Rllmuk Dungeons and Dragons - Lost Mine of Phandelver

[Captain Kelsten]

 

You enter a tavern. As you do, the music stops and all eyes turn to you. You can feel them assessing you, scrutinising you. You draw yourself up to your full height and square your shoulders - you're not trying to look intimidating, per se, but more trying to appear like someone people should just leave alone. You gaze around with a confident air and a look on your face that suggests whilst you're not likely to start trouble, you also aren't afraid to defend yourself. Certain that you pose neither threat nor excitement, the denizens return to what they were previously doing, most of which was drinking copious amounts of alcohol. The sounds of the bar resume, with the clinking of glasses, spilling of ale and the occasional groan. You relax slightly and head towards the bar, taking in your surroundings as you do. 

 

The bar is bathed in dim candlelight. A variety of patrons of varying species sit atop bar stools, paying you no attention. The barman, a short dwarf with a bald head and closely cropped beard mottled with grey, acknowledges your presence with a slight nod, but his customer service skills end there. You sit on the nearest stool, smiling in what you hope is a confident manner at a drunken dragonborn opposite you. He grunts, snorts steam and turns away. You look back to the barman as he says "so...what'll it be?"

 

Greetings, adventurers! 

 

Having recently been bitten by the D&D bug due to watching the excellent weekly twitch stream "Critical Role", I thought it might be nice to set up a weekly Rllmuk game, aimed at beginners and those returning to the game. I have never played D&D before, although I, like most of you no doubt, have played a lot of fantasy video games inspired by the genre. 

 

If you're interested in joining this weekly adventure, please write your name on this piece of parchment.

 

I'm thinking we could use Discord and/or Roll20, but I will put more info here once I've figured it all out. Anyone who wishes to support with setting this up, particularly if you've got D&D experience or are a good Dungeon Master, please speak up!

 

 

Our first adventure will be the Lost Mine of Phandelver, available in the DnD starter set.

 

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY THIS SET TO PLAY - BUT IT WOULD PROBABLY HELP A LOT. 

 

The set comes with a basic rulebook to help familiarise yourself with the world, the characters and the rules of the game. It also comes with the Lost Mines of Phandelver adventure book, but only the Dm actually needs this bit. It also comes with character sheets. This is a beginner's adventure so comes with prepared characters. Whilst you don't have to use these, they're done in such a way to introduce you to all the complexities of how characters work. These are also available for free on the the DnD website: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/character_sheets

 

Finally, it comes with a set of dice which you'll need, but you can probably pick up a set of these cheap somewhere on their own. 

 

For the first complete game I will sit in as Dungeon Master. After that we can take turns, depending on how much we enjoy the first game!

 

 

A recap of the story so far...

 

The Lost Mine of Phandelver

 

 

Session One (04/09/16)

 

On 04/09/2016 at 22:13, Doctor Shark said:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Our band of intrepid adventurers found themselves on the road heading south-east of Neverwinter to the rough and tumble settlement of Phandalin. A mutual aquaintance, Gundren Rockseeker, had hired them to escort a cart of provisions to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post within Phandalin, in exchange for 10 gold pieces each. Gundren had then rode on ahead with a human warrior named Sildar Hallwinter.

 

Having been on the road for a few days, the driver of the cart - a simple, easy going but nervous man, asked his companions who they were and how they'd come to be his escorts on the road. A human cleric, who introduced himself as Spetzer, explained that he had been hired to provide protection, although he'd much rather be elsewhere. A large, stoic half-orc merely grunted whilst the large Dragonborn Barbarian, high-elf wizard and halfling thief remained quiet.

 

Eventually Cora, who was scouting ahead, noticed two dead horses blocking the track. Upon closer investigation, she discovered they'd been killed by arrows about a day before and that they were the horses that Gundren and Sildar had ridden ahead on. The packs had been looted. As Spetzer and Drognosh came to investigate, Drognosh dragging the poor cart driver along with him by the scruff of his neck, four goblins attacked from the thickets on the side of the road, two on each side.

 

Two of the goblins charged at Spetzer, but failed to notice the halfling thief Cora, who swiftly stepped out from behind Spetzer and stabbed the goblin through the throat, killing it instantly. Spetzer smashed the other in the chest with his mace, badly wounding but not killing it. Doralow, the high elf wizard, fired a ray of frost at one of the ranged goblins but missed, the spell dissipating before it hit its target. Dragnosh, the dragonborn barbarian, took the opportunity to charge at one of the goblins, cleaving it in two straight down the middle with one swing of his mighty greataxe. Foehammer tried the same but was attacked as he arrived, suffering from superficial damage. 

 

Cora finished off the goblin by Spetzer, opening him up with a quick flourish of her rapier. Doralow fired another ray of frost, missing again. Foehammer decapitated the final goblin, ending the battle. Whilst some of the group stumbled about trying to search for clues, Drognosh decided to force the cart driver to his knees and made him watch whilst the dragonborn barbarian slowly and precisely mutilated one of the goblin corpses, taking care to place a pile of entrails and bloody rags in the driver's lap, whilst interrogating as to his knowledge of the attack. The driver, who wet himself in fear, assured the group he had nothing to do with it. It was clear the driver was telling the truth and, as Drognosh relaxed his grip, the driver took the opportunity to run off as fast as he could back towards town.

 

Eventually Cora spotted a hidden trail leading north-west. Further investigation showed that two roughly human-sized prisoners had been dragged, either dead or unconscious, along the path by a dozen goblins. The group decided to hide the cart and provisions in a bush before heading up the trail, realising that it was most definitely Gundren, their employer, and Sildar, his warrior companion.

 

Scouting ahead, Cora was able to spot and avoid both a snare and pitfall trap, helping the rest of the party do the same. After about five miles the group found themselves on the left bank of a stream emerging from a cavemouth. On the opposite side of the stream was a dense patch of briar thickets. Spetzer took the opportunity to sit down and uncork some wine, passing it around to the group. Doralow began investigating the cave mouth whilst Drognosh splashed about in the water, cleaning blood and gore from his feet. As he did so he alerted two goblins who were on guard in the thicket, causing them to open fire. Drognosh took an arrow to the shoulder. Cora, who had been sat next to Spetzer, stood and fired her shortbow at the goblins, missing wildly. Darolow decided to switch from ice to fire, shooting and instantly cremating one of the two goblins. Foehammer and Drognosh charged the remaining goblin but, due to the difficult terrain, missed their attacks. The goblin, seeing his mate explode and two barbarians charge at him, ran into the clearing behind him. Cora took the opportunity to head to the mouth of the clearing and sunk an arrow right through the goblin's skull, killing it.

 

Searching the makeshift goblin camp revealed little save for a few tatters, rusty weapons and jars of goblin piss. Spetzer, fancying himself a joker, tricked Drognosh into drinking the piss. Drognosh, failing to spot the ruse, downed it in one before describing it as 'tangy' and 'brackish'. 

 

...to be continued.

 

 A write up of tonight's session...

 

Thanks everyone for joining and apologies for the rough and ready pace as we figured things out - we'll get better!

 

See you all next Sunday...!

 

Session two (11/09/2016)

 

On 11/09/2016 at 23:11, Doctor Shark said:

A write up of tonight's rather eventful session....

 

  Reveal hidden contents

The party entered the cave, having taken a short rest to recuperate. Cora and Foehammer stealthed ahead, noticing that immediately on their right was a few steps leading up to a kennel. Inside the kennel, which stank of rot and animal, were three large wolves, chained up. In the far corner of the kennel was a body inside a cage. The party quickly dispatched the wolves, much to Drognosh's dismay, and checked the body. It turned out to be a wood elf ranger named Farren. He explained that he'd been scouting in the woods a couple of days previous and had fallen into a pit (the same pit our adventurers so deftly avoided on their way to the cave) before being captured by goblins and left in this cage. It took some convincing, but the group agreed to let him tag along on the proviso that he wouldn't be paid once they'd tracked down their missing employer, Gundren.

 

Exiting the kennel the group began to sneak further into the cave. Due to the wet, slippy floor and darkness, however, Cora stumbled on a rock and was sent sprawling into the stream, making a loud splash. After a few tense moments the group heard a horn sound somewhere in the distance. Moments later the group heard a loud roaring sound as a large rush of water came crashing through the tunnel. Most of the group managed to avoid it, but Farren, still woozy from his days in captivity, was swept away out of the cave, taking some minor damage. At the same time a goblin archer, perched on a bridge some 20ft in the air further up the tunnel, fired an arrow, hitting Foehammer in the shoulder before scampering off into the darkness. Farren rejoined the group in time to hear a second roar as another wave of surging water came rushing down the tunnel. Spetzer was knocked flying, everyone else managed to hold on and Farren, learning from last time, managed to jump out of the way.

 

Damp and annoyed, the group pressed on. Someone had the bright idea to try and climb a rather precarious, steep passageway. Spetzer managed to bound up with surprising agility. Foehammer tried to follow but, owing to his rather large weight, dislodged some rocks and came tumbling back down, severely hurting himself. Cora, being fleet of foot and nimble of mind, also tried to dash up the slope but slipped, tumbling down and cracking her head on a rocky outcropping, knocking herself unconscious. Farren also tried to ascend the slope but he, too, fell, severely hurting himself. Spetzer took the opportunity to peer into the room behind him at the top of the slope, noticing immediately five goblins. Worried he was up on this ledge near five goblins on his own, he carefully made his way back down the slope, but unfortunately wasn't careful enough, slipping, tumbling and falling, face first, onto the cold, hard rock floor, knocking himself unconscious. Despite being seriously hurt, Foehammer picked up the unconscious Cora and took her to safety outside of the cave, managing to revive her. She sat up, woozy and concussed. Drognosh decided he would help Spetzer, kicking him into the stream and watching his body float out of the cave. Drognosh thought it looked so much fun he decided to jump in and slide down himself.

 

Battered and ever so slightly embarrassed at nearly being defeated by a simple slope, the group decided to rest up, catching a good few hours sleep to revive themselves. They decided that, despite their recent failure, they would venture on, re-entering the cave and this time taking great care to avoid any suspicious looking slopes...

 

Further into the cave the group entered a room where there was the clear signs of where two large, goblin built damns had held the water from the rushing, loud waterfall which had been released onto the unsuspecting party. There were also four goblins.

 

 

The group quickly dispatched them with relative ease, looting the bodies but finding nothing particularly of value. Spetzer, in a moment of triumph having killed a goblin with divine power, did a little pirouette, slipping on the wet stone and falling flat on his arse. Faced with two options of where to go next: up some steps into an adjoining cave or across the rickety bridge, presumably to the five goblins Spetzer had noticed earlier, the group decided to try their luck with the cave. Spetzer had the 'bright' idea to cast light on a crossbow bolt and fire it into the darkened cave to illuminate the way, inadvertently hitting a goblin in there.Cora charged in, shooting an arrow and knocking the goblin out, wanting to question him later, but also noticed a hiding goblin to her left. Farren, feeling a sense of duty to the young halfling that had released him from his cage, charged into the room, swingly wildly at the goblin flanking Cora, killing it instantly, but also noticing the rather large Bugbear and his pet direwolf in the corner...

 

 

A battle ensued, with the Bugbear, who was clearly mad with power thanks to his dominion over the goblins in the cave, constantly referring to himself in the third person as 'Klarg' swinging wildly and missing every single attack. He was slashed across the leg by the nimble Cora. Farren attempted to shoot the Bugbear with his longbow but missed, instead hitting Foehammer and causing the half-orc barbarian to miss his next attack. In what seemed like no time at all, Klarg was beaten and beheaded by Drognosh, who kept the severed head as a trophy. Cora shot an arrow at the direwolf, severely injuring it and, as it pounced in retaliation, Foehammer stepped in the way, slamming it with his shield, stabbing it with his sword and sent the now-dead wolf flying down a hole at the back of the cave.

 

Looking around, Spetzer noticed some loot including money and healing potions, a small jade statue of a frog with gold for eyes and a number of supplies and provisions, clearly taken by the goblins during their many ambushes on the main road.

 

Cora woke the remaining unconscious goblin and went about questioning it, discovering that Gundren had been taken about 20 miles north, to Cragmaw Castle, where a goblin chieftain known as 'King Grol' was waiting. She also discovered that the goblins had been instructed specifically to attack and captured Gundren by someone known only as the 'Black Spider'. Drognosh asked the goblin about the ale that Spetzer had given him earlier, discovering it was goblin piss. In retaliation Drognosh threw the severed head of Klarg at Spetzer, hitting him squarely in the chest. Spetzer, seeing his armour covered in gore, simply replied 'Bugbear blood and goblin guts are so last season!'. Further questioning of the remaining goblin revealed that Gundren's human warrior companion, Sildar Hallwinter, was still alive and currently being held prisoner in the cave across the bridge. The group decided to take the goblin hostage, venture across the bridge to attempt to parlay with the remaining goblins...

 

 

...to be continued!

