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D&D 5e Into The (Keep on the) Borderlands (B1&2) #032 Monster Mash.
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 8505210" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>The Unexpected in the Caves of Chaos.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #022: The Trial of Ricky Pilchard.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>PCs (in alphabetical order)</strong></p><p><strong>Krago of the Mountains </strong>(Pete) Male Mountain Dwarf Ranger (Folk Hero) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Lappoy the Unexpected </strong>(Rob) Male High Elf Wizard (Sage) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Mohag the Wanderer</strong> (Pete) Male Human Barbarian (Outlander) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Sho-Rembo</strong> (Dave) Female Stout Halfling Druid (Hermit) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Sir Glen</strong> (Dave) Male Human Paladin of Lathander (Noble) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Sosspan </strong>(Dave) Male Dragonborn Wizard (Spy) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Trebbelos</strong> (Pete) Male Tiefling Sorcerer (Charlatan) Level 3.</p><p></p><p><strong>Sidekicks (played mostly by the DM).</strong></p><p><strong>Corbis </strong>Male Human Sidekick Warrior (Soldier) Level 2.</p><p><strong>Scrubs</strong> Male Human Sidekick Expert (Soldier) Level 2.</p><p><strong>Tribbits</strong> Male Human Sidekick Warrior (Soldier) Level 2.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dead PCs (in alphabetical order)</strong></p><p><strong>Afton Barr</strong> (Dave) Male Half-Elf Bard (Entertainer) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Estra Zo </strong>(Pete) Female Wood Gnome Rogue (Urchin) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Farned of the Leaf Lord </strong>(Dave) Male Wild Elf Cleric of Rillifane Rallithil (Acolyte) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Tassit </strong>(Dave) Female Human Monk (Hermit) Level 1.</p><p><strong>The Mystical One</strong> (Pete) Female Human Warlock (Outlander) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Yor</strong> (Pete) Male Dragonborn Fighter (Folk Hero) Level 2.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dead NPCs (in alphabetical order)</strong></p><p><strong>Wormwood</strong> Male Human Guard.</p><p></p><p><strong>QUESTS (and stuff to do).*</strong> </p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Find Zelligar and Rogahn's former base, explore it and steal its treasures.<br /> </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Clear out the Caves of Chaos- kill the evil humanoids and take their stuff.<br /> </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Get all 20 rumours, just missing #18, keep chatting and drinking at the Keep.<br /> </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Find Tolpuddle, the 'mad druid' of the Whispering Woods, he may know where Z&R's base is (see #1 above), also say 'hi' from his brother Bumble.<br /> </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Tell Darvon, Priest of Oghma, about the Unexpected's adventures. ONGOING.<br /> </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Track down and kill/capture the former bandit leader- Dee Dee Raven (see Mebros, Captain of the Watch).<br /> </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Help the water sprites of the Goblinwater River, for Bumble.<br /> </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Clear a bunch of spiders out of the Spiderwood, for Bumble.<br /> </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"> Stop the undead attacks in the Whispering Woods, for Bumble.</li> </ol><p>*I've been asked to put this here because the players keep forgetting some of this stuff, also they have lots of quests on the go right now.</p><p></p><p><strong>Note, you can click on the pictures here to make them bigger (if you didn't know this already).</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Day 35: Being the 5th Day of Kythorn, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, midday.</strong></p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149531[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Trial of Ricky Pilchard.</strong></p><p></p><p>So, we're straight into it, and Sir Glen (played by Dave) has been given homework- I want a speech, and anything else he wants to give, minimum five minutes of chat.</p><p></p><p>The trial is a fairly subdued affair, this because the entire procedure has been kept under wraps, the inhabitants of the Keep have been told that the bandits are no more, although Dee Dee is still out there. There's a reward poster for the ex-bandit leader on the noticeboard in the Keep.</p><p></p><p>The fact that a bandit has been captured alive has been kept a secret, it seems Corporal of the Watch Spinepecker is as good as his word, Sir Glen made him promise to keep Ricky safe from rough justice.</p><p></p><p>Just to make clear, Dee Dee Raven and her bandits have accounted for a dozen lives in the past six months or so during their activities in the region, every person in the Keep knows someone that has been killed by these terrible folk. They're not popular with the citizens here.