, but we should check out the smoke. What do YOU think Kaiakas?" I give him a big smile and when he's not looking I turn to Zaris and give him two thumbs up. Civility! See, I can be civil!

unique_exemplar Inactive for 16 days

Sep 9, 2015 7:03 pm