Runeson

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Marl

Araklusta

May 21, 2021 5:43 am
May 21, 2021 5:43 am
Runeson
"You sure you aren’t too good for caravan work, paladin?"

The speaker is one of a handful of mercenaries hired as fellow guards for this particular caravan. He sneers as he looks Josh up and down. "I bet he’s got loads of more important things to do, don’t you think, boys?" The other guards give non-committal grunts, none of them willing to be part of this conversation. Heads down, they continue walking alongside the covered wagon that is their charge.

The rude guard scratches the scruff on his chin. "What? You got nothing to say for yourself, paladin?"

Runeson

Catsqui1688Inactive forever!

May 24, 2021 3:29 am
May 24, 2021 3:29 am
Re: Runeson
I look at him for a second and then ignore him and go back to guarding the caravan.

Marl

Araklusta

May 24, 2021 2:47 pm
May 24, 2021 2:47 pm
Re: Runeson
The guard snorts. "Oh, so it's not the job you're too good for, it's the company." He raises his voice. "You hear that, boys? He's too good to even talk to us."

He reaches out and flicks Runeson's armor. "Well you don't look so tough to me."

Dieter

Victor.StrokovInactive for 3 months

May 24, 2021 3:24 pm
May 24, 2021 3:24 pm
Re: Runeson
"Is there a problem? We should be watching the roads in case there are any bandits that need being dealt with" Dieter says appearing from the other side, he lets those last few words hand in the air. Dieter has his great sword drawn it’s blade curves back and forth like a snake emerging from the hilt ready to taste blood.

Rolls

Intimidation - (1D20+2)

(11) + 2 = 13

Marl

Araklusta

May 24, 2021 4:06 pm
May 24, 2021 4:06 pm
Re: Runeson
The rude guard turns to regard Dieter. "Maybe there is a problem. You not minding your own business, pretty boy." He points at the young warrior's sword. "You draw a blade on me, you better be ready to use it. The last time-"

Koveras

Araklusta

May 24, 2021 4:07 pm
May 24, 2021 4:07 pm
Re: Runeson
"Enough!"

Koveras hops out of the wagon, boots landing solidly on the dirt road. The merchant’s livid expression is emphasized by the orcish tusks protruding from his mouth. He points a thick finger at the rude guard. "I thought I hired a professional, Marl, not a petulant child. You’re fired! Go back to Beregost, or don’t. I care not. But if I see you on this road again, I’ll treat you like the thug that you are. I hear the Flaming Fist has put out a bounty on bandit ears, and I’m always looking to make extra coin."

Marl

Araklusta

May 24, 2021 4:08 pm
May 24, 2021 4:08 pm
Re: Runeson
Marl’s glare turns pale. His hand twitches towards the shortsword at his waist. But with a few choice curse words he turns and starts back in the direction from which the caravan came.

Koveras

Araklusta

May 24, 2021 4:09 pm
May 24, 2021 4:09 pm
Re: Runeson
Koveras eyes the rest of the guards. "Is anyone else going to test my patience today? No? Good. We’re now a man short, but I’ll divide up Marl’s pay among the rest of you."

He looks at Dieter and Runeson, and after a moment he nods. "My thanks for your vigilance."

Dieter

Victor.StrokovInactive for 3 months

May 24, 2021 4:22 pm
May 24, 2021 4:22 pm
Re: Runeson
Dieter gives a short nod but says nothing. How can he accept praise for performing the minimum of his duty. Waiting for the other guards backs to be turned Dieter whispers to Runeson "we best be careful I think we might have bit off more than we can chew with these other guards, trust no one". Dieter returns to his post and scans the woodland again to see if any bandits saw an opportunity Before counting the other guards.
I’d best keep an eye on that women as well I think she might be in league with that Marl. I’ve no reason to believe Koveras corrupt so I must perform my duty as my ancestors demand.

Rolls

Perception on woods - (1D20+1)

(17) + 1 = 18

Catsqui1688Inactive forever!

May 25, 2021 5:52 am
May 25, 2021 5:52 am
Re: Runeson
I nod at Dieter, "Thanks friend, I appreciate the assistance."
OOC:
How would I make a insight/ perception check on Dieters words to me and also around us looking for bandits? And also what woman?
I need to stay alert and ready for anything. That fool Mark may side with the bandits now that he has been disgraced and dismissed without pay.
Last edited May 25, 2021 5:56 am

Rolls

Dieter’s words Insight - (1d20+1)

(18) + 1 = 19

Perception check for irregularities in area - (1d20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Araklusta

May 25, 2021 3:44 pm
May 25, 2021 3:44 pm
Re: Runeson
OOC:
Runeson - It looks like you figured out how to make rolls, nice! As for the woman you were asking about, Dieter started in his own thread and then I brought him over to yours. So you can read what's happened to him up until this point right here.
Runeson can tell from Dieter's behavior that he's a person of honor. Dieter takes his assignments seriously, and doesn't allow himself to be distracted or swayed. So far, it would seem that Runeson and Dieter have a fair bit in common!

