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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: 8534932" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>The Unexpected in the Caves of Chaos.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #027: A Cave of One's Own.</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 4.</p><p><strong>Lappoy the Unexpected </strong>(Rob) Male High Elf Wizard (Sage) Level 4.</p><p><strong>Mohag the Wanderer</strong> (Pete) Male Human Barbarian (Outlander) Level 4.</p><p><strong>Sho-Rembo</strong> (Dave) Female Stout Halfling Druid (Hermit) Level 4.</p><p><strong>Sir Glen</strong> (Dave) Male Human Paladin of Lathander (Noble) Level 4.</p><p><strong>Sosspan </strong>(Dave) Male Dragonborn Wizard (Spy) Level 4.</p><p><strong>Trebbelos</strong> (Pete) Male Tiefling Sorcerer (Charlatan) Level 4.</p><p></p><p><strong>Sidekick (played mostly by the DM).</strong></p><p><strong>Scrubs</strong> Male Human Sidekick Expert (Soldier) Level 3.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dead PCs, NPCs & Sidekicks (in alphabetical order)</strong></p><p><strong>Afton Barr</strong> (Dave) Male Half-Elf Bard (Entertainer) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Corbis</strong> Male Human Sidekick Warrior (Soldier) Level 2.</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>Tribbits</strong> Male Human Sidekick Warrior (Soldier) Level 2.</p><p><strong>Wormwood</strong> Male Human Guard.</p><p><strong>Yor</strong> (Pete) Male Dragonborn Fighter (Folk Hero) Level 2.</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.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><s>Get all 20 rumours, just missing #18, keep chatting and drinking at the Keep.</s></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Find Tolpuddle, the 'mad druid' or 'mad hermit' of the Whispering Woods, he may know where Z&R's base is (see #1 above), also say 'hi' from his brother Bumble.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Tell Darvon, Priest of Oghma, about the Unexpected's adventures. ONGOING.</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).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Help the water sprites of the Goblinwater River, for Bumble.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Clear a bunch of spiders out of the Spiderwood, for Bumble.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Stop the undead attacks in the Whispering Woods, for Bumble.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Clear the Caves of Chaos for the Castellan of the Keep on the Borderlands, reward 2,500gp plus.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Find the rest of the Fortune's Five adventuring party- Bullywugs?<br /> </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>Note, we now read this list at the start of each new session, that's what it's like to get old- your memory just stops working.</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 43: Being the 13th Day of Kythorn, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, about 6 AM.</strong></p><p></p><p>So, the Unexpected are just about to head out of the Keep again, however they've been busy with a series of meetings, and now... Well, they're marching back to the Caves of Chaos, and with their own troops, and healers.</p><p></p><p>Let me tell you how it happened.</p><p></p><p>But the first thing to say is that this adventure mega-module is designed for play for levels 1 to 3, and the Unexpected are very definitely fourth level, all of them- except for the sidekick.</p><p></p><p>Therefore, the players have been warned- the DM will now be adding to or else increasing the threat of the listed encounters. All future enemies will start with 75% or more of max hit points, I further reserve the right to increase encounter numbers by a maximum of 50%, and maybe- every now and then- throw in a leader type, or something similar. Increased DCs (+2 to +5) for saves, checks, and... everything.</p><p></p><p>So, get your special dice rolling pants on, I'm going to crank up (a little) the volume.</p><p></p><p>Although, not in this one.</p><p></p><p>That done, back to business.</p><p></p><p>First up, the usual stuff- the Unexpected sell their loot (see last session), buy gear to replace stuff lost, repair damaged equipment (armour and weapons, after the oozes), fill up on healing potions et al.</p><p></p><p>For form's sake they also attempt, once again, to ascertain the last missing rumour (see quest 2 on the list above) on their list.</p><p></p><p>That's right, another night in the Traveller's Rest hard drinking and spreading the joy.