Banewarrens d20 (Angelsboi's party)

[diaglo]

A hunting we will go

An hour or so later the hunters found a small farm. They decided to tie up their horses and take a look. Bartol climbed the fence surrounding the farm. He left his bow on his horse and drew his sword.

"I am useless with it anyway," he thought.

Timmay spotted a goblin moving in the barn. And the goblin spotted them. It ran into the barn. Whether it was seeing the goblin or the final release of his frustration at finally getting into a fight, his blood began to boil. A javelin came from the barn at Bartol, but missed. Another javelin thrown from the farmhouse grazed him and drew blood. And that was all it took.

"AAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGG," Bartol screamed and charged at the farmhouse window sword first. Straight and true he soared thru the window. His sword met some resistance at first but his momentum and anger carried him inside. He had spitted a hobgoblin on the end of his sword. He landed on top of the corpse. Inside were a small horde of greenies.

Over Bartol's shoulder and thru the hole he had made in the window, Thane threw a burning flask of oil. He then climbed the fence and advanced to the farm house door. The flask shattered against a goblin on the far side of the house. The flames scroched it and a few of its friends. Still the odds were overwhemling. Eric, Timmay, and Valgrim began to climb over the fence and move closer to the house. Partly to aid Bartol and partly to avoid any more missles coming from the barn.

Three of the goblins attacked Bartol. One scored a nasty gash across the barbarian's backside. The apparent leader of the whole tribe was a large hobgoblin with a finely crafted sword and steel shield. It stayed back and looked for an opportunity to strike. Bartol swung his sword as he rose. The strength of the blow gutted one of his attackers. Thane called on his magic to enhance his cudgel. The flames continued to burn and 2 of the slower goblins fell. Eric burst thru the door and finished the goblin standing nearby. Timmay seeing that the others had everything in hand headed around the house to get a better look at the barn. Valgrim moved past Eric and crushed the skull of another greenie. And now the odds were in the hunter's favor.

With only the leader and the 2 attacking Bartol still remaining, the leader moved to attack Bartol 1 of its helpers weighing in as well. A scratch, tis but a scratch, was the best they could do to overcome the half-elf berserker. The other became a door guard and missed Eric. So Bartol halved another of the greenies. Thane snuck into the fray thru the window and struck the leader from behind. The hobgoblin was not happy. Eric sliced and diced the door guard. Timmay had troubles of his own. Out of the barn burst reinforcements, 3 goblins and a hobgoblin. He quickly released the magic to one of his memorized spells. Two goblins now slumbered. Valgrim with no opposition in front or beside him advanced and struck the leader. Down it fell.

The hobgoblin ran to the front of the house. It must not have noticed the trailing goblins fall. It was advancing on Eric, when back thru the window Bartol leapt. Skewered on the end of his sword was the last hobgoblin. A scream for help was heard from Timmay as the last remaining enemy attacked the hated gnome. Thane's wolverine ran from its position to aid Timmay. Thane, too, headed outside to help. Eric and Valgrim brought up the rear. Timmay stepped back and fired his crossbow wide of the goblin.

The goblin turned from the gnome and struck the wolverine. Not a smart move. The creature raged. And all those nearby looked like potential victims. Thane tried calling to it to calm it. Bartol headed over to the slumbering goblins and seeing them sleeping let his ire die. He began trussing them together. Eric and Valgrim both stepped away from the wolverine. Timmay unloaded his crossbow into the back of the goblin's skull.

"Don't turn your back on this gnome," he said.

And it was over. Eric, Thane, and Valgrim went into the barn and began searching around. Bartol went back inside the farm house and put the smoldering fire out. He then dragged the bodies outside and searched them for treasure. Meanwhile, Timmay was having fun with his hated enemies.

Inside the barn Valgrim discovered the decomposing corpses of the previous owners in a root cellar. He and Thane carefully removed the bodies and performed the proper rites. The wolverine had vented its anger on the body of the dead goblin. It was covered in gore. Timmay had extracted some useful information from the 1 remaining goblin. Only 1 because he had made an example of the other one. As the wolverine approached the last goblin, fear caused it to break its bonds. It ran for all it was worth. The wolverine thought it was a game and went after it to play.

The total booty included a silver necklace with 3 small gems, a couple hundred silver pieces, and a gross or so of gold pieces plus the fine longsword, shield, and cheaper made arms and armor of the lesser goblins.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Nice fight.

 

[diaglo]

To market to market

Both Thane and Timmay cast spells to check the quality of the items. None of them radiated magic. The longsword did have a artisan's mark. This alone made it worth more to the party. With the natural light starting to head towards dusk the party made for the caravan.