Araklusta

May 25, 2021 3:45 pm
May 25, 2021 3:45 pm
Re: Runeson
The caravan makes good time. On the second day of travel they come to a fork in the road, and Koveras directs them to turn west onto the Lion’s Way. On this road it’s a straight shot to the library-fortress of Candlekeep. But their progress is halted in the late afternoon when they find an unexpected obstacle in their path...

Shar-Teel

Araklusta

May 25, 2021 3:45 pm
May 25, 2021 3:45 pm
Re: Runeson
"What in the Nine Hells?"

The lone woman guard in the group (whose name, Dieter and Runeson have learned, is Shar-Teel) is taking point today. She gestures to the path before them, where there are perhaps a half-dozen mounds of piled dirt, each a couple feet in height. "It almost looks like a giant horse left droppings across the road. Getting the wagon through may be tricky."

Dieter

Victor.StrokovInactive for 3 months

May 25, 2021 5:22 pm
May 25, 2021 5:22 pm
Re: Runeson
"There is no way this isn’t a trap" Dieter says aloud lowering his pike.

This does seem odd. I would just fell a tree across the path. Digging mounds would be the most labour intensive way of setting a trap. This isn’t my crew so I’ll just watch my post and await orders.

Rolls

Perception looking for anything out of the ordinary - (1D20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Koveras

Araklusta

May 25, 2021 7:50 pm
May 25, 2021 7:50 pm
Re: Runeson
"It's not a trap."

Koveras moves to the front, one hand over his eyes to protect against the sun's low position in the sky. "But we are still in very real danger." He looks to each guard. "Gibberlings. A herd of them." They immediately begin to mutter amongst themselves, and Shar-Teel lets loose a few choice curses.
[ +- ] Gibberlings
The half-orc lifts Dieter's pike, disrupting the young man's stance, then points off to both sides of the road where dozens more mounds can be seen. "If it comes to weapons, we will almost certainly be overrun. We must rely on stealth to bypass them. And speed." He points to the sun. "Should they find us after darkness falls... all of us will die."

He pauses. "Or worse. Quickly now, we must cross as quietly as we can. Do not touch the mounds!"
OOC:
Unless you guys have a drastically different idea of what to do here (let me know in Discord if you do!) let’s handle it this way - Each of you make a stealth check. Don’t forget disadvantage if you’re wearing heavy armor! The DC is only 5, which is nice, but failure could put you guys in a sticky spot.

If you pass, go ahead and narrate how you avoid the mounds.

If you fail, narrate what happened (stepped on a stick, fell on a mound, dropped your sword, etc) and then I’ll take care of the rest in my next post.

Let me know in Discord if you have any questions!

Dieter

Victor.StrokovInactive for 3 months

May 25, 2021 8:12 pm
May 25, 2021 8:12 pm
Re: Runeson
Dieter moves ahead helping navigate a path for the cart. Knowing each step could be his last he moves slow and methodically finding the best path to guide the rest through.
Last edited May 25, 2021 8:14 pm

Rolls

Stealth - (1D20+5)

(14) + 5 = 19

Disadvantage - (1D20+5)

(12) + 5 = 17

Runeson

Catsqui1688Inactive forever!

May 26, 2021 2:00 am
May 26, 2021 2:00 am
Re: Runeson
I take a deep breath to calm myself and shift my grip on my warhammer before stepping onto the path surrounded by the gibberlings.
Last edited May 26, 2021 2:05 am

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Disadvantage - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Araklusta

May 26, 2021 3:11 am
May 26, 2021 3:11 am
Re: Runeson
Slowly... carefully...the caravan makes its way between the dirt mounds. Dieter goes first, surprisingly quiet despite his chainmail. Koveras stands on the wagon and gives silent directions. Shar-Teel walks with the horses, murmuring softly into their ears to guide them. Runeson, with the other guards, walks as softly as he can. The setting sun casts long shadows.

Things go well enough...until they don’t. One wagon wheel abruptly gets caught on a large tree root. It takes all the guards and Koveras working together to shove the wagon over the root, but when the vehicle settles down a loud CRACK comes from the undercarriage as the axle snaps.

