Jul 1, 2025 1:54 am
Almadel looks a little uneasy, but nods his assent too.
Chapter 1: Into Haranshire
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Jul 1, 2025 12:02 pm
Containing a scared and confused werebear is going to be easier said than done, but it'll be necessary, for the boy's sake as well as everyone else's. "I'm in."
OOC:
Accidentally sent this post twice; must have been the spotty wifi.Last edited July 1, 2025 12:05 pm
Jul 6, 2025 8:40 am
"Appreciate it, I really do" the ranger responds as he digs through his backpack to produce a bunch of weighted nets, which he proceeds to hand around, giving you one each. "Remember, just keep your distance and use the nets to trap him, I'll draw his attention. If anything goes wrong, just defend yourselves. No killing."
With that, you set off further into the Thornwood, Oleanne and her wolves taking point. The three of them are clearly capable of passing through briars and undergrowth with ease, but Kuiper and Hanzel have it easier trying to keep up, which essentially splits the group into three teams, as Devon, Caradoc, Aldeera and Almadel form a de facto rear guard. The water-loving scrub oaks along the margins of the brook and the tamer bits of the wood slowly give way to its wilder interior, with thicker vegetation and no discernible paths, at least the ones that might be frequently traversed by humans, or humanoids in general. Despite the thicker vegetation blocking much of the sunlight, you can tell the daylight is clearly fading by the time you reach a spot near the springs of the brook, where Oleanne declares she last saw the werebear.
"He's been here alright, there's bear tracks leading further in" Kuiper announces after a quick investigation of the ground nearby. "I'm afraid it's too dark to follow them by this point, though. We'd need some sort of torch or lantern, and that'd give our position off from a mile away, not to mention how it'd scare off the target."
With that, you set off further into the Thornwood, Oleanne and her wolves taking point. The three of them are clearly capable of passing through briars and undergrowth with ease, but Kuiper and Hanzel have it easier trying to keep up, which essentially splits the group into three teams, as Devon, Caradoc, Aldeera and Almadel form a de facto rear guard. The water-loving scrub oaks along the margins of the brook and the tamer bits of the wood slowly give way to its wilder interior, with thicker vegetation and no discernible paths, at least the ones that might be frequently traversed by humans, or humanoids in general. Despite the thicker vegetation blocking much of the sunlight, you can tell the daylight is clearly fading by the time you reach a spot near the springs of the brook, where Oleanne declares she last saw the werebear.
Kuiper
OOC:
Everyone can add a net to their inventory, it's a Ranged (Dexterity) attack to use it. Looks like it's time to make camp, so feel free to discuss watch order, or roleplay any discussions around the fire that you want, anything like that before we proceed.
Jul 6, 2025 2:11 pm
"If we're camping out, we should set a watch. I'll take middle," Aldeera yawns, stretching. She leans back against a tree and closes her eyes. "I wonder what it would be like to be a were creature?" she muses aloud.
Jul 6, 2025 9:07 pm
"Wait, so not only do you want us to try to capture a werebear without doing it any harm, but you want us to go out into the night and do so?"
Jul 7, 2025 12:58 pm
The warrior chuckled at Aldeera's comment "I'm more worried about what it would be like to be eaten by a were creature. A normal bear is serious enough."
Looking at the ranger Kuiper, "We doing a small fire or do you think that is a risk? I'd rather have some light."
"I can take whatever watch." as Aldeera settles in to start her nap "First works for me then, although I'm sure the wolves are far better at night watch than any of us."
The warrior dug into his pack for a dried ration, which he started chewing on as he picked a spot to lay out his bedroll for later.
Looking at the ranger Kuiper, "We doing a small fire or do you think that is a risk? I'd rather have some light."
"I can take whatever watch." as Aldeera settles in to start her nap "First works for me then, although I'm sure the wolves are far better at night watch than any of us."
The warrior dug into his pack for a dried ration, which he started chewing on as he picked a spot to lay out his bedroll for later.
Jul 7, 2025 3:24 pm
Hanzel sits down cross-legged on the ground and looks up at the trees above the group. "I suppose I'll take second watch, then."
Aldeera's comment makes him look in her direction. "Hopefully we don't end up finding that out firsthand," he says with a small chuckle. He doubts that uncontrollably turning into an animal is a very positive experience.
Aldeera's comment makes him look in her direction. "Hopefully we don't end up finding that out firsthand," he says with a small chuckle. He doubts that uncontrollably turning into an animal is a very positive experience.