Snap stated, "Halt, who goes there? Is that you, Bartol?"

"Aye, we have returned victorious," he beamed, "and with many goodies."

Snap looked the sword over and told the party it was of dwarven make. The craftsman was well known. However, he hadn't been seen for many years. Another Dale's local, Zanderat Wilcot, would pay handsomely for it. But his estate was miles to the East. So the guards settled back into their routine. No further trouble greeted them on the journey.

A couple hours shy of Peldan's Helm, though, they did find the remains to the last caravan. The drivers, teamsters, handlers, and Snap tossed a few coppers near a small burial site near the burnt out husks.

"I hope Melvyn Wimbly made it safely," Snap whispered. "He was part of this expedition and a friend."

Bartol hung back to check on tracks. He also collected the coins.

"No use to them," he thought.

The road wound around a small cliffside and then forked. One path lead upto the Keep. The Keep was on a small hill. The only visible entrance was over a drawbridge. The moat was shear dropped off to a deep ravine. The other to another of the Dales to the Northwest. But Bartol couldn't make out what the sign said. To the South was a swampy area. And to the North was a thick forest. The road ran alongside the forest for as far as the eye could see.

Activity on the walls of the Keep was non-existent. Two guards awaited the caravan at the moat.

"Hail and well met, Snap" cried the guard. "Tis a great sight to see you and your wares."

The other guard hurried inside to summon the corporal of the watch. The corporal returned and somewhat suspiciously eyed the guards.

"Who do you have with you? We need them to state their names and business here in the Keep."

The guards quickly offered their names. And Snap vouched for them. He also filled the corporal in on the hazards of the journey, including the goblin toll bridge.

"Alright then, stay in the outer bailey. You have access to any of the shops and accommodations you need there," the corporal stated as she backed away.

Snap laughed, "Any accommodations? There's only the one."

And with that he took the caravans to be unloaded. The guard company headed to the inn to check on rooms.

 

[diaglo]

(more to be added after Sunday. our sessions are every other Sunday.)

 

[diaglo]

What do you do with a drunken...?

The sign was plainly visible. It was a picture of a man with fire in his hand. Bartol hung back. But since everyone else seemed to think this was the place. He followed. It was an inn. A few locals, a couple townguards, and the serving staff were scattered about the place. Three of the locals, or maybe not, were dressed in the robes of Chauntea.

"Tyr protect you. Come in. Come in. Take a table and rest, gentle sirs," the innkeeper said."I'm Wilf. What can I get for you? Are you with the relief caravan? Are you here to bolster the garrison?"

"Slow down man," Timmay answered. "We were told we could acquire some rooms and a meal in this establishment. And yes, we did come in with the caravan. But no, we are not the relief garrison. I wouldn't expect one if I were you. The council in Ashabenford doesn't know the full extent of your need. We have come to investigate on their behalf. We ran into some trouble on the way here with goblins."

"Goblins did you say?" one of the guardsman brooched. "Well met travellers, I'm Marcus of Tyr. Please tell me more of your journey."

A slight young woman carrying a cat also edged closer. "I've just come from Ashabenford, too. My parents have gone missing. Do you think the goblins were involved."

The wolverine noticed the cat. Thane had to calm him down.

"Wolf, right here and now. I need some ale to wash the taste of goblin from my palate," Bartol bellowed.

"Anon, anon, good sir." Wilf replied.

Thane and the young girl, Bernedette, were soon deep in their own conversation. Both eyed Marcus of Tyr dreamily. And both made a remark or two about the barbarian.

Erik and Valgrim excused themselves early.

Timmay, Marcus of Tyr, and Bartol continued passing the time discussing the journey and their foes. Wilf returned ever now and again to replenish the drinks.

Bartol ordered a round for the company. And seeing the 3 Chaunteans offered them a drink.

The leader approached, "Why thank you. And Chauntea's blessing on this fine beer."

The more the merrier. The Captain of the Guard entered the tavern and joined in on the conversations. Soon everyone was gathered around the table. And then Timmay struck.

In his best tell all tale, he embraced the full mantle of a gnomish bard. He told of each blow, rock, and blade of grass. Everyone was very impressed. Pats on the back, handshook, warrior's grips, and oaths to the gods were muttered. Of course, it helped that his audience was inebriated.

By the end of the evening Bartol had insulted nearly everyone, drank way too much, urinated on the tavern floor, got sprayed by the cat, donated some money to Chauntea, purchased a potion of healing, and had a really good time. He slept it off in the stables.

 

[diaglo]

I'll trade ya.

