4. The First Expedition

The elf was extremely alert, in particular after seeing the unarmored, robed man. An arcanist for sure. If things went badly she’d shoot that one first.

Not for the first time in the day she regretted her spell preparation, but there was nothing to be done about it now. She could always attempt to turn one of these folk to their side, but her own party seemed outnumbered and ill-prepared.

Hall of Columns
"So, Jacky, you like stories do you? How about this one …

Once upon a time, there was a brave and handsome warrior called DALTON Erdell. He gathered a group of the kingdom’s finest adventurers and they set forth to explore the ancient ruins of Arden Vul. The Darlings quickly garnered a reputation as one of the most successful parties ever to plumb the depths of that notoriously challenging place, and the bards of Gosterwick recounted the tales of their exploits in song.

Then, one day, a group of pathetic, down-on-their-luck chancers thought that a quick route to fame and fortune would be to pretend to be members of Dalton’s Darlings. So stupid were these good-for-nothing losers that they thought Dalton would not discover this deception. Of course, thanks to Dalton’s brilliance, the ruse lasted little more than a few hours and the imposters were uncovered.

Fortunately for the ne’er do wells, Dalton, as well as being a talented swordsman and inspirational leader, is a forgiving soul. So that when the deviants got down on their knees to beg for his forgiveness, and suitably compensated him with any treasure they were carrying, he overlooked their foolishness ON THIS OCCASION. And they all lived happily ever after."

The rest of the Darlings look somewhat bored as Dalton delivers his performance. Jason belches and scratches the underside of his beard. Helga gives Thrudmarr a cheeky wink.

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2:30 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 6/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Jacky does his best to look suitably impressed while the man Dalton prattles on, even giving the man a sheepish shrug when the accusation came. "I must object, Sir Dalton, when you call us stupid! Not a one of us here haven't heard the tales of the Darlings' amazing feats. Where could we find a better group to model ourselves after? Surely it would be stupid to do anything but."

He takes a breath while the man preens. "In fact, we were hoping to bump right into you. I don't know what that Plummy fellow told you we were doing, but we are here to enlist!"

Rather than kneel, Jacky bows to the man, sweeping off an imaginary hat.

"Jacky Thistletop speaks the truth," the elf interjected from the rear. "We have walked far and for long to find you. Even in the secluded glades of my elfin home have tales come of the Darlings. As soon as we explained we sought you, those horrid halflings said that ‘we were with you’ and waved us along…"

Zacharias, realizing that the conversation has multiple layers, considers that he would rather be thought a fool than proven one, and keeps his mouth shut, his ears open, and his stance ready.

Thrudmarr frowns at the group being called silent, but seeing his other allies let Jacky do the talking he remains silent as well. Seeing the Wiskan maiden wink at him, he puffs up and tries to make himself look even taller than his already considerable height.

Jacky smiles widely. "I think your lady friend there's taken a shine to one of us!"

Thrudmarr beams with pride at Jacky's comment, chest swelling even further as he flexes his arms. He grins broadly at Helga, then points to the dead cephalopod with enthusiasm. "Thrud strong! Kill big monster!"

Grim just shakes broad brown-bearded head. The notion of deceit does not abide with our dwarven cletic. And yet, Lucrean precepts would dictate, best to ally with good intentions, towards a common goal of welfare. And so, Grim stays quiet, for the most part, until his friend Thrud offers simple brave commentary. Then, finally, Grim adds,
Well now, I won’t be doin’ anything of evil nature. But if de lot o’ ye intend ta explore dis dungeon…well, I’m glad we finally, found ya!

OK, I'll make a reaction roll to see how Dalton responds. A lower roll (<30%) generally indicates hostility, even an attack. A higher roll indicates a favourable response, even friendship.

I’ll add 10% because flattery is absolutely the best way to appeal to Dalton’s rampant vanity. Neither Jacky nor Ella provide an additional charisma bonus.

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2:30 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 6/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Hall of Columns
Infuriated by Jacky’s refusal to bow to his demands, Dalton aims a slap at the halfling's face with the back of his hand …

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2:30 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 6/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Hall of Columns
Ouch! That’s 3 points of damage to Jacky (including Dalton’s strength bonus).

The blow to the side of Jacky’s face sends him reeling. His vision blurs momentarily and his ears ring.

"NOW DOWN! ON YOUR KNEES! ALL OF YOU!"

The other Darlings draw their weapons.

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2:30 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 6/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 1/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Jacky slumps, dazed from the slap.

Grim shakes brown-bearded head. It couldn’t have gone down much worse!
Sleep, Grim shouts at Dalton, exuding holy command. He readies hammer and shield for more dungeonous action!

Zacharias Polipulis thought to himself Well, Zacharias, this isn't going well. Two days ago I was a teenager. Today, I am almost middle aged. Here we are, deep underground, with a semi-cannibalistic half-giant below us, floating brain eaters above us, and we just upset a clearly superior band of thugs.

Zacharias looks again at the collection of six well armed, well fed and contrasted that against his party. Realizing that fighting them would be tantamount to a death sentence, he let his beloved bastard sword fall to the ground and dropped to his knees. He had no clue who Dalton was and Erdell's story did not interest him. Zacharias simply wanted to live to see the sun rise once again.

Leaving his hands open on his knees, he called out to those behind him Lady Elmersglue, we have no chance against superior numbers and armament. Discretion over valor, for now.

Thrudmarr's expression transforms instantly from flirtatious pride to pure rage as he watches Dalton strike Jacky. He tenses with fury, all thoughts of impressing Helga forgotten as he strides forward threateningly.

"NO HURT LITTLE FRIEND!"

He places the lantern to the ground as he raises his axe and maneuvers his shield into position, taking a protective stance over Jacky.

Ella does not see the point in fighting. Fleeing might have been an option, but with Zacharias surrendering, that would mean splitting the party, running into the unknown and leaving an ally behind.

The elf carefully lays down her bow and kneels meekly. She attempts to discretely slide the strange rod into one of her boots as she does so, taking advantage of all the yelling to escape notice.

Dalton has a sufficiently high intelligence that he gets a save. Let's see if he makes it ...

Hall of Columns
At Grim’s instruction, Dalton lies down on the floor, puts his hands together beneath his head, and closes his eyes.

Most of the other Darlings look on, somewhat perplexed. However, Yvette, the opposing cleric, seems to understand what has happened.

OK, as at least some of you are considering a fight, let’s move into combat rounds.

Please declare any spells or other general actions for the first round. Everyone is within 10’ of one another, and therefore in melee range. Therefore, any attempt to escape will need to either be a Fighting Retreat or Fleeing from Combat.

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2:30 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 6/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 1/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …