Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Jan 4, 2026 5:44 am

You wake, not particularly early, the next day - some of you probably feeling a little worse for wear from the celebration the night before. Marla has kept a sumptuous breakfast ready for you downstairs and a table reserved for 'The Heroes of Merivale.' Your entrance into the main room is greeted with cheers and pats on the back, but the townsfolk give you respectful space once you sit down to eat and tuck into a large plate of scrambled eggs, a very generous serving of perfectly smoked bacon, bread and fresh butter, and mugs of a dark steaming tea with honey that strikes just the perfect notes of bitter and sweet to start the day.

What would you like to do today?

GM Note: You still have the map you looted from the Goblins in the Elderwild.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 4, 2026 3:13 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne accepts the cheers with a shy, almost embarrassed smile, nodding politely to those who clap him on the shoulder as he makes his way to the table. Praise has never sat comfortably with him, and he keeps his eyes mostly on the food as he takes his seat, letting the others enjoy the attention. He eats quietly.

Once his plate is half-cleared, habit reasserts itself. Thorne reaches down and brings up the two goblin short swords he claimed, laying them carefully across his knees. He runs a thumb along each edge, testing the bite, checking for nicks or warping, then inspects the hilts and tangs for hidden cracks.

OOC:

Are these short swords okay? Do I need to take them to a blacksmith to get them fixed, or can I use them as is?

I will let Kessa keep my dagger.

Last edited January 5, 2026 10:06 am

timplausible Inactive for 9 months

Jan 5, 2026 3:22 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Kessa makes an exaggerated show of being humble. "No, please. You're too kind. All in a day's work for heroes." She sits down at the table and digs into the food when it arrives. "This is good," she says to whoever the closest tavern worker is. She says it whether it's actually good or not, because a) any food tastes great when you survive a day of combat, and b) because she knows when to make useful acquaintances.

"So what's the plan, gang?" she says once everyone is assembled at the table. "We sticking around figure out what else is going on? Or hit the trail and let them sort it out?" Kessa knows that Thorne and Caldra will almost certainly pick "Plan A", but she likes to make these things explicit.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 6, 2026 2:25 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra is gracious in her acceptance of the villagers thanks but diverts the praise to the team vs any single individual. She enjoys the food and rest but is concerned about the goblin issues. As she joins the others she expresses this but with reservations

It is concerning what happened here but I wonder what we can do. Surely there is a local lord or civil administration that should be informed of these matter. But how long will that take and do these people have time. I am uncertain how to proceed

OOC:

Honestly I spaced out over the break and don't recall many details. I recall the goblin activity being abnormal and something about a map as well as some clues but will need to review to last chapter and/or would appreciate a DM recap of loose threads

Last edited January 6, 2026 2:34 pm

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 7, 2026 1:36 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@htech: The swords are serviceable - the designs are crude, the but quality of the steel and the edges are good. Goblins may not be much for aesthetics (from human standpoint), but they take decent care of the wargear from a functional perspective.

GM Recap: When last we left our intrepid heroes, they had trekked to the mysterious Elderwild, encountered some of the unique and not very friendly fauna, and then defeated the kidnappers and freed Moonblossom. You collected some rough looking but very functional weapons from the Gobbos, as well as what looks to be map - although the symbols and writing on it are foreign to you and incomprehensible. The note scrawled on the back of the map, however, was written in the common tongue, and it says:

"Tell Pinky he better not come back without my ingredients! WE HAVE AN AGREEMENT, KROGG! —Greenthumb."

Perhaps some of the villagers will be able to make sense of the map, or might know something of the persons mentioned in the note.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 7, 2026 2:57 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

After looking over the map Caldra suggests making a copy and getting some locals, hunter or other woodsmen, to look it over to add in details they might know of as well as to gain a better understanding of what may lay ahead. Getting the writings would also be a good idea and Moonblosom might be the best person to talk to about this.

The message suggests that the goblins were working with, or more likely for, someone else. Doubtless just eliminating that one band will not stop the villains. I suggest we keep this to ourselves untill we have talked with the local leaders about these suspicions and gain more information. It might be necessary to follow up on the map to track down any other trouble makers.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 7, 2026 4:35 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

"Yes, let’s talk to Mayor Tills again and see what he thinks about this map."

Last edited January 7, 2026 4:36 pm

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 8, 2026 2:20 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra nods agreement and finishes breakfast

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 8, 2026 6:01 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

You'd think almost dying, not once, but twice, in a short span of time would negatively effect someone, but remarkably Vilde seemed unscathed by it. Of course, last night's festivities might have something to do with that, the elderberry wine being sneakily subtle in its alcohol content. And also the first time she even imbibed anything of the sort. A lot of firsts for Vilde, just like a real adventurer! If only Lord Hast could see her now!

Her brow furrowed at the thought of her mentor, she missed him, and really should reach out, if anything to at least let him know of her well-being. That thought was plucked away as another plate of eggs and bacon were set on the table, along with a pot of fresh, steaming hot coffee. More firsts!

As she ate and her companions conversed over what to do, her mind kept going back to a specific word in the goblin's note, ingredients ... Vilde had read and dabbled in potions, brews, and concoctions before and knew that a pinch of that and a smidge of this was enough to create wonderful, or dangerous, outcomes. But, and at this her stomach curdled a bit, could fairies be an ingredient for something?

OOC:

not sure if an arcana roll could tell me more on that matter?

OOC:

assuming that's a no lol

Last edited January 8, 2026 6:02 pm

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 9, 2026 1:25 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@ctme2000: There are those elements of the arcane arts that polite society and most of the academy would rather pretend don't exist or dismiss with an air of disgust as so morally reprehensible that no decent practitioner would waste their mental time and energy discussing. Of course, these are the same elements that others find utterly fascinating - the forbidden fruit of magic, the so-called 'dark arts.' Discussions of these things tend to happen behind closed doors, among those that can be trusted - whether they be close friends or fellow travelers along the black path. Vilde's mentor, taken by the combination of her enthusiasm and her naivete about the world at large, had welcomed her into his inner circle, providing more than academic guidance, but trying to prepare her to face the realities of what she might encounter once she stepped outside the safety of the academy's walls. You recall one conversation after a potions class where you were enthusing over the infinite possibilities of tinctures and elixirs when your mentor's face grew dark.

"Intellectual curiosity is a wonderful thing, Vilde, but must be tempered by a strong moral compass," he said as his hands absently replaced a number of vials and phylacteries in their cases. "There are those who pursue the path of power to such a point that they lose sight of what is right and wrong. Speak not of this outside these walls but know - there are those who would use the life forces of living creatures, especially magical ones, as components in the darkest and most powerful of rituals. The kind that offer tremendous power in exchange for the corruption of their souls. I tell you this because I have seen others of equally bright and curious mind, follow that curiousity to places from which there is no return, and I do not wish to see you stumble accidentally down this dark well of damnation. Do you understand what I am saying?"

At the time, you merely nodded, somewhat taken aback by the abrupt change of tone in your mentor's voice. Not sure you understood, but a little afraid to continue the direction of the conversation. Now, however, his words come back to you with renewed significance....

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 9, 2026 12:19 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

As you are finishing the last of your morning meals and debating what to do next, the door to the Valley's Rest bursts open and a dishevelled villager stumbles in, breathing heavily. "The Ritter's farm.. it's burning!" He points to the north with one hand as he rests the other on his knee, clearly having run some distance to get here.

The rest of the patrons quickly stand and rush outside. You follow, and there to north of the village, you see a thick plume of black smoke rising into the morning sky.

"What are you waiting for? Buckets, weapons, grab whatever you have and go!" Marla the innkeeper shouts, and then begins directing her daughters as she grabs a heavy pail and a cleaver from the kitchen and begins racing toward the Ritter's farm.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 9, 2026 2:53 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra grabs her pack, shield, and mace as she rushes to follow the people outside. Calling to the others she warns Be wary. This might be more than an accident. It could be retaliation from the goblin's allies or just a diversion to draw people away from town. as she scans the surroundings while still moving after the townsforld

Rolls

Perceive - (1d20+2)

(9) + 2 = 11

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 9, 2026 4:24 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra, you don't see anything in particular, but you have a feeling that either your instincts or some divine messenger is telling you something you ought not ignore.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 9, 2026 5:18 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

"Vilde, Kessa, I don't think it is wise to split the party, so let's go with Caldra." - says Thorne

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 9, 2026 6:16 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

OK, listening to divine revelation so... LoL Man she has good intentions but really need some help :P

Caldra abruptly stops, knees and offers a heartfelt prayer for guidance and listens to any prompting she receives.
....
Getting back up she looks around again and hesitates as she mutters "Something, I know not what, is off.."

Last edited January 9, 2026 6:18 pm

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 9, 2026 9:12 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

"Oh no!" Vilde blurts out, at the realization of what the goblins, or some darker force, had meant to do to Moonblossom, as the villager bursts in.

"Oh no!" she exclaims again a moment later, at mention of the fire.

Quickly grabbing her things, she hurries along with the others toward the farm.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 12, 2026 10:54 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The townsfolk hurry past you, giving quizzical looks. Marla is more direct as she casts a glance over her shoulder and shouts, "Are you coming heroes? We could use your help!"

Soon the only people left in the town square are the four of you and what appears to be monk, deep in meditation at the foot of the giant oak in the center of the plaza. After the hullabaloo earlier, the quiet in the square is eerie, almost deathlike.

What do you do?

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 12, 2026 11:49 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne waits for the group's reaction. His main goal is to keep the party together.

Last edited January 12, 2026 11:50 am

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 12, 2026 1:46 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra hesitates again, not wanting to let the townsfolk suffer unduly but uncertain what to do, so moves to help them but again cautions her fellows Keep alert

OOC:

See, this is why divine guidance is so complicated. It is subject ot mortal interpretation

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 12, 2026 8:44 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

@valdus: Can you describe the person they see meditating under the oak?

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 14, 2026 5:04 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde pauses, looking at the man by the oak tree with a curious look on her face. "How strange. The whole town in a panic and he's just lolly-gaging about that tree."

She waits to see how her companions react.

Last edited January 14, 2026 5:05 am

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 14, 2026 11:36 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The square remains eerily quiet, the only sounds being the rustling of the leaves of the great oak in the breeze and the rhythmic squeaking of a proprietor's sign as is gently swings back and forth.

Can Everyone please make a Perception or Insight check at DC12. Perception if you're just keeping an eye and ear our for signs of trouble; Insight if there's something particular about this situation that you're thinking about.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 14, 2026 11:51 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne looks around for signs of trouble

Rolls

Perception DC12 - (1d20+3)

(16) + 3 = 19

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 15, 2026 1:00 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The sudden quiet hits Vilde, loud in its emptiness. Her companion's mention of this being a diversion seeming more than plausible all of a sudden, in fact, almost absolute.

If I were a goblin dabbling in the dark arts and the town was empty, where would I go? she thinks to herself.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 15, 2026 3:15 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne's ears prick up as the wind briefly carries sounds that don't seem a part of the sonic tapestry of the town's settling buildings and vegetation. It's faint and indistinct, and disappears almost the moment you try to apprehend it, but nevertheless sets your nerves slightly on edge.

Vilde scans the town square, a series of rough but homey structures arranged about. The main road cuts through it, leading both southeast and northwest. The townsfolk left along that northwest section of road before cutting across a footpath towards the Ritter's farm. Other smaller pathways lead out from the center like spokes on a wheel, connecting the rest of the settlement to its core. If the fire were a diversion, attackers would likely come from a different direction than the farm. Ideally (for them) along a route that has some cover, but still direct enough to make every moment count. Your eyes land on one of the spokes of pathway that leads to northeast where the land dips down to meet the flowing river and copses of trees cluster along its banks.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 15, 2026 1:31 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Still following the towns folk Caldra calls back to her companions Com on! They may need our help

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 16, 2026 6:05 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne, after a few moments you begin to make out voices speaking with guttural accents. The word 'faerie' immediately jumps out at you as you triangulate the general location of the sounds coming from somewhere to the east....

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 16, 2026 7:21 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

"Stop! I'm hearing voices coming from over there and the word 'fairy'" Thorne says to the group, pointing somewhere to the east.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 16, 2026 8:34 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra turns, torn and indecisive. While she had been prompted to seek for more it was vague while the needs of the people, the fire, . . . .

With a shake of her head she prays the villagers will suffice and moves back towards the east but slide to the side and skirts the buildings, avoiding the open of the middle of the road. Listening and looking for anything amiss she presses her senses out.

Last edited January 16, 2026 8:35 pm

Rolls

Perceive - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 16, 2026 10:49 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde walks over to Thorne, grabs his pointing arm, and readjusts it to the pathway spoke leading northeast.

"That's where they'll be coming from, I'm sure of it."

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 16, 2026 11:33 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

From just beyond your field of vision, behind one of the buildings just beyond the square, you hear a harsh voice hiss, "Quiet as we go boyz. Get the fayree, and we gets out. Don't bollocks it up!"

A moment later, a troop of skulking Goblins, three grunts, led by larger one flanked by two even larger Bugbears rounds the corner. They give a start and their eyes widen at the sight of you.

"Crikey, that's them what whacked Pinky! Looks like sneakin's off the menu!" the leader exclaims. He points a gnarled finger at you, and shouts, "Take 'em out fast!"

Everyone, please roll intitative!

GM Note: The horde is a little farther than you can move in one action. They have just rounded the corner of a cottage along one of the smaller paths leading off the square, but the structures are setback from it, so the area between them isn't constrained enough to create a tactical chokepoint. I'll give more details if you need them. :)

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 16, 2026 11:42 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Initiative

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 17, 2026 1:01 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Initiative

Rolls

INIT - (1d20+0)

(17) = 17

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 17, 2026 3:53 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra prepare to fight evil once more

Rolls

INIT - (1d20+0)

(5) = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 17, 2026 9:19 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 17, 2026 9:26 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde has 2 actions in the first round, Thorne and Caldra have 1. Kessa and Naut to be determined. Each square on our grid counts for 2 spaces for movement and weapon/spell range purposes.

You can take a moment to plan with your teammates (the clock is paused), or if you want to just jump in and take action, we'll go directly to combat rounds.

For the folks new to Nimble, take a look at page 3 of the Quickstart. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer them!

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 17, 2026 10:48 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Thank you for the map, it's much easier to see what's going on now. Please continue using them =)

I guess we can plan/discuss in OOC and act IC simultaneously. =)

Thorne quickly fires an arrow at one of the grunts, trying to reduce their numbers while someone else helps him or focuses on the larger targets.

Rolls

Shortbow - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 17, 2026 11:06 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Getting the hang of the GP interface! I'll be able to do more interactive maps and such soon!

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 17, 2026 4:13 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Seeing Thorne let loose an arrow, "We're going to need more of that." Vilde exclaims, evoking Heart's Fire upon him.

She then lets loose herself, as lightning shoots out of her fingers, aimed at the goon's leader.

OOC:

1st action: giving Thorne an extra action

OOC:

2nd action: casting Zap (range 12, 2d8, fail: bad for me)

Last edited January 17, 2026 5:21 pm

Rolls

Zap cantrip - (2d8)

(57) = 12

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 17, 2026 4:44 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne risks another arrow against the same goblin he had hit before.

Rolls

Shortbow - Disadvantage 1 - (2d6l1+2)

(34) + 2 = 5

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 17, 2026 6:57 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra steps in front of the others, raising her shield as she examines the goblin attackers and prepares to block any attacks.

• Anticipate Danger. Reduce all Primary Dice rolled against you by 1 this round.

Rolls

Insight : Assess - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 18, 2026 11:15 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne unleashes a shot that sails through the air and hits the lead goblin, leaving a nasty slice across his right shoulder. The fiend lets out a wail of pain and surprise and bares its teeth at you, preparing to charge. Near simultaneously, Vilde works her magic, first imbuing Thorne with a burst of energy that wells up inside inside him like a volcano - heat and pressure needing to be released. Almost of their own accord, his practiced fingers pull an arrow from his quiver, nock it, and release; this time feathering the Goblin in the leg. The creature staggers and stumbles back, breaking off the arrow just outside the skin. He tries to look fierce, but much of the colour has drained out of his face.

Having emboldened her compatriot, Vilde's fingers weave arcane patterns in the air, then dart towards to Goblin leader inscribing a zigzagging pattern along the way. Magical energies leap form her fingertips as a bolt of energy flies towards him and briefly envelops him. For a moment, the leader looks down at the seared spot thats formed on his bare chest, the smell of singed hair and flesh filling his nostrils. Then his blood red eyes focus on the mage and he hisses, "Oh, now you gone an' dunnit. Get that bloody wizard!"

Caldra, unintimidated by the Goblin's threat, steps forward, placing herself in front of her companions and knocking her mace against her shield, sending the message - if you want them, you have to go through me.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 19, 2026 8:41 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

At the command of their leader, the smaller goblins raise their shortbows train their aim at Vilde (all except the one who took Thornes arrow in the leg, he's still busy trying to compose himself). Meanwhile, the two Bugbears heft their spears and toss them at her, then prepare themselves for a charge. Their leader spits on the ground and mutters, "I hates wizards." Then he draws his sword and charges as well. As he does, he shouts back over his shoulder, Come on the rest you lot! Leave them chickens alone!"

A moment later, a few Gerblings pop their heads around the corner of a hut down the lane.

GM Note: They won't quite reach you in this round but will end up a few paces away.

