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Adventures in the Midnight Tower (D&D5e)
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<blockquote data-quote="mikeawmids1" data-source="post: 8394255" data-attributes="member: 7030604"><p><u><strong>Adventure #2: Deeper into the Woods</strong></u></p><p></p><p><em>Part One</em></p><p></p><p>As the Hunter's Moon Festival winds down, but before the party leave Buckbridge, they are approached by dwarven archeologist Bjorn Amberclan. Bjorn has discovered an ancient map that he believes marks the final resting place of Queen Freja Swiftsteel. The queen lead the legendary Ironshield Clan, who were famed for their military skill and mounted warriors. The only problem is the tomb is sealed. Bjorn offers the party 75gp to recover the key from the Tower of Agatoth.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Once the heroes reach the Twins (a pair of stone monoliths fifty miles outside of Buckbridge), there are three roads the party can take to reach the tower;</p><p>1: under the mountain,</p><p>2: across the moor, or</p><p>3: through the forest.</p><p></p><p></p><p>After some discussion, the party decide to travel through the forest.</p><p></p><p></p><p>On route to the Twins, the party hear someone calling for help. Beyond a mossy hillock, they find a well-dressed dwarf stuggling to escape a waist-deep pool of mud. A stout pony stands nearby, watching the dwarf's plight with disinterest, whilst chewing on a tussock of grass.</p><p></p><p>The struggling dwarf notices the party gawping at him and demands that they help him out of the muck. Both Addan and Shenk have coils of rope in their gear. Shenk tosses the dwarf one end of his rope and hauls him out of the mire. The muddy dwarf introduces himself as Dr. Ian von Boulderstock, from the town of Winterhold. Enost asks if he knows Bjorn Amberclan. Dr. Boulderstock blusters a little and admits the name is familiar. Enost gets the impression the two dwarves are not friends. Boulderstock produces a sodden wallet and disdainfully counts out ten grubby couns, which he hands to Enost, recompense for rescuing him from the swamp. He assures the heroes he will be fine from here on.</p><p></p><p>The party reach what is actually a pretty pleasant, picturesque forest, filled with joyous birdsong and abundant wildlife. Addan finds the forest particularly pleasing to his elven sensibilities. It will take two days to traverse the forest and reach the Tower of Agatoth.</p><p></p><p>The first day passes uneventfully, although Addan spots thick, glistening webs strung between several sickly-looking trees. When the party bed down for the night, they are watchful for giant spiders scuttling around their campsite. Their heightened vigilance pays off, and shortly after midnight Song spots a horrible humanoid spider thing lurking in the overhanging branches of a nearby tree, surveying the campsite with all eight of its wide, unblinking eyes.</p><p></p><p>Initiative: Ettercap > Song > Shenk > Addan > Enost</p><p></p><p></p><p>The ettercap ejaculates a stream of sticky goo toward Song, who (thankfully) rolls out of the way. Song casts Tasha's Hideous Laughter, but the ettercap has heard that one before and it isn't as funny once you know the punchline. Shenk rolls out of bed and shoots the spider-thing with his light crossbow for 8 damage. Then he remembers he has a fiery breath ability and wishes he'd used that instead. There's always next round! Addan also takes a shot and hits for max (11) damage. The ettercap squeals and clings to its branch. Finally, Enost casts Grease on the tree and the ettercap promptly falls out of it, taking 6 damage as it hits the ground.</p><p></p><p></p><p>The ettercap hops right back up and attacks Shenk with fang and claw; the dragonborn fighter yawns and holds the monster off with his shield. Song darts in to poke the ettercap with her rapier, but is deflected by one of its many flailing limbs. Shenk clobbers the ettercap with his flail. Addan puts another arrow into the monster's swollen torso. Enost casts Firebolt, rolls a Natural 1/Fumble and sets Shenk's tent ablaze.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Shenk is distracted long enough for the ettercap to weave around his shield and sink its poisonous fangs into the dragonborn's shoulder! Shenk grunts in surprise and pain.</p><p></p><p>Song drives her rapier through the ettercap's back, ending the fight.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Song treats Shenk's wound, which is red and inflamed from the ettercap's venom. Shenk glares at Enost and grumbles about where he is going to sleep. Song offers to share her tent, as long as Shenk doesn't mind being the big spoon.</p><p></p><p></p><p>The next morning, the path ahead branches. One path leads on to their destination, the other route seems to gleam with otherwordly colours and strange, floating sigils. Enost, Addan and Shenk are compelled to take the magical diversion, Song resists the effect but decides to tag along anyway.</p><p></p><p></p><p>The new path leads to a sunny glade, where a beautiful dryad awaits. She introduces herself as Avyn Fernwillow and explains how nasty ettercaps have intruded upon her forest. She knows the heroes have slain one such creature already and promises a reward (and the eternal gratitude of the Summer Court) if the party defeat the remaining ettercaps. Enost breaks free of Avyn's influence, but agrees that the ettercaps should be exterminated. Addan and Shenk concur, still beholden to the dryad's charms.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Avyn leads the party to the ettercap's nest. Within a misty hollow deep in the forest, stands an enormous tree, festooned with sticky webbing and long strands of yellow slime.