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Post by Jay on Mar 2, 2021 0:42:00 GMT
After she noticed he'd stepped out of the trees, Nilly came running over to rejoin him. Their party instincts proved to be rapidly developing as they silently agreed that Legolas would stand watch while she investigated the corpse. In less than a minute she returned, leading them off to find their third party member. To his surprise, they found him not alone, but with a human woman, a lute strung around her shoulder.
The woman explained how she'd walked into the ambush at apparently the same time that they had, but it was news to Legolas that there had even been a second goblin. Not that it surprised him, he'd never heard of a goblin attacking a trio of travelers on his own. Plus there was still the question of who had made that loud warning. Surely that was chief on the other's minds? The woman went on to practically beg them to help her.
Something about the whole thing seemed too practiced - too manufactured. He had the suspicion that at least part of the story was fabricated. Still, she seemed harmless enough, and maybe it had something to do with the voice they'd all heard. The uncanny elf kept his suspicions to himself, but was determined to keep a close eye on her for the time being.
The others, at least, seemed to suspect nothing. Li jumped right onto scouting the area, quickly realizing that there must have been a hostage taken here. "It looks like we have two options: follow the trail and hope we find the hostage alive, or set up camp and do it in the morning... but what if they don't have that kind of time?" the elf said, turning the statement into a question for the rest of the party.
Rolls:
Insight vs Stella's Lie (DC: 20)VIP|Hpdu1d20+4 1d20+4
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Mar 2, 2021 8:52:35 GMT
The rest of the party congregated at their position just as Stella spoke, but none of them seemed to sense anything wrong with her words. Again she smiled inwardly - but, it seemed, her fears had been for nought. These people seemed to be here on some sort of mission, given their apparent eagerness to follow the marks of a dragged body into the woods. The topless man, who the young elf introduced as Li, also made mention of the Trident of Triboar - the hastily created identity that Stella had used to keep the goblins from turning her into a kebab. With a gulp, she pointed vaguely towards where she had walked from. ”I might have seen somebody heading back South down the road, the one who made that horrible warning, but I can’t be certain - everything happened so fast, I was just so afraid!” she said, tears welling in her eyes once more. As the unintroduced elf approached, Stella noticed a wariness in his eyes - perhaps her deception wasn’t so perfect after all. ”My name is Stella, Stella Stagspeak. Please don’t leave me alone out here - I might not be able to fight, but my Father taught me some words of healing that might be useful. If there are more of these things on the road…”She left the sentence unsaid, instead forcing a shiver to take her entire body as if racked with a magnificent fear. Damn, she was good.
Rolls: Deception (advantage) vs all (Actor feat, pretend to be defenceless girl): gHLxIoPx1d20+5 1d20+5
1d20+5·1d20+5
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Post by Indifferent on Mar 2, 2021 17:36:46 GMT
Legolas's words posed a dilemma for Aranil. She didn't want to admit it, but he was right. Li mentioned he found signs of someone being dragged away among the tracks leading into the forest, but he didn't say how fresh they were. There was a possibility that this happened right before their arrival, or it could've been days ago.
Nilly let out a grunt of dismay. "Urgh..." She then dropped the weapons she gathered from the goblin Legolas had killed next to Li. "Here, I grabbed these off the other gob. Maybe one of you guys can make use of them," she said before turning towards the forest path where the tracks were found. "I'm going to check out those tracks and see if I can't find out how fresh they are. You guys should rest up in the meantime and maybe search the camp for any supplies we could use."
Before leaving, Nilly caught the woman's name, and there was mention of someone running south down the road. The young elf was a bit confused by the conversation. She'd been looking south most of the time and didn't notice anyone headed in that direction. Though, if she remembered correctly, that bard back at the inn also went by the same name of Stagspeak. She thought that perhaps they were related but didn't inquire about it. Aranil didn't want to be rude. Not to mention, there were more pressing matters at the moment.