OOC:

That is an improbable number of 6's. Good thing the Goblins are just Flunkies and can't crit. The Bugbears and the Leader can however....

Rolls

Goblin 2 Atk - (1d6+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Goblin 3 Atk - (1d6+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Bugbear 1 Atk - (1d6+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Bugbear 2 Atk - (1d6+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Bugbear 2 Crit - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 19, 2026 11:15 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne will interpose and defend Goblin 2's arrows, hoping that the other attacks will somehow be divided between Caldra, Vilde, and the rest of the party.

OOC:

I will lose 2 actions and only suffer 8 - 5 = 3 damage.
I am at 18/21 HP.

I'll wait to see how this ends before using my last action in this round.

Last edited January 20, 2026 12:02 am

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 20, 2026 9:51 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Vilde is definitely going to need some help on this one. Goblins are notoriously very superstitious and hate/fear any magic except their own shamanic kind.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 20, 2026 1:29 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra Moves to intercept another arrow before raising her mace and unleashing a bolt of brilliant light onto the leading bugbear

[ +- ] c: Rebuke

OOC:

interpose and defend from bugbear 2 attack for 8+2-8 =2 damage

Last edited January 20, 2026 3:48 pm

Rolls

Radiant Judgement - (2d6)

(46) = 10

Rebuke bugbear - (1d6)

(5) = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 21, 2026 12:02 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@psybermagi: Because Caldra Anticipated Danger, the primary die of the attack you intercepted was reduced by 1 to 5, and therefore not a crit. So the total damage to soak is only 7, not 10 - Caldra the Mighty escapes unharmed!

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 21, 2026 12:07 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

GM Note: Kessa's player hasn't been active for 3 days, so unless they post by this evening, I'll NPC them til they come back. We also have our new addition, Naut the Wanderer, who should be joining us shortly!

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 21, 2026 12:54 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde freezes as the barrage of arrows, spears, and goblins all careen toward her, looking to draw many, many pints of her blood. Seeing Caldra get in front to protect them jostles her and she dives behind the large tree next to them, but not quickly enough to stop from getting pierced.

OOC:

Defend Reaction to drop one of the attack's damage by 2 points, for ... how many total?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 21, 2026 2:23 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@ctme2000: We'll hold that for now - if @timplausible doesn't post for Kessa in the next couple hours, I'll NPC her and have her Interpose and defend vs Goblin #3's 8pt hit, in which case you'll defend against Bugbear #1's 6pt hit.

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 21, 2026 6:08 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Despite herself, Kessa sees the rain of death coming for the party's diminutive mage and steps in to shield her from a black feathered arrow (Goblin #3's 8pt hit). She let's out a low growl as the arrow grazes her shoulder leaving a small gash (3pts of damage),

OOC:

Interpose and defend, spending 2 actions from next turn's pool.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 21, 2026 6:11 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@ctme2000: After all the interposing, jostling, and defending, Vilde only needs to soak 6 points of damage out of the original 34 - nice teamwork!!!

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 21, 2026 6:32 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The Scene: The two Bugbears and Goblin leader are almost upon you, the three lesser Goblins have closed the distance a bit after loosing their arrows and drawn their blades, one of the Gerblings, face still covered in egg from raiding a nearby chicken coop, has joined the horde, and second has rounded to corner.

The Heroes are up!

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 21, 2026 7:10 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

With his last action, Thorne will shoot the same goblin he hit before, trying to finish him off once and for all. After that, he puts his bow on his back and draws his swords, preparing for melee combat.

Rolls

Shortbow - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 21, 2026 7:12 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The wounded Goblin, still reeling from the first two hits, is an easy mark for the hunter, and drops to the ground instantly as a third arrow strikes him squarely in the temple.

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 22, 2026 4:54 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Quite amazed at still being alive, Vilde shouts out an appreciative "Thanks everyone!"

Instead of fleeing, she holds her ground. Lord Hast would think her foolish, but she can't abandon her companions. Eyeing the goblin leader, "I'll give you something to fear." she grumbles, incanting a spell she recently picked up.

OOC:

Thanks y'all! Soaked 2 out 6, for 4 total, at 10/14 HP

OOC:

2 actions for this round, casting Arc Lightning, spending a mana to up cast for +4 damage (reach 12, also strikes next closest creature to target, primary being the goblin leader and one of the bugbears next to him); Mana: 6/8

Last edited January 22, 2026 4:59 am

Rolls

Arc Lightning - (3d8+4)

(524) + 4 = 15

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Jan 22, 2026 6:38 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The monk you saw under the tree suddenly appear just behind the goblin group, moving swiftly wearing only his robes and holding no other weapon a long wooden staff. In a silent move stuff's blow is followed by a kick in a trained combat move.

OOC:

Let's see if he will prove it to be simple but effective in trained hands.
Action1: move (I have move 8 with swift move feat, so I guess I can get behind the goblin group)
Action2: Attack with a stuff
Action3: Unarmed strike (Your unarmed strikes are not subject to disadvantage imposed by Rushed Attack)

Rolls

Staff - (1d8+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Unarmed - (1d4+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 22, 2026 6:39 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Corruscating lightning erupts from Vilde's fingers, cutting a path through the air and leaving a lingering scent of ozone. The blue-white bolt crashes into the Goblin leader, staggering him and knocking him to one knee before arcing off to zap the nearest Bugbear.

"I thought I tolds you to get that bloody wizard!" he shouts, his voice slightly breaking and trailing off into a fit of coughing.

Rolls

Bugbear #1 or #2? - (1d2)

(2) = 2

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 22, 2026 6:47 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Out of seemingly nowhere, the monk you previously spotted sitting under the tree appears behind the Goblin grunts, staff spinning in practiced arcs and landing with a sound thud on the cranium of the nearest Goblin. Before it can even react, the strike is followed with a powerful side kick that sends the Goblin staggering several feet before it recovers its balance. The look of surprise on his face and that of his nearby companion is the stuff of campfire tales for days to come.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 24, 2026 10:54 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 24, 2026 12:07 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Bugbear #1 makes a beeline straight for Vilde, sidestepping and sweeping around her to take a swing at the mage with its heavy spiked club.

Bugbear #2, still slightly shaking from the mage's lightning arc, staggers forward and brings its weapon crashing down upon Caldra as Gerbling #2, the one that still has raw egg on his chin, slashes at her with a rudimentary hatchet, trying to get under her guard.

Goblin #1, spins, angry and humiliated, baring his teeth and flying at Naut with unbridled rage as Gerbling #1 runs cackling and giggling down the lane and attempts to jump on the Zephyr and bite him in the neck.

Meanwhile Goblin #2 attacks Kessa from the flank, hoping to overwhelm her quick reflexes with sheer feroctiy.

Gerbling #3 bounds around the corner of the chandler's shop and throws himself at Thorne, Biting at his kneecap while stabbing at his thigh with a small and very rusty dagger.

Finally, the Goblin leader, having suffered some major damage at the hands of the diminutive mage, falls back and leans against a building to steady himself as he glugs down something from a waterskin.

Rolls

Bugbear #1 vs Vilde - (2d6+4)

(42) + 4 = 10

Bugbear #2 vs Caldra - (2d6+4)

(33) + 4 = 10

Gerbling #2 vs Caldra - (1d6)

(1) = 1

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

(5) + 2 = 7

Gerbling #1 vs Naut - (1d6)

(6) = 6

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

(6) + 2 = 8

Gerbling 3# vs Thorne - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Goblin Leader - Healing Potion - (2d4+4)

(42) + 4 = 10

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 24, 2026 3:43 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra shifts to block Defend 10-8=2the attack and staggers then retaliates, striking at the bugbear before unleashing another Rebuke [color="blue"]Bugbear 2 if still standing, else bugbear 1[/color

OOC:

GAck, should have done true strike instead!

Last edited January 24, 2026 3:43 pm

Rolls

Mace - (1d6+12)

(1) + 12 = 13

Rebuke - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Critical - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 24, 2026 7:49 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne defends, marks the Bugbear #2 as his quarry and slashes with his sword.

OOC:

1- Defend.
Took 6 - 5 = 1 HP.
I am at 17/21 HP.

2 - Hunter's Mark (Bugbear 2)
3 - Attack, shortsword (Advantage 1: Dual wield) + LVL (2) extra damage (Hunter's Mark).

[ +- ] Hunter's Mark (Action)

[ +- ] Thrill of the Hunt

Edit: That’s a hit. +1 Charge for me, 8 damage

Last edited January 24, 2026 7:49 pm

Rolls

Shortsword - (2d6h1+2+2)

(24) + 4 = 8

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 24, 2026 10:46 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

wow, good thing minions don't crit, with those 3 straight 6s!