</p><p></p><p>SUCCESS!</p><p></p><p>Easy really, and the patented method employed by the discoverer of the final missing rumour- simples! Sir Glen spends all evening going from person to person, buying each new face a drink, and then listing for each of them the nineteen rumours that the Unexpected have already discovered about the Caves of Chaos. Only then asking the fellow being interviewed if he or she has heard anything else about the aforementioned Caves of Chaos.</p><p></p><p>It's the paladin modus operandi. Honesty, as it turns out, is the best policy.</p><p></p><p>[All twenty rumours 160 XP]</p><p></p><p>This then is the new rumour chart-</p><p></p><p>(1) A merchant, imprisoned within the caves, will reward his rescuers. VERY INTERESTING.</p><p>(2) A powerful wizard will destroy all cave invaders. UNTRUE.</p><p>(3) Tribes of different creatures live in different caves. CHECK.</p><p>(4) An ogre sometimes helps the cave dwellers. BAD NOG RIP</p><p>(5) A magic wand was lost in the caves. INTERESTING.</p><p>(6) All of the cave entrances are trapped. UNTRUE.</p><p>(7) If you get lost, beware the eater of men! INTERESTING.</p><p>(8) Altars are very dangerous. INTERESTING.</p><p>(9) A fair maiden is imprisoned within the caves. INTERESTING.</p><p>(10) “Bree-yark!” is goblin for 'we surrender'. UNTRUE.</p><p>(11) Beware of treachery from within the party. INTERESTING!</p><p>(12) The big dog-men (GNOLLS?) live very high in the caves. INTERESTING.</p><p>(13) There are hordes of tiny dragon-men in the lower caves. KOBOLDS- KILLED.</p><p>(14) Piles of magic armour are hoarded in the southern caves. INTERESTING.</p><p>(15) The bugbears in the caves are afraid of dwarves. INTERESTING.</p><p>(16) Lizardmen live in the marshes. INTERESTING.</p><p>(17) An elf once disappeared across the marshes. INTERESTING. </p><p>(18) Beware the Mad Hermit of the north lands.</p><p>(19) Nobody has ever returned from an expedition to the caves. UNTIL NOW.</p><p>(20) There is more than one tribe of orcs within the caves. INTERESTING. </p><p></p><p>Did you spot the new guy-</p><p></p><p>(18) Beware the Mad Hermit of the north lands.</p><p></p><p>And now the Unexpected are a little worried, is the Mad Hermit Bumble's brother, and 'beware' is he a threat? The local person being interviewed, the giver of this rumour, isn't sure who or what the Mad Hermit is (although presumed a human), only that the fellow has attacked folk in the Whispering Woods.</p><p></p><p>Is this Tolpuddle, Bumble's brother?</p><p></p><p>The Unexpected chat a little while longer about this one, and refresh their memories- they were going to say 'hi' to Tolpuddle if and when they met him, and tell him that his brother Bumble was looking for him. Perhaps arrange a meeting between the two, that's... all.</p><p></p><p>They're maybe going to see if they can find Bumble again, when they've solved one of his quests, and then have another chat with him about his brother Tolpuddle.</p><p></p><p>Next up, well- there are lots of meetings with Darvon, the old priest of Oghma, more tales of adventure from the Caves of Chaos for the old man to write up.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen spends a day or two with Ricky Pilchard, who is working hard at the Church of the Morning Lord, all is going well so far. Ricky's former occupation is still a secret.</p><p></p><p>Then, well, there's a long chat or two with Sir Penrith Dubourbon, Bailiff of the Outer Bailey, who the adventurers last met at the trial of Ricky Pilchard, Dubourbon is the Castellan's right-hand man. Also present, and taking notes, is Marevak- an middle-aged (perhaps) elven woman, she is introduced as the Castellan's Scribe.</p><p></p><p>So, lots of chatter- about the Caves of Chaos and what is still there to be done.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]151215[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Unexpected chat their way through what's left of the Caves of Chaos, and now they know where the gnolls live (Cave L). This after they watched the armoured gnoll boss retreat, at high speed, to the cavern in question.</strong></p><p></p><p>So, the Unexpected tell Sir Dubourbon their plans, he asks questions, and... a few days later, during a meeting within the Traveller's Rest, the Bailiff explains what he has to offer.</p><p></p><p>The Keep will provide the Unexpected with six guards and a Corporal, they will also send patrols daily to the region, and further take care of all supplies (within reason) and logistics. The Unexpected will occupy one of the caverns within the ravine (or another base close by), the guards will be employed to make safe the camp, freeing the adventurers up to go and explore.