 

 

 

Session 3 (25/09/16)

 

Spoiler

On 25/09/2016 at 22:16, Doctor Shark said:

Tonight's adventure:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

The gang, fresh from their kill of Klarg the bugbear, decided to head across the bridge in the cave to confront the remaining goblins (at least, that's what they hoped - the goblin they interrogated didn't know how many had been killed, how many were alive and just generally couldn't count past 5 anyway). Drognosh lead the way, Klarg's head held aloft. Spetzer came close behind, the captive goblin held in a tight grasp with a crossbow bolt firmly underneath his chin. Entering what seemed to be the goblin's sleeping quarters, such as they were, the group saw five goblins on a lower level with them and a larger goblin, possibly a leader, on top of an escarpment some 10 feet above them at the back of the room. Kneeling next to the goblin leader was a human, which the group quickly identified as Sildar Hallwinter, the human warrior and companion of Gundren Rockseeker, who had travelled on ahead a day or so before the group had set out. Spetzer shouted that, should the goblins give them Sildar safe and sound, they would let them live and be on their way. Unfortunately the intimidation failed (and I know realised I should have made you roll an intimidation check here - d'oh!) and the goblin leader, who identified himself as Yeemik, pushed Sildar off the edge. Sildar fell awkwardly and was knocked unconscious upon hitting the ground.

 

In a flash, Spetzer ran across to the body of Sildar, placed his hands on him and began muttering under his breath. Sildar spluttered back to consciousness. Farren dashed into the room and quickly skewered one of the goblins. The goblin leader Yeemik jumped down from the platform but fell on his arse. Cora quickly took advantage of this and ran across, stabbing Yeemik through the shoulder. Drognosh, entering a rage, charged a goblin but tripped over Sildar's body and smashed into a wall. The goblin he charged at laughed at him, but Drognosh quickly ended that with a swift backhand to its face. Foehammer charged into a goblin, pinning it to the wall with his shield before shanking it repeatedly with his longsword. Another goblin charged him but was similarly slain. One took a swing at the kneeling Spetzer but missed. Drognosh swung his mighty greataxe down into the prone Yeemik, splitting him in two and sending chunks of goblin flying. Seeing his companions felled so easily, the remaining goblin tried to run for it, but seeing this, Foehammer swung out with his longsword, decapitating the goblin.

 

Sildar Hallwinter

 

The group had a quick chat with Sildar before deciding to gather the supplies from the previous room, marked with a crest featuring a blue lion, which Sildar identified as the symbol of the merchant guild the Lionshield Coster. Over a number of hours the group ferried the goods back to the cart they had hidden, along with the provisions they had originally been tasked with escorting to Phandalin.

 

The group travelled by cart back to Phandalin. They learned that the town had been built on the site of a much older town that was once razed by Orcs. Sildar also gave them a history lesson on the area, stating that the town had originally sprouted thanks to human spellcasters who had made a pact with a group of local dwarves and gnomes who had discovered a rich mine known as Wave Echo cave. The humans created something known as the 'Forge of Spells', which was unfortunately lost, along with the location of Wave Echo cave, over the years following the orc invasion.

 

Entering town the group headed straight to Barthen's Provisions, the trade post they had been tasked with delivering the goods to. The conversed with Barthen for a while, learning that a local group of ruffians, known as the Redbrand Gang, had been hassling townsfolk and shops and hung out at the Sleeping Giant tap house. Barthen paid the group for their cargo and sent them on their way.

 

Next they headed to the Lionshield Coster, where a lady named Linene Graywind gave the group 50 gold pieces for returning the lost Lionshield supplies. She explained that the town and merchants had been beset by goblins and was glad they were now dead. She sold the group some arrows.

 

Linene Graywind

 

Spetzer, Cora and Farren headed to the Stonehill Inn. Spetzer bought the finest (and only) bottle of wine in the inn, much to the confusion of the barkeep, Tolben Stonehill. Tolben was also mighty confused when Farren asked for water to drink. After mentioning something about the horse trough, Tolben disappeared out the back before returning with a mug of what Farren hoped was clean water. Tolben, who was perhaps a bit more short than usual with his new guests, turned out to be a friendly chap once he'd gotten over the fact 3 heavily armed adventurers covered in blood had just wandered in to his tavern...(and once I had read in the adventure guide that he was meant to be happy!)

 

Tolben Stonehill

 

Spetzer also generously bought everyone in the tavern a round of ale. Spying Sildar sitting in the corner, the group headed over but were interrupted by a half-elf spellcaster, who introduced himself as Kel'doran. After chatting with the group they agreed to let him join, as he was seeking Wave Echo cave and the group seemed like the only people in town capable of helping him. Whilst chatting with the patrons and bar staff, the group learned that:

 

• Sister Garaele, who oversees the Shrine of Luck in town, recently left town for a few days before returning wounded and exhausted.
• Elsa, a gossipy barmaid that Spetzer flirted shamelessly with, revealed that Daran Edermath, who owned the local orchard, was a former adventurer.
• Lanar, a miner, stated that orc raiders had been seen at the east end of the triboar trail and that the townsmaster was looking for someone to run them off.
• The group learned from Trilena, the innkeeper's wife, that a local wood carver, Thel Dendrar, had stood up to the Redbrand gang and been murdered on the spot in front of his wife, children and other townsfolk. The Redbrands dragged his body off and now his wife, daughter and young son have gone missing, too.
• Pip, Toblen's young son revealed that Qelline Alderleaf's son Carp had found a secret tunnel in the woods, but the Redbrands had almost caught him.
• Finally, they learned that the Redbrands had been hassling every business in town except the Phandalin Miner's Exchange, as they didn't want trouble from Halia Thornton, who runs it.

 

Foehammer and Drognosh went to visit the Townmaster's Hall. They barged their way to the front of the queue of local peasants and farmers who were queuing to see the Townsmaster, Harbin Wester, before unceremoneously dumping a bag full of goblin ears, entrails and a bugbear's head on the horrified townmaster's desk. He paid them 25gp for the lot out of fear more than anything else, before revealing that he was offering 100g to anyone who would take out the orcs on the Triboar Trail.

 

Harbin Wester

 

When asked about the Redbrand gang, he brushed them off as nothing more than a mercenary guild who weren't much trouble. Drognosh attempted to take a vase of flowers, presumably to give to Cora who he knew was looking for a new flower for her hair, but clumsily knocked it onto the floor, smashing the vase and sending the flowers skittering across the floor. Then Drognosh and Foehammer joined their party, met their new compatriot Kel'doran, before they headed to bed for the night.

 

Thanks again to everyone for playing, really hope you're enjoying it so far.

 

 

Session 4 (02/10/16)

 

Quote

Spoiler

On 02/10/2016 at 23:25, Doctor Shark said:

Summary of this week's session...

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Rousing from their night's slumber and heading down for breakfast, the group met up with Sildar. Looking much improved since they'd met him in the cave, he informed the group that his primary goal was to locate the missing member of his group, the Lord's Alliance. The missing member was a human mage named Iarno Albrek, who had gone missing some months prior to Sildar arriving in Phandalin. Sildar's secondary goal, once he had located Iarno (or what was left of him, if he'd been killed), was to help set law and order in this town, helping to bring peace and prosperity to Phandalin. He informed the characters that he was going to have words with the Townmaster and that the group could find him at the Townmaster's Hall should they need him.

 

The group then headed to the Edermath Orchard and spoke with Daran Edermath, an ageing half-elf ex-adventure with silver hair.

 

Daran Edermath

 

Whilst wary at first, he soon realised, mainly thanks to Spetzer, that the group had a mind to take out the Redbrands and search for the missing woman and her children. Recognising the virtues he once held himself, he divulged that he knew the Redbrands were using the old Tresandar Manor as a base of operations, but also hung out at the Sleeping Giant tavern on the eastern fringe of town. He also recommended the group talk to Qelline Alderleaf and her son Carp over at their farm, as he'd overheard Carp speaking of finding a hidden tunnel in the woods. Recognising that the group were capable adventurers, he suggested that the group check out the Old Owl Well, a two day march northeast. Local prospectors had reported being chased from the area by undead. Daran asked the group to investigate, finding out who's there and what they're up to. He also mentioned he knows that there are ruins of an old watchtower dating back to an ancient magical empire known as Netheril, and he worried dangerous magic might be dormant there.

 

The adventurers headed over to the Alderleaf Farmstead and were greeted warmly by Qelline, a bustling and jovial middle-aged halfling, and her rather precocious son, Carp, a halfling boy of ten and his little dog, Chester.

 

Qelline Alderleaf and Carp

 

Qelline was polite and friendly until Foehammer stated somewhat bluntly "we're here for the boy". Brandishing a small hand crossbow, Qelline demanded to know what they wanted with her son. After much calming, Qelline was convinced that Foehammer simply chose his words poorly and that they just wanted to know the location of the tunnel Carp had found. Carp explained excitedly that he also wanted to be an adventurer and that, whilst playing in the woods, he'd discovered a secret cave. A group of 'big dirty thugs' he identified as Redbrands came out of it and almost spotted him, but Carp managed to hide. Carp expressed his desires of becoming an adventurer like the group, and was particularly taken with Cora, a fellow halfling, and her pretty flower. Cora explained, much to Qelline's relief, that Carp was too young yet and had a more important job of looking after his mom and helping around the farm. Qelline suggested the group try to find her long-time druid friend, Reidoth, who had been searching the area for the Wave Echo cave and had recently set out for the ruins of Thundertree (not Loud Water...), a town roughly fifty miles northwest. Satisfied, Carp ran outside to play as the group thanked Qelline for her time and the tea before leaving themselves.

 

Deciding to head to the Sleeping Giant tavern the group were waylaid by four Redbrand thugs who stepped out from behind a house to accost the group. One of them recognised Cora, indicating that she'd run away from "Flint's gang". Hearing this Cora simply charged the man, swinging wildly with her rapier. She missed and, in a panic, dived into the nearest bush to hide. It quickly became apparent that these thugs were extremely unskilled and the group dispatched them with ease. Spetzer then instructed Kel'doran to set the tavern ablaze. Without hesitation Kel'doran flung firebolt after firebolt at the ramshackle wooden building, instantly setting it alight. Screams and barked instructions could be heard from inside. Spetzer launched a bolt of sacred flame at the first thing he saw emerge from the burning building, which was unfortunately a young barmaid fleeing for her life. Realisation dawned that the tavern didn't just house Redbrand thugs but also must have some local villagers as barstaff. Toblen, the innkeeper from the Stonehill Inn, ran up in an attempt to form a chain-gang of buckets to douse the flames but quickly realised it was too late. Distraught, he chided the group on burning down the tavern, explained that there were at least three innocent people inside who were essentially forced to wait on the thugs hand and foot on pain of death. Cora tried to reason with him, explaining that no-one had attempted to help find Thel Dendrar's missing wife and child so noone was truly innocent, but Toblen would hear none of it, angrily telling the group not to return to his inn ever again.

 

 

Upon understanding what he'd just allowed and even instructed to happen, and knowing his chosen deity would not be pleased that his actions had lead to the death of at least three innocents, one by his hand using his divine powers, Spetzer stalked off into the woods to the north in search of the secret cave. The others followed along behind in silence, upset and remorseful for what they'd just done.

 

Kicking around the bushes in the woods, Foehammer found the entrance to the secret cave. Following it for some time they noticed it was used frequently, with discarded provisions and assorted paraphernalia of Redbrand smuggling and ambushes. Emerging into a large, natural cavern, the adventurers were struck by the smell of decay wafting on the cold breeze. A crevasse divided the cavern in two and was flanked by two rough stone columns supporting the twenty foot high ceiling. Two arched wooden bridges spanned the chasm and, upon investigation, the group discovered one was trapped to collapse and the other was safe. Farran looked into the crevasse and noticed the half-eaten body of what the group assumed was Thel Dendrar, who the Redbrands had killed in town before dragging his body off. Spetzer cast holy light on a crossbow bolt and fired it into a hallway with stairs leading up. He then heard a voice in his mind, chuckling maniacally. A dark, evil creature then surprised the group, speaking directly to their thoughts. The creature, which was identified by Spetzer as a Nothic, seemed more curious than aggressive, although it was clear it was insane and not to be trusted.

 

The Nothic

 

Spetzer, clearly a man on a mission following his mistake earlier, bartered with the Nothic, agreeing to feed it every single Redbrand the group killed if it would give them information and safe passage. Agreeing, the Nothic disappeared into the crevasse, but not before explaining that the Redbrands were lead by a human wizard known as 'Glasstaff', so named for the glass staff he carried.

 

Heading up the stairs on the west side of the crevasse the group burst into a room that appeared to be a barracks containing four roughly made wooden bunks, heaped-up blankets and dirty dishes scattered about. A strong smell of unwashed bodies and rotten meat filled their nostrils and they noticed the three surprised tall, furry bugbears lounging amongst the mess barking orders and torturing a sad little goblin that was demeaning itself for their amusement. Upon seeing the group burst in, the goblin fainted.

 

A bugbear

 

Taken by such surprise two of the three bugbears were dispatched almost instantly, the third getting in some lucky strikes before being beheaded by Farran. Rousing the goblin, the group learned that the area had traps and secret rooms. The goblin also revealed that a human woman and her two children were being held in the slave pens on the western side of the crevasse. Determined to save them, the group decided to rest and recuperate before heading out.

 

To be continued...