The silence after the crack is thunderous… The guards’ eyes widen in shock, and even Koveras seems taken aback. And then the mad gibbering begins from all around them.

"SKREEEEEEEEGLURKLGLURKL! blarkblarkblarkblark. JagAjaGaJaGaJagAjAga!?"

The dirt mounds tremble, and then burst outward as gibberlings emerge.
OOC:
Okay, so you’ve got some options. Stay and fight, maybe use the wagon as high ground. Make a run for it. Or something else that you come up with. Your fellow guards are frozen in shock for a moment, so they’ll probably listen to anyone who takes the lead.

Rolls

mystery roll - (1d20)

(4) = 4

Dieter

Victor.StrokovInactive for 3 months

May 26, 2021 4:24 am
May 26, 2021 4:24 am
Re: Runeson
"To the wagon! To arms, to arms! Keep them off the wagon!" Dieter yells knowing the stealth is no longer an option. "Koveras save the horses! They’ll be eaten alive!" Dieter orders "swordsmen keep the gibberlings off the archers and spearmen! We fight as one!" Dieter runs back to the wagon and climbs on top of it pike at the ready to skewer whatever creatures emerge from the mounds.
Last edited May 26, 2021 4:24 am

Runeson

Catsqui1688Inactive forever!

May 26, 2021 7:04 am
May 26, 2021 7:04 am
Re: Runeson
I move to join Dieter while yelling, "Get going to the wagon! I'll make sure none of them get us from behind!" and take up the rear of the guards. I also help any of them who are too slow, forcefully if necessary.
OOC:
How humanoid are these creatures? Would persuasion or a show of strength (either through intimidation or athletics) work in keeping them from attacking the guards in the caravan?
Last edited May 26, 2021 7:09 am

Rolls

Help (athletics) any struggling/ slow guards to the wagon - (1d20+5)

(9) + 5 = 14

Araklusta

May 26, 2021 3:34 pm
May 26, 2021 3:34 pm
Re: Runeson
Dieter and Runeson immediately take charge, directing the guards into a defensive formation on and around the wagon just as the first gibberlings attack.

The gibberlings are short, squat creatures with thick black fur that covers most of their muscular bodies, though bare patches of sickly gray skin are found on their faces, arms, and legs. Jetblack eyes and a perpetual deranged grin adorn their bestial faces, which are framed by pointed ears topped with hairy tufts. They grip crude weapons with murderous intent, screaming in absolute gibberish.

The guard next to Runeson, a man of middling years, moves too slowly and is quickly swarmed by the howling creatures. That would have been the end of the poor man, but Runeson hauls him backwards and up onto the wagon to relative safety.

Koveras opens his mouth as if to argue with Dieter, but then shrugs. He and Shar-Teel cut the horses loose...and then hop astride the beasts, spurring them away from the battle and leaving Dieter, Runeson, and several guards alone to fend off the chittering horde.

Araklusta

May 26, 2021 3:39 pm
May 26, 2021 3:39 pm
Re: Runeson
Round 1 Player Phase!
OOC:
Alrighty, combat has officially started! Go ahead and post your first turn. You can any of the usual actions: Attack, Dodge, Disengage, etc. NOTE: attack rolls against the gibberlings actually have advantage due to a trait that they have! That means for any attack roll, roll the d20 twice and keep the higher roll.

There are 4 gibberlings within reach, each numbered below. You can see the AC and hit points, so if your attack roll hits, go ahead and roll your damage and if it's enough to kill a gibberling, go ahead and narrate the kill!

Dieter - you can make one extra attack due to the gibberlings entering your reach and your Polearm Master feat.

Feel free to speak up in Discord if you've got any questions!
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0c/13/7e/0c137e3272e0ed52f2082cb2c0f3de83.jpg

Dieter

Victor.StrokovInactive for 3 months

May 26, 2021 4:16 pm
May 26, 2021 4:16 pm
Re: Runeson
Defending the cart with zeal Dieter begins stabbing the gibberling horde. He quickly realizes they’re quick and anticipates their movement after his first miss

AC 16
Hp 11/11

Dieter deals 6 damage to #2
Last edited May 26, 2021 6:38 pm

Rolls

Attacking G #1 - (1D20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Damage #1 - (1D10+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Attacking G#2 - (1D20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Damage G#2 - (1D10+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Adv #1 - (1D20+5)

(4) + 5 = 9

Adv #2 - (1D20+5)

(12) + 5 = 17

Refill dmg #2 - (1D10+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Catsqui1688Inactive forever!

