Chapter 2.1a: Golden Grain Inn (Orlane at night)

Feb 9, 2025 6:59 am
In the dead of night in Orlane, upstairs in the Golden Grain Inn, site of dark deeds and fierce fighting, dwarven monk Aanbo Earthshaker, elven druid Theran Nailo, and the doughty human warrior Myrtha consider their next actions. They have two captives, Lhari and Hamiff; one comatose companion, human ranger Chase Brandstone; and several corpses scattered throughout the Inn, including that of their companion Reptile and someone who had been tortured to death. They suspect that there is treasure and information to be found in the Inn (they already found some on the person of the sadistic assassin Derek), but they know that Chase needs rest to recover, and they do not want to rest in the Inn. The village contains people sympathetic to the heroes, and also people who are violently opposed to them. What will they do next?
Feb 9, 2025 8:47 pm
Aanbo speaks quietly to his companions, away from Lhari's ears. "We are in a difficult spot," he begins. "I can carry Chase to wherever we go, but it will be slow-going. I also don't want to leave Reptile in this place.

"I don't care about the rest of the bodies here,"
he continues. "The Constable will make up whatever lies he wants; there is nothing we can do about that without putting ourselves in further danger. My only other concern is what to do with those two." Here, Aanbo tilts his head towards Lhari and Hamiff. "I am inclined to just leave them here. Yes, it keeps them in the clutches of this foul organization, but turning them over to the Mayor without concrete evidence of their misdeeds might not accomplish anything. I think we should just inform the Mayor and others aligned with our cause of their identities and that we must return to Hochoch; at least that way they will be aware of others they should not trust. We can still ask for their advice, as I'm afraid I have none of my own to give."
Feb 10, 2025 6:27 am
"We have to get Chase awake," the warrior stated, as if trying to organize her own thoughts. She continued in hushed tones so Lhari could not overhear her.

"We could wait till he does, in the tunnels below the Inn. Might be that not all those of the spiral know of these secret passages," she added, looking particularly at Theran, who entered those tunnels earlier. "If we manage to get some rest down there, we could walk out through the cellar door, and head to the woods."

Once she set her mind in motion, she continued to roll her thoughts. It was not a coherent plan, just a series of ideas that might, with some goodwill, look like a plan. "Once Chase is up we could more easily take Reptile’s body," her voice cracking up slightly at the mention of her fallen friend.

"And in any case, we should go through Bertram’s belongings. Make sure his people don’t recover any documents or riches."

"As to telling the Mayor and handing these two to the authorities, I don’t know. Leaving them here does not sound a good option for me. But I have no great solution. Either we walk them up to the mayor and make a report before leaving, or we just leave them in the woods. Or here, they f we truly have no other idea."
Last edited February 10, 2025 1:44 pm
Feb 10, 2025 4:22 pm
Aanbo nods at Myrtha's opinion. "One issue is time," he says. "Constable Grover is unconscious and will be discovered soon, if he hasn't been already. And if he's awake and in league with Bertram, his first stop might be here. I mean not to rush us into a snap decision, just trying to put all the beads on the table so we can assess the course of action that can provide as much benefit despite the circumstances."

He brings his healer's kit to Chase's body and begins to administer what aid he can. "I will tend to Chase. See to Bertram and his room for anything that might help our cause. Barricade the doors to buy us some time, and if the Constable or others try to enter, we can retreat out the cellar door. We can decide what to do about our prisoners then."
OOC:
I know we can use one application of the healer's kit to spend Hit Dice and recover HP after a short rest. Would that apply to Chase if he is unconscious for an hour?
Feb 10, 2025 4:27 pm
"The problem with the tunnels is that we don't know where they go. It is generally frowned upon to retreat forward," Theran says, shaking his head. "Especially when we may get blocked in on both sides. Someone knows those tunnels. I am hesitant to risk using them in our current state."

He gances to the still-unconscious Chase. "Perhaps the room before the tunnels? Barricade both doors. We can grab Reptile, and bring this one with us for now. Grab food and water from the kitchen to last the day. Once everyone is ready, we make a run through the cellar and out onto the street?

I don't know, but I feel there is no good option. If we leave immediately, we carry Chase and Reptile. Or leave a fallen comrade. Or stay and risk getting trapped."
The frustration in Theran's voice is obvious as he kicks at a chair from where he sits.
Feb 10, 2025 8:43 pm
CancerMan says:
I know we can use one application of the healer's kit to spend Hit Dice and recover HP after a short rest. Would that apply to Chase if he is unconscious for an hour?
OOC:
@CancerMan - it won't help at this time, as Chase has already spent his Hit Die. But, once he completes a Long Rest, he will regain his Hit Die, and then you can use the Healer's Kit so he can use it. Either that or Theran can use a spell if he takes a Long Rest and regains his spell slots.
Feb 10, 2025 8:57 pm
OOC:
This is a good discussion. Since it involves a bunch of details that have been revealed over months of real time, I thought I'd help with a summary of the state of the Golden Grain Inn.

It's the middle of the night still, so it's unlikely that anyone would casually appear and try to enter the Inn to discover the slaughter for hours yet, though as Aanbo pointed out, someone more nefarious could appear before then. You figure about four hours remain before daybreak, though Chase is the one who would be most sure. Aside from the party, there are three living people still in the Inn that the party knows of: Lhari, Hamiff, and the friendly guest staying in the room on the other side of the second-floor dining room. There are six corpses: the mutilated body of the torture victim (Wine Cellar), Reptile (brought up to the second floor), Derek (second floor), Bertram (ground floor), Traver (second floor), and Melano (second floor).

It sounds like this trio wants to move Chase to a different, more defensible location in this building to rest and recover. Myrtha mentioned Bertram's room (which is where Aanbo and Chase first entered through the back door: the ground-floor room with the bed, the desk, the chest, and the gaudy rugs). In talking to each other and comparing mental layouts of what each group has explored, you three have also realized that the rugs in Bertram's room cover the trap door that leads down the ladder into the secret basement...which is the room with the heavy, barred door that leads to the tunnels. So you could move to Bertram's room and hole up there (although the back door is broken), or you could pass through Bertram's room, still searching it in passing, and continue to the secret basement room and hole up there.

Bertram's room, the secret basement, and the regular basement all have three exits (not counting the door to the storage cellar as an exit, as it doesn't go anywhere).
The door to the tunnel can be barred, and the exterior door to Bertram's room is broken.
There are several rooms with two exits in the Inn: each of the bedrooms on the second floor the open off of the southern wall also have a secret door leading into the secret passage. The room the party is in now - the barracks - has two exits, as does the dining room next door.
The Lounge and the Kitchen on the ground floor also each have two exits. The Wine Cellar has two exits, but the exterior door is broken.
Feb 10, 2025 9:07 pm
"You are certainly right, Theran. The tunnels could turn nasty very fast," she responded, a hint of frustration in her voice.

"I hate the idea of just leaving these two here to be found by their allies in a few hours," she continued, "but there might be no avoiding that."

"If we can’t just drop these two with the mayor, along with our report of our discoveries, we should at least hand a letter to Ramne as we head out, asking him to hand it to the mayor. He should know that this Inn is full of secret passages and tunnels to Beory know’s where! He should know of the dead body below. He should know how and why we killed those we killed. Our report would undermine any false account these patriots", the word was spoken with disgust, "come up with when we’re gone. But before that, let’s grab whatever we can in Bertram’s room and get out of here."

As if struck with a last idea, she added "Do you think we could take Lhari and Hamiff into the nearby woods, tie them to a tree, and tell the mayor where to find them? That way the mayor will be privy to the information before the thugs get a chance to recover their friends. And he will also understand we are honorable people, and that our report was truthful."
OOC:
Spaceseeker19 stated here that Chase needs a long rest or magic healing to regain consciousness. The reason, I believe, is that he has no HD to spend on a short rest (or healer’s kit usage), but I might be misreading this.
Last edited February 11, 2025 6:08 am
Feb 12, 2025 5:41 am
OK, so there are three characters who've each expressed their ideas on how to proceed. Three characters, at least three proposals. In case it helps move it along, here's a poll. Answer or discuss further if you like.

Where should the group take Chase to rest and recover? Public

Retreat to the tunnels to look for a different exit/safe place to rest away from the Inn
Barricade the PCs in the Inn to rest until Chase can recover, then leave the Inn
Take Chase out of the Inn to find a different place to rest
Feb 12, 2025 5:43 am
Similarly, there's a number of proposals regarding the captive cult members. Vote or discuss.

What should be done with the captives? Public

When we're ready to go, take them to the Mayor
Take them to the forest and leave them there (with an idea of notifying the Mayor)
Leave them bound in the Inn when we leave
Feb 12, 2025 3:15 pm
OOC:
No problem abstracting the discussion. I see there is a majority for barricading and then leaving without the two prisoners. So as far as Myrtha is concerned, I'd have her take Lhari and Hamiff to different rooms, so they can't help each other, and then head downstairs to (a) secure Reptile's body, and (b) search Bertram's room and take any valuable items or documents.
Feb 12, 2025 4:17 pm
OOC:
After everything, I would want to report to Ramne, the Mayor, or even Alan about what's happening. I'd ask that they look out for each other while we're gone.
Feb 12, 2025 5:08 pm
OOC:
Theran would look to keep Lhari and Hamiff together, restrained and with the group as they rested. That way they can't be found and tip anyone off to where the party might be hidden. The idea being when the group does slip out, they can make a quick stop by the Mayor and tip him off to the two captives.

And yes, Theran would make sure the captives were fed and given water. It's a bit of work, but it helps push the idea we aren't the monsters the cult made us out to be.

There's an entire kitchen above the hidden room, after all. Food should be easy.
Feb 12, 2025 8:42 pm
OOC:
Sounds like a plan. We take the prisoners down and keep them in the room with the dead body. We pillage the kitchen while someone barricades the Inn. We check Bertram’s room and we recover Reptile’s body. After we’ve rested and Chase is up, we leave the two prisoners in the secret room, and head off to see Ramne, the Mayor or Adam, and explain what they’ll find at the Inn. Then we get out of Orlane, regroup, bury Reptile, and train.
Last edited February 12, 2025 8:42 pm
Feb 13, 2025 2:31 pm
OOC:
Not the whole inn, I was thinking just the hidden room. The uninitiated would miss it and may assume we left. Only cultists who know about the tunnels would even look for us there. If we barricade the entire inn, it sends a clear message that we're still here.

It may be a bit cramped, but it seems safest.
Feb 13, 2025 4:28 pm
OOC:
Agreed. Barricading ourselves in the small secret room.
Feb 13, 2025 5:09 pm
"Theran, will you help me carry Chase?" asks Aanbo, prepared to move downstairs.
Feb 14, 2025 1:26 am
Aanbo and Theran heft Chase's unconscious body while Myrtha remains to glower at Lhari and the unconscious Hamiff.
After carrying the ranger downstairs, the monk and the druid decide that, while it might be slightly more direct, it would be a LOT more difficult to lower Chase down the ladder. So instead of taking Chase down through Bertram's room, they take the slightly longer route through the kitchen. As it is, the stairway is narrow and steep. But soon enough they have pulled on the torch sconce to open the secret door in the basement and have laid Chase gently down in the hidden room, well away from the mutilated corpse at the other end.
Returning upstairs, Aanbo and Theran sigh and heft Hamiff's unconscious body and Myrtha shoves Lhari ahead of her down the hall and down the stairs to the common room. Lhari gives a little whimper at seeing the thick blood streak from where Bertram fell to where his corpse was dragged behind the bar. But Myrtha allows the brute no time to dwell on the inevitability of death; she shoves him toward the door, through the kitchen, and down the stairs into the basement.

In the end, everyone - Aanbo, Chase, Hamiff, Lhari, Myrtha, and Theran - are secure in the hidden room, with the secret door to the west closed again. They see how the door can be opened from this side. To the south, the door leading to the tunnels is barred. Above them, a ladder rises almost vertically to the trap door in the ceiling that opens onto Bertram's room (the trap door is concealed by heavy carpets above it).
[ +- ] Holed up in the Hidden Room
OOC:
What do each of you want to do during the long rest that will restore Chase's hit die? You've talked at various times about scavenging food, searching Bertram's room, cleaning up bodies, and barricading one or more doors...
Feb 14, 2025 3:27 am
Theran will make sure Reptile's body is also with them, then raid the kitchen for foodstuffs and ample water. (Keeping an eye out for two or three buckets.) Once everyone is in the hidden room, he would want to make sure both proper doors are barricaded to prevent anyone entering. He would also check to see if the trapdoor into Bertram's room has a latch that can be used to secure it.

With all that done, he will want to long rest. He will also make sure the captives are fed and given water.
Feb 14, 2025 4:04 am
Aanbo brings the weapons confiscated from Constable Grover, Donovan, and Hulbar. Rather than taking them down into the secret room, Aanbo stuffs the weapons behind the barrels in the storage area.

As for the bodies, Aanbo followed Theran's suggestion of moving them to the tunnels. He was fine with handling the gruesome task on his own, reasoning that they had time and both Theran and Myrtha were busy guarding the prisoners and securing food for the night.
Feb 14, 2025 8:12 pm
Myrtha would also like to take any papers and any valuables from Bertram’s room before locking up in the secret room. They’d tried the trapdoor from below, so she wants to make sure that in an emergency they can exit from the cellar through Bertram’s room.

She would want to have Lhari and/or Hamiff identify the tortured corpse, as well.

She will help with moving the bodies into the tunnel, if needed. Though I’m afraid that might attract vermin and or larger predators that might prowl through the yet unexplored tunnels. After that, she’ll try to clean up Reptile’s body somewhat, and go through his belongings to determine what they should take and what should be left behind.
Last edited February 14, 2025 8:14 pm
Feb 15, 2025 7:18 pm
OOC:
OK, before anything else:
@CancerMan, decrement one use of the healer's kit (only if you restored it from earlier when you tried to use it too soon, though).
@mathias0077 - please FINALLY roll your hit die as Chase recovers it at the end of the long rest and then takes a short rest to use it!!! You wake up and immediately eat one ration, ravenously hungry.
In the process of moving to the secret room, Myrtha retrieves the lantern and uses another flask of oil to relight it as it goes out over the course of the rest of the night. That way, she can see as she performs the rest of the tasks.

During the last hours of darkness, Theran rummages through the kitchen, finding three buckets and filling them from a water barrel in the kitchen (there's probably someone that Bertram hired to refill the bucket from a well or the stream as needed). Theran feeds himself and Lhari and offers water; Lhari sips eagerly at the cup. Hamiff is out cold.

There is no latch on the trapdoor; like with the secret door to the west, it seems that the main defense was being concealed. The only door with any kind of other protection in the hidden meeting room is the barred door leading south into the tunnels.

Aanbo and Myrtha open that door as they use the last hours of darkness taking turns guarding the prisoners and retrieving bodies from all over the Inn to carry them down the flight(s) of stairs and through that door into the cold, foul-smelling tunnel. It's hard work for one person to carry a dead weight such a long distance (especially for Myrtha, who has to keep setting the body down, moving the lantern into the next room, and then going back to move the body), but they take plenty of rests, as they have so much time. They stack the bodies by the door. Myrtha tries to get Lhari (Hamiff, like Chase, is out for hours) to identify the mutilated body, but he shrugs. "That's not anyone I knew. I don't think they're from around here." Myrtha puts the poor unidentified man's body into the tunnel pile and shuts the door again, replacing the bar.

Aanbo retrieves the finely-forged weapons taken from the constable and his henchmen (three longswords, two crossbows) and stows them behind barrels in the storage cellar. To remove further evidence, he does the same with all the weapons that Lhari and his companions (the murdered thugs) were carrying and the ones they didn't use that were still in their room: four short swords, four light crossbows, four clubs.

Having handled so many of the corpses, Myrtha is a little numb by the time she searches Reptile's stiffening body. In death, Reptile had dropped his trademark battleaxe, but on his person, he still had a few other belongings: four javelins, two handaxes, an explorer's pack, a battle horn, a badge, and a money pouch (containing 22 seals, 10 cubs, and 5 eagles).

