The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Nov 10, 2025 1:07 am

Merivale, a humble town in the serene Valley of Hope, surrounded by rolling hills and fertile fields. Quaint cottages dot the landscape, with a gentle river winding through its heart. Despite its modest size, the town is known for its warm, welcoming community, making it a favored resting spot for travelers on their way to Farhope. This is where our heroes' story begins....

The four of you are all relatively new on your adventuring path, and one way or another had found yourselves in the bustling port city of Farhope looking for a way to ply your trade. After a series of small coin temporary gigs, you were hired on collectively to escort a merchant on his semi-annual trip along the King's Road to his hometown of Merivale. The journey was largely uneventful except for a very successful encounter with a group of bandits near the Sea of Tears, but the downtime gave the four of you a chance to get to know one another and realize that together you're pretty formidable. The Merchant, one Abram Zalaxas, was so impressed that he not only extended an open offer for you to be his security on any and all future trips to the city, but he drafted a letter of Mark, a formal voucher on his name that your group may take to any prospective employers.

You currently find yourselves taking a well deserved bit of rest and relaxation at the Valley's Rest, a cozy inn run by the cheerful Marla Homebrew and her daughters, Ruby and Pearl. The warm common room smells of fresh bread and hearty "manticore" stew (really just beef or lamb) and Marla’s famous Spiced Apple Cider, a comforting cure for weary bones. Adorned with local crafts, it’s a hub for travelers and townsfolk alike, sharing stories and songs that are often sung long into the night. Ahh, life is good...

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 10, 2025 3:31 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

If you feel so inclined, I'd like each of you to recount a memorable moment from the journey to Merivale - something that gives insight into your characters. It could be an action taken, a decision or choice, or even a tale or confession shared around the campfire. The goal is to give us some foundation for establishing the relationships between members of your newly established troupe.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 10, 2025 10:42 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne Underbough was a man of quiet purpose. Tall and lean, with long brown hair pulled back in a loose tie and eyes the color of turned earth, he carried himself with the composure of one who had learned early that the world rarely listened to noise. His gear was simple and well-kept—a short bow worn smooth by years of use, a weathered dagger at his hip, and a hunter’s cloak that smelled faintly of pine and smoke.

He was not a man of many words, but those he offered came steady and plain, like stones from a riverbed.

Where others saw wilderness as danger, Thorne saw pattern and providence. As such, he hunted not for the thrill of it, but for what was needed and no more.

There had been one night on the road to Merivale when the company learned this truth for themselves. The journey had stretched longer than expected after a storm swept inland, drenching their supplies and spoiling most of the dried meats in the merchant’s wagon. By dusk, spirits were low, bellies were empty, and tempers had begun to fray. Abram Zalaxas was pacing by the campfire, muttering about ruined goods and the cost of delay, when Thorne stood up, slung his bow over his shoulder, and disappeared into the trees.

"I will be back soon." were his only words.

He was gone for hours. The others argued whether to go looking for him, whether the forest was safe at night. But just when the first doubts began to take root, he returned—quiet as mist, with a brace of wild fowl tied at his belt and a small bundle of herbs in his hand.

He set to work without ceremony, plucking, cleaning, and dressing the birds with the same care one might give a sacred rite. The scent of roasting meat soon filled the clearing, mingling with woodsmoke and wild thyme. When the meal was served, it was simple but good—better, somehow, than the feasts found in city taverns.

Abram, moved by gratitude, tried to praise him for his skill. Thorne just shook his head.

"Wasn’t skill," he said. "Just patience."

Last edited November 10, 2025 9:30 pm

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 10, 2025 3:08 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra Brightward, Oathsworn. Caldra spent her youth working her father's smithy hammering out nails and horseshoes, and tending her aging grandmother. While her mother had plans of marriage and comfort Caldra focused more on the well-being of others and was often found helping the poorer families in the area on her time off. With no real plan she was content to follow her parent's , until one day a band of traveling priests and oathsworn passed through her home town. She was shocked when one of the oathsworn removed their helm to reveal an aged lady who chatted with the smiths young daughter and opened her eyes to the greater world. A sense of purpose and a desire for more filled Caldra's heart for the first time. Her parents, of course, were having none of it but her grandmother interceded on her behalf and her parent were finally convinced to give her a chance. Working tirelessly she turned all of her skill to crafting a weapon and set of armor to wear in her future travels as she was taught the basic tenants of the oathsworn. Finally after a year she finished her training and took up her armor, shield, and mace, which she swore to use to protect the weak.

After defeating and driving off the bandits Caldra tendef the wounded, including a couple bandits that survived but could not flee due to their injuries. While tending these she learned that many of the bandits were simple peasants driven to crime to support their families in times of hardship or under the tyrant of an oppressive Lord. Her gentle nature drew her to their plight and she sought to comfort them as they headed towards judgement upon deliverance to the town magistrate.

The night before reaching the town Caldra was restless and could not sleep for an unknown reason. Deciding to visit the prisoners one last time she found the manacles empty. She rushed to find the two, only to come up them attempting to break into Abram's strongbox. Unarmored and weaponless she tried to talk the two into surrender without another fight. One turned on her with contempt, derision, and a knife Caldra learned all their previous words of hardship were a ploy to manipulate the softhearted oathsworn. Then to her surprise and relief the other stood to her defence, slaying his former companion before running off into the night.

Caldra reported all but still has yet to understand why some who fall to the dark revel in it's embrace while other can still be saved, if only they can be reached.

Last edited November 10, 2025 3:17 pm

Gappy Inactive for 20 days

Nov 10, 2025 7:51 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde Stershyn was born and raised in Farhope. She had spend years in the library of her noble father's house. Reading. Studying. She never truely cared much for the world beyond the library. Even less about the world about her house. And was there even a world beyond the city walls of Farhope? Most certainly not!

But it was when her mentor, the wise lord Hast told her that he could teach her only so much.
"The theory of magic, my dear Vilde, is in the books. But the true teacher is the wilderness outside..."

Respecting her teacher's wisdom, and quite reluctantly, Vilde signed up on the mission to guard the merchant Abram Zalaxas. To her pleasant surprise, she wasn't immediatelly incinerated by a dragon the moment she stepped through Farhope's gates.

And so... they travelled. And yes, they fought the bandits. It actually sparked something in Vilde. The thrill... the excitement. Something she never experienced studying.

"Wohoooo!" she yelled as her spell struck at a bandit. It was magic as she had never used before.

This was... SPLASH...

Someone ran through the mud. Her best robes...

"Honestly? Does anyone have any idea how hard it will be to get those stains out?"

She was glad when they arrived at the Valley's Rest. Exhausted from all the excitement. Grossed out by all the mud. Hopefully time for a good meal, a hot bath and soft bed. Yeah, she was a true adventurer. She knew it.

Last edited November 10, 2025 7:53 pm

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 10, 2025 8:20 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa Quickstep is social and friendly during the trip, but anyone paying attention can tell that she reveals very little about herself and her past. The most personal detail anyone got out of her was about her surname. Abram commented on it and asked about its origin. She shook her head and responded.

"I didn't get it from my parents," she said. "The guild gave it to me."

"Oh, what guild?" Abram asked, not thinking before he spoke.

"The one you don't name," she responded. That ended the conversation until someone else brought up a different topic.

When the bandits attacked, Kessa initially seemed to run. A few moments later, she appeared behind a bandit that was wrestling with one of Abram's hired laborers. Kessa's dagger sank into the bandit's side three times in rapid succession. The bandit fell to the ground coughing blood. Kessa gave the laborer a cold nod, then slipped away again. Kessa killed at least one other bandit in a similarly brutal fashion.

Kessa was quick to search the bodies when it was over. She handed over everything she found to Abram.

"Um, thank you," he said. "Did the, uh, guild teach you how to handle a dagger?" he asked.

"The guild taught me a lot of things," she said. Then walked away.

Last edited November 10, 2025 8:46 pm

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 10, 2025 10:53 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Awesome job everyone! I can feel the directions you're going - i like it! :)

The evening passes pleasantly, food, drink and good company flowing freely. Abram is telling the tale of your heroic exploits on the journey, much to the delight and cheers of the assembled crowd, when a sudden high pitched scream cuts through the din. As the crowd falls into a stunned hush and turns their eyes towards the door, a single word, "Help!" rings out, followed by the sounds of many footsteps and the unintelligible muttering and cackles of harsh guttural voices.

In a flash, the eyes of all the patrons, simple farmers, craftspeople and the like, all turn to you with looks that are at once terrified but hopeful.

What do you do?

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 10, 2025 11:17 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra grabs her shield and mace as she rises to get feet and calls to get companions We must aid them!

Rushing to the door Caldra thinks to herself First locate targets, victim and threats. Best not rush healing into the unknown.

Reaching the door (opening it is needed) she quickly peers outside. If the way is clear she steps out and to one side so as to be backlit for only as short a time as possible.

Last edited November 11, 2025 12:25 am

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 10, 2025 11:28 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa looks at the door with a furrowed brow, still holding her mug halfway to her mouth. "Huh," she says.

Then she looks at the crowd as if only just now realizing they are all staring at her and her companions. "What? Guard's night off?" Then she looks to see how the others at the table react.

OOC:

Kessa will jump to follow the party members into action - she just wants to see if someone else will take the lead.

Gappy Inactive for 20 days

Nov 10, 2025 11:34 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Oh, we gonna be heroes again?" Vilde asks and stands up. "Are those more bandits?"

She peeks through the doorway a bit, but standing behind a table when seen from the door.

"I swear, Caldra, if they mess up my robes any more, you'll gonna help me clean them for just opening that door to any potential bandits."

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 10, 2025 11:59 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne was already on his feet before the echoes of the scream had faded. The calm that had rested on him all evening—the quiet satisfaction of food and warmth—was gone. His eyes hardened, scanning the room once before locking on Kessa.

"Kessa," he said, his voice low but firm, cutting cleanly through the rising panic of the inn. "Let's go."

As he said that, he was already moving, stepping over a toppled stool and toward the door with quick, measured strides. The bow came off his shoulder in one smooth motion, string taut and ready, the simple weapon suddenly seeming far more dangerous in his steady hands.

As Caldra moved ahead to the doorway, shield raised, Thorne slipped to her flank—just far enough to give her room, but close enough that the two worked as one: her the wall, him the arrow behind it. He scanned the windows, the shadows, the flanks—the habits of a hunter now turned to war.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 1:44 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Right," Kessa says with a nod. She takes one more swig from her mug then follows the others.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 6:51 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

You step outside the doors to find the town square, the place you had arrived at only a few hours before, nearly completely transformed. The large golden oak in the center of the square is still there, but instead of the bucolic bustle of a rustic marketplace and social hub you find chaos and panic - villagers fleeing and running for the dubious safety of their homes, market stalls overturned, one of them starting to burn. At the center of the maelstrom, a horde of twenty or so goblins of various sizes, capering about, cackling with the glee of mayhem and destructive revelry.

The largest of the bunch, a battlescarred male with a crude leather eyepatch and a partially missing ear sits on the back of the largest rat you've ever seen in your lives, barking out orders. When he spies people emerging from the tavern armed and ready for a fight, he shouts in something between a squeak and a growl, "Givvit to me! Da Boss will 'ave our 'eads if he don't get it." (because as we all know - all Gobbos speak in Cockney accents).

He then turns his attention to a cluster of smaller goblins who are busily destroying every bit of property they can get their tiny grubby hands on, and calls out, "You lot! Take care o' dese mutts! Let's go boys." Then he spurs his rodent mount into action and heads out of town, a small and squirming bag draped over his shoulder.

In the momentary silence as the smaller goblins, the type local folk call Gerblings, cease their destruction and turn their eyes to you, you seem to hear a tiny, highpitched but muffled voice calling out for help receding into the distance.

It's time to roll Initiative!

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 7:06 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

GM's Note: Initiative in Nimble works differently than most other D20 games. You only roll at the start of combat, and the results of the roll impact how many actions you get on your first turn. From then on, heroes generally go first and their opponents after - with some exceptions, some bosses, legendary monsters, or creatures with special abilitities.

