D&D 5E OOC The European Union

Notes from session #1-

The New Adventures of the European Union in 5e.

Session #1

Starring-
Zalt, Half-Elf Warlock 1 played by Simon.
Grimm, Human Paladin of Tymora 1 played by Zoki.
Hellwhip, Human Ranger 1 played by Pedja.
Zyler, Human Cleric of Tempus 1 played by Christer.

The Action-

1) Meet individually with Gundren Rockseeker (Dwarf) in Neverwinter, hired to take a cart load of provisions to Phandalin (Fan-dal-in), a small frontier town. Quest #1 Deliver Gundren’s Provisions, get the cart and its contents to Barthen’s Provisions in Phandalin to receive (10gp each) payment. Gundren states that there may be bandits on the road- keep a sharp look out. Gundren and his bodyguard, Sildar Hallwinter (Human ex-Guard Captain) set off for Phandalin a day before your departure, travelling fast on good horses.

2) A day later adventurers meet for the first time, figure out who is driving the cart, and then head out of Neverwinter on the Coast Road. The provisions in the cart are mostly mining and camping equipment, the cart is being pulled by two oxen- slow going.

3) First day out of Neverwinter encounter a much larger merchant caravan heading for the city, and later a group of Road Wardens- all goes well.

4) Continue along the Coast Road on the second day of travel, the only excitement is a rain storm- it doesn’t last long. Reach the Triboar Trail, which leads to Phandalin, at the end of the day.

5) Third day of travel is interrupted when adventurers spot a pair of dead horses on the road ahead- doesn’t look good. Investigations are curtailed it's a Goblin ambush, four of the evil humanoids are killed. The dead horses, you think, belong to Gundren & Sildar, your employer has been ambushed? Grimm is wounded in the fight. XP AWARDED.

6) A Goblin trail is discovered heading off into the wilds, the oxen and cart are hidden, the trail followed- a pair of traps en route are located and disarmed. The trail leads to a cave entrance- lots of Goblin tracks. Time to rescue Gundren and Sildar (possibly). XP AWARDED.

7) A pair of (bored) Goblin guards are spotted hiding in nearby brambles, the pair are swiftly despatched. XP AWARDED.
Session #1 Ends.

Ongoing Quests- #1 Deliver Gundren’s Provisions

NPCs of note- Gundren Rockseeker (Dwarf patron) & Sildar Hallwinter (Gundren's bodyguard).

Enemies of note- Goblins.

New Info- Have Gundren and Sildar been ambushed and captured by the Goblins?

Notes from session #2-

The New Adventures of the European Union in 5e.

Session #2

Starring-
Zalt, Half-Elf Warlock 1 played by Simon.
Grimm, Human Paladin of Tymora 1 played by Zoki.
Hellwhip, Human Ranger 1 played by Pedja.
Zyler, Human Cleric of Tempus 1 played by Christer.

The Action-

1) Quest #2 Destroy the Goblin Bandits, make the road to Phandalin safe for travellers by destroying or dispersing the Goblin bandits.

2) Check around the exterior of the cave, it seems to be the only way in- there are lots of Goblin trails here. A stream runs out of the cavern- time to investigate.

3) First chamber contains three emaciated angry wolves, Hellwhip acts quickly- he feeds the beasts, calms them and then releases them into the wild. XP AWARDED.

4) Sudden flash flood surges down the cavern passage, adventurers dive out of the way of the oncoming tide- odd that the watery surge should happen just as you are investigating. A Goblin is spotted ahead, high on a bridge over the passage you are exploring. Are the Goblins capable of producing the flood?

5) Chamber that held Wolves is investigated further, a natural chimney leads up into another room- the newly discovered chamber contains a very big Goblin (a Bugbear perhaps) and some other creatures, including at least one more Wolf. The chimney however proves to offer poor access, you cannot safely attack this way. Zalt is wounded here- slipping and falling when he is only halfway up, Zyler takes over. XP AWARDED.

6) An ascending rocky passage is investigated- there seem to be lights ahead, more Goblins perhaps. Part of the passage collapses under the weight of Zyler- Grimm is bruised by the rockfall. XP AWARDED.

7) Moments later there's a second flash flood, Zalt is hit and swept out of the cave, and left badly wounded (on 2 hit points). Goblins arrive on the scene- two on the bridge throwing javelins, two charging into the adventurers with scimitars swinging. Fight! All four Goblins are killed but most of the adventurers are injured, several badly. Zyler heals but not enough. XP AWARDED.