After the others have finished moving the bodies and stashing the weapons, Theran does his best to barricade the doors and settles down to take his long rest right around sunrise.
OOC:
@MaJunior - take the benefit of your long rest. Decrement one ration. You regain one hit die (if you had spent any), your uses of Wild Shape, and your spell slots. You can also change which spells you have prepared.
As everyone settles down after their labors, Myrtha hurries up the ladder and through the trap door (the effort to shove back the rug would have been too much for any of the other characters, but she manages to do it with a hefty grunt), gathers papers from Bertram's desk, and looks around the room before looting the chest. She can see in the early morning light shining through the shattered back door, so she doesn't need to be carrying the lantern or a torch in this room.
@matmaisan - please roll an INT (Investigation) or WIS (Perception) check.
OOC:
Note that I'm playing a little loose with the order these things happened. I'm saying that Myrtha and Aanbo moved the bodies first, while they're still pliable and less awkward to carry than after rigor mortis sets in. I'm having Chase revive now, rather than after everything else is resolved, because the player has really waited a long time to get back in the game. Similarly, I'm having Theran perform his long rest in parallel with Myrtha's exploration of Bertram's room rather than waiting until afterward, so that he can get his spells/wild shapes back.

On that note, however: Chase has to take a short rest after the long rest to actually spend that hit die. But if anyone else has a hit die and wants to use it BEFORE taking a long rest, declare it, get someone with a healer's kit to use it on your PC, and then roll the hit die. You'll get at least one hit die back again after the long rest.
Feb 15, 2025 8:42 pm
Myrtha attempted to be thorough in her search of Bertram’s belongings.
OOC:
Is Myrtha getting a long rest despite the hauling all these bodies? In any case she is only 1hp down, thanks to Theran’s earlier healing, and still hasn’t used second wind. In case she isn’t getting a long rest due to the strenuous activity, I won’t be spending HD to recover the one hp missing.
Last edited February 15, 2025 8:47 pm

Rolls

Myrtha - Investigation - (1d20+1)

(19) + 1 = 20

Feb 15, 2025 9:09 pm
Chase opens his eyes and quite understand where he is. The last thing he remembers is jumping over Myrtha as she went down to protect her then striking a blow then feeling a sharp pain. Now he has no idea where he is at. He sees the others in the dim light."What happened? I need some water."
OOC:
Woo Hoo glad to be back!! Do I get the +1 for con?
Last edited February 15, 2025 9:19 pm

Rolls

hit die - (1d10)

(7) = 7

Feb 15, 2025 9:49 pm
Aanbo fetches a cupful of water from one of the buckets. "Here you go," he says, handing the cup to Chase. "Easy, just sip, you've had a rough time of it." The monk explains the situation and the plan going forward.
Feb 15, 2025 9:53 pm
Chase will sip the water "Thank you Aanbo, glad the four of us are still together. I might need a bit more time but will be ready to travel when it is time. Even if I have to use my spear as a walking stick for support. We did keep the spear right?"
Feb 15, 2025 11:19 pm
mathias0077 says:
Do I get the +1 for con?
OOC:
Yes. When you spend hit dice to regain HP with a short rest in 5e, you add your character's CON mod to each hit die you roll.
Feb 15, 2025 11:21 pm
mathias0077 says:
"We did keep the spear right?"
OOC:
Darn it; I meant to include that in my post about Aanbo stashing the weapons.

Is someone carrying Donovan's spear now, or did it get stashed with the other confiscated weapons in the storage cellar?
Feb 15, 2025 11:37 pm
OOC:
@matmaisan - if you want Myrtha to take a long rest after this, you can. There's a lot of resting going on, and it would probably be helpful for everyone to have their hit dice in case there's another encounter. She's not resting while moving the bodies, but that's true of everyone. I'm playing a little loose with the timing, like I said. I figure everyone will be finishing up at around the same time that Chase completes the long rest and short rest to recover (although technically Theran would be able to finish hours before the others due to Trance).
Upstairs, in the early morning light, Myrtha does a quick and efficient search of the room. Her suspicions are rewarded when she finds a little niche carved into the underside of the bedframe. Tentatively feeling around in that niche, she feels something metallic: a key! Comparing the key to the huge chest, Myrtha is pretty convinced that they go together...so much so that she uses the key on the chest even though it's not locked. She holds her breath, half expecting there to be a trap. Morning birdsong can be heard in the distance as the world comes alive with the sunrise. There is a loud CLICK that seems loud in the early morning air, and Myrtha swings the heavy lid of the massive chest up and open. The chest is full with three folded aprons, two full sets of Bertram's clothing, and laid across the top of this, a longsword in a scabbard.
Feb 16, 2025 12:39 am
OOC:
I thought Myrtha had the spear at one point after I went down.
Feb 16, 2025 10:15 am
OOC:
Indeed she picked the spear up once combat was over, but I didn’t mention it again.
Feb 16, 2025 10:21 am
Myrtha examined Bertram’s belongings carefully. She takes the sword and its scabbard, and attaches them to her belt. The aprons and clothes must be of some value, if they are kept here, she thought. So she takes the aprons and clothes, wondering whether they might hide something else below. It stands to reason that Bertram must have some coin somewhere, and the probably trapped chest wasn’t just a glorified closet.
Feb 18, 2025 2:30 am
"Glad to see you pulled through. I was out of magic, and I did what I could to staunch the bleeding but I was worried if it would be enough." Theran makes sure Chase has food available. After Aanbo speaks, the wood elf adds, "Make no mistake, we've all had a rough time of it."
OOC:
Was there food in the kitchen we could eat so as not to use our own rations? My intent had been to use their resources.
Last edited February 18, 2025 2:37 am
Feb 18, 2025 8:44 am
Chase will look at Theran"I owe my life then and it is debt I intend to pay. That goes for the rest of you also. Thank you."
Feb 18, 2025 3:52 pm
"Don't worry about it," says Aanbo. "We've a long road ahead of us and dangers to avoid. Rest while you can, before we head out."
Feb 18, 2025 4:07 pm
Theran nods at Aanbo's words. "I don't know what's going on here, but if the past two days are any indication we will all need each other in the near future. Let's not keep track, eh? Now rest up some more. We're going to have to move out soon."
OOC:
Post long rest, does Hamiff wake up?
Feb 19, 2025 5:38 am
matmaisan says:
Indeed she picked the spear up once combat was over, but I didn’t mention it again.
OOC:
My question was whether someone was still holding on to it, since Aanbo was stashing all the "confiscated weapons" and that description includes the spear. I'm inferring from your answer that you intend to hold onto it, rather than hiding it with the other weapons.
Feb 19, 2025 5:52 am
MaJunior says:
Was there food in the kitchen we could eat so as not to use our own rations? My intent had been to use their resources.
OOC:
Mostly the Inn prepares and serves fresh food, as this establishment doesn't have a frost box to preserve food. But rummaging in the kitchen, Theran did manage to find some dried fruit - raisins and currants - that the cook adds to flavor when baking. There is also a covered pot that is soaking beans overnight, which he could cook if he wanted to start a fire in the kitchen. There are dried beans, raw root vegetables, and several varieties of flour in the Storage Cellar off of the basement; everything else must be brought in fresh (from a baker, butcher, etc) and/or prepared each day (like stews from beans). To that end, the cook will probably arrive any minute now, since the sun is already up.

But for your purposes, you can say that you ate all the dried fruit and raw vegetables so that you didn't have to dip into your own supplies. It's a poor meal that's light on fat and protein, but it is just enough.
Feb 19, 2025 5:55 am
After taking Bertram's sword and removing his clothes from the container, Myrtha inspects the interior of the chest. She doesn't see it right away, and so it takes her longer than it should have to find the catch that she strongly suspects is there. Eventually, however, she gets exasperated and just uses a handaxe to chop through the bottom of the chest. Underneath is a hidden compartment, containing more than a thousand assorted coins! Myrtha considers how she is going to transport the coins from the broken chest (which cannot fit through the trap door) down into the secret meeting room with everyone else. All told, the collected coins weigh in excess of thirty pounds.

---------------------

As the hours pass and Chase wakes, so too does Hamiff, though at first he pretends to still be asleep. Theran realizes his subterfuge and nudges him with a foot. With a groan, the battered man rolls over (as best he can with how he's been bound). He puts on a braver show than Lhari did, saying "Killing us won't help you escape Her judgment! She overcomes all in the end!"

Rolls

INT (Investigation) DC8 - (1d20+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

Feb 19, 2025 4:27 pm
Theran turns to Lhari, rolling his eyes at Hamiff's bluster. "You see?"

As much as it pains him to do it, Theran will feed Hamiff and give him water to drink. Having at least one empty bucket he will also ask if either captive needs to relieve themselves.
Feb 19, 2025 7:53 pm
Myrtha was surprised at the amount of precious metal Bertram had managed to hoard. She walked back to trapdoor after assessing the situation, and spoke softly down the hole : "Derek wasn't the only thug hoarding coin; there's about thirty pounds of coins here. Should I empty the chest down this hole?"
OOC:
Are the coins just mixed up in a single mass of treasure, or did Bertram class them somehow, or use separations to keep the gold from the copper, so to say?
Feb 19, 2025 8:07 pm
"Might be a bit too messy?" advises Aanbo. "Let's take what we can, and leave the rest. We don't want to be too laden when we leave."
Feb 20, 2025 5:34 am
matmaisan says:
Are the coins just mixed up in a single mass of treasure, or did Bertram class them somehow, or use separations to keep the gold from the copper, so to say?
OOC:
Yeah, they tossed all the coins in together.
Feb 21, 2025 3:07 am
"I don't have much in my ruck. I'm sure we can use that for the coin." He will remove the small items before handing his backpack up to Myrtha, so that the coins can be loaded for the trip home.
Feb 21, 2025 6:45 am
Myrtha takes Theran's rucksack and, as quietly as she can given that the shattered back door is hanging wide open and the morning sun is shining into the room, proceeds to grab fistfuls of coins and shove them into the bag. Soon enough she has retrieved all the money, swung the chest closed again, handed the now-heavier pack down through the hole, and follows it down the ladder, closing the trap door above her. The rug flops down back over the trap door, concealing it from any casual observers.

Each of the active PCs in Orlane - Aanbo, Chase, Myrtha, Theran - gains 48 more XP for acquiring this treasure.

Not long after this, once the group has counted the money (there are 889 cubs, 496 seals, and 136 eagles), the party hears someone running around on the floor above them, and the muffled cries of the person (probably the cook) trying to figure out what happened. Lhari and Hamiff begin to look hopeful again...
Feb 21, 2025 2:33 pm
Looking at the captives Chase will walk over and make sure they are gaged well. "Boy Bertram and Derek were doing pretty well for themselves it seems. I wonder if the lady knew about this?"
Feb 21, 2025 2:39 pm
"You will both stay quiet for the moment. Say what you want, but we've taken care of you even though you're captives who tried to kill us. We intend to leave you when we leave... but if you bring attention, you won't survive long enough to be rescued. Clear?"

Theran quietly makes the threat. He isn't sure if he can just slay them while they're defenseless like this... but the cultists don't need to know that. Adding the coin from the assassin's own lockbox, Theran repacks his belongings and shoulders his pack, tightening it and getting ready to move.

"Someone grab Reptile, and let's get out of here. We can go through the basement ans out directly onto the street, then put distance between us and the town. Are we ready?"

As he clutches his trusty staff, Theran focuses for a moment and channels the forces of nature to harden it... just in case.
OOC:
Casting Shillelagh.
Last edited February 21, 2025 2:41 pm
Feb 21, 2025 2:45 pm
"I say we tie them up and gag them. I don't trust them. We can leave the way open after we leave so they can be found." Chase will secure his pack and shoulder Retile to carry him out.
OOC:
Thinking like a fireman's carry for equal weight distribution.
Last edited February 21, 2025 2:48 pm
Feb 21, 2025 2:47 pm
[ +- ] OOC
Feb 21, 2025 2:51 pm
MaJunior says:
[ +- ] OOC
Gotcha
Feb 21, 2025 4:04 pm
Aanbo nods to the plan. He helps Chase secure Reptile's body, then whispers, "What should we do about the person upstairs? We might be able to sneak past them, but if they discover us, I will try to knock them out."
Feb 21, 2025 4:40 pm
Theran gives a stern warning to the captives and Chase begins to gag them.

@MaJunior - roll a CHR (Intimidation) check with ADV.

Chase hefts Reptile's body with a grunt. Aanbo helps Chase with Reptile's body, then whispers, "What should we do about the person upstairs? We might be able to sneak past them, but if they discover us, I will try to knock them out."
OOC:
Just to clarify: there are FOUR exits from the basement:
1) back up the ladder into Bertram's room (where Myrtha came from)
2) Into the tunnels through the barred door (where all the other dead bodies are)
3) Up the basement stairs into the kitchen (where Theran has been most recently)
4) Up the cellar stairs through the broken door to the outside (how Myrtha, Reptile, and Theran originally entered the basement)

It reads to me like some of you are thinking of taking the cellar stairs, and some are talking about taking the basement stairs...?
Feb 21, 2025 5:12 pm
"Oh, I wasn't planning to go upstairs. There are stairs that open directly onto the street, I figured we'd use those. It's a main road, but we'll be in the open and free to move wherever from there. Less chance of being boxed in," Theran elaborates. He will also find something to leave in the door, in order to prop it open so their captives are found.
OOC:
Option 4.
Last edited February 21, 2025 5:13 pm

Rolls

Intimidation (CHA) - (2d20H1+1)

(2016) + 1 = 21

Feb 21, 2025 5:25 pm
Aanbo nods at the explanation. "Unseen, even the earth can flow uphill," he says. Then, after some consideration, he adds, "I actually don't know what that means, but my brother used to say it before sneaking out of the monastery, and he never got caught."
Feb 21, 2025 5:35 pm
A beleagured Theran looks back at Aanbo and offers a smile. A tired, worn smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Hopefully we follow his example then."
Feb 21, 2025 5:49 pm
Chase looks at the others"I am with you whichever way we go. Out into the street sounds good to me."
Feb 21, 2025 6:06 pm
"Out the cellar door is best, I believe," the warrior said. "Do we head straight into the woods, the way we came? If we could leave a message to someone," she thought of Ramne, but did not speak the eccentric hermit's name in front of the prisoners, "we could let these two locked up until the mayor and the villagers came to retrieve them, rather than let them be found by the cook."
Feb 21, 2025 6:24 pm
"I'm sure the Constable will find them, as I suspect he knows of these hidden rooms," says Aanbo. "Let's leave them here."

He glances at Lhari and Hamiff, and returns his attention to Myrtha. "Change of plans, we're going somewhere else," he says, giving a wink out of sight from the bound-but-not-deaf prisoners. "We will head to the temple itself and find another place to hide. They'll never think to look for us under their own noses."

Any that look at Aanbo after his suggestion will see his eyes dart in the cultists' direction, implying that the group ought to mislead immediate pursuit.
OOC:
My intention is that once we're out of sight and sound from Lhari and Hamiff, Aanbo would reset to the original idea of heading into the woods and trying to leave a message with Ramne and/or the Mayor.
Feb 22, 2025 2:29 am
Theran easily cows the two brutes into silence. They stare with wide eyes as the calling voice recedes with the footfalls upstairs (ie, on the ground floor). Then the voice and footsteps are gone, either out of the building or out of earshot.
OOC:
Before we move out of the Inn's basement, did Theran or Aanbo use a healer's kit or cast spells to regain HP? Right now, I believe this is the HP status:

Aanbo (12/19)
Chase (8/11)
Myrtha (11/12)
Theran (5/13)

Feb 22, 2025 3:08 am
OOC:
Looks right for Theran. Probably should have used a healers kit or something, but oh well.
Feb 22, 2025 3:12 am
OOC:
I thought a long rest would restore all HP and half of our spent Hit Dice.
Feb 23, 2025 2:17 am
CancerMan says:
I thought a long rest would restore all HP and half of our spent Hit Dice.
OOC:
That is how it works in default D&D 5e, yes. And because I am running so many different games, I think I misspoke a few long rests ago, instructing the PCs to heal from a long rest. That was forgetting that, from the very beginning, we have been using the "healer’s kit dependency" and "slow natural healing" optional rules in this A&D-reminiscent game.