 

 

 

Session 5 (30/10/16)

 

On 30/10/2016 at 22:33, Doctor Shark said:

Write up of tonight's session

 

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Our band of intrepid adventurers made their way across the crevasse using the northern bridge before heading southwards into a corridor. They happened upon a cellar, complete with water cistern being fed from pipes, presumably from the abandoned manor above. Cora spotted a pouch at the end of a rope submerged in the water containing a potion of healing, potion of invisibility and a simple set of traveller's clothing. She got the impression it was no accident they were stashed in such a way.

 

 

Whilst rooting through the various supplies and barrels the group was set upon by three Redbrand Ruffians from an adjacent room.

 



 

One took a good swing at Kel'Doran, almost felling him. A second tried to finish him off but, thanks to a timely attack of opportunity as the bandit pushed past foehammer, Kel'doran had a few precious seconds to react, throwing up a magical shield, causing the attack to bounce right off. He managed to kill one of his assailants with a barrage of magical missiles whilst, behind him, Foehammer pinned one to the wall and repeatedly stabbed him in the stomach, killing the bandit. The third bandit tried to make a run for it but was slashed by Kel'doran before a well-timed crossbow bolt to the back knocked him to his knees. Injured and bleeding out, Farren slowly stalked up, placed his swords at the bandit's neck and sliced quickly, decapitating him in a execution-style fashion. Sorting through the supplies, rooting through the bodies and investigating the room from which the bandits had emerged revealed some money, two garnet gems and three redbrand cloaks of scarlet red.

 

The group ventured into the next corridor, Cora on point where she noticed what appeared to be a pitfall trap in the dirt floor. She managed to acrobatically vault over it. Farren and Kel'doran edged round the side. Spetzer, owing to his cumbersome armour, unfortunately fell, springing the trap and falling 20 feet to a cold dirt floor. Injured but otherwise ok, he was pulled to safety with surprising strength by the halfling, Cora. Foehammer, looking unsure and clearly displeased with the current circumstances, took a running jump and somersaulted over the gap.

 



 

Entering the next room through some large stone doors gilded with tarnished copper, the group found themselves in what appeared to be the Tresendar crypt. They were quickly set upon by three necromantically animated skeletons.

 



 

Farren quickly and easily dispatched one with his dual short swords. Spetzer then used his divine gifts to fear the two creatures, one of which was destroyed in its attempt to escape. The final skeleton managed to leave the room through a door in the north, but was seemingly unable to get much further than the end of the corridor, where it bumped against the wall and tried to claw its way through solid stonework. An arrow from Farren and quick firebolt from Kel'doran finished it off.

 

Listening against a door in the east of the room, Spetzer realised that there were some Redbrands on the other side who had heard the commotion and were readying themselves. He also heard them mention prisoners. He reached out and touched the door, making it glow with divine light, before Foehammer burst through. Inside they saw a young boy in a northern cell and two women in a southern cell, all with iron chains around their necks. Two Redbrands lay in wait but were quickly dispatched by the group.

 



 

The older woman introduced herself as Mirna Dendrar, wife of the murdered Thel Dendrar, as Farren unlocked her cell. She and her daughter cautiously left the cell and began sifting through the discarded clothes in the room, dressing themselves. Kel'doran cast prestidigitation to clean them up, much to their initial shock but overall thanks. Mirna explained that, after killing her husband in cold  blood and in front of their children, the Redbrand's had come back a few nights later and abducted Mirna and her daughter, Nilsa and son, Nars. The Redbrands had been keeping them captive for some time since and had spoken of selling them into slavery. Mirna also said that, by way of thanks and owing to her not having anything on her to repay the party with, she knew of a lost heirloom in her childhood home in the long-abandoned town of Thundertree, from where she fled with her parents as a child when it was overrun with undead. She said that, should the party ever head that way and should they find the heirloom, which she explained to be an emerald necklace hidden in some shelving in her parent's herb and potion shop, they were welcome to it as thanks for rescuing her and her children from the Redbrands.

 

The party then discussed what to do next...venture further into the hideout or try to get Mirna and her children back to safety; there was just the small matter of the pitfall trap to overcome first...

 
 

 

 

 

Bit more combat heavy tonight, which was good as it saved my poor voice not having to do silly accents.:P

 

Hope you enjoyed yourselves!

 

 

Session 6 - 06/11/16

 

On 06/11/2016 at 22:39, Doctor Shark said:

Tonight's session - and the end of part

 

  Reveal hidden contents

The band of adventurers successfully helped Mirna and her family across the pitfall trap - Foehammer and Drognosh then agreed to escort them back to town.

 

Heading back towards the Crevasse, the group decided to take the Nothic head on - sort of - Spetzer had the plan to take along a dead Redbrand to distract the Nothic. Things didn't go exactly to plan, however, and Farren's attempt to attack the Nothic from stealth missed, causing it to disappear from sight and go into the darkness. A fight ensued in which Kel'Doran was felled by the beast's jagged claws. As it tried to retreat, however, an arrow flew from Farran's bow straight through the Nothic's eye.

 

 

Heading to the western side of the crevasse, Spetzer came upon two doors. Listening at both they discovered one led to a noisy room with a number of guards having a not-so-friendly game of Knucklebones. Instead of tackling the unknown number of Redbrands, they headed through the north door, finding themselves in a wizard's workshop. The room was devoid of life save for a small rat scurrying around. Listening at the door in the western wall, Spetzer heard the sound of stone grinding and a thunk. Entering the room, the group found themselves in what appeared to be the wizard Glasstaff's quarters, but the wizard was nowhere to be seen. Discovering a note to 'Lord Iarno Albrek', the group realised that Sildar's missing compatriot had turned traitor and was, in fact, the wizard glasstaff, leader of the Redbrands. Spetzer's keen eyes also saw a secret doorway slightly ajar. Realising the wizard had fled, the group gave chase, eventually catching him in the cellar, cursing that his stash of belongings, which he had secured in the cistern, had disappeared. Whilst Iarno/Glasstaff tried to talk his way out, the group were having none of it and attacked him.

 

Iarno Albrek aka "Glasstaff"

 

The wizard was all talk, however, and was easily defeated - surrendering as soon as he saw things were not going in his favour. Upon questioning, he informed the group that he was working for the Black Spider, that the Black Spider was a Drow (dark elf), that the black spider was looking for the Wave Echo Cave to try and find the Forge of Spells. 

 

Having successfully rescued the family of Thel Dendrar and put a stop to the Redbrand menace, the group took the now-captured Iarno back to the Townmaster's hall, where they were greeted by Sildar Hallwinter. They handed Iarno over to Sildar, who took him away to the cells, saying the wizard had betrayed the Lord's Alliance and would stand trial back in Neverwinter. 

 

Sildar Hallwinter

 

It was at this time that Spetzer, feeling guilt for his part in the accidental killing of the barmaid when the group had set the Sleeping Giant tavern alight, handed himself in, taking full blame for the accident. Whilst the Townmaster demanded he be arrested, Sildar returned and demanded to know what was going on. Sildar was understandably annoyed by the whole situation, but tried to reason with Spetzer, reassuring him that, in their line of work, accidents would happen, and that it was up to the group to make amends through good deeds and helping people, stating they were the first people the town had seen in months that had actually done something about the menace and achieved something good, and that was worth more than rotting away in a cell. He also took Spetzer to one side and, once again explaining that he understood the guilt that was eating the cleric up inside, said that despite this, Spetzer decided to go into unknown danger to rescue the Dendrar family was the kind of behaviour the Lord's Alliance valued and respected. He offered Spetzer the chance to join the alliance and take the title 'Cloak'. Spetzer, however, refused. Put out by this, Sildar dismissed Spetzer and left. Before he could get very far, however, Cora called to Sildar and gave him a pouch of 300GP, saying it was for the funeral of the barmaid and the rest to be divvied up to help the town. Sildar informed Cora this was more gold than the town would see in a year, but Cora was insistent. He smiled, took the gold, and walked away.

 

Spetzer then announced he was going to go get 'wankered' and the group headed out to find the tavern...

 

...to be continued.

 

 

 

 

Session 7 - 13/11/16

 

On 14/11/2016 at 00:12, Doctor Shark said:

This week's epic adventure:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

The party arrived at Stonehill Inn. Whilst they were at first met with a frosty reception, the bar soon returned to a level of fun and revelry the party hadn't before witnessed in Phandalin - clearly news of the party's exploits with the Redbrands had reached them. Toblen, the innkeeper, looking rather sheepish, apologised for going so hard on the group when they burnt down the inn. A quick chat between him and Spetzer seemed to resolve everything, Toblen even stating that food, drink and lodgings were on the house. In thanks Spetzer bought a round for everyone on the pub, which raised cheers and thanks from all.

 

Talking further with Toblen, Spetzer learned that the young girl who had died due to his rash actions was named Gwendoline (kudos to me for immediately coming up with a vaguely fantasy sounding name on the spot rather than calling her Sharon or something) and a small memorial would be held the next day. The group was challenged to an arm wrestling contest by the local town braggart, Gurn (again, better than Gavin or something), with Foehammer offering himself as the group's champion.

 

Gurn, a local commoner

 

In a scene where Foehammer was almost toying with Gurn, Gurn almost pulled it back from the brink before Foehammer started playing properly and soundly beat the man, who went off sulking. Cora went to bed relatively early whilst the rest of the group stayed up drinking and carousing. Farren, who was consuming his first-ever alcohol, tried to keep up with the much more seasoned Spetzer and, despite his best efforts to fight it off, promptly threw up in Spetzer's face who, all things considered, was seemingly nonplussed. Heading to bed, the group got a good night's rest.

 

Waking the next day, the group headed to the Phandalin Miner's Exchange to speak with Halia Thornton, an ambitious and calculating human woman who was the closest thing the town had to a governing authority. Through a series of back-and-forth, the group learned that she was willing to pay 100gp for the death of Glasstaff, but upon learning the group had already captured the rogue wizard, was willing to part with the cash. Halia was less interested in the rest of the Redbrands and actually seemed a little frustrated that they had been wiped out by the party.

 

Halia Thornton

 

Spetzer got the impression that perhaps Halia had wanted Glasstaff dead so eagerly so that she might usurp him and run the Redbrands herself. She admitted that she represented an organisation that helped guide society by exerting secret control through wealth and influence, and even offered the party a position with the organisation if they agreed to be her eyes and ears about town. Spetzer, after declining on behalf of the whole group, left. Halia caught up with Cora and offered her the chance again, sensing perhaps it was a little more aligned with her morals than that of a cleric, but Cora quickly turned down the offer. Annoyed, Halia stalked away.

 

Next the party headed to speak with Sister Garaele at the Shrine of Luck. A zealous elven cleric to Tymora, Sister Garaele explained that she had recently been sent on a mission by her order, the Harpers, to parlay with a banshee by the name of Agatha in the woods 50 miles or so north east.  

 

Sister Garaele

 

After being set upon by Redbrands partway through her journey, and having been injured in the skirmish (where, she explained, she had managed to defeat her attackers despite their superior numbers), Garaele had found the banshee's lair only to leave disappointed when the spirit failed to materialise. The party offered to continue her mission, and Sister Garaele explained that it was to speak with Agatha to learn more about the location of a spellbook that once belonged to the legendary mage Bowgentle. Her order wanted to secure the tome as it was dangerous, particularly if it fell into the wrong hands, although the book had been lost for some time. Garaele advised the party not to attack the banshee, but instead offer her a gift of a jeweled silver comb and appeal to her vanity rather than be discourteous and aggressive. Before leaving, Cora dropped 50gp from her personal funds in the donation bowl, an act of kindness that Garaele very much appreciated.

 

Heading out of town to the Triboar trail, the group travelled throughout an uneventful day before making camp. After a dull first watch, Cora woke Spetzer, but not before cheekily pouring a little of the goblin wee from the jar onto his blanket. Whilst on watch Spetzer spied a number of small, flying creatures heading towards the group from the treeline. Waking the others, Farren correctly identified them as Stirges, small winged pests that feed on the blood of the living.

 

A stirge

 

Whilst the group managed to fend off the pests with relatively little effort, Cora was attacked by one which latched onto her before piercing her with its long proboscis, draining her blood. A timely magic missile from Kel'doran dislodged it and Cora was healed up by Spetzer and Farren.

 

The next day the group headed to Wyvern Tor. The crag, which was a prominent landmark in the rugged hills that could be seen from 20 miles away, was previously the home of large and dangerous wyverns which had been defeated and run off some years before. Although they hadn't returned, the area was known to be a place where various creatures had made their lair over the years. Searching the hills from some time, Foehammer eventually spotted a lone orc sentry at the mouth of a cave. The group moved to take him out silently but, over eager, forgot to approach cautiously and were spotted. The orc let out a roar and ran into the cave. Charging up to look inside, Foehammer saw at least four orcs and they were soon joined by a further two orcs, a larger orc that seemed to be the leader and, much to the group's dismay, a massive ogre.

 

Orcs!