8) Retreat. Exit the cave to take a short rest (one hour minimum) to heal up Hellwhip- he's still badly wounded (on 2 hit points). Adventurers watch the cavern entrance- make sure Goblins do not exit or attack.

9) During rest adventurers hailed by a Goblin- “Who are you? What do you want?”, after a brief chat the Goblin gets his boss- Klarg, probably the Bugbear Zyler spotted earlier. Klarg is not stupid (he has an 'O' level in Woodwork), the Goblins do not have Gundren but they do have Sildar. Klarg offers the adventurers a way out- kill a Goblin called Yeemik (his rival in the clan) and they can leave with Sildar, he'll also tell them what has happened to Gundren. Deal done- at least for now. XP WILL BE AWARDED LATER.

10) During above action Zyler receives the first Inspiration Point, basically Christer is player the Cleric of Tempus (God of Battle) as Bruce Willis without his vest, it helps that his lowest dice roll in game so far is a '17'.

11) After rest adventurers head back in again, and following Klarg's instructions, back up the rocky passage- they bust in on Yeemik and his Goblin friends. Fight! Adventurers cut down three of the six Goblins before Yeemik asks for parley while threatening to kill Sildar (he's on 1 hit point). The fighting stops for a chat, several of the adventurers are hurt in the combat. XP AWARDED.

12) Yeemik offers the adventurers a way out- if they kill Klarg he will allow them to keep Klarg's treasure and to take Sildar. The guys think about it, except for Zalt who blasts Yeemik- dead. Two Goblins left- one fights and is killed, the other bows before mighty Zalt. His name is Catflap. XP AWARDED.

13) Catflap tells the adventurers that the tribe ambushed and captured Gundren and Sildar, Klarg took Gundren, Yeemik took Sildar. Several Hobgoblins helped out with the ambush but he has not seen them since- they headed off with Klarg. XP AWARDED.

14) Sildar tells the adventurers lots of stuff- a) Gundren and his brothers (Tharden & Nundro) have, he thinks, found Wave Echo Cave; b) Wave Echo Cave, centuries ago, was home to a group of Gnomes, Dwarves and Humans (known as the Phandelver Pact), they produced magical items there- Phandalin (the town) grew rich because of this fact; c) a horde of Orcs destroyed Phandalin and the cave's inhabitants (presumably) a good while back- the cave existed only as rumour- until now; d) Sildar when he was captured overheard that the Hobgoblins (see above) had been sent specifically to recover Gundren; they work for an organisation or an individual known as the Black Spider; e) Sildar is a member of the Lord's Alliance, an organisation which seeks to expand civilisation into the wild lands; and lastly f) Sildar needs to get to Phandalin today, Quest #3 Get Sildar to Phandalin, and is willing to pay (50gp). XP AWARDED.

15) The adventurers question Sildar a while, they are convinced that everything he has said is the truth. Sildar needs to get to Phandalin because the best chance the Lord's Alliance have of expanding Phandalin is to open Wave Echo Cave again, Gundren is in fact their best hope. Sildar has friends in Phandalin who can help him to find Gundren. XP AWARDED.

16) Adventurers are an extended rest away from level 2.

Session #2 Ends.

Ongoing Quests- #1 Deliver Gundren’s Provisions; #2 Destroy the Goblin Bandits & #3 Get Sildar to Phandalin

NPCs of note- Gundren Rockseeker (Dwarf patron)- missing? & Sildar Hallwinter (Gundren's bodyguard)- found.

Enemies of note- Goblins & Wolves, Catflap (surrendered Goblin), Yeemik (Goblin wannabe chief)- dead & Klarg (Bugbear chief)- not daft. Also Hobgoblins & the Black Spider?

New Info- Sildar has been found, Gundren (probably) has been taken by Hobgoblins to the Black Spider. Gundren may have found Wave Echo Cave, this would be great for Sildar, the Lord's Alliance, the town of Phandalin and the Sword Coast at large.

Hey guys

A bit slow getting on the forums but I found it finally

I am playing Zyler, the cleric of Tempus. I will post a more detailed description of him later tonight or tomorrow Sunday.

Christer

The New Adventures of the European Union in 5e.