</p><p></p><p>Also, the expected outcome of this trial- Ricky will be found guilty and hang.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen is on a hiding to nothing, but... he has the floor.</p><p></p><p>The paladin makes a number of speeches over the course of what comes next, he has about fifteen minutes of chat for us. He takes a while to compare his own privileged upbringing to that of Ricky Pilchard's, the young man's trials and tribulations, his lack of role models et al.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen goes on to tell the court about Ricky confessing his sins, and of the help he provided in the Unexpected's successful attack on the bandit's lair.</p><p></p><p>His finale-</p><p></p><p>“I am aware that the test of a man is the truth he keeps in his heart- Ricky Pilchard has seen the light, his heart is true, and the truth will out. From this day forward, I am certain, that this young man, given the opportunity, will give his life, and his strength, and dedication, to put right all that he has done wrong. He will fail- as we all do, but to be afforded the opportunity... That would be a very courageous thing to do, it would also be the right thing.”</p><p></p><p>Or some such nonsense.</p><p></p><p>And overseeing the trial are the Castellan, Lord Bouchard- the big boss of the Keep, and also Sir Penrith Dubourbon, Bailiff of the Outer Bailey.</p><p></p><p>Much chatter follows, and more than a few rolls.</p><p></p><p>Ricky Pilchard is, of course, found guilty.</p><p></p><p>But here's the thing- his sentence is commuted, or else held over until a later date- Ricky Pilchard will be released immediately into the keeping of the Church of the Morning Lord. There will be a limit placed upon his freedoms, he will not be allowed to leave the Keep for the foreseeable future, and on pain of death.</p><p></p><p>Furthermore, his future good name (and freedoms) will not only depend upon his good behaviour, but also upon the actions of his sponsor- Sir Glen, and the band of adventurers he leads.</p><p></p><p>Note, Lappoy interrupts the proceedings at this point- the High Magicker is in the very limited audience (as are the rest of the Unexpected). Lappoy makes clear, the Unexpected are his party.</p><p></p><p>But that's enough for now, the court is cleared, although the Unexpected are asked to hang around, the Castellan would like a further word.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149532[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Castellan wants a word.</strong></p><p></p><p>So, an extended chat- with a little Q&A, it's clear the Castellan has been appraised of the Unexpected's activities- he knows everything.</p><p></p><p>The task the Castellan sets, simple- clear all enemies from the Caves of Chaos, too long has this place proved a lure for terrible humanoids. Clear the place out- once and for all, and- all of it.</p><p></p><p>The reward- 2,500gp.</p><p></p><p>To this end the Castellan asks the PCs, actually- very mostly he talks to Sir Glen throughout, much to Lappoy's chagrin, regardless- he asks the Unexpected to reconnoitre the Caves and to discover what still is left to do.</p><p></p><p>After this is done, and a report submitted (oral or written) tactics (and resources) for the conquering of the Caves will be discussed and agreed.</p><p></p><p>Just to make clear, the Castellan is offering the Unexpected a selection of his troops to lead, or else to employ as guards if the PCs wish it. Obviously, the Keep will fund this and future expeditions- food etc.</p><p></p><p>If however the Unexpected are content to take on this task without need of the Keep's resources, than another 500gp will be added to their future reward.</p><p></p><p>Then after yet more chatter, the Castellan further makes clear, success in this task will also bring other benefits, not the least of which will be a title for at least one of the company before him, also land and rights for all.</p><p></p><p>The Unexpected, of course, take the job- Pete, who wants more than anything to rip through the Caves of Chaos, is particularly jubilant.</p><p></p><p>And so, after a few more days in the Keep, the Unexpected are back on the march again, back to the Caves of Chaos.</p><p></p><p><strong>Day 37: Being the 7th Day of Kythorn, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, early morning.</strong></p><p></p><p>To the Caves...</p><p></p><p>Only I just rolled another '1', and so it's random encounter time.</p><p></p><p>And so a quiet country road, bandit free these days, and the adventurers with the sun on their backs make their way to adventure...</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149533[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Boar attack!</strong></p><p></p><p>The giant boar lurches out of the foliage and attempts to tusk Scrubs (with advantage) but my dice are seemingly broken.</p><p></p><p>Scrubs dodges aside and thunks his hand axe into the beast, calling for his companions to rally to him.