Third Trip's The Charm

[shaidar]

Stobart

Stobart follows Meinhardt.

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

Remember that the bird is chained. It won't be able to run that far from the cave.

I am aware of that, just want to draw it outside enough for us to be able to strike at it from both sides, and above, as discussed.

"As soon as the creature hopefully exits the cave entrance and comes out in the open, we attack" - he whispered to the others as they make their descent - "Let's try to quietly set ourselves on both sides of the cave entrance, and then I will send Cinder to try and draw it out"

Once they are in place, and if they manage to get in place without further incidents:

(not sure how you want to run the interaction between Daliedhur and Cinder OGRE MAGE, so I will improvise. PHB says 'A familiar is of certain benefit to a magic-user, as the creature adds to the spell caster's hit points, it conveys its sensory powers to its master, and it con converse with and will serve as a guard/scout/spy as well', but a talking cat feels weird as heck to me. I am basing my interaction on assuming we can communicate pretty freely, since 'Each is abnormally intelligent and totally faithful to the magic-user whose familiar it becomes' but say for example I speak to Cinder but he replies with cat sounds Daliedhur has learned to interpret to a certain extent. Hope that makes sense )

"Cinder, go check on the bird inside the cave - you don't go inside yourself and make sure to be careful, the creature is very dangerous. I want you to draw it outside in the open - meow and poke around at the entrance until you get its attention. If he makes a move toward you, return to me immediately" - he smiled and pat his loyal friend - "Be careful" - he added, knowing the cat tend to be too adventurous at times.

As Cinder gingerly moved along, the elf readied his bow.

OOC considerations: Suggesting those with ranged weapons to stay at medium range from the cave entrance. Daliedhur has a short bow, so that means 60' distance.

[Darithe]

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Magdal

Magdal would have liked to free the chained bird, but the situation was much too dangerous. At least while chained you can limit who it attacks. So she agrees with Daliedhur's plan move to medium range from the bird and readying a shot.

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

Crobeus goes to parlay with the bugbear. "Yes, if he wished us harm, he had plenty of opportunity to do so. I am quite interested in what he has to say to us."

[Monsieur Rose]

Bugs

Down the chimney he goes. Bugs does his best to keep quiet and tries to stop a few feet above the hearth and listen. His nightvision may help prevent him from falling into the fireplace if the room is dark.

[OGRE MAGE]

Stand by here gang…..

Lots of stuff happening behind the scenes that I don’t want to mess up by rushing this next update. (which will likely be another monster post)

[Quonundrum]

Lots of stuff happening behind the scenes that I don’t want to mess up by rushing this next update.

That doesn't sound ominous at all ...

[OGRE MAGE]

[Edeldhur]

Stand by here gang…..

Lots of stuff happening behind the scenes that I don’t want to mess up by rushing this next update. (which will likely be another monster post)

[OGRE MAGE]

One Short Of A Baker's Dozen
Splitting The Party Into Fourths
Early Afternoon, Warm Clear

On the other side of the ravine, Gyb plays it safe in the trees while Meinhardt, Stobart, and Crobeus walk confidently up to confront the inquisitive though incredibly dangerous Bugbear. It stands there showing no aversion to the sunlight (like most goblinoids), towering over them like a hairy giant with a perplexed expression. It grunts something loudly into the cave behind it before addressing the trio of brave humans. "Glack Cheed Ruffog?"



Keya, Magdal, Ithrandir, and Dalidhur accompany the salivating Gnolls with Tammuz to the cave mouth where they discovered the chained Owlbear. Outside the cave they spot discarded bones and huge footprints in the dirt, giving Dalidhur a good feeling that his plan should work out well. The stench coming from this cave is nearly as unpleasant as the orc cave, though more stinking fur and animal waste than rotting flesh. The Gnolls line up along either side of the mouth, while those with ranged attacks spread out a little further. Tammuz looks disgusted by the spellswords feline, apparently not a cat person, but he goes along with the plan all the same. When little Cinder steps inside the cave and does as instructed, the Owlbear roars in disgust, clearly not happy being chained up inside this cramped rocky cave. With unexpected quickness, it immediately darts for the cat as it nearly jumps out of its skin with concern, leaping back out of the cave with the monster right behind it. The Gnolls seem surprised at the size of this creature when it stands up to its full height of over 8 feet, roaring loudly as it notices the ambush, still chained by one ankle. But they react accordingly, charging in with spears at the ready, initiating what will likely be a raucous battle out in the open air.



After hearing this loud roaring, Loyn and Renna look at each other with concern as they stand above the hole where Bugs and Pimlan just disappeared. This chimney doesn't lead straight downward, so once they lose sight of their friends around the first bend, they no longer have any idea of what might be happening below. All they can do is listen and hold the rope, awaiting any tugs to indicate they should yank them back out.