Session #3, Thursday 20th August 2015

Starring-
Zalt, Half-Elf Warlock 1 played by Simon.
Grimm, Human Paladin of Tymora 1 played by Zoki.
Zyler, Human Cleric of Tempus 1 played by Christer.
Ken Lee, Human Wizard 1 played by Bob.

The Action-

1) The adventurers decide to exit the goblin lair, they'll be back to clear up the bad guys later- first off they need to chat with Klarg, having killed Yeemik like the Bugbear asked, after that it's time to get Sildar to Phandalin, first up they take a Short Rest. Alas their plan doesn't work out.

2) As it turns out there's a very well fed wolf- Ripper, a pair of Goblins, and Klarg preventing the guys from leaving- the mighty Bugbear warrior has tricked the guys, it gets to fighting. At which point we recap Ken Lee's story, the Wizard is not having a good day- his mule has run off, he spent a little while upside down in a tree, and now he's wandered into a Goblin cave. The Wizard hears the fight and goes to investigate.

3) The adventurers scare off Ripper, kill the Goblins and capture Klarg- who is tied up; they also get their hands on Klarg's treasure. They do not however learn where Gundren has been taken, except that the Dwarf was give to Targor Bloodseeker, a nasty Hobgoblin in the employ of King Grol, the lord of the Cragmaw Goblins. Klarg also mentions the Black Spider but he has no idea or what it is. Klarg is not very well informed, although he tries hard to please. The adventurers have completed Quest #2 Destroy the Goblin Bandits. XP AWARDED.

4) The adventurers grab Klarg, and a crate full of merchandise from a Lionshield Coster consignment, they find a bunch of this stuff in Klarg's cave; and then head onto Phandalin with Sildar.

5) The adventurers arrive in Phandalin late evening and deliver the wagon and its contents to Barthen's Provisions, completing Quest #1 Deliver Gundren’s Provisions. They talk with Barthen a while, the merchant is unhappy to hear that Gundren is missing- he points the adventurers to the Stonehill Tavern, and hints that things are not as they should be in Phandalin. The adventurers also learn that there is a Lionshield Coster merchant in Phandalin, she (Linene) will want to know that the Goblin cave contains a cart load of her goods, she's feisty Barthen warns. The adventurers have also completed Quest #3 Get Sildar to Phandalin, although the bodyguard has yet to pay them for getting him safely to Phandalin. XP AWARDED.

6) The adventurers retire to the Stonehill Inn, Sildar has paid for their rooms and bought them dinner and drinks, the guys take a little time to talk with the locals, they cause quite a stir as they still have Klarg, the Bugbear, in tow. They certainly make an impression on the Inn's inhabitants, eventually Klarg is found a place to sleep in the town cells.

7) The adventurers learn lost of new things, including- a) the Townmaster Harbin Wester is a fat fool, according to more or less everyone they talk to; b) Sister Garaele, the local priestess of Tymora was spotted recently returning to Phandalin- she looked beaten up, this according to Narth a local farmer; c) Phandalin is home to a 'sexy' adventurer called Daran Edermath, Zyler it turns out is also 'sexy', according to the barmaid, Elsa- Zyler proves immune to Elsa's charms, the priest only has eyes for Tempus; d) there are Orcs in the hills, according to Lanar a dwarven miner, there's a reward for killing them- see Harbin the Townmaster for details; e) there's a local mercenary gang- the Redbrands, they were hired to protect the town, of late they have started to extract protection money from the town's inhabitants- Harbin the Townmaster has defended their actions, he seems to be out of his depth. There are further rumours that one of the citizens of the town, a woodcarver by the name of Thel Dendrar, was murdered by the Redbrands a day or so ago. Trilena the Innkeeper's wife pleads with Zalt to go and see Halia Thornton who runs the Phandalin Miner's Exchange, she knows what's going on; f) further chatter reveals that Halia (see above) is a doer, rather than a worrier like the Harbin the Townmaster, she gets things done, other citizens recommend the adventurers visit with her. XP AWARDED.

8) Sildar informs the adventurers, before retiring for the night that he will meet them at breakfast for a chat, and that they should be careful who they share their 'information' with. The member of the Lord's Alliance also tells the adventurers that he will be moving into the Town Hall tomorrow- it's time Phandalin grew a backbone, he's going to bring a little order to the place.

9) The adventurers take an extended rest- Zyler, Zalt, Hellwhip and Grimm are all Level 2.

