Dungeon Crawl!

[Amanil]

It had been a while since Skip had been in a proper bed - he usually found himself a comfortable spot in an out-of-the-way alley - and given that it was made for a human he sprawled on it in content bliss.

Breakfast is a meal much loved by halflings and Skip was no exception, eating a miraculously large amount of food for someone of his stature, also discreetly hiding away a few bread rolls for later.

Maybe he could get used to this adventuring lark? He'd been doing it for no less than 24 hours, and already Skip had certainly enjoyed himself and had profitable prospects ahead.

Over the years he'd gathered together quite an array of equipment, plenty enough for most situations while still being light enough to carry easily, and didn't feel like he'd need much else - particularly given that he wouldn't even have to walk most of the way - so while he was all ears for anything others suggested he had no intention of leaving the meal early.

During breakfast he brought up a few topics that he thought needed sorting out.

"So what's the plan with the loot? Even split? Also, has old Nuggles sorted out our adventurer's charter or are we getting that on the way out?" The laws of Cormyr were something Skip made sure he knew, even if he strayed on the wrong side of them quite often.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Well, alright, Tilden had to give the big city some credit. The accommodations were several steps above what they had in the small village he grew up in. To say nothing of sleeping out in the forest, as had become the norm for him for the past few years. It was almost a little too comfortable; Tilden wasn't used to it being bright out when he first woke up.

He ate a light breakfast, and was ready to go when the rest of the party was, comfortable with his supplies.

"Sounds fair," he agreed when Skip mentioned distribution of loot. "Charter?" he asked curiously. Boy, there were a lot of things to think about when you joined an adventuring party, weren't there? He thought it over, trying to come up with something useful to contribute.

"Should we come up with some sort of battle plan, or something?" he asked, though he immediately felt kind of silly doing so, since his main tactical contribution was pretty much "charge the bad guy and cut it up". He didn't have much experience coordinating with others, and none at all fighting as part of a whole team.

[Phyzor]

Getting out of bed Ach does a good morning stretch, this was the best night since, what seem to be, ages. That followed by the breakfast the parties received Ach already starts to like the whole idea of adventuring. He surely can get used to this life.

Now to get ready for a long journey Ach looks through his Backpack and thinks he will do some shopping first.

He walks over to the barkeep and asks for 3 loafs of bread and 3 chunks of cheese to buy. He also informs where he can buy a spade and some special items like vials of antitoxin. Ach has heard poisonous stories about certain swamps.

[The Squirrel]

Thunkar shows up outside the inn carrying a small rowboat that seems packed to the brim along with an absolutely huge axe. Thunkar himself looks a little worse for wear than everyone else and a little smellier than the day before.
The wood elf had already paid for a night at a different inn, didn't want to offend their host by declining his kind offer, but also didn't want to offend the innkeeper at where he was already staying. To satisfy both parties, Thunkar thought it would be a great idea if he spent half a night in each inn - that way no one would be slighted. He woke in the middle of the night and snuck out of a window at the inn everyone was staying at and made the short walk to his original inn - which of course was already locked (being the middle of the night). Not wanting to wake anyone, Thunkar returned to the new inn, only to find that it was also locked (since, again, middle of the night). Not wanting to wake anyone at either location, Thunkar simply curled up in an alley and waited for morning, at which point, he returned to his original inn, retrieved his belongings, thanked the inkeeper, and showed up at the meeting point for breakfast.
How the city guard didn't catch him is anyone's guess.

[Newcomer]

Aleidra arises early to pray to the Water Lord for her daily spells. After this, she eats a moderate breakfast with the others. To the discussion of loot, she responds, "That sounds fair to me, too." Aleidra does not have anything to say about strategy, but she's eager to be on their way.

Not having any purchasing to make, the priestess just waits outside the inn for the party to assemble.

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Spells prepared:
Level 0: Create Water, Light, Resistance
Level 1: Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Longstrider (Travel domain)

[Cleavon]

Davos

In the morning Davos ate his breakfast in silence, and then went about readying his gear. He seemed to have quite the backpack, filled with adventuring gear, strapped with ropes and his bedroll and many other odds and ends. His powerful shoulders heft the load and once everyone is ready, he takes his place to the group, ready to depart.

He only comments once, when things are asked about treasure.

"As long as things are done fairly I think everything will be fine. I think we should worry about keeping ourselves safe first and foremost."

[Centaur Hero]

In the morning, after breakfast. The driver pulls up in front of the inn, introduces himself as Shep, and tells you all to load into the back or up on the bench with him whenever you are ready.