OOC:

a few rules questions:
1. If I use 'Anticipate Danger', does that work on my turn if the enemy already hit me? Or is it meant to be used if the enemy hasnt gone yet (so it would take effect on the next turn)?
1a. If there is only one primary die (ex 1d6), does it negate the entire attack?
2. I see the others using Defend during their turn, when raw states it's to be used when it is not your turn. Are you using it during your current turn and then just knocking off an action on your next turn?

Last edited January 24, 2026 10:47 pm

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 25, 2026 12:28 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Quote:

wow, good thing minions don't crit, with those 3 straight 6s!

Indeed!

Quote:

2. I see the others using Defend during their turn, when raw states it's to be used when it is not your turn. Are you using it during your current turn and then just knocking off an action on your next turn?

Since this is PbP, it’s hard to jump in or react. So I’m just handling Defend by saying it happened (during AriaNocturne’s turn), and I’m already counting that by taking one less action on my own turn—so I’ve got two actions left.

Last edited January 25, 2026 12:29 am

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 25, 2026 5:49 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra takes a mighty swing at the nearest Bugbear but it intercepts her blow with its massive club, sending a painful reverberating shock through her weapon arm that goes all the way to her shoulder. Even as her body struggles to process the shock of that impact, her mind remains clear and focused, and she channels radiant energy through her offhand, leaving a glowing mark of Rebuke on the Bugbear's furry chest.

It lets out a howl of rage which is cut short almost instantly as Thorne turns his attention to it from the kneebiting Gerbling, his blade striking home under the beasts' guard and nearly bringing it to its knees.

@Psybermagi: I think you can crit on your Rebuke. It kinda seems like a Cantrip shouldn't, but I don't see anything to the contrary (unless you do). AFAIK, unless specifically stated otherwise, any attack (whether with a weapon or spellcasting can crit), so let's see if you can put him out of his misery!

@ctme2000: Great questions! The action sequence can be a little confusing at first, especially in PbP since it doesn't have the flow of in person.

To answer your Question 2: In combat, turns always go Heroes first, then monsters. Aside from the first turn, where heroes roll initiative to determine the number of actions they get, heroes always get three actions for their turn. Once their turn is over and it becomes the monsters turn, their 3 actions reset, and can be used out of turn for Heroic Reactions, like Defend, Interpose, Opportunity Attack or Help. Actions spent during the monsters' turn are counted against the hero's total the *next* time they get to act. So if you defend against an attack on the monsters turn, you start your turn with only 2 actions remaining instead of 3. (Something to keep in mind with Heroic Reactions, is you can only do one of each type per turn.)

Since were in PbP, we're calling out Heroic Reactions after the monsters' combined turn. In person, players would react to the attacks as they happen in real time during the monsters' turn. And when those are all resolved, we'd start the next heroes' turn. Here, it seems to work to call out Reactions first on your hero's turn (so you know how many actions are remaining), and then follow that up with what you're doing this turn. Hopefully that makes sense....

Question 1: Once you use Anticipate Danger, it stays in effect until your hero takes an action on their next turn. Its predictive defense, rather than reactive (like Defend).

Question 1a: Yes, the first die in the chain is the Primary die - if that one (and only that one) comes up 1, the attack is a miss and has no effect.

Hopefully that helps! I'm not always the best at explaining things, so if any of that was unclear or vague or unintelligible, feel free to ask for more clarification! Those were great questions :)

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 25, 2026 6:50 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

critical added above 6+2=8

Last edited January 25, 2026 2:44 pm

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Jan 25, 2026 8:13 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Monk move his simple staff in whirling motion ending it with a blow, a kick and another hit.

OOC:

Free (cost of 1 Burst of speed): Whirling Defense
Action 1: attack with stuff
Actions 2,3: Unarmed strikes

[ +- ] Burst of Speed - Whirling Defense

Rolls

Staff - (1d8+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Unarmed - (1d4+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Unarmed - (1d4+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Staff crit - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Unarmed crit - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 26, 2026 6:54 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

gotcha, figured it was PbP related, appreciate it!

OOC:

now let's see if get this right.

Vilde focuses on the bugbear in front of her, trying to anticipate the spear's direction to sidestep it. She's too slow however and it punctures through her robe, the sky blue fabric turning a dark crimson. Dropping to a knee, she lets loose with another electrical zap, but is too shocked to hold the elemental weave together and the electricity instead flows through her, the smell of burnt hair suddenly in the air. With a guttural yelp, Vilde falls to the floor.

OOC:

HP 0/14, 1 Wound, Dying

OOC:

the bad news, as I rolled a 1 on the primary die I take the damage instead

OOC:

the good news, only two points of damage

OOC:

the worse news, I only had 2 HP left, ha

Last edited January 26, 2026 10:03 pm

Rolls

Perception (Anticipate Danger) - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Zap cantrip - (2d8)

(11) = 2

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 26, 2026 10:11 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The radiant energy of Caldra's Rebuke reverbverates through the Bugbear's body, and after a moment of twitching and inarticulate yowling, it falls back and collapses to the ground in a heap.

At the same time, Naut unleashes a flurry of blows with staff, fist and foot, overwhelming his Goblin foe and sending him to meet his maker.

@ctme2000: As an action, Assess - Anticipate Danger would have gone into effect during your turn and then be active for the *next* monster turn. It wouldn't protect against the previous attacks. But Heroic Reactions, e.g., Defend, would. In this case, if Vilde defends the damage from the Bugbear's attack would be reduced by her Armor of 2 to 8, leaving her at 12/14HP. Unfortunately the miscast burned those last 2 HP. :(

Vilde whirls and dodges, mitigating the Bugbear's blow a little, but the effort disrupts her concentration and the spell she was preparing misfires, discharging the electricity through her feet into the ground. She falls as the world swims around her. (However, you do gain the Charged condition for the next 10 turns/1 minute, so if one of your companions can get you back on your feet you'll have access to Overload - although it's an AOE so if any friends are in the Reach 2 blast radius, they'll be affected as well. Just sayin'!)

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 26, 2026 10:46 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Slightly restored, the Goblin leader calls out, "Come on you gits, get in the fray or we'll be having Gerbling for dinner tonight!" In response, another of the pesky critters pops out from behind the nearest building and charges Thorne.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 26, 2026 10:58 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The Goblin leader quickly draws his short bow and fires a black fletched arrow at Naut while the Gerbling hops and jumps and thrashes at him with manic intensity.

Having felled the mage, Bugbear #1 steps over her prone form and swings at Caldra from the rear, while Goblin #2 tries to keep Kessa tied up with a series of vicious thrusts and slashes with his shortsword.

On the right flank, the three Gerblings move as a pack and swarm Thorne, biting and slashing; #2 leaping at his face, #3 at his legs, and #4 attempting to clamp his myriad pointy little teeth down on Throne's sword arm.

Rolls

Goblin Leader vs Naut - (1d6+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Gerbling 1 vs Naut - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Bugbear 1 vs Caldra - (2d6+4)

(55) + 4 = 14

Goblin 2 vs Kessa - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Gerbling Swarm vs Thorne - (3d6)

(533) = 11

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 26, 2026 11:53 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne feels empowered after his quarry (Bugbear 2) dies.

OOC:

+1 Charge

[ +- ] Thrill of the Hunt

Then, he defends against the swarm and slashes back —hitting 4 and missing 3.

OOC:

Action 1: Defend. Took 11 - 5 = 6 damage. I am at 11/21 HP.

Actions 2 & 3: Attack

"Somebody kill the leader, otherwise we will be overwhelmed by this Gerbling horde." He says.

Last edited January 26, 2026 11:54 pm

Rolls

Shortsword vs 4 - (1d6+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Shortsword vs 3 (Advantage: Dual wield, Disadvantage: Rushed attack) - (1d6+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 27, 2026 12:22 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@htech: Thorne, take a Hero Coin for Tactical Awareness! GJ!

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 27, 2026 12:26 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Thanks! I will immediately use it to kill this annoying swarm. Here is my reroll vs Gerbling 3

Rolls

Shortsword vs 3 (Reroll) - (1d6+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Crit!! Die, Gerbling, die! - (1d6)

(3) = 3

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 27, 2026 12:27 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

And another one bites the dust! *cues music*

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 27, 2026 12:38 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Taking inspiration from defeating the first Gerbling and determination from the realization that the swarm wont stop until the boss is dispatched, Thorne turns a deflected blow into a reverse strike that flings the Gerbling that had attached itself to his leg into the air, and then follows that up with a downward slash that neatly bisects the fiend Fruit Ninja style.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 27, 2026 1:31 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra deflects the bugbear attack but grunts as the shock runs through her shield and into her. defend 14-8=6 before retaliating with her mace, still empowered by her radiant judgement, and sending a wave of healing energy into Vilde

[ +- ] 1: Heal

Last edited January 27, 2026 12:30 pm

Rolls

Mace - (1d6+12)

(4) + 12 = 16

Heal Vilde - (1d6+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 27, 2026 2:04 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Kessa spins and dodges away from the Goblin's attack, receiving only a grazing blow across her back, then steps behind the Bugbear Caldra just smacked and takes advantage of the Distraction to deliver a kidney strike to the large furry monstrosity. The Bugbear stiffens, arching its back, free hand clawing for the dagger, and then drops to his knees and slowly topples like a tree being felled.