May 26, 2021 11:12 pm
May 26, 2021 11:12 pm
Re: Runeson
HP: 12/12
AC: 16

Runeson deals 23 damage to Gibberling #4

I quickly recover from pulling the guard to safety and take up a defensive position at the wagon. Waiting for one of the Gibberlings is within my warhammer’s reach. Once one comes within my reach, I swing my warhammer and hit the poor Gibberling, causing it’s lifeless body to fly spinning through the air and come crashing down a few feet away in a pile of mangled black fur, bones, and blood.
Last edited May 27, 2021 12:20 am

Rolls

Attack G4 - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Damage: Warhammer Crit - (1d10+13)

(10) + 13 = 23

Araklusta

May 27, 2021 3:28 am
May 27, 2021 3:28 am
Re: Runeson
Round 1 Summary

The first moments of the battle are quick and bloody as gibberlings crash against the hastily-formed rank of guards. One gibberling leaps forward and manages to stab Runeson hard with a pointy stick (Runeson takes 5 piercing damage), just as the paladin smacks it with his warhammer. The little monster is sent flying, slain before it hits the ground.

Dieter’s pike runs one of the gibberlings through, but the screeching creature continues pushing forward, impaling itself further, until one of the other guards puts it down with a slash of his sword (Gib2 takes 2 damage and dies).

The guard that Runeson saved scrambles to his feet and lifts his shortbow. Practiced hands draw and nock an arrow, then let it loose with a whistle. The shaft takes a gibberling in the eye, dropping it dead (Gib1 takes 7 piercing damage and dies).

But for every monster that falls, two more take its place (6 more gibberlings enter the fight). One of the guards is yanked into the swarm and immediately set upon. His screams are soon silenced (A guard takes 12 damage and dies). To make matters worse, several gibberlings have discovered the back entrance of the wagon and are making their way in behind Dieter and his archer ally (gibberlings 8, 9, and 10 are marked with a red diamond to distinguish them from the others).

Rolls

Gib4 vs Runeson - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

dmg to Runeson - (1d4+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Gib1 thru 3 vs other guards - (1d20+4, 1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (12) + 4 = 16

1d20+4 : (19) + 4 = 23

1d20+4 : (19) + 4 = 23

dmg to other guards - (3d4+6)

(411) + 6 = 12

guards vs gibberlings (3 attacks w/ adv) - (2d20+3, 2d20+3, 2d20+3)

2d20+3 : (192) + 3 = 24

2d20+3 : (310) + 3 = 16

2d20+3 : (1511) + 3 = 29

dmg to gibberlings - (3d6+3)

(561) + 3 = 15

Araklusta

May 27, 2021 4:11 am
May 27, 2021 4:11 am
Re: Runeson
Round 2 Player Phase!!
OOC:
Okay, so you guys have 2 buddies left: 1 melee guard with Runeson, and 1 archer with Dieter. Things are looking a bit scary! Go ahead and take your second turn!

Dieter still gets to make his reaction attack due to Polearm Master feat.

Attack rolls against the gibberlings still have advantage.

Gibberlings 8, 9, and 10 have found a back way into the wagon and are proceeding through it to attack Dieter and the archer guard from behind. Yikes!
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/75/6a/d4/756ad458a43b2ec3dc94dba89f156f24.jpg

Dieter

Victor.StrokovInactive for 3 months

May 27, 2021 4:47 am
May 27, 2021 4:47 am
Re: Runeson
"hold! Stand together!" Dieter yells trying to rally the guardsmen

Oh this is bad. And I can barely see with it getting so dark...oh

Stabbing furiously at the gibberlings running two through effortlessly. Dieter scans the cart for anything explosive while placing himself between the gibberlings and the archer .

Gibberling 8 and 9 exceed 7 damage and die

AC 16
Hp 11/11
Last edited May 27, 2021 4:55 am

Rolls

Attacking #8 - (1D20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Advantage #8 - (1D20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

#8 Damage - (1D10+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Attacking #9 - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Advantage #9 - (1d20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Damage #9 - (1D10+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

#9 damage reroll - (1D10+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Looking for anything that would make a ton of light - (1D20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Inspiration re roll - (1D20+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Catsqui1688Inactive forever!

May 27, 2021 10:17 pm
May 27, 2021 10:17 pm
Re: Runeson
HP: 7/12
AC: 16

I stand firm, bleeding from the pointy stick and roar, "Your friends will pay for that!"
I then proceed to smash my Warhammer into another of the oncoming gibberlings, killing it.