Session #3 Ends.

Ongoing Quests- None, but lots of places and people to check out (see above & below).

NPCs of note- Gundren Rockseeker (Patron)- MISSING, Sildar Hallwinter (Lord's Alliance), Elmar Barthen (Barthen's Provisions), Toblen Stonehill (Stonehill Inn), Tilena Stonehill (Toblen's wife), Pip Stonehill (Toblen & Trilena's young son). The adventurers have also been told about the following NPCs- Linene Graywind (Lionshield Coster), Sister Garaele (Shrine of Tymora), Harbin Wester (Townmaster), Daran Edermath (local adventurer), Halia Thornton (Phandalin Miner's Exchange).

Enemies of note- Klarg (Bugbear Chief)- captured; Hobgoblins lead by Targor Bloodseeker (took Gundren); King Grol? (Cragmaw Goblin leader) & the Black Spider?

New Info- Gundren has been taken by Targor Bloodseeker and his Hobgoblins to the Black Spider, or King Grol, or... Gundren needs to get found and rescued, remember he also has two brothers- Tharden and Nundro. Sildar is going to do some asking around and help the town if he can. The Redbrands are very bad people, rumoured to have killed a local- something needs to be done about them, see Halia. There are Orcs in the hills, pestering the miners, see Harbin the Townmaster- who is also a fat fool. Sister Garael got injured somehow, maybe she needs help. There's an adventurer living in Phandalin- Daran Edermath. The Lionshield Coster, run by Linene, will probably want their stuff back.

Lots to do in the morning.

The New Adventures of the European Union in 5e.

Session #4, Wednesday 20th August 2015

Starring-
Zalt, Half-Elf Warlock 2 played by Simon.
Grimm, Human Paladin of Tymora 2 played by Zoki.
Zyler, Human Cleric of Tempus 2 played by Christer.
Ken Lee, High Elf Wizard 1 played by Bob.
Hellwhip, Human Ranger 2 played by Pedja.

The Action-

1. The adventurers rise and shine in the Stonehill Inn, four of the five are now level 2. Down to breakfast with Sildar- next up to investigate Phandalin.

2. Leaving the Inn the adventurers are approached by Pip, the Innkeeper's young son- he informs them that Carp Alderleaf knows a secret way into the Redbrand's lair.

3. Individually, and in groups, the adventurers visit with a number of inhabitants of the town, looking for information regarding the present state of affairs in Phandalin; they learn that a) Sister Garaele is fine, she just had an accident in the woods- she wasn't beaten up, she is however concerned about the Redbrands- something must be done about the thugs; b) Linene of the Lionshield Coster concurs, she would also like the adventurers to recover her missing shipment taken by the Cragmaw goblins; c) Carp Alderleaf, a nine year old hafling, with permission from his mum shows the adventurers a secret tunnel into the Redbrand hideout, latter he identifies bugbears as being present; d) Daran Edermath, an ex-adventurer, is pleased to see the adventurers- he too wishes for the Redbrands to be taken down, what's more he has info- the Redbrands are being lead by someone called Glasstaff; lastly e) Hali of the Phandalin Miner's Exchange wants Glasstaff dead and any correspondence s/he has bringing to her- she suspects that a larger organisation is at work, she is also willing to pay- Quest #4 Take down the Redbrands and kill Glasstaff. XP AWARDED.

4. Lunch with Sildar, the member of the Lords Alliance is now the deputy major, he has sent for soldiers from Neverwinter, he will also reward the adventurers if they solve the Redbrand problem in Phandalin. He also pays the guys the 50gp he owes them for getting him safely to Phandalin. Sildar however has a problem- Quest #5 Find Iarno. Another member of the Lord's Alliance, Iarno Aldbrek, was sent to Phandalin a little over two months ago, a short dark haired bearded mage- Iarno is missing, last seen investigation Tresendor manor, the Redbrands hideout. Sildar wants Iarno or his body found, and recovered, he is of course willing to pay. XP AWARDED.

5. The adventurers head to the Townhall and play dumb for Townmaster Harbin, they accept Quest #6 Destroy the Orcs at Wyvern Tor. Harbin is an incompetent fool, and out of his depth- he seems terrified of the Redbrands, and defends their actions in Phandalin. The adventurers check in on Klarg the bugbear (in the cells) and ascertain that Pip did indeed see a trio of bugbears entering the secret tunnel into the Redbrand lair. The adventurers have also learned, from a number of sources, that a bunch of Redbrands hang out at the Sleeping Giant Taphouse, time to pay them a visit. XP AWARDED.