The result is that, in this Dungeon Busters game, a long rest restores up to half of a PC's hit dice as usual, but does not restore any HP. HP are only restored through healing magic or spending hit dice (via short rests).

This is from the Rules thread:

healer’s kit dependency – DMG 266
In order to use Hit Dice to heal, a healer's kit must first be applied to the wounds.

slow natural healing – DMG 267
You heal naturally only through using hit dice.
Feb 23, 2025 2:19 am
MaJunior says:
Looks right for Theran. Probably should have used a healers kit or something, but oh well.
OOC:
Just to be clear, I was asking because now is the time that you can say "I AM using a healer's kit application to spend a hit die." Chase is doing it; anyone else can now, too.
Feb 23, 2025 4:36 pm
Aanbo checks on the bandages and ointments used the evening prior, replacing them with fresh applications to stave off infection.
OOC:
My bad, I keep forgetting about the custom rules. I'll spend two additional uses of my healer's kit on Theran and myself. I've already marked off one use for Chase; let me know if Myrtha wants a top-off.

Aanbo should now be at 19/19.
Last edited February 23, 2025 4:37 pm

Rolls

Hit Dice - (1d8+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Feb 24, 2025 4:11 pm
Seeing Aanbo administer poultices and bandages to her companions, Myrtha responded to his proposal in the negative. "It’s only a scratch, Theran’s magic fixed me good."
OOC:
Not taking away one use of the healer’s kit for 1hp. I’m assuming the fighter’s second wind hasn’t been house-ruled away, correct? I can get the bonus without having to spend HD, right? Or is it considered "natural healing" and therefore subject to the use of HD?
Last edited February 24, 2025 4:43 pm
Feb 24, 2025 5:47 pm
matmaisan says:
I’m assuming the fighter’s second wind hasn’t been house-ruled away, correct? I can get the bonus without having to spend HD, right?
OOC:
Correct; Second Wind works without using a Hit Die.

Just to be clear: there is only one house rule in the game, Spaceseeker19's Travel Rule with Mounts. Everything else we are using are official default or variant rules from 5e, as listed in the Rules thread.

I will remind everyone (including myself), however, that those of you with enough XP to gain a level - Aanbo, Chase, Myrtha - can gain the HP increase immediately as described in that rules thread.
Feb 24, 2025 7:24 pm
OOC:
My bad, not house rules, but optional rules. It’s been a while since I’d read the rules thread, that’s on me. Good to know second wind works as advertised.

Regarding gaining levels: my personal accounting suggests Myrtha is 1xp (!) away from levelling. But if your accounting puts her just across the finish line, I’ll be very happy! If she’s levelled up, how do we manage hp on levelling, roll the dice?
Last edited February 24, 2025 7:32 pm
Feb 24, 2025 7:27 pm
matmaisan says:
Regarding gaining levels: my personal accounting suggests Myrtha is 1xp (!) away from levelling. But if your accounting puts her just across the finish line, I’ll be very happy!
Sometimes I'm slow to update the PC Experience Points thread, but it is currently up-to-date. Myrtha currently has 342 XP.
Feb 24, 2025 7:34 pm
spaceseeker19 says:
Sometimes I'm slow to update the PC Experience Points thread, but it is currently up-to-date. Myrtha currently has 342 XP.
OOC:
Yoohoo !!!
Feb 25, 2025 5:14 pm
Figuring that now - when the voices and footsteps overhead have receded - is the best time to make their move, Myrtha opens the secret door and Theran slips through and hurries across the basement to the wine cellar's door while Aanbo and Chase follow with Reptile's corpse. Holding the lantern, Myrtha steps through into the basement and lets the secret door swing closed again; her last sight of Hamiff and Lhari is their eyes staring wide over their gags, expecting that the door will shut and plunge them into darkness...but Theran left a dead man's boot there, and the door stops just short of closing completely.

Theran has opened the wine cellar door and has made his way up the steep staircase to the broken cellar door that is just propped up in the doorway. Before lifting the door out of the way, he listens carefully. There is nothing to hear. Myrtha squeezes around Chase, Aanbo, and their grisly load so that she can join Theran at the top of the steps. She extinguishes the lantern, and the group is plunged into dim light, blackness broken only by a gap between the doorjamb and where the door leans against it. Myrtha and Theran look at each other, nod, and together they shift the door open. Aanbo and Chase huff up the stairs with the stiff body of their dead companion and look out. All this has taken maybe 20 seconds.

It is morning and there are the sounds of the village can be heard: the swish-chop of a sickle, a dog barking, the wheel of the mill groaning as it turns in the splashing current, a horse nickering and a man calling to soothe it, a distant group of people murmuring in conversation, and a rhythmic clacking suggesting that the weaver is at his loom.

Each of you, please roll a Perception check and decide which route you're going to take away from the Inn.
[ +- ] The immediate vicinity as the party escapes the Golden Grain Inn

Rolls

Theran's perception check DC10 - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Feb 25, 2025 11:34 pm
Chase is good with which ever way looks the most clear. Reptile isn't the lightest guy in the world.
OOC:
Do we have to cross the bridge?

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Feb 26, 2025 1:09 am
OOC:
I believe I did mention that Theran would drop something (a broom handle, an old boot, whatever) in the hidden door to prevent it from closing fully, ensuring the two cultists would be found.
Not hearing anything that would alarm him, Theran is quick to open the doors to the street and spill out, ready to make their escape.
OOC:
Using your roll, and Theran would plan to take the most direct route out of town.
Feb 26, 2025 4:55 am
MaJunior says:
I believe I did mention that Theran would drop something (a broom handle, an old boot, whatever) in the hidden door to prevent it from closing fully, ensuring the two cultists would be found.
OOC:
Yes, you did; I've amended the description accordingly.
mathias0077 says:
Do we have to cross the bridge?
OOC:
No, it's up to you all what route you take. The closest woods is Ramne's grove, which IS across the bridge, but that's still close enough to be considered part of the village. Heading west past the farms will return you to Cecily's Road (the way you all came in to Orlane) and out of the village, but there's little cover that way: a long, gradual slope before the Dim Forest crosses the Realstream and provides visual cover. You could also jump in the river and float away, if you had something to use as a raft. Of course, the whole village is a collection of buildings that could be used to hide.
MaJunior says:
Using your roll, and Theran would plan to take the most direct route out of town.
OOC:
Just FYI: the check I rolled was specific to Theran listening at the door (as that might've changed my description); the Perception check I asked you all to make was a separate one, for when the party is moving out of the cellar. If you want to take a 1 for that, it's fine. But you are welcome - and encouraged! - to roll again.
Feb 26, 2025 5:22 am
"We should head by Ramne’s, let him know what they’ll find at the Inn," Myrtha whispered as they considered their options.
OOC:
So, who’s carrying the enchanted spear?

I’m for crossing the bridge and heading into the copses next to Ramne’s, and then heading into the woods from there.

Also, Myrtha would volunteer to carry reptile if that meant that Chase could use his bow, for instance…

EDIT: Wow! What a string of nasty rolls!
Last edited February 26, 2025 5:23 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Feb 26, 2025 8:57 am
OOC:
I thought I was going to do a fireman's carry with Reptile to carry by myself and could have carried the spear. But since Aanbo and I are carrying him I would have handed the spear to Mythra. Also I am fine with Myrtha helping carry if you want me to be able to my bow. I am good either way.
Feb 26, 2025 2:04 pm
mathias0077 says:
I thought I was going to do a fireman's carry with Reptile to carry by myself and could have carried the spear.
OOC:
Navigating the body up the stairs (with a relatively low ceiling) was easier with two people, but you can certainly switch to this now as you move outside past the stairs.
Feb 26, 2025 11:24 pm
As we leave the stairway Chase will take on the responsibility of Reptile's body. Slung across his shoulders to distribute the weight properly. Chase is used to this action. Being a boundary warden he has had to carry injured and dead people he had found on duty. Chase always tried to find the next of kin for the deceased. He will also take the spear from Mrytha."This way we can move faster and I can still fend someone off if I have to."
Feb 27, 2025 4:53 am
Carrying the dead weight of Reptile on his back, Chase nods to the others. They make a break for it, heading north up the street toward the bridge.
OOC:
Unless you have another plan, there are two obvious choices here to avoid getting noticed: try to sneak (roll Stealth) or try for speed (roll Athletics). Which will you choose?
Feb 27, 2025 5:41 am
Aanbo mutters to himself, "Unseen, even the earth can flow uphill."
OOC:
Aanbo would opt for stealth.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Feb 27, 2025 8:51 am
"Low and slow." with the extra weight stealth is probably the way to over speed. To easy to trip.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+5)

(13) + 5 = 18

Feb 27, 2025 4:27 pm
Opting to cheat, Theran will place a hand on Aanbo's shoulder as he begins shifting form into a spider (just like the form he used to scout the Inn). He will find a spot on Aanbo's gear to nestle in for the trip, staying unseen by those searching and ready to surprise anyone who attacks them.
Feb 28, 2025 8:04 am
From the perspective of any casual observer, Theran vanishes. Aanbo sneaks forward, Chase on his heels, Myrtha trying to stay alert and not draw too much attention.
OOC:
I'm guessing that Myrtha would prefer to stick with the group rather than rushing ahead, despite the DISADV that will apply to her Stealth check due to scale mail...
They have moved up the street halfway to the bridge when Chase notices the little girl watching them with wide eyes from behind the fence. Nothing to be done about it now. They continue forward and reach the bridge; there is no cry of alarm and no pursuit. Reaching the bridge, Aanbo slows for a moment and scans the opposite bank. They're in luck: no fishermen are plying their trade on the river. Indeed, no one is in sight except for Whiskers, who watches the four heroes and their dead friend hustle across the stone bridge. As soon as they get close, the weasel turns and scampers ahead of them, turning into the path leading into the grove. Once in the trees, the group pauses again.

So far, so good....
Feb 28, 2025 12:07 pm
"Ah, our little guide. good to see a friendly face."As we pause Chase will tell the others"I saw a little girl watching us from behind a fence. I don't know how much time we have."
Feb 28, 2025 2:18 pm
"Despite Reptile being our friend, it probably doesn't look good for us strangers to be carrying a dead body," says Aanbo, "much less apparently taking him directly to Ranme. Let's see if we can avoid the path to Ranme's house and instead take a route through the trees."
Feb 28, 2025 4:58 pm
"I’ll take Reptile further into the woods, you follow whiskers to Ramne. He guided us earlier, in the dark… that way no one can see you with a body. I’ll keep Reptile’s body safe while you talk."
OOC:
Theran could even enter Ramne’s shack unseen, if we wanted more stealth. Myrtha can hide in the nearby copses while you guys explain.. And if something goes badly, she’ll call out for help…
Mar 2, 2025 5:09 pm
[ +- ] Dungeon Busters in Orlane
From their concealment in the trees, the party overhears some yelled conversation from the closest building. "Belba, I'm headed over to the Rasts to get the latest crop," the party hears the call from out behind the Inn of the Slumbering Serpent.
"Oh, you and your wine!" comes the answering cry, "I swear if Lily wasn't married, I'd be jealous!"
"Her grapes may be sweet, but they're nothing to your sweet smile!"
"Oh, get out of here, you old rogue!"
During this interchange, Chase has shifted his load (Reptile's stiff corpse) to Myrtha. Myrtha makes her way in between the trees, skirting Ramne's glade and moving further west, while Aanbo (carrying spider-Theran) and Chase emerge from the copse onto the trail leading to Ramne's shack. Much as before, Ramne is busy working in his garden, watering a row of shoots climbing up bean poles.

"What do you want?" Ramne croaks irritably. "My vegetables are mine. MINE! I told you already, but I suppose you..." Whiskers chitters, and Ramne stops mid-sentence. Then he resumes in a low voice. "Whiskers says that there's no one within earshot. I'm glad to see that you haven't been re-captured, but I'm a little surprised to see you again so soon. What can I do for you?"
Mar 2, 2025 5:50 pm
Aanbo speaks quietly, lest his words attract unwanted attention. "I am sorry for endangering you," he begins. "We wanted to let someone trustworthy know about our discovery. The root of corruption has dug deep into the earth in Orlane, and I mean that literally. We found tunnels under the Golden Grain Inn that appear to be the main passage for shady individuals and troglodytes."

He goes on to explain how the events at the inn that resulted in the deaths of Bertram and other cultists, and of how the Constable, Lhari, and Hamiff were left alive. "The Constable is particularly dangerous, being a man in a position of authority. We ask that you tread carefully, lest he turn his wrath upon you. We also fear for Alan, who helped us when the Constable tried to kill us."

Aanbo continues, "Again, I am sorry we have endangered you. We have been beaten and are in no position to combat this threat to Orlane, not in our current condition. We must retreat to gather our strength and find more friends, and we intend to return as soon as we can."
Mar 2, 2025 7:48 pm
Chase will nod to these comments and add"Make sure you the Mayor and Alan keep your eyes open. The lady we keep hearing about might be coming after y'all. You should try to figure out who all is under her influence. It looks like Bertram and Derek were also doing their own thing that most of the cultists don't know about."
Mar 2, 2025 9:00 pm
As soon as Aanbo, Chase and spider-Theran moved towards Ramne's hut, Myrtha found a spot in which to set Reptile's body on the ground, on a blanket of leaves and moss. She looked around her, making sure there were no prying eyes, no sound of approaching movement. Once she was satisfied she was alone, she crouched by her fallen companion and began whispering.

"I'm sorry I failed you, friend," she took a deep breath, and continued. "Two weeks travelling on our own, sharing war stories and laughing at stupid jokes. And as soon as we get a mission, a real mission, I fucked it up." Her voice cracked a bit, as stronger emotions began boiling up. "I've trained for years to be the shield. To put my body in front of the thrusting spears and slashing axes... and what good was that? A fucking bar brawl! A club to the head and that's it. Fucking Hamiff still breathing down there. And when we come back, if we come back, I wager he'll have to be beaten to near death again."

Anger was upstaging grief, so she consciously tried to calm down. "At least that torturer is in the Pits, stuck up the Dark One's smelly arse crack... Derek won't be torturing no more..." she continued, a bitter smile momentarily touching her lips, as the image she evoked settled in her mind. Then sadness again, "Fuck, Reptile! Why'd you have to go?" she pleaded, tears coursing down her cheeks. She'd suffered loss before, even more personal loss. But there was something particularly bruising about the barbarian's demise. Maybe it was the pointlessness of it all. They'd been framed by these cultists, and had done so much effort to 'clear their name' when, as a matter of fact, most villagers would be right to think of them as ruthless foreign killers. This cult was devious and organised, they'd fallen victims to a trap and they'd ought to have known better.

"I hope we'll manage to get Joseph back, friend. I'd hoped that they'd have taken the little guy to that fucking inn, but we found no trace of him, " the warrior-woman continued, concern creasing the corners of her eyes, which she then hid behind her dirty, blood speckled hands. "When... if we return, we'll have to be a lot smarter about it. I hope there's still time for Joseph."

She sniffed once or twice, and touched the barbarian's cheek, on the side not crushed by Hamiff's clubbing. "I'll have vengeance, in your name, friend. And a tale to tell your family, once I track them down. They ought to know what you gave your life for. They ought to know the people who took your life are all back to the mud, and that you ain't died for nothing".

