Expedition: Baxtaw - Seeking Scatha's Lair - 23 July 2021

[Rusty Tincanne]

How are we in combat? They were fleeing from 20' in front of us, I thought. And it's pitch black. Can he get a free shot?

And Dram, Bremen already suggested going in the front gate, so there is no need for Baxtaw to get too snarky.

[Marullus]

An encounter is initiated, nobody is surprised, they're 20' from you. They shouted to those behind them. What they will do is not yet revealed until initiative is rolled, and their further choices will be influenced by what you do -- it isn't a given that they're fleeing (even if they yelled about it).

YOU are in pitch darkness. The goblins can see you just fine with infravision. You don't get a free shot on them.

You can light a torch and/or flee up the stairs. For this round, that puts you either in 'full retreat' or 'fighting retreat' status. If you want to revise Bremen's action, please do so.

[Rusty Tincanne]

While lighting his torch, Bremen asks Piers if he can use Baudh's might to cast darkness into the hallway with the goblins. They won't be able to see us to attack, and we can get out of here.

[Jernau35]

Piers calls out “Baudh, block their vision “and casts Darkness on the ceiling between the two groups.
The he falls back up the stairs.

[Marullus]

Baxtaw's reflexes allow him to loose an arrow before the goblins can take another step. He shoots a goblin through the throat (-5) and sends it careening across the hallway where its twitching and panicked death throws impede any attempt at retreat (Critical hit: special effect). Bremen strikes a torch as Piers intones his prayers to Baudh, plunging the goblins into darkness, preventing even their own natural eyesight from helping them. Between the concerted effects, you hear the goblins stumbling and cursing each other in the hallway beyond, those back at the barricade yelling forward to find out what is happening in the confusion.

With the goblins thus distracted, Bremen is able to lead the retreat up the stairwell, Clauson and Stantz behind him, shields up and wary of attack until they round the first turn of the stairs. Baxtaw and Piers are able to follow and Rowine and Crowgar bring up the rear, swords and shields at the ready.

Lug's torch burns out just as the group reaches him. Bremen passes him and heaves at the portcullis, straining mightily but unable to get it to budge. He directs Clauson to help Lug with his wounds (+7), while Lug meanwhile sips his potion. (+1) Lug's wounds are still significant and Baxtaw hands him a potion of healing that he can choose to imbibe.

After a few moments pass, Rowine and Crowgar lower their guard and join the group. "Doesn't look like they're coming."

Date: 10:10pm, 25 July 2021
Light: Lug's Torch up stairway (until 10:00pm); Bremen's torch (until 10:50pm)
Effects: None
Injuries: Lug (moderate wound), Bremen (moderate wound), Baxtaw (minor wound), Stantz (minor wound), Clouson (minor wound)

Clauson CLW on Lug [1d6+1] = 6+1 = 7

[Dram]

Baxtaw moves to help Bremen lift the gate. Here let me help


Lift Gate
d6 roll [1d6] = 1

[Rusty Tincanne]

Watching the wiry elf lift the gates, Bremen tries to conceal his embarrassment by rubbing his recent wounds and shifting hi weight to looking like he has a limp.

OOC:

[Jernau35]

Piers petitions Baudh to heal the wounds of Lug

Cure Light Wounds [1d6+1] = 6+1 = 7

and Bremen.

Cure Light Wounds [1d6+1] = 1+1 = 2

[Marullus]

Lug finishes off the last of his sipping-potion and Piers offers him the healing grace of Baudh, the arrow wounds now little more than puckered scratches. Piers also offers Baudh's grace to Bremen, but with less effect. Clauson then intervenes and lessons the Lord Commander's pain.

Bremen heaves at the gate until his face reddens with little effect, until Baxtaw steps up, his added strength making the difference. The portcullis again rattles and bangs back up into the ceiling, allowing the group to retreat further up the stair if they wish.

Date: 10:20pm, 25 July 2021
Light: Bremen's torch (until 10:50pm)
Effects: None
Injuries: Bremen (minor wound), Baxtaw (minor wound), Stantz (minor wound), Clouson (minor wound), Lug (superficial wound)

[Dram]

Baxtaw- Let us move up the stairs. Bremen do you need healing before we face the dragon.



OCC- I do not remember if Baxtaw knows this area. Is the way we escaped the dragon?

[Rusty Tincanne]

This is the same tunnel we came in by, leading back up to the rear entrance. This will be the fourth time Baxtaw has used it (between the two expeditions).

Bremen notes Baxtaw's concern. Thanks to our clerics, I'm fine to go on lead us back out. My best guess is that we discovered all the goblin traps coming in, but it might pay to search again as we leave. We'll be slower though. He notes they will likely need to camp when they reach his men at the top of the stairs, co sidering the time.

Edit: I'll leave it to Dram if we search for traps in the way out.

[Marullus]

Rusty is correct.

Holding for actions.

[Jernau35]

"Well, since we are not going further in, I might as well cast this on the way out" says Piers. "Baudh, Bringer of Justice, help me find the traps that our enemies have laid for us!".

[Dram]

Baxtaw- Then we will follow Piers back out. What is the plan when we exit the hold? Are heading back to Gaul or we going in the front door? Baxtaw waits for a answer from the others/

[Rusty Tincanne]

Bremen, Stanrz and Clauson give one another knowing looks. This adventure has cost to much of the White Tower's gold too go back empty handed. They discuss the matter briefly, talking about the barrows and other possibilities before deciding that the wounded dragon promises the best likely lead. Me and my men will help assault the hold through the front gate. We'll need to find a safe place for the horses.

[Jernau35]

"Yes, we have to finish this mission" says Piers "It may be our only chance to save the town. If that means the front gate, then so be it"

[Rusty Tincanne]

Bremen then adds, And, of course, it is our duty to protect those weaker than us. A true test of our devotion to Baudh.

[Dram]

Baxtaw- Happy that the mission is happening. Let us find a place to secure the horses.

[Marullus]

The party makes their way back up to the top of the stairwell, finding that the Bremen's unit of knights is settled into camp at the surface entrance, watching all the horses. They have a comforting campfire going and a pot of stew from the group's rations and keep watch while the delving party gets some rest.

You rise in the morning without incident, eat your breakfast, and meditate for the recovery of spells. "What direction, then?" Stantz asks pointedly of Baxtaw. "We go back down with some magic to help wipe out those goblins, or we go back around the front entrance?"

Everyone subtract a ration and note it here. Spellcasters, post your memorized spells in private forum.

Date: 8:00am, 26 July 2021
Light: Sunlight
Effects: None
Injuries: Bremen (minor wound), Baxtaw (minor wound), Stantz (minor wound), Clouson (minor wound), Lug (superficial wound)

[Zhym]

"Do we have any magic to beat all those goblins?" asks Lug.