Chapter 4.2: The Dim Journey to Orlane

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Apr 17, 2026 5:59 pm
OOC:
Some notes:
@Mathfuric - Antonius uses up to four applications of the powder out of the eight that he has brought (you decide). Note that, mechanically, the way to ensure that a corpse does not animate as undead is by casting the L2 spell, Gentle Repose...which isn't happening here, but I love the roleplay.

@matmaisan - I've narrated Berthold's noise because you didn't roll that DEX (Stealth) check. But you can still roll it (with DISADV because of the chain mail) if you wish.

@WhtKnt @mathias0077 - I mentioned the minute just because Berthold is that far behind you, not that we are moving into rounds. If you wish to look around the farm, you can roll WIS (Perception) checks to search for people who might be hiding. If you don't want to look for hidden figures, you can explore the farm, either by rolling a WIS (Insight) check (to synthesize all that you're seeing) or by rolling an INT (Investigation) check (to gather clues). Finding hidden people will prevent them from having surprise if they jump out and attack. Doing any of those three things will take the time remaining before Berthold also arrives at the farm, so after the first roll from each of you, Berthold can also roll any of those things if he wishes.

@CancerMan,@rpgventurer - Let me know if there's anything in particular that you'd like to do, with them back at the wagon, in the forest observing the death cleric's funeral ceremony, or going someplace else.
Apr 17, 2026 6:15 pm
As Dell heads into the barn he will scan the property and house to see if there are and sentries posted around the grounds. As he sees know sentries he will move out and investigate the fire pit first to see if he can tell how long since the boar was roasted then move to the house looking all around for prints of signs of habitation.
Last edited April 17, 2026 6:39 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20)

(8) = 8

investigation - (1d20+3)

(20) + 3 = 23

Apr 17, 2026 7:14 pm
After helping to secure the confiscated weapons, moving the bandits’ bodies, and aiding his companions, Kazzak will stay near the wagon to guard it. During this time he removes the canary cage’s cover. "I know you like the fresh air," he whispers.

He strolls carefully around the wagon, watching for suspicious movement among the trees. Kazzak observes Antonius’ ritual from his position, but is careful to not be distracted.
OOC:
Rolling Perception just in case it’s needed.
Last edited April 17, 2026 7:16 pm

Rolls

Perception check - (1d20+1)

(13) + 1 = 14

Apr 17, 2026 7:38 pm
Sora listens again, straining to hear any noises.

Rolls

Wisdom check - (1d20+3)

(5) + 3 = 8

Apr 17, 2026 8:46 pm
Amnestria sits in the wagon, waiting to be carted to the next location and for her nerves to settle.
Apr 17, 2026 10:46 pm
spaceseeker19 says:
OOC:
Some notes:
@Mathfuric - Antonius uses up to four applications of the powder out of the eight that he has brought (you decide). Note that, mechanically, the way to ensure that a corpse does not animate as undead is by casting the L2 spell, Gentle Repose...which isn't happening here, but I love the roleplay.
OOC:
I feel he would still feel it was worth doing to honour his Lady and honour death. Thanks it was a cool thing to search up 😁
I removed Antonius light crossbow and replaced it with a component pouch, as this makes more sense.
When Antonius is done he will encourage the group to move the wagon slowly closer to the homestead.
Last edited April 17, 2026 11:20 pm
Apr 18, 2026 8:25 pm
‘Why are t the others coming along’, the knight wondered as he continued his approach of the farmstead.
OOC:
I’ll roll stealth with disadvantage since you’ve narrated Berthold’s approach. It seemed obvious to me that he would not advance without the other party members, but my OOC comment might have been poorly worded. He had no desire to spoil the nice bit of scouting by Dell, Sora and Grallaria.

EDIT: a natural one, nice!
Last edited April 18, 2026 8:26 pm

Rolls

Berthold (Baronet of Dunsdale): Dexterity check (disadvantage) - (2d20L1+0)

(117) = 1

Apr 18, 2026 10:32 pm
OOC:
I thought Sora, Grallaria, and I were going to scout. I didn't think anyone else was coming. I missed that, it I would have known I would have tried to stop him. Maybe Sora can intercept? Before he gives us away.
Last edited April 18, 2026 11:08 pm
Apr 19, 2026 6:06 am
OOC:
Was going to move away from the bodies and a good distance from the homestead.
Hey @spaceseeker19, how far from the homestead are we?
Apr 19, 2026 3:12 pm
Mathfuric says:
how far from the homestead are we?
OOC:
Antonius hasn't seen it, but we can assume that Dell has given the party a rough idea. From the Road to to the edge of the farm, the path is only 120 paces long. As we know from the World book entry on measurements, two human paces are 5'. So in D&D measurements, that's 60 five-foot squares, or 300'.
Apr 19, 2026 3:35 pm
Berthold stops as soon as he realizes that the others aren't coming, and that he should give the scouts more time to complete their mission.