When you roll Intiative, it's typically 1d20+Dex. If your total is a single digit (1-9), you get one action in the opening round. If it's 10-19, you get two actions. If you get lucky and roll 20+ (or a Nat 20), you get all three actions. Don't worry about saving actions to Defend or Interpose, as a reaction you can proactively spend actions from the next round to do so (although they will count against your normal 3 Action limit for the next turn.)

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 8:49 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne looks around, counting how many Gerblings are turning toward them and how far they are from the group.

OOC:

Rolling initiative...

He shoots an arrow on the nearest enemy.

OOC:

7 damage

Last edited November 11, 2025 8:51 am

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Shortbow - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 11, 2025 2:55 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra readies herself to fight and advances to interpose herself between the goblins and her allies.

Last edited November 11, 2025 3:00 pm

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+0)

(1) = 1

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 4:45 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Can we get a descriptive sense of distances or a map? Mostly wondering about movement distances and actions.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 6:00 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

So far in terms actions for the opening round we have: Thorne 1, Caldra 1, and Kessa 2.

It's kind of hard to get an exact read on the number of these critters due to their hopping and swarming and scampering, but Thorne's hunter's eye reckons that there are about 8 or so. The pack is clustered near an overturned merchant's stall roughly 20-25 feet away.

The Hunter let's fly with an arrow which finds it's mark and drops the creature before it even has time to let out a shriek. The rest of them turn to you, red eyes filled with malice and prepare to charge....

Rolls

Gerbling Range - (1d2)

(1) = 1

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 6:29 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The Scene: The town square isn't terribly large, and is laid out in a rough circle centered on the Golden Oak, the fronts of the various permanent buildings about 25-30' away from it. The Gerblings, armed with crude short blades and hatchets, are near what used to be one of the temporary merchants' stalls that are arranged under the boughs of the tree during the warmer months. Its a straight shot over open ground between you and them. Those of you who are outside the tavern are standing on its front porch, a single step up from the packed earth of the square. There are no railings, but four slender posts arrayed equally across the front hold up the overhanging roof. There is no furniture or other cover on the porch, which looks to be primarily intended as a place for patrons to shake off rain or snow and hang up their outer garments before entering the establishment (as evidenced by rows of pegs carved in the shapes of cute forest animals on either side of the doors).

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 6:39 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

How far away is the wolf-rider by the time Kessa can take an action? Specifically, is it still within thrown dagger range?

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 6:39 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

How far away is the wolf-rider by the time Kessa can take an action? Specifically, is it still within thrown dagger range?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 6:57 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@Kessa: By the time you have a chance to react, the leader (he's actually on a giant rat >^.^<) will be far enough away that you'll be at Disadvantage 1 to attack. There's also the matter of the squirming sack on his back crying for help that might end up getting skewered instead.... On a successful hit, it would be a 50-50 chance.

Gappy Inactive for 20 days

Nov 11, 2025 8:01 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde takes her time a little bit to overview the ungoing situation. Gerblings... she watches them with awe. She only read about them and they are so fascinating and.... oh... yeah.... fighting!

Last edited November 11, 2025 8:18 pm

Rolls

Initiatuve - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Gappy Inactive for 20 days

Nov 11, 2025 8:15 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Trying to find a defensive position behind her table, near the door opening, Vilde remembers her magic training.
Yeah... she looks at the giant rat. "Yeah... no..." she just says and points her finger at him, relwasing a yet of freezing cold.

OOC:

Not sure how range works here. Range 12 is just 12ft? Or 12 squares of 5? I am rolling assuming he in in range, bjt if not I can fix that of course.

Rolls

Ice Lance Range 12, onnhit: slowed - (1d6)

(6) = 6

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 8:57 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@Vilde: They give range in squares, which is 5' for us heathens in the non metric world, and 1m for the rest of humanity. (I know they don't correlate, but the designers were going for simplicity, so... *shrugs*).

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 9:22 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

VIlde's spell flies forth, skewering the rodent of unusual size right in the behind, and eliciting from it an ear piercing shriek. The creature is temporarily hobbled and slowed but still on its giant rat feet. The other goblins retreating with their leader, much larger than the Gerblings, turn and snarl at you, seeming to consider whether to continue to exit the scene or wade into the fight.

@Vilde: you have one more action left this round!

Gappy Inactive for 20 days

Nov 11, 2025 10:28 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Shoo!" Vilde yells at one of the goblins considering to fight, and casts another ice spell.

Rolls

Ice lance - (1d6, RA)

(4) = 4

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 11, 2025 10:39 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM Note: In Nimble, if you take the same action twice in a round (I think only attacking or casting a spell counts here), each subsequent use after the first adds 1 level of Disadvantage.

@Vilde: So to cast a second spell, you'll roll 1 additional die (in this case a d6), and then discard the highest result.

@All: We're learning as we go here. :) I'll try to give you a heads up on specific rules ahead of time, but a few (like this one) may sneak past me - sorry!

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 12:03 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Asked a couple of questons in the other thread, but I'll put them here too, because they affect my choices.

1. What does the "Vicious" property on a weapon do?
2. Does stowing a weapon and drawing a new one require an action?
3. Is there such a think as readying an action in Nimble?
4. Is there a "dodge" action other than the "Anticipate Danger" option in the Assess action?

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 12:54 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Lol, I just answered in the other thread! >.<

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 1:43 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa hurls two sling bullets in rapid succession at the gerblings.

OOC:

Oops. I did the disadvantage wrong. I'll roll a 2nd, separate die.

Ok. That's one hit for 5 damage.

Last edited November 12, 2025 1:47 am

Rolls

First attack (add 2 to the damage) - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Second attack (Disad 1) (add 2 to the damage) - (1d4-1)

(4) - 1 = 3

Another roll for the disad - (1d4)

(1) = 1

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 1:54 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa's first shot drills one of the Gerblings right between the eyes, flinging it backwards, feet flying up in the air before lying still. Her second shot, however, clips the edge of one of the support posts and veers wide of the mark.

OOC:

Gah! If it weren't for the disadvantage that would have been a crit! :(

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 2:05 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra is the last hero up! You can always pass if you want to hold position and be ready to Interpose. Just remember Reactions deduct from your action total of 3 on your subsequent turn!

GM Note: Gerblings are Minions so they use the Minions rules. They only have 1 HP, so easy to dispatch, but they attack in groups, adding all of their dice that hit (that aren't 1's) together for damage. They can be pretty dangerous in groups, beware! O.O

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 12:40 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The Gerblings snarl, their eyes glowing ember red, bare their too many sharp pointy teeth and charge!

OOC:

Targeting: Caldra 1, Kessa 2, Thorne 3, Vilde 4

The bulk of them hone in on Kessa, the one who delivered the last killing blow to one of the swarm, while the remaining two target Caldra and Thorne. They cross the open space in a chaotic boil, making you think of stories of packs of carnivorous fish that infest the rivers of the tropics.

Four hone in on Kessa - one lunges for her leg, hoping to wrap its wiry limbs around it and sink its fangs into the flesh of her thigh. Two others leap and slash at her like mad acrobats, while the fourth takes a flying leap at her face, teeth bared and dagger poised to stab. The fifth tries to dive under Caldra's guard and slash at her hamstrings, while the final Gerbling lunges at the hunter, feinting and juking spasmodically before slashing wildly across his midriff.

Rolls

Gerbling swarm targets - (6d4)

(322122) = 12

4 Gerbling Swarm Attack Damage - (4d6)

(4434) = 15

1 Gerbling attack on Caldra - (1d6)

(5) = 5

1 Gerbling attack on Thorne - (1d6)

(5) = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 1:02 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM Note: This is where Heroic Reactions come in. You can spend one of your next turn's 3 actions to Defend, which will let you reduce the damage by your armor score. You can also spend an action to Interpose, essentially stepping in to take the damage that one of your compatriots would otherwise take. The catch is that you can only perform each *type* of Heroic Reaction once per turn. So if, for example, Caldra were to Interpose to shield Kessa from the swarm attack, she could only defend with her armor once - either against the Gerbling that attacked her specifically, or against the swarm that initially targeted Kessa.

Now that you have a better sense of how combat plays out, you can see where the Assess/Anticipate Danger action could come in handy. That one reduces all primary attack dice used against you by 1. In Kessa's case, that would have reduced the number of hits by 4, and caused any rolls of 2 to miss. When you're up against tougher opponents, the Assess/Create Opening can help you or an ally boost not only their damage but also the chance to crit!

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 12, 2025 1:35 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Seeing Kessa in danger Caldra moves to interpose on her behalf and defend against the swarm damage.

OOC:

so that is 2 actions resulting in Caldra taking 15 + 5 - 8 = 12 damage? eek

Rolls

Radiant Judgement : 0 - (2d6)

(24) = 6

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 4:00 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

It is, but great use of Interpose and Defend! You saved Kessa from going down and taking a wound she likely wouldnt have healed from til after the adventure - that's what being Oathsworn is all about! Add a Hero Coin to your inventory. You can cash it in at any time for a free reroll for yourself or one of your companions. :)

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 4:15 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Seeing her companion in mortal danger, Caldra quickly widens her stance and steps in front of Kessa. With her trusty buckler, she swats the Gerbling flying at Kessa's face out of the air and sends it sprawling to the ground. At the same time, catching the one leaping for her companion's leg square in the chest with a mailed boot, stopping it dead in its tracks. The remaining three, however, unleash their fury on the Oathsworn's exposed flank, striking her for 12 points of damage.

@Thorne: Do you want to burn one of your next turn's actions to Defend? If so, tell me how you avoid the attack and your armor will soak all 5 points of damage.

Heroes, it's your turn! Caldra will have 1 action remaining after saving our Cheat's bacon. Thorne will have 2 actions if he chooses to defend, and Kessa and Vilde will have all 3 actions.

The Scene: Our heroes and the six Gerblings are on the front porch of the tavern. Four of the baddies are clustered around Caldra; another one is hopping up and down, hissing and growling at Thorne; and the last one (the one that faceplanted into Caldra's shield) has rolled to his feet a few paces away spitting out teeth and not yet engaged with anyone.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 7:20 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Kessa is going to drop her sling and draw her dagger, attack a goblin, then use her Stealth skill to try to avoid danger by blending into the chais and staying in the blind spots of the remaining gerblins.

Edit - since these are minions, I assume the crit doesn't matter

Kessa drops her sling and draws her dagger. A quick stab dispatches one of Caldra's attackers. Then Kessa does her best to stay put of the way of the remaining gerblins.

Last edited November 12, 2025 9:15 pm

Rolls

Dagger attack with +2 dmg - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Stealth check: Assess, avoid danger - (1d20+4)

(10) + 4 = 14

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 8:56 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne waited until the last possible heartbeat, watching the creature’s center, not its hands. Then he shifted his weight and pivoted aside, the blade slashing through.

OOC:

Defend, so I don't take the 5 damage. By the book, I know it's armor, but I changed to a dodge just for flavor =).

He stepped back, planted a boot for balance, and brought his bow up in one clean motion. The draw was silent, practiced.

"I see you," he muttered, eyes narrowing as he leveled the arrow.

OOC:

Hunter's mark.

The creature spun toward him, teeth bared, red eyes gleaming. Thorne exhaled slowly, steadying his hand. The room around him—the chaos, the screams, even Kessa’s curses, if any—fell away.

He released.

The arrow sang through the air, straight and true, aimed squarely for the Gerbling that had dared to slash at him.

OOC:

Attack.

I guess the Hunter's mark advantage cancels the disadvantage from firing in Melee? So the closest goblin took 5 Damage?

Last edited November 12, 2025 10:58 pm

Rolls

Shortbow - (1d6+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 9:36 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@Kessa: You can see how the Cheat was designed to be high DPS against a single target, like an assassin. If this had been against a tougher opponent, you could have used your Sneak Attack and possibly Vicious Opportunist abilities to really crank out the pain. Just for kicks and giggles - and b/c this will probably (hint, hint) come up later - I'll try it out here:

Quote:

*Vicious Opportunist: (1/turn) When you hit a Distracted target with a melee attack, you may change the Primary Die roll to whatever you like (changing it to the max value counts as a crit). A target is Distracted if it is adjacent to or Taunted by an ally, or if it cannot see you. In this case, the foe would have been considered Distracted, so unless you rolled 1, you have a guaranteed crit!