She removed her hand from her companion's face, with a hint of shyness, as if ashamed of a closeness she had not realised was there. She rubbed away the last few tears from her face, and stood up. She took out her hand axe, and began looking for a couple of staves, or long branches she might be able to cut. They'd need to move faster with the body, and an improvised stretcher might be their best choice, given the circumstances. They should have enough rope, and they might find vines that were tough enough. She put her mind to such practical matters, if only to escape the dreary feelings that the previous night' toil had left her with.
Last edited March 2, 2025 9:01 pm
Mar 2, 2025 9:18 pm
Last edited March 2, 2025 9:21 pm
Mar 3, 2025 5:49 pm
Ramne
While Myrtha processes her grief and constructs a travois, back in Ramne's glade, the old man is taking in everything that the monk and ranger have told him. "Grover used to be fair and reliable; he even helped me with some repairs on my hut. I knew he had changed, but I thought it was perhaps the normal bitterness and resentment that develops in people when faced with disappointment. I didn't realize that it was something more until the Constable attacked you and turned on Alan. You were in his charge! That is not normal darkness; he has been turned to a darker purpose, a foul will, outside of himself...like many others. Something is behind this; some darkness is tainting the residents of Orlane. I'm confident that it has something to do with the troglodytes. Now that you've identified that they're coming through tunnels under the Inn, we'll keep our eyes on that and see what else we can find out while you are gone. And I will also try to determine who has been tainted if I can. But if you will come back (as I hope you will), hurry! The darkness is spreading and I do not think I can stop it on my own!"
OOC:
What do you do now?
Mar 3, 2025 6:14 pm
"I hope to return as quickly as we can," says Aanbo. "I believe the Mayor and his elven companions are not under this dark influence, not yet. I want to warn them and Alan's family of the danger, but I fear if we linger in Orlane longer, we risk our own discovery and will cause more unnecessary death. It is why we chose your secluded grove first. I remember that you said many in Orlane shun you, but I must ask; do you have a means to spread this news to the Mayor and Alan, that they can take word of the threat with seriousness?"
Mar 3, 2025 11:52 pm
Chase will agree with Aanbo "We will move quickly and get some help and come back as soon as we can. Can Whiskers deliver messages to the Mayor and Alan without being noticed?" Chase shake his head"If we only had a few horses."
Mar 4, 2025 1:43 am
Ramne
"I don't know how much my word will sway them, but I will pass along the warnings," Ramne nods, and the weasel chitters. Ramne smiles: "...and with Whiskers' help, too. I wouldn't leave you out of it, little one!"

The old man addresses the two (well, three, really, considering that Theran is there on Aanbo's shoulder) heroes again: "I would ask that you write them a note - wonders of wonders, both of them can read! - except that I think the Mayor may trust you even less than he trusts me." He clasps the dwarf and human's shoulders with his frail, knobby hands (Theran scuttles out of the way to avoid getting crushed). "I will spread the word, one way or another. But you should have some food for your journey!"

Ramne goes back into his hut and emerges a moment later with a small sack of fresh vegetables, which he hands to the duo.
OOC:
There is enough food there to count as four rations.
"May Merikka provide bounty, Fharlanghn guide your steps, and Delleb grant you wisdom!" Ramne smiles once more, then turns back to his garden, waving a hand dismissively. "Now go, before someone comes looking for you here."
Mar 4, 2025 2:43 am
"Thank you, kind farmer," says Aanbo, securing the vegetables for later. "And you're right about the note. I also fear that my handwriting might be terrible enough to label my words as evil!"

He takes his leave of the old man and weasel, and waits for Chase before rejoining Myrtha to escape from Orlane.
Mar 4, 2025 8:50 am
Chase will quickly write a note each for the Mayor and Alan relating hitting all the bullet points of what they found so they can do their own investigating. He will also add an extra thank you to Alan for his help getting himself and Aanbo free."Here you go Ramne a note for each and they are labeled. Thank you for all your help sir. We will return." With that Chase will turn and head after Aanbo.
Mar 4, 2025 4:10 pm
Aanbo leaves one last warning, "I suggest they each burn the note afterward. Of course, those who have been corrupted may still accuse them of aiding those 'murdering strangers,' but at least there won't be physical evidence linking them to us." The monk thinks back to the deposit of the tortured body at the barn, a clear attempt at framing the Dungeon Busters for the deed.
Mar 4, 2025 5:08 pm
The two heroes Chase and Aanbo (with Theran riding along unseen) then leave the old hermit and reenter the woods behind Ramne's shack. At the edges of the forest here, there is still plenty of light, and they are quickly able to find Myrtha where she awaits with Reptile's body on a travois.

The four of you are in a fringe of the Dim Forest, in a long finger that has not been cleared for farming. To the west is the Dim Forest. To the east of you lies Orlane and, beyond that, more of the Dim Forest. To the north are the farms where many of Orlane's residents work and, beyond them, more of the Dim Forest. To the south is the Realstream River. South of the River is Cecily's Road, and south of that is more forest that slowly gives way to the Rushmoors. Cecily's Road leads west by southwest to Hochoch, and east by northeast (leaving Orlane) to Hookhill.
Mar 4, 2025 5:23 pm
"Let's stick to the Dim Forest until we are west of Orlane, then we can detour back to Cecily's Road and continue to Hochoch," says Aanbo. "What do you think?"
Mar 4, 2025 7:25 pm
''l agree; Aanbo,' Myrtha responded, ready to begin carrying the body over the rough terrain.
Mar 5, 2025 12:11 am
"Sounds good to me. Do you want me to scout or help carry Reptiles body?"
Mar 5, 2025 4:03 am
The party heads off west through the woods away from Orlane, deeper into the Dim Forest, Myrtha dragging the travois with Reptile's corpse bound to it.

One of you should take the lead; that person should roll a WIS (Survival) check...unless it's Chase, who can't get lost in Forests. The woods are deep and green, and very quickly any sounds of the village of Orlane disappear into the thick foliage behind you.

Rolls

What? - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Mar 5, 2025 4:11 am
Aanbo helps secure the back of the convoy, as well as assist the transport of the body should the travois run into trouble.
Mar 5, 2025 8:46 am
Chase being at home in the forest will take the lead. Always vigilant, senses on high alert.
Mar 5, 2025 11:54 pm
The party travels through the Dim Forest for nearly an hour. It's a little while after they take a break to get some water and for Myrtha to shift her grip on the travois that the group hears a snorting in the undergrowth; it looks like the heroes have disturbed a small sounder of wild boars, which erupt out of the brush and begin trotting toward the heroes belligerently.
[ +- ] Waylaid in the Forest by Boars
[ +- ] Theran's close-up
Aanbo, Chase, Myrtha, and Theran: please roll initiative. There are four wild boars, which will all act on the same initiative count.


Aanbo (27/27)
Chase (11/14)
Myrtha (17/18)
Theran (Spider 1/1, Elf 5/13)

Rolls

Wild Boar initiative - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Mar 5, 2025 11:57 pm
Chase hearing then seeing the boars readies his spear for the confrontation.

Rolls

initiative - (1d20+3)

(16) + 3 = 19

Mar 5, 2025 11:59 pm
Theran will leap off of Aanbo's shoulder and shift back into his elven form, checking the heft of his staff as he readies himself for the boars.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Mar 6, 2025 12:04 am
Round One
(this is followed by round two)

Murderously angry, four boars erupt out of the undergrowth, charging at the party.
[ +- ] Waylaid in the Forest by Boars
Theran drops from Aanbo's shoulder and ends his Wild Shape, resuming his original elven form.
Chase sets his spear, confident that he will skewer one of the beasts as they charge on their turn.
Myrtha drops the travois and rushes toward the boars, slapping her shield with her sword blade to startle the beasts.
Aanbo rushes forward after her, making noise and swinging his staff to startle them too. Boar 2 is startled and breaks off its charge, taking no action this round.
Boar 1 charges Chase and gets skewered by the ranger's readied attack.
Boar 1 takes 9 damage and tries to gore Chase. Its tusks rip into the ranger.
Chase takes 8 slashing damage.
Boar 2 paws the ground uneasily.
Boar 3 starts to charge Theran, but is startled by the counter charge of Myrtha and Aanbo, so it ends up charging past the party.
Boar 4 charges Chase, but, startled by the loud noises, brushes past him to circle around behind the group.
[ +- ] Angry boars attack
As the boar races past him, Chase reacts swiftly (making his opportunity attack), whipping the spear around and down, stabbing deep into boar 4's side. Boar 4 squeals in pain and rage.
Boar 4 takes 8 piercing damage.
As he moves swiftly away from Reptile's corpse to support Chase, Theran draws upon the magic in the world around him: the life force of the Dim Forest itself flows into him, down his arms, and into his staff, which swells and sprouts leaves that grow into small branches. With this transformation, the druid brings the Shillelagh down onto the boar's back.
Boar 1 takes 7 damage and barely keeps its feet.
[ +- ] Boar Fight, end of round one

19 - Chase (3/14)
15 - Myrtha (17/18)
14 - Aanbo (27/27)
13 - Wild Boars One (-16) Two Three Four (-8)
10 - Theran (5/13)
Mar 6, 2025 12:09 am
"Oh," is all Aanbo can say after so much travel.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Mar 6, 2025 4:28 pm
Myrtha lowers the travois on to the forest ground and readies her shield.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Mar 6, 2025 9:18 pm
Chase will brace himself with his spear as the boars charge. He will time his thrust just right and skewer the boar.
Last edited March 6, 2025 9:19 pm

Rolls

to hit, damage - (1d20+6, 1d6+4)

1d20+6 : (18) + 6 = 24

1d6+4 : (5) + 4 = 9

Mar 6, 2025 9:51 pm
Aanbo does the opposite; he charges the boars, waving his arms to make his dwarvish stature bigger than it is and slapping his quarterstaff against the ground violently. He does not roar, rather makes sharp, "Hup!" and "Hie!" sounds to try and frighten the boars away.

Rolls

Intimidation - (1d20+0)

(16) = 16

Mar 7, 2025 2:40 am
Chase sets his spear, confident that he will skewer one of the beasts as they charge on their turn.
@matmaisan - What does Myrtha do...?
Aanbo runs forward, swinging his staff so it whistles through the air and slaps it on the underbrush with a crack! to startle the territorial beasts.
The boars will take their turns here, which in part will be in reaction to what Myrtha and the others are doing.
Theran has transformed back into elven form and will act on his turn after the boars.
(Note that Theran has now encountered boars, and can add that Wild Shape to his repertoire)
Mar 7, 2025 5:44 am
Myrtha will charge forward erratically slapping the side of her blade to her shield, in an attempt to confuse and frighten the creatures.
OOC:
Hoping to give advantage to Aanbo’s intimidation check.
Mar 7, 2025 6:08 am
round one, continued...

Myrtha drops the travois and rushes toward the boars, slapping her shield with her sword blade to startle the beasts.
Aanbo rushes forward after her, making noise and swinging his staff to startle them too. Boar 2 is startled and breaks off its charge, taking no action this round.
Boar 1 charges Chase and gets skewered by the ranger's readied attack.
Boar 1 takes 9 damage and tries to gore Chase. Its tusks rip into the ranger.
Chase takes 8 slashing damage.
Boar 2 paws the ground uneasily.
Boar 3 starts to charge Theran, but is startled by the counter charge of Myrtha and Aanbo, so it ends up charging past the party.
Boar 4 charges Chase, but, startled by the loud noises, brushes past him to circle around behind the group.
OOC:
@mathias0077 - you may expend Chase's reaction to make an opportunity spear attack on Boar 4 now, if you wish.

@MaJunior - it is Theran's turn now.
[ +- ] Angry boars attack

19 - Chase (3/14)
15 - Myrtha (17/18)
14 - Aanbo (27/27)
13 - Wild Boars One (-9) Two Three Four
10 - Theran (5/13)

Rolls

Boar 1 charging tusk attack on Chase AC16, slashing damage - (1d20+3, 2d6+1)

1d20+3 : (17) + 3 = 20

2d6+1 : (52) + 1 = 8

Mar 7, 2025 11:27 am
Chase after stabbing boar 1 and taking a brutal hit from its tusks will then take a stab at boar 4 as it runs past him.
OOC:
Are these giant boar or smaller?
Last edited March 7, 2025 11:46 am

Rolls

to hit, damage - (1d20+6, 1d6+4)

1d20+6 : (7) + 6 = 13

1d6+4 : (4) + 4 = 8

Mar 7, 2025 2:08 pm
Theran moves closer to Chase, channeling the power of nature into his staff as he does so. Once he's near his companion, he attacks the boar nearest them.
OOC:
Moving 4 squares left and 1 square up.
Casting Shillelagh as a bonus action.
Action to attack Boar 1.

Rolls

Attack (Staff - Shillelagh) - (1d20+5)

(12) + 5 = 17

Damage (Bludgeoning, Magic) - (1d8+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Mar 8, 2025 2:21 am
Round one, continued

As the boar races past him, Chase reacts swiftly, whipping the spear around and down, stabbing deep into boar 4's side. Boar 4 squeals in pain and rage.
Boar 4 takes 8 piercing damage.
As he moves swiftly away from Reptile's corpse to support Chase, Theran draws upon the magic in the world around him: the life force of the Dim Forest itself flows into him, down his arms, and into his staff, which swells and sprouts leaves that grow into small branches. With this transformation, the druid brings the Shillelagh down onto the boar's back.
Boar 1 takes 7 damage and barely keeps its feet.
OOC:
This ends round one. Chase, Myrtha, and Aanbo should post their round two turns now.
[ +- ] Boar Fight, end of round one
mathias0077 says:
Are these giant boar or smaller?
OOC:
@mathias0077 - they're just regular, Medium-sized boars, not four Large-sized Giant Boars.

19 - Chase (3/14)
15 - Myrtha (17/18)
14 - Aanbo (27/27)
13 - Wild Boars One (-16) Two Three Four (-8)
10 - Theran (5/13)
Mar 8, 2025 3:25 am
Aanbo's disappointment at not scaring away the boars is replaced by regret, knowing he must subdue or put down the aggressive beasts. He doubles back, using his speed to close in on Boar3 before it can turn around and charge the group's flank. Aanbo tries to make himself a target, ready to dodge out of the way of the sharp tusks and potentially retaliate.
OOC:
Movement: 35 feet towards Boar 3.
Action: Dodge
Mar 8, 2025 7:10 am
Seeing boar 2 is rather confused at the moment, Myrtha will back ten feet towards boar 1 and hurl a hand axe at it, before resuming her guard with the sword and shield, facing boar 2.

Rolls

Thrown hand axe, damage - (1d20+4, 1d6+3)

1d20+4 : (17) + 4 = 21

1d6+3 : (4) + 3 = 7

Mar 8, 2025 2:02 pm
Chase will recover after the strike on the passing boar and again thrust a boar one. He is hurt bad and needs to take this thing down so he can focus on boar four.
OOC:
So if one goes down Chase will turn so he can focus on four. If it charges him again he will try and dodge if possible. With only 3 hps left he has to be careful.
Last edited March 8, 2025 2:04 pm

Rolls

to hit, damage - (1d20+6, 1d6+4)

1d20+6 : (15) + 6 = 21

1d6+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

Mar 8, 2025 5:57 pm
Round Two
(this was preceded by round one)

Chase reverses the grip on the spear and plunges it downward into the back of the boar that just nearly killed him. The magic weapon crunches through the beast's back and passes completely through its body into the forest floor, pinning the boar to the ground.
Boar 1 takes 7 piercing damage and dies.
OOC:
@matmaisan - my inclination is to say that Myrtha throws her hatchet at Boar 2 rather than Boar 1, since you would know that Boar 1 was out of the combat before you took your action if we were declaring our actions in turn order like in a real-time game. Let me know if you don't want that, and I'll amend what follows.
Myrtha takes her eyes off of the beast in front of her to risk a glance back at Chase and Theran. Seeing that the ranger has dispatched his immediate foe, the statuesque fighter yanks a hatchet from her belt and flings it at the closest boar that Aanbo intimidated.
Boar 2 takes 7 slashing damage.
Then she draws her sword, preparing for its response.

Feet blurring, Aanbo speeds away after Boar 3 which just ran past him, trying to keep its attention on him and not on his badly injured companions.
[ +- ] Pounding the Sounder
Boar 2 grunts at the impact of the hatchet, paws the ground, and charges at the closest interloper: Myrtha. Myrtha neatly sidesteps the charge, and the boar keeps running past her. Myrtha uses her reaction to pivot and strike as the boar passes by; the sword cleaves down and chops deeply into Boar 2.
Boar 2 takes 9 slashing damage and dies instantly.