Jul 7, 2025 8:56 pm
Kuiper
At that comment, you notice the wolves and Oleanne making themselves comfortable at a respectable distance from your main camp, not too far but certainly a distinct part of it. Both wolves and her seem to curl up, almost as if the druid is a natural member of their pack, not just accepted but herself feeling more wolf than man. Many legends surround druids and their connection to nature, including that they're able to change into wild animals. If Oleanne is the one to 'ease' this young werebear into its new condition, perhaps she might have the answer to Aldeera's question, but her demeanor doesn't exactly make her come across as the most talkative type.
OOC:
So if I'm interpreting this correct, watch order is Devon (first), Hanzel (second), Aldeera (middle) and then Almadel (no specific comment)? Also, would anyone have Kuiper along on their shift, or give him a shift of his own?Jul 10, 2025 8:33 pm
It's that time of night just before daybreak, where the light of dawn is barely able to show some promise of a new day as it pushes back the darkness. The campfire has all but died and it seems like in an hour or so, it will be time to start packing up, maybe having a quick breakfast bite before it's time to set off again. Almadel is standing watch, when he hears something that resembles a guttural snarl. In the split second where he questions whether that actually happen or if it was a figment of his imagination, a rustling in the nearby vegetation catches his ear. As if to confirm his suspicion, one of the two wolves opens an eye and begins to snarl in response. More growls, and grunts. Movement. This doesn't look good.
OOC:
Everyone gets a single round's worth of actions to prepare before combat starts proper!Jul 11, 2025 12:39 am
The warrior came awake at the sounds of disturbance. Devon snatched up his shield and drew his sword, trying to put his back to the dying fire. "Everyone stay close... anyone see them..."
Jul 11, 2025 1:23 am
"Beasts in the camp!" Almadel yells out, kicking awake anyone who's sleeping nearby (just a gentle tap, not a full on attack), and drawing his longsword - the bow wouldn't be as much use if the creatures are out there in the dark, and especially not if they suddenly appear within the camp and attack. He looks around warily, ready for whatever comes.
Jul 11, 2025 3:08 am
Aldeera sits bolt upright, reaching for her short sword. She clambers to her feet and readies for the attack.
Jul 11, 2025 3:01 pm
Hanzel gets to his feet and grabs his staff. He holds it defensively, looking around for the source of the noise.
Jul 13, 2025 9:48 am
OOC:
@GeneralET hasn't logged in for 15 days, so I'm gonna run Caradoc as an NPC for this encounter. Also, I'm realizing that rule about a character dropping to 0hp and being unable to do anything but rest or travel for a week is too crippling, especially if it's not the entire party deciding to rest and heal up, but individual characters who are thus forced to either be useless in combat for a week or dragging the others into forced weekly breaks. Instead, I'm reverting to the book's default rule on natural healing (pg. 68). As such, Caradoc and Hanzel have had 2 nights of full rest since their bandit encounter and tonight's combat stops their natural healing of that third hp.Arrows fly out the bushes, one catching Almadel with enough force to knock him down (Nat20 for 5 damage to Almadel) while another one swooshes past Aldeera. She just about manages to dodge it, but ends up putting herself in the path of another arrow that bites into her armor (4 damage to Aldeera). Caradoc rushes to aid the fallen elf, already chanting a prayer of healing. Out of the foliage, muscular humanoid figures with deformed, porcine features rush to attack anyone they can get close to while shouting battlecries in their guttural language. The biggest and strongest of them leads the charge up front, sword and shield lowered to brace for impact. Two of his followers behind him also bear swords and shields, while the other four carry spears to jab from behind their shields.
OOC:
You win initiative and may act first. Caradoc is rushing to heal Almadel, while the NPCs will engage in melee combat.| Name | AC | hp | Status |
| Caradoc | 13 | 2/4 | |
| Almadel | 12 | -2/3 | Prone, Unconscious |
| Aldeera | 16 | 1/5 | |
| Hanzel | 12 | 2/7 | |
| Devon | 15 | 1/1 | |
| Kuiper | 14 | 35/35 | |
| Oleanne | 17 | 23/23 | |
| Belshar | 13 | 24/24 | |
| Arlin | 13 | 24/24 | |
| Orc Leader | 15 | 12/12 | |
| Orcs with Spears (A, B, C, D) | 14 | A: 6/6, B: 6/6, C: 5/5, D: 5/5 | |
| Orcs with Swords (A, B) | 14 | A: 6/6, B: 5/5 |
Rolls
Arrows (Target, Attack, Damage) - (4d8, 4d20, 4d6)
4d8 : (3327) = 15
4d20 : (1217201) = 50
4d6 : (4553) = 17
Initiative (Party, Enemies) - (2d10)
(12) = 3
Jul 13, 2025 12:46 pm
OOC:
Can I hide behind a wolf? beast has more hit points than our whole party combined. Devon didn't make the list BTW - maybe he already died.