 

A violent battle ensued and, whilst the group made early progress, as the fight drew on a number of them were badly wounded, particularly Farren who was felled in a single hit of the orc leader's great axe. Spetzer managed to defeat the leader, pounding its head to nothingness with a spiritual mace he had summoned, leaving nothing but a few bits of skull, brain and a broken tusk. The remaining orcs fled, one being decapitated by Foehammer as it tried to run past.

 

An ogre

 

Left with a very large, very angry ogre, the group set to work, eventually defeating it before it could do too much damage, mostly thanks to it continuously attacking Kel'doran's mirror images. Seeing a moment of opportunity after Farren managed to spill the ogre's guts, Cora leapt onto the ogre's club before running up the beast, vaulting into the air, spinning and striking it right through the eye with her rapier. The ogre staggered backwards roaring and swinging wildly before falling over, dead.

 

Battered, bruised and exhausted, the group decided to spend the night in the cave to rest up before heading to Old Owl Well and Agatha's lair in the morning.

 

...to be continued.

 

 

Good session tonight. A bit of RP, a bit of combat and almost a lot of peril. I know the orc leader nearly killed Farren and I was going easy on Cora, but you guys do seem very powerful even at level 3! Spells and attacks that regularly do 15-20+ points of damage against targets that mostly have 10-15 health is rough and, I must admit, I adjusted the orc battle difficulty mid-fight as it was going too well and offering very little challenge (you killed something like 3 of the 6 orcs without getting hit or something, so I upped the health on both the leader and the ogre to compensate), but I think overall it made for a memorable encounter!

 

 

Session 8 - 20/11/16

 

On 20/11/2016 at 22:59, Doctor Shark said:

Tonight's session:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Recovering from their hard-won battle with the orcs and ogre, the party awoke and headed north towards Old Owl Well.

 

As the party crested a low ridge, they spied the crumbling ruins of the old watchtower standing amid the rugged hills. The place was so old that the walls were only mounds of rubble enclosing a courtyard of sorts, which the group made their way into, adjacent to the broken stump of an old tower. They spied a colourful tent that had been set up in the courtyard, but no one was in sight.

 

As they discussed the best course of action, Spetzer caught the whiff of undeath coming from the ruin of the watchtower to the north. Heading towards the tent, Farren listened carefully and heard mumbling from inside - the sound of someone talking to themselves, clearly annoyed at something. Spetzer instructed the rest of the party to hide out of sight as he approached the open flap of the tent and called out. A rather irritable mage emerged, wearing red robes and sporting a shaved head with a dark tattoo, both of which Farren correctly identified as belonging to the mage's particular school - in this case necromancy - and homeland of Thay. Engaging in rather confrontational conversation, Spetzer demanded to know the mage's business. Whilst at first acting as if he was alone, Spetzer couldn't keep up the ruse and inadvertanly let slip that he was with others. The mage, who identified himself as Hamun Kost, stormed out of the tent to see the rest of the party peeking round a corner.

 

Hamun Kost, Thay Necromancer

 

Whilst the rest of the party were fairly calm with the necromancer, Spetzer threatened him by pointing out that they outnumbered him. The necromancer told them they did not, in fact, since he had a number of zombies under his control in the tower across the courtyard. Kost, keeping tight-lipped about his purpose at the tower, simply told the group he was there for 'research' and, when pressed, said he was looking into the history of the tower and wanted to know the name of the wizard who had built it thousands of years ago. His research had suggested a banshee to the north might know the answer, but the mage had not yet ventured up there to speak with her. He gave the party a pearl as part payment for the group asking the banshee his question on his behalf, and also gave them 20gp for slaying the orcs at Wyvern Tor, who had been bothering him for some time. The party reluctantly agreed and began to rather loudly discuss amongst themselves whether or not they should kill the necromancer, who called out from inside his tent "I can hear you, you know!". Spetzer went to investigate the ruins of the tower, revealing twelve zombies simply lurking inside. Upon spotting the cleric, they began to shamble forward until Spetzer called out to Kost, who sighed heavily and ordered the zombies to return to their positions, which they slowly did.

 

Leaving Old Owl Well behind the group continued north, through the ruined town of Conyberry. Heading into the forest, they noticed as it grew thick and dark around them. Heavy vines and thick layers of moss draped from branches and the air was noticeably colder than it was in the ruined village. Rounding a bend in the trail the group saw a screen made of warped branches of trees standing close together, woven into a dome-like shelter in the shadows, with a low doorway leading inside.

 

Neverwinter Woods

 

Striding in confidently, Spetzer discovered he was in a home of sorts, sheltered as it was within the dome of woven branches. It was sparsely furnished with chests, shelves, a table and a reclined couch, all old and of elven craft.

 

As the rest of the party entered behind him, they noticed the air grow cold and a powerful feeling of dread gripped them. A cold, pale light flickered in the air, rapidly taking on the form of a female elf, her hair and robes waving in a spectral wind - this was clearly Agatha, the banshee Sister Garaele had spoken of.

 

Agatha the elven banshee

 

Whilst she may have been beautiful once, she now wore a hateful expression on her ruined, twisted face. "Foolish mortals", she snarled at the group, "What do you want here? Do you not know it is death to seek me out?". Complimenting her beauty as advised, Spetzer told the banshee they were only after information. The ghostly figure smiled with cold amusement. "Very well", she said. "I know you seek many things. Ask me one question and I will give you one answer."

 

Spetzer asked Agatha about Bowgentle's spellbook. Thinking for a moment, the banshee revealed she had traded the book to a necromancer named Tsernoth from the city of Iriabor more than a hundred years ago. She told the cleric she did not know of its current whereabouts. Spetzer tried his luck in asking a second question, offering the silver comb as incentive. The banshee wailed, disappearing in a cold flash, taking the comb with her. As the party stood around discussing what to do next they heard the howl again, following by Agatha's ghastly scream of "GET OUT!". Running, the group quickly found themselves back in the relative safety of the Neverwinter Woods.

 

They set camp and so passed an uneventful night. The next morning they headed out again, travelling for about three hours before disturbing a stirge nest high in the trees. With his quick thinking, Kel'doran managed to put all five of the quickly approaching stirges to sleep mid-flight, causing them to come crashing to the forest floor, instantly killing the lot of them.

 

A Stirge swarm

 

Travelling westwards the group eventually broke away from the forest, noticing as the trail gradually became an old, overgrown lane winding between dilapidated buildings choked in vines and brush. Ahead of them, in the middle of the settlement, rose a steep hill, upon which stood a stone tower with a partially collapsed roof. Adjoining the tower was a cottage. A small dirt road hugged the base of the hill and wended its way between old stone houses, many of which were roofless ruins with their interiors open to the weather. The group noticed that other buildings appeared more or less intact, and that the whole place was eerily silent. Then noticed a crudely scrawled sign nailed to a post nearby. It read: "DANGER! Plant monsters AND zombies! Turn back now!". Undisturbed by the warning, the group made their way to a small cottage cowering in the shadow of an old tree. Rampant with weeds, the group began to investigate when they were suddenly attacked by two small, skittering creatures resembling leafless, walking plants.

 

A Twig Blight

 

Fighting off the pesky nuisances, the group investigated a pair of ruined, side-by-side cottages, which looked as though they may have been the homes of prosperous shopkeepers or well-off farmers in their time. All that remained now, however, were collapsed walls and piles of debris. Several young trees had grown up in the midst of the ruins and the group disturbed a further six twig blights that had been rooting there. Easily dispatching the creatures, Cora found a chest full of coins hidden under a flagstone in the floor. Opening the chest revealed 700cp, 160sp and 90gp.

 

Spetzer headed north to a sagging, dilapidated building, which was nonetheless still more intact than the ruins the group had just walked across from. Outside hung a weathered signboard which showed the faded image of a workhorse holding a flagon of ale. Spetzer listened at the door and heard the unmistakable groan of a zombie. Opening the door and then backing into the road, the group waited as four ash zombies shambled slowly towards them.

 

An ash zombie

 

Attacking the closest one, Farren noticed that when struck, the zombies gave off a choking puff of ash. Whilst he managed to avoid it, Cora was not so lucky as it entered her lungs, causing her to cough and splutter almost constantly. Despite this, she managed to skewer one of the zombies with her rapier, only for it to rise again. Climbing a nearby tree, Farren managed to shoot the zombie through the skull, putting it down for good. Nearby, Foehammer decapitated a zombie and stood proudly over it, not noticing as another zombie lurched at him from behind. Lashing out with his sword and shiled, Foehammer managed to kill this second zombie, but not before inhaling its choking fumes causing him, too, to begin coughing. Kel'doran set one of the zombies alight, with Spetzer hitting it with his sacred flame before Farren splattered its brains across the wall of the Brown Horse inn. The group decided to take a short rest before continuing to search the ruined buildings of Thundertree.

 

To be continued...

 

 

Session 9 - 27/11/16

 

On 27/11/2016 at 22:47, Doctor Shark said:

Tonight's session:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

The group ventured south through the ruins of Thundertree and came across a small house that appeared to be in better condition than the ruined and dilapidated structures nearby. They were quick to notice that the doors were reinforced with heavy iron bands, and thick shutters protected the windows.

 

Knocking on the door, the group were greeted by a gaunt, white-bearded human. He ushered them in and introduced himself as Reidoth. Whilst at first he was closely guarded at his unexpected company, upon mention of his friend Quelline Alderleaf and her son, Carp, he brightened right up. "Oh, my dear friend Quelline. How is she? And Carp? Is the young lad keeping out of mischief? I do miss them so, it’s been far too long since I last visited them. I had intended to stop by their farm once I had finished here, so it does my heart well to hear they are safe and happy."

 

Reidoth, Human Druid

 

When asked what he was doing in the ruins, he replied: "I’ve been coming here on pilgrimage for some time. It’s well known that this town was ransacked by orcs many years ago as they made their way to Phandalin. Those that didn’t run, that chose to stay and fight or chose to hide ‘neath their beds like children from make-believe monsters were cut down, the land burnt and salted. For many years nothing grew here, but then came stories, rumours if you will, of strange plantlife. Being a druid, I decided to investigate and I’ve been coming here each year to study, to learn, to observe, ever since". The party then queried if he knew the location of Cragmaw Castle. "Why yes", he answered, "it's to the south of here, nestled in Neverwinter Wood". The group asked if he also knew the location of Wave Echo Cave "That I do, but I'll be needed a favour first, before I'll divulge that one. It's a dangerous place, you know, and I don't want to be sending you off to your doom. I need to know you can handle yourself and there is something in particular in town I want you to tackle if you want that little bit of information. About town there are zombies. Dirty, unnatural things. I quickly learned to steer clear of those foul creatures. Spiders, too. Not your run-of-the-mill common spiders, either, but bloody great big things, big as a small pony. They’re more of a nuisance that anything else, but they can cause trouble if they catch you unawares. I’ve also seen some folk running about the town, dressed all in black; black robes, black masks. Look a bit cultish, if you ask me. All this pales, of course, in comparison with the bloody great dragon living in the tower. A young green one, which are particularly nasty. If you’re feeling capable, I would certainly appreciate you trying run the beast off – I doubt you’ll be able to outright kill it, they’re hardy creatures, but you’re welcome to try. And in return I will tell you the location of Wave Echo Cave."

 

After the initial shock of hearing there was a dragon in the town, even a young one, the group decided to instead focus on clearing the rest of the town first before tackling the dragon. Reidoth understood and wished them well, saying they were welcome to return and use his house as a resting spot should they need to.

 

The group ventured back into the town and went into a blighted building. The ruin looked as it if might once have been a farmhouse, but it was now halfway swallowed by dense thicket, with trees growing up through its ruined foundations. Past the house the lane continued south a short distance past the ruin before ending in a heavily overgrown field. Entering the building from two sides, the group disturbed a pack of eight Twig Blights, who set about attacking the group. Being more pests than anything, the Twig Blights were difficult to hit due to their small size, but eventually the group managed to best them.

 

A Twig Blight

 

Heading north east of the blighted farmhouse, the party came to an intersection near the middle of the village, a narrow lane winding up a steep hillside to the north. Directly to the south was a ruined building that looked as though it might have been a store or workshop. The party quickly noticed webs stretching across the lane, from the building to the trees on the north side of the road, which the party had managed to stumble right into. Whilst they stood about talking about how best to tackle the spiders, such as by shooting fire directly into the building or cutting down the webs, a giant spider leapt from the bushes and attacked Farren.

A giant spider

 

Although this one was quickly dispatched by the group, the vibrations they had caused in the web sent four more spiders scurrying out of the building. One went for Kel'doran, who managed to block it using his Staff of Defence, taking from Glasstaff some days prior. He then made his escape by casting mirror image, causing three arcane copies of himself to materialise in the air. A second spider attacked Spetzer, woundly him deeply and injecting him with a dangerous poison. Farren was similarly afflicted, as another spider sunk its fangs into him. The last spider went for Foehammer, biting him, but the half-orc's constitution was too much for the poison and he shrugged off its effects. Cora then killed this spider once Foehammer had weakened it, darting between its skittering legs and impaling it from below on her rapier. Farren attacked the one in front of him, cutting off its two forelegs, but was unfortunately knocked unconscious, poisoned and paralysed from a second spider bite. Foehammer charged over and managed to finish the beast off. Spetzer, himself on death's door, managed to splatter the head of the spider attacking him into the ground with his mace, a last-ditch attack that thankfully saved his life. He then cured Farren's paralysis before investigated the workshop, finding the corpse of a cocooned, shrivelled and drained male elf adventurer. Rifling through the corpses' posession, Spetzer found a shortsword, some studded leather armour, a potion of healing and 23gp, 35sp.