Although Legolas and she were fine, that wasn't the same for Li and Stella. Nilly wanted to get them patched up and rest a little before making their next move, but time could be crucial right now. In a rush, the young elf ran over to the forest path and searched the area for any information she could gather about the potential abduction. Depending on what was found, she might have a tough decision to make. Save themselves, or risk it all trying to save someone else.
A short while later, Nilly returned with a solemn expression on her face, and her head was down. "The tracks were fresh, no more than a few hours old," she said while looking up at the others. "I know you guys are injured, but I think we should go. If we're lucky, whoever was captured might still be alive."Rolls Survival [Check tracks for clues about potential threats and recency]: PKwNHquD1d20+4
1d20+4
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Mar 3, 2021 19:04:55 GMT
Nilly ran off to check out the tracks Li Jie had found and the woman began to explain her situation. At the mention of the voice she made a claim that she had seen someone running south, a person that Li could have missed when he was shot. It was possible, and her emotions seemed to run wild, so things were fine for the moment. That was until she mentioned her name, Stella Stagspeak. It was the same name as the bard from the Courageous Pony Inn, the wildly flamboyant singer. Li Jie looked her over once more, his mind trying to wrap his brain around the situation, was it possible she was acting? " Nah," he said thinking out loud. Nilly came back with her findings, a few hours and nothing more. More than enough time for the group to catch up if they needed, to whatever was out there. " A lil' banged up, but I'll manage." The monk stated while still applying pressure to his shoulder. With what Legolas had said, the ability of healing, and a tracker, what could go wrong? " We should go, hopefully my eyes are better than my feet this time around..." Li Jie said with a nervous laugh as he turned back to the road. " Whenever we are ready we should go, watch out of any other ambushes that might happen too." He said while his eyes scanned up the trail in the dirt. The pain surged through his arm and he could feel his head begin to throb. He attempted to shrug it off, but he wasn't sure what he missed in the process. Rolls: Insight:AYNRwo6O1d20+4 Perception:1d20+2 1d20+4·1d20+2
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Mar 3, 2021 19:20:23 GMT
Stella blinked rapidly as the group focussed on going deeper in the woods rather than making their way back to town. A soft sigh escaped her lips, barely audible even to her - these were no mere travellers, they had to be adventurers. And adventurers brought danger. But, she thought wrily, they also brought gold. A small smile grew on her face as she stepped forwards and picked up a shortbow. ”If somebody is in trouble, we need to help them,” she said, some of her defenceless girl facade fading away. She looked off into the woods for a few seconds before looking back at the others. ”I’ll do what I can to help.”
Rolls: Perception (keep eyes peeled as we follow the tracks): 4LtFuitZ1d20+4
1d20+4
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Post by Indifferent on Mar 3, 2021 22:06:07 GMT
Despite their injuries, Li and Stella agreed to go search for whoever was taken. Nilly felt sad about their situation but was glad that they decided to come along. While the rest of the group prepared for departure, Aranil decided to rummage through the nearby camp. Although small, she thought there might've been a chance that the captors didn't take the time to raid the area after snatching their prisoner. Since they didn't take the time to stock up before leaving town, any supplies would've been helpful at this point.
When Nilly finished up at the campsite, she returned to the others who were ready to leave. "Off we go then" she said in a cheerful tone. She was almost back to her usual self now that the others were up and about. Though they were still injured, so she felt the need to take the lead on this one. "I'll take the lead this time, kay."
Venturing down the forest path, Nilly kept her bow raised with an arrow at the ready. Her pace was average, with eyes peeled, in search of anything that might stand out among the foliage. She didn't want a repeat of the ambush that caught them off guard last time. With half their group already injured, they couldn't afford another mishap.Actions Investigation [Passive = 18 | Advantage | Check camp site + tent for supplies]: spO50o271d20+3 Investigation [Passive = 18 | Advantage | Check camp site + tent for supplies]: 1d20+3 Perception [Passive = 16 | Look out for traps + enemies while following tracks]: 1d20+6 Ready arrow in case an enemy is spotted
1d20+3·1d20+3·1d20+6
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Post by Jay on Mar 4, 2021 18:44:51 GMT
While Nilly gave the area a closer look, the damsel-in-distress apparent claimed to have seen someone running off into the woods, likely the source of the loud, disembodied warning. The elf met her eyes as she spoke, his earlier doubts giving him pause. This time though, he didn't notice anything in her expression that said she wasn't telling the truth. That didn't mean he believed her whole story, but as of yet he hadn't seen any reason to think she was a danger to the party.