Sneak Attack. (1/turn) When you crit, deal +1d6 damage.

Side note: Also, since you have dual daggers, you can Dual Wield/1 turn, giving you advantage on that attack. Not really a help on your first attack here since your opponent is distracted, but if you were to make a second attack this round, that would offset the disadvantage for a Rushed Attack.

So you'd be doing a base damage of 4+1d4+1d6+2 for Dex. If the d4 maxes out again, it explodes and keeps going. Also, on a crit, you ignore monster armor, which is *HUGE* when fighting a heavily armored foe (they usually only take half damage with no stat bonus). Let's see what you might have ended up with.... Kind of a meh roll, but you can see how that could escalate quickly.

Rolls

Crit+Sneak Attack - (4+1d4+1d6+2)

(1) + (4) + 6 = 11

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 9:39 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@Thorne: That is exactly right. :)

In quick succession, Kessa and Thorne drop two of six creatures. Four remain, three somewhat encircled between Caldra and Kessa, the last standing a few feet away considering his life choices and calculating the odds of escaping.

Caldra and Vilde are up!

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 12, 2025 10:00 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Moving to finish the flight Caldra slams her mace into the most dangerous of the the remaining enemy. A simmering energy fading from her eyes, only to flash from her weapon

Don't let any of them get away. she grunt, in pain from the earlier blow, a fierce determination to stop any more useless harm to be done by the villains driving her on.

OOC:

Righteous Judgement with mace.
I considered going full chest righteous indignation ,but decided to go a more low key path with Caldra

Last edited November 12, 2025 10:07 pm

Rolls

Mace of Judgement - (1d6+8)

(2) + 8 = 10

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 10:25 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra brings her mace around in a sweeping upward arc, catching one of the Gerblings square in the chest and propelling it a good ten feet into the hardpacked earth of the square. As her weapon makes contact, there is a flash of golden light which briefly outlines the fiend as its limp body flops to an ignominious end.

The initial look of rabid frenzy that had once filled the Gerblings' eyes is beginning to give way to fear and mortal terror. Clearly, such staunch resistance from the common folk of Merivale was not something they had anticipated.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 11:06 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

AriaNocturne says:

Side note: Also, since you have dual daggers, you can Dual Wield/1 turn, giving you advantage on that attack.

OOC:

Is that in the full rules? I didn't see that in the Quickstart.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 12, 2025 11:52 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@timplausible: Yes, I'll make a copy of the page its on and post it in the Q&A thread!

Gappy Inactive for 20 days

Nov 13, 2025 8:44 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Seeing Caldra being swarmed by Gerblings, Vilde steps up.
As she moves up, she swings fire magic at a Gerbling swarming Caldra and immediatelly follows up with magical words to hasten Caldra'a actions.

OOC:

Casting flame dart and moving into range 4 to cast Heart's Fire at Caldra, granting her +1 action.

Now I am not sure if casting a second spell that requires no rolls is allowed like this, or if that triggers disadvantage on the first spell.

Rolls

Flame dart, r8, on crit smoldering - (1d10, RA)

(9) = 9

Flame dart, disadvantage if applicable - (1d10)

(9) = 9

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 13, 2025 9:49 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@VIlde: My reading is that Spellcasting works like other actions in combat - spells that require a damage roll accumulate a Rushed Attack penalty just like any other attack. Since you only made the one attack (Heart's fire just grants a boon with no damage roll needed) there's no disadvantage. :)

Vilde's fingers weave an arcane pattern in the air as she intones the eldritch words and summons her flame dart. A bolt of blazing energy arcs from her staff to the nearby Gerbling. It disappears in a flash of flame that is almost immediately replaced by a curling cloud of greasy black smoke, leaving behind nothing but a tattered and singed pair of small boots and a rusty dagger lying in the dirt.

The last remaining Gerbling utters something unintelligible, but which sounds like a profanity, and then turns and runs, heading the same way that the Ratrider and his companions went.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 13, 2025 9:58 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

There is a moment of silence, and then the town square erupts in cheers. Villagers, who must have been watching the goings on from behind the slits in their window blinds, pour out of the nearby buildings and surround you.

"That was amazing!"

"They really are heroes!"

"Did you see?!?!"

You see Abram walking towards you, holding his hands up to the crowd, with a broad smile on his face. "What did I tell you?" he calls out to the assembling crowd, and steps forward to clap you on the back, beaming widely.

The spirit of celebration lasts for a few glorious moments, and then a small voice, the voice of a child, a little girl who's face is not looking celebratory, but worried and on the point of tears, cuts through the din. "But... what about Moonblossom?"

A hush falls over the crowd as all eyes turn to the Golden Oak in the center of the square and then back to you.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 13, 2025 11:02 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Moonblossom?", Thorne asks, confused.

It sounds like a name, but he is not sure who they are talking about.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 14, 2025 12:14 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

We heard a scream earlier. Did they abduct someone? Caldra asks, recalling the squirming sack on the back of the leaders as he rode away.

Last edited November 14, 2025 2:02 am

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 14, 2025 1:12 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa wipes her daggers off and sheaths them. Then she picks up her sling. She seems to pointedly check her gear while all the cheering is going on, as if trying to ignore it. But she looks uo when the child asks about Moonblossom. She lets the others ask the questions, but she listens intently to the answers.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 14, 2025 2:02 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Looking around to ensure the danger is past Caldra kneels for a moment and recites a private prayer as she invokes a touch of her healing gift to stem the flow of blood from her wounds. She then asks one of one of the village woman if there are any bandages and healing ointments in the village for her use or purchase. Looking over the rest of the party and villagers she examines them for any wounds.

[ +- ] Lay on Hands 1/5

OOC:

Speak up if you're hurt and let me know by how much

I will need a 10 minute Field rest to recover HP

Last edited November 14, 2025 2:11 am

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 15, 2025 7:53 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Abram steps towards you and nods. "Moonblossom is the fairy who lives in the Golden Oak, a kind and benevolent spirit who grants blessings and watches over the folk who live here. The village was literally built around her tree, and she's watched over generations of its residents since then." In a more hushed voice, he whispers to just the four of you. "Whether it be true or not, many of the folk here believe their prosperity and even the harvests are dependent on her blessings."

A murmur of disquiet trending towards panic begins to spread among the villagers.

"Help us please! We can't let anything happen to her!"

"What will we do without her? The harvest!"

"What could those fiends possibly want with her?"

Finally, the child who called your attention to the abduction comes up to you, tears welling in her eyes, and gently tugs on the hem of Caldra's robes. "You'll save her, won't you? please?"

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 15, 2025 8:27 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne slid his bow back over his shoulder. His eyes moved from the trembling child, to the tree at the square’s center, then to the shadowed path where the last Gerbling fled.

He didn’t speak—he didn’t need to. His expression said enough: steady, resolute, already calculating tracks, distance, and how long those creatures could run. So he waited—calm and patient—as he always did.

When the little girl tugged Caldra’s robe, Thorne stepped half a pace back, giving Caldra room to kneel, to speak, maybe even to promise. She would likely speak for them. And when Caldra did, Thorne Underbough would follow.

Last edited November 15, 2025 8:52 pm

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 15, 2025 10:01 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

I think I speak for all the women in the room when I say this: Is Thorne married, because.... *swoon* ;)

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 16, 2025 4:51 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kneeling next to the child Caldra replies gently to comfort the child, and others of course we will save Moonblossom. Thorne is already looking into it.

Standing back up she looks around So can tell up of the goblins? And where does that path lead?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 16, 2025 11:14 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

One of the townsfolk speaks up, an elderly gentleman with a tuft of thinning white hair, bushy muttonchops, and a pair of emerald green suspenders holding up his well-made but clearly not new blue breeches. "I'm Mayor Tills, and pleased to make your acquaintance, although I wish it had been under better circumstances."

He steps forward, slightly favoring his right leg, and adjusts his trousers before continuing. "We've heard tell of Goblins prowling the King's Reach and harassing travelers, but they've never dared to venture close to Merivale, much less raid our town." His voice rises in pitch at the end of the last sentence as he is clearly trying to hold in his outrage. After a moment he composes himself and continues. "Everyone knows the Goblin King resides somewhere in the Elderwild, but for as long as I can remember, they generally haven't ventured terribly far from it - except for the occasional raid on the King's Reach, but always much further north. I don't understand.... They didn't ransack the village or raid the farms. What could they possibly want with Moonblossom?"

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 16, 2025 11:37 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne waits for Kessa to speak next. She will likely ask the mayor for supplies and a reward in gold, like she did before, in another town.

If it depended only on him and Caldra, they would be penniless and starving. Kessa brought a much-needed "financial awareness" to the group, so Thorne respected that.

OOC:

timplausible, feel free to just ignore Thorne assumptions if it's not what Kessa would do.

Last edited November 16, 2025 11:44 pm

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 17, 2025 2:42 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Nope. That's about right.

Kessa nods as she listens to the mayor. She slides a little closer to him after he finishes and speaks in a voice intended for him and not the gathered townsfolk. "So, we're glad to help. But helping people doesn't put food in our bellies or a roof over our heads. Some compensation would be much appreciated. And some supplies would be helpful."

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 18, 2025 2:08 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Oh.... Yes.... Yes, of course," the Mayor replies as if coming back to his senses. "Yes. Thomas! Pass the hat! Folks, please, give what you can to these brave heroes willing to risk life and limb to help our village and save our Moonblossom. And provisions! Dried meats, bread, things that will last on their journey. Hurry now! The longer we wait the further those fiends get"

As soon as the Mayor finishes his exhortations, a good portion of the crowd, mostly the womenfolk, bustle off toward their homes while the rest remain in the square, speaking amongst themselves and fishing into their coin purses when Thomas, a slight and bespectacled young man bearing a strong resemblance to Mayor Tills, comes by bearing the aforementioned hat. The Mayor himself limps off, only to return a short while later with a small bag of coin which he adds to the collection.

In a short time, the townsfolk have assembled once again with a rucksack filled with provisions and hand them to you . The Mayor tallies the collected coinage and announces, "Thank you, thank you my friends. I know most of you don't have a lot to spare, but this is what we do. Merivalers step up together for our fair community. Heroes we have collected 70 gold crowns to compensate you for your brave efforts. Half given to you now as a token of good faith and good will. The other, I shall hold in safekeeping awaiting your return." he says, handing the jingling purse to Kessa. "Gods watch over you until you return safely to us with our beloved Moonblossom." he concludes, to which the crowd responds with their own words of encouragement and gratitude before slowly dissipating to seek the comfort and solace of home and hearth.

Before she leaves, Marla stops by to thank you for fending off the goblins and let's you know that when you return, you'll have free lodgings at the Inn for a tenday.

OOC:

Oops, that should have +60. Looks like the townsfolk really didn't have a lot to spare. >.<

Rolls

The Hat - (5d8+40)

(11431) + 40 = 50

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 18, 2025 2:55 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Please, keep the coin here for now. When we return with Moonblossom would be an appropriate time to reward us. For now all we need are those things that will aid us in the endeavor. Caldra speaks before any coin can be gathered. I am sure the village leaders can ensure all contribute fairly but for now provisions are what is needed. Food, water skins, and this fight just proved I could use a throwing weapon, ax dagger, or javelin, to stop the enemy from fleeing.

Last edited November 18, 2025 2:56 pm

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 18, 2025 11:21 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The Mayor nods, and replies, "The militia does have a small supply of weapons in storage, I'm sure we can find something you can borrow from there. Once you're back, our Colleen is as fine a smith as you're going to find outside of Fairhope - give her a few days and she can make you whatever you need," as he says this he indicates with a look of his eyes and a tilt of his head a tall, fit, sturdy woman with an absolute mane of red hair just leaving the square. " As to your compensation, I understand. I shall keep it safe awaiting your return."