He stepped up to attack the closest orc with sword or spear - unfortunately he was unable to break through their shield wall.
OOC:
Attack: Sword attack - anyone not the leader.
Last edited July 13, 2025 12:46 pm
Rolls
Long Swor - (1d20+1, 1d8+2)
1d20+1 : (11) + 1 = 12
1d8+2 : (1) + 2 = 3
Jul 13, 2025 1:03 pm
OOC:
My bad when copy-pasting and editing the table from the previous encounter, Devon has been added!Jul 13, 2025 1:41 pm
Seeing the orcs charge out of the foliage, Hanzel starts chanting the words of an incantation to impede them.
OOC:
Hanzel is going to cast Entangle, provided it doesn't entangle any allies as well.[ +- ] Entangle
(80 yards range, 1 turn duration, 40-foot cube effective area, components VSM, casting time 4, saving throw: half)
This spell causes plants within range and in the effective area to wrap, grasp, twist and otherwise entangle creatures. Any creature within or entering the effective area during the spell’s duration must save, modified by dexterity-surprise modifier, or be held fast and unable to perform any actions for the remainder of the duration. A successful save allows a victim to escape at a movement value of 10 feet per round or perform 1 action. Each round a freed creature remains in the effective area, the plants attempt to re-entangle it, and a new save is required. The efficacy of this spell is very dependent on the quantity and types of plants available in the effective area compared to the size and strength of the creature. It will not work if there is absolutely no vegetation, however, the GM should be as generous as possible in allowing this spell to work. Existing vegetation will stretch to its limits, growing up to several feet taller or longer for the spell’s duration. Roots near the surface will be affected, especially useful in shallow underground or cave settings where the GM may decide they pop out of the ceiling or walls for the spell’s duration, however, in areas where vegetation is sparse, the GM may assign bonuses (up to +4) to the creatures’ saves. Gargantuan-sized creatures or those with a strength greater than 20, may gain additional bonuses (up to +4) to their saves in less than heavy vegetation. The material component is the caster’s holy or unholy symbol.
This spell causes plants within range and in the effective area to wrap, grasp, twist and otherwise entangle creatures. Any creature within or entering the effective area during the spell’s duration must save, modified by dexterity-surprise modifier, or be held fast and unable to perform any actions for the remainder of the duration. A successful save allows a victim to escape at a movement value of 10 feet per round or perform 1 action. Each round a freed creature remains in the effective area, the plants attempt to re-entangle it, and a new save is required. The efficacy of this spell is very dependent on the quantity and types of plants available in the effective area compared to the size and strength of the creature. It will not work if there is absolutely no vegetation, however, the GM should be as generous as possible in allowing this spell to work. Existing vegetation will stretch to its limits, growing up to several feet taller or longer for the spell’s duration. Roots near the surface will be affected, especially useful in shallow underground or cave settings where the GM may decide they pop out of the ceiling or walls for the spell’s duration, however, in areas where vegetation is sparse, the GM may assign bonuses (up to +4) to the creatures’ saves. Gargantuan-sized creatures or those with a strength greater than 20, may gain additional bonuses (up to +4) to their saves in less than heavy vegetation. The material component is the caster’s holy or unholy symbol.
Jul 15, 2025 1:08 am
Aldeera gasps audibly as the arrow pierces her shoulder, but ignores the pain and numbness spreading through her arm. She moves forward to engage the nearest orc, wishing for not the first time that she had enough funds to procure a bow.
Rolls
Attack and damage - (1d20, 1d6)
1d20 : (9) = 9
1d6 : (6) = 6
Jul 15, 2025 7:38 pm
As Almadel drops, Caradoc rushes to kneel down next to him. The priest finishes his prayer and grabbing the arrow tight, decisively pulls it out as the flesh wound beneath it rapidly heals. (4 hp heal to Almadel, bringing him up to 2hp but he is unconscious for 6 rounds). Hanzel's spell bursts in the middle of the orc charge, immobilizing some and making it hard for the others to carry on their attack (Spear-wielding orcs B,C and D are immobilized, both sword-wielding orcs made the save).