</p><p></p><p>Krago follows up with his black mace and magical dagger, and both hits- the latter a Crit, the beast however doesn't bat an eye-lid, it seems to be unnaturally enraged.</p><p></p><p>Tribbits cuts the beast with his longsword, Sir Glen (with a '1') fails to connect, Corbis shows the paladin how it's done.</p><p></p><p>Sho-Rembo attempts to use her druidic knowledge to find out why the beast is attacking (but rolls a '2'), nor can she make the boar cease its frenzy, although it is still unable to stick its tusks in any of the folk that are slowly cutting and beating it to death.</p><p></p><p>Trebbelos, Sosspan & Lappoy hit the beast with a trio of Fire Bolts, the giant boar is screeching in pain, but still not giving up its frenzied attack.</p><p></p><p>Although two of those hits were for minimum damage (that's '1').</p><p></p><p>Krago stabs the beast again, Tribbits slices it, and Sir Glen- cuts it down.</p><p></p><p>My max hit points, raging (effectively) with advantage on all attacks Giant Boar never landed an attack. That was three turns of very one-sided combat.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149534[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Well, that was disappointing, I figure it wasn't going to be much of a challenge but I did think I would have landed a few hits and put a crimp in someone's day.</strong></p><p></p><p>[Enraged giant boar 450 XP]</p><p></p><p>Note, after the fracas is concluded it becomes obvious to Sho-Rembo that the giant beast was suffering from some malady, an infection, one side of the boar's jaw is rotten. Further investigation, which takes a little time, and the druid is certain- the creature was recently attacked by something undead.</p><p></p><p>This makes sense, there are reports of the undead in the Whispering Woods, which is where the beast had most likely just come from.</p><p></p><p>Something must be done about this...</p><p></p><p>However, so quick was the above encounter to play out that we still have time this session for a little more, so that's nice.</p><p></p><p>The Unexpected make it to the ravine which holds the Caves of Chaos, and then watch a while- but only for a short while, then- all the way back to the kobold cavern, first on the right.</p><p></p><p>And...</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149535[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Bloody hell, the kobolds are back.</strong></p><p></p><p>Just for info the pack in here are a bunch of wandering kobolds, described at a different location in the wilds of the region, they have taken their opportunity. Although, there are only twenty something of the little guys, plus Torgo the Face-Gouger, their somewhat underwhelming chief.</p><p></p><p>I have, of course, maxed all of their hit points, and doubled Torgo's, and... well, given all of them a little more help.</p><p></p><p>Back to the lair assault.</p><p></p><p>Happily Krago and Sho-Rembo have not been heard, or spotted, by the inhabitants of the cavern, the pair therefore lead the attack.</p><p></p><p>And just to make clear, five minutes earlier Lappoy reminded his fellow adventurers- watch out for the pit trap in here.</p><p></p><p>The attack gets going- Corbis dashes in and cuts the nearest kobold, Tribbits follows him in and finishes the little bugger off with a Crit.</p><p></p><p>Alas the rest of the enemies are a little further into the lair, and beyond the pit.</p><p></p><p>A raging Mohag burns an inspiration point to double move rush in- leap the pit, and then bury his greataxe in the back of the nearest kobold. The kobold survives the ordeal- they're all max hit points, remember.</p><p></p><p>Obviously, I didn't tell the players this at the time.</p><p></p><p>Sosspan dashes forward and casts an emergency light spell on Mohag, the barbarian was having trouble seeing within the cavern.</p><p></p><p>The players forgot about light sources- I didn't (& neither did FGU).</p><p></p><p>Scrubs rushes into the cavern entrance and shoots a kobold dead.</p><p></p><p>However, it's at this point that Sho-Rembo races forward, attempts to leap the pit- or where she believes the pit to be (she's correct) and... falls in, an inspiration point later- a second check, and, still... Sho-Rembo stumbles into the spiked pit. Moments later Krago narrowly avoids the same fate by using his inspiration point.</p><p></p><p>It's a DC 10 acrobatics or athletics check to either wriggle around the pit, or else leap a corner of it.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy rushes in (double move including inspiration point) and leaps the now open pit, the High Magicker lands almost perfectly (9.5, 9.5 & 9) and then pumps three Magic Missiles into another kobold- dead.</p><p></p><p>Then Trebbelos falls in the pit too, the tiefling sorcerer's first check is a '1', then an inspiration point to try again, and... '1' again.</p><p></p><p>It's a real mixed bag with regard to the surprise round here...</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149536[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Remember this place... Yep, we're back here again.