6. The adventurers go toe-to-toe with four Redbrands, their enemies prove to be adept swordsmen- Ken Lee, very briefly, takes a dirt nap. Eventually three of the four are cut down, the last bloodied and battered surrenders. The adventurers have a prisoner, four red cloaks, a few gold. XP AWARDED.

7. Ken Lee also has enough XP for level 2.

Session #4 Ends.

Ongoing Quests- Quest #4 Take down the Redbrands and kill Glasstaff, Quest #5 Find Iarno, and Quest #6 Destroy the Orcs at Wyvern Tor.
NPCs of note- Gundren Rockseeker (Patron)- MISSING, Sildar Hallwinter (Lord's Alliance), Elmar Barthen (Barthen's Provisions), Toblen Stonehill (Stonehill Inn), Tilena Stonehill (Toblen's wife), Pip Stonehill (Toblen & Trilena's young son), Linene Graywind (Lionshield Coster), Sister Garaele (Shrine of Tymora), Harbin Wester (Townmaster), Daran Edermath (ex-Adventurer), Halia Thornton (Phandalin Miner's Exchange), Qelline & Pip Alderleaf (Halfling female Farmer and her son). Lastly, and also missing, Iarno Aldbrek (Human male, short with dark hair and a beard- a wizard).
Enemies of note- Klarg (Bugbear Chief)- captured; Hobgoblins lead by Targor Bloodseeker (took Gundren); King Grol? (Cragmaw Goblin leader) & the Black Spider? Glasstaff & the Redbrands.
New Info- Gundren has been taken by Targor Bloodseeker and his Hobgoblins to the Black Spider, or King Grol, or... Gundren needs to get found and rescued, remember he also has two brothers- Tharden and Nundro. Sildar is set up in the Town Hall- his colleague Iarno however is missing. The Redbrands are very bad people, time to do something about them, both Halia and Sildar will pay. There are Orcs in the hills, pestering the miners, so says Harbin the Townmaster- the fat fool. Sister Garael is fine, she just needs the Redbrands gone, as do all of Phandalin's inhabitants it seems. The Lionshield Coster, run by Linene, wants her stuff back.

You have four red cloaks and a Redbrand prisoner- play nicely with him next session; you also know a secret way into their lair- although it seems there are at least three bugbears present, and the Redbrands are no slouches with a blade.

Session 5 was a blast! Next time with some luck we will hit our 3rd lvl and finally become what we were aiming to-devoted followers of Tymora Bless be all.

It was a cracking session Zoki, and I loved the bit where you played Grimm to the bitter end.

Here are the notes from the session-

The New Adventures of the European Union in 5e.

Session #5, Thursday 3rd September 2015

Starring-
Zalt, Half-Elf Warlock 2 played by Simon.
Grimm, Human Paladin of Tymora 2 played by Zoki.
Zyler, Human Cleric of Tempus 2 played by Christer.
Ken Lee, High Elf Wizard 1 played by Bob.
Hellwhip, Human Ranger 2 played by Pedja.

The Action-

1. The adventurers have secured a Redbrand prisoner, they extract information by breaking the guy's arm- repeatedly. They learn a bunch of stuff- the Redbrands are led by Glasstaff, a wizard; there are a bunch of bugbears in the lair, and a goblin; there's also a terrifying 'eye monster'; lastly the woodcarver's family are prisoner there. XP AWARDED.

2. Daran Edermath and Sister Garaele help out, with advice and healing. Ronnie the dwarven barkeep at the Sleeping Giant remembers the Redbrands mentioning someone or something called 'The Black Spider.' XP AWARDED.

3. The adventurers ready the Sleeping Giant for an ambush, Ronnie the owner informs them that more Redbrands are likely to visit the Inn. Zalt even goes so far as to 'hire' a hunter's trap from Barthen's Provisions. XP AWARDED.

4. A pair of Redbrands turn up, a little later they're dead- simple as. After a short discussion the adventurers chose to head off to Tresendar Manor, the lair of the Redbrands. XP AWARDED.