Within minutes, the party of four was moving through the woods. Nilly led the way, her eyes peeled for enemies or traps. Her careful progression saved them from stepping onto multiple pitfalls - hastily covered holes in the ground set with spikes at the bottom. It was clear that the enemy hadn't wanted anyone to follow them, but they'd done a bad job of preventing it. Then again, goblins weren't known for the keen intelligence either.
Managing to completely avoid any traps along the way, the party soon arrived at the edge of a small river that seemed to run directly into a large, steep cliff. Beside the river, there was a small pathway that led into the cave. Legolas looked over at the others, wondering how they would want to proceed. The would need to cross the river to get to the pathway that led into the cave, but who knew what enemies were around?
Suddenly they all heard a wail of despair from within the cave. It sounded like someone being tortured!
Roll:
Insight vs Stella's Deception (Adv due to doubt) j|iXcQI31d20+3 1d20+3 1d20+3·1d20+3
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Mar 4, 2021 19:32:12 GMT
Miles and miles they traveled this trail, to the point where Li Jie could feel his head become light from the loss of blood. He still hid it from them all, not wanting to burden them further than he had. Nilly, on the other hand, was performing excellent. Because of her the party was able to avoid every life threatening trap before them. Spiked pits, random claw like traps, and others. She did well. Eventually the came to an opening where a river ran across to the mouth of a cave. The river didn't look too depend, maybe a couple feet. It was slow and gentle, more like a stream or creak than anything else. Li Jie wasn't very experienced with the lay of the land here near Neverwinter. However, he did spot something over toward the cave, two goblins that had seemed to be bickering and grumbling about something, he didn't quite understand what they were saying though. " Shhhh," he hushed, pointing over to the cave where the two goblins were. " What's the plan?" Li Jie asked in a whisper. Rolls: Perception [Enemies]: Mv3rXCsB1d20+2 Nature [Depth of Rive]: 1d20 1d20+2·1d20
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Post by Indifferent on Mar 6, 2021 1:04:25 GMT
Nilly's prowess as a ranger proved useful in navigating the trail that led the group to a hidden cave where some goblins had gathered. They were fortunate enough to avoid another ambush this time, as Li had pointed out the two guards nearby before they had a chance to notice their arrival.
The two gobs appeared to be distracted for the moment. Aranil listened attentively to their yammering as she understood the goblin's native tongue. She hoped the details of their conversation might be useful, although the distance between them left her uncertain of success. All she could ascertain was mention of a prisoner and their complaints of being on guard duty.
"Well, this is the right place. I just heard those gobs mention a prisoner. Also," said Nilly in response to Li's question as she rummaged around in her pocket. "Maybe this can help? I can't remember what it does, but I feel like throwing it would be the right thing to do," she said while producing a small bag filled with a strange goo. "On second thought, maybe I'll save it for later. We could sneak over to the northern tree line and snipe them from a distance. Oh, I found this old key on the gob back there. Not sure what it's for, though."Rolls Perception [Passive 16 | Goblin Language | Distant eavesdropping on Goblin convo]: z8288D2x1d20+6 Survival [Advantage | Check out the bag of goo with group]: 1d20+4 Survival [Advantage | Check out the bag of goo with group]: 1d20+4 History [Advantage | Check out the bag of goo with group]: 1d20+1 History [Advantage | Check out the bag of goo with group]: 1d20+1
1d20+6·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+1·1d20+1
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Post by Indifferent on Mar 8, 2021 21:10:15 GMT
The adventure started with ill preparation and caution to the wind. It continued with negligence and a lack of information. Now that had all changed. A plan was in the making. Something unexpected and even a bit eccentric but it just might work.