</strong></p><p></p><p>Corbis leaps the pit and stabs another kobold, the little creature starts screaming and runs away- heading deeper into the lair, and avoiding all attacks en route to elsewhere.</p><p></p><p>But not for long, a now frenzied Mohag runs the fleeing kobold down, and then cuts it down, and then goes on running further into the lair- and remember he has a light spell on him, and he's not silent about things.</p><p></p><p>The raging barbarian is coming to getchya!</p><p></p><p>Sosspan leaps the pit and chases after Mohag.</p><p></p><p>Scrubs shoots another kobold, only a scratch.</p><p></p><p>Sho-Rembo, shame-faced, climbs out of the pit and then throws a Produce Flame at the last kobold in sight, the puddle of flame hits- it dies.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149537[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>At which point a formerly hidden kobold, over in what was the rat chamber (to the west), emerges from hiding briefly to fire its shortbow at Sho-Rembo, but a miss.</strong></p><p></p><p>Sir Glen leaps the pit (thanks to an inspiration point for a re-roll, his first attempt – '1') and then heads off deeper into the lair.</p><p></p><p>Note, some of these brave buggers are chasing after Mohag because the barbarian is the light.</p><p></p><p>Krago races off in the same direction, even out-sprints the barbarian, and then something snags the dwarf's foot- a trip wire- FOONG, and a crossbow bolt buries itself in the ranger's chest.</p><p></p><p>Torgo's kobold mob have had a few days to install a couple more traps, that's nice.</p><p></p><p>Trebbelos meantime also manages to pull himself out of the pit, and then is directed to go and discover the kobold in the former rat's lair, he spots the little bastard and shoots the miscreant with a Fire Bolt, but the creature lives.</p><p></p><p>Corbis goes racing forward, catching up with Krago, and there are the sounds of more kobolds ahead, and a lit chamber- with shadows moving within it.</p><p></p><p>A sling stone flies past the rushing warrior, and then another, and another, and a few arrows too. Mohag stops one of the later, but the barbarian is unconcerned, he just wants at the enemy.</p><p></p><p>But then Sosspan catches up and drops a Shatter spell on a corridor full of kobolds.</p><p></p><p>The effect is of course devastating, the entire passage shivers and shakes, clods of dirt fall and kobolds die.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149550[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Unexpected are clearly in a rush.</strong></p><p></p><p>The kobold formerly hiding in the ex-rat chamber attempts to flee the fire flinging Trebbelos, alas en route to the exit it stumbles and also falls into the pit- dead.</p><p></p><p>[New kobold entrance guards 150 XP]</p><p></p><p>Lappoy continues to stride forward- deeper into the lair, sending out a trio of Magic Missiles to slay the three kobolds that survived Sosspan's Shatter spell.</p><p></p><p>And yet there are more kobolds in the larger tribal chamber ahead- and more sling bullets fly, and Mohag takes a hit, and then another.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149551[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Unexpected are pretty strung out, that's Trebbelos over to the west- taking his time to get back around the pit trap- he's already fallen in once. Meantime Mohag is about to rush into the kobold tribal chamber.</strong></p><p></p><p>Note, Krago (on the picture above) has gone the northern route, he remembered that's where the kobold chief was last time, and there are more guards in this direction. The dwarf ranger is soon shouting for a little help from his friends.</p><p></p><p>Corbis dashes to help Krago, but then realises ahead of the dwarf is only darkness...</p><p></p><p>Corbis cannot see what's ahead, there's no light here.</p><p></p><p>Krago gets shot, and then hit by a sling stone.</p><p></p><p>He shouts louder for his friends.</p><p></p><p>Meantime Mohag rushes into the tribal chamber, there are only three kobolds in here, the rest are dead.</p><p></p><p>Scratch that- the raging, frenzied and reckless barbarian cuts another two kobolds down- there's just one of the little buggers left.</p><p></p><p>Sosspan casts Light on himself and rushes up the northern passage, so that his friends there may see, but Sir Glen rushes on ahead of him and seconds later is swept up and off his feet. A concealed net trap bundles the paladin up, and leaves him dangling three feet of the ground (and restrained).</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]149552[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The frontal assault is going well- the 'new' kobolds, the players (and PCs) note, have set up a few more traps. The dirty little cheating bastards.</strong></p><p></p><p>The kobolds start shooting their slings et al at the bundled paladin, whatever they launch just DINKS off his armour.</p><p></p><p>Krago rushes forward and stabs a kobold.</p><p></p><p>Trebbelos meantime falls back in the pit again, this after using his second inspiration point to make that check again- and another failure, the sorcerer is bloodied, and having a bit of a swear-storm.