@Caldra: Choose a throwing weapon from the militia's locker and add it to inventory for this quest.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 18, 2025 11:39 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"I'm ready" says Thorne, grabbing his share of the rucksack filled with provisions.

"Should we go?" He asks Kessa and Vilde.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 18, 2025 11:48 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The sun hangs in the western sky. You reckon you have a few hours before dusk, and the Goblins have already gotten a bit of a headstart on you. The townsfolk have supplied with dried meats, bread and other portable snacks to last for a few days, as well a few extra waterskins you fill from the village well.

All necessary preparations made, the road, the trail, and the missing fairy lie ahead of you. Who takes the lead in guiding the troupe?

GM Note: For this adventure, I'm going to abstract supplies and miscellaneous gear. As a group you have 4 Supplies, which you can cash in at any time for a piece of standard adventuring gear - torches, bandages, rope, etc.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 18, 2025 11:54 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Quote:

Who takes the lead in guiding the troupe?

Thorne steps to the front of the group without being asked, adjusting the strap of his quiver.

"I’ll take point," he says simply. "Their trail’s fresh."

With that, he moves ahead at a steady, ground-eating pace.

Rolls

Nature - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 19, 2025 12:51 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

After grabbing a brace of javelins Caldra fastens her bandages worried about Moonblossom but also uncertain about her wounds affects should they encounter nor goblins. She is the shield of the party. But in her current tattered state she doubts she can stop more than a single blow.

OOC:

if we get a 10 minute field rest I can recover hp
Or stay the night for a safe rest to revive mana and hp
If we field rest then I would be at 6+5=11/17 hp

Last edited November 19, 2025 4:06 am

Rolls

HP recovery - (1d10+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 19, 2025 5:24 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@Caldra: Probably just a short rest (Catch Breath in Nimble terms) for now, as time is of the essence. Not only might the trail grow cold, but something Vilde whispered to the group after the Mayor asked what the Goblins might want with Moonblossom makes you doubt she will make it through the night. "You know, some practitioners of the darker arts use faeries as components in their more powerful rituals. Apparently their blood and wings are highly magical."

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 19, 2025 6:07 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The tracks are fresh and clear, following the main road out of the town to the northwest for a few miles before breaking northeast into the wilderness. The area you find yourself in consists mostly of open gently rolling grassy meadows with a moderate sprinkling of trees. You can see from here, however, that the woods grow increasingly dense the further you head northeast - the direction the tracks are leading.

Thorne has no difficulty following them for another half hour or so until you reach a point where the woods have started to grow thick and the tracks split in three different directions. It isn't terribly difficult to make out the tracks in general, but with the vegetation, undergrowth and roots, it's challenging to try to discern the prints left by the ratrider and those of the other Goblins.

After some study, the hunter leads you down the leftmost path, which eventually takes you to the river in a place where it runs shallow and peacefully enough that you can ford it. As the sun begins to set, you find yourselves at the eaves of the Elderwild itself. Here the trees tower above anything you've seen in the surrounding countryside, or anywhere else for that matter. A faint mist seems to hover near the canopy, and the sounds of animal life, birds, insects, and the chittering of squirrels and other woodland creatures fill the air. Some of you feel an almost electrical tingle on your skin, which Vilde immediately recognizes as extremely strong magical energy.

Darkness will quickly be upon you, how do you wish to proceed?

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 19, 2025 2:39 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra looks around fire any signs of the goblins or other oddities before she glances at Thorne to ask

Do the tracks cross the river?
About how far behind are we?

OOC:

yep, understood about time constant. Just didn't want to rush to the enemy base 2/3 down already. As a novice, though wanting to help, Caldra would not have joined to hunt that badly hurt for great of dying.

Last edited November 19, 2025 8:21 pm

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 19, 2025 7:59 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@Psybermagi: Thank you! I need to learn more about some of the features here - like the private note textbox too. So much cool stuff! :)

GM Note: My bad for not being more clear - after you crossed the ford, the tracks continued and led you to the edge of the Elderwild and then into the deep woods there.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 19, 2025 9:57 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa feels comfortable in the dark, but not necessarily in the forest. "Can you still track them at night?" Kessa asks Thorne quietly. "Not that we can be very stralthy if we're traveling by torchlight, but sounds like this fairly might get cooked tonight if we don't find her."

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 19, 2025 10:13 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

timplausible says:

Kessa feels comfortable in the dark, but not necessarily in the forest. "Can you still track them at night?" Kessa asks Thorne quietly. "Not that we can be very stralthy if we're traveling by torchlight, but sounds like this fairly might get cooked tonight if we don't find her."

OOC:

GM, can I?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 19, 2025 11:59 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@htech: You could try, but it would be reeeeally difficult. Plus you get a sense from the unnatural abundance of wildlife sounds you're hearing during the day coming from the Elderwild, that the evening predators would be equally abundant. And if Vilde's hypothesis about the extreme magical energies here is correct, which it probably is, you might encounter some things that you'd rather not. Your spidey sense is telling you it would be better to wait til morning. Moonblossom may not make it, but your collective chances of making it back out again will be a lot better. Perhaps making camp a little ways back from the edge of the magical forest would be the wisest course, and it would allow Caldra to heal up a little more.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 20, 2025 2:46 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra discusses the situation with the others and brings up the following points
1. The unknown dangers of the forest (see above)
2. The potential to lose the track should they wait the night
3. The urgency of the search to save Moonblossom
4. The potential for Moonblossom's demise being a premise for their earlier rush

I am uncertain how to proceed. I trust to the tracking expertise of Thorne and earlier he pressed that time was critical in tracking. And what if the goblin lair is in the forest and they plan to sacrifice her this very night? While I would rather not spend the night in a strange magical wood I am not sure sitting on it's front door is all the better. Some magics are known to respect boundaries and stay within them while other merely have a center from which they radiate out from. I see no good choice but would prefer action over being idle.

I say press on while we can, if we can? The last statement is a question and she glances at Thorne

OOC:

If the sun is setting I assume we have at most 1 hour
Still wondering if Thorne can tell how far behind we are. We set out soon after the attack and I assume we pressed on at as fast a pace as we could so am hoping we are not too far behind our quarry.

Last edited November 20, 2025 1:36 pm

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 20, 2025 5:42 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@htech: It took about an hour to get provisioned etc in town. You made good time along the road, but it was slower going tracking through the woods, and this is their home turf, so they'll be moving much faster once you get into the Elderwild. At this point you're probably about 2+ hours behind them.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 20, 2025 9:04 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne crouches, pinching a bit of dirt between his fingers and letting it fall as he stares into the gathering shadows beneath the towering boughs.

"Whatever lives in there… it’s probably awake by now. But time’s not on our side. I am afraid Moonblossom won't last long if we wait. We are more than 2 hours behind them."

He rises, checks his bowstring and dagger.

"So." His voice steadies, calm and resolute. "We press on. Torches if we have to—better seen than stumbling blind. We move quiet, quick, no chatter, no wasted steps. If they’re close, we’ve still got a chance to catch up before the ritual or if they stop to rest. I think they’ll relax once they’re inside the Elderwild, believe no one’s mad enough to follow."

He looks to each of them in turn—Caldra, Kessa, Vilde—measuring their resolve.

"I’ll take point again. But I’m not dragging anyone in there. If we do this, we go together." He nods once. "If you all agree… we move now."

Last edited November 20, 2025 9:27 am

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 21, 2025 2:50 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra shoulders her pack ready to go

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 21, 2025 9:17 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

As darkness falls, the sounds of the forest undergo a transformation - gone are twitterings of birds and the chitterings of squirrels, the low level but omnipresent hum of flying insects. In its place, the near deafening chirping of crickets, cicada, other things you cant be sure of, and the conversational croakings of frogs of all sizes. Listening past those sounds, there is only a deep quiet, punctuated by the random snapping of a twig and the calls of predators coordinating their hunts.

Thorne has a good sense of where the track leads into the Elderwild, but from the outside its impossible to follow terribly far.

OOC:

Kessa and Vilde, do you vote to make camp or continue the pursuit?

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 22, 2025 5:04 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Kessa votes to continue pursuit, but it's not a strong vote.

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 22, 2025 5:43 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Just so you know, Gappy hasn't accessed the site in almost a week.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 22, 2025 10:56 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

I was just about to post that myself. >.< Alright, let's press on, we can NPC her if necessary until Gappy returns.

What preparations are you making for the hunt? I'm assuming you'll have at least one torch bearer....

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 22, 2025 11:15 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne lights a torch and moves forward. He asks Kessa and Vilde to stay in the middle, with Caldra at the rear. She can light another torch, if necessary.

Thorne tries to be as stealthy as possible and remains vigilant.

Last edited November 22, 2025 11:17 pm

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Perception (if necessary) - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 23, 2025 3:08 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra lights another torch and brings up the rear, scanning the rear and side for trouble.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 23, 2025 5:21 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@htech: We'll take your Perception roll as Naturecraft, so +4 and 16 - which is perfect. It was going to be DC15!

You head into the mystical Elderwild. The flickering torches sending shadows dancing in all directions, making the riot of flora seem to stretch and contract in the undulating light. The trail is difficult to follow, but not to the hunter's experienced eye. You make solid progress, despite a few minor detours when suddenly the howls of a nearby pack of predators split the night. To your ears they sound like wolves, but their voices are somehow... woodier, having almost the quality of... bassoons?

You gather in a small clearing backs together, eyes scanning the foliage, ears attuned to each snap and crackle of the brush...

Multiple pairs of goldengreen eyes reflect the torchlight from the undergrowth, appraising you.

Rolls

Timberwolves encounter

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 23, 2025 10:49 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne unsheats his dagger, lifts his torch and sweeps it outward in a wide arc. While doing so, he holds his ground. No retreat, no advance. He tries to count how many wolves are there.

"Perhaps Vilde can gently toss a strip of dried meat away from our group? An offering as we are not competing for prey?"

Last edited November 23, 2025 10:59 am

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 23, 2025 9:08 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@htech: Thorne's best guess is somewhere between 4-6 bests in the pack, but its hard to tell as the eyes appear, disappear and seem to reappear in different places.

The creatures seem to holding their ground as well, circling, inspecting, but always staying within the cover of the underbrush. It's Kessa who catches sight of one of the creatures as it slips between the bushes, moving from one bit of cover to the next. Perhaps its the flickering light and shadows, or just the pervasiveness wildness of the flora in the Elderwild, but in that brief glimpse, Kessa could swear that instead of fur, the beasts' coats seemed to be made of a tangle of bark and leaves and twigs.

They continue to circle at the perimeter of the glade, the strange flutelike growling persisting, eyes ever watching....

Everyone please make either a Naturecraft(Wil) or Insight(Wil) roll.

Rolls

Spotter - (1d3)

(2) = 2

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 23, 2025 9:59 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde nods to Thorne, and rummages in her pack for some of the dried meat you were given by the townsfolk and tosses a few hunks in the directions of each pairs of eyes. "Nice doggies! Here's some goodies, now run along. Shoo!" She watches to read the reactions of the creatures, but keeps her staff in hand and spells in mind - just in case.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 23, 2025 10:04 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Rolling Naturecraft

Rolls

Nature - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 23, 2025 10:39 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"I don't think those are normal wolves," Kessa whispers to Thorne. "Made of wood, I think."

OOC:

Making an Insight roll.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+1)

(9) + 1 = 10

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 23, 2025 11:03 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde squints a bit as a timberwolf darts across a small opening in the foliage after her proffered treats. "There is something unnatural about them. Ohhh, is that a flower on its back?"

Rolls

Insight(Wil) +2 - (1s20+2)

() + 23 = 23

Insight(Wil) +2 redux - (1d20+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 23, 2025 11:06 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Save us Caldra!!!!

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 24, 2025 1:45 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Gack, blink for a bit and what happens . . .

The paladin hefts her shield and mace ready to fight but looks for a way out of it. Animals and even many fey or monsters only follow their natures. If they understood more their might be a way to avoid the fight, . . . she hopes.

OOC:

Boom! Paladin mic drop! :P LoL good doggies?