</p><p></p><p>Payment for a successful completion of the task- all caverns cleared, 2500gp (less any untoward expenses).</p><p></p><p>Payment without success, 200gp for a calendar month's employment.</p><p></p><p>Marevak has taken the liberty of drawing up contracts.</p><p></p><p>And this was the deal that Pete did with his fellow players at the end of the previous session- he's got his wish, to clear the Caves of Chaos first.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]151216[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Unexpected are hired.</strong></p><p></p><p>But here's the other thing- the Fortune's Five adventuring party, well... they've not returned from their sojourn in the wilds, there's no reward on offer (at the moment)- but, could the Unexpected look out for them. It is not unusual for an adventuring party to be late, but... the group have still got their payment to collect.</p><p></p><p>So, more than a little odd.</p><p></p><p>But again, the Unexpected have been to the Fortune Five's camp, they'll check in there.</p><p></p><p>Last bit, when Darvon (the old priest of Oghma) learns that the Unexpected are moving to a camp in the Caves of Chaos, well.. the old man begs the adventurers to allow him to go with them, aided by his two silent acolytes. Not only can he get closer to the action, but he can also provide much needed healing, an aid station- as it were.</p><p></p><p>Just to make clear Darvon is not suggesting he accompany the Unexpected on their adventures, only that he dwell close-by, with the guards in camp.</p><p></p><p>After about seven seconds discussion the players/PCs agree to this, after all- they've just been offered the services of a cleric (or three). Also many of the PCs are still keen to be immortalised by the old priest.</p><p></p><p>So, lots to go on, which is why the Unexpected leave early for the caves.</p><p></p><p><strong>Day 43: Being the 13th Day of Kythorn, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, about 6 AM.</strong></p><p></p><p>There are eight of the Unexpected, a dozen guards- six of them will be returning to the Keep after helping out, Corporal Grubbins, Old Darvon and his two acolytes (Enoch & Shadrack), two carts full of supplies and half-a-dozen drovers, and a few others.</p><p></p><p>It's quite a company.</p><p></p><p>There are no encounters en route, however also en route the Unexpected pay a visit to the Fortune Fives' camp.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]151217[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>But what's this?</strong></p><p></p><p>The rival adventuring party's camp is a ruin (although it doesn't look too bad) but what is very apparent are the dead bodies here, all six guards- although two of the bodies are found a little away from the site.</p><p></p><p>Also present is the corpse of M'Baddah, who previously expressed the opinion that he wanted to go adventuring with the Unexpected (or else one of the earlier incarnations of the Unexpected).</p><p></p><p>The remains are not fresh, and have been significantly predated, the camp looks to have been attacked, and caught by surprise- half of the guards are out of their armour.</p><p></p><p>There are odd footprints here and there, the attackers had splayed feet, or else... appendages like those of a frog- this after a clutch of survival checks, initially not good, the Unexpected however take their time.</p><p></p><p>There's a little coin to be had, and a few more bits and pieces, but it all feels a bit wrong, taking from dead fellow adventurers (and the guard).</p><p></p><p>The only other obvious piece of intelligence is that it is clear that the missing adventurers from the group were not here for the attack, and very likely they've not been back here since. Remember the Keep is only and hour or so away from this location, therefore the obvious presumption is the rest of the Fortune's Five are still out there somewhere, and (Sir Glen suggests) possibly the prisoners of some other force.</p><p></p><p>Are there bullywugs in the Fell Fens, this could be their work? This suggestion comes from Sho-Rembo, and Lappoy who rolls yet another '20'.</p><p></p><p>Then onwards, to the Caves of Chaos, but the guards heading to the Keep will be sure to tell the authorities on their return, and collect the bodies from the wrecked camp at a later date and time.