Kuiper rushes head on to meet the orcs' leader, crossing swords for an exchange that creates an opening for the ranger to sink his dagger between his opponents' ribs (4 damage to orc leader). Oleanne isn't as lucky, awkwardly swinging her staff as she locks up with one orc's spear. On her side, the wolves take on an orc each, with Arlin drawing blood and a howl of pain from his prey (3 damage to Spear Orc A).
Roaring a challenge, four more orcs burst out of the nearby bushes, tossing away bows as they pull out battleaxes to join the fray! The newcomers are forced to maneuver around the area of sprouting roots, and in doing so, are joined by their sword-bearing brethren who shuffle out of the spell's effect. Of those orcs bearing spears, only one is spared of the grappling but in avoiding the briars, can't land an attack on Arlin. Meanwhile, the orc leader returns Kuiper's blow with a swing of his own, packing enough force to push the ranger's parrying dagger aside and bite into his flesh. (3 damage to Kuiper)
"You fight well" grunts the orc leader at Kuiper in guttural, broken Common. "But still you will die".
Kuiper rushes head on to meet the orcs' leader, crossing swords for an exchange that creates an opening for the ranger to sink his dagger between his opponents' ribs (4 damage to orc leader). Oleanne isn't as lucky, awkwardly swinging her staff as she locks up with one orc's spear. On her side, the wolves take on an orc each, with Arlin drawing blood and a howl of pain from his prey (3 damage to Spear Orc A).
Roaring a challenge, four more orcs burst out of the nearby bushes, tossing away bows as they pull out battleaxes to join the fray! The newcomers are forced to maneuver around the area of sprouting roots, and in doing so, are joined by their sword-bearing brethren who shuffle out of the spell's effect. Of those orcs bearing spears, only one is spared of the grappling but in avoiding the briars, can't land an attack on Arlin. Meanwhile, the orc leader returns Kuiper's blow with a swing of his own, packing enough force to push the ranger's parrying dagger aside and bite into his flesh. (3 damage to Kuiper)
"You fight well" grunts the orc leader at Kuiper in guttural, broken Common. "But still you will die".
OOC:
Aldeera, Hanzel and Devon may act.| Name | AC | hp | Status |
| Caradoc | 13 | 2/4 | |
| Almadel | 12 | 2/3 | Prone, Unconscious (6 rounds left) |
| Aldeera | 16 | 1/5 | |
| Hanzel | 12 | 2/7 | |
| Devon | 15 | 1/1 | |
| Kuiper | 14 | 32/35 | |
| Oleanne | 17 | 23/23 | Barkskin |
| Belshar | 13 | 24/24 | |
| Arlin | 13 | 24/24 | |
| Orc Leader | 15 | 8/12 | |
| Orcs with Spears (A, B, C, D) | 14 | A: 3/6, B: 6/6, C: 5/5, D: 5/5 | B,C and D are Entangled |
| Orcs with Swords (A, B) | 14 | A: 6/6, B: 5/5 | In the AoE of Entangle spell |
| Orcs with Axes (A, B, C, D) | 14 | A: 6/6, B: 6/6, C: 5/5, D: 5/5 |
Rolls
Hp heal to Almadel - (d8)
(4) = 4
Kuiper - (d20+6, d20+7, d8+2, d4+3)
d20+6 : (7) + 6 = 13
d20+7 : (10) + 7 = 17
d8+2 : (5) + 2 = 7
d4+3 : (1) + 3 = 4
Oleanne - (d20+2, d6)
d20+2 : (6) + 2 = 8
d6 : (1) = 1
Belshar, Arlin - (d20+3, d4+1, d20+3, d4+1)
d20+3 : (6) + 3 = 9
d4+1 : (3) + 1 = 4
d20+3 : (20) + 3 = 23
d4+1 : (2) + 1 = 3
How many rounds is Almadel unconscious for? - (d6)
(6) = 6
Orcs affected by Entangle - (d10)
(5) = 5
Orc saving throws - (5d20)
(94101816) = 57
Orc leader - (d20+2, d8)
d20+2 : (14) + 2 = 16
d8 : (3) = 3
Orc attack vs Arlin - (d20+1, d6)
d20+1 : (3) + 1 = 4
d6 : (6) = 6
Secret Roll
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