OOC:

Defend: 7-5=2. Vicious Opportunist Attack. Assess: Anticipate Danger - Finesse +3, defensive posture.

She'll use her Vicious Opportunist ability to change the attack die to 4 and a crit.

Rolls

Attack vs Bugbear 1 - (1d4+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Anticipate Danger (Finesses +3) - (1d20+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Critical Damage - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Jan 27, 2026 7:31 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Naut partially parry Gerbling attack and rush toward goblin boss attacking him with both ends of his long stuff.

OOC:

Reaction (1): Defend Damage reduce from 6 to 2
Action (2): Move toward goblin boss (probably will get attack of opportunity)
Action (3): Burst of Speed attack
Free (Burst of Speed): Swiftstrike

[ +- ] Burst of Speed

Rolls

Staff - goblin leader - (1d8+2, RA)

(5) + 2 = 7

Staff - goblin leader - (1d8+2, RA)

(4) + 2 = 6

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 27, 2026 9:52 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

"Bloody 'ell, how are you... so... fast...?" The Goblin leader's eyes are wide with surprise and disbelief as he falls back against the side of the nearby cottage, then grow dark as he slowly slides to the ground.

As he does, two more Gerblings pop around the edge of the building with what appears to be about half a chicken in each of their mouths. The look at their boss. They look at Naut standing over him. And then turn tail and run the opposite direction and out of sight.

The other two Gerblings quickly follow suit. The last remaining Goblin immediately throws down his weapon and holds his hands up, palms empty and visible, and backs away slowly. "No trubble, don' want no trubble. He made us!!!!" He briefly gestures toward the fallen boss, then raises his hands again.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 27, 2026 9:55 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Can everyone please make an Insight roll for me?

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 27, 2026 11:11 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Insight check

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 28, 2026 12:08 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde takes a moment to regain her senses then slowly staggers up on her feet, a bit wobbly still. She grabs onto Caldra's shoulder to steady herself, giving a sheepish smile in appreciation, "Sorry, still learning this adventuring stuff."

She tries not to look at her bloodied robes or the wound in her side, not sure which one to be more annoyed at. Instead she watches the ensuing end of the battle, giving a tiny cheer as the goblin leader falls and gerblings dash away.

OOC:

@arianocturne thanks for the clarification

Last edited January 28, 2026 12:11 am

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 28, 2026 2:38 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra looks after the fleeing Gerblings, tracking them to ensure they truly left the town.

Last edited January 29, 2026 1:52 pm

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Jan 28, 2026 4:37 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Saving his breath after the burst of swifness Naut only say single word answering fallen goblin leader Focus!

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+0)

(7) = 7

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 28, 2026 5:29 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

You watch as the fleeing Gerblings flee - without leadership, and especially after seeing their boss and his Bugbear henchmen getting taken down so handily, they don't seem to have much appetite to linger.

In the relative quiet after the battle, Thorne and Vilde hear the sound of scrabbly footsteps and the now familiar rough murmur of Goblin voices and spot two ratriders, with Gerbling passengers seated backwards behind them, on the far side of the square racing out of Merivale to the north. By the time you can react, you lose sight of them behind the shops and cottages at the far side of the plaza. The last thing you do see, are the Gerblings making very rude taunting gestures that shan't be described here but are fairly universally understood by most humanoid creatures.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 28, 2026 11:01 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Moments later, an old man, looking frail and disheveled, stumbles out of the structure nearest where you saw the ratriders. He stands, shoulders slumped, and stares after the departing Goblins, an expression of shock and bewilderment on his lined face.

Beyond that, all is quiet.

What do you do?

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 29, 2026 4:44 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

"Hmph, how rude." Vilde mutters to herself seeing the rude gestures. Her attention focuses on the old man and something clicks into place, what if this wasn't just a simple attack by the goblins, but rather a diversion.

"Excuse me, sir? You seem rather distraught, do you mind telling us what happened?"

Last edited January 29, 2026 4:45 am

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Jan 29, 2026 1:54 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra joins Vilde but leave the man to her for now as she steps past to look into the building the man came from

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Jan 29, 2026 3:44 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Monk returns to the tree and sits there as if nothing just happened.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 29, 2026 10:45 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The old man shakes his head slowly. "I don't understand. It's not worth anything to anyone but us townfolk. It... it's like they're trying to rip the heart from this place. It makes no sense...," his voice trails off, eyes staring off into the distance.

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 30, 2026 4:06 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

In a non threatening manner, Vilde walks up to the old man, and in a calm, reassuring voice asks him, "Sir, we're here to help, but we need to know what it is that was taken?", assuming the worst that it's Moonblossom.

Rolls

Influence - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 30, 2026 5:29 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

He looks at Vilde with eyes still clouded by incomprehension. "A religious memento, a trinket with no value to anyone but a member of this community. When Merivale was founded many years ago, the High Priestess of the Temple of Kyva in Farhope blessed the settlers with a ceremonial hand scythe, which has been used ever since in all the rites of the seasons. It's a simple, humble object of oak and and iron, devoid of any adornment but etchings of the holy symbols of out order." He gestures to the stole around his neck. "I'm Brother Amos," he adds with a short bow.

"They... they burst into the shrine here," he nods to the small building behind him, "shoved me to the ground, tore the scythe from its mounting place on the wall, and then raced out. It's clear that's what they were after... but... why?" He looks at Vilde imploringly, as if she might be able to give him an answer that would make it all make sense.

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Jan 30, 2026 6:15 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde listens intensely to the man's story, trying to see if any of it correlates with things she's studied or heard before.

Rolls

Lore - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Jan 30, 2026 6:57 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@ctme2000: It does, on all sorts of levels of troubling. First, you know from your study of magical artefacts that objects can gain energy - magical, spiritual, sometimes, especially with necromancy, the line is blurry - through repeated use. A home that has been the residence of a happy family will absorb some of that positive energy; likewise, a slaughterhouse will retain the energetic stink of terror and death long after it ceases to be active. In this case, a religious trinket, blessed by a high priestess and used for generations in countless rituals of reaping and sowing, the cycle of death and rebirth, could become a powerful tool in the hands of a sorcerer performing a ritual involving those elements. Your thoughts immediately go back to the idea of using Moonblossom, sacrificing her for components, or *as* a component in some dark rite. Even without her, the use of this implement, especially if somehow tied to Merivale or something from Merivale, could be potentially potent indeed.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Jan 30, 2026 8:46 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne waits and listens silently while Vilde talks to Brother Amos.

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Feb 4, 2026 3:04 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The mage's eyes widen and a troubled look crosses her face as the wheels spin and click into place over what dark matters the holy artefact may be used for.

Not wanting to further traumatize the man, she declines to answer his question, instead replying with a reassuring smile "Thank you Brother Amos, we will do our best to retrieve the town's holy relic."

In a low voice, to her companions, "We need to retrieve what the goblins stole, otherwise I'm afraid this will be much worse than their plans for Moonblossom."

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 4, 2026 9:43 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra tries to comfort the aged townsman. "As Vildde stated, we will seek out your order's scythe." and gives a kindly but firm pat on his shoulder.

Moving to join her comrades she addresses them "Twice is just a few days. The goblins again seek sources of power. I presume it to to power some profane ritual. Doubles they will head much the same way as last time. Hopefully this will aid us in tracking them down.

The note from when we rescued Moonblosom mentioned Pinky and KROGG. One of those goblins was Pinky and he likely is heading back to KROGG. We should check with Moonblosom and some of the more experience villagers about this 'KROGG'."

Glancing towards the Monk she calls out "Brother, what brings you here? You fought well but the conflict is yet unresolved. Will you join us?"

OOC:

Caldra seems to be pulling in some heavy paragon of nobility and virtue vibes. LoL please dont let her get to far gone.

Last edited February 4, 2026 9:50 pm

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 4, 2026 11:27 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne is ready to help the villagers once again. He stays quiet, though, as usual.

Last edited February 4, 2026 11:28 pm

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Feb 5, 2026 5:47 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

No muscle moves no emotion reflects in monk's face - only his mouth opens enough to answer Caldra with another question Do we rush now or do we catch breath and you tell me what you know of that krogg and it's whereabouts before we seek it?
But you could realize his one sentence just told you
- he will join you unconditionally
- which should mean his business in the village is related to repeal goblin attacks
- he don't know nothing about krogg
- he suggest (even insists) to Catch Breath (both literary and mechanically)

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 6, 2026 9:05 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

As you gather in the plaza considering your options, you here a tine voice from somewhere up above. "Are they gone? Is it safe to come out?" Moonblossom, the town faerie, peeks her head out of a large knothole in the trunk of the great oak looking very relieved to see her rescuers but still trepidatious after the events of the last several days.