[The Squirrel]

When Shep introduces himself, Thunkar seems to remember something and starts hesitantly reciting in the driver's direction, "Hello and salutations to you, Sir. My name is Thunkariasam Galanoriere and it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
Having sounded out the big words, the wood elf looks proud. "Thunkar sit with Shep in front? Shep have wagon songs? What horses names? How much horses eat? Horses have horses songs?" Thunkar continues excitedly as he climbs up on the bench, still holding the rowboat.

[Newcomer]

Aleidra barely manages to stifle a laugh at Thunkar's salutation. As he climbs onto the bench, she can hold it in no longer, and lets out a peal of her cheerful, musical laughter.

Beaming with amusement, she addresses the driver. "Pleasure to meet you, Shep. I'm Aleidra," she begins, interrupted by her own giggling. "Church of Istishia. I'll just climb in the back."

As she climbs in, Aleidra playfully calls to Thunkar, "Are horses great singers? I never knew!" She's not quite sure if Thunkar is entirely serious, or playfully silly. Either way, it seems they wouldn't be in danger of dull, boring hours as long as they journeyed together!

[Quellian-dyrae]

Tilden went to retrieve Che from the stables before meeting up with the group outside the inn. He just nodded to the driver, started for the carriage, but changed his mind and instead decided to mount up on Che. Would make sure he didn't go running off unnoticed, and also let Tilden serve as perimeter scout as they traveled. Could never be too careful.

That this decision was made just after Aleidra had named herself as being from a church was almost certainly entirely coincidental.

[Centaur Hero]

Shep at first seems unsure of Thunkar, but when Aleidra breaks the ice a little, he says, "Sure thunkar, ask away I'll tell you all you need to know!" And he enjoys a good chuckle to himself.

[Cleavon]

Davos

As he piled his pack into the wagon, he greeted their driver.

"My name is Davos. A pleasure to have your wagon for this part of the journey Shep."

With that he hopped up into the wagon and took a seat. It seemed they would be off soon, and he was eager to see the lands they meant to travel.

[Phyzor]

After Ach finished his shopping he returned finding the wagon already parked in front of the Inn. Most of the party was already sitting in the wagon, Ach picked a spot at the side so he could get out quickly if needed.

"Goodmorning all"

[Amanil]

Skip had never been in a wagon before; he hadn't needed to, as getting around the city was easy enough on foot. There wasn't much appeal to him for sitting inside a bouncing wooden box, so instead he clambered onto the top where he had a much better view and grinned, looking forward to being above the pedestrians whose legs he often had to dart between.

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For dramatic effect, and to see if I get how this roller works properly:

(1d20+5)[16]

[Centaur Hero]

Skip had never been in a wagon before; he hadn't needed to, as getting around the city was easy enough on foot. There wasn't much appeal to him for sitting inside a bouncing wooden box, so instead he clambered onto the top where he had a much better view and grinned, looking forward to being above the pedestrians whose legs he often had to dart between.

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For dramatic effect, and to see if I get how this roller works properly:

[roll0]

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You passed your climb check

[Centaur Hero]

Once everyone is loaded in (or on) Shep checks everything once more before rolling out. While he is checking, Richard, escorted by his Orc servant, ambles out to see you off. Waving in the street as the wagon drives off. On the way out of the city, you notice nothing out of the ordinary. After several miles the road enters The kingswood. Where the king hunts for wild game. It is an ancient forest, with many great oak trees, and redwood trees. Occasionally you may see a deer. But it is a great fine to hunt in the Kingswood without a proper permit. The ride seems quite pleasant with the birds chirping, and the sun shining.

@Thunkar, Tilden, and Skip.

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Make me a spot check!

[Amanil]

DM only:

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"Spot check" - (1d20+6)[26]

[The Squirrel]

"Are horses great singers? I never knew!"

"Thunkar not know. Thunkar ask! Lake ducks not sing, but tree ducks sing! Horses Thunkar know not sing, but Thunkar not know these horses, so maybe these horses sing? These Boots or Born to Run? Good horses songs."

Thunkar is full of questions, excitement, and songs. The wood elf is excited to see deer and goes for his javelins, but accepts when explained that he is not allowed to hunt these animals. After holding the rowboat for many miles, but puts it in the back/top/side if/when someone suggests that he need not carry it the entire time (though Thunkar keeps his axe with him).

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Spot - (1d20+2)[6]

[Quellian-dyrae]

DM:

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Spot (Tilden): (1d20+2)[16]
Spot (Che): (1d20+5)[14]
Che also does have Scent, if that matters.

[Phyzor]

Ach feels good being back into a more natural habitat. He takes his time taking in the scenery and plucks a straw on the way, putting it in his nose before putting it in his mouth. He takes a few deep breaths and get even more excited about heading to the swamps.

[Newcomer]

Aleidra answers Thunkar, "Well, let me know if you hear any singing, then!"

Otherwise, she is quite content to just sit in the wagon, making small talk and thinking ahead to their upcoming adventure. She makes a mental note to ask around in Wheloon to see if anyone has mapped out any of the swamp.

