The Caves Of Chaos: First Blood

[Stirling]

Crabgrass

I am not necessarily convinced they are the same bandit group but will follow the ranger in picking a route to navigate around them.

[ateno]

""If that's what the crew want's, im ok with that."

Keya

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf Fighter

Loyn agrees with the others, blushing a little,“You know, dwarves aren’t really at their best in the woods, so many trees and leaves!” He looks to the ranger, “Get us out of here woodsmaster!”

[Rex]

Rida

Rida follows along, still bringing up the rear. Crossbow at the ready.

[ateno]

Keya heads out slowly thru the edge of the woods.

[Monsieur Rose]

Bugs

He looks back at the road and judges it. "I bet I could just run past. I'm pretty fast and they wouldn't expect that. Hey! Where are you going?"

Bugs hurries to catch up to Keya and the group.

[OGRE MAGE]

The Infamous Caves Of Chaos
Back To The Keep
Partly Cloudy, Late Afternoon

Without even asking what these folks had in mind, the group decides to make a bypass of their own, using the skills of Keya Redd to guide them through the forest.

It takes a good deal longer than simply walking down the road, but the ranger leads the party into the woods a short distance before the trail splits and walks them all the way around the bandit detour.

A couple hours later, they reach the edge of the woods well past the fork in the path. Steering left, Keya leads the group back to the relative safety of the main road. Looking ahead, it appears to be smooth sailing all the way back to the Keep from this point. No others are seen in either direction but the silhouette of the impressive castle can be seen well off in the distance.

Actions?

Keya Redd: Half-Elf C/R AC5 7/12 CLWx2
Loyn Shortbeard: Dwarf F AC5 11/12
Bugs Donato: Gnome T AC3 8/8
Crabgrass: Half-Elf C/MU AC7 3/7 CLW Sleep Sanctuary RC
Haldric Hammerheart: Dwarf C AC3 9/12 CLWx3
Rida: Human F AC2 9/10
Gyb the Meager: Human M AC10 6/8

[Rex]

Rida

"Nice work Keya."

Rida continues to bring up the rear.

[Stirling]

Crabgrass

"Good work but not finished yet. Remember the beast that did for Thirteen, god bless his soul.

We should be wary of it still lurking about under the soil."

He will hurry along, keen to get inside the Keep and safety of the walls.

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf Fighter

He says to Keya,“You really know your way around the woods, I always feel like the trees are watching me…think it’s me axe they hate!” He grins and says, “Maybe wasn’t the best adventuring trip, but we’re all returning with our noggins attached! I can taste the ale already!” He heads in the direction toward the keep.

[ateno]

"I am very worried about the presenxe of the 'dragon' egg. I'm thinkibg it is a trap also
It will burst with poison or spmething when some slow burning mayerial runs out or sonething. I wish i knew. But tha k you fir the complimentyon and Crabgrass. And the teees watch everyone.""

Keya

[OGRE MAGE]

This is a great time to discuss as a group what you might want to do with such an item.

There was another magic item as well, but since I don’t see it marked on anyone’s sheet, you must have left that behind?

[Monsieur Rose]

Right. The bone wand thing. Bugs had it in his pants. Don't ask... It's now more visible to the DM.

[Rex]

Have we actually cast detect magic on them? Does anyone have identify?

[OGRE MAGE]

OOOOPS!

I shouldn't have said magic item.

Forget I said that part.

[Jernau35]

Gyb

Gyb murmers his thanks to Keya as they leave the forest. As they walk along, he tries to puzzle out a way to neutralize the bandits. Can groups just go around them? How long will it take before the bandits notice?

"The egg is dangerous? It's a kobold thing, just sitting there. That's good reasoning. Is there a stable? Or an empty room somewhere? We could guard it for a few hours to be sure. Maybe a good idea not to to let the guards see we have an egg to bring inside".

[Rex]

Rida

"Can someone try and tell if it is magical?"

[Stirling]

Crabgrass

I shouldn't have said magic item.

I did remember and I raised the idea I could cast Identify when the item was found, posting an ooc question about the spell description earlier.

So yes, bone wand and egg (dragon?). Are in my scribbled notes along with fake coins, jewels, sticky web rope and glass blowing reeds.

We haven't confirmed it is actually a dragon egg yet have we?

I do have Identify prepared as a spell and can cast it when we get back to the tavern and then it may take me a few hours to recover any spell fallout.

Firstly ... let's get back to the Keep.

My own thoughts

on any egg might change if a dragon actually hatched. If it was years away, then sell it or gift it to the Duke. If it hatches, (does its Mother know?) certainly I would think Ma' dragon if alive will want her baby back.

Selling it passes on responsibility for it though we could still get accused of stealing it if the Duke needs to point a finger when Ma comes calling. But it will or should generate a lot of wealth. $$$

On the other hand, keeping it as 'group trove' or one character's share might led to less money & more problems but greater roleplay and while the character Crabgrass might prefer gold to put into his spell and divine research, the player thinks the second option more fun.

[Monsieur Rose]

Bugs

Bugs wonders where all the talk about 'our' egg comes from. He found it. Others wanted to leave it. Done.

He is intrigued about learning more about it from magic, though. And is agreed that the fewer people who know about it the better.

"No sense telling people about it. We need to learn more though. Maybe there's a wise sage in town to talk to."

The Player understands that it's group treasure, Bugs will get there. And I agree, having the egg hatch in our possession is just the best idea ever.

[Rex]

Rida

Having it hatch in our possession depends on what it is. We really have no clue and I don't want to be there if it is a basilisk or something similar.