Meanwhile, off in the near distance, the smoke plume from the Ritter farm seems to be weakening a bit - perhaps the townsfolk are getting a handle on it.

How do you proceed?

GM Notes: You know you will be moving slower than the ratriders, not only because you're on foot, but also because you'll either need to track them, or hope that you can follow the strange and somewhat vague map to their lair. Either way, you're chasing the clock again. You have ample supplies left over from the last excursion, so unless there are specific things you didn't get last time that you think you might need for this venture, you should be travel ready.

A number of the party are wounded and could use some healing. Vilde also suffered a Wound from that last encounter, but healing that will take a Safe Rest.

This last attack was coordinated, strategically planned, and cost the Goblins pretty heavily in terms of commitment of resources and losses. These things combined may tell you something....

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 6, 2026 11:48 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Glancing to the monk Caldra pauses only a moment before turning to talk with the fearie. Perhaps that discussion will answer the monks questions as well as her own.
"Moonblosom, it seems that the goblins were not intent on you but may be after sources of magical power as this time they took a holy relic. Likely they will continue harassing the region unless they are cleared from the area. We were considering a bit of a mystery we found when we rescued you when this latest attack occurred.

We have a rough map and possibly a name of one of their leaders. Who would best be albe to help us to both decipher the crude goblin map and perhaps give clues on their leader who goes by 'KROGG' "

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 7, 2026 12:59 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Moonblossom flutters down from her tree, eyes warily scanning in all directions for signs of Goblins. When she's convinced they have truly gone, she comes to hover in front of Caldra. She looks at you thoughtfully for a moment and rubs her tiny chin, then says, "Well..., I'm not sure specifically, but I'd start with Marla at the Inn and Mayor Tills. When it comes to who's whos, Marla knows pretty much *everybody* - or knows someone who does." she pauses for a second with a slight giggle. "Or knows someone who knows someone who does. Or knows someone who knows someone who knows someone.... Anyway, when it comes to like places and maps, Mayor Tills is probably your best bet. He's been here almost as long as any mortal, and has access to all the city records. I know they do some treefelling in the woods," her face gets sad for a moment, and then she continues, "and the townsfolk used to do some mining up in hills of the Elderwild. But that pretty much stopped after the Goblins moved in. But he might have maps and things like that."

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 7, 2026 1:25 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne can't explain why, but he feels they'll need the monk's help.

So, he briefly explains to Naut what he knows about the goblins and what has happened in the last few days.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 7, 2026 2:57 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Over the next several minutes, the plume of smoke on the horizon continues to weaken, and people begin to trickle back into town from the Ritter farm. It's not long before you see the familiar forms of Marla Homebrew and her two daughters, Ruby and Pearl, rounding the bend and heading towards the plaza and the inn. They look a little sweaty and dirty, but seem to be in good spirits and are chatting amongst themselves as they walk.

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Feb 7, 2026 8:46 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Naut bows low to Thorne for the information and suggest Talk villagers - they trust you. I will check surroundings and tracks
Naut rise and in direction he seen ratriders disappear. Checking along the way any damage they have done that needs immediate attention (broken fence that allows animals to run away or alike). And he is going to check the direction in which ratriders moved.

OOC:

I guess all we need is a direction and there is no reason not to split while seeking for it. I would also like to assume the number of raiders and the haste should have left sufficient footprints - based on DM's last ooc message I guess trail will not be sufficient to follow, but story wise it sounds like a must to try.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 7, 2026 11:33 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Naut, you have no trouble picking out the giant rodent tracks amidst the boot and hoofprints of the town's residents. You only saw two riders, but they were moderately heavily loaded and moving fast, so the claws really dug in for the first dozen yards or so. They get slightly more difficult to make out once the animals reached a comfortable rat-gallop, but you are able to follow them to where they cut north from the main road and lead off into the brush. When you cast your eyes in their direction of travel, you can make out the undulations of the Bramblecrag foothills, and beyond that, cloaked in a perpetual mist, the eaves of the Elderwild.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 7, 2026 1:48 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra takes the map from the goblins and heads to find the Mayor or Marla. She will ask both about Krogg, mentioning it was a name learned from the encounters with the goblins and asks if anything is known of Krogg or any goblin leaders or reasons they may have had for moving into the region.

When she finds the mayor she will briefly explain what transpired in town and suggest that for the next while the town may want to organize a small militia with guards and patrols. She also point out the goblins seem to be collecting items and people with magical ties so perhaps those should be a place to keep special watch. She will show the goblin map to the mayor and ask about adding details to it or getting a copy of anything the town has that covers the same area and ask about who is most familiar with those lands to give additional details and suggestion.

Last edited February 20, 2026 3:32 pm

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 7, 2026 2:42 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne goes with Caldra and listens to the conversation.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 8, 2026 10:11 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

No one seems to have any familiarity with anyone named Krogg, but they all agree that sounds like a Goblin name. As to why they moved into the region, no one knows, however the Mayor suspects they may have pushed out of the Iceforge Mountains by something bigger and nastier.

Insofar as the map is concerned, Mayor Tills takes you to a woman named Audette who is one of the few people remaining in town who used to mine the hills before the Goblin problem made it untenable.

She stares at the map for a goodly amount of time, and then nods. "I reckon I know the place, if I'm readin' these Goblin chickenscratches right as landmarks. It's a good 2, maybe three days trek from here through the Elderwild, but there may still be a bit of a path. There's a hump of hills that had a whole bunch o' exploratory mines started in 'em. Never got too deep, though. Didn't seem to pan out, and then when the Gobbos came, well we all just closed up shop and called it quits."

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Feb 10, 2026 7:43 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Just want to say, don't wait for my PC - do the talking and prep without Naut. He will join party when the party leaves toward the mines.

Naut finds another tree to sit down in the shadows of. Monk meditate with a look toward the hills and makes sure no second wave of attack happens.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 10, 2026 1:48 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra asks the if there are maps of the area that Audette mentioned as well as how to get there. She also asks if anything strange had be noticed by Audette or the other miners before the goblins arrived.

"This seems perhaps the best alternative. I say we try and follow the goblins as we are able. If we lose their tracks then we can shift toward those hills and the mines there as a secondary objective. If it proves that the goblins path heads in that same direction then it will confirm that those mines are tied to all of this., "

As no life is currently at risk Caldra is less rushed to leave the town this time but still makes haste. Thinking of reaching and possibly entering the mins she will consult with Audette on what equipment the miner recommends, thinking to purchase at the least some rope and a lantern or some torches.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 10, 2026 6:49 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Audette thinks for a moment. "I don't think you'll be able to find the mines, much less this specific one without a guide, and I may be the only person left in town that knows the area well enough. I'm not an adventurer, by any means, but if you can put a stop to these Goblin raids, I could lend a hand. Although I'd lose several days of work. For equipment, except for food, torches, some rope, and spikes and a hammer just in case, I can't think of anything else one would need. At least when we were workin' 'em, the mines didn't go very deep."

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 11, 2026 12:54 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne studies the map in silence while Audette speaks, tracing the sketched hills and scratched symbols with a callused finger. He listens more than he talks, weighing her words the way he would wind or weather. When she finishes, he gives a small nod.

"A guide makes sense," he says plainly. "Tracks fade. Hills don’t. If the goblins came from somewhere bigger, they’ll have a place to hole up—and old mines are good for that."

He looks up at Audette then, meeting her eyes.

"We’d be better off with someone who knows the land than guessing our way through the Elderwild. If you’re willing to come, Audette, we’ll see you safe. And if those mines are tied to this… better we find out sooner than let Merivale wonder what’s still watching from the hills."

He turns to Vilde.

"Do you need some time to rest and recover before we travel?"

Last edited February 11, 2026 12:58 am

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Feb 11, 2026 3:16 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

sorry for the ghosting y'all, had some minor family medical emergencies, but good to go.

OOC:

also, for those interested, Nimble RPG is being reprinted, along with some new material. Kick-started yesterday ... https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nimblerpg/monsters-and-more-a-nimble-ttrpg-reprint-and-expansion

Vilde was so caught up in everything that she almost forgot about the wound dealt earlier. She places a hand to her side, and while there's some pain Caldra's healing seems to have helped enough. She feels for the magical energy within her and feels there's enough there as well. "Spending the night resting in a comfortable bed would be nice, but I don't think we have the time to do so, not with whatever evil deeds these goblins are planning. I'm ready to move on if the rest of you are."

OOC:

sooo, atm I'm more concerned about running out of mana than i am the wounds. Are there any HP/mana potions available in town? Is that even a thing in the game?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 11, 2026 10:21 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@ctme2000: I hope everything and everybody is ok! Family comes first. :) Also, I've been perusing the books and I don't see any mention of Mana Potions, so either they don't exist or they're so rare that you'd be unlikely to find one in a small town like Merivale.