Aanbo certainly has drawn Boar 3's attention; it gives a deep-chested squeal of rage and rushes him. But because the dodgy monk is so close, the beast is unable to get up to full speed before reaching him. Aanbo leaps and dives over the oncoming porcine terror, which passes underneath him. As Boar 3 passes by under him, Aanbo hits the ground, rolls, and springs up again, using his reaction to thrust the staff after the speeding creature and thump it hard in the hindquarters.
Boar 3 takes 6 bludgeoning damage.
Boar 3, hurt and smelling boar blood, loses its fury and runs squealing away from the party to disappear into the brush.
OOC:
@mathias0077 - I just realized that you are using the spear with two hands, which means you should be rolling 1d8 for damage, not 1d6. Would you like to reroll the opportunity attack damage on Boar 4 from last turn, or do you want to keep the 4+4?
Boar 4 charges at Chase, the source of its pain. Chase steps right as a feint, then jukes to the left. The beast falls for it and passes harmlessly through the empty space where it thought he would be standing, continuing past both the ranger and druid.
[ +- ] The boars miss their attacks
Using his reaction, Chase plunges the spearpoint at the beast as it misses him and Theran. The ranger's aim is true.
Boar 4 takes 6 piercing damage and dies. Carried by its momentum, the dead creature thuds to the ground as its legs give out and it slides to a stop.
[ +- ] Boar 4 falls
This ends the combat encounter.
19 - Chase (3/14)
15 - Myrtha (17/18)
14 - Aanbo (27/27)
13 - Wild Boars One, Two (-7), Three (-6), Four
10 - Theran (5/13)
Mar 8, 2025 6:20 pm
round two, continued

Boar 2 grunts at the impact of the hatchet, paws the ground, and charges at the closest interloper: Myrtha. Myrtha neatly sidesteps the charge, and the boar keeps running past her.

Aanbo certainly has drawn Boar 3's attention; it gives a deep-chested squeal of rage and rushes him. But because the dodgy monk is so close, the beast is unable to get up to full speed before reaching him. Aanbo leaps and dives over the oncoming porcine terror, which passes underneath him. Aanbo rolls and springs to his feet as the boar keeps running.
OOC:
@mathias0077 - I just realized that you are using the spear with two hands, which means you should be rolling 1d8 for damage, not 1d6. Would you like to reroll the opportunity attack damage on Boar 4 from last turn, or do you want to keep the 4+4?
Boar 4 charges at Chase, the source of its pain. Chase steps right as a feint, then jukes to the left. The beast falls for it and passes harmlessly through the empty space where it thought he would be standing, continuing past both the ranger and druid.
[ +- ] The boars miss their attacks
OOC:
All four of you can choose to use your reactions to make opportunity attacks if you wish.

19 - Chase (3/14)
15 - Myrtha (17/18)
14 - Aanbo (27/27)
13 - Wild Boars One, Two (-7), Three, Four (-8)
10 - Theran (5/13)

Rolls

Boar 2 charge on Myrtha AC18, slashing damage - (1d20+3, 2d6+1)

1d20+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

2d6+1 : (54) + 1 = 10

Boar 3 tusk attack on Aanbo AC15, slashing damage - (2d20l1+3, 1d6+1)

2d20l1+3 : (420) + 3 = 7

1d6+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

Boar 4 charge on Chase AC16, slashing damage - (1d20+3, 2d6+1)

1d20+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

2d6+1 : (66) + 1 = 13

Mar 8, 2025 6:34 pm
Aanbo takes the opportunity to swing his quarterstaff down upon the boar as it passes beneath him, aiming for the back hip to try and limit the beast's mobility.
OOC:
Reaction: Opportunity Attack with quarterstaff, two-handed

Rolls

Quarterstaff 2H to hit, bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

1d20+4 : (8) + 4 = 12

1d8+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Mar 8, 2025 7:34 pm
OOC:
I will keep the original roll but will remember for the next.
Mar 9, 2025 5:21 am
mathias0077 says:
I will keep the original roll but will remember for the next.
OOC:
@mathias0077 - Understood.

But do you want to make that next roll now? You have an opportunity to attack again now.
Round two continues with opportunity attacks...

As Boar 3 passes by under him, Aanbo comes out of his roll and springs up, using his reaction to thrust the staff after the speeding creature and thump it hard in the hindquarters.
Boar 3 takes 6 bludgeoning damage.
19 - Chase (3/14)
15 - Myrtha (17/18)
14 - Aanbo (27/27)
13 - Wild Boars One, Two (-7), Three (-6), Four (-8)
10 - Theran (5/13)
Mar 9, 2025 11:51 am
As Chase dodges boar four he will make a thrust at its hindquarter trying to hinder its mobility
Last edited March 9, 2025 11:52 am

Rolls

to hit, damage - (1d20+6, 1d8+4)

1d20+6 : (10) + 6 = 16

1d8+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

Mar 9, 2025 4:17 pm
Round two opportunity attacks continued...

Using his reaction, Chase plunges the spearpoint at the beast as it misses him and Theran. The ranger's aim is true.
Boar 4 takes 6 piercing damage and dies. Carried by its momentum, the dead creature thuds to the ground as its legs give out and it slides to a stop.
[ +- ] Boar 4 falls
OOC:
@matmaisan - do you want to use Myrtha's reaction to attack Boar 2 as it passes her?
@MaJunior - Chase has already defeated Boar 4, so there is no longer an opportunity for Theran to take a reaction attack this round.

19 - Chase (3/14)
15 - Myrtha (17/18)
14 - Aanbo (27/27)
13 - Wild Boars One, Two (-7), Three (-6), Four
10 - Theran (5/13)
Mar 10, 2025 8:38 pm
Myrtha was prepared to dodge out of the way of the porcine assailant, and as she pivoted to let the four legged aggressor go by, she swungher longsword at the animal’s exposed back.
OOC:
Using reaction to take an opportunity attack.
[ +- ] Would Myrtha have struck boar 2?
Last edited March 10, 2025 8:56 pm

Rolls

Longsword opportunity attack, damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3)

1d20+5 : (19) + 5 = 24

1d8+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

Mar 10, 2025 9:58 pm
Round two opportunity attacks, continued...

Myrtha uses her reaction to pivot and strike as the boar passes by; the sword cleaves down and chops deeply into Boar 2.
Boar 2 takes 9 slashing damage and dies instantly.

Boar 3, hurt and smelling boar blood, loses its fury and runs squealing away from the party to disappear into the brush.

Each member of this party - Aanbo, Chase, Myrtha, and Theran - gains 50 XP for surviving this beast attack, and Theran learns the boar form for his Wild Shape.

BOAR AC:11 HP:11 or 2d8+2 Speed:40' PP: 9 STR:+1, DEX:+0, CON:+1 Charge: if the boar moves 20' or more in a straight line and then hits, it deals 1d6 additional slashing damage. Also, the struck target must succeed on a DC11 STR save to not be knocked prone. Relentless: If the boar takes 7 or less damage and would drop to 0, it drops to 1 instead (recharges with rest). Tusk: +3 to hit, 5' range, 1d6+1 slashing damage on a hit
Mar 10, 2025 10:55 pm
Aanbo looks over Chase's wounds. "I feel we must hurry onward," he says. "I know it is a waste to leave resources such as boar meat here, but we are only an hour from Orlane and too close for my liking. Should we risk traveling more to gain some distance?"
Mar 10, 2025 11:10 pm
Thanks Aanbo, I don't know how fast I can travel. That boar got me pretty good." He looks at the dead boars"I could hack off a couple of hind quarters real quick."
Mar 12, 2025 1:18 pm
OOC:
Sorry; I was waiting to see if there would be any healing happening...you still can cast spells if you like.
Aware of the possibility of pursuit from the village, Chase nevertheless butchers parts of the three dead boars, retrieving plenty of meat, and the party resumes its journey west.
OOC:
@mathias0077 - You choose how much meat you take from the carcasses: each pound of meat will translate to 1 ration, and you can quickly carve off up to 60 pounds. But whatever you take will need to be cooked or otherwise preserved within a day.
Mar 12, 2025 1:49 pm
"Let me help," Theran says, moving to Chase and inspecting the wound for a moment before laying a hand on it and channeling the rejuvenation of spring into his injured companion.

Rolls

Cure Wounds - (1d8+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

Mar 12, 2025 4:11 pm
Aanbo watches Theran's healing application to study the mechanics behind it. While he does not quite understand, he wonders if the manipulation of the natural world through magical means might translate easily to the manipulation of one's own chi to accomplish the same. Something he will have to discuss with Tuan Vo when Aanbo returns to Hochoch.

"Myrtha, allow me to take over," he says, referring to the transport of Reptile's body on the travois. "Your hands might be better off with a shield and sword to defend us from future attacks."
OOC:
Sorry, right now Aanbo can only heal with the healer's kit, but as we know that's only after a short rest. I don't think we're going to take a short rest, are we?
Mar 12, 2025 8:10 pm
"Thank you, Aanbo," the warrior responded. She seemed to hesitate, however. It would be obvious to any clear-eyed observer that a part of her considered that Reptile was, in a very literal sense, her burden to bear.

Eventually she distanced herself from the travois, with a slightly guilty look at the body.

"We can’t rest yet. We ought to head on, away from Orlane…" As she said this she looked, with relief, at Chase’s quickly mending wounds. She too had been saved by the druid’s powerful magic, for which she was deeply grateful. With Chase on his feet, they might be able to make good progress still.
Mar 12, 2025 8:24 pm
"I agree. We need to keep moving, we can't afford to stop here," Theran says, agreeing with Myrtha.
Mar 12, 2025 10:21 pm
"Thank you Theran again. This is becoming a bad habit." He quickly carve off about 20lbs of meat. "Yes, let us move on. I will keep an eye out for a good secluded camping spot to keep us hidden."
Last edited March 12, 2025 10:22 pm
Mar 13, 2025 3:12 am
The party continues west through the Dim, Aanbo hauling Reptile's dead weight as Chase leads the way, with Theran and Myrtha keeping a sharp lookout on either side.
OOC:
How long do you all want to continue before making camp? With Chase leading, you're making good time. Do you want to look for a place and make camp before nightfall, or wait until twilight to start finding a place to bed down?

Aanbo (27/27)
Chase (14/14)
Myrtha (17/18)
Theran (5/13)

Rolls

What's that? - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Mar 13, 2025 3:15 am
OOC:
I feel like we ought to find a place to camp before it gets too dark. I don't think we'd be as effective in finding shelter in twilight, but a person like Chase would know better?
Mar 13, 2025 7:50 am
"We have covered a lot of ground I suggest we make camp before nightfall. I will find a secure camp sight where the light of a fire will draw minimum attention. That we can get this meat cooked up and everyone can get a good rest. I know it is tiring dragging the travois through the woods. I have had to do that a couple of times while being a boundary warden back home." Chase will start looking for a camp sight as we move.
Mar 13, 2025 1:55 pm
With Chase's expert guidance, the group makes good time through the Dim Forest, but even with switching off who is dragging the travois, they are still hampered by Reptile's dead weight. As Chase finds a good place to set camp for the night, he figures that they've covered 15 or 16 miles since fighting the boars. He figures they're between a quarter and a third of the way to Hochoch.

It's a good site that he finds: a place where a large tree fell, leaving a broad pit where the roots tore out of the ground. There are signs that some wolves had made their den here last winter; their scent has kept other animals from bedding down, though there is no trace of them being back for months. The gap in the canopy left by the falling tree allowed an oak sapling to thrive, and now its branches have grown over the top of the hole. The result is an enclosed space, sheltered from the wind with walls on three sides and from rain and dew by the branches directly overhead, which will also baffle the light of a fire. It's a trivial matter to sweep out the old bones and sharp oak leaves to set a fire and gather some pine needles to make an almost-luxurious soft place to roll out your blankets. You're glad to have stopped early to find a spot; just about the only way to have found this in the dark would have been to fall in.
OOC:
One additional advantage to stopping (slightly) early is that you have more time to rest. Do you want to take a short rest for applying healer's kit applications and rolling hit dice (if still available), followed by the long rest to regain hit dice? Doing so would not add any delay before setting out tomorrow.

Aanbo (27/27)
Chase (14/14)
Myrtha (17/18)
Theran (5/13)

Rolls

Mysterious roll - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Mar 13, 2025 2:48 pm
Once they begin to settle in for the night, Theran will draw the power from the forest around them into himself, using the vitality of nature to bolster his own vitality.
OOC:
Burning the spell slot(s). They replenish, but healers kits cost coin.

Does anyone else need some healing? Theran has one slot left.
Last edited March 13, 2025 2:50 pm

Rolls

Cure Wounds - (1d8+3)

(5) + 3 = 8

Mar 13, 2025 3:49 pm
OOC:
I suggest a short rest so that I can restore Myrtha's missing hit point, assuming Myrtha has hit dice to spend before the long rest.
Mar 13, 2025 8:49 pm
Chase will get the fire going and then roasting the boar meat so the can eat and stow some. After they cook enough for the meal Chase will improvise a smoker and smoke the rest before they head out in the morning."I will take whatever watch y'all don't want I am not picky."
OOC:
I am good on hps and can take extra watch if need be.
Mar 13, 2025 10:10 pm
"We should probably have two to a watch... that means just two watches," Theran suggests as he warms himself by the fire.

"Maybe everything that happened in town has me on edge, but I'd feel safer with a second set of eyes at all times. At least till we are considerably further away..."

As he talks, his eyes wander back the direction they were fleeing from. And yes... he might hate to admit it, but they were fleeing. They could rationalize it however they wanted, but the simple truth was they had been sent packing. Whatever was going on was far bigger than the four of them...
Mar 13, 2025 10:30 pm
"This is one of the best and secure camp sights I have ever found. I think we are safe enough but that is up to y'all. I will set some trips and a warning bell." Chase will head to the entrance of the sight and rig up some trip wires and an early warning system. He always carries a small bell with him to rig up so he will be wakened when tripped. Chase is a very light sleeper and recognizes out of place noises. His senses have been honed for this with his time as a Warden. A lot of time spent it the woods on his own searching for and neutralizing threats to his homeland back in Agaden Reach.
Last edited March 13, 2025 10:31 pm
Mar 13, 2025 10:47 pm
Aanbo considers the options as he stretches out his shoulders from the transport of the travois. "I understand Theran's concern," he finally says. "With just the three of us still close to Orlane, it's very risky. However, I also believe we will be less effective if we sacrifice our rest to maintain alertness. I think we may have to chance a solo watch for tonight. If Chase can set up some kind of warning system, even a simple one, that might give us enough time to prepare if we are ambushed."
Mar 14, 2025 3:34 pm
The party settles down after Chase sets up his bell alert with a spool of thread. Then the ranger begins work on preparing the haunches of pork he took from the butchered boars. One he sets up to cook over the fire, and asks the others to keep turning it as he turns to creating a chimney and rack for smoking the rest of the meat. As he works on this project, night falls completely, and the Dim Forest becomes completely dark around them. Knowing that building a more durable smoker would take too long for the mud to dry, Chase instead wanders off into the darkness, finds soft sod with various grasses, and cuts "bricks" of it to bring back to the camp. Chase makes several trips, appearing out of the darkness and then disappearing again, stepping carefully over his threads.

Under his direction, the others pitch in and help cut the meat off of the remaining haunches in long strips. They hang these on the rack made of green branches, which Chase perches over the fire. He then begins to build a dome out of the sod, taking a break for everyone to eat the cooked pork haunch before he covers the fire completely. Soon enough, everyone is getting ready to rest, with the person(s) on watch tasked with also feeding some fuel into the dome periodically.
OOC:
Each person can rest now, and the cooked pork suffices: you do not need to eat rations for this rest (unless you decide that your character doesn't eat pork). I didn't see confirmation about Myrtha spending her one hit die, so Aanbo shouldn't decrement a healer's kit use unless @matmaisan decides to roll the hit die for the one hit point. The night passes, and each PC gains the benefit of a long rest (restore up to half your hit dice, prepare spells, restore spells slots/ki points, etc).