</p><p></p><p>Fortunately none of his colleagues are around to either see or hear him.</p><p></p><p>Krago gets hit by another sling stone, the dwarf is suddenly down to just seven hit points.</p><p></p><p>Corbis gets shot- and it's a Crit, and the warrior is down to just four hit points.</p><p></p><p>Tribbits and Mohag, meanwhile, are chasing a single kobold around the former tribal lair- the little bastard is rushing around whirling his sling- firing, and dodging behind a variety of obstacles (fire pits etc.). Eventually Mohag ends the game by cutting the kobold in two.</p><p></p><p>[New kobolds in the tribal chamber 250 XP]</p><p></p><p>Sosspan catches up with the action, and his second Shatter spell destroys four more of the kobolds, these were the fellows that were peppering Corbis, Krago and Sir Glen.</p><p></p><p>Scrubs shoots another of the kobolds down, and suddenly- somehow, there's only one kobold left in the entire lair, and that's Torgo the Face-Gouger, and he's as mad as heck- the kobold boss therefore launches himself at Corbis.</p><p></p><p>Torgo comes snarling and spitting from the dark, blade in hand, and misses by a mile.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy Crits him with a Fire Bolt.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen wrestles himself out of the net.</p><p></p><p>Krago brains Torgo with his black mace, and then stabs him in the gut with his magical dagger (and a Crit).</p><p></p><p>Torgo survives.</p><p></p><p>For one more second then Corbis cuts him down.</p><p></p><p>[Torgo and his guards 175 XP]</p><p></p><p>The kobold lair is taken, again.</p><p></p><p>Treasure clear up et al next time, because that's all we had time for in this session.</p><p></p><p>The pot is up to £98.</p><p></p><p>Stay safe and well you lovely people.</p><p></p><p>Toodles for a bit.</p><p></p><p>Cheers the Unexpected and goonalan.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 8505210, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]The Unexpected in the Caves of Chaos.[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #022: The Trial of Ricky Pilchard. PCs (in alphabetical order) Krago of the Mountains [/B](Pete) Male Mountain Dwarf Ranger (Folk Hero) Level 3. [B]Lappoy the Unexpected [/B](Rob) Male High Elf Wizard (Sage) Level 3. [B]Mohag the Wanderer[/B] (Pete) Male Human Barbarian (Outlander) Level 3. [B]Sho-Rembo[/B] (Dave) Female Stout Halfling Druid (Hermit) Level 3. [B]Sir Glen[/B] (Dave) Male Human Paladin of Lathander (Noble) Level 3. [B]Sosspan [/B](Dave) Male Dragonborn Wizard (Spy) Level 3. [B]Trebbelos[/B] (Pete) Male Tiefling Sorcerer (Charlatan) Level 3. [B]Sidekicks (played mostly by the DM). Corbis [/B]Male Human Sidekick Warrior (Soldier) Level 2. [B]Scrubs[/B] Male Human Sidekick Expert (Soldier) Level 2. [B]Tribbits[/B] Male Human Sidekick Warrior (Soldier) Level 2. [B]Dead PCs (in alphabetical order) Afton Barr[/B] (Dave) Male Half-Elf Bard (Entertainer) Level 1. [B]Estra Zo [/B](Pete) Female Wood Gnome Rogue (Urchin) Level 1. [B]Farned of the Leaf Lord [/B](Dave) Male Wild Elf Cleric of Rillifane Rallithil (Acolyte) Level 1. [B]Tassit [/B](Dave) Female Human Monk (Hermit) Level 1. [B]The Mystical One[/B] (Pete) Female Human Warlock (Outlander) Level 1. [B]Yor[/B] (Pete) Male Dragonborn Fighter (Folk Hero) Level 2. [B]Dead NPCs (in alphabetical order) Wormwood[/B] Male Human Guard. [B]QUESTS (and stuff to do).*[/B] [LIST=1] [*] Find Zelligar and Rogahn's former base, explore it and steal its treasures. [*] Clear out the Caves of Chaos- kill the evil humanoids and take their stuff. [*] Get all 20 rumours, just missing #18, keep chatting and drinking at the Keep. [*] Find Tolpuddle, the 'mad druid' of the Whispering Woods, he may know where Z&R's base is (see #1 above), also say 'hi' from his brother Bumble. [*] Tell Darvon, Priest of Oghma, about the Unexpected's adventures. ONGOING. [*] Track down and kill/capture the former bandit leader- Dee Dee Raven (see Mebros, Captain of the Watch). [*] Help the water sprites of the Goblinwater River, for Bumble. [*] Clear a bunch of spiders out of the Spiderwood, for Bumble. [*] Stop the undead attacks in the Whispering Woods, for Bumble. [/LIST] *I've been asked to put this here because the players keep forgetting some of this stuff, also they have lots of quests on the go right now. [B]Note, you can click on the pictures here to make them bigger (if you didn't know this already). Day 35: Being the 5th Day of Kythorn, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, midday.[/B] [ATTACH type="full"]149531[/ATTACH] [B]The Trial of Ricky Pilchard.