The next morning as a thousand little bugs crawled thru his head, Bartol set off to find the group at the inn. His mouth was dry and his stomach did a jig. He dunked himself in the trough for the horses outside to get rid of the cat smell.

Timmay was bright and chipper. Bernedette and Thane came down, too. Erik and Valgrim begged off. They were planning on staying in the Keep until further notice. Erik had offered to help Snap with the caravan. And Valgrim was still working on converting his friend to the ways of Lathander.

"Let us find out what we are worth. Shall we?" Timmay said as he handed Bartol the contents of their spoils.

On the way to the Bank Marcus of Tyr joined the group.

"I'm ready whenever you are," the paladin stated.

"Huh? Ready for what?" Bartol blurted out.

Timmay jumped in, "Oh, nevermind, we will be back shortly."

So the Barbarian and the gnome entered the Bank/ Moneychanger. After a brief haggling session. They had obtained a lock box and converted their funds to gold. They placed the Fine longsword, a shoddy suit of studded armor, and the coins in the box. Timmay held onto the key. The necklace it seems was made by a local jeweler, Reese. So they thought it prudent to discover what they could from the jeweler.

"Marcus, do you know Reese?" Timmay asked as they exited the bank.

"Aye, I was hoping to take you to him. He has a story to tell." Marcus replied.

Reese the Cobbler had fought with the Man with Fire in his hands many years ago. They and a couple others were the only survivors of the expeditions that cleared the Caves of Chaos. The Man with Fire in His Hands had stayed on at the Keep for a while after running the inn, but one day he just vanished. Reese was very happy to see young Marcus of Tyr take up the cause.

Reese the Jeweler would have to wait for another day. Timmay pocketed the necklace.

 

[diaglo]

In Search of the Unknown.

So with the sun breaching the treetops the adventurers set out for the Goblin Caves. Marcus of Tyr, the party member with the most local knowledge, took the lead. The party travelled westward along an illkept road. A forest bordered the trail to the North and a small stream with marshy grassland to the South. A hill or two with a few trees could be seen further to the South. An occasional rise and fall brought the travellers soon out of sight of the Keep. So too did the stream meander out of the range of vision. The trees began to crowd in from the North and an increasing number sprouted on the Southside of the trail. Trail was not a word Bartol would use to describe the path. It was very overgrown and became less and less easy to follow. Luckily he had some training from his father.

Three hours into the trek, the path veered North. An eerie howl could be heard thru the trees. And the jingle of bones or metal was almost perceivable.

"Don't stray from the path," Marcus of Tyr warned. "The Mad Hermit lives near. And he is not very friendly."

"What do we need to fear of 1 old coot?" Bartol smirked. He quickly climbed a tree for a better view. Marcus of Tyr just shook his head.

Thane and Bernedette were in deep conversation. They had chatted the whole way. She was relating the disappearance of her parents. Supposedly some time last night they had agreed to help her find them. But Bartol couldn't remember. Timmay was busy jotting notes in his book and reading over past musings.

A mile or two ahead to the West of the path, well not a path anymore, was a ravine. The ravine the goblin prisoner had spoken of 5 days ago. Bartol scurried down and told everyone what lie ahead.

After resuming their journey, the wolverine and Thane suddenly ran off to the left side of the group only to discover a treed raccoon.

"So much for the big bad goblins," Bartol laughed.

And then it was Thane's turn to laugh. As Bartol nearly lead the group the wrong way. They had found the Caves.

 

[diaglo]

Appearances can be deceiving

Bartol scouted a little ahead. He slowed. Up ahead a group of 3 goblins sought protection from the light of the day. They made way too much noise as they grumbled in their guttural tongue.

"Goblins," Bartol yelled. He unleashed an arrow from his bow. The arrow missed its intended target.

The goblins reacted. They hurled short spears at the three closest adventurers. Bartol and Marcus of Tyr avoided the missles. But Timmay was too slow and a spear point grazed his side.

Thane unleashed a stone, which struck one of the goblin guards to the ground. And Timmay sent a crossbow bolt into the lung of another goblin. Marcus of Tyr closed the gap between the last guard and the group. He swung too high and missed. Bernedette moved behind Thane.

"Useless bow," Bartol thought. He pulled his sword and drove the point into the last guard.

Thane gave Timmay a healing berry. And Bartol searched the goblin's corpses.

Nothing. So Bartol took the point again useless bow and arrow nocked.

A strange creature yipped and ran off. It was covered in green scales and stood 3ft tall. Bartol fired, but struck a tree before the creature was lost from sight. He slung his bow over his shoulder disgustedly and drew his sword. Onward and slightly upward they went.