5. A swift scout around the manor before heading in through the secret tunnel, into a cavern chamber bisected by a chasm- the 'eye monster' turns out to be very chatty, and a little later attacks Grimm who is not playing along. It gets to fighting and alas nothing can save poor Cecil the Nothic. Grimm also has words with Zalt & Ken Lee, they should refrain from making deals with evil creatures in his name in the future. The adventurers also learn from Cecil that Glasstaff is Iarno Aldbreck, Sildar's missing friend. XP AWARDED.

6. The chasm and surrounds are searched- there are five possible exits. The adventurers also discover the body of the woodcarver, and whole bunch of treasure including coins, gems,potions, a scroll and a magical sword called 'Talon', taken by Hellwhip. XP AWARDED.

7. Ken Lee has more than enough XP for level 2, while Zalt and Grimm are only 60 XP off level 3.

Session #5 Ends.

Ongoing Quests- Quest #4 Take down the Redbrands and kill Glasstaff, Quest #5 Find Iarno, and Quest #6 Destroy the Orcs at Wyvern Tor. Not a Quest but also- rescue the dead woodcarver's wife from the clutches of the Redbrands.
NPCs of note- Gundren Rockseeker (Patron)- MISSING, Sildar Hallwinter (Lord's Alliance), Elmar Barthen (Barthen's Provisions), Toblen Stonehill (Stonehill Inn), Tilena Stonehill (Toblen's wife), Pip Stonehill (Toblen & Trilena's young son), Linene Graywind (Lionshield Coster), Sister Garaele (Shrine of Tymora), Harbin Wester (Townmaster), Daran Edermath (ex-Adventurer), Halia Thornton (Phandalin Miner's Exchange), Qelline & Pip Alderleaf (Halfling female Farmer and her son). Lastly, and Iarno Aldbrek aka Glasstaff.
Enemies of note- Klarg (Bugbear Chief)- captured; Hobgoblins lead by Targor Bloodseeker (took Gundren); King Grol? (Cragmaw Goblin leader) & the Black Spider? Glasstaff (Iarno Aldbrek) & the Redbrands.
New Info- The dead woodcarver's wife and kids are captives in the Redbrand's hideout- rescue them. Glasstaff is Iarno Aldbrek, Sildar's missing friend.

You're armed and dangerous and into the Redbrand's hideout, time to kick ass.

The New Adventures of the European Union in 5e.

Session #6, Wednesday 9th September 2015

Starring-
Zalt, Half-Elf Warlock 2 played by Simon.
Grimm, Human Paladin of Tymora 2 played by Zoki.
Zyler, Human Cleric of Tempus 2 played by Christer.
Ken Lee, High Elf Wizard 1 played by Bob.
Hellwhip, Human Ranger 2 played by Pedja.

The Action-

1. The adventurers search around the open chasm area, checking out the passages and doors, eventually discover a secret door that leads them into the cellar proper- the main way into the underground area.

2. The cellar is guarded by a trio of Redbrands, the adventurers in their red cloaks, make out that they are reinforcements, new hires. The plan would have worked if it wasn't for the fact that they insult the Redbrands present and end up in a punch up, Grimm works his magic. The three Redbrands are swiftly killed. XP AWARDED.

3. The cellar is explored and a dusty passage is investigated, the place is trapped- Ken Lee manages to save himself just in time. Over the pit trap and it looks to be a crypt ahead, the more religious members of the group council against desecrating the place. The guys head back to the chasm, and then north and around. XP AWARDED.

4. The trap finding priest of Tempus fails to find any traps, he is truly blessed. Alas the door is locked, they head down to another door which leads into- the crypt.

5. Skeletons attack and the adventurers are stuck in a corridor, Zyler is hit (a crit) and knocked down- death saves follow, a Redbrand joins the fun- the guys win the fight but not before taking a beating. XP AWARDED.

6. The prisoners are released, Mirna- wife of Thel the woodcarver (RIP) and her two children- the trio are escorted back to town by Ken Lee. The adventurers take a short rest and recover their wounds. XP AWARDED.

7. On the way back to the chasm chamber the adventurers encounter bugbears, the fight is sprawling, the large hairy goblinoids trying to circle around to attack the guys from the rear. Thank heavens the pit trap is there to keep the two sides apart. The bugbears, at the end, attempt to flee from the confrontation, bravely the adventurers run them down- although Zalt is badly wounded. XP AWARDED.

8. Grimm, Zalt & Zyler have enough XP for Level 3. Ken Lee has enough for Level 2, all that's needed is an extended rest.