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]151218[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Unexpected get moved in, note Old Darvon gets the orc chief's old room, the place is tidied up a bit, and all the new rations and supplies moved in.</strong></p><p></p><p>Now, and this is the plan- go get the gnolls.</p><p></p><p>But this is a very short session, because it's a Friday- and we play twice on most Friday's, once early morning, and again in the evening. Ain't we sad sacks, playing D&D twice on a Friday.</p><p></p><p>The confirmed joys of semi-retirement (I only work Monday to Wednesday), and my players are mostly similarly freed up from the work-thing.</p><p></p><p>Oh, but just a last word- the gnoll bodies that were scattered about the cave and around the entrance, the last time the Unexpected were here, well... they've all gone.</p><p></p><p>I mean all gone, nothing- no predated remains, all gone.</p><p></p><p>Funny that.</p><p></p><p>I mentioned it to the players twice in session, they were very blasé about the fact, or else they just ignored it.</p><p></p><p>The pot is up to £118.</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: 8534932, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]The Unexpected in the Caves of Chaos.[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #027: A Cave of One's Own. PCs (in alphabetical order) Krago of the Mountains [/B](Pete) Male Mountain Dwarf Ranger (Folk Hero) Level 4. [B]Lappoy the Unexpected [/B](Rob) Male High Elf Wizard (Sage) Level 4. [B]Mohag the Wanderer[/B] (Pete) Male Human Barbarian (Outlander) Level 4. [B]Sho-Rembo[/B] (Dave) Female Stout Halfling Druid (Hermit) Level 4. [B]Sir Glen[/B] (Dave) Male Human Paladin of Lathander (Noble) Level 4. [B]Sosspan [/B](Dave) Male Dragonborn Wizard (Spy) Level 4. [B]Trebbelos[/B] (Pete) Male Tiefling Sorcerer (Charlatan) Level 4. [B]Sidekick (played mostly by the DM). Scrubs[/B] Male Human Sidekick Expert (Soldier) Level 3. [B]Dead PCs, NPCs & Sidekicks (in alphabetical order) Afton Barr[/B] (Dave) Male Half-Elf Bard (Entertainer) Level 1. [B]Corbis[/B] Male Human Sidekick Warrior (Soldier) Level 2. [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]Tribbits[/B] Male Human Sidekick Warrior (Soldier) Level 2. [B]Wormwood[/B] Male Human Guard. [B]Yor[/B] (Pete) Male Dragonborn Fighter (Folk Hero) Level 2. [B]QUESTS (and stuff to do).*[/B] [LIST=1] [*]Find Zelligar and Rogahn's former base, explore it and steal its treasures. [*][S]Get all 20 rumours, just missing #18, keep chatting and drinking at the Keep.[/S] [*]Find Tolpuddle, the 'mad druid' or 'mad hermit' 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. [*]Clear the Caves of Chaos for the Castellan of the Keep on the Borderlands, reward 2,500gp plus. [*]Find the rest of the Fortune's Five adventuring party- Bullywugs? [/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. Note, we now read this list at the start of each new session, that's what it's like to get old- your memory just stops working. [B]Note, you can click on the pictures here to make them bigger (if you didn't know this already). Day 43: Being the 13th Day of Kythorn, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, about 6 AM.[/B] So, the Unexpected are just about to head out of the Keep again, however they've been busy with a series of meetings, and now... Well, they're marching back to the Caves of Chaos, and with their own troops, and healers. Let me tell you how it happened. But the first thing to say is that this adventure mega-module is designed for play for levels 1 to 3, and the Unexpected are very definitely fourth level, all of them- except for the sidekick. Therefore, the players have been warned- the DM will now be adding to or else increasing the threat of the listed encounters. All future enemies will start with 75% or more of max hit points, I further reserve the right to increase encounter numbers by a maximum of 50%, and maybe- every now and then- throw in a leader type, or something similar. Increased DCs (+2 to +5) for saves, checks, and... everything. So, get your special dice rolling pants on, I'm going to crank up (a little) the volume. Although, not in this one. That done, back to business. First up, the usual stuff- the Unexpected sell their loot (see last session), buy gear to replace stuff lost, repair damaged equipment (armour and weapons, after the oozes), fill up on healing potions et al. For form's sake they also attempt, once again, to ascertain the last missing rumour (see quest 2 on the list above) on their list. That's right, another night in the Traveller's Rest hard drinking and spreading the joy. SUCCESS! Easy really, and the patented method