 

 

The group headed back to Reidoth's to rest for the evening after a hard-won victory...

 

to be continued...

 

 

Session 10 - 04/12/2016

 

On 04/12/2016 at 23:41, Doctor Shark said:

Tonight's session:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

As the group awoke to the light of dawn, they saw that Reidoth had prepared some breakfast for them. Farren, still suffering the effects of his defeat and poisoning in battle, slept soundly as he recuperated. As the group ate, Spetzer, having an idea, used his ability to command others with simple instructions to effectively force Reidoth to reveal the location of Wave Echo Cave on the map. The druid, unable to resist, immediately did so, pointing to an area to the east of Phandalin. It was difficult to judge the exact location, as the druid quickly realised what had happened and withdrew his finger. Enraged, the druid demanded the party leave his hovel immediately. Cora and Foehammer were shocked by this sudden change and disappointed to learn Spetzer had been so sneaky, using his abilities to affect their so-far gracious host. Cora hung back as the others rushed out of the building. She apologised to Reidoth, and asked that he continue to look after Farren. The druid agreed, but indicated as soon as Farren awoke he would be told to leave as well.

 

The group headed east across the ruins. Cora hung back and told Kel'doran that he definitely needed to write the letter they'd spoken about, to which he agreed. The group eventually stumbled upon a building with a wide chimney and rotted piles of firewood jumbled outside - they surmised that this must be the old smithy. Peaking in, Cora noticed what appeared to be two dead bodies inside. Fearing they may be more zombies, she relayed the information to the group. Foehammer decided the best course of action was to kick down the door as hard as he possibly could before striding into the smithy. The bodies rose - ash zombies! The group fought them off and easily defeated them, not even receiving any blows themselves. The group then headed further east and discovered the herbalists shop Mirna had told them about. Poking around inside, Spetzer found the family heirloom Mirna had promised as payment, a small gold necklace with a fine green emerald.

 

The ruins of Thundertree

 

The group then saw a small farmhouse, which at first appeared to be just another empty house until Cora noticed all the doors were shut and the windows shuttered. Listening at the door she head a steady, murmered chanting in a language she didn't recognise. Relaying the information back to Kel'doran, he correctly guessed that her garbled nonsensical was her attempt at speaking Draconic, as he managed to pick out the odd word here and there - no doubt the voices belonged to the cultists Reidoth had warned them about! The group deliberated their next action. Cora studied Foehammer intently to see his reaction to the plan being proposed, but the half-orc noticed her and gave her a rare half-smile.

 

Seriously, this hardly ever happens!

 

Deciding they would try the diplomatic approach first, the group walked to the house, Kel'doran knocking politely on the door. After a few moments in which nothing happened, Kel'doran listened at the door, hearing a hushed conversation from within. "Did you hear that?" "Hear what?" "Someone knocked at the door!" "Nobody knocked on the door, you're hearing things!" "What if it  was a zombie?" "Zombies don't knock on doors, you idiot!". Kel'doran knocked again and the door opened slightly, partially revealing a person in black robes and wearing a black leather mask with stylised dragon horns adorning it. "We're not interested. Bugger off!" The door slammed. Cora stepped forward and knocked. The door opened again and the face showed itself once more. "What's the password?" it said. Cora replied "Venomfang". "That's not the passwor...Gerald, did someone change the password again? Is it Venomfang?" "No, I don't think so". The face looked down at Cora "That's not the password, piss off!" it shouted, before slamming the door again. Cora pulled out her trusty thieves tools, unlocking the simple lock on the door. She then asked Foehammer to kick the door in and, in a surprising show of subtlety, he instead tried the handle, only to discover the door was barred from the inside. Somewhat put out by this this, he gave the door an almighty boot (and with a strength check DC of 20, you just had to go and roll a natural 20, didn't you?!? :P), smashing in half the wooden bar across the door and bursting it open. Four stunned cultists, all wearing long, black robes fashioned to resemble dragon wings and each wearing the leather masks, demanded to know what was going on.

 

A member of the Cult of the Dragon

 

Spetzer suggested they knock them all out, an idea given to him by Cora, and kept mentioning it throughout the conversation. After some back and forth the apparent leader, who eventually introduced himself as Favric, made himself known. "What is the meaning of this?" he asked, clearly annoyed. "We've been hired to clear the town of nasties and we wanted to see if you were a threat" replied Kel'doran. "A threat? We haven't done anything! We asked you to go away and leave us alone and instead you kicked in our bloody door and started threatening us, and you think we are the threat?", came Favric's retort. During the conversation, Cora let slip that the dragon's name was Venomfang, a fact that Favric clearly wasn't aware of, despite his attempts to play it off like he knew. It quickly became clear to the group that the cultists were from the cult of the dragon, had arrived to ally themselves with the dragon, but were essentially in way over their heads, extremely naive and unimpressed by Kel'doran and Spetzer's threats of violence, with Spetzer even firing a bolt of divine energy at the feet of the cultist leader. Demanding that the group leave,  Favric told Gerald to repair the door.

 

The group headed north, investigating the ruined buildings they passed. Although most were empty, Spetzer did keenly notice some Twig Blights hiding in one. The group decided to give the building a wide birth and headed to the north east side of town. The lane opened up to form a small square, with several ruined buildings surrounding the south side. To the north, a larger, intact structure appeared to be the barracks Reidoth had mentioned. In the middle of the square, leaning slightly to one side, was a tall, weathered wooden statue of a warrior clutching a spear and shield, which Cora informed the group was of Palian, a hero who had defeated monsters in the Neverwinter Woods back when Thundertree was first founded. 

 

Heading to the garrison, Cora gingerly opened the door, revealing another seemingly dead body. Not falling for the same trick twice, Spetzer fired a ray of divine fire into the body, which moaned in response before stumbling to its feet. Four more zombies, all wearing rusted mail and soldier's surcoats, joined this one and they stumbled out of the garrison and into the town square.

 

Ash zombies from the Thundertree Garrison

 

Kel'doran managed to set one alight with a scorching ray, whilst Cora and Foehammer went to work chopping and stabbing at them. Spetzer knelt and called on his deity, Lliira, to help him turn the undead fiends. However, the spell didn't work, his prayer went unanswered and looking down, he noticed the holy symbol he grasped in his hand was cracked, the divine light emanating from it flickering and sputtering. Two of the zombies launched themselves at him but he managed to keep them at bay using his shield and mace. Foehammer cut a zombie in two with a swing of his mighty greatsword before rounding on another and cutting it in half across the middle. Whilst the legs collapsed to the ground, the torso continued to claw its way through the dirt towards Kel'doran. Meanwhile, Spetzer summoned a spiritual mace from nothingness and used it to cave in the head of one of the zombies attacking him. Although it seemed defeated at first, it rose to its feet once more and resumed its attack. Kel'doran fired three magic missiles, the first two finishing off the crawling zombie and the third severing the head of the zombie Spetzer had thought he'd killed, putting it down for good. Dashing from cover, Cora pierced one of the zombies with her rapier, killing it. Diving into a bush momentarily to throw off her attackers, she then launched a violent attack from stealth on the final zombie, stabbing upwards as she ran between its legs, grasping its neck as it bent to look down at her and using her momentum to swing herself up onto its shoulders. Sitting astride its head, she stabbed down directly into what was left of its brain twice, putting it down for good.

 

Exhausted but unhurt, the group decided to rest for the rest of the day in the garrison, the interior of which still contained furnishings, a ladder leading to a trapdoor in the roof and two rooms containing 10 bunks. A kitchen and pantry in the northwest of the building housed piles of well-rotted food and salted meats, mostly long since devoured by vermin.

 

to be continued...

 

 

Session 11 - 07/12/2016

 

On 07/12/2016 at 23:15, Doctor Shark said:

Tonight's session

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Whilst the group slept soundly, Cora snuck over to Spetzer's pack and searched through his belongings to find something - anything - with his handwriting on. Eventually she found his prayer book, in which he had make some hasty scribbles in the margins; not much, but enough for what she needed. By low candle light she took out some parchment, her quill and ink and set to work.

 

Cora Greenbottle, annoyed she lost her flower

 

Whilst she was doing this, she noticed Foehammer, who had been pretending to sleep, clumsily tried to sneak out. Catching up to him outside, Cora inquired to as to where he was going. The taciturn half-orc gave little away, only implying he didn't need her help, giving her a smile before he stalked off to the weaver's cottage, which the group had avoided the day before after Spetzer had noticed a twig blight. Cora scrambled up the statue of Palien in the town square to watch over both the barracks and Foehammer.

 

Entering the cottage, Foehammer was set upon by six twig blights. The first he crushed beneath his boot. The second he smashed with the butt of his longsword, Talon. One managed to nick him with a nasty scratch, the kind you don't notice at first but then really hurts later, before Foehammer chopped it to pieces. He then smashed another one against the wall with his shield. He made quick work of the remaining twig blights before heading back towards the garrison, noticing Cora sitting atop the statue.

 

The mighty FoeHammer Zombiebane in battle

 

Jumping down gracefully, Cora made sure Foehammer was ok before they both joined the rest of the group, eventually nodding off to sleep.

 

The next day they made their way back to Reidoth's house. They were welcomed by Farren, who was seemingly back to full health, though strangely quiet, only speaking to inform them the druid had left earlier that morning.

 

Farren Amiikar, looking much healthier

 

The group deliberated on their next move, eventually deciding to go to the nearby metropolis of Neverwinter to get supplies and drink copious amounts of ale. Before they could leave, however, Cora handed out the party funds equally. Kel'doran was quick to notice it seemed rather lighter than it should. Cora confessed to the group she had given a large portion of their gold away to pay for repairs and funerals back in Phandalin. Kel'doran, clearly moved by her gesture, hugged the halfling and said it was funny to see that, of all of them, the thief was the most kind and generous. Spetzer, who had a rather cavalier attitude towards money as a result of his faith and upbringing, was nonplussed by the revelation. Foehammer, however, was not impressed and demanded that Cora pay back the gold she had taken from him as soon as possible. Intervening on her behalf, Spetzer and Kel'doran handed over 25gp each to Foehammer, who seemed satisfied.

 

Travelling along the river throughout the day was scenic but uneventful and the group finally arrived at the Jewel of the North as dusk was falling.

 

Neverwinter, City of Skilled Hands, Jewel of the North

 

They made their way through the still-busy market square, eventually finding their way to the Copper Kettle Inn, where they had all originally met when taking their contract to escort Gundren Rockseeker's goods.

 

The Copper Kettle Inn

 

Spetzer headed straight for the bar, ordering wine, much to the confusion of the barkeep who mocked the cleric as he walked away to fetch the drink.

 

The Copper Kettle Innkeeper

 

"Och, don't mind him. He's thick as pig shit and twice as wet" came a voice from the end of the bar.

 

The group glanced over and saw, sat at the opposite end of the bar and nursing a flagon of ale, a dwarf. The dwarf was wearing a wide-brimmed adventurer's hat and had a short, scraggly brown beard - unusual for dwarves, who tended to wear their beards long, elegantly braided and adorned with jewels and ringlets. In comparison to those, this dwarf's beard was more practical, although it still reached the top of his chest.

 

"Haven't seen you lot around here before. Are ye new to these parts?"

 

The group introduced themselves and informed the dwarf that they had come from Thundertree, where they had left a green dragon.

 

Cora piped up from her small cup of ale "and what's your trade?"

 

The dwarf reached down next to him and lifted up a fiddle. Carved from fine wood and featuring gold edging and filigree, with what looked like bone pegs, the dwarf held it almost dismissively, but then put down his ale, turned to the fiddle and cradled it gently, turning it slowly in his hands with an almost reverence. He then jerked a thumb behind him to a similarly decorated lute strapped to his back "and this! I'm a bard. a travelling troubadour, a riveting rhymist and a versatile verse-maker. I also do enjoy the odd dirty limerick" he ended, chuckling to himself.

 

Thunderchild, the Dwarven Bard

 

"A dragon you say, and a green one? Nasty bastards. Never fought one myself, though I've gone toe ta toe with a few drakes, wyverns, things o' that nature in my time. Green ones belch poison, as I recall. Blurgh. Good luck to ye, it'll be no easy task, although I'd love to see it, for the battle would make for a grand tale!"

 

Kel'doran asked the dwarf whether he would be willing to join them in their task. "Aye, can do, can do. Always fancied fighting a dragon, see if they're as bad as they say. I know a rhyme about a dragon," the dwarf said excitedly, before breaking into it:

 

"there was a great dragon of green,

who was particularly nasty a mean.

An adventurer came by

The dragon said 'now you must die'

And never again was he seen.

 

Kel'doran then told the group he didn't feel that fighting the dragon the next day was wise, and they were better to wait.