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Feb 13, 2026 2:12 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

thanks AriaNocturne, appreciate it. Good to know regarding the potions. I'm good to move on.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 13, 2026 2:22 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

In case they end up racing the mines Caldra asks Audette the best place to get the suggested supplies and heads there to get them quickly as the others prepare to leave.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 14, 2026 12:39 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Thorne is ready to leave.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 16, 2026 10:52 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Together with Audette, you collect the requisite supplies for the journey - about a weeks rations, some caving supplies (rope, spikes, hammers and torches) - and then head out of Merivale. The sun is high in the sky, and while the air is relatively warm, there is a cool breeze coming down from the mountains that carries with it the hint of rain. Within an hour or so, you've passed the last of the outlying farms, and the gently rolling and grassy hillsides stretch into the distance to where your eyes can just make out the eaves of the Elderwild. The gentle buzzing of insects and the chirruping of various birds are the only sounds you hear beside the breeze and your own footsteps. At the moment, all seems idyllically peaceful.

GM note: The journey will take you three days, counting today, so you will camp three times before you reach your final destination. While Audette knows the way, she is not a skilled hunter or outdoorsperson, so one of the party members (ideally the one with the highest Naturecraft) should make a skill check to see how smoothly the day's journey went. Once you make camp, you should designate someone to take the nightwatch. It should be a different person each night so as not to accumulate fatigue. Whoever takes the nightwatch should make an Insight roll.

Whoever is providing guidance for the first day's trek, please make a Naturecraft roll!

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 16, 2026 2:03 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne leads the way, leaving today's nightwatch for someone else.

Rolls

Naturecraft - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Feb 16, 2026 5:26 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

i got +0 in both but could take first watch. Should have less if any impact if i fail. What does everyone else think?

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 17, 2026 2:54 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The journey to the eaves of the Elderwild goes largely without incident. The tranquility of the rolling grasslands and the unimpeded vistas give you a sense of safety that you know is misplaced, but is still difficult not to be lulled into. The sun begins to wane as the towering canopy of the Elderwild approaches and you all know from experience that it would be better to make camp on this side of the wood, even if your position is somewhat exposed. The nearby river offers fresh water and the possibility of a fish dinner, and the ford that you will need to cross tomorrow creates a natural chokepoint for anything coming from the Elderwild.

You make camp, restock your water supplies, and settle down for dinner and then a well-deserved rest.

Who will take tonights nightwatch?

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 17, 2026 3:11 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

I assume by "night watch" this is the middle of the night and they sleep early/later or some such so they are not up for 40 hours

Caldra takes the first nights watch over the company

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+4)

(14) + 4 = 18

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 17, 2026 3:52 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

You all are too good! :) And yes. Whoever's on the late shift will have a chance to rest after dinner before the rest of the crew goes to sleep, so you're not completely wrecked. But not something you want to do every night >.<

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 17, 2026 9:54 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne continues to guide the group through the Elderwild the following day.

Rolls

Naturecraft - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Feb 18, 2026 3:07 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde feels stronger after a night of rest and good food and offers to take watch that evening.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Feb 18, 2026 3:19 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

While waiting for rolls narrated and assuming I will not be doing night watch with my +0, I will just maybe take time to introduce my PC

It is only at the camp and only after Naut spent an hour of martial art rehearsal when Naut introduces himself and explain
My Name is Nuat. And that is the only name I have got. I have walked alone for many seasons, following no banner, pledging no crown. My order taught that stillness reveals purpose — and in stillness, I saw you. I saw your deeds.
I seek no glory, no money, not even a recognition. I only ask you to let me walk by your side and assist in battle.

Before going sleep he repeats slowly and quietly as if praying: I listen where others shout. I see where others rush. I stand when others falter.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 20, 2026 12:26 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Sorry for slow posting - got taken down by the bug that's been going around, and I have to say I'm not a fan. On the bright side, I think it's on its way out. *fingers crossed*

On your first full day in the Elderwild, Audette leads the group along the remnants of the trail until around midday, when you reach a clearing. You take a moment for lunch, the scan the perimeter looking for the other side of the trail. You find a few likely candidates, but none seem any better defined than the others, all having been largely overtaken by the aggressive forest. Ultimately, Thorne makes the call, deciding on the one that most directly continues the path of travel you were previously on.

The going is a little slower than before, but by mid afternoon the woods part, and the path leads down into an elongated depression which, at the far end, opens onto a creek. The sky is still a dull overcast, and the clouds hang close overhead. When you step out of the shelter of the trees, you can feel a cool breeze coming down off the mountains to the north. The buzzing of insects and small animal sounds that were your constant companions in the wood are somewhat muffled in the whooshing of the wind. The temperature isn't that cold, but the breeze and the dampness make it feel much more so than it actually is.

You descend down the path into the depression, which lies about twelve to fifteen feet below the forest level. There are some small trees sprouting up in a few spots near the walls and a scattering of humps of brush (mostly tall grass and reeds) along the floor of the bowl. The skeletons of a few taller trees, limbless, but festooned in flowering vines, stand almost like lampposts leading to where it opens onto the creek at the far side.

When you reach the bottom, your feet squelch in the marshy soil. Now that you're in the small ravine, shielded slightly from the wind, you do notice a slight 'marshy' smell, but its mixed with the pleasant aroma of the pink and magenta blossoms of the climbing vines. Thorne surmises that this area probably floods during the time of snowmelt in spring, but the waters have receded now and the distant creek doesn't seem to be in danger of overflowing at the moment.

How do you proceed?

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 20, 2026 3:35 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra looks around the area before turning to Audette Where are those mines located and are there any vantage points in this area we can go to for a better view of the surroundings? If the goblins are in this area in numbers and going out to gather magical supplies they must be traveling trails. If we can find the trails they will lead us to the heart of the problem

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 21, 2026 5:47 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Checking the sun, Audette answer's, "We're going in the right direction, roughly north-northeast. Once we get to the foothills I'll be able to get a better sense of how far east or west of us they lie. As to a place to get a better lay o' the land...," her face clouds over as she scans her memory for anything that might be helpful. "Maybe climb a really tall tree? I don't know. its pretty much a slow rise from here to the foothills, and even from the trees, the fog would make it hard to see far."

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 21, 2026 8:54 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne looks around and tries to find a tall tree, something unusual or a place to get a better lay of the land.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(9) + 3 = 12

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Feb 21, 2026 9:18 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

If Thorne believe it doesn't seem to be in danger of overflowing at the moment, then Nuat trusts him. Nuat also trust Audette to say we are going into the right direction. He don't see a reason to worry, but volunteer climbing a tree just to calm down anxious party members. If no objection on his climbing skills.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 21, 2026 9:40 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne gladly accept Nuat's help

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 26, 2026 8:57 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne finds a tall and sturdy tree nearby and shimmies up the trunk, then uses the limbs to climb as high as he can go. The oppressive cloud cover makes long distance visibility spotty, but after several minutes of observing, the overcast lifts just enough for him to see the distant foothillis in the north, confirming that you're going in roughly the right direction. Closer, he can see the lip of the bluff overlooking the creek on both sides of the depression, and the sea of trees which continue seeming unabated to your destination.

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Feb 27, 2026 12:48 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

"What can you make out up there!" Vilde shouts up to Thorne, before her eyes go wide and she quickly covers her mouth. eek, the goblins may hear us

Embarrassed, "Sorry."

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 27, 2026 3:38 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra glances around not liking it. We should leave this place quickly. We should consider this area to be hostile territory and in this low depression we have reduces visibility.

Caldra does not feel at home in the woodlands but the area feels off to here and she wishes they had just gone around it.

Last edited February 28, 2026 9:57 pm

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 27, 2026 10:17 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne shares what he saw with the party and urges them to continue traveling

Last edited February 27, 2026 10:18 am

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Feb 27, 2026 2:52 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Happy to get going

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 28, 2026 7:32 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

You enter the depression determined to cross it as quickly as possible and get across the creek and on your way, but you find the going more difficult than expected. The squelching ground with its cover of moss, leaves and other greenery hides places where solid footing gives way and your feet sink into cold marshy water and sucking mud. You pick your way, slowly and carefully through the maze of sinkholes using the humps of brush as potential safe havens through the crossing. When you reach the first one, you do find a small patch of relatively solid ground. But disturbingly, it seems that the brush has grown up and through a pile of skeletal remains of various creatures.

The sun is beginning to dim as the afternoon wears on into the early dusk of the Elderwild gloom. The patch you're on is roughly 4-5' around, like a small island in a sea, and at its center is the remains of a medium sized tree, now just a rotting limbless trunk overrun by flowering vines. From here, the pleasing scent of the flowers is very strong and almost intoxicating. You find yourselves relieved to have found a place to rest and plan your next move but find yourselves more road weary than you would have expected. The thought enters your collective minds that this wouldn't be a bad spot to rest your feet for awhile and enjoy the tranquility of this place....