employed by the discoverer of the final missing rumour- simples! Sir Glen spends all evening going from person to person, buying each new face a drink, and then listing for each of them the nineteen rumours that the Unexpected have already discovered about the Caves of Chaos. Only then asking the fellow being interviewed if he or she has heard anything else about the aforementioned Caves of Chaos. It's the paladin modus operandi. Honesty, as it turns out, is the best policy. [All twenty rumours 160 XP] This then is the new rumour chart- (1) A merchant, imprisoned within the caves, will reward his rescuers. VERY INTERESTING. (2) A powerful wizard will destroy all cave invaders. UNTRUE. (3) Tribes of different creatures live in different caves. CHECK. (4) An ogre sometimes helps the cave dwellers. BAD NOG RIP (5) A magic wand was lost in the caves. INTERESTING. (6) All of the cave entrances are trapped. UNTRUE. (7) If you get lost, beware the eater of men! INTERESTING. (8) Altars are very dangerous. INTERESTING. (9) A fair maiden is imprisoned within the caves. INTERESTING. (10) “Bree-yark!” is goblin for 'we surrender'. UNTRUE. (11) Beware of treachery from within the party. INTERESTING! (12) The big dog-men (GNOLLS?) live very high in the caves. INTERESTING. (13) There are hordes of tiny dragon-men in the lower caves. KOBOLDS- KILLED. (14) Piles of magic armour are hoarded in the southern caves. INTERESTING. (15) The bugbears in the caves are afraid of dwarves. INTERESTING. (16) Lizardmen live in the marshes. INTERESTING. (17) An elf once disappeared across the marshes. INTERESTING. (18) Beware the Mad Hermit of the north lands. (19) Nobody has ever returned from an expedition to the caves. UNTIL NOW. (20) There is more than one tribe of orcs within the caves. INTERESTING. Did you spot the new guy- (18) Beware the Mad Hermit of the north lands. And now the Unexpected are a little worried, is the Mad Hermit Bumble's brother, and 'beware' is he a threat? The local person being interviewed, the giver of this rumour, isn't sure who or what the Mad Hermit is (although presumed a human), only that the fellow has attacked folk in the Whispering Woods. Is this Tolpuddle, Bumble's brother? The Unexpected chat a little while longer about this one, and refresh their memories- they were going to say 'hi' to Tolpuddle if and when they met him, and tell him that his brother Bumble was looking for him. Perhaps arrange a meeting between the two, that's... all. They're maybe going to see if they can find Bumble again, when they've solved one of his quests, and then have another chat with him about his brother Tolpuddle. Next up, well- there are lots of meetings with Darvon, the old priest of Oghma, more tales of adventure from the Caves of Chaos for the old man to write up. Sir Glen spends a day or two with Ricky Pilchard, who is working hard at the Church of the Morning Lord, all is going well so far. Ricky's former occupation is still a secret. Then, well, there's a long chat or two with Sir Penrith Dubourbon, Bailiff of the Outer Bailey, who the adventurers last met at the trial of Ricky Pilchard, Dubourbon is the Castellan's right-hand man. Also present, and taking notes, is Marevak- an middle-aged (perhaps) elven woman, she is introduced as the Castellan's Scribe. So, lots of chatter- about the Caves of Chaos and what is still there to be done. [ATTACH type="full"]151215[/ATTACH] [B]The Unexpected chat their way through what's left of the Caves of Chaos, and now they know where the gnolls live (Cave L). This after they watched the armoured gnoll boss retreat, at high speed, to the cavern in question.[/B] So, the Unexpected tell Sir Dubourbon their plans, he asks questions, and... a few days later, during a meeting within the Traveller's Rest, the Bailiff explains what he has to offer. The Keep will provide the Unexpected with six guards and a Corporal, they will also send patrols daily to the region, and further take care of all supplies (within reason) and logistics. The Unexpected will occupy one of the caverns within the ravine (or another base close by), the guards will be employed to make safe the camp, freeing the adventurers up to go and explore. Payment for a successful completion of the task- all caverns cleared, 2500gp (less any untoward expenses). Payment without success, 200gp for a calendar month's employment. Marevak has taken the liberty of drawing up contracts. And this was the deal that Pete did with his fellow players at the end of the previous session- he's got his wish, to clear the Caves of Chaos first. [ATTACH type="full"]151216[/ATTACH] [B]The Unexpected are hired.