Last edited November 24, 2025 1:46 am

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 24, 2025 3:46 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM Note: Good doggies indeed! Nice job!

You all watch as the creatures take turns chasing after and sniffing down the treats Vilde tossed out while the remiander keep you under close scrutiny.

Caldra, you notice that the wolves' eyes are more intently focused on the flames of your torches than you, and that the intensity of their glance has seemed to have shifted over time from stalking predator to wary observer. You sense that if the group stands strong, still, confident and united, torches raised but not waving or threatening, the beasts will probably move on. You feel this with the clarity and assuredness of divine inspiration.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 24, 2025 4:33 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Passing on the information Caldra suggests We either wait them out, light more torches as fire may perhaps be the bane, or put the fires out to calm them down. If a druid was here I might dare, but now I suggest we light more torches.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 24, 2025 5:00 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Whoever takes the lead in standing up to the timberwolves, i.e., being the Alpha of the group, please make an Influence (Wil) roll at DC13. If one other person wants to Help, they can also make a test - a success will grant you Advantage on your roll. Lighting additional torches will add a second Advantage die.

OOC:

Is that a scary enough pic of them? Every time I see it I get the willies >.<

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 24, 2025 8:44 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne will try to help Caldra or Kessa influence the wolves.

Rolls

Influence (help) - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 24, 2025 2:21 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Shoving get uncertainty aside, Caldra raises torch and shield shoulder to shoulder with Thorne.

OOC:

already have our brave leader but Caldra can't be outdone
LoL, not a bad start

Last edited November 24, 2025 2:22 pm

Rolls

Influence - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 24, 2025 2:55 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa attemtps to blend into the shadows cast by the torchlight while the others try to intimidate the wolves.

OOC:

This is more flavor text than taking an action to hide -- Kessa is just leaving this to the others. But if I should make a Stealth check, let me know.

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 24, 2025 11:33 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Quote:

LoL, not a bad start

Yeah, we got two Natural 20s. Those wolves are gone =)

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 25, 2025 12:23 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Dual Crits! Holey mayoly!

Caldra stands tall, holding her torch aloft, not wavering in the slightest, her eyes locked on the center of the pack but not directly on the eyes of the pack leader so as not to issue a challenge that must be met to preserve face. Thorne stands beside her, one step back, equally steadfast, torch raised. Kessa and Vilde stand ready to act if need be.

The wolves growl and paw at the ground, teeth bared, but don't advance. The standoff lasts for several tense minutes until the pack alpha gives one final snarl and then turns and pads off into the forest. With an angry howl, the rest of the pack turns and follows, leaving you alone in the grove, the only sounds those of your hearts beating and breath heaving a collective sigh of relief.

GM Note: Thorne, take a Hero Coin for Bravery Under Pressure! Caldra already has one, so I can't give her another. Nicely done! I would have hated to see a TPK this early in the game ;)

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 25, 2025 8:17 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne waits until the last pair of gold-green eyes fades into the dark before lowering his torch. He slides his dagger back into its sheath, scanning the treeline to be certain the pack is truly gone.

"Alright," he murmurs, "Let’s keep moving. If we’re this deep and still on the trail… Moonblossom can’t be far."

He steps forward, torch lifted, ready to lead again.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 25, 2025 2:10 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa follows quietly

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 25, 2025 2:35 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra follows torch and shield in hand

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 25, 2025 7:55 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The night has grown crisp and a light mist is beginning to rise from the forest floor, not yet obscuring the trail but you worry that if it gets thicker it might be a problem. In the wake of the timberwolves passing, this part of the wood is eerily silent as if all the wildlife has taken to ground and are waiting to make sure the coast is clear before resuming their usual activities.

You press on, but the mist pooling around your feet and the chill it brings with it are making it harder and harder to see the ground, not only making it difficult to follow the tracks but also making walking perilous. Just as you think you may have to stop for the night, you hear something in the distance - high pitched guttural sounds that almost sound like... laughter and revelry?

You're close enough to hear loud sounds, but between the forest, the rising mist, and the light of your torches, you can't yet see the light from the celebrants' camp.

How would you like to proceed?

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 25, 2025 8:31 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra hesitantly moves to douse her torch as she looks to the others. We need to learn what transpires. Only . . stealth is not a skill I am adept with. Perhaps those better suited should lead further ahead while I and others of a kind follow a distance behind ready to react should the need arise.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 25, 2025 9:46 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Yes, I will," said Thorne, extinguishing his torch as well. "Kessa, can you come with me?"

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 25, 2025 10:56 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Wouldn't miss it," Kessa replies.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 26, 2025 2:25 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Can Kessa use my hero coin?

Caldra whispers a prayer as they depart

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 26, 2025 5:19 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@psybermagi: She sure can!

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 26, 2025 3:20 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Lets do it , though I'm not sure how they work. Does it allow a reroll, bonus, or what?

Last edited November 26, 2025 3:20 pm

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 27, 2025 2:06 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM Note: A Hero Coin gives you a second chance on any die roll - whether it be for a check, save, or damage. They can also be given to a team mate to give them a second chance on a roll they just made. In either case, the player who spent the coin gets to describe what their character does to change the original outcome. The result of the last roll stands, regardless of whether its better or worse (you can only tempt fate so much). Once a HC has been spent, it's gone, and you can only have one at a time.

For example: George is swinging through the jungle on vines and fails a roll to avoid faceplanting vigorously into a giant tree. Stella spends the HC she earned earlier and shouts, "Watch out for that tree!" giving George a narrative reason for rerolling.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 27, 2025 2:11 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@psybermagi: Maybe Caldra's prayer helped?

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Nov 27, 2025 8:29 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Stealth, Take 2

Much better.

Last edited November 27, 2025 8:29 pm

Rolls

Reroll stealth - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 29, 2025 4:00 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Woot! Nice :)

As you're making your way to the source of the commotion, a gentle golden glow appears right where Kessa's foot was about to step, illuminating a fallen branch that surely would have snapped (and possibly twisted her ankle!) had she stepped on it. However, thanks to Caldra's prayer and some divine intervention, Kessa is able to safely step over it at the last second.

OOC:

I'll post the scene you come upon either later tonight or tomorrow - had some heater problems today which turned into a very expensive nightmare, so my brain is pretty fried. Sorry for delay! Hope you in the states all had a great Thanksgiving!

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Nov 29, 2025 10:03 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

As you get closer to the sounds, you begin to pick up the glow of a campfire. Travel is still perilous, and you have to be very careful where you step, but you're able to get close enough without incident to get a view of a rather strange spectacle. A gaggle of goblins (you see four at the moment) stand spread out around the edge of a fair sized clearing, cheering and jeering. They appear to be throwing stones at a fifth Goblin who sits astride a giant rat, taunting them as he jukes and dodges and spins. Even from this distance, the scent of some very strong and foul alcohol reaches your noses.

What would you like to do?

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Nov 29, 2025 10:44 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne will discreetly try to find out where Moonblossom is.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Nov 30, 2025 1:38 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra follows, but at a distance just to keep Thorn is sight, trying to be as quiet as possible.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+0)

(12) = 12

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 1, 2025 12:18 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra and Vilde follow Thorne's path, its slow going, but after a few minutes of carefully picking their way forward they regroup with the rest of the team, hunkered behind the trunk of a large tree and some smaller bushes. You scan the scene for signs of the missing faerie but are unable to find her specifically. There is an area on the left side of the clearing that looks like a makeshift camp, or at least a place where the Goblins have piled up there belongings near a campfire. Two goblins stand near the campsite, one on this side of it, one on the other, trying to pelt the ratrider with stones with one hand while swigging from "water" skins with the other. The remaining two Goblins are spread out on the opposite side of the clearing while the ratrider scampers about, taunting them.

GM Note: These are actual Goblins, not Gerblings, standing just a little under five feet tall and all wiry muscle and spite. They carry wicked looking curved short swords in scabbards at their belts and two of them have quivers and shortbows slung over their shoulders. The ratrider is brandishing a slightly larger sword, also curved, but with a serrated edge that looks like the teeth of some fell beast. They haven't noticed you yet....

Roll Intitative!

GM Note: These guys are notably tougher than the ones you faced earlier, so you this is a good opportunity to think about how to best take advantage of some of the different actions available to you.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 1, 2025 1:49 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra prepares for action

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+0)

(6) = 6

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 1, 2025 2:20 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Initiative, as requested =)

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 1, 2025 3:51 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa quietly and slowly unsheathes her daggers.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 1, 2025 7:20 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Intitative

Rolls

Intitative Roll - (1d20)

(8) = 8

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 2, 2025 10:23 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM Note: Ok, so we've got 3 actions for Thorne, and 1 for everybody else. At the moment, you've got the drop on these guys.

What do you do?

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 2, 2025 10:58 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM says:

You scan the scene for signs of the missing faerie but are unable to find her specifically.

Thorne is not a man who kills for sport, and he’s not eager to loose an arrow into a distracted goblin just to thin their numbers. Without a sign of the fairy, rushing in blind feels like a mistake.

He glances back to the others, whispering.

"Moonblossom’s not in sight. And goblins drunk and arguing tend to spill more truths than blood. We watch them a bit longer—see if they slip, or show where they’ve kept her."

He grabs his bow, eyes never leaving the clearing.

"No point spilling blood until we know where she is."

Last edited December 2, 2025 11:00 pm

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 3, 2025 1:14 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra nods and shifts her focus to watch their surroundings so they are not set upon unawares.
But we cant wait too long.

Last edited December 3, 2025 1:15 am

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 3, 2025 3:18 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa nods at Thorne then crouches down and waits.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 3, 2025 7:20 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

You watch for a while as the pelting and taunting continues. When one of the Goblins finally lands a decent hit on the ratrider's back, he calls out, "Oy, alright alright you lot, dat's enuff! Not bad for a bunch o' Gerbs." They all share a laugh and you can hear but not quite make out a bit of what sounds like lighthearted Goblin trashtalking amongst each other. The ratrider, at the center of the clearing, surveys the area and is taking a long pull on a water skin from his hip when his mount perks up - nose and whiskers twitching, sniffing the air while its eyes and ears move semi-independently, sweeping around the perimeter of the clearing.

The rider stows the waterskin in a saddlebag then sticks his fingers in his mouth and makes a distinctive whistle. In a slightly lower voice, he calls out, "Alright, pack it in and get ready for da night." As he says this he draws a circle in the air with his right hand.

Hearing the whistle, the other goblins immediately perk up as well and turn their eyes and attention to their leader. A quiet chorus of "Right boss, on it!" and "Looks like its bedtime boys!" follows, as the Goblins pair off.

The biggest of the remaining Goblins moves up to the boss and exchanges a few words while the rider watches his mount's behavior. After a few moments pass, the giant rodent with its matted and mangy fur, nose furiously twitching lets out a low squeak, and turns it's head in your direction. The rider gives it an affectionate pat on the shoulder, then makes a gesture with raised hands like... closing a door perhaps... and with a wicked smile says, "Oh yeah, it's bedtime boys!"

With that, the two pairs of Goblins on the perimeter disappear into the woods on either side of the clearing, the rider and his companion splitting up each following one of the two pairs.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 3, 2025 7:31 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa silently gets Thorne's attention. She motions with her daggers, pointing at the goblins as they leave, then moves her daggers in circular motions to indicate movement around the party. She silently mouths the word "Trap". She prepares to move, but waits for Thorne's reaction.

Last edited December 3, 2025 7:32 pm

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 3, 2025 8:07 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

With no other option, Thorne marks the leader as his quarry and fires two arrows.

Rolls

Shortbow (Advantage 1) - (2d6h1+2)

(14) + 2 = 6

Shortbow - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 4, 2025 2:03 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

As Thorne fires on the leader as they move towards the woods Caldra scans the area for a defensible location and plots how the goblins might attack, through the woods or directly through the clearing. Being outnumbered she scans for anything that can limit the goblins approach or give the team any kind of advantage. Large tall trees, large rock formations, anything to protect their rear and flanks as much as possible.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 4, 2025 8:50 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

There is a pained squeak from the enormous rodent followed by an angry snarl from its rider as Thorne's arrows strike just before the pair disappear into the woods. Meanwhile, Caldra scans the area looking for something that might give you a defensive advantage, but everything is hindered in the darkness. There is the giant tree, around the base of which you are huddled, as well as the bushes which gave you visual cover from the camp, beyond that its too dark to tell.