 

Kel'doran Bezek, Half Elf Sorcerer 

 

[Insert Kel'doran's RP here]

 

"Wowzers", said Thunderchild, "we need to lighten the mood. How about a limerick? This one's about me!", he said with a sly grin.

 

"There once was a dwarf bard of lore

Whose bollocks dragged on the floor

He picked up his flagon

Hoisted his nuts into a wagon

And rolled them out the door!"

 

The dwarf fell into fits of laughter as his own joke. 

 

Spetzer then staggered up, clearly drunk, and asked the bard to play something he could dance to. Only too happy to oblige, Thunderchild took to the stage, had a quick word with the band and then broke out into a fast paced tune on his fiddle; between that and Spetzer's whirling dance, the atmosphere was infectious, and many other patrons couldn't help but get up and join in.

 

Spetzer, Human Cleric. This is not how he dances.

 

The group spent the rest of the evening talking with Thunderchild, who occasionally broke out into another limerick, mostly based on them. Eventually Spetzer announced he was going to find the temple of Lliira and staggered off into the night.The rest of the party drank and spoke until one by one they headed to bed.

 

Awaking the next morning, Thunderchild let them to the market district so that they could sell their goods. They then headed to a alchemist and traded the scroll of augery for a potion of poison resistance. Finally, they stopped by a florist where Cora picked a beautiful blue flower named 'morning glory'. Thunderchild thought this was so ripe for jokes he bought it for her.

 

A morning glory. Yes, they are real and they are really called that!

 

The group then decided to head to Cragmaw Castle to clear out the goblins and rescue Gundren Rockseeker, if he was still alive...

 

 

...to be continued.

 

Fun session tonight, folks. If anyone wants to see their limericks again, they can be found below!

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Spetzer

Here lies Spetzer the cleric

Whose knowledge was a bit esoteric

His name hard to rhyme

Unless you took the time

Sorry, this is rather barbaric

 

Foehammer

There once was a half-orc Foehammer

To whom it was hard to enamour

For he always wore a frown

Til Cora said turn it upside down

And now he smiles like a spanner

 

Cora

There once was a Halfling named Cora

Man, you shoulda heard her snore-a

How could she stealth

For when she opened her mouth

Out came a noise like a boar-a

 

Farren

There once was an elf named Farren

Whose homeland was particularly barren

He travelled the world

To find himself a girl

But all he got was a boy named Darren

 

Kel’doran

There once was a half-elf named Kel’doran

But was it a girl, a boy or a man?

With his long flowing hair

His chin that was bear

You’d have to check how he uses the can

 

 

 

 

Session 12 - 11/12/16

 

On 11/12/2016 at 22:54, Doctor Shark said:

Tonight's session:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

As the group made their way through the busy market in Neverwinter, Thunderchild out in front, two city guards called out. "Hey, you there! Stop!" "Do you think they mean us?", one of the group asked. "Aah, no, I think they're after me" replied Thunderchild. "You there, dwarf! Stop!". Letting out a deep sigh, Thunderchild turned to the group. "Sorry about this, folks. Misunderstanding, I'm sure. You guys carry on, I'll find ye and catch up when I can. You don't need to get involved wi' this". As Thunderchild walked towards the guards, arms half-raised in a conciliatory gesture, the group heard him say "lads, lads, lads...there's no need fa this!".

 

Members of the Neverwinter city guard

 

Cora ducked in and out of the crowd, crouching low behind a market stall to listen in to the conversation, overhearing Thunderchild saying "It was a misunderstanding! I didn't steal it, I...reappropriated it!". "Shut it, dwarf!", came the reply, "and come with us down the tanty. We can sort it out there!". Cora rejoined the group as Thunderchild was led away by the two guards.

 

Worrying that the bard wouldn't be able to find them once they left the town, Cora dashed back to the inn. She found the innkeeper cleaning the bar with a filthy cloth. "Can I leave a message for Thunderchild?", she asked. "Who?" came the rather blunt reply. "Thunderchild," she replied, "the dwarf that was in here last night?". "I ain't seen no dwarf. Ain't you a dwarf? You short'uns all look alike to me" he said, before walking away. Annoyed, Cora found the rest of the group where she had left them and they decided to make their way out of the city when they heard a voice call out to them: "hey! Hey guys!". They turned to see Thunderchild running towards them, one hand keeping his wide-brimmed hat on his head, and looking past him they saw a number of the city guard in hot pursuit. "Hey guys" said Thunderchild, running up to the group, "don't you worry about me, I'll be fine. You carry on, I'll catch up, not to worry!". The dwarf ran off, disappearing into the crowd. The guards approached the group, the captain barking out "where did he go? Did you see that dwarf that ran past?". The group shook their heads and murmured 'no' but Cora, still annoyed at her encounter with the innkeeper, blurted out 'I haven't seen a dwarf. Aren't you a dwarf? You all look alike to me!". The guard gave her a confused look, called her a racist, and stalked off, the other guards following closely behind.

 

Heading out of town the group made their way south east towards Neverwinter Wood and, they hoped, Cragmaw castle. After travelling for the best part of the day, the group finally came upon the edge of the forest. They heard undergrowth cracking and the swaying of bushes and trees and a massive creature, which Spetzer correctly identified as an owlbear, came crashing through the treeline, heading straight for cora. It swiped at her with its sharp claws, knocking her unconscious in a single hit. The rest of the group fell upon it: Foehammer slashed it with a mighty upswing of his greatsword, Farren peppered it with arrows and Kel'doran set it alight and shot magic missiles into it. Spetzer, seeing his comrade felled so easily, channelled his divine energy and brought Cora back from the brink. Getting to her feet slowly, dazed and confused, Cora darted behind a rock to recuperate just as Kel'doran finished off the ferocious beast with a further volley of magic missiles.

 

An owlbear

 

The group made their way into the wood and set up camp for the evening, with Cora taking an uneventful first watch. Morning eventually came and the group continued deeper into the woods, eventually coming across Cragmaw at around midday. The castle, which consisted of seven crumbling towers of different sizes and heights, had seen better days and the centuries had not been kind. Even from outside the group could tell that the upper stories were all in varying states of collapse. As they headed up a short flight of stairs in front of the main entryway, they were spotted by goblin archers who began firing arrows at the group. Most of them managed to dash into the castle and avoid the barrage, one arrow nearly hitting Kel'doran and another grazing Foehammer's leg.

 

Cragmaw Castle

 

Entering what seemed to be the castle foyer, the group noticed closed doors at both the north and south of the room, with a crumbling mound of rubble partially obscuring the southern hall. To the east, a broad corridor ended in two more doors leading south and east. The corridor was cluttered with dusty rubble and fallen plaster from a partially collapsed ceiling overhead.

 

Listening in at the door to what the group assumed was the northern archer's post, Spetzer heard the unmistakable chittering of over-excited goblins. Entering the small room, which was littered with debris, the group attacked the goblins, but the goblins proved hardier and wilier than those they had encountered before. Eventually they managed to defeat the creatures and exited the room, going through the northernmost door. The party found themselves in a storeroom. Old casks of salted meat and sacks of rotten grain filled the area. Among the supplies, Spetzer found a bloody suit of chain mail, a heavy crowwbow and an unsheathed longsword with the emblem of Neverwinter worked into its hilt. He correctly surmised the gear belong to Sildar, who would no doubt be grateful for its return. Placing his ear to the western door in this room, Spetzer heard gruff voices and grunting; "get ready, they could be here any minute!" {PS: because the archer goblins had raised the alarm, I was supposed to make the hobgoblins you fought, plus some other enemies from other areas, rush the foyer all at once to fight you...luckily I hadn't read that part, eh? ;)) . Foehammer kicked the door down and was greeted with four very annoyed Hobgoblins, cunning, disciplined warriors who crave conquest.

 

A hobgoblin. Look at how annoyed he is!

 

All four attacked Foehammer in succession as he entered the room, almost felling him. A lengthy fight ensued and the party were tested heavily against the better trained, better armoured and more tactical hobgoblins - a clear step up from their goblin counterparts! Eventually they managed to emerge victorious, but it was a hard-won battle and the group decided to take a short rest to try and recuperate.

 

to be continued...

 

 

 

 

Session 13 - 19/12/16

 

On 20/12/2016 at 21:35, Doctor Shark said:

Sunday 18th December's session

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Our band of intrepid adventurers, having rested following their most recent skirmish, decided to head further into Cragmaw Castle. They went back to the main foyer and headed south. The southwest tower of the castle was little more than a heap of rubble. Entering the group saw several ragged bedrolls scattered across the remaining floor space and a small, twisting passage leading east through the ruins. Three goblins were bunked in the room and, upon seeing the group enter, drew their weapons. The group retaliated quickly, managing to defeat the goblins relatively quickly despite their small size and nimble movement. The fighting drew the attention of two goblins from the adjacent archer post, as well as two goblins that came from the eastern passage to investigate the noise. One goblin proved particularly agile, avoiding blow after blow until Foehammer, in his rage, decided enough was enough: he grabbed the goblin about the head with his big half-orc hands and stove the goblin's head against the wall repeatedly until it stopped twitching. The group, somewhat disturbed by this burst of violence, gave Foehammer a wider berth as they entered the next room. 

 

Approaching through the shadows so as not to be seen, Cora counted six goblins in a large hall. The western portion of the wall ended in a wall of rubble, but the remainder of the room was still intact and was clearly once the castle's banquet hall, with a soaring ceiling twnety-five feet high. Two large wooden tables with plain benches stood into the middle of the room and Cora observed as the goblins, anticipating an attack, turned them on the tables on their side as makeshift cover. Reporting what she had seen back to the group, they decided to rush in to try and catch the goblins off-guard. Cora managed to skewer one with a well-placed shortbow shot before it managed to duck behind a table. Kel'doran muttered a magical incantation and sent one of the goblins to sleep, it's tiny, disgusting form slumping to the ground and emitting loud snores. Seeing the rest of their opponents behind such defensible positions and knowing it would make the battle all the more difficult, Foehammer used his brains and his considerable brawn, pushing the closest of the two tables back, knocking the goblins behind prone as they pushed back in a futile effort to stop him. One of the goblins was considerably larger than the others: a fat, cantankerous goblin named Yegg.

 

Yegg, the rather fat goblin

 

Seeing Yegg fall prone, Kel'doran unleashed scorching rays of fire on the goblin, instantly cremating it. Seeing this, the other goblins decided to preserve their own hides and made a run for it. One didn't get very far before it was pinned to the door with an arrow. The group roused the sleeping goblin, Foehammer lifting it bodily off the floor and slapping it around in an attempt to ply information from it's cracked, bloodied lips. Although reticent at first to divulge anything of value, the goblin's tongue soon loosened after Kel'doran lit a magical fire under its feet. Squealing, the goblin revealed that they were led by a large bugbear named King Grol, that the adjacent darkened hallway had a nasty creature in it and that Grol has a pet direwolf and drow with him. Crucially, the goblin also revealed that Gundren was being held captive by Grol. Once they had pried everything useful from the goblin, Foehammer attempted to snap its neck. He was unsuccessful, however, and simply left the foul creature crying in pain and gasping for air. In an attempt to put it out of its misery, Foehammer decided to be merciful, shoving the goblin's face into the burning hot coals of a nearby brazier, holding it in place and ignoring as the flames and heat singed his own hands, until the goblin stopped struggling. Once more the group were visibly disturbed by Foehammer's brutality.

 

Heading into the nearby corridor, the group had Cora spy into a nearby room. Spotting two hobgoblins inside, the group decided to try and circumvent the danger and went another way. However, as the group attempted to sneak past the hobgoblins, Foehammer, still pumped up on adrenaline, paid no heed to the situation, stomping through an adjacent room and alerted the hobgoblins to the group's presence.

 

Flanking the group, the hobgoblins managed to attack Farren, dealing some mighty blows to the wood elf. Despite leading Foehammer and Spetzer on a merry chase from room to room, the hobgoblins were eventually defeated. Listening at a nearby door, Spetzer heard a loud, growling voice demanding payment for something and a silky smooth reply - no doubt King Grol and his Drow companion. Kicking in the door, the group entered a chamber which had been set up as a crude living space, with thick furs thrown on the floor serving as carpets, old trophies hanging on the walls, a large bed to the north and a brazier of coals burning brightly. A round table with several chairs stood in the south near the door and, near the table on the floor, the group saw an unconscious, badly beaten dwarf - Gundren Rockseeker, the groups erstwhile employer!

 

King Grol and his pet direwolf Snarl immediately attacked Foehammer, giving the half-orc a severe beating before his rage boiled up and the pain began to subside. Darting into the room to support their companion, Spetzer and Cora immediately set about attacking their foes, which included two of the goblins who had managed to escape the banquet hall. Heavy fighting ensued: Grol and his wolf were both formidable combatants. At one point, Snarl managed to pin Cora down; the beast was ready to finish her off when Foehammer managed to knock it off with a mighty swing of his greatsword, breaking the wolf's back and sending its corpse flying across the room. Grateful, Cora got to her feet and attacked Grol, darting in and out from under the table to confuse the large bugbear. Eventually her luck ran out and, whilst trying to dash under the table, Grol caught her across the back with his heavy morning star, rendering the halfling unconscious.