[Centaur Hero]

@Skip

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From atop the wagon you have an exceptionally good view, and with your sharp eyes it is easy for you to spot several shapes darting off the road readying, you assume, to ambush you.

[Amanil]

This whole "wood" thing smelled funny to Skip, though he soon got bored of peering up like a meerkat at all of the sights that simply didn't exist in the city. It was, for the most part, quiet and boring, and he contented himself with being entertained by Thunkar, scrambling around inside his boat on occasion, playing Thunkar's drums, or juggling a few stones.

All:

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Decide how impressed you want to be by Skip's juggling based on the roll below (as per Sleight of Hand being able to be used as a Perform check):

"Sleight of Hand" - (1d20+8)[13]

DM only:

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Skip's actions depend on two factors: how far away he thinks they are (combined with how fast the wagon is moving) and how many of them he thinks they are. Convenient table below.

{table]|1-3 rounds|4+ rounds
1-3 people|Telling the driver not to stop unless people drop, simultaneously alerting Thunkar (1 round), peer over the edge of the wagon to say "trouble ahead" fairly quietly to its occupants (2 rounds), while keeping a low profile to ready a stone throw (3 rounds)|Same as 1-3 rounds, plus also brief discussion of whether it's worth having Thunkar just stand up and roar at them and, if possible, alerting Tilden in Halfing.
4+ people|Same as above, except replacing "not to stop unless people drop" with "get some speed up in X seconds" (where X is such that it's a round out from the potential bandits).|Same as above, except replacing "not to stop unless people drop" with "get some speed up in X seconds" (where X is such that it's a round out from the potential bandits).[/table]

[Centaur Hero]

This whole "wood" thing smelled funny to Skip, though he soon got bored of peering up like a meerkat at all of the sights that simply didn't exist in the city. It was, for the most part, quiet and boring, and he contented himself with being entertained by Thunkar, scrambling around inside his boat on occasion, playing Thunkar's drums, or juggling a few stones.

All:

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Decide how impressed you want to be by Skip's juggling based on the roll below (as per Sleight of Hand being able to be used as a Perform check):

[roll0]

DM only:

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Skip's actions depend on two factors: how far away he thinks they are (combined with how fast the wagon is moving) and how many of them he thinks they are. Convenient table below.

{table]|1-3 rounds|4+ rounds
1-3 people|Telling the driver not to stop unless people drop, simultaneously alerting Thunkar (1 round), peer over the edge of the wagon to say "trouble ahead" fairly quietly to its occupants (2 rounds), while keeping a low profile to ready a stone throw (3 rounds)|Same as 1-3 rounds, plus also brief discussion of whether it's worth having Thunkar just stand up and roar at them and, if possible, alerting Tilden in Halfing.
4+ people|Same as above, except replacing "not to stop unless people drop" with "get some speed up in X seconds" (where X is such that it's a round out from the potential bandits).|Same as above, except replacing "not to stop unless people drop" with "get some speed up in X seconds" (where X is such that it's a round out from the potential bandits).[/table]

Skip only

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You think 6-7 in 2 rounds

[Amanil]

DM only:

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Then his plan is as mentioned.

[Centaur Hero]

@Skip

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The driver looks at you suspiciously. Six seconds passes.(one round.

[Amanil]

DM only:

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That's his issue. Carry on with the plan for round 2 (i.e. telling the people inside).

EDIT: I should add that you're of course more than welcome to look at the other spoilers for the different characters, though I assume you'd do that anyhow.

Thunkar:

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Skip says to the driver "Don't stop unless people start dropping," while giving Thunkar a meaningful look before scrambling over to one side of the wagon roof to say something to those within.

Aleidra, Ach and Davos:

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Skip's head appears over the edge of the wagon and he gives a quick warning. "Possible trouble, brace yourself."

[Newcomer]

Aleidra quickly responds to Skip, "Which way?" She hopes he hears her before disappearing over the wagon edge. Either way, she grabs her crossbow, nods to her companions, and peers out the side of the wagon.

Hopefully whatever the trouble is will be scared off when they see how armed the wagon is.

OOC:

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I'm assuming we don't need to put everything in spoilers, just things that need to remain secret.
Rolls:

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Spot: (1d20+3)[21]

[The Squirrel]

Thunkar is genuinely amused by Skip's juggling. He's not quite sure what the look meant, but he thinks it means trouble, so Thunkar draws a javelin and waits for the halfling to come back.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Tilden didn't catch Aleidra readying her crossbow, since his vantage to the inside of the carriage wasn't great. Thunkar taking a javelin out he did see, and that put him on edge. Bringing Che around to Thunkar's side and closer to the wagon, he asked quietly, "What goes?"