GM Note: We're into regular combat now, so you have three actions to spend this turn. Thorne has used his three, Caldra has two remaining. Don't forget the various Assess options:

Quote:

Assess: A great way to include creativity and role-playing in combat. Choose one of the following and then make a DC 12 skill check to:
• Ask a Question. About a weakness, ability, or immediate plans of enemies, the environment, story, etc. The GM will answer honestly.
• Create an Opening. Increase the next Primary Die Roll against a target by 1 this round.
• Anticipate Danger. Reduce all Primary Dice rolled against you by 1 this round.

Which Skill To Use? Whatever skill you use must make sense based on the circumstances! Monsters Are Smart! You cannot assess using the same skill more than once in a single encounter, as your foes adapt to your tactics. You’ll need to stay creative!

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 4, 2025 10:02 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM says:

(...) Thorne and Caldra, you have two remaining. Saving one for defending (....)

OOC:

If I understood correctly the reactions are taken from the next round, so there is no need to save...

I also acted 3 times previously... Hunter's Mark, Shortbow 1 (with Advantage because of the mark), Shortbow 2 (with Advantage and Disadvantage, canceling each other). That's a total of 13 damage (or 9, if they have medium armor).

Am I correct? Do I still have 2 left? Shouldn’t it be either 3 or 0?

Last edited December 4, 2025 11:55 pm

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 5, 2025 12:18 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@htech: You're absolutely right - on all counts! Thorne did spend all three of his actions for actions for the round.

I blame it on moving fatigue >.<

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 5, 2025 2:15 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

well, I already tried an assess and Caldra likes to be ready to defend so she needs to stay next to the others soo . . . Assess + Anticipate Danger + hold 1 for reaction

Caldra raises her shield in anticipation of goblin assault

Last edited December 5, 2025 6:35 pm

Rolls

Insight : Anticipate Danger - (1d20+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 5, 2025 3:20 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde quickly scans the surrounding area, trying to anticipate where the Goblins are most likely to strike from. She's not really sure what she's looking for, but relying on instinct and a strong sense of self-preservation (bolstered by mortal terror).

OOC:

She's going to spend an action to Assess and Anticipate Danger using Insight.

Rolls

Assesss (Ins) +2 - (1d20+2)

(9) + 2 = 11

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 6, 2025 5:10 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa maintains absolute stillness as she waits for the ambushers to emerge, so that she will see them before they see her.

OOC:

Anticipate Danger using Stealth

Also, I'm still confused about actions and reactions. *Can* we save actions from our round to use as reactions? The quickstart rules seem to imply "no". It says reactions always come from your next round's actions, and also says you should use all your actions on your turn because they refresh at the end of your turn. There is no discussion of saving or holding actions.

Rolls

Assess - Anticipate Danger (Stealth) - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 6, 2025 9:49 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@timplausible: It is kind of confusing at first, but once you get your head around the logic of it, it makes sense. Once we get into combat, Nimble uses a really streamlined turn system - Heroes get a turn, then the bad guys, rinse and repeat (there are some exceptions, but that's the baseline). Heroes have up to 3 Actions to spend *on their turn.* Once their turn is over, any unused actions are lost. BUT - their pool of Actions resets, so they have their full complement of 3 Actions ready to use for Heroic Reactions during the monster's (or another player's) turn, and/or as Actions on their next turn. That means that Reactions count against your limit for your *upcoming* turn. We're used to 'holding' an action from a previous turn, but Nimble goes the other way so you never waste an action by holding it if the trigger never happens. Does that help?

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 6, 2025 11:12 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

AriaNocturne says:

psybermagi: Good plan to save 2 actions for Defend and Interpose - I like it!

@AriaNocturne - I think timplausible got confused by the comment above. I know I got.

Good plan to save 2 actions?

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 6, 2025 11:45 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Regardless, I guess its the goblins turn now? =)

Last edited December 6, 2025 11:52 pm

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 7, 2025 12:14 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@htech: Ack, yes, that was totally wrong on my part. My brain has been a little scattered with all the packing and moving and unpacking and organizing. :(

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 7, 2025 3:30 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Change my 3rd action to "create an opening" for my stack next round?

Caldra positions herself to strike of if a goblin comes into view

Last edited December 7, 2025 3:39 am

Rolls

Insight : create an opening - (1d20+4)

(6) + 4 = 10

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 7, 2025 6:49 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The Scene: You've got the bole of a giant tree to your north (towards the goblin's camp), maybe 8' in diameter, protecting that flank. Two groups of three are circling towards you from the east and west - the Ratrider went with the eastbound group. Who's facing in which direction and are you doing anything specific to prepare for the assault?

@psybermagi: that sounds like a great idea! Make a roll and use the bonus for whichever skill you're using to create that advantage for yourself. the DC is 12.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 7, 2025 4:28 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne will face his quarry and the eastbound group.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 7, 2025 10:43 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Kessa is alternating between watching the East and West flanks. She is mostly ignoring the direction of the camp. Her focus is on listnening and looking for the apparoaching goblins. Her goal is to remain hidden until she detects a goblin, and then try to get a first strike on them.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 8, 2025 2:28 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Ok, we've got Thorne anticipating an attack from the East, Kessa in the Center, and Vilde looking East.

For a moment, all is silence, and then you hear crashing through the brush on both sides of you. To the west, three goblins burst from the darkness and charge towards you. From the east, two more on foot pour out of the gloom while the ratrider literally erupts into your field of vision bearing down on you with with a bloodthirsty grin.

I think because of the pause, it's time for another Initiative roll as you brace yourselves for the onslaught!

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 8, 2025 4:46 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Initiative roll #2

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 8, 2025 4:26 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Initiative

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 8, 2025 11:16 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Preparing to engage evil

Last edited December 12, 2025 2:21 pm

Rolls

INIT - (1d20+0)

(20) = 20

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 9, 2025 1:06 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde will focus her attention to the west and gird herself for battle.

Rolls

Initiative (+0) - (1d20)

(11) = 11

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 9, 2025 1:09 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM Note: Ok, looks like Kessa and Thorne each have one action to prepare, Vilde has 2, and Caldra 3. You are the heroes of the story, so you get to go first in whatever order you like. If the Goblins had surprised you, they would get their round before you, but you were expecting them, so we're in normal turn order.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 9, 2025 2:47 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Can Kessa tell if they see her or not?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 9, 2025 4:29 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@timplausible: It's impossible to tell at this point - they seem to be just charging towards where the ratrider directed them and planning on picking targets once they get there.

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 9, 2025 8:34 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde quickly scans her surroundings and moves closer to the great tree, where its twisting roots and broad trunk will hopefully offer her the best protection. [She's going to Assess: Anticipate Danger using her Naturecraft of +2]

As soon as the westside goblins burst out of the woods, Vilde's calls out, 'Igneo!' as her fingers weave a quick pattern in the air and then flash towards one of the creatures. A blazing dart of magical fire flies through the darkness, briefly lighting up their faces, teeth bared and grinning madly, before exploding square in the chest of the one in the middle.

Rolls

Assess: Anticipate Danger (+2) - (1d20+2)

(11) + 2 = 13

Flame Dart 1d10 - (1d10)

(10) = 10

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 9, 2025 8:51 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Like Vilde, Thorne will try to use the tree for protection this round. He puts the bow on his back and prepares for a charge.

OOC:

Anticipate Danger. Can I position myself in such a way that only a single goblin can try to hit me?

Last edited December 9, 2025 9:14 am

Rolls

Assess with Naturecraft - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 9, 2025 11:02 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne expertly finds a position on one of the tree's exposed roots, forcing any foe who attacks him to navigate their tangle and uneven surface.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 9, 2025 3:36 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra immediately engaged the goblins, attacking the rider and their mount

OOC:

1st attack 1+2=3 dmg / 2nd attack 6,1+2=3 dmg / 3rd attack 5,5,4,+2=6 dmg
Fat Finger typing

Last edited December 9, 2025 10:47 pm

Rolls

Mace - (1d6+8)

(1) + 8 = 9

Mace - (1d6+8)

(6) + 8 = 14

Mace - (1d6+8)

(5) + 8 = 13

2nd attack - (1d6+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

3rd attack - (2d6l1+2)

(54) + 2 = 6

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 9, 2025 3:51 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@psybermagi: I think Caldra's attack is 1d6+2. Also, each attack in the same round after the first is considered a Rushed Attack, which means the second is at Disadvantage (roll 2d6 and keep the lowest), and the third would be at Disadvantage x2 (roll 3d6 and keep the lowest). We're still pretty new at this, so if you want to do something different for your second and third actions, that's cool.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 10, 2025 1:16 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

As the ratrider charges, Caldra unleashes a series of furious blows - but the fiend is remarkably quick and agile, as you witnessed earlier. As one Goblin and beast dodge and weave past the first two strikes before the third and final one lands a glancing blow across the giant rodent's flank.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 10, 2025 11:36 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@timplausible: Kessa's up!

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 11, 2025 1:01 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa jumps from the shadows to stab the rat, aiming for what she expects should be a vital organ.

OOC:

OK. Rat is distracted, so I can use my Vixious Opportunist to make it a 4, which is a crit. Then I get to roll the d4 again, right? And then Sneak Attack let's me deal an extra d6.

So that's... 13 damage?

Last edited December 11, 2025 1:01 am

Rolls

Attack (will be set to 4 by Vic Opp - (1d4+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Exploding crit - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Sneak Attack - (1d6)

(5) = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 11, 2025 7:28 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@timplausible: Yes, you've got it! Nicely done!!!

Kessa strikes quickly, catching the rodent of unusual size from his blind side. The beast lets out a bloodcurdling shriek and spins its red eyes to face you, its large teeth and fetid breath only inches from your face.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 12, 2025 8:57 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

As the Goblins close in, Vilde stands alone facing the three from the west. They land on her as a group, the one with the still smoldering patch on his chest leading the charge. Fortunately for the mage, the first goblin stumbles over the tree roots she's taken sanctuary among and its blow sails wide. The other two hit home, however, and she nearly drops - a last minute defense just barely keeping her on her feet. (Vilde is at 9/10 HP)

On the east side, the ratrider and his mount strike out at Kessa, attempting to trample her underfoot as they try to create separation before their next attack. Meanwhile the remaining two square off against Thorne and Caldra.

Kessa deftly steps out of the way of the rampaging rodent, but the rider catches her with a sweeping slash that strikes for 6 points of damage.

Due to his preparation, Thorne is able to maneuver his foe into a position of bad footing and easily avoids the clumsy blow.

The last Goblin faces down the Oathsworn, teeth bared, thinking of the rain of blows Caldra attempted to land on its leader, and delivers a blow for 7 points of damage.

GM Note: You can pre-spend actions from your next turn to perform Heroic Reactions, the limit being only one of each type per turn.

Rolls

Goblin #1 Attack - (1d6+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Goblin #2 Attack - (1d6+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Goblin #3 Attack (Advantage) - (2d6+2)

(56) + 2 = 13

Goblin #4 vs Thorne - (1d6+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Goblin #5 vs Caldra - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Ratrider vs Kessa atk #1 - (1d6+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Ratrider vs Kessa atk #2 - (1d6+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 12, 2025 12:42 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne sees it all in a heartbeat—the ratrider’s sweeping arc toward Kessa, Caldra locking the rider’s attention with shield and fury, and on the opposite flank Vilde nearly dropping as three snarling shapes descend upon her.

Kessa can handle him. Caldra’s got her back and serves as a much needed distraction for Kessa’s attacks. - he thinks

Vilde, though—Vilde is seconds from being overrun.

Thorne pivots. The goblin at his flank lunges, but he’s already moving—the hunter slips aside weaving through roots and underbrush, dagger sliding free from its sheath with a soft, dangerous whisper.