They had entered the Ravine, a boxed canyon really. A few cave openings were visible at various heights. A scattering of thicket and trees also climbed the sides. The cave the goblin had described was on the left side and close to the entrance to the ravine.

"There's our start," Timmay said. "The goblin said to avoid the higher caves and the ones closer to the back of the ravine. But let's see what we can find in the goblin cave first, shall we?"

 

[diaglo]

put in his thumb and pulled out a ...

Marcus of Tyr lead the group. While Bartol lit a torch. Bernedette and Timmay occupied the middle of the group. And Thane cast a simple light spell on his club.

Not far into the entrance Marcus of Tyr faced his first decision. The passage forked. They could continue forward. The goblin had warned against this oh so many days ago. It was probably trapped. The group could go left or right as well.

A look to the left showed a long tunnel. A similar scene was to the right. Marcus of Tyr chose the right. After travelling 30 or 40 ft the tunnel reached a T junction. A decision was not necessary. Two short spears sailed out of the dark missing Bartol and Marcus of Tyr. The fight was joined.

"BREEYARK," the goblins screamed.

Marcus of Tyr, Bartol, Timmay, and Bernedette advanced into the battle with a guard post of goblins. Bernedette was the first to strike. One of the goblins was slain. Five others remained. Four of these prepared to cast a volley of short spears and 1 was hefting a sack thru a rock wall into a room beyond. Timmay cast a few grains of sand into the air. And the rest of the guards went down.

Before anyone had time to do anything else. The rock wall moved and very large figure emerged. From all appearances this could only be an ogre.

Bartol worried that Bernedette and Marcus of Tyr would be within the ogre's grasp before they could react, raged and charged the giant. The ogre scanned the area. Seeing all of his allies sleeping and a charging half-elf, he swung his club. A most brutual shot. Bartol even enraged was gonna feel that one in the morning. And with the injury Bartol was unable to penetrate the ogre's skin armor. Marcus of Tyr reacted. Because of Bartol's distraction he was able to land a blow with his sword. The ogre did not like this treatment. And he smashed Marcus of Tyr with his return blow from his club. Ouch. A few ribs gave way. Bernedette moved behind the ogre. Thane and the wolverine moved closer. Timmay began to dispatch the sleeping guards.

Bartol swung, again failing to leave a scratch. And Marcus of Tyr added another slash to the ogre's torso. Bernedette left a bruise on the right leg of the ogre. The wolverine closed and attempted to circle behind the ogre. The ogre struck the wolverine when it came into range. He then missed the wolverine as it took a bite out an ankle. Thane moved in behind the ogre as well. Timmay continued the grisly business of cleaning up the guards.

Bartol saw a chance and buried his sword to the hilt in the ogre's chest. Down it fell barely missing the wolverine and Thane.

 

[diaglo]

the beehive erupts

Bartol cleaned his sword and retrieved his torch. Timmay continued with the guards. He went to find Bernedette when he was done. Marcus of Tyr moved to cover the group's back while Thane tended his wounds. Thane also cured Bartol and the wolverine. Bernedette had gone thru the opening in the rock wall the ogre had left.

Marcus of Tyr heard the shuffling of many booted feet. He scattered a pouch of sharp metal spikes on the ground by the tunnel the group had first entered. Around this corner came more goblins. The first 2 did not fare well with the spikes, although they still advanced. Marcus and Bartol easily dispatched them. Thane slung a stone and downed a third as it was just rounding the bend.

Bernedette, Timmay and the wolverine snooped around in the ogre's den. A large sack was plainly visible. Bernedette opened it and found some treasure.

Three more goblins closed more cautiously. Again Marcus of Tyr and Bartol layed them low. The remaining goblin turned and ran. Thane struck the wall just behind the fleeing creature.

Bartol manuvered his way thru the spikes and followed. But after awhile decided against it. He tossed his torch down the corridor. And then put away his sword and drew his bow. Marcus of Tyr collected his caltrops and returned them to his pouch. Thane went to look for the others. Bernedette had found a considerable sum of gold. Timmay and the wolverine also uncovered a sealed potion, some arrows, and a bone tube with a parchment inside.

It wasn't long before things got dicey. Bartol saw a group of much larger goblins, hobgoblins he remembered, come into view.

"We've got company. RUNNNNNNN," Bartol screamed.

He let loose an arrow and ran. The arrow caught the lead hobgoblin right between the eyes. The others bellowed and followed. Marcus saw Bartol run by. He scattered his caltrops again and joined the others in the Ogre cave. Thane also fled.