Everyone please make a Naturecraft or Wil roll.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 28, 2026 7:50 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Rolling...

Rolls

Naturecraft - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Feb 28, 2026 9:59 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Clara checks the area, more for defense and to conceal the party than for comfort

Last edited February 28, 2026 10:04 pm

Rolls

Nature - (1d20+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Feb 28, 2026 10:19 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Wil

Rolls

WIL - (1d20+2)

(15) + 2 = 17

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Feb 28, 2026 10:46 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne, you've seen other examples of plants that lure in prey with an enticing scent, some of which even have a soporific component to their pollens that lulls them into a sense of safety or even sleep. You put that together with the piles of bones surrounding the tree at the center of the island and the whole situation looks perilous.

Vilde, you get the sense that there may be something magical at play here. The Elderwild is imbued with magic, so you always feel a low tingle of that energy when you're within its reach, but something more localized tugs at your attention and your gaze shifts to the flowers. They are beautiful, and their scent is lovely, but there's a magical emanation coming from them as well.

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Feb 28, 2026 10:50 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

roll

Rolls

Naturecraft - (1d20+0)

(2) = 2

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Feb 28, 2026 11:16 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Frowning at the flowers, Vilde cautions the group. "Something seems wrong here. I know we're all tired, but I think we should move on."

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Feb 28, 2026 11:19 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde says:

"Something seems wrong here. I know we're all tired, but I think we should move on."

"I completely agree".

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Mar 1, 2026 12:45 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Clueless about the floral that Caldra trusts her companions warning and agrees to moving on.

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Mar 5, 2026 10:38 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

You carefully pick your way from 'island' to 'island,' each one surrounding a rotting tree trunk covered in flowering vines; each one surrounded by a collection of bones through which the grass and reeds are growing. The fatigue grows greater and the slog from one island to the next seems more daunting with each tree you pass. You're almost to the space where the gap opens onto the creek, just a few more islands to go, but your feet, your heads, your eyes all feel so heavy....

Everyone please make Strength check for physical resilience. Those of you who passed their Naturecraft checks can opt for a Will check instead if that's more beneficial.

As you're standing there trying to muster the energy to cover the last twenty feet or so of the marsh, you hear the sound of animal snuffling from behind you. At the entrance to the bowl, looking down at you from the lip, you see this....

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Mar 6, 2026 12:04 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Rolling

Rolls

WILL - (1d20+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Mar 6, 2026 12:37 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Thorne, you recognize that these are not the same beasts you encountered previously - they're smaller and more lithe. Whereas the others looked more like wolves, these appear to be some form of... jackal maybe? You immediately connect them to the piles of bones surrounding the tree stumps and the aromatic flowers - scavengers.

You fight the soporific haze, but you feel you're losing the battle. Despite your best efforts, your eyes keep closing, creating an almost stroboscopic effect as the images appear and disappear, still shots in sequence with dark blank spaces in between.

Until you can escape the depression, you have the Poisoned condition, giving you disadvantage on all rolls.

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Mar 6, 2026 1:44 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra recognized the situation for what it is, a natural trap where the scavengers pray on the weakened creatures that struggle with the mire. "Find good footing and high ground if you can" she suggests and she does just that.

OOC:

how far are the animals? Any larger trees or high ground nearby?

Rolls

STR - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Mar 6, 2026 4:10 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

roll

Rolls

STR - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Mar 6, 2026 6:18 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Naut is looking for Audette - how is she doing in this moment and if she need any help

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Mar 6, 2026 5:17 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

Strength check

Muscles aching, drowsiness seeping in, the threat of the beasts following them is the only thing that allows Vilde to struggle on.

Last edited March 6, 2026 5:32 pm

Rolls

STR - (1d20-1)

(12) - 1 = 11

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Mar 6, 2026 6:41 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

@ctme2000: Vilde is feeling a lot like Thorne - she isn't quite experiencing the strobe effect he is, but every fibre in her body is telling her 'rest..., close your eyes..., just relax.' She has acquired the Poisoned condition and now has Disadvantage on all rolls until the symptoms abate.

Audette smiles and gives Naut a thumb's up. "It'll take more'n some overgrown weed to bring me down." Then, glancing at the ranger and the mage, she adds, "But these two look a little worse for wear. They might need some help getting out of this muck."

She quickly steps over to Vilde and loops the mage's arm over her shoulder just as the latter was turning a whiter shade of pale and starting to tip precariously.

Rolls

Audette Str roll (+1) - (d20+1)

(15) + 1 = 16

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Mar 6, 2026 6:59 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Sensing that their dinner might be forth coming, the Woodjacks begin pacing along the lip of the depression, observing. Their steps are silent, but their sniffing is audible, and the hunger and anticipation in their vivid green eyes is unmistakable. They haven't fully entered the depression yet, but the lead beast is tentatively skulking his way down the slope.

There are two more islands to navigate before you reach the far side of the ravine. So close - if it weren't for the perilous ground. And judging from experience, you'll probably be exposed to enough of the toxic pollens by the time you reach the last one that more of you may come under their effects. Meanwhile the Woodjacks seem to be getting bolder by the moment.

How would you like to proceed?

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Mar 7, 2026 5:04 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

AriaNocturne says:

As you're standing there trying to muster the energy to cover the last twenty feet or so of the marsh, you hear the sound of animal snuffling from behind you.

OOC:

6 meters? How hard could this be? I guess Naut would be there and back by the time Audette finish her monologue, wouldn't he?
Maybe I'm missing something. OK let's go with this

Naut don't wait Audette to finish her sentence, he steps by the other side of Vilde and asks help me take her and carry Vilde in his arms for the rest of the way.

OOC:

Do I need to roll Might to do that? Maybe it would be enough to assume I use "Windstep. Move on your turn, ignoring difficult terrain." ?

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Mar 7, 2026 11:10 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Still oblivious to any environmental issues, save the mud, but seeing her companions flagging, Caldra helps the others mover to better footing or a stout tree

GM Ari

AriaNocturne Inactive for 8 months

Mar 8, 2026 9:29 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

The Woodjacks nimbly leap to the first island, eyes intensely locked on you - you can almost feel them sizing up the group and picking out those who have succumbed to the flowers' call.

The Scene: Thorne and Vilde have been affected by the toxin and will have to make saving throws at each of the last two islands to stay conscious. While they are affected (Poisoned), all of their rolls - except the Save - will be at disadvantage. Caldra, Naut and Audette are so far unaffected.

What You Know: Maneuvering through the marsh without stepping into a sinkhole, quicksand, or just brackish water and potentially falling in is tricky. You've been able to manage it fairly well so far because you've taken your time and the light was good. Now you're under pressure, the light is failing, and you'll have to find footholds that are big enough for two people if you plan to assist Thorne and Vilde. It will be a Challenging DC15 task, using the lesser of Naturecraft, Finesse, or brute Strength. Because of the lack of solid ground, having two people assist the same person will not help.

Naut: The abilities of the Zephyr are based on self-knowledge, body control, and being unencumbered. If you choose to assist Vilde across the mire, you won't be able to Windstep.

Thorne Underbough

htech Inactive for 1 months

Mar 8, 2026 10:27 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Maneuvering through the marsh, Thorne tries to stay awake.

Rolls

STR Save (stay conscious) - (1d20+0)

(18) = 18

Naut

GreyWord Inactive for 1 months

Mar 8, 2026 11:59 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

OOC:

ok ignore my last post. Just going forward and keep rolling.
By the way i guess i have advantage

[ +- ] Poison Resistance

Rolls

STR - (2d20h1+2)

(1317) + 2 = 19

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Mar 9, 2026 2:15 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Vilde can feel her strength fading as she tries to maneuver through the marshy ground.

Last edited March 9, 2026 2:17 am

Rolls

STR - (1d20-1)

(5) - 1 = 4

Caldra

Psybermagi Inactive for 15 days

Mar 11, 2026 1:22 am

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

Caldra assists Thorne to move faster and notices Vilde suffering. Slipping her hand into a pouch and calls upon the power in the token granted by the faerie to bestow its strength to Vilde.

[ +- ] Golden Acorn : 1 use

Last edited March 11, 2026 1:23 am

Vilde Stershyn

ctme2000 Inactive for 1 months

Mar 14, 2026 10:01 pm

Ch.2 Goblins, why did it have to be Goblins?

With a weak smile, Vilde takes the acorn and munches on it, the taste a mixture of sweet and savory. After a moment though, it quickly sours and she spits it out. "I'm sorry, it must have gone bad."

Last edited March 14, 2026 10:04 pm

Rolls

STR (reroll) - (1d20-1)

(10) - 1 = 9

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