D&D 5E (IC) Scourge of Daggerford

[Kobold Stew]

Tommi is deferential to the old dwarf. "So there are more of these creatures about. You say you know where there's another nest, Mr. Helgrim?" He's suddenly puzzled. "Is that what they have a nest? a gnest? Whatever. These are putrid beasts. I am sorry I let my curiosity about them get the better of me."

 

[jmucchiello]

"We already know where they should be," Escella says. She describes the location of the gnoll encampment to Helgrim and says, "Is that where you last saw the gnolls?"

 

[JustinCase]

"Not far off, by the sound of it," Helgrim replies. He details the area where his caravan was ambushed and the area surrounding it where he had made some evasive maneuvers to pick off several more gnolls.

"Must be the same tribe," he says to Tommi, hoping it to be true. Then he chuckles, his missing teeth standing out, before booming with laughter.

" 'Gnest'! Bwahaha!"

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Escella and Helgrim led the way north-west toward the recently gnoll-infested part of Ardeep Forest. They moved cautiously, with Tommi and Escella taking turns scouting forward, and Oh-Six buzzing in circles overhead. It was still before midday when they came to a northern branch of the Ardeep River. Recent rain (it was raining still) had swollen the river to dangerous crossings. There was only one safe ford that Escella knew, along an old trail that connected several of the Noble's old hunting lodges.

The nearest of which belonged to the Phylund family, who had built a near fortress out of their lodge, fifty years ago, but had fallen on hard times. The lodge was still in use, Escella knew, but last she had seen was only a shadow of its former glory, with a small staff of servants for upkeep. The gnoll's camp, as understood by Helgrim, was close by, in the forest.

Spoiler: Phylund Lodge Environs

OOC: Map Key: Nandar Lodge is where you met Helgrim; Spring Cave is where Escella experienced her ordeal; Trade Way is the road to Waterdeep where Helgrim's caravan was attacked; Dancing Dell is a valley littered with ruins and standing stones; Lodge is Phylund Lodge; Ford is the best spot to cross the river; Gnoll Hunter's Camp is where Helgrim expects to find gnolls.

 

[Kobold Stew]

Tommi is pleased to learn of the safe ford. Haunted by the memory of the snarling gnoll's breath, he is reluctant to endanger himself recklessly ever again. Or so he truly believes, at this point in time. He remembers his climb up the waterfall, and the surprise morning attqck that happened as he was climbing; he remembers the battle on the river flood plain; this time, though, he knows he'll be cautious, as the group descends down the hillside towards the gnoll's camp.

 

[Prickly Pear]

Lionel was happy to be moving again, albeit towards more gnolls. The previous night he had nightmares about a giant gnoll chasing him round and around the ruins of the campsite. Wherever Lionel had turned the knoll was there to intercept him with big sharp teeth in a drooling, gaping maw. All around him, his friends were laying dead. He could not have saved them. He had tried but the giant knoll was everywhere tearing into the flesh of his friends.
He had woken with a start (probably an extra loud snore?) and couldn't get back to sleep again. Eventually, Helgrim woke up and Lionel listened to the conversation but did not say much. He took his turn as watch and then it was morning.
Finally they were on the road again and, yes, he was happy to get moving again... away from this awful place. However, he was not looking forward to ford the swollen river. What would be easy for an elf, human, half-orc and a sturdy dwarf, would be difficult for a short halfling!

 

[FitzTheRuke]

The Daggerfordians worked their way downhill toward the ford. It was not a natural ford, but a place where the river had narrowed, and a nobleman of ages past had had rock and dirt dropped in to create the underwater foundation for a stone bridge. The bridge had never been constructed, though there were signs that a wooden bridge had stood for a time, before rotting away. Now, there remained an underwater ridge nearly three feet deep. The waters on either side were much deeper, and the current constantly pushed one toward the west.

The Ardeep forest was not very dense as one approached the river, but Escella did not like the look of a few sight-lines on the other side, obscured by bushes, where gnolls could be hiding. They would be exceedingly vulnerable as they made to cross.

OOC: Any particular precautions you'd like to take?

 

[Kobold Stew]

Tommi, whispering, offers to cross first and take position. Tommi looks on the other side for a place of cover -- a tree, or boulder. If he sees one, he offers to cross alone first (dodging), and take position. He can move 60' dodging, 30' if he also hides. (so in 2 turns he can be 90' along and hiding). From there he can possibly reveal any snipers, and also be ready to block anyone coming towards the ford from the other side. He can charge 3 stones before he leaves.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Tommi, whispering, offers to cross first and take position.

Tommi spotted a good place on the other side where he could slip around in the bushes, hopefully unseen by anyone nearby, and keep an eye out for trouble while the others crossed. Oh-Six was happy to accompany him, quietly circling his head.

OOC: Tommi will have to roll a dc14 athletics or acrobatics check to make it across without being bowled over by the current. He will get wet from the waist down.

 

[Kobold Stew]

Tommi blows on three stones, and begins to bolt across the stream at the place Escella pointed to.

OOC: Cast Magic stone. sling in hand, Gutter on hip. Atheltics vs. DC 14 -- 1d20+6=22.