[/B] So, we're straight into it, and Sir Glen (played by Dave) has been given homework- I want a speech, and anything else he wants to give, minimum five minutes of chat. The trial is a fairly subdued affair, this because the entire procedure has been kept under wraps, the inhabitants of the Keep have been told that the bandits are no more, although Dee Dee is still out there. There's a reward poster for the ex-bandit leader on the noticeboard in the Keep. The fact that a bandit has been captured alive has been kept a secret, it seems Corporal of the Watch Spinepecker is as good as his word, Sir Glen made him promise to keep Ricky safe from rough justice. Just to make clear, Dee Dee Raven and her bandits have accounted for a dozen lives in the past six months or so during their activities in the region, every person in the Keep knows someone that has been killed by these terrible folk. They're not popular with the citizens here. Also, the expected outcome of this trial- Ricky will be found guilty and hang. Sir Glen is on a hiding to nothing, but... he has the floor. The paladin makes a number of speeches over the course of what comes next, he has about fifteen minutes of chat for us. He takes a while to compare his own privileged upbringing to that of Ricky Pilchard's, the young man's trials and tribulations, his lack of role models et al. Sir Glen goes on to tell the court about Ricky confessing his sins, and of the help he provided in the Unexpected's successful attack on the bandit's lair. His finale- “I am aware that the test of a man is the truth he keeps in his heart- Ricky Pilchard has seen the light, his heart is true, and the truth will out. From this day forward, I am certain, that this young man, given the opportunity, will give his life, and his strength, and dedication, to put right all that he has done wrong. He will fail- as we all do, but to be afforded the opportunity... That would be a very courageous thing to do, it would also be the right thing.” Or some such nonsense. And overseeing the trial are the Castellan, Lord Bouchard- the big boss of the Keep, and also Sir Penrith Dubourbon, Bailiff of the Outer Bailey. Much chatter follows, and more than a few rolls. Ricky Pilchard is, of course, found guilty. But here's the thing- his sentence is commuted, or else held over until a later date- Ricky Pilchard will be released immediately into the keeping of the Church of the Morning Lord. There will be a limit placed upon his freedoms, he will not be allowed to leave the Keep for the foreseeable future, and on pain of death. Furthermore, his future good name (and freedoms) will not only depend upon his good behaviour, but also upon the actions of his sponsor- Sir Glen, and the band of adventurers he leads. Note, Lappoy interrupts the proceedings at this point- the High Magicker is in the very limited audience (as are the rest of the Unexpected). Lappoy makes clear, the Unexpected are his party. But that's enough for now, the court is cleared, although the Unexpected are asked to hang around, the Castellan would like a further word. [ATTACH type="full"]149532[/ATTACH] [B]The Castellan wants a word.[/B] So, an extended chat- with a little Q&A, it's clear the Castellan has been appraised of the Unexpected's activities- he knows everything. The task the Castellan sets, simple- clear all enemies from the Caves of Chaos, too long has this place proved a lure for terrible humanoids. Clear the place out- once and for all, and- all of it. The reward- 2,500gp. To this end the Castellan asks the PCs, actually- very mostly he talks to Sir Glen throughout, much to Lappoy's chagrin, regardless- he asks the Unexpected to reconnoitre the Caves and to discover what still is left to do. After this is done, and a report submitted (oral or written) tactics (and resources) for the conquering of the Caves will be discussed and agreed. Just to make clear, the Castellan is offering the Unexpected a selection of his troops to lead, or else to employ as guards if the PCs wish it. Obviously, the Keep will fund this and future expeditions- food etc. If however the Unexpected are content to take on this task without need of the Keep's resources, than another 500gp will be added to their future reward. Then after yet more chatter, the Castellan further makes clear, success in this task will also bring other benefits, not the least of which will be a title for at least one of the company before him, also land and rights for all. The Unexpected, of course, take the job- Pete, who wants more than anything to rip through the Caves of Chaos, is particularly jubilant. And so, after a few more days in the Keep, the Unexpected are back on the march again, back to the Caves of Chaos. [B]Day 37: Being the 7th Day of Kythorn, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, early morning.[/B] To the Caves... Only I just rolled another '1', and so it's random encounter time. And so a quiet country road, bandit free these days, and the adventurers with the sun on their backs make their way to adventure... [ATTACH type="full"]149533[/ATTACH] [B]Boar attack![/B] The giant boar lurches out of the foliage and attempts to tusk Scrubs (with advantage) but my dice are seemingly broken. Scrubs dodges aside and thunks his hand axe into the beast, calling for his companions to rally to him. Krago follows up with his black mace and magical dagger, and both hits- the latter a Crit, the beast however doesn't bat an eye-lid, it seems to be unnaturally enraged. Tribbits cuts the beast with his longsword, Sir Glen (with a '1') fails to connect, Corbis shows the paladin how it's done. Sho-Rembo attempts to use her druidic knowledge to find out why the beast is attacking (but rolls a '2'), nor