OOC:

Action 1: Move

Note to self: A hero can sheathe weapons or shields they are proficient with and even equip a different one for free 1/round (Core rules, pg. 33)

His eyes fix on the goblin who stumbled at Vilde’s feet—the one whose chest still smolders from her spell, off-balance and exposed.

"That one," he mutters under his breath, marking it.

OOC:

Action 2: Hunter's Mark

He closes the distance in a low, controlled rush and drives his dagger toward the creature with the precision of a man who ends fights swiftly and without hesitation.

OOC:

Action 3: Attack

Last edited December 12, 2025 1:01 pm

Rolls

Dagger vs Quarry - (2d4h1+2, RA)

(31) + 2 = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 12, 2025 2:53 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne's target, completely focused on the task of removing Vilde from this mortal coil, doesn't see the hunter until after his blade is buried in the creature's heart. It drops to the ground almost immediately, the look of shock and surprise frozen on its face for all eternity. The other two Goblins immediately take a step back and prepare to square off against the two heroes.

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 12, 2025 8:14 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde gives Thorne a quick nod and weak smile as she casts another flame dart at the nearest Goblin, nearly toppling over from the effort but regaining her balance and as the spell coalesces and leaves her hands in a blazing bolt. This time it hits her target square in the face, singeing of most of the creature's hair and leaving what's left smoldering in a putrid haze.

Rolls

Flame Dart (1d10) - (1d10)

(10) = 10

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 13, 2025 12:10 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa rolls away from the goblin's slash strikes Kessa's hide armor and she rolls with the blow. The heavy stike still manages to leave a mark.

OOC:

Kessa will use a reaction to Defend, absorbing 5 of the 6 damage.

Is Caldra still adjacent to the rat & rider? Or just the goblins attacking her? I still have 2 more actions, but want to know the lay of the land.

Last edited December 13, 2025 12:11 am

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 13, 2025 1:30 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Caldra should be by the rest rider
Will post in character when I get home

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 13, 2025 3:09 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra blocks the goblin attacks as best she can before retaliating as she attempts to keep the goblins focused on her

OOC:

Defend 7-8=0, Create Opening, Attack

[ +- ] Radiant Judgment : 12

Last edited December 13, 2025 3:13 am

Rolls

Radiant Judgement : 0 - (2d6)

(66) = 12

Insight : Create an Opening by reading intent/body language: DC 12 - (1d20+4)

(13) + 4 = 17

Mace (1d6+2+12 Radiant Judgement) - (2d6h1+2+12)

(33) + 14 = 17

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 13, 2025 7:40 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

@timplausible: After attacking Kessa, the ratrider moved away to circle back for another strike. You can also use a reaction to make an Opportunity Attack before it gets out of reach. It looks like there's only one Gobbo left next to you after Caldra decimated the other one. :)

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 13, 2025 7:49 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra brings down her mace in final judgement on one of the Goblins adjacent to her, an overhead slam that literally pancakes it into the ground where it lies motionless. Seeing that, the one squaring off against Kessa begins to back away, its courage faltering.

"Get 'em you useless gits! You're worse than a gaggle of Gerblings!" the ratrider taunts as he circles preparing for a charge.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 13, 2025 9:01 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The Scene:
* On the Westside, two of the three Goblins that attacked Vilde are still kicking (although one is badly hurt) and they are engaged with Thorne & Vilde.

* On the Eastside, only one of the two Goblin footsoldiers is still standing, and after seeing Caldra turn his friend into cioppino, he seems to seriously be reconsidering his life choices. Caldra and Kessa are currently squaring off with him.

* A move away, the Goblin ratrider is spurring his beast on, preparing to charge. He and his mount have taken some superficial wounds, but seem like they're still in it to win it.

Kessa, you have two actions left for this turn after defending. What do you do?

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 13, 2025 9:13 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

While we await Kessa's attacks, can you describe the dead goblin in more detail? More specifically, what weapon did he have? Can I assume it was a short sword and that I'll be able to use it with my dagger, dual wielding in the next round?

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 13, 2025 9:43 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Kessa will attack the rat as ut moves away. She wants to bring it down.

So, an opportunity attack is at disadvantage. I will use dual weilding to give that attack advantage, for even odds.

Oo. That's a crit. So +1d6. And... 13 damage to the rat again. Sorry if this causes a retcon to the descriptions.

Kessa will then use her last action to try to avoid danger - using Stealth to slip back into the shadows.

Last edited December 13, 2025 9:47 pm

Rolls

Opp. attack - (1d4+2, RA)

(43) + 2 = 9

crit bonus - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Avoid danger (stealth) - (1d20+4)

(14) + 4 = 18

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 14, 2025 8:28 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa strikes as the ratrider turns and begins to race away, her blade lodging in the Goblin's side before the momentum of his mount causes it to tear through his flesh, leaving a horrible looking wound. He clasps at his side, wobbling in the saddle as he crosses the clearing and turns round to face you all once more. Even in the poor light, you can tell from his body language that he won't be able to withstand much more.

Thorne, still squaring off against one of the two westside Goblins, glances back over his shoulder and spies the wreckage of the Goblin Caldra nearly drove into the ground, his eye landing on the shortsword still clutched in the creature's lifeless hand.

GM Note: Kessa, take a Hero Coin for Making the Most of an Opportunity! Nicely done!

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 14, 2025 11:57 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Assessing the situation, Vilde tries to find a spot higher up on the tree roots to make it harder for the Goblins to attack her, but fails miserably. (Assess: Anticipate Danger [Perception])

Rolls

Assess: Anticipate Danger [Perception +2] - (1d20+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 14, 2025 12:07 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Wot are you waitin' for? Get 'em or I'll get you!" the ratrider exhorts his comrades. The one who seemed to be faltering, caught between two hard places, screws up his courage and strikes out against Kessa not wanting to get any closer to the Oathsworn than absolutely necessary. However Kessa's elusiveness proves too much for him, and his blow finds nothing but empty air.

The two westside Goblins continue to press their attacks against Thorne and Vilde, the one with the smoking hair and a smoldering grudge focusing on the mage.

As soon as he's convinced his companions are engaging the heroes, the ratrider bolts into the woods and disappears in the shadows.

GM Note: Heroes can react. Once any reactions are done, it will be your turn again.

Rolls

Goblin #4 vs Kessa - (1d6+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Goblin #1 vs Vilde - (1d6+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Goblin #3 vs Thorne - (1d6+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 14, 2025 12:29 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM says:

Thorne's target, completely focused on the task of removing Vilde from this mortal coil, doesn't see the hunter until after his blade is buried in the creature's heart. It drops to the ground almost immediately, the look of shock and surprise frozen on its face for all eternity.

Thorne doesn’t pause to admire his kill. As the goblin collapses at his feet, he plants a boot on the corpse’s chest and yanks his dagger free in one smooth motion, grabbing the creature’s blade simultaneously. Sword in one hand, dagger in the other, he turns back toward the remaining pair without pause.

GM says:

The two westside Goblins continue to press their attacks against Thorne and Vilde, the one with the smoking hair and a smoldering grudge focusing on the mage.

Thorne parries the attack, marks the creature as his target and fights back. His sword goes high — enough to draw the creature’s guard—while the dagger flashes in from the side in a brutal, efficient slash aimed to finish him.

[ +- ] Dual wielding different weapons, Core rules pg. 34

OOC:

Defend/parry (Action 1, 5 - 5 = 0 damage taken), Hunter's quarry (2), dual wield attack ( 3)

Edit: I choose the 12 damage (4+4+2+2) from the dagger crit

Last edited December 14, 2025 9:35 pm

Rolls

Dagger + Shortsword (Advantage 1) - (1d4+2, 2d6h1+2)

1d4+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

2d6h1+2 : (26) + 2 = 8

Critical - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Critical (dagger) - (1d4, RA)

(42) = 6

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 14, 2025 8:40 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Moving to defend Kessa, Caldra interposes herself and blocks the attack before returning their blow with her owne, filled with judgment on the vile creature. Calling to her comrades she encourages them. Strike down their leader! Do not let him flee once again.

OOC:

Interpose => Radiant Judgement 7, Defend = 0 damage taken, attack 1d6+2+7

Last edited December 14, 2025 8:41 pm

Rolls

Radiant Judgement : 0 - (2d6)

(52) = 7

Mace - (1d6+9)

(4) + 9 = 13

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 14, 2025 10:56 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra steps forward to interpose herself between the Goblin and Kessa only to find Kessa has already stepped out of harm's way. Caldra follows up with a roundhouse swing with her mace that connects with the creature's ribs underneath his sword arm and crushes him against the trunk of the giant tree. Gore erupts from its open mouth as it expires, instantly and messily.

Meanwhile, Thorne drives the remaining westside Goblin back with a flurry of fluid strikes, forcing it to defend against his newly acquired sword and expose itself to his expert blade. The blow strikes home, inflicting a nasty slash that bites deep just below its ribs. The Goblin howls, leaping back and clutching its side, eyes casting about the clearing with fear clearly evident.

Behind Thorne, Vilde lets out a pained cry as the Goblin brings her down with one final blow.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 14, 2025 11:03 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The Scene: Only two Goblins are left, one is badly wounded and considering fleeing; the other still untouched, is completely focused on Kessa and seems unaware that the battle has been lost. For the moment, you've lost sight of the ratrider who disappeared into the dark woods a few seconds ago....

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 14, 2025 11:44 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne, do not let the rider get to Moonblossom. called calls out as she moves to finish off the remaining goblins

OOC:

move back to camp with any remaining actions after the goblins are finished off

GM Note: Vilde was taken down before she spotted the ratrider and couldn't alert you to his movements. At the moment, hid whereabouts are unknown.

Rolls

Mace - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 3:15 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Is Caldra next to the goblin in front of me, thus making him "distracted"?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 3:51 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Yes she is, and the Goblin is definitely distracted.

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 8:33 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

AriaNocturne says:

No, she stepped over to the other side to interpose for Vilde, then splatted the one she blocked.

That’s not what Psybermagi wrote... See above:

Psybermagi says:

Moving to defend Kessa, Caldra interposes herself and blocks the attack

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 8:40 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Omg you're right! I guess I assumed Caldra was interposing for Vilde since Kessa avoided the attack and didn't need to be interposed. "The one who seemed to be faltering, caught between two hard places, screws up his courage and strikes out against Kessa not wanting to get any closer to the Oathsworn than absolutely necessary. However Kessa's elusiveness proves too much for him, and his blow finds nothing but empty air." Going back and retconning.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 9:30 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The Scene, Revised: Two Goblins remain engaged with the heroes. One is slightly wounded and focusing on Caldra. The other is near Thorne, but not currently engaged.

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 15, 2025 1:36 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

I am ok blocking the attack that hit. My bad for not taking into account Kessa's dodge. I just went to block my "neighbor" from the previous round. Caldra was intending to help her allies. No need to block an attack already avoided. I can edit my post to can Kesssa Vilde

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 1:56 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Thanks for the fix/retcon, AriaNocturne.

I am ok with retconing the retcon or whatever makes sense for you all.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 3:59 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

Kessa will just woman up and face this goblin head on.

Kessa flourishes her two daggers while she watches the goblin in front her, looking for an opening. She feints with one and then goes in with the other. She gets in a solid blow, then tries to catch the foe while he's reacting to the pain, landing another solid hit.

Taking a step back, she continues brandishing her blades, hoping to distract from any incoming attacks.

OOC:

Will use dual-weapon advantage on the first strike.

2nd action, 2nd attack at disadvantage

3rd action, Avoid Danger with Finesse

Last edited December 15, 2025 4:05 pm

Rolls

Attack 1 - (2d4h1+2)

(23) + 2 = 5

2nd attack - (2d4l1+2, RA)

(23) + 2 = 4

Avoid Danger, Finesse - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 10:55 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

OOC:

It's all good! In the heat of battle, all is chaos >.< Besides, you've got them on the ropes!

Taking advantage of the Goblin's focus on Caldra, Kessa finds her openings and with the speed and deadliness of a cobra, dispatches the last of the eastside Goblins with two quick neck strikes, and it falls to the ground clutching at its throat.