[/B] But here's the other thing- the Fortune's Five adventuring party, well... they've not returned from their sojourn in the wilds, there's no reward on offer (at the moment)- but, could the Unexpected look out for them. It is not unusual for an adventuring party to be late, but... the group have still got their payment to collect. So, more than a little odd. But again, the Unexpected have been to the Fortune Five's camp, they'll check in there. Last bit, when Darvon (the old priest of Oghma) learns that the Unexpected are moving to a camp in the Caves of Chaos, well.. the old man begs the adventurers to allow him to go with them, aided by his two silent acolytes. Not only can he get closer to the action, but he can also provide much needed healing, an aid station- as it were. Just to make clear Darvon is not suggesting he accompany the Unexpected on their adventures, only that he dwell close-by, with the guards in camp. After about seven seconds discussion the players/PCs agree to this, after all- they've just been offered the services of a cleric (or three). Also many of the PCs are still keen to be immortalised by the old priest. So, lots to go on, which is why the Unexpected leave early for the caves. [B]Day 43: Being the 13th Day of Kythorn, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, about 6 AM.[/B] There are eight of the Unexpected, a dozen guards- six of them will be returning to the Keep after helping out, Corporal Grubbins, Old Darvon and his two acolytes (Enoch & Shadrack), two carts full of supplies and half-a-dozen drovers, and a few others. It's quite a company. There are no encounters en route, however also en route the Unexpected pay a visit to the Fortune Fives' camp. [ATTACH type="full"]151217[/ATTACH] [B]But what's this?[/B] The rival adventuring party's camp is a ruin (although it doesn't look too bad) but what is very apparent are the dead bodies here, all six guards- although two of the bodies are found a little away from the site. Also present is the corpse of M'Baddah, who previously expressed the opinion that he wanted to go adventuring with the Unexpected (or else one of the earlier incarnations of the Unexpected). The remains are not fresh, and have been significantly predated, the camp looks to have been attacked, and caught by surprise- half of the guards are out of their armour. There are odd footprints here and there, the attackers had splayed feet, or else... appendages like those of a frog- this after a clutch of survival checks, initially not good, the Unexpected however take their time. There's a little coin to be had, and a few more bits and pieces, but it all feels a bit wrong, taking from dead fellow adventurers (and the guard). The only other obvious piece of intelligence is that it is clear that the missing adventurers from the group were not here for the attack, and very likely they've not been back here since. Remember the Keep is only and hour or so away from this location, therefore the obvious presumption is the rest of the Fortune's Five are still out there somewhere, and (Sir Glen suggests) possibly the prisoners of some other force. Are there bullywugs in the Fell Fens, this could be their work? This suggestion comes from Sho-Rembo, and Lappoy who rolls yet another '20'. Then onwards, to the Caves of Chaos, but the guards heading to the Keep will be sure to tell the authorities on their return, and collect the bodies from the wrecked camp at a later date and time. [ATTACH type="full"]151218[/ATTACH] [B]The Unexpected get moved in, note Old Darvon gets the orc chief's old room, the place is tidied up a bit, and all the new rations and supplies moved in.[/B] Now, and this is the plan- go get the gnolls. But this is a very short session, because it's a Friday- and we play twice on most Friday's, once early morning, and again in the evening. Ain't we sad sacks, playing D&D twice on a Friday. The confirmed joys of semi-retirement (I only work Monday to Wednesday), and my players are mostly similarly freed up from the work-thing. Oh, but just a last word- the gnoll bodies that were scattered about the cave and around the entrance, the last time the Unexpected were here, well... they've all gone. I mean all gone, nothing- no predated remains, all gone. Funny that. I mentioned it to the players twice in session, they were very blasé about the fact, or else they just ignored it. The pot is up to £118. Stay safe and well you lovely people. Toodles for a bit. Cheers the Unexpected and goonalan. [/QUOTE]
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