 

King Grol, a mighty bugbear

 

Spetzer quickly rushed forwards, calling on his deity and the divine gifts he had been granted to revive Cora and restore a small part of the rogue's vitality. Farren, who had been dancing in and out of the room firing arrows at King Grol, entered the room and was greeted by the Drow, who had been hiding in a room to the northwest. Seeing that Grol's wolf and the bugbear himself were struggling, the drow decided to enter the fray. She slammed into Farren repeatedly with surprising strength and speed, knocking the ranger unconscious. The drow then morphed before the group's very eyes; first into an exact replica of Foehammer and then into its natural, grotesque form: it was a doppelganger, capable of shapechanging into any humanoid it had seen.

 

The Doppelganger's natural form

 

Dashing across to Farren, Cora managed to revive him by pouring some dwarven brandy down his throat. In a panic, Farren got to his feet and ran into the northwest room, completely oblivious to the two hobgoblins inside. They smashed into the elf, knocking him unconscious once more (incidentally, in my head it played out like the scene in Aliens where Burke runs off and opens the door only to find an alien behind it...)

 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

 

With everyone looking having taken a beating and fearing the end was in sight, Cora jumped onto the table and launched herself onto King Grol's back, stabbing him repeatedly in the back of the head, finally felling the beast. She allowed herself a small victory flourish and let out a rather embarrassing roar as the adrenaline and excitement took her.

 

Seeing its plans falling apart, the Doppelganger headed towards the recumbent Gundren, intent on killing him before he could reveal the location of Wave Echo Cave to the group. Kel'doran did his best to block its advance, but eventually it managed to get past. The monstrosity slammed into the unconscious dwarf, killing him instantly, smashing his head and chest into the floor.

 

Gundren Rockseeker, the group's one-time employer, beaten to death by the Doppelganger

 

Incensed, the group fell about the creature, hacking away at it'a disgusting, grey body. It managed to flee, but not before Foehammer gave it a departing smash with his greatsword which nearly killed it there and then. Running from the room, the doppelganger disappeared, the group unable to follow.

 

Sensing their friend was in mortal danger, the party attacked the two remaining hobgoblins, defeating them with ease. Spetzer searched the king's chambers and found, hidden underneath the bed, a leather sack containing 220sp, 160ep and three potions of healing, one of which they gave to Farren to revive him. Spetzer also found Gundren's map to Wave Echo Cave, finally confirming the exact location of the mysterious, long-forgotten mine.

 

As the group caught their breath, relieved to have survived such a long, dangerous encounter, they saw a returning war band of hobgoblins come in through a previously hidden entrance. Spotting our plucky adventurers, the leader of the war band called out...

 

The returning war band

 

...to be continued.

 

 

Session 17 (18?) - 19/03/2017

 

On 20/03/2017 at 08:48, Doctor Shark said:

Last night's session:

 

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The party continued north following the tracks through the dust. They were easy enough to see; the area had otherwise been left undisturbed for centuries. Cautiously they entered into a great cavern; steep escarpments dividing it into three sections – high ledges at either end and a lower section in the middle. Stairs carved into the natural rock climbed up to the ledges and two large tables stood in the middle section along with two, unlit braziers. Even in the dim light, the group had no trouble seeing the skeletal remains of dozens of dead warriors – dwarves, gnomes, orcs, even an ogre – attesting to the ferocity of the battle that must have occurred here centuries ago when the mine was lost.

 

Stepping further into the room, Foehammer called for the party to halt as his keen ears picked up movement in the darkness. Sure enough, before he had a chance to advise caution to the rest of the group, a number of ghouls fell upon them, ravenous and hungry for flesh.

 

A ghoul, feasting on human flesh

 

One was quickly felled by Foehammer, who picked up the body, hurling it at another, who went crashing to the floor. No sooner had it tried to get up and Foehammer was atop it, his boot to its throat. Kel’Doran set one ablaze, offering some more light, helping Spetzer see more clearly in the gloom. He grasped his holy symbol in one hand, outstretched his other and muttered a prayer. Three of the closest ghouls came skidding to a halt, their relentless charge cut short as they suddenly saw Spetzer as something to fear above all else. They turned and fled in a blind panic, long-dead bones and dust kicked up in their wake.

 

Farren took the opportunity to shoot one through the head with an arrow before pinning the one beneath Foehammer to the floor with another arrow, killing it. Foehammer looked down at the arrow shaft protruding from the body between his legs and glanced over his shoulder at Farren with a frown – had the wood elf been slightly off target…

 

Spetzer charged for one of the fleeing ghouls, causing it to about face and run in the other direction. As it did so, Spetzer called forth his spiritual weapon, a blue, ethereal glowing mace, and clotheslined the fleeing ghoul, knocking it onto its back. Spetzer noticed a few feet away the partially-eaten body of a human male wearing the all-too familiar redbrand cloak, slashed and torn and covered in blood. It would appear yet another of Halia’s heavies had succumbed to the terrors of the caves.

 

Foehammer killed another ghoul and the party gave chase after the final one, which had fled into the northern tunnel. Rounding a corner they realised they were now on the other side of the door which had been barricaded by the bugbears so they slowed, remembering the creatures had blocked the door for a reason. They moved slowly, purposefully into what appeared to be a smelting cavern: a blast furnace and mechanical bellows that had once been powered by a waterwheel dominated the central portion of the room, but lay silent, cold and dark. Heaps of coal lay nearby, along with carts full of unrefined ore. The waterwheel sat in a ten-foot-wide channel cut into the floor of the room. More than a dozen withered corpses lay scattered around the area, the slain dwarves and orcs still wearing the remnants of their armour, yet not as decayed as the previous bodies the group had found. A number of them shuffled to their feet, held aloft by necromantic magic as they began to advance on the party, their groans echoing in the quiet chamber.

 

A Dwarven zombie

 

Floating above the dwarven zombies was a skull engulfed in green flame. It turned to face them, bobbing unnaturally in the air before letting out a ghastly howl, quickly followed by a fireball launched right into their midst. The room shook with the explosion; dust and debris flew in all directions as flame engulfed the party. Spetzer and Farren fell, the blast knocking them unconscious.

 

 

Kel’doran and Foehammer fared little better, but were nonetheless still standing despite the blast. Foehammer, flying into a wild rage, poured a healing potion into Spetzer’s mouth before charging at the skull, not quite making it before he was cut off by two advancing zombies. The skull gave out a ghostly laugh, its form shimmering and becoming unclear. Foehammer attacked the zombies, cleaving one in two and watched, helplessly, as the skull floated to the other side of the room, near to another three zombies.

 

The Flameskull, bathed in unnatural green fire

 

Meanwhile, Kel’doran put himself between Spetzer and the ghoul, which was no longer terrified of the recumbent cleric. Its dead claws scraped and screeched against the metal of his shield as he held it back despite the ringing in his ears and the pain all over his body. Kel’doran clapped his hands together, letting out a mighty thunderwave, knocking the ghoul back and damaging a nearby zombie which continued its advance undeterred. Spetzer, climbing to his feet, cast a prayer over Farren. The wood elf’s eyes flickered open and he groaned: everything hurt! He slowly rose to his feet and scurried into the narrow passageway they had entered from, leaning against a wall for support as he notched an arrow. The skull created a flaming sphere next to Foehammer and he felt its heat burn and singe his skin and leathers. Before the barbarian could react, the sphere flew towards Spetzer, who just managed to dodge out of the way before it collided with him. It slammed into the floor nearby, dissipating as it did so, but the impact was enough to shake the cleric.

 

The ghoul and zombie went in for another attack but swung wildly, Kel’doran dodging gracefully even with his severe wounds. He readied his staff and prepared to attack…

 

 

Session 19 - 26/03/2017

 

On 26/03/2017 at 22:38, Doctor Shark said:

26/03/17

 

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Farren, passing out from his wounds, slumped against the cavern wall just as Cora came running round the corner. She'd heard the sound of battle from the other room and, assuming her friends would be in danger without her, notched her shortbow and fired at the first enemy she saw - a dwarven zombie shuffling towards the others.

 

Spetzer climbed to the top of the blast furnace and fired guiding bolt after guiding bolt at the flaming skull, who he could only just see in the darkness 80ft away thanks to its eerie green glow. Eventually one found its mark and the skull erupted in divine light, screaming, before disintegrating into ash. The group cleared the rest of the zombies and, exhausted, took a moment to rest.

 

Once they'd rested as much as they could in such a dark, dangerous place such as the mines, they headed south east through a corridor. Eventually they came across two sets of doors, one much larger than the other. Opting to try the smaller of the two, they found themselves in a ruined workshop, where items were once prepared for enchantment. The equipment and any items had been destroyed long ago, however. Whilst the group discussed whether or not to enter the next room, they heard coughing from under one of the tables. Looking underneath they found Halia, badly wounded and on death's door.

 

Halia Thornton

 

Despite their best attempts to threaten or trick her, it was the kindness of Spetzer that finally made her tell the group what lay in the next room: the forge of spells. Unfortunately, the forge was not unguarded: a large floating creature with a large eye, gaping, toothy maw and four stalks protruding out of its head, each with its own eye, was guarding the legendary forge and had attacked Halia when she had tried to remove an item from the room. 

 

Spetzer was immediately taken aback upon hearing this: his father, a once-great adventurer, had fallen fighting a creature matching this description. Although he had been revived by his comrades and lived to tell his son about the ordeal, it had left Spetzer with a understandable fear of the creatures. The cleric backed to the door, informing the group that he would not - could not - fight such a creature and, if they went to attack it, they would do so without him. Halia demanded the healing she'd been promised in return for this information but, when it became clear the group couldn't heal, she threw down a smoke bomb, snatching a potion from the hands of Cora and dashed out of the room. Spetzer gave chase once the smoke had cleared, but Halia was long gone, her tracks impossible to follow.

 

After much discussion, the group decided to enter the room with the intent on reasoning with the creature. Cora handed Spetzer the potion of invisibility, just in case, but he was still adamant he would not be joining his friends.

 

As soon as the others entered the room, the creature turned to them, a stalk focusing on each of them as the large central eye flicked back and forth between them madly. In a thick, bubbling voice straight inside their heads they heard it speak: "Hello!".

 

The Spectator, which had long guarded the forge of spells...

 

Kel'doran attempted to reason with the creature, to convince it the mine had long since been abandoned, its masters dead and its contract fulfilled. Though it gave it some thought, the creature would not accept this. The party bade it farewell and the creature turned back to its unending watch. Foehammer took the moment to attack the creature but, it being telepathic, it knew the instant it happened and moved out of the way. It let out a long, drawn out sigh "you shouldn't have done that", it said, before an arrow flew through the air, embedding itself in the corner of the creature's eye. It roared in pain and, focusing one of its eye stalks on Kel'doran, blasted him with a black ray of necrotic energy. Kel'doran took the blast straight to the chest, nearly killing him. He retaliated with some magic missiles as he made a dash for the door of the room. Foehammer charged the creature, slashing at it with his great sword. The creature shot him with a crackling energy and the barbarian forgot all sense of attack, so frightened had he suddenly become at the sight of this digusting, evil monster. The creature floated over to Cora, who shot at it with her shortbow, injuring it. It responded by blasting her with the same death energy it had hit Kel'doran with and, although she resisted most of the effect, it still left her reeling and badly wounded. Spetzer, hearing his friends' cries, swigged the potion of invisibility and entered the room...

 

To be continued...

 

Session 20 - 12/04/2017

On 12/04/2017 at 22:12, Doctor Shark said:

12/04/2017

 

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The party battled on against the disgusting Spectator, attacking it as best they could. It blasted Kel'doran with a wave of black energy once more and the sorcerer fell unconcious. Luckily, Spetzer, who was still invisible, was on hand to restore Kel'doran by praying to his deity. 

 

 The creature also blasted Cora with the same energy, felling her, but, its attention diverted, it did not see Foehammer shake free of its fearful gaze and the half orc charged forward, slicing the blob in two, covering the floor and walls in black and green oozing ichor.

 

Spetzer poured a potion down Cora's throat and the halfling got groggily to her feet. Searching about the room, Spetzer also uncovered a divine mace, Lightbringer, and a ornate breastplate, adorned with a dragon.

 

Heading south, the group entered a building. As they did so, a terrifying wraith rose out of the floor. It threatened them and, after a brief bit of back and forth, Spetzer threw caution to the wind and attacked.

 

Mormesk the Wraith

 

An epic battle ensued, with the wraith draining life from Spetzer, narrowly missed Cora and Foehammer, as the group threw spell after spell and fired arrow after arrow at the evil ghost as it floated around the room. Eventually it was bested by Cora, who killed it by bounding off a bed and punching it in the face with her magically imbued rapier hilt. Searching the room, the group found some money and a wooden pipe, which Cora began smoking thanks to Kel'doran's firey magic; although it didn't seem to agree with her.

 

The group left the mines behind, confident they had done their very best to rid it of the evils within. They traveled over the next day and a half before arriving back in Phandalin. They found Sildar in the Town Master's Hall and relayed their adventure to him. He was very grateful for all the party had done for the region and, by the time they arrived at the inn for a well-deserved rest and drink, word had spread of their recent deeds. They settled in for the night, knowing they had truly come far since they'd all first met all those weeks ago, but realising there was still a large, scaley green menace to the north that needed consideration...