Aanbo (27/27)
Chase (14/14)
Myrtha (17/18)
Theran (13/13)

Rolls

? - (1d8)

(3) = 3

Mar 14, 2025 4:29 pm
During his part of the vigil, Aanbo spent some time quietly seeing to Reptile's body. He applied an herbal salve to the wounds to stave off intrusion from flies and other insects and ensured that the hair was free of entanglements and lice. His monastery was somewhat self-sufficient and that included the care of the deceased, though Aanbo wasn't sure if either Reptile or Myrtha would appreciate his gestures; thus he kept his administration very simple towards a more-practical application rather than cultural.

As the sky lightened with the dawn, Aanbo resumed his meditation of earth and stone, digging his bare feet into the dirt and thumbing through his prayer beads. This time, he mixed ash from the fire with his fistful of soil to cast upon his own shoulders.

When the group is ready to move, Aanbo once again volunteers to pull the travois. "Reptile is still a Dungeon Buster, and we will always carry our companions with us."
OOC:
Probably doesn't make that much of a difference, but hopefully Aanbo's increased speed might help with transporting Reptile and not slow us down too much.
Last edited March 14, 2025 4:33 pm
Mar 14, 2025 5:24 pm
Theran will lay a hand on Myrtha, a touch of natural energy flowing between them. He is alert on watch, focused on sounds more than what he can see.

Beyond that, he will take his time meditating to commune with the forest as it shelters them.
OOC:
Using my last spell slot to just heal Myrtha's single point of damage. Not rolling, because I can't heal less than 4 points.
Last edited March 14, 2025 6:56 pm
Mar 14, 2025 6:49 pm
Myrtha busied herself with the numerous tasks at hand as they became obvious. She gave Chase’s traps a wide berth, so as to not trigger any of them unwittingly. At that point she focused her attention on assisting in the preservation of the boar meat, and the grilling of their evening meal.

When Aanbo began tending to Reptile’s body, the flan warrior observed quietly, from a respectful distance. She was obviously curious and would lend a hand, if asked to help. She obviously had no strong opinions in the matter of funerary rites, but she seemed moved by Aanbo’s gestures of care. It was obvious to her companions that Myrtha had seen death up close in the past, but it was also clear that the loss of their former companion hurt in a more personal manner.

Before getting ready to sleep she spoke briefly to her companions. "I’m happy I can count on you, friends. We make a good team. We faced great difficulty in Orlane, but we held together and found our way out . I thank you for what you’ve done for me, and for Reptile. I’m sure that as he crosses the Last Plain, on his way to the valley of silence, he takes good memories of us all, and of the worthy fight he gave his life for. Go in peace, Wanderer," she concluded, before falling silent.
OOC:
Sorry folks, been crushed by work the last three days. Myrtha would use a hit die during the short rest and would recover it after the long rest. But if Theran were to offer magical healing, she would gladly accept.

Myrtha would definitely want to share in the pulling of the travois, even if she’d be slower than Aanbo.
Mar 15, 2025 2:37 am
After a good and quiet night Chase will pack up the smoked strips and pack them away. He recover his string and bell and get ready to move on."We should make good time today as long as we don't run into any more boars or such. With this smoked boar we can eat on the move." He will move out to scout ahead. Before he heads out though he will look at Myrtha"Reptile will always be remembered by the the Busters. But especially by our group
Mar 16, 2025 4:30 pm
The group prepares to take advantage of all the daylight, beginning to stow the meat, pack up bedrolls, retrieve the bell, and heft the travois, when Theran hisses at everyone to be quiet - he's heard something. Everyone halts, listening, and then they can all hear it, too: a low grunting noise that accompanies the sort of rustling, crackling noise that the party knows from a day of moving Reptile's body. It's the sound of something heavy being dragged across the forest floor. In their hidden campsite, the party is unnoticed. They peer out over the lip of the depression and see something in the distance. It's still false dawn, so there's enough light to make out shapes but not details. At the edge of their vision, they see four humanoid shapes moving through the forest, one of them dragging a bundle on the ground behind it. It's almost like a bizarre version of the party themselves. The heroes look at each other silently. This new group is dragging something east through the forest. In a few more moments, they - whoever they are - will be gone without ever being aware of the heroes' presence.
Mar 16, 2025 5:43 pm
Aanbo whispers, "They travel towards Orlane. If they are innocent travelers, we must warn them about the town and advise they seek an alternate route. If they are not so innocent, whatever is in that bundle might be better off not reaching its destination, like how the Jarls nearly suffered in the hands of Jonbon."

He considers the terrain. "Maybe I can intercept them from the east and gain their attention. You two can approach their flank and, if they prove hostile, attack from the side."
Last edited March 16, 2025 5:44 pm
Mar 16, 2025 5:51 pm
Chase will nod"Sounds like a good plan." Chase will leave everything at the camp sight except his spear and bow and quiver. He will find a good place to shoot from then lean his spear against the tree. That way he can drop his bow and grab his spear and charge in if need be.
Mar 16, 2025 6:44 pm
"You’re with me Theran? We flank them, yes?"

Myrtha readied her shield and sword, checked her handaxes were ready for use, and prepared to step out of their well-protected camp, sparing a last look at their fallen comrade left behind.
Last edited March 16, 2025 6:47 pm
Mar 16, 2025 7:08 pm
OOC:
My bad, I meant to say "you three approach their flank."
Aanbo nods and proceeds to intercept the group. He takes a roundabout path to try and head them off.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Mar 16, 2025 8:44 pm
"Sure thing. Let's get going," Theran says as he stands, using his foot to kick some more dirt over the remnants of their fire. With staff in hand he leaves his other gear with Reptile and follows Chase and Myrtha.
Mar 17, 2025 7:12 pm
As Aanbo rushes to get ahead of the half-seen group, he steps on a pile of leaves that concealed a fallen branch, which cracks loudly, which can't help to attract attention of any hearing creature.

Coming up behind them, the other three - Chase, Myrtha, Theran - should roll DEX (Stealth) checks as well, and roll with ADV because Aanbo is inadvertently serving as a distraction (which means a straight roll for Myrtha).
Mar 17, 2025 7:33 pm
OOC:
Sneaky, sneaky...

Rolls

Stealth (DEX) - (2d20H1)

(1316) = 16

Mar 18, 2025 10:12 am
Despite her bulky armor, Aanbo’s unfortunate misstep increased the odds that Myrtha might traverse the forest silently.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Mar 18, 2025 11:31 am
As Chase moves to spot he picked out he hears a loud crack coming from Aanbo's direction. He is now on high alert. Chase will quickly get to his spot put down the spear and ready his bow.
OOC:
I went ahead and rerolled for my mistake of rolling three dice.
Last edited March 18, 2025 11:32 am

Rolls

Stealth check w/adv - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (13) + 5 = 18

1d20+5 : (6) + 5 = 11

Mar 18, 2025 8:09 pm
Trying to get in front of the group, Aanbo has to detour around some upthrust boulders. As he steps on the branch, he looks up and sees two things: that the humanoid figures are more green-scaled reptilian people, and that they see him just as he sees them.

Myrtha clanks along with much-quieter Chase and Theran behind the group of humanoids, slowly catching up until they can see what the troglodytes are dragging: what appears to be a captive person bound hand and foot. Whether the person is alive or dead is unclear. The troglodytes hear Aanbo's crunching and Myrtha's clanking, so there is no surprise. They drop their captive (much as the party left Reptile) and prepare to fight.

https://i.imgur.com/YDM0o6c.jpeg
Note: the big rocks toward the bottom of the map are boulders that block line of sight (they're about 7' tall) and could provide cover, but can be climbed onto for a higher vantage point.
OOC:
Everyone, please roll initiative.
Mar 18, 2025 8:11 pm
The troglodytes Terry and Tommy whirl to face Chase, Myrtha, and Theran.

The troglodytes Trevor and Ted are focused on Aanbo.

Rolls

Terry and Tommy initiative - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Trevor and Ted initiative - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Secret Roll

Mar 18, 2025 8:22 pm
Chase being ready will have an arrow nocked and ready for his target to clear. He sees that they not only heard Aanbo but also Mrytha. As two turn them he is hoping to get shots before they close the whole distance. Maybe close range shots before turning to his spear.
Last edited March 18, 2025 8:26 pm

Rolls

initiative - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Mar 18, 2025 8:33 pm
Aanbo remembers the battle against the troglodyte at the farm, and prepares a cloth to wrap around his nose and mouth.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Mar 18, 2025 8:34 pm
"More of these foul creatures," Theran mutters, shifting his grip on his staff so one end is jutting forward.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Mar 19, 2025 11:24 am
"Curses!" Myrtha exclaims when she is noticed by the trogs.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Mar 19, 2025 2:49 pm
As the troglodytes whirl to face you, Myrtha and Theran act first. Note that Terry does NOT have cover from his captive; the body was being dragged on the ground.
[ +- ] Map repost
OOC:
@matmaisan and @MaJunior - please post your round one turns now.
Mar 19, 2025 3:17 pm
Theran will move towards the captive, drawing nature's wrath into his staff as he advances. Positioning himself next to the Trog, he takes a swing in an attempt to protect the intended victim.
OOC:
Moving five squares right and one up. Should put Theran in the space directly below Terry, diagonal from the captive.

Bonus action for Shillelagh, Action to attack.

Rolls

Attack (Staff - Shillelagh) - (1d20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Damage (Bludgeoning, Magic) - (1d8+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Mar 19, 2025 3:45 pm
Myrtha charged forward alongside Theran, her shield poised to defend her companion against any counter-attacks, as she reached a position next to the druid, she slashed with her heavy blade, and remained in a position was well poised to defend either the captive or the elf.
OOC:
Myrtha will move to the right of Tehran, in the square south of the captive and west of Theran so she can use her shield to protect one or the other from incoming attacks. @spaceseeker19, you can assume Myrtha will use her reaction to defend Theran if the druid would be hit.

Rolls

longsword to hit and damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3)

1d20+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

1d8+3 : (8) + 3 = 11

Mar 20, 2025 3:32 am
Round one
(this is followed by round two)

Myrtha rushes forward and slashes at the troglodyte Terry, but the monster dodges each swing. Coming up just behind her, Theran steps in and thwacks Terry with his thickened staff.
Terry takes 7 bludgeoning damage.
Terry tries to claw Theran, but Myrtha thrusts her shield in his face, giving Terry DISADV on his first attack. Irritated at Myrtha's interference, Terry turns on her with a bite attack and his second claw attack.
Seeing Theran's heavy blow, Tommy runs over to attack the druid, too, attacking with jaws and claws.
Ted and Trevor, meanwhile, remain focused on Aanbo. Ted rushes straight toward the monk, while Trevor jogs to the side and dives out of view into some thick underbrush.
[ +- ] The trogs attack, round one
Terry's claws rip into Theran!
Theran takes 3 slashing damage.
Terry snaps at Myrtha but misses.
Terry slashes Myrtha with a crit claw attack.
Myrtha takes 7 slashing damage.
Tommy slashes Theran for 3 damage, but his bite and second attack both miss.
Theran takes 3 more slashing damage.
Aanbo dodges Ted's slashing claws, but he steps into the vicious teeth.
Aanbo is bitten for 5 piercing damage.

Chase exhales slowly and releases the taut bowstring. The loosed arrow leaps across the Dim Forest and punches into Terry's neck.
Terry the Troglodyte takes 5 damage and falls, gurgling.

Choking from Ted's foul stench, Aanbo attempts to strike back at the malicious monster. At first his attacks are slow and ineffectual, but in the end he is able to kick Ted in the shoulder with a solid blow as the troglodyte is dodging his staff.
Ted takes 4 bludgeoning damage.
[ +- ] Trog fight, end of round one
This ends round one.
21 - Myrtha (10/18)
13 - Theran (7/13)
13 - Trogs Trevor (Hiding) and Ted (-4)
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (22/27)
Mar 20, 2025 3:38 am
Rolls for the trogs' round one turns

Terry's claws rip into Theran!
Theran takes 3 slashing damage.
Terry snaps at Myrtha but misses.
Terry slashes Myrtha with a crit claw attack.
Myrtha takes 7 slashing damage.
Tommy slashes Theran for 3 damage, but his bite and second attack both miss.
Theran takes 3 more slashing damage.
Aanbo dodges Ted's slashing claws, but he steps into the vicious teeth.
Aanbo is bitten for 5 piercing damage.

Rolls

Terry claw attack on Theran AC13, slashing damage on hit - (2d20l1+4, 1d4+2)

2d20l1+4 : (139) + 4 = 13

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Terry jaws attack on Myrtha AC18, piercing damage on hit - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Terry claw attack on Myrtha AC18, slashing damage on hit - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (20) + 4 = 24

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Tommy claw attack 1 on Theran AC13, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (18) + 4 = 22

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Tommy jaws attack on Theran AC13, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Tommy claw attack 2 on Theran AC13, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (7) + 4 = 11

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Ted claw attack 1 on Aanbo AC15, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (6) + 4 = 10

1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Ted jaws attack on Aanbo AC15, piercing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (17) + 4 = 21

1d4+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

Ted claw attack 2 on Aanbo AC15, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (10) + 4 = 14

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Trevor attempt to Hide - (2d20+2)

(166) + 2 = 24

Crit damage on Myrtha - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Mar 20, 2025 3:49 am
round one, continued
OOC:
@mathias0077 and @CancerMan - it is now time for Chase and Aanbo to post their round one turns.
Aanbo must start his turn with a CON saving throw, due to the trog stench. Myrtha and Theran will need to do this on their next turns, too, if they remain adjacent to a living troglodyte.
Note: Trevor has hidden pretty well; if anyone wants to look for him or foil his attempt to hide, they can roll a Perception check to try to watch where he went (get a 24 or better). Though there are other things demanding your attention, you all have line of sight on Trevor when he started the move to Hide to attempt this.
21 - Myrtha (10/18)
13 - Theran (7/13)
13 - Trogs Trevor and Ted
12 - Trogs Terry (-7) and Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (22/27)
Mar 20, 2025 5:16 am
Aanbo realizes that his meager scrap of cloth does little to block out the troglodyte's stench; he'll have to think of a better method should he survive! His meditation is literally bitten out of him as Ted sinks their teeth into his body, and Aanbo reacts the best way he can by trying to punch his way out of the situation.
OOC:
Action: Quarterstaff 2H attack
Bonus Action: Spend 1 ki point for Flurry of Blows

Rolls

Constitution save - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Quarterstaff 2H to hit vs Ted, Bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

1d20+4 : (6) + 4 = 10

1d8+2 : (8) + 2 = 10

Flurry of Blows to hit, Bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (7) + 4 = 11

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Flurry of Blows to hit, Bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

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

1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Mar 20, 2025 5:45 am
CancerMan says:
Action: Quarterstaff 2H attack
Bonus Action: Spend 1 ki point for Flurry of Blows
OOC:
@CancerMan - A 7 would fail the CON save...but Aanbo has dwarven resilience. So roll another 1d20+2 for the ADV on the save.

The DC is 12. If, after the additional roll, Aanbo still failed the CON save, and that means that Aanbo will be Poisoned. If Aanbo's Poisoned, that means Aanbo's attacks have DISADV. Aanbo's already missed with the staff attack, but for the unarmed attacks, I'm going to let you choose. You can:
a) use the 11 and 16 as the DISADV roll for the first attack (so it will miss), then roll 2d20l1+4 for your second attack.
or
b) roll a second roll for the first attack (which is going to miss, with an 11), and roll a second roll for the second attack (which will hit if the second roll is equal or higher than 16).

If Aanbo's Poisoned, choose one, then make the rolls.
Mar 20, 2025 5:50 am
OOC:
If it's poison, Aanbo has advantage on saves.

If I still fail, I will also apply the 11 and 16 to the first unarmed strike and roll another set of 2d20L1.

EDIT: As he has succeeded, I'll take the 11 and 16 as two separate rolls, and only the 16 hits.
Last edited March 20, 2025 5:51 am

Rolls

Constitution save advantage - (1d20+2)

(11) + 2 = 13

Mar 20, 2025 7:53 am
Chase will sight down Terry, breath in, aim, breath out , release, repeat.