Nilly took the back seat on this one. After placing some leaves and twigs in her hair, she ducked down low before sneaking off into the nearby trees. The rest of the group had gathered around similarly. Two goblins in their sights, which they hoped to get the drop on.
Survival was of little concern this time around. Now, they were after information. It took a while, but they finally realized that knowledge was the key to success. Nilly, along with Stella, was tasked with taking out one of the goblins, while Legolas and Li would capture the other.
With her bow in hand, the young elf raised her arms and pivot alongside a tree trunk to steady her aim. Narrowing her sights, Aranil mounted an arrow and pulled back the drawstring before letting it fly. Lady luck was all that stood in its way now, though lately, she and the elf had become quite chummy.
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Mar 9, 2021 16:34:01 GMT
The group was still in the early phases of working with one another, as well as learning how each other thinks and acts. It was the struggle of early adventurers as well as just social happenings in general. Each had their own thoughts and ideas, each thought that their way was the correct way. None were correct, but at the same time none were incorrect. It took a bit of silent bicker back and forth between themselves before a plan was finally decided upon. Li Jie and Legolas, endearingly dubbed "L and L" were charged with the apprehension of one of the goblins, while Nilly and Stella would act as assassins. Adrenaline rushed through Li Jie's veins, his mind completely ignoring the piercing pain in his shoulder from the ambush previously. The water was cold as the breeze blew it's chillingly cool breath across the now wet clothing. His skin recoiled in reaction, goosebumps crawling across his arms causing the hairs to stand on end. Yet he remained silent. More so than he had ever done before, his mind intently focusing on every single movement and twig before him. His feet danced through the brush, like the flying monkeys back home. He mimicked them, as he had done many times before, twisting and leaping with virtual silence as Legolas and he made their way to position. They had left behind the two women, trekking on through the woods a bit further to the east before creeping up like a panther stalking it's prey. His eyes moved toward Legolas and Li Jie gave a small nod. He knew once they sprung the attack, the other goblin would be fired upon and as long as nothing went wrong, they would have the info needed. Rolls: Stealth: 25 Perception: 5
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Mar 9, 2021 16:54:30 GMT
As they approached a small river, the group quickly devolved into strategy. Quiet arguments took place between the group as they each presented their own plans, but in the end their path was decided - Stella and Nilly would take care of one of the pair of goblins on the other side of the river, while the other two would capture the other to draw information from. With a bit of luck, they would know exactly what was facing them inside the cave that the screaming had come from. Before they broke off, Stella laid a hand on Li Jie’s arm. ”Luck,” she said, and a small gust of wind seemed to blow against the strings of the lute on her back, emitting a soft melody. A moment later they were crossing the river, and she had unslung the shortbow from over her shoulder. She knocked an arrow slowly, lining up her shot just as Nilly did next to her. She gulped, but steeled herself - this plan was going to work. Her arrow whistled through the air, less than a second after Nilly’s own. With everybody in place, it was time to see just how lucky they were.
Move: (map) Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration on Li Jie Action: Fire on gob (Advantage) Rolls:
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Post by Jay on Mar 9, 2021 18:38:59 GMT
The decision was made to capture one of the two lookouts in hopes of gleaning some information from the goblin. No doubt he'd be able to give them some crucial insight about what awaited them in the cave, but it was no doubt a dangerous effort. If something were to go wrong, they'd risk the lookouts alerting their allies, and for all the party knew, they'd suddenly be facing down a dozen or more enemies, each as tough or tougher than the ambushers they'd defeated back on the road. The elf was nervous, but he steeled his resolve and followed Li Jei into the underbrush. Silently they sneaked right up behind one of the goblins, literally coming within a few feet of it.
For a moment, they simply stared at his back like phantoms, but then the twang of either Nilly or Stella's bow told them it was time to move. The elf leapt out, taking one of his daggers and hammerfisting the top of the goblin's head with the hilt. Unfortunately, his foot caught a root and he fell flat on his chest.