Bugs and Pimlan ONLY!!!
(the rest of you can come back and read these spoilered bits once this encounter has been completed)

Can you two please remember to post your actions in spoilers until the group is reunited again? Thanks!

Crawling through years of sooty buildup along this tight vent is no picnic for the Gnome and Halfling, but they have no problem fitting through, even in full gear. Glad there is no fire currently burning below, they exit the filthy stone tube inside a fireplace, both of them now entirely covered in black soot. Bugs actually sneezes out some of the caustic dust as he steps out of the cold fireplace to look around, shocked at what he sees inside this dark chamber, having no idea that Gnolls liked to read so much.

The room is filled with bookshelves stacked with books of every size and shape. More shelves line the walls covered with scrolls and other writings and a large table can be seen towards the middle of the room. An awkward looking teenage girl with jet black hair sits at the table writing something by candlelight when you enter. With the palest white skin you have ever seen on a human, wearing only a short black dress despite the chill in this cave, she sets her quill down and stands to address your arrival. "Gesundheit. And what the hells took you so long?"

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Actions?

Meinhardt (MU1) AC:10 5/5
Crobeus (P1) AC:3 6/10
Stobart (C2) AC:5 17/20 CLW/CLW
Gyb the Meager (M2) AC:9 8/11

Bugs Donato G (T3) AC:3 24/24
Pimlan (F1/T1) H-L AC:6 6/9

Renna (MU1/C1) Elf AC:4 7/9 CLW
Loyn Shortbeard D (F2) AC:5 22/23

Keya Redd H-E (C1/R1) AC:5 10/12
Magdal (R1) AC:7 11/16
Ithrandir (F1/MU1) AC:5 7/7
Daliedhur (F1/MU1) AC:3 9/9 (Cinder AC:6 4/4)
Tammuz
15 Gnoll Fighters

[Quonundrum]

Meinhardt


Meinhardt had no idea what the bugbear said, but it bore a resemblance to Goblin, which he does speak. Holding up a hand in greeting, he says in Goblin, "Hail, mighty warrior! We come in peace, our war is with the death priests!" He points in the direction of cave (K). "Two of our warriors were captured by the priests and placed into the orc's cave. Have you seen anything enter that cave recently?"

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

The paladin, unable to pay understand either the bugbear or Meinhardt, stands there and attempts to look non-tasty as he waits for Meinhardt to translate the conversation.

[GreyWolfVT]

Pimlan

coming out of the fireplace tries to brush off the soot. "Gesundheit Bugs." he says not paying attention at first then realizing the teen in the room he smiles kindly and bows politely "Pimlan at your service miss. Er wait did you just say what took us so long? You were expecting us? Who might you be and how do you know us?" he asks.

[Karaunios]

Ithrandir starts firing arrows at the Owlbear.

Long Bow - To Hit [1d20+1]=9+1=10; Damage S/M/L [1d6]=2
Long Bow - To Hit [1d20+1]=18+1=19; Damage S/M/L [1d6]=2

[Monsieur Rose]

Bugs

Pim can peek. And I guess OM as well.

"Thanks." Bugs responds without thinking and inwardly groans as he immediately breaks his silence. "Yes, well, there was a holdup because of a bird at the door. Oh, where are my manners? I'm Bugs. Maybe you know my Da, Peppy?"

Bugs glances at Pim. "All good, Pim?" He takes a look around and nods. "Nice place, just you then?"

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

Cinder back safely behind him, Daliedhur lets two arrows fly at the creature.

Arrow Shot 1 [1d20]=4 [1d6]=4
Arrow Shot 2 [1d20]=16 [1d6]=4

[GreyWolfVT]

Bugs

Pim can peek. And I guess OM as well.

"Thanks." Bugs responds without thinking and inwardly groans as he immediately breaks his silence. "Yes, well, there was a holdup because of a bird at the door. Oh, where are my manners? I'm Bugs. Maybe you know my Da, Peppy?"

Bugs glances at Pim. "All good, Pim?" He takes a look around and nods. "Nice place, just you then?"

Pimlan

nods at the question directed to him from Bugs "Yup all good here."

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf fighter

He peers into the chimney only to see nothing… “Out of sight they have become.” He sticks his head into the chimney and listens intently for any noises coming from inside the cave.

[Darithe]

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Magdal

Magdal has sadness in her heart feeling it unfair to kill a chained beast, but she must keep the safety of her companions in mind. So she raises her bow and lets her arrows fly.

Attack: [1d20]=12 Damage: [1d6]=3
Attack: [1d20]=9 Damage: [1d6]=6

[ateno]

Keya lines up with Magdal and sighs at her and fires also.

Bow [1d20]=16 Dam [1d6]=3 Bow 2 [1d20]=7 Dam [1d6]=1

Keya Redd