Rolls

to hit, damage - (1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d8+3piercing, 1d8+3piercing)

1d20+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

1d20+5 : (12) + 5 = 17

1d8+3piercing : (2) + 3 = 5

1d8+3piercing : (5) + 3 = 8

Mar 20, 2025 9:08 pm
mathias0077 says:
Chase will sight down Terry, breath in, aim, breath out , release, repeat.
OOC:
@mathias0077 - Just to clarify: you're spending your Inspiration to roll Chase's attack with ADV, correct?
Mar 21, 2025 2:12 am
round one, continued...

Chase exhales slowly and releases the taut bowstring. The loosed arrow leaps across the Dim Forest and punches into Terry's neck.
Terry the Troglodyte takes 5 damage and falls, gurgling.

Choking from Ted's foul stench, Aanbo attempts to strike back at the malicious monster. At first his attacks are slow and ineffectual, but in the end he is able to kick Ted in the shoulder with a solid blow as the troglodyte is dodging his staff.
Ted takes 4 bludgeoning damage.
[ +- ] Trog fight, end of round one
This ends round one.
OOC:
@matmaisan and @MaJunior - you can post your round two turns now.

21 - Myrtha (10/18)
13 - Theran (7/13)
13 - Trogs Trevor (Hiding) and Ted (-4)
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (22/27)
Mar 21, 2025 2:31 am
Theran realizes he doesn't have time to bleed... the trog that moved up to him was an immediate threat.
OOC:
Swinging at Tommy.
Using Halo of Spores as a Reaction. Rolling his save, but not sure what his CON Modifier is.

Rolls

Attack (Staff - Shillelagh) - (1d20+5)

(2) + 5 = 7

Damage (Bludgeoning, Magic) - (1d8+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Tommy's CON Save - DC 13 - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Damage (Necrotic) - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Mar 21, 2025 10:50 am
Myrtha cries in pain as Terry's vicious claws ripped her flesh under the heavy armor she wore. She cursed as she felt blood starting to flow over her skin, the smell of iron filling her nostrils. As she prepared a counter-attack, Chase's arrow downed the first troglodyte, so she shifted her attention to Tommy, who managed to strike at Theran. In an instant, her mind refocused, an the pain faded somewhat as the warrior pressed the attack against Tommy.
OOC:
Movement = step NE over Terry's corpse, and then E to engage Tommy (she will continue to use her reaction to deflect attacks targeting Theran)
Bonus action = second wind
Action = longsword attack

Rolls

Second wind HP recovery - (1D10+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

longsword to hit and damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3)

1d20+5 : (12) + 5 = 17

1d8+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

Mar 21, 2025 2:46 pm
Round two
(this was preceded by round one, followed by round three)

Myrtha catches her breath (Myrtha regains 8 HP with Second Wind) and then moves to attack Tommy. The troglodyte is so focused on Theran that it does not see the warrior woman's approach until her sword is biting into its side.
Tommy takes 8 slashing damage.
Theran attacks with his staff and activates his spore cloud, but fails to hit Tommy and the troglodyte withstands the fungal attack (Tommy's CON mod is +2).
[ +- ] Myrtha and Theran attack Tommy
Tommy swipes at Theran with one clawed hand; Myrtha defends her companion. The warrior's efforts pay off, and Tommy misses.
Tommy then turns and attacks Myrtha with claws and jaws. Myrtha dodges the claws and shrugs off the troglodyte when its bite fails to pierce her armor.
Ted attacks Aanbo with claws, jaws, and claws again. Aanbo easily dodges the first attack, narrowly escapes the bite, but then is caught by the follow-up slash.
Aanbo takes 4 slashing damage.
Erupting out of the bushes, Trevor attacks Aanbo from the rear with a bite! The jaws sink into his shoulder.
Aanbo takes 5 piercing damage!
The sneaky troglodyte then continues with two slashing claw attacks on the Earthshaker monk.
Shocked by the sudden attack, Aanbo doesn't dodge fast enough, and is hit by both savage attacks!
Aanbo takes 9 slashing damage!
[ +- ] Aanbo gets sandwiched
Chase rushes to get eyes on Aanbo. As soon as he sees that the monk is beset by the other troglodytes, the ranger nocks, draws, and looses an arrow that wings past Ted's head.
Using that distraction, Aanbo strikes Ted with his staff.
Ted takes 3 bludgeoning damage.
Aanbo then calls upon his years of physical training to disengage and run over to join the others (ducking between Chase and Myrtha).
[ +- ] Aanbo rejoins the others

21 - Myrtha (18/18)
13 - Theran (7/13)
13 - Trogs Trevor and Ted (-7)
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy (-8)
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (4/27)
Mar 21, 2025 2:55 pm
round two, continued...

Tommy swipes at Theran with one clawed hand; Myrtha defends her companion. The warrior's efforts pay off, and Tommy misses.
Tommy then turns and attacks Myrtha with claws and jaws. Myrtha dodges the claws and shrugs off the troglodyte when its bite fails to pierce her armor.
Ted attacks Aanbo with claws, jaws, and claws again. Aanbo easily dodges the first attack, narrowly escapes the bite, but then is caught by the follow-up slash.
Aanbo takes 4 slashing damage.
Erupting out of the bushes, Trevor attacks Aanbo from the rear with a bite! The jaws sink into his shoulder.
Aanbo takes 5 piercing damage!
The sneaky troglodyte then continues with two slashing claw attacks on the Earthshaker monk.
Shocked by the sudden attack, Aanbo doesn't dodge fast enough, and is hit by both savage attacks!
Aanbo takes 9 slashing damage!
[ +- ] Aanbo gets sandwiched
OOC:
@CancerMan @mathias0077 It is now time to take the round two turns for Chase and Aanbo.

21 - Myrtha (18/18)
13 - Theran (7/13)
13 - Trogs Trevor and Ted (-4)
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy (-8)
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (4/27)

Rolls

Tommy claw attack on Theran AC13 (DISADV from Myrtha), slashing damage - (2d20l1+4, 1d4+2)

2d20l1+4 : (216) + 4 = 6

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Tommy bite attack on Myrtha AC18, piercing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (7) + 4 = 11

1d4+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

Tommy claw attack on Myrtha AC18, piercing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Ted claw 1 attack on Aanbo AC15, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (7) + 4 = 11

1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Ted bite attack on Aanbo AC15, piercing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (10) + 4 = 14

1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Ted claw 2 attack on Aanbo AC15, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (15) + 4 = 19

1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Trevor bite attack from hiding on Aanbo AC15, piercing damage - (2d20h1+4, 1d4+2)

2d20h1+4 : (119) + 4 = 15

1d4+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

Trevor claw 1 attack on Aanbo AC15, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (14) + 4 = 18

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Trevor claw 2 attack on Aanbo AC15, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

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

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Mar 21, 2025 3:51 pm
Aanbo winces, hurt hard by the two troglodytes. He begins to react instead of think, more interested in avoiding future attacks instead of applying tactical strikes. He swats at Ted with his staff before ducking down and slipping past the sharp claws to rejoin his companions.

"I think they heard me," he deadpans, smiling through bloodied teeth.
OOC:
Action: Quarterstaff vs Ted
Bonus Action: 1 ki point to Disengage!
Movement: 35 feet to the square north of Myrtha.

Rolls

Quarterstaff 2H to hit Ted, Bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

1d20+4 : (8) + 4 = 12

1d8+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Mar 21, 2025 5:16 pm
Chase will grab his spear move swiftly 9 squares east up and around the scrum with Mythra and Theran and drop the spear set and draw and take a shot at Ted. With all this happening so fast Chase doesn't get set right and misses Ted. Hopefully it distracted him enough to buy Aanbo sometime.
OOC:
I am sure I can't see Aanbo and the trogs from where I am. If I can somehow I would take a shot at Trevor.
Last edited March 21, 2025 5:19 pm

Rolls

to hit, damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3piercing)

1d20+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

1d8+3piercing : (1) + 3 = 4

Mar 21, 2025 7:35 pm
round two, completed

Chase rushes to get eyes on Aanbo. As soon as he sees that the monk is beset by the other troglodytes, the ranger nocks, draws, and looses an arrow that wings past Ted's head.
Using that distraction, Aanbo strikes Ted with his staff.
Ted takes 3 bludgeoning damage.
Aanbo then calls upon his years of physical training to disengage and run over to join the others (ducking between Chase and Myrtha).
[ +- ] Aanbo rejoins the others
OOC:
Congratulations! We've completed a round of combat in one day! Round three begins next with Myrtha and Theran.

21 - Myrtha (18/18)
13 - Theran (7/13)
13 - Trogs Trevor and Ted (-7)
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy (-8)
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (4/27)
Mar 21, 2025 8:38 pm
The stench of the reptilien abomination threatens to over power Myrtha’s senses, but her regained focus allons her to power through the olfactory assault. She presses the attack against Tommy, hoping to dispatch the creature swiftly. Unfortunately, the creature’s rubbery hide had her blade bouncing off the troglodyte’s body ineffectually. At that moment she saw Aanbo approaching with great speed, and she cried out: "Get behind me!"
OOC:
Movement= none as long as both Theran and Aanbo are within 5ft of her (Myrtha will focus on protecting the battered monk this turn, unless she sees he is not attacked).
Action= failed melee attack;
Bonus action = n/a.
Last edited March 21, 2025 8:50 pm

Rolls

Constitution save vs dc12 - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

longsword to hit, damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3)

1d20+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

1d8+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

Mar 21, 2025 8:46 pm
Having realized Aanbo had been brutalized, and realizing the trogs who had attacked his teammate would be following his teammate, Theran slipped past Myrtha to be closer to the injured monk. "We're going to need you to stay with us," the Druid tells him, resting a hand on the shoulder of his friend before a surge of nature's bounty rushes into the Dwarf.
OOC:
Moving up/right into (and through) Myrtha's space, then one space to the right so Theran is next to Myrtha and diagonal to both Aanbo and Tommy.

This should keep Theran from leaving Tommy's thrrat range and provoking an AoO.

Casting Cure Wounds on Aanbo, and a reactionary use of Halo of Spores on Tommy at the beginning of Tommy's turn.

Rolls

Cure Wounds - (1d8+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

CON Save (Tommy, DC 13) - (1d20+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Damage (Necrotic) - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Mar 22, 2025 2:56 am
OOC:
@MaJunior - Tommy failed the Spore Cloud CON save, but Theran also needs to make a CON save (DC12) to withstand the stench of the troglodytes.
Mar 22, 2025 3:30 am
OOC:
Turnabout, something something...

Rolls

CON Save - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Mar 23, 2025 4:41 pm
Round three
(this was preceded by round two, followed by round four)

Injured Aanbo has just raced to join the others.
"Get behind me!" Myrtha tells Aanbo and attempts to keep Tommy at bay with her sword, but the monster's scales turn her blade aside.
Never taking his eyes off of the murderous troglodyte Tommy, Theran moves quickly to Aanbo's side. Risking a glance at Aanbo, Theran says "We're going to need you to stay with us" with a smile as he rests a hand on the shoulder of his friend. A surge of nature's bounty coalesces in the druid and rushes into the dwarf.
Theran casts Cure Wounds and Aanbo regains 5 HP.
[ +- ] Theran heals Aanbo
Drawn by the flashing blade, troglodyte Tommy turns its attention to Myrtha, attacking her with claws and jaws!
Only one slash gets past her defenses, however.
Myrtha takes 3 slashing damage.
Troglodyte Ted rushes after Aanbo and finds Theran standing in its way. It slashes at the druid with a claw in passing, and then arrives next to Aanbo to attack with claw and a bite!
Theran takes 3 slashing damage as he is attacked from behind!
Pleased with its ingenuity, troglodyte Trevor ducks behind the rocks to Hide. However, the lichen on the rocks is a different color than its scales, and the monster is easy to spot.
[ +- ] The Trogs keep coming
Chase pulls another arrow from the quiver, nocks it, draws, and sights down the shaft at troglodyte Ted, who has moved to almost point blank range. As the monster rears back to strike at Aanbo again, the ranger releases the string, and the arrow leaps from the bow and lodges in Ted's throat.
Troglodye Ted takes 7 piercing damage and falls back, dead.
Aanbo is already moving as the troglodyte drops, rolling to the side and springing up to strike Tommy with a solid blow in the head from his quarterstaff.
Troglodyte Tommy takes 9 bludgeoning damage. The monster staggers, sways side to side, and then collapses, dead.
[ +- ] Three down, one to go

21 - Myrtha (15/18) unaffected by stench
13 - Theran (4/13) unaffected by stench
13 - Trogs Trevor, Ted
12 - Trogs Terry Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (9/27) unaffected by stench
Mar 23, 2025 4:53 pm
Round three, continued...

Drawn by the flashing blade, troglodyte Tommy turns its attention to Myrtha, attacking her with claws and jaws!
Only one slash gets past her defenses, however.
Myrtha takes 3 slashing damage.
Troglodyte Ted rushes after Aanbo and finds Theran standing in its way. It slashes at the druid with a claw in passing, and then arrives next to Aanbo to attack with claw and a bite!
Theran takes 3 slashing damage as he is attacked from behind!
Pleased with its ingenuity, troglodyte Trevor ducks behind the rocks to Hide. However, the lichen on the rocks is a different color than its scales, and the monster is easy to spot.

https://i.imgur.com/kq6vQOm.png
OOC:
It is now time for Chase and Aanbo's turns for round three.

21 - Myrtha (15/18) unaffected by stench
13 - Theran (4/13) unaffected by stench
13 - Trogs Trevor and Ted (-7)
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy (-8)
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (9/27) unaffected by stench

Rolls

Tommy claw 1 attack on Myrtha AC18, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (6) + 4 = 10

1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Tommy bite attack on Myrtha AC18, piercing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (14) + 4 = 18

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Tommy claw 2 attack on Myrtha AC18, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (1) + 4 = 5

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Ted claw attack on Theran AC13, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (15) + 4 = 19

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Ted bite attack on Aanbo AC15 (DISADV from Myrtha's defense), piercing damage - (2d20l1+4, 1d4+2)

2d20l1+4 : (95) + 4 = 9

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Ted claw 2 attack on Aanbo AC15, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (8) + 4 = 12

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Trevor tries to Hide - (2d20h1+2)

(65) + 2 = 8

Mar 23, 2025 5:45 pm
Chase sees Ted dash up to continue attacking Aanbo. With arrow already nocked and drawn he will aim at Ted inhale, relax, exhale, and loose.
OOC:
I don't know if there are any extra pluses with him being closer but further than 5 ft.
Last edited March 23, 2025 5:46 pm

Rolls

to hit, damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3piercing)

1d20+5 : (10) + 5 = 15

1d8+3piercing : (4) + 3 = 7

Mar 23, 2025 10:43 pm
Aanbo calls out a warning to Theran, but his words are cut short as the troglodyte attacks. The monk attempts to retaliate and protect his friend with a two-handed thrust with this staff and a sweep of his leg to try and cut his opponent down.
OOC:
Action: 2H quarterstaff vs Ted
Bonus Action: Unarmed strike vs Ted.

Note, if Ted was dispatched by Chase, Aanbo will maneuver around Myrtha to apply the attacks against Tommy.

Rolls

Quarterstaff 2H to hit, bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

1d20+4 : (9) + 4 = 13

1d8+2 : (7) + 2 = 9

Unarmed Strike to hit, bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (6) + 4 = 10

1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Mar 23, 2025 11:38 pm
Round three, completed.

Chase pulls another arrow from the quiver, nocks it, draws, and sights down the shaft at troglodyte Ted, who has moved to almost point blank range. As the monster rears back to strike at Aanbo again, the ranger releases the string, and the arrow leaps from the bow and lodges in Ted's throat.
Troglodye Ted takes 7 piercing damage and falls back, dead.
Aanbo is already moving as the troglodyte drops, rolling to the side and springing up to strike Tommy with a solid blow in the head from his quarterstaff.
Troglodyte Tommy takes 9 bludgeoning damage. The monster staggers, sways side to side, and then collapses, dead.

https://i.imgur.com/nWytETk.png
OOC:
This ends round three. Only one troglodyte remains: Trevor. Myrtha and Theran can post their round four turns.