</p><p></p><p>Only one ettercap is visible, spinning more webs on the other side of the mist-shrouded dell. Enost suggests burning the tree down, but Avyn is opposed for fear of the flames spreading to the rest of her forest. Addan and Shenk immediately side with the dryad. Song can't think of anything better, so the entire party just wade in, weapons at the ready.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Initiative: Addan > Song > Shenk > Enost > Ettercaps</p><p></p><p></p><p>Addan shoots the visible ettercap for 9 damage. Song realises she really needs to buy a bow, she readies an action for when the ettercaps come within stabbing range. Shenk has a crossbow, so he takes a shot; he hits for another 8 dmg! Mulishly ignoring Avyn's protests, Enost hurls a Firebolt across the misty hollow. Avyn releases her hold over Addan and Shenk to focus her fey wiles on the dwarven arsonist.</p><p></p><p></p><p>"No fire!" she shrieks.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Enost fails his Charisma save and obedienly agrees, no more fire. Addan and Shenk stare around in surprise and confusion; where the heck are they and what the heck is going on?!</p><p></p><p></p><p>"No time to explain!" Song says, "Just squish anything you see coming out of that tree!"</p><p></p><p>The injured ettercap shoots a web at Shenk; but misses. A second ettercap emerges from a hole in the trunk of the giant tree and rappels down a long strand of webbing to land amidst the party. It lands a critical hit on poor Song, slashing her with its claws for 13 damage! Song goes down, blood gushing from a grievous cut along her midriff.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Addan brandishes dual blades and leaps to defend the helpless bard; dishing out 11 damage total.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Song passes her first death save.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Shenk turns away from the distant ettercap to address the immediate threat. Denied the use of his one offensive cantrip, Enost expends a spell slot to cast Magic Missile, splattering the injured ettercap across the forest floor. The one remaining ettercap attacks Addan and Shenk; Addan evades the bite, but Shenk is clawed for 7 damage.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Song passes her second death save.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Fighting through the pain, Shenk wallops the ettercap (his first attempt missed, so he used Action Surge to try again). Enost casts Magic Missile, dealing automatic force damage that is not quite enough to finish off the final ettercap.</p><p></p><p>Realising it is unlikely to survive another round, the last ettercap goes all out and bites Addan for massive damage, reducing the elven ranger from 18hp to 3hp with one attack (plus the additional poison damage). Addan raises both blades high and drives them through the ettercap's chest, ending the fight.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Song stabilizes on her own and comes round two hours later.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Having slain the ettercaps, Avyn rewards the party with a pouch of small green gems (worth 106gp) and a handful of goodberries that will expire after 24 hours. The injured heroes distribute the berries among themselves and agree this was a pretty poor reward for all the effort they've gone to. Avyn pretends not to hear their griping and sets them back on the path leading out of her forest.</p><p></p><p></p><p>TBC... when the party will explore the Tower of Agatoth!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="mikeawmids1, post: 8394255, member: 7030604"] [U][B]Adventure #2: Deeper into the Woods[/B][/U] [I]Part One[/I] As the Hunter's Moon Festival winds down, but before the party leave Buckbridge, they are approached by dwarven archeologist Bjorn Amberclan. Bjorn has discovered an ancient map that he believes marks the final resting place of Queen Freja Swiftsteel. The queen lead the legendary Ironshield Clan, who were famed for their military skill and mounted warriors. The only problem is the tomb is sealed. Bjorn offers the party 75gp to recover the key from the Tower of Agatoth. Once the heroes reach the Twins (a pair of stone monoliths fifty miles outside of Buckbridge), there are three roads the party can take to reach the tower; 1: under the mountain, 2: across the moor, or 3: through the forest. After some discussion, the party decide to travel through the forest. On route to the Twins, the party hear someone calling for help. Beyond a mossy hillock, they find a well-dressed dwarf stuggling to escape a waist-deep pool of mud. A stout pony stands nearby, watching the dwarf's plight with disinterest, whilst chewing on a tussock of grass. The struggling dwarf notices the party gawping at him and demands that they help him out of the muck. Both Addan and Shenk have coils of rope in their gear. Shenk tosses the dwarf one end of his rope and hauls him out of the mire. The muddy dwarf introduces himself as Dr. Ian von Boulderstock, from the town of Winterhold. Enost asks if he knows Bjorn Amberclan. Dr. Boulderstock blusters a little and admits the name is familiar. Enost gets the impression the two dwarves are not friends. Boulderstock produces a sodden wallet and disdainfully counts out ten grubby couns, which he hands to Enost, recompense for rescuing him from the swamp. He assures the heroes he will be fine from here on. The party reach what is actually a pretty pleasant, picturesque forest, filled with joyous birdsong and abundant wildlife. Addan finds the forest particularly pleasing to his elven sensibilities. It will take two days to traverse the forest and reach the Tower of Agatoth. The first day passes uneventfully, although Addan spots thick, glistening webs strung between several sickly-looking trees. When the party bed down for the night, they are watchful for giant spiders scuttling