 

 

Session 21 - 19/04/2017

1 minute ago, Doctor Shark said:

19/04/2017

 

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The party awoke the next morning and headed towards the Townmaster's Hall. The town was relatively quiet and the hall had but a few early-risers. Townmaster Harbin was leaning over his desk, fussing with papers, as Foehammer approached, the Half-Orc's shadow looming large. Harbin looked up and failed to hide his surprise and his nervousness. "Y..y...yes? What is it?"

 

Townmaster Harbin

 

"We have done much for this town, Harbin", Foehammer replied; "we've cleared out Wave Echo Cave..."

 

"Uncorroborated!", Harbin interrupted, finding a sudden burst of courage.

 

"Sildar is sending guards to secure the mine and the forge of spells, he will be able to support our claim", Foehammer stated, bluntly.

 

"Then I shall send one of my own retinue of guards to ensure what you say is true..."

 

"You do that. We've also cleared the town of the Rebrand Menace..."

 

"They were nothing but a nuisance!" Harbin protested.

 

"Nevertheless, they are gone", Foehammer replied. "We have done much, but there is more we could do, with your support. There is a danger, to the north, but a few days travel from here"

 

The Townmaster's eyes widened. "What kind of danger?"

 

"The kind you don't want heading this way. We intend to venture north to Thundertree to deal with the threat directly" interjected Spetzer.

 

"Thundertree? Pah!", Harbin blurted, incredulously. "Thundertree is far to the north. Nothing that far away would bother us here..."

 

"It's a dragon", Farren replied, the others in the group giving him a stern look. The few locals in the hall came closer, eager to hear the news.

 

"A dragon? Nonsense. And even if there is a dragon, it's in Thundertree. Neverwinter is closer, and there are many villages and farmsteads between us."

 

Sensing they were getting nowhere with the dismissive Townmaster, Foehammer tried a different tack, raising his voice theatrically for the benefit of those listening in. "Are you afraid, Harbin? Scared of the dragon? How will you ensure the protection of the town? Who will save you if the dragon comes this way? We are willing to go deal with the dragon now"

 

"Don't be ridiculous!" Harbin shouted, going red. "There is no dragon. There is no danger!"

 

Cora, who had been stalking in the periphery, took the moment of distraction to sneakily tip water all over Harbin's crotch. Alarmed, the Townmaster rushed to dry himself "wha...how..."

 

"Ah! Harbin has wet himself! He really is afraid!" mocked Foehammer.

 

As the Townmaster rushed out of the room in embarrassment, a small boy walked boldly up to the looming Half-Orc and tapped his forearm. "Is there really a dragon?", he asked, clearly scared. "There is, child. And your Townmaster is too afraid to let us deal with it, preferring instead to deny there is a problem"

 

A rugged farmer came over and placed a hand on the child's shoulder. "So it's true. A dragon", he said, a worried tone entering his voice. "Well, if that fat fool Harbin won't do anything, I'm sure the villagers can muster some payment, if that's what you require. You've done much for the town and we've given what we can in thanks, but if that is what is required, then it will be done"

 

The farmer

 

The group looked about, sheepishly, their gamble with Harbin having backfired and instead sent the local populace into a panic. "We'll gladly do it for free!" Farren said, breaking the awkward silence. "Well, that's kind of you, and we'd surely appreciate it. If you plan to head out soon, I'll gather the townsfolk and see if we can't convince Harvin to rethink his position..."

 

The group set out, heading west along the Triboar Trail for what turned out to be an uneventful journey. They arrived at the High Road around noon, stopping for a lunch of rations and water, before continuing on their journey. They arrived at Neverwinter at dusk, heading into the market district to pick up supplies. Eventually they found their way back to the Copper Kettle Inn, where they'd originally met the Dwarven Bard, Thunderchild. Enquiring with the barkeep, they discovered he'd not been seen since they were last there, although he had heard the Dwarf had escaped from jail and run out of town, the guards in close pursuit. Deciding to rest there for the night, the group headed out the next morning for Thundertree, hoping they might bump into their Dwarven friend along the way.

 

Arriving that evening, they immediately went to the house where they'd last seen Reidoth, the human Druid. He greeted them warmly and asked them to join him for dinner, consisting of a stew he was preparing.

 

Reidoth the Druid

 

"I don't suppose you've seen a Dwarven Bard by the name of Stormchild, have you?" asked Cora.

 

"Thunderchild, dear, and yes, I have! Funnily enough he came here looking for you!"

 

"When?!? How long ago?", replied Cora.

 

"This morning, actually. He is probably still in town, he went to check out those cultists." said the Druid.

 

"Uh oh, perhaps we should go check on him, make sure he's alright", Farren said, worried.

 

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about him,” chuckled Reidoth. “I’ve seen that Dwarf get out of more scrapes than I can count. There hasn’t been a jail built that he can’t get out of, and he is what you might call a ‘lucky bastard’”.

 

Almost on cue, the door burst open and a short dwarf barrelled into the room, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb. “Hey, Reidoth, you’ll never guess what those daffy cultists bastards tried to…”, the Dwarf saw the adventurers sitting around the cooking pot; “HEY! It’s you guys! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

 

Thunderchild the Bard

 

He came into the building proper and greeted them all warmly. “Where have you guys been? I went to Cragmaw looking for you – saw a lot of dead things, can I assume that was your handiwork?”

 

“Indeed”, said Kel’doran.

 

“Excellent! I can see by your armour and weapons you’ve been in a few more scrapes since last we met! Good stuff! So, what brings you back this way? Is it our scaley green friend up the hill there?” he asked, motioning vaguely in the general direction of the tower.

 

“Yes, we intend to slay the beast, or at least drive it off, are you willing help?”, asked Farren.

“Oh, hells yes! It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a good fight and a dragon? Surely that’ll be a fight worth a song to two!” replied to jovial Bard.

 

“We were going to check on those cultists first”, Spetzer chimed in.

 

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about them. The stupid idiots tried to mug me! Said they wanted me lute! Well, I showed them that I’m not prancing pony!”

 

“Did you leave any standing?”, asked Farren.

 

“Alive yes, standing..err…no”.

The group continued to joke, talk, plan and strategise long into the night, conscious that the next day they were fully intending on taking the fight directly to the young green dragon which had taken residence in the ruined tower at the north of town…

 

 

…to be continued!

 

 

 

[DoctorEggo]

As mentioned in the other thread, I have zero D&D experience, but very keen to give it a try - please count me in for this!

[MDY]

Also have zero experience (outside of watching CR and others), but would love to play.

 

[Captain Kelsten]

Ok, I would suggest for our first game we all get the beginner's kit and run one of the premade campaigns in that. I'm happy to DM the first one, but it would be good if once that game concludes we could take it in turns. Kelbar Ironcrust the Dwarf Fighter needs playtime! 

 

I'll get everything set up this weekend, @Nicky has kindly agreed to set up a discord server, we can also investigate roll20, and we can agree an evening for our first game and the logistics there of. 

[Rikku]

I nervously approach the group of would be adventurers that has started to gather in the tavern.

 

"I overheard you talking.  I've never been on an adventure before but I definitely think I could be of benefit to the party. Can I join you?"

 

I sign my name on the parchment that the dwarf hands me.  Loraaga, halfling Rogue.

 

I've only watched a few epiosdes of Critical Role, it's amazing and looks immense fun.  It's always been something I'm interested in and played Neverwinter, D&D online, and more recently Sword Coast Legends / Pillars, etc off the back of it, so would be really up for giving this a go.

 

Just to check before I buy anything though, is this what you mean?

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Boxed-Game/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472233389&sr=8-1&keywords=d%26d+starter+set

[DoctorEggo]

That's the one, yep. Mine's on the way - looking forward to it.

[Nicky]

Discord is up and running.

 

this link is up and running for the next 22 hours 

https://discord.gg/MNA28

 

i highly suggest you download the discord client rather than use the web interface.

 

edit: also signed

 

[Rikku]

12 hours ago, Kauwiks said:

That's the one, yep. Mine's on the way - looking forward to it.

 

Awesome. Also splurged on the players handbook as I was uhmming about that before this thread was made. Should arrive today. When I am away for the weekend. I want to look at my shiny new things. 

[Captain Kelsten]

My haul is going to arrive today, too. Excited!!

 

As pointed out by MDY in the Discord channel yesterday, there are a number of free resources available to beginners on the DnD site, including character builds and rule sheets.

 

http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/character_sheets 

[MDY]

On 26/08/2016 at 18:26, Doctor Shark said:

Ok, I would suggest for our first game we all get the beginner's kit and run one of the premade campaigns in that. I'm happy to DM the first one, but it would be good if once that game concludes we could take it in turns. Kelbar Ironcrust the Dwarf Fighter needs playtime! 

 

It's not out until early next year (and if you're not up to the current episodes you probably haven't heard yet) but Matt Mercer is somehow also currently finding the time to write a Critical Role campaign setting book for the continent of Tal' Dorei (where about 80% of their game has been set so far..) so we can always try that later too..

[Captain Kelsten]

[Captain Kelsten]

Look what just arrived!

 

 

 

[Sardan]

When are you guys thinking of playing?  I'd like to play but am pretty limited for time. 

[Captain Kelsten]

Once a week, on an evening that suits everyone, first session probably this week or next.

[DoctorEggo]

Hey guys. Sorry to mess you about but I'm going to have to bail. Some personal stuff that came up over the weekend that I won't be able to ignore to enjoy this. 

 

Best of luck with it all, and apologies for flip-flop ping; expect I'll be stalking the D&D threads on here regardless.

[Andy_Why]

Wow, this escalated quickly. Great to see! I'm up for this too, though there would only be a few evenings that would suit. Can I tentatively suggest Sunday evenings?

[Captain Kelsten]

Added a poll to see which evening suits people. Sunday would probably be best, I think! Also updated the first post with more information. 

 

@Kauwiks, sorry to hear that. Hopefully we'll be playing for some time, so you'll always be welcome to join when you're ready. Hope everything work out OK

[Andy_Why]

Thanks for putting this together DS! I'm pretty excited now

[MDY]

I'm generally fine for most weekday evenings (as long as we don't go on much past 11 - I have to be up at 6)..

Sunday would be ok with me too.. Maybe worth having a secondary day too though in case someone can't make the other that week..
 

EDIT - Like Rikku - fine with Tues for backup ..

[Rikku]

Sunday is fine with me but am going to vote Tuesday as my back up evening vote.

 

[Rikku]

Back from weekend away and reading through my beginners rule sets. I'm really quite exicted for this.

 

Quick question, I don't really want to read any of the campaign we are going to play because I want to go in fully surprised.  Am presuming as DM you will have taken a glance through it,@Doctor Shark Does it mention if it is specifically designed for use with the pre generated characters in the starter set / from the free downloads?  Or are we free to create something ourselves? 

 

Edit: Never mind, you have kinda answered that in your first post edit!  

[Andy_Why]

With character creation in mind - do any of you have thoughts on what class/race combo you're going to go for? I always tended to go to warriors or clerics, so I'm thinking I'd quite like to try a Wizard or a Rogue. I truly don't mind that much if someone else has their heart set on one of those classes!

[MDY]

If we're just running a few pre-generated quests with some starter characters I suppose it doesn't matter ~too~ much..

Thought I might try a monk.. there's a halfling monk in the pregen characters in the 1st post link..

 

I assume we'll be starting at level 1?

 

[Rikku]

Yep, I think the adventure will see us starting at level 1 and by the end we will be level 5...

 

(If we don't all die horribly)

 

I was thinking halfling rogue, there is one pregenerated but I'm not entirely convinced that I would build exactly that way so was going to have a play about and see what I could come up with.

 

In saying that, I'd be happy to go along with something else if you want to go Rogue for a different playing experience, @Andy_Why

[Andy_Why]

No, go for it Rikku! I'll go for one of the magic-user classes in that case.

 

Just to confirm then, so far we have -

Halfling Rogue

Halfling Monk

Human(?) Wizard

 

Oh man, our enemies are going to be trembling with fear when they see us

[Captain Kelsten]

I would play a dwarven fighter or paladin, usually.

[Captain Kelsten]

Let's have our first game on this coming Sunday, then. How does 8pm start sound? We'll aim for an hour and see how we get on. 

[Andy_Why]

Sounds good to me. It'll be a good way to get comfortable with Roll20 etc as well.

[MDY]

Sounds fine.. so  for prep I'm assuming..

 

Pick a character/class prebuild from the D&D site or the starter kit ones..

Fill in a character sheet using the info on the prebuild.. Are we starting at level 1?

Create a name (and maybe a couple of paragraphs backstory?)

Create a roll20 and discord account..

Have dice and player guide/starter kit..

 

Anything else?

[Captain Kelsten]

You can be whatever character/class takes your fancy, but the ones included with the starter kit, from which we will be playing, are designed for people who have never played DnD before and are meant to act as a gentle introduction to all the systems and concepts, so might be good for the first game simply to help us get used to it.

 

You do not have to buy the starter set or player handbook to play, but it will probably help.