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Balial
Experienced Creator
Posts: 113
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Post by Balial on Mar 10, 2021 16:47:17 GMT
A mighty crack upon the side of the goblins head was enough to stagger the foe, but not enough to down him. Legolas had somehow fallen onto his chest and their plan began to fall apart. Things happened so fast it was almost hard to tell what had happened, even for Li Jie. Nilly sprinted from the bushes, her tiny frame aiming low to sweep the legs of the goblin and subdue him. Staggered as the foe was, he was fighting for his life. The goblin tossed Nilly to the side and eyed the group with his beady orbs. Not the day or place to die it seems. He began to bolt, Li Jie was prepared for the sprint and threw a low kick to chop the legs from under him. The goblin's legs did exactly that, crossing and still moving with momentum toppling him head first into the ground. His body scorpioned before it came to a rest and the monk checked for signs of life. " He is still breathing, we can still keep our plans!" He said in a hushed tone. As quick as possible he began to wrap the rope around the legs, waist, and wrists of the little green man. " Someone help me tie him to this damn tree!" Rolls: spot for rolls
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coomer
Experienced Creator
Posts: 82
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Post by coomer on Mar 10, 2021 17:18:25 GMT
Unfortunately, not everything went to plan. Her own arrow missed and, in the blink of an eye, one of the goblins had tried to make his escape. Luckily Li had been alert, catching the goblin with a kick and knocking him out cold. Stella rushed forwards as he asked for help, her own deft fingers tying the rope securely around the tree. Her eyes moved to the others for a second, and then she shrugged internally. She hadn’t wanted to expose herself to these people so early, but she would do what she had to to get this goblin to talk. First she walked over to the river, filling a small bottle with cold water, and then returning. ”Keep an eye out for any others,” she said, before taking a deep breath. A wind seemed to pass through the clearing, setting her lute strings to ringing once more. *** The goblin awoke to the feel of cold water being splashed in his face. Confusion filled him for several seconds as he looked around, but he could see nothing but darkness. It took a second for him to remember what had happened, and he was just about to cry out when a face appeared before him. ”You’re finally awake.”The voice was terrible - it was deep, and somehow loud and eerily quiet at the same time. It permeated his ears, seeping into his very brain as the face spoke the words. It moved closer, throwing its features into greater detail. It was pale, white as the moon, with a bald head and large eyes - eyes that were completely black, blacker than the void of nothingness that surrounded the face. ”It’s time that we played a game.”The face flashed for a millisecond, almost leaving the goblin to convince himself that he had imagined it. The white face had been replaced by a red one, burned and melted flesh dripping from it, eyes gouged out and bloody. But now the white face was back, its mouth pulling back into a grin that seemed far too wide to be natural. ”Have you ever played a game? I’m sure you’ll like this one.”A knife floated into existence below the face. A cruel, barbed thing made of a deep black metal. Runes ran along the edge and it glowed with an otherworldly red light, casting the white face into even deeper impact. ”We’ll start with your eyes - you don’t need those to talk.”Again the red face appeared, this time sticking for several seconds as the eye sockets began to drip fresh blood. The scent of burning flesh filled the goblin’s nostrils, and then a second later it was gone. ”The nose is always fun - smelling won’t convince you to tell the truth.”A long white finger appeared before the goblin, running gently down the goblin’s nose in an almost motherly fashion. ”The tongue is always the last to go, although I do so enjoy it. Have you seen how a tongue wriggles when it’s removed from a mouth? You’ll see soon enough…”The face’s eyes blazed for a second, drawing the goblin’s attention, before turning back to black. In their depths the goblin saw what was to become of him - a mutilated, scarred face, dripping with blood and tears. ”Of course, there is another option.”The eyes faded to black once more, and the knife rose to gently stroke down the goblin’s cheek. ”Tell us why you’re here. Tell us what’s in the cave.”
”Tell us why we should let you live.”
Minor Illusion to torment poor gob Rolls:
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