Session #6 Ends.

Ongoing Quests- Quest #4 Take down the Redbrands and kill Glasstaff, Quest #5 Find Iarno, and Quest #6 Destroy the Orcs at Wyvern Tor. Not a Quest but also- go and see the woodcarver's wife after killing/routing the Redbrands & recover Linene's missing provisions from the goblin cave.
NPCs of note- Gundren Rockseeker (Patron)- MISSING, Sildar Hallwinter (Lord's Alliance), Elmar Barthen (Barthen's Provisions), Toblen Stonehill (Stonehill Inn), Tilena Stonehill (Toblen's wife), Pip Stonehill (Toblen & Trilena's young son), Linene Graywind (Lionshield Coster), Sister Garaele (Shrine of Tymora), Harbin Wester (Townmaster), Daran Edermath (ex-Adventurer), Halia Thornton (Phandalin Miner's Exchange), Qelline & Pip Alderleaf (Halfling female Farmer and her son), Iarno Aldbrek aka Glasstaff (the leader of the Redbrands and Sildar's friend?). Lastly Mirna and her kids (the dead woodcarver's family).
Enemies of note- Klarg (Bugbear Chief)- captured; Hobgoblins lead by Targor Bloodseeker (took Gundren); King Grol? (Cragmaw Goblin leader) & the Black Spider? Glasstaff (Iarno Aldbrek) & the Redbrands.
New Info- Glasstaff is Iarno Aldbrek, Sildar's missing friend, he still needs to be located and taken down.

You're armed and dangerous and kicking ass in Redbrand's hideout, good work.

Time to discuss the botting of characters, here are my thoughts-

1) I am not going to bot anyone.

2) Depending on the situation we need 3-4 players in game, I'll advise depending on the situation- obviously I know what's coming next. In general I'd prefer there to be 4 players present for combat situations- like in the Redbrand hideout, while in roleplaying situations, say wandering about in Phandalin, I'd be happy to play on with only three players present. Remember this is only a general rule, if there were only 3 players present then I'm happy to tailor short combats to allow the game to go on, I'd not want to do this for an entire session of combat however, as in the Redbrand hideout.

3) I am of the opinion that nobody should bot anyone else, if you're not in game then your not in game. This is not me being cruel I just think that your PC is your PC, people tend to bot PCs only to get access to their combat abilities, I think of this edition as a roleplaying game with combat, and not the other way around.

4) Having said that I want to play every week, if there are only three players in game and a tough fight is approaching (perhaps) then I don't mind if the players not present have indicated ahead of time that they are happy to be botted by someone else. We did it before in the previous campaign and it worked well, I just don't want to do it all of the time, or else a lot. Obviously if this is the way we go I'll need you to e-mail me to tell me that you are happy for someone else to play your guy.

5) PCs that are being botted can die- that's the risk you take allowing someone else to play your guy; botted PCs also gain XP. PCs not present do not gain XP or treasure, although they may gain a little XP and treasure if they helped to achieve the quest (quest reward XP and reward money), but nothing for the encounters they were not present for.

Second to last point, and not a rule by any means, I figure everyone is going to miss a session or two somewhere along the path (except you Simon of course, and maybe Zoki). I get that you all have busy lives, high flying multinational business execs (like Bob) who flit from country working for maybe a hour or two every day... LOL. You'll miss games, it's a given something will come up and get in the way. Don't worry, I'll tailor the plot as needed, and always try to get as many players around the table for the good bits. Same goes for the fact that some players are lower level than others- encounters will be adjusted when necessary to mitigate for this factor.

Last point I have some homework for you guys, stuff that I want to get done before the end of this scenario- nothing too nasty (each section will take about an hour to do), there are three parts to the homework, part one is to roll up a second PC, a spare- when everybody has done this I'll issue the next bit of homework. This stuff is important, if only to me, please try to get it done as quickly as you can.

With that in mind I need secondary PCs from Christer, Pedja and Bob. I'll turn the server on and e-mail to say it's up (most evenings) if you can't get in then skype or e-mail me and I'll restart it. I'm also (subject to events) happy to help you roll up a new guy in FG.

Good gaming.

Cheers PDR

The New Adventures of the European Union in 5e.