can she make the boar cease its frenzy, although it is still unable to stick its tusks in any of the folk that are slowly cutting and beating it to death. Trebbelos, Sosspan & Lappoy hit the beast with a trio of Fire Bolts, the giant boar is screeching in pain, but still not giving up its frenzied attack. Although two of those hits were for minimum damage (that's '1'). Krago stabs the beast again, Tribbits slices it, and Sir Glen- cuts it down. My max hit points, raging (effectively) with advantage on all attacks Giant Boar never landed an attack. That was three turns of very one-sided combat. [ATTACH type="full"]149534[/ATTACH] [B]Well, that was disappointing, I figure it wasn't going to be much of a challenge but I did think I would have landed a few hits and put a crimp in someone's day.[/B] [Enraged giant boar 450 XP] Note, after the fracas is concluded it becomes obvious to Sho-Rembo that the giant beast was suffering from some malady, an infection, one side of the boar's jaw is rotten. Further investigation, which takes a little time, and the druid is certain- the creature was recently attacked by something undead. This makes sense, there are reports of the undead in the Whispering Woods, which is where the beast had most likely just come from. Something must be done about this... However, so quick was the above encounter to play out that we still have time this session for a little more, so that's nice. The Unexpected make it to the ravine which holds the Caves of Chaos, and then watch a while- but only for a short while, then- all the way back to the kobold cavern, first on the right. And... [ATTACH type="full"]149535[/ATTACH] [B]Bloody hell, the kobolds are back.[/B] Just for info the pack in here are a bunch of wandering kobolds, described at a different location in the wilds of the region, they have taken their opportunity. Although, there are only twenty something of the little guys, plus Torgo the Face-Gouger, their somewhat underwhelming chief. I have, of course, maxed all of their hit points, and doubled Torgo's, and... well, given all of them a little more help. Back to the lair assault. Happily Krago and Sho-Rembo have not been heard, or spotted, by the inhabitants of the cavern, the pair therefore lead the attack. And just to make clear, five minutes earlier Lappoy reminded his fellow adventurers- watch out for the pit trap in here. The attack gets going- Corbis dashes in and cuts the nearest kobold, Tribbits follows him in and finishes the little bugger off with a Crit. Alas the rest of the enemies are a little further into the lair, and beyond the pit. A raging Mohag burns an inspiration point to double move rush in- leap the pit, and then bury his greataxe in the back of the nearest kobold. The kobold survives the ordeal- they're all max hit points, remember. Obviously, I didn't tell the players this at the time. Sosspan dashes forward and casts an emergency light spell on Mohag, the barbarian was having trouble seeing within the cavern. The players forgot about light sources- I didn't (& neither did FGU). Scrubs rushes into the cavern entrance and shoots a kobold dead. However, it's at this point that Sho-Rembo races forward, attempts to leap the pit- or where she believes the pit to be (she's correct) and... falls in, an inspiration point later- a second check, and, still... Sho-Rembo stumbles into the spiked pit. Moments later Krago narrowly avoids the same fate by using his inspiration point. It's a DC 10 acrobatics or athletics check to either wriggle around the pit, or else leap a corner of it. Lappoy rushes in (double move including inspiration point) and leaps the now open pit, the High Magicker lands almost perfectly (9.5, 9.5 & 9) and then pumps three Magic Missiles into another kobold- dead. Then Trebbelos falls in the pit too, the tiefling sorcerer's first check is a '1', then an inspiration point to try again, and... '1' again. It's a real mixed bag with regard to the surprise round here... [ATTACH type="full"]149536[/ATTACH] [B]Remember this place... Yep, we're back here again.[/B] Corbis leaps the pit and stabs another kobold, the little creature starts screaming and runs away- heading deeper into the lair, and avoiding all attacks en route to elsewhere. But not for long, a now frenzied Mohag runs the fleeing kobold down, and then cuts it down, and then goes on running further into the lair- and remember he has a light spell on him, and he's not silent about things. The raging barbarian is coming to getchya! Sosspan leaps the pit and chases after Mohag. Scrubs shoots another kobold, only a scratch. Sho-Rembo, shame-faced, climbs out of the pit and then throws a Produce Flame at the last kobold in sight, the puddle of flame hits- it dies. [ATTACH type="full"]149537[/ATTACH] [B]At which point a formerly hidden kobold, over in what was the rat chamber (to the west), emerges from hiding briefly to fire its shortbow at Sho-Rembo, but a miss.