One Goblin remaining, a few steps away from Thorne and a near move away from Caldra and Kessa. I think Thorne has 3 actions remaining, and Caldra has 2?

What do you do?

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 11:00 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne will try to finish this battle before hunting the rider.

He marks the nearby Goblin as his quarry, and attacks it twice with both blades.

OOC:

Edit: 18 damage, total.

PS: Please ignore the dagger in the second attack, I can't use my off-hand twice in the same round.

Last edited December 15, 2025 11:04 pm

Rolls

Dagger + Shortsword (Advantage 1, Hunter's Mark) - (1d4+2, 2d6h1+2, RA)

1d4+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

2d6h1+2 : (644) + 2 = 12

Dagger + Shortsword (Advantage + Disadvantage canceling each other) - (1d4+2, 1d6+2, RA)

1d4+2 : (3) + 2 = 5

1d6+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 15, 2025 11:01 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra moves to Vilde and heals her friend smashing at the last goblin on the way

[ +- ] Lay on Hands 3

OOC:

3 HP to Vilde

Last edited December 15, 2025 11:01 pm

Rolls

Mace - (2d6l1+2)

(31) + 2 = 3

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 15, 2025 11:50 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Before the Goblin even has time to run, Thorne drops him in his tracks. A sudden silence falls over the wood, punctuated only by your breathing, still heavy from the battle.

Caldra moves over to Vilde and lays hands on her. A gentle glow spreads from her hands to envelop the mage's body, and after a few seconds, her breathing grows normal. A moment later, her eyes flicker open. "Thank you," she murmurs with a weak smile as she gets unsteadily to her feet and dusts herself off. "Did we get them all?"

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 16, 2025 12:35 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne doesn’t relax when the last goblin falls. He wipes one blade clean on the creature’s ragged clothes, stoops, and pulls a short sword free from its slack grip. He now has two short swords. After a quick glance at the balance and grabbing the sword sheaths, he looks up as Vilde asks her question.

"No," he says evenly. "Not all of them."

His eyes are already moving, scanning the treeline, the churned earth, the snapped brush where something large and fast fled during the chaos. "The ratrider broke off while we were fighting. He used the noise and the dark."

Then, he turns and presses the hilt of his dagger into Kessa's hand.

"Take this," he says quietly. "If you need, throw it. He’s wounded, and that mount’s heavy. He likely didn't go far. Let’s check their camp."

Last edited December 16, 2025 8:30 pm

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 16, 2025 1:36 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra picks up andy remaining weapons from the dead goblins nearby before following Thorne toward the camp, anxious to secure Moonblossom.

Kessa

timplausible Inactive for 18 days

Dec 16, 2025 8:50 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Kessa twists her wrist around, feeling the weight and balance of the dagger Thorne gave her. "Got it." She says. Then she waits to see what the group does next.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 16, 2025 9:48 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

You turn to head back towards the clearing just as the ratrider lurches out of the trees near the campsite. He slides from the saddle still clutching the wound in his side and begins frantically rummaging through the pile of belongings muttering to himself. From where you are standing, he's about 45-50 feet away (two moves, 9 spaces). He glances towards where the battle took place but seems primarily focused on finding something.

GM Note: No need for Intiative here, its the Heroes' turn!

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 16, 2025 10:18 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne stops cold the instant the ratrider stumbles into view.

In one fluid motion Thorne shrugs the short sword back into his belt, reaches over his shoulder, and brings his bow down into his hands. The string is drawn even as he steps into a stable stance, breath slowing, the world narrowing to a single wounded figure at the edge of the firelight.

There you are.

[ +- ] Hunter's Mark (Action)

He marks the ratrider as his quarry, tracks every frantic movement as the goblin rummages through the pile. Thorne exhales and looses.

OOC:

Attack 1,
Shortbow: 1d6+DEX, 2 handed, Range 12

The first arrow streaks out of the darkness toward the goblin’s center mass. Quickly, Thorne draws again and sends a second arrow flying, aimed to end the chase before it even begins.

OOC:

Attack 2, Shortbow

OOC:

Edit: 12 damage, total

Last edited December 16, 2025 10:29 pm

Rolls

Shortbow (Advantage 1) - (2d6h1+2)

(32) + 2 = 5

Shortbow - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 16, 2025 11:04 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra rushes the rider intent on preventing him from skipping away again to do who knows what

OOC:

if the arrows take the goblin down will he die or can we bandage him up to keep him for questioning? I can lay on hands if needed but wild want to tie him up first.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 17, 2025 1:13 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Just as the Goblin plucks a handled parcel wrapped in a ratty cloth from the pile of belongings, Thorne's arrows find their mark. *Thwip! Thwip!*

"Nooooooooooo...." are the last words the creature ever utters as it faceplants into the pile of Goblin stuffs.

The parcel hits the ground and then rolls a few times before coming to a stop. From where you're standing you can just make out a tiny sound that sounds like a squeak coming from inside.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 17, 2025 2:27 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra slows her pounding spring and settles her hope as she move to examine the parcel, shield at the ready but hope pushing he on.
Identify yourself she calls out gently, hoping for some confirmation of life and allegiance. When the others arrive she will then move to set free what she assumes to be the captive Moonblossom.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 17, 2025 3:04 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

From inside the wrapped bundle, you hear a tiny highpitched voice say, "Help?"

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 17, 2025 4:35 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra cautiously and carefully unwraps the bundle

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 17, 2025 7:11 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra unwraps the bundle to find a small cage with magical inscriptions carved into the top. Inside, is a tiny being with iridescent wings looking a bit tousled but otherwise seemingly unharmed.

"Are you here to save me? Please tell me yes. Traveling with Goblins.... yeesh." She shudders a bit at the recollection, and then adds with a quick curtsey, "I'm Moonblossom, Fairie of the Golden Oak of Merivale."

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 17, 2025 1:38 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra nods agreement and she sets the faerie free. We were in the tavern when the goblins attacked. The townsfolk asked us for aid and we came as quickly as possible.

Do you know why they captured you and how many there were or if they worked with any others? Caldra asks curious as to the source of the trouble

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 17, 2025 2:09 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Moonblossom smiles a beaming smile that seems to light up and refresh her whole being. "Thank you! No, I don't know why they captured me, but it sounded really bad. They kept saying something about 'juicin' da fayree,' whatever that means. But I'm sure its not pleasant for the 'fayree.' Also, this evening they were arguing about where to take me. Or to whom, rather. It was all very grunty and nasty."

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 17, 2025 2:54 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne offers the faerie a small nod, the corner of his mouth lifting just a touch. "Glad you’re safe," he says simply.

He doesn’t linger on the moment, though. With the danger ended, habit takes over. Thorne strikes flint to steel and lights a torch, its flame pushing back the darkness around the campsite. He moves among the scattered goblin belongings with careful efficiency, nudging packs and sacks aside with his boot, inspecting weapons, bundles, and odd trinkets for anything useful—or anything that might explain who the goblins were working for and where they meant to take Moonblossom. His eyes stay sharp, alert for both clues and threats, even now.

Last edited December 17, 2025 10:52 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 17, 2025 11:50 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

The search of the Goblin camp doesn't reveal too many surprises - ratty (and egregiously funky) bedrolls, food unfit for human consumption, a short sword for each one of them, some whetstones, various Goblin kachibachis and trinkets, and a few gold pieces. The one interesting item is a crude map with strange symbols on it that you find in the ratrider's saddle bag. Perhaps most interesting about this item is the handwritten note, scrawled on the back, which reads: "Tell Pinky he better not come back without my ingredients! WE HAVE AN AGREEMENT, KROGG! —Greenthumb."

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 18, 2025 1:08 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Thorne turns towards the group.

"Perhaps we should escort Moonblossom back to the village, rest, equip ourselves and talk about this," he says, giving the map to Caldra, Kessa and Vilde.

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 18, 2025 3:18 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Vilde rubs one of her many sore spots. "I could do with a nice hot meal and night in a warm, real bed."

Taking the map from Thorne, she considers it, but realizes she's not familiar enough with the area to make sense of it, and hands it to Caldra.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 18, 2025 1:51 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Glances at the map with a confused look without taking it before glancing around at the thick gloom of night.
Aye, a rest would be good but . . . . Do we stay her the night or head back now? This forrest can be dangerous and I am unfamiliar with the area.

Moonblossom , can you help guide us back to your home? Caldra aska as she gathers up the weapons in camp, taking a sword as a backup weapon for herself.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 18, 2025 3:34 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

"Of course I can! I can give us some light too," she adds with a bright smile. "But if we run into any bad guys, I'll leave that to the experts. I'm not much for violence - I'm more the fly away type." She laughs and it almost sounds like tinkling bells. She might be a bit disheveled, but her merry fae spirit is clearly still intact.

With a flutter of her wings and a wave of her hands, Moonblossom begins to glow with the light of a full moon, but somehow warmer, and you can feel that warmth extending into your hearts and spirits as well.

"Oh, you're hurt!" she exclaims suddenly, looking at Vilde. "I can help with that too, but only once a day." She flutters over to the mage and boops her nose with a tiny finger. The glow begins to spread from her body, enveloping Vilde and causing her hair to briefly float as if on a strong updraft. When the glow dissipates, all her injuries all healed.

"Shall we go home?"

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 18 days

Dec 18, 2025 3:36 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

If everyone is well and willing, Thorne helps Moonblossom and leads them back to Merivale

Last edited December 18, 2025 3:36 pm

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 14 days

Dec 18, 2025 4:03 pm

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Caldra sighs as they trudge on, her wounds from the fight at the village still lingering and a good long test sounds like the best medicine, but a bit of faerie magic wouldn't have been unappreciated.

OOC:

yes the "noble" oathsworn has a passive aggressive inner voice. Still at 6/17 hp

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 19, 2025 1:29 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

Moonblossom leads you through the Elderwild and back to Merivale with no major encounters. A few night creatures, but nothing overly aggressive. You arrive in Merivale just as the sun is rising and the town is coming to life. You know it won't take long for word of your return and Moonblossom's safe rescue to reach every corner of the place.

"They're back! They're back!"

"Moonblossom is safe! She's home!"

"They did it! Come see!"

Before the inevitable chaos and celebration ensues, Moonblossom flutters up to the boughs of her tree and plucks a golden acorn from it and returns to the heroes. "Please, take this as a token of my gratitude. Use it when fortune seems to fail you and you need the luck of the fae. Only one grows at a time on my tree, and they take a full season to mature. May you never need it, but if you do, may it bring you success, safety and happiness." She hands it to Caldra, then flutters to each of you, giving you a tiny kiss on the cheek and a personal thank you.

Golden Acorn: 1 use. Grants a free reroll of any die, be it yours, a compatriot's, or an opponent's.

With a smile as big as the rising sun, she says, "I must say hello to all my people and let them know I'm safe and well - thanks to you. You might do to get some rest if you can, I'm sure there will be quite the celebration in your honour tonight."

With that, she goes to address the townsfolk as they begin assembling in the square and the air begins to be filled with cheers and celebration.

Whatever you choose to do, by evening, a great feast is thrown in your honour - with more food and drink then you've seen in..., well, maybe ever. You are clapped on the back, hugged, and kissed also more times than you can ever recall as the festivities carry on into the late hours, moving from the square to the Inn as night falls. Somewhere during all that, the Mayor gives you the remainder of your reward, and tells you that you will ever be welcome in Merivale, and the youve earned the undying appreciation of all its citizens. It's not until the wee hours that you are finally able to get yourselves to bed without someone thrusting a drink in your hand and toasting you, but finally you do. And when you do, you sleep the sleep of those who know they have done a good thing, done it well, and that their efforts have been noted and deeply appreciated.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 18 days

Dec 19, 2025 1:32 am

The Heroes' Journey Begins (in Merivale)

GM Note: Before we go on to the next chapter, all of you have earned a level up! Look over the options on your character sheets and pick whatever sounds good and/or fun. If you have any questions, let me know in the other thread. By morning, since you had a Safe Rest, all of your HP are restored and you heal 1 Wound (if you have any).

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