Session #7, Wednesday 16th September 2015

Starring-
Zalt, Half-Elf Warlock 2 played by Simon.
Grimm, Human Paladin of Tymora 2 played by Zoki.
Zyler, Human Cleric of Tempus 2 played by Christer.
Ken Lee, High Elf Wizard 1 played by Bob.

The Action-

1. The adventurers head back into the cellar and take a well earned rest, several of them are real low on hit points. They set guards et al for their short rest. Searching the dead Bugbears they discover a key, which is good because they found a locked door earlier.

2. The locked door is opened, a store room discovered with weapons and ammo- the guys stock up. Then head back out again, the next stop the chamber the Bugbears were laired in, they overheard them earlier.

3. The chamber is empty, and there's nothing to find, the guys head on.

4. Into another guardroom containing drunk (and arguing) Redbrands- two of the three are killed in seconds. The third is knocked out and taken prisoner, then tied up for a brief chat, alas most of the stuff he knows has been heard before. XP AWARDED.

5. Head on into an alchemist's chamber, with a rat- the guys snoop around, while Zalt hears something odd, someone's clearing out from the next room along- in a hurry. XP AWARDED.

6. The adventurers burst in just in time to see Glasstaff (Iarno) doing a runner, they give pursuit- the shout from Zalt is to take the wizard alive. Iarno, courtesy of his magic, gets a good lead on the guys; Ken Lee uses his magic to catch up- Misty Step vs. Expeditious Retreat Iarno attempts to ambush those following- it goes badly and Zalt (accidentally) burns and necrotises Iarno- dead, a bit embarrassing really. XP AWARDED.

7. Iarno/Glasstaff's stuff is taken, including his spellbook and the treasure in his bedchamber- lots of stuff, Ken Lee is grinning like a chimp. The adventurers also take a moment to interrogate again the last remaining Redbrand, they get a bit more story and a better handle on what's going on. The flip side is the bugbears they killed previously may have known where the Black Spider is... The guys learn from Iarno's notes that the Black Spider is also working with the Redbrands, they would have liked to ask Glasstaff about this, ho-hum.

8. The adventurers head back to Phandalin with the dead bodies of Iarno and Thel (the woodcarver), and also the last Redbrand standing, the latter ends up in the cells, the bodies in storage. The guys head into the Stonehill Inn, the natives are waiting for them, waiting to celebrate- Ken Lee and Zalt give short speeches, basically Phandalin is free of the Redbrands- drunken debauchery follows. XP AWARDED.

9. The guys awake the next day a little more experienced- Zalt, Zyler & Grimm are level 3, while Ken Lee is level 2.

Session #7 Ends.

Ongoing Quests- Quest #4 Take down the Redbrands and kill Glasstaff- COMPLETE, Quest #5 Find Iarno- COMPLETE, and Quest #6 Destroy the Orcs at Wyvern Tor. Not a Quest but also- go and see the woodcarver's wife & recover Linene's missing provisions from the goblin cave.
NPCs of note- Gundren Rockseeker (Patron)- MISSING, Sildar Hallwinter (Lord's Alliance), Elmar Barthen (Barthen's Provisions), Toblen Stonehill (Stonehill Inn), Tilena Stonehill (Toblen's wife), Pip Stonehill (Toblen & Trilena's young son), Linene Graywind (Lionshield Coster), Sister Garaele (Shrine of Tymora), Harbin Wester (Townmaster), Daran Edermath (ex-Adventurer), Halia Thornton (Phandalin Miner's Exchange), Qelline & Pip Alderleaf (Halfling female Farmer and her son), Iarno Aldbrek aka Glasstaff (the leader of the Redbrands)- RECENTLY & ACCIDENTALLY DECEASED. Lastly Mirna and her kids (the dead woodcarver's family).
Enemies of note- Klarg (Bugbear Chief)- captured; Hobgoblins lead by Targor Bloodseeker (took Gundren); King Grol? (Cragmaw Goblin leader) & the Black Spider? Glasstaff (Iarno Aldbrek) & the Redbrands- RECENTLY & ACCIDENTALLY DECEASED.
New Info- Glasstaff is dead, the Redbrands are destroyed- lots of rewards to collect; and Daran and Sister Garaele need to talk to the guys soon, as does Sildar and a bunch of other people- the adventurers are in demand. Also the Bugbears in the Redbrand Hideout were sent by the Black Spider, and the Redbrands were working with the Cragmaw Goblins- what a web they weave.

Around town in the morning- you gotsta get paid.