around their campsite. Their heightened vigilance pays off, and shortly after midnight Song spots a horrible humanoid spider thing lurking in the overhanging branches of a nearby tree, surveying the campsite with all eight of its wide, unblinking eyes. Initiative: Ettercap > Song > Shenk > Addan > Enost The ettercap ejaculates a stream of sticky goo toward Song, who (thankfully) rolls out of the way. Song casts Tasha's Hideous Laughter, but the ettercap has heard that one before and it isn't as funny once you know the punchline. Shenk rolls out of bed and shoots the spider-thing with his light crossbow for 8 damage. Then he remembers he has a fiery breath ability and wishes he'd used that instead. There's always next round! Addan also takes a shot and hits for max (11) damage. The ettercap squeals and clings to its branch. Finally, Enost casts Grease on the tree and the ettercap promptly falls out of it, taking 6 damage as it hits the ground. The ettercap hops right back up and attacks Shenk with fang and claw; the dragonborn fighter yawns and holds the monster off with his shield. Song darts in to poke the ettercap with her rapier, but is deflected by one of its many flailing limbs. Shenk clobbers the ettercap with his flail. Addan puts another arrow into the monster's swollen torso. Enost casts Firebolt, rolls a Natural 1/Fumble and sets Shenk's tent ablaze. Shenk is distracted long enough for the ettercap to weave around his shield and sink its poisonous fangs into the dragonborn's shoulder! Shenk grunts in surprise and pain. Song drives her rapier through the ettercap's back, ending the fight. Song treats Shenk's wound, which is red and inflamed from the ettercap's venom. Shenk glares at Enost and grumbles about where he is going to sleep. Song offers to share her tent, as long as Shenk doesn't mind being the big spoon. The next morning, the path ahead branches. One path leads on to their destination, the other route seems to gleam with otherwordly colours and strange, floating sigils. Enost, Addan and Shenk are compelled to take the magical diversion, Song resists the effect but decides to tag along anyway. The new path leads to a sunny glade, where a beautiful dryad awaits. She introduces herself as Avyn Fernwillow and explains how nasty ettercaps have intruded upon her forest. She knows the heroes have slain one such creature already and promises a reward (and the eternal gratitude of the Summer Court) if the party defeat the remaining ettercaps. Enost breaks free of Avyn's influence, but agrees that the ettercaps should be exterminated. Addan and Shenk concur, still beholden to the dryad's charms. Avyn leads the party to the ettercap's nest. Within a misty hollow deep in the forest, stands an enormous tree, festooned with sticky webbing and long strands of yellow slime. Only one ettercap is visible, spinning more webs on the other side of the mist-shrouded dell. Enost suggests burning the tree down, but Avyn is opposed for fear of the flames spreading to the rest of her forest. Addan and Shenk immediately side with the dryad. Song can't think of anything better, so the entire party just wade in, weapons at the ready. Initiative: Addan > Song > Shenk > Enost > Ettercaps Addan shoots the visible ettercap for 9 damage. Song realises she really needs to buy a bow, she readies an action for when the ettercaps come within stabbing range. Shenk has a crossbow, so he takes a shot; he hits for another 8 dmg! Mulishly ignoring Avyn's protests, Enost hurls a Firebolt across the misty hollow. Avyn releases her hold over Addan and Shenk to focus her fey wiles on the dwarven arsonist. "No fire!" she shrieks. Enost fails his Charisma save and obedienly agrees, no more fire. Addan and Shenk stare around in surprise and confusion; where the heck are they and what the heck is going on?! "No time to explain!" Song says, "Just squish anything you see coming out of that tree!" The injured ettercap shoots a web at Shenk; but misses. A second ettercap emerges from a hole in the trunk of the giant tree and rappels down a long strand of webbing to land amidst the party. It lands a critical hit on poor Song, slashing her with its claws for 13 damage! Song goes down, blood gushing from a grievous cut along her midriff. Addan brandishes dual blades and leaps to defend the helpless bard; dishing out 11 damage total. Song passes her first death save. Shenk turns away from the distant ettercap to address the immediate threat. Denied the use of his one offensive cantrip, Enost expends a spell slot to cast Magic Missile, splattering the injured ettercap across the forest floor. The one remaining ettercap attacks Addan and Shenk; Addan evades the bite, but Shenk is clawed for 7 damage. Song passes her second death save. Fighting through the pain, Shenk wallops the ettercap (his first attempt missed, so he used Action Surge to try again). Enost casts Magic Missile, dealing automatic force damage that is not quite enough to finish off the final ettercap. Realising it is unlikely to survive another round, the last ettercap goes all out and bites Addan for massive damage, reducing the elven ranger from 18hp to 3hp with one attack (plus the additional poison damage). Addan raises both blades high and drives them through the ettercap's chest, ending the fight. Song stabilizes on her own and comes round two hours later. Having slain the ettercaps, Avyn rewards the party with a pouch of small green gems (worth 106gp) and a handful of goodberries that will expire after 24 hours. The injured heroes distribute the berries among themselves and agree this was a pretty poor reward for all the effort they've gone to. Avyn pretends not to hear their griping and sets them back on the path leading out of her forest. TBC... when the party will explore the Tower of Agatoth! [/QUOTE]
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