Gibberling #5 is killed after taking 10 damage
Last edited May 27, 2021 10:38 pm

Rolls

Attack G5 - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Advantage - (1d20+5)

(15) + 5 = 20

Damage: Warhammer - (1d10+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Intimidation (yelling/roaring? - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

Araklusta

May 27, 2021 10:57 pm
May 27, 2021 10:57 pm
Re: Runeson
The caravan guards fight bravely for their lives, but in the end there can only be one conclusion to this battle.

The crazed shrieks are near deafening now, as more gibberlings scramble forward in a mass of gray fur. Dieter protects the archer at his side, skewering two gibberlings that approach from inside the wagon. The archer plants an arrow in the third, but the monster continues to stumble forward, oblivious to the pain (Archer deals 6 piercing damage to gib10).

The guard next to Runeson nearly goes under when a gibberling stabs him in the leg (Guard takes 8 piercing damage), but Runeson’s presence is enough to keep the man fighting. But there are simply too many of the little monsters. A gibberling thrusts a rusty knife into Runeson’s side so hard that the small weapon’s handle breaks off, leaving the blade stuck in the paladin’s flesh (Runeson takes 8 piercing damage, is knocked unconscious, and is dying).

As Runeson falls, the sound of thunder is the last thing he hears before the pain overwhelms him.

Dieter hears the thunder too. From his vantage point on the broken cart, he can also see the sound’s source.

Not thunder.

Hooves.

Rolls

Gib3 vs guard - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

gib5 vs guard - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

gib6 vs guard - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

dmg to guard - (2d4+4)

(31) + 4 = 8

gib7 vs Runeson - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

dmg to Runeson - (1d4+6)

(2) + 6 = 8

gib8 vs archer - (1d20+4)

(6) + 4 = 10

gib9 vs archer - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

gib10 vs Dieter - (1d20+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

dmg to archer - (1d4+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

guard vs gib3 (adv) - (2d20+3)

(26) + 3 = 11

Archer vs gib10 (adv) - (2d20+3)

(510) + 3 = 18

Dmg to gib10 - (1d6+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Koveras

Araklusta

May 28, 2021 3:40 am
May 28, 2021 3:40 am
Re: Runeson
Koveras and Shar-Teel, and the draft horses upon which they’re mounted, plow into the swarming gibberlings like twin sledgehammers. They don’t stop to finish off the monsters crumpled under the horses’ charge, but press forward to the wagon.

Showing remarkable horsemanship and strength, Koveras leans down to grab Runeson from the ground, hauling the unconscious paladin across his lap. Then, using his knees, he swiftly directs the horse back out of the horde. Several gibberlings leap at the passing horse, severely wounding it (Koveras' horse takes 17 piercing damage).

The guard who fought beside Runeson can only scream helplessly as he’s left behind.

Koveras' horse
HP 2/19

Rolls

gibberling opportunity attacks against horse (3 attacks) - (3d20+4)

(182020) + 4 = 62

dmg to horse (1 hit, 2 crits) - (3d4+12)

(122) + 12 = 17

Shar-Teel

Araklusta

May 28, 2021 3:41 am
May 28, 2021 3:41 am
Re: Runeson
Shar-Teel reins her horse in alongside the wagon. She holds out her hand to Dieter. "Get on!"

The archer next to Dieter looks as though he’s been poleaxed. "W-what about me?!"

Shar-Teel ignores the unfortunate man. "Now, you fool!" she screams at Dieter.

Dieter

Victor.StrokovInactive for 3 months

May 28, 2021 3:57 am
May 28, 2021 3:57 am
Re: Runeson
Dieter looks at the horse and then at the archer. He grabs the man by the scruff and throws him onto the horses back "Go now! I’ll meet you at candlekeep!". Using the carnage left by the horses as a distraction Dieter jumps off the wagon and melts into the woods. He moves quickly and directly away from the wagon and the screams of the last guard as they tear into him. Once an adequate distance away he spit into the dirt and rubs the mixture on his weapons to stop light reflecting off them before he continues away from the tragedy. I thought I was done running from monsters in the dark. I’m so tired I didn’t realize how long of a day it had been, I need to find somewhere to stay the night, especially with those things running around Making sure to stay low to the ground he weaves in between the trees until he finds one suitable. He doesn’t stop climbing until he is safe in the highest limb capable of supporting him. There he ties himself to it with the rope in his pack and collapses in exhaustion
Last edited May 28, 2021 4:21 am

Rolls

Hiding - (1D20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Disadvantage - (1D20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Araklusta

May 28, 2021 4:14 pm
May 28, 2021 4:14 pm
Re: Runeson
OOC:
Dieter's story will continue on in the 'Lion's Way' thread of Chapter 1, which can be found here.

Runeson's story will continue in the 'Candlekeep' thread of Chapter 1, which can be found here.
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