[/B] Sir Glen leaps the pit (thanks to an inspiration point for a re-roll, his first attempt – '1') and then heads off deeper into the lair. Note, some of these brave buggers are chasing after Mohag because the barbarian is the light. Krago races off in the same direction, even out-sprints the barbarian, and then something snags the dwarf's foot- a trip wire- FOONG, and a crossbow bolt buries itself in the ranger's chest. Torgo's kobold mob have had a few days to install a couple more traps, that's nice. Trebbelos meantime also manages to pull himself out of the pit, and then is directed to go and discover the kobold in the former rat's lair, he spots the little bastard and shoots the miscreant with a Fire Bolt, but the creature lives. Corbis goes racing forward, catching up with Krago, and there are the sounds of more kobolds ahead, and a lit chamber- with shadows moving within it. A sling stone flies past the rushing warrior, and then another, and another, and a few arrows too. Mohag stops one of the later, but the barbarian is unconcerned, he just wants at the enemy. But then Sosspan catches up and drops a Shatter spell on a corridor full of kobolds. The effect is of course devastating, the entire passage shivers and shakes, clods of dirt fall and kobolds die. [ATTACH type="full"]149550[/ATTACH] [B]The Unexpected are clearly in a rush.[/B] The kobold formerly hiding in the ex-rat chamber attempts to flee the fire flinging Trebbelos, alas en route to the exit it stumbles and also falls into the pit- dead. [New kobold entrance guards 150 XP] Lappoy continues to stride forward- deeper into the lair, sending out a trio of Magic Missiles to slay the three kobolds that survived Sosspan's Shatter spell. And yet there are more kobolds in the larger tribal chamber ahead- and more sling bullets fly, and Mohag takes a hit, and then another. [ATTACH type="full"]149551[/ATTACH] [B]The Unexpected are pretty strung out, that's Trebbelos over to the west- taking his time to get back around the pit trap- he's already fallen in once. Meantime Mohag is about to rush into the kobold tribal chamber.[/B] Note, Krago (on the picture above) has gone the northern route, he remembered that's where the kobold chief was last time, and there are more guards in this direction. The dwarf ranger is soon shouting for a little help from his friends. Corbis dashes to help Krago, but then realises ahead of the dwarf is only darkness... Corbis cannot see what's ahead, there's no light here. Krago gets shot, and then hit by a sling stone. He shouts louder for his friends. Meantime Mohag rushes into the tribal chamber, there are only three kobolds in here, the rest are dead. Scratch that- the raging, frenzied and reckless barbarian cuts another two kobolds down- there's just one of the little buggers left. Sosspan casts Light on himself and rushes up the northern passage, so that his friends there may see, but Sir Glen rushes on ahead of him and seconds later is swept up and off his feet. A concealed net trap bundles the paladin up, and leaves him dangling three feet of the ground (and restrained). [ATTACH type="full"]149552[/ATTACH] [B]The frontal assault is going well- the 'new' kobolds, the players (and PCs) note, have set up a few more traps. The dirty little cheating bastards.[/B] The kobolds start shooting their slings et al at the bundled paladin, whatever they launch just DINKS off his armour. Krago rushes forward and stabs a kobold. Trebbelos meantime falls back in the pit again, this after using his second inspiration point to make that check again- and another failure, the sorcerer is bloodied, and having a bit of a swear-storm. Fortunately none of his colleagues are around to either see or hear him. Krago gets hit by another sling stone, the dwarf is suddenly down to just seven hit points. Corbis gets shot- and it's a Crit, and the warrior is down to just four hit points. Tribbits and Mohag, meanwhile, are chasing a single kobold around the former tribal lair- the little bastard is rushing around whirling his sling- firing, and dodging behind a variety of obstacles (fire pits etc.). Eventually Mohag ends the game by cutting the kobold in two. [New kobolds in the tribal chamber 250 XP] Sosspan catches up with the action, and his second Shatter spell destroys four more of the kobolds, these were the fellows that were peppering Corbis, Krago and Sir Glen. Scrubs shoots another of the kobolds down, and suddenly- somehow, there's only one kobold left in the entire lair, and that's Torgo the Face-Gouger, and he's as mad as heck- the kobold boss therefore launches himself at Corbis. Torgo comes snarling and spitting from the dark, blade in hand, and misses by a mile. Lappoy Crits him with a Fire Bolt. Sir Glen wrestles himself out of the net. Krago brains Torgo with his black mace, and then stabs him in the gut with his magical dagger (and a Crit). Torgo survives. For one more second then Corbis cuts him down. [Torgo and his guards 175 XP] The kobold lair is taken, again. Treasure clear up et al next time, because that's all we had time for in this session. The pot is up to £98. Stay safe and well you lovely people. Toodles for a bit. Cheers the Unexpected and goonalan. [/QUOTE]
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D&D 5e Into The (Keep on the) Borderlands (B1&2) #032 Monster Mash.
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