21 - Myrtha (15/18) unaffected by stench
13 - Theran (4/13) unaffected by stench
13 - Trogs Trevor, Ted
12 - Trogs Terry Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (9/27) unaffected by stench
Mar 24, 2025 12:59 pm
Trusting that the more copetent combatants will handle the last Trog, Theran instead moves towards their prey. "Don't let him escape!" The idea that encouragement never hurt crossed Therans mind as he moved to see what condition the captive is in.

"I'm Theran. Looks like we're rescuing you."
Mar 24, 2025 8:17 pm
Myrtha rushes off around the nearby rocks to engage the last remaining troglodyte, trying to run him through with her heavy blade.
OOC:
I believe Myrtha can reach the trog with 30ft speed.

Rolls

longsword to hit, damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3)

1d20+5 : (11) + 5 = 16

1d8+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Mar 25, 2025 5:59 am
Round four
(this was preceded by round three, followed by round five)

Myrtha rushes around the upthrust boulders and slashes at troglodyte Trevor with her bloody longsword. Trevor is clearly startled that she was able to see him!
Trevor takes 5 slashing damage.
"Don't let him escape!" Theran urges the others. Then the druid bends down to examine the gagged and bound person. It's a male human, and he appears injured but alive... "I'm Theran. Looks like we're rescuing you." Theran smiles reassuringly as he puts a gentle hand on the prisoner. But the man has passed out.

His companions dead and (apparently) unable to hide, faced by an implacable mountain of a woman with a deadly blade, troglodyte Trevor snarls and throws himself at Myrtha, attacking with a whirlwind of claws and jaws...
Myrtha is able to dodge the first two attacks, and the third scrapes uselessly on her armor.

https://i.imgur.com/G574EQc.png

Chase runs to the side to get a clear shot at the troglodyte around the boulders, pulling and nocking an arrow as he goes. As soon as he can see the enemy, Chase draws the bow to his chin and looses the arrow, which narrowly misses Trevor's shoulder and disappears into the forest behind him.
Aanbo bounds up onto the boulder and scrabbles across the top of it to leap down on the other side with a staff attack. Trevor steps aside and the dwarf ends up behind him. Aanbo kicks behind himself as he comes to a stop, and his foot catches Trevor in the back of the leg.
Trevor takes 3 bludgeoning damage.

https://i.imgur.com/ROPl7G6.png
21 - Myrtha (15/18) unaffected by stench
13 - Theran (4/13) unaffected by stench
13 - Trogs Trevor (-8) and Ted
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (9/27) unaffected by stench
Mar 25, 2025 6:05 am
Round four, continued...

His companions dead and (apparently) unable to hide, faced by an implacable mountain of a woman with a deadly blade, troglodyte Trevor snarls and throws himself at Myrtha, attacking with a whirlwind of claws and jaws...
Myrtha is able to dodge the first two attacks, and the third scrapes uselessly on her armor.
OOC:
@mathias0077 @CancerMan - it is now time for Chase's and Aanbo's round four turns.
https://i.imgur.com/G574EQc.png
21 - Myrtha (15/18) unaffected by stench
13 - Theran (4/13) unaffected by stench
13 - Trogs Trevor (-5) and Ted
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (9/27) unaffected by stench

Rolls

Trevor claw 1 attack on Myrtha AC18, slashing damage on hit - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (1) + 4 = 5

1d4+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

Trevor bite attack on Myrtha AC18, piercing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

1d4+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Trevor claw 2 attack on Myrtha AC18, slashing damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (8) + 4 = 12

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Mar 25, 2025 7:37 am
After seeing the trog attack Myrtha, Chase will draw and shoot at the remaining trog.

Rolls

to hit, damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3piercing)

1d20+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

1d8+3piercing : (3) + 3 = 6

Mar 25, 2025 1:02 pm
Aanbo hustles after Myrtha to support her in the battle. He attempts to slip around strike from behind, kicking out at the troglodyte's hip before swinging his quarterstaff in an overhead strike.
OOC:
Movement: End up one square south of Trevor.
Action: Quarterstaff 2H vs Trevor
Bonus Action: Unarmed strike vs Trevor.

Rolls

Quarterstaff 2H to hit, Bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d8+2)

1d20+4 : (5) + 4 = 9

1d8+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

Unarmed Strike to hit, Bludgeoning damage - (1d20+4, 1d4+2)

1d20+4 : (16) + 4 = 20

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

Mar 25, 2025 3:27 pm
Round four, completed

Chase runs to the side to get a clear shot at the troglodyte around the boulders, pulling and nocking an arrow as he goes. As soon as he can see the enemy, Chase draws the bow to his chin and looses the arrow, which narrowly misses Trevor's shoulder and disappears into the forest behind him.
Aanbo bounds up onto the boulder and scrabbles across the top of it to leap down on the other side with a staff attack. Trevor steps aside and the dwarf ends up behind him. Aanbo kicks behind himself as he comes to a stop, and his foot catches Trevor in the back of the leg.
Trevor takes 3 bludgeoning damage.

https://i.imgur.com/ROPl7G6.png
OOC:
This ends round four. Myrtha and Theran can begin round five.

21 - Myrtha (15/18) unaffected by stench
13 - Theran (4/13) unaffected by stench
13 - Trogs Trevor (-8) and Ted
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (9/27) unaffected by stench
Mar 25, 2025 3:34 pm
Theran will ungag the prisoner and use the vitality of nature to help the unconscious man.

Rolls

Cure Wounds - (1d8+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Mar 26, 2025 4:27 pm
OOC:
@matmaisan - what does Myrtha do on her turn?
Mar 26, 2025 10:20 pm
Myrtha will press her attack against the last troglodyte, hoping that her luck will hold until the adversaries have been defeated.
OOC:
Sorry, complicated day and couldn't post earlier.
Last edited March 26, 2025 10:21 pm

Rolls

longsword to hit and damage - (1d20+5, 1d8+3)

1d20+5 : (12) + 5 = 17

1d8+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

Mar 27, 2025 12:40 am
Round five
(this was preceded by round four)

Trevor the troglodyte staggers from Aanbo's kick, giving Myrtha all the opening she needs. Lunging forward, Myrtha whips her sword around in a tight circle, lopping off both of Trevor's clawed hands. She then brings the point up and pierces the troglodyte's chin, the blade sliding up and out the top of Trevor's head.
Trevor takes 9 slashing damage and dies.

This ends the combat. Each of the four PCs - Theran, Myrtha, Chase, and Aanbo - gain 50 more XP.

Knowing that the danger has passed, Theran is already tending to the captive. Drawing upon the power of the verdant growth of the Dim forest and the life force of the earth teeming with animal, fungal, and bacterial life below it, Theran directs a flow of healing energy into the man, who is fully healed as a result. "Wha...how...?" he mutters, then comes fully awake, sitting bolt upright in a moment of panic. Seeing Theran's kindly face, he relaxes a bit, and then his gaze falls upon the dead body of Terry the troglodyte right next to him. "Agh!" It takes him a few moments more for his body to catch up to what his mind has perceived: he has been rescued and is in no further danger. "Thank you," he says, standing and brushing off his torn and soil-streaked clothing as he moves a safe distance away from the corpses. "My name is Bradley. Thank you so much!"
21 - Myrtha (15/18)
13 - Theran (4/13)
13 - Trogs Trevor and Ted
12 - Trogs Terry and Tommy
5 - Chase (14/14)
3 - Aanbo (9/27)
Mar 27, 2025 12:51 am
"You are welcome. I am Theran, and these are my companions -- Aanbo, Myrtha, and Chase," Theran says, indicating each fellow Dungeon Buster in turn. "We assumed that was not a party you wished to be part of. We are escaping a town that seems to be inundated with numerous persons of questionable intent. Perhaps you'd care to join us in heading somewhere safer, Bradley?"
Mar 27, 2025 1:01 am
Aanbo takes a moment to catch his breath. "Everyone all right?" he asks. He looks down at Trevor's body to see if that familiar spiral symbol is tattooed on the chest or anywhere else.
Mar 27, 2025 7:40 am
Chase will ease himself after the tension of battle"Well done everyone." He will look at the other bodies to see if there are spiral markings or anything else like that.
Mar 27, 2025 2:08 pm
"Yes! I would be very grateful if you could take me back to Hochoch...of, if you're not headed that way, I could accompany you to Orlane...?" Bradley stammers. "You've already done so much for me! If you would just point the way, I could find the road myself."

Aanbo and Theran, examining the bodies, easily find the spiral scars on the bodies of the four troglodytes.
Mar 27, 2025 2:13 pm
"We were headed to Hochoch, so why don't you stay with us?" Theran says, offering the man a smile. "I believe we have some dried meat if you're hungry?"
Last edited March 27, 2025 2:27 pm
Mar 27, 2025 3:10 pm
Bradley agrees and eagerly scarfs down whatever food you are willing to supply. You find out that he is an artisan of Hochoch: a local barrel-maker. He was going to the woodman to pick up some lumber when the troglodytes jumped him a day and a half ago. The troglodytes bound him and took him into the forest and then into a hollow under some rocks, where they hid during the daylight hours. They'd beaten him when he tried to escape in the sunlight, and he'd been mostly unconscious until now.
OOC:
Group: is there anything else that you want to do here or conversation you want to have?
If so, by all means continue. I'm happy with the role-playing!
If not, I'll continue with the day's journey through the heart of the Dim Forest west to Hochoch.
Mar 27, 2025 3:42 pm
"A day and a half?" says Aanbo, concerned with how far Orlane's influence has gone. "What about the woodman, where does he reside? I think we should check on him in case these troglodytes went there, too."
Mar 27, 2025 11:15 pm
Chase will nod"Good call Aanbo. It is on the way also." Chase will give Bradly a smack on the back"Glad we could help but we are burning daylight." He will cinch up his gear"I will head out and scout a bit."
Mar 28, 2025 3:24 am
Aanbo also asks, "Bradley, were you alone when you visited the woodman?"
Mar 28, 2025 8:20 pm
Myrtha cleaned her blade and shield meticulously after the fight, in what seemed like a ritual developed to reach a state of calm after combat. She was happy that they had managed to deal with the four troglodytes. As Bradley came through and talking resumed, she only observed how far these marauders seemed to roam. But she did not develop her thoughts. As soon as Bradley seemed ready to resume walking, she headed back to their campsite and recovered the travois bearing their fallen comrade. She looked at Chase and simply stated "Lead the way, Chase."
Mar 29, 2025 5:25 am
Chase roved ahead, blazing the trail, and circling back occasionally to make sure that the rest of the group was not getting lost or bogged down. Myrtha dragged the travois with their dead friend, Reptile, and Aanbo and Theran engaged Bradley in further conversation as they went.
"Tym lives in town, but he has a number of huts that he uses when he's out timbering. I was getting low on barrel planks so I went out to find him, see if I could pay in advance for some of his stock before he brought it to market." Bradley explains about his process, demonstrating a regrettable tendency to talk in great, enthusiastic detail about the minutiae of a cooper's work. But Aanbo interrupts him before he can start in on the relative virtues of different kinds of wood for different liquids, by asking whether Bradley was alone when he went to find Tym. "Oh, yes, I was by myself. I went to the first shack, and he wasn't there. Tym moves from hut to hut, depending on which types of tree he's looking to harvest or plant. I went to check another one, and that's when the monsters jumped me."

As they talk, the party is making good time, following the path that Chase has blazed through the heart of the Dim Forest.
Mar 29, 2025 5:55 am
"Assuming the worst, are the huts in view of each other?" asks Aanbo, seeking a lay of the land. "Or, do you at least know where they all are?"
Mar 30, 2025 3:22 am
"No, and no," Bradley replied to Aanbo's questions. "He builds a hut for him to use in a part of the forest where he knows he is going to be harvesting trees; he doesn't have need for more than one hut in a given region; I know a few of them - the ones that I know are hours apart from each other. He watches the trees closely and judges when they're ready to cut." The cooper sighs. "I really don't even know which trees he'd be harvesting now. I was really just hoping to do a shortcut by catching him in the Dim rather than waiting for him at his woodyard in town. He wasn't there when I left, but he might be there now. The Dim is a big forest."

After a few hours' hike through the thick woods, everyone is hot and tired. They stop for midday to rest and recover a bit before moving on.
OOC:
@mathias0077 - if you want to try to find signs of the woodman's trails, roll an INT (Nature) check with ADV. Otherwise, I'll assume that you are leading everyone back to Hochoch.
Mar 30, 2025 4:34 am
"We'll head back to Hochoch and see if we can find any signs that Tym is well," says Aanbo. As they rest, he opens his kit to refresh Bradley's bandages. "Here, let me see to your wounds and bruises."
OOC:
Assuming that Bradley has hit points, I'll use my healer's kit so that he can recover.
Mar 30, 2025 5:18 am
CancerMan says:
Assuming that Bradley has hit points, I'll use my healer's kit so that he can recover.
OOC:
He appreciates the help, and I will narrate it accordingly, but do note that he was fully healed by Theran's enormous Cure Wounds spell (so you don't need to expend any resources).
Mar 30, 2025 5:39 am
OOC:
May I spend for the rest of us? I know I could use a hit die or two after the rest.

Anyone else? I'll have 4 uses left after myself.

Rolls

Hit Dice x2 - (2d8+4)

(13) + 4 = 8

Mar 30, 2025 12:31 pm
OOC:
We can just head back to town. This Dim Wood is pretty busy and we have no idea where woodsman is and we have important info to back to HQ.
Mar 30, 2025 4:47 pm
As they are stopped to rest, Aanbo uses his healer's kit to refresh himself.
Aanbo spends one application of his healer's kit and two hit dice to regain 8 HP.
OOC:
Does anyone else want to spend a hit die or dice before continuing back through the forest for a day to get to Hochoch?

Aanbo (17/27)
Chase (14/14)
Myrtha (15/18)
Theran (4/13)

Rolls

Secret Roll

Mar 30, 2025 6:03 pm
Myrtha flexed and stretched her muscled hands and arms as the party settled down. Pulling the travois through the dense forest was no easy task. She was glad for the rest, and assisted Aanbo as he took care of his wounds.
OOC:
Myrtha recovers second wind after a short rest, so she should be able to bump up her hp if needed in a next encounter.
Last edited March 30, 2025 7:33 pm
Mar 30, 2025 6:32 pm
As they stop to rest Chase will hand out some boar to snack on.
OOC:
I am good with no healing.
Mar 31, 2025 10:45 pm
OOC:
OK, I'll continue without prompting to heal anymore with that rest.
After the party rests, they heft their packs again and move onwards with Chase leading the way, and the others trading off dragging Reptile's dead body on the travois. The ranger leads them south by southwest, and toward mid-afternoon this route brings him back to Cecily's Road. Though using the road will get them back to Hochoch even faster than going overland through the Dim Forest, Chase has learned to be cautious. He watches the roadway for a while, waiting for the others to catch up. As they approach, he signals to them to approach softly and quietly.
OOC:
Each of you - Chase, Theran, Myrtha, Aanbo - roll a WIS (Perception) check.
Mar 31, 2025 10:51 pm
When it is not Aanbo's turn at the travois, the monk thumbs through his prayer beads and meditatively repeating the mantra of earth flowing uphill.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(10) + 3 = 13

Mar 31, 2025 11:20 pm
Theran will struggle a bit with the travois, but does so in silence. He had failed to save the new Dungeon Buster, and that was a weight that -- much like the travois -- he carried with him in silence.

Once they reached the road, the wood elf realized what their ranger was doing and also watched for signs of activity.

Rolls

Perception (WIS) - (1d20+5)

(7) + 5 = 12

Apr 1, 2025 7:39 am
Myrtha was focused on carrying her fallen comrade and, when her companions took on that load, she kept a watchful eye out for any encroaching dangers.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+0)

(11) = 11

Apr 1, 2025 7:40 am
As Chase hears the other coming up behind he makes sure they can see him and gives them the signal for quiet.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Apr 1, 2025 7:22 pm
Note: the two groups are about to meet at last! I will be starting a new thread today.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Apr 2, 2025 12:03 am
OOC:
As a player, I recognize Theran should heal... but as a character, he is reluctant to. Healers Kits are a finite resource, and he feels others should be prioritized.

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