Rather than entering the farm to search, Sora stays in the trees to be able to watch and listen to detect any other bandits who might sneak up on Dell. She sees and hears none.

Dell notes the boar, which was probably cooked within the last day. Frowning at the implications, Dell moves into the barn - there's nothing in there - and into the house. The bones and gristle scattered around the chairs along with the various clay mugs confirm what he suspected: at least ten people were here, eating the boar. Looking in the various rooms, he sees that all the beds have been used, and blankets on the floor point to many people squatting in this abandoned home. ::Yes:: he thinks ::These were the ones who were occupying the house last night::. None are present now.

Based on what he's seen and heard, Dell envisions the following scenario: last night he approached the farm, saw it was occupied, and left. But it was bandit squatters on the farm, who must have posted lookouts, and they saw him. Not concerned with a single man, the bandits debated what to do, with some thinking he was just a single traveler on the way to Hochoch. In the morning, the remaining bandits left to do...something, leaving four of their number to remain near the farm, and when those heard the wagon approaching, those four hastily set up their ambush.
Apr 19, 2026 4:50 pm
Dell will gather up Sora and Grallaria and head back to the other post haste. He will explain"It surely looks like bandits have taken up residence at the Jarl's farmstead. I think probably ten total, These four were left behind to watch after the place but probably heard our wagon and thought we were easy prey. He will look around"The barn is empty so we can stash it there and rest and set an ambush up for them if we like."
Apr 20, 2026 12:15 am
"Dell, I share your enthusiasm to rid the forest of these bandits, but we have a job to do. I suggest we inform the authorities in Orlane."
Apr 20, 2026 8:46 am
Antonius listens carefully as Dell lays out his assessment, his brow furrowed in thought as he weighs the options. "Your reasoning is sound," he says at last, nodding once. "If there are more of them, an ambush here could end this threat before it spreads further—and we might learn who they answer to… or what drives them." His gaze shifts toward the treeline, voice lowering slightly. "We have already heard whispers of the dead rising in this forest. Men do not gather like this, armed and desperate, without cause. I would know if something darker is at work." He straightens, resolve settling into his posture. "No—we stay. We prepare the ambush, quietly and with care. If they return, we take one alive if we are able. I would rather bring them to judgment in chains… than walk away and remain blind to whatever stirs in these woods."
Apr 20, 2026 9:53 am
Dell will look at Kazzak"No one wants to get to Orlane quicker than I. My brother is there. But what we have heard of Orlane it doesn't sound like we can trust the authorities. We can't allow these bandits to set up camp. What if the Jarl's decide to comeback?"
Apr 20, 2026 4:08 pm
Amnestria adds, "Plus, we need a safe place to help Olyena."
Apr 20, 2026 7:17 pm
Kazzak raises his hands in a mock surrender and smiles. "You've convinced me."

He turns to Dell. "You said there's probably at least six others in the group? We'll have to assume they'll be on alert when they return. They might even have some kind of signal they use to greet each other safely."
OOC:
Were the dead bandits buried? I am not sure from the description of the ritual.
Apr 20, 2026 11:11 pm
Antonius gives a small, measured nod at Kazzak’s concession, then answers the unspoken concern with quiet clarity. "No, they are not buried," he says, glancing toward the bodies. "There was not time for full interment—but the rites are done. They will not rise easily, if at all." His tone hardens slightly as practicality takes hold. "Still, we do not leave them where they fell. We move them into the barn—out of sight—and bind them. Dead or not, I prefer certainty." He gestures for the others to assist, already thinking ahead. "If the others return wary, we give them reason not to be. Scatter a few skins, leave the look of drink and idleness—bandits are rarely disciplined, and it may dull their suspicion if they believe their fellows were simply lax." His eyes flick briefly toward Dell. "Assume they have a signal, yes—but men grow careless when they think themselves safe. We will be ready when that moment comes."
Apr 21, 2026 3:12 am
So it sounds like the party wants to use the Jarl farm to recuperate and to prepare an ambush for the remaining bandits that may return soon.
There is a farmhouse with two stories consisting of a main room/kitchen and a side bedroom, with narrow stairs leading up to three other rooms upstairs.
There is a stone well, where the family drew water for cooking.
There is a midden heap, where the family emptied their bed pans, kitchen scraps, and any other vegetable waste.
There is a large barn, containing a wood pile, loft for hay or other cut and dried food for animals, and pens for a couple of animals (now gone).
There is a vegetable garden, for growing food for the family.
There are crop fields, for growing crops to sell at market.

What, then, is the plan?
Where will you put the oxen?
Where will you stow the wagon?
Where/how will you hide the corpses?
Where will each of you conceal yourselves?
Are there any other preparations you wish to make?
Apr 21, 2026 6:26 am
Kazzak checks the well and the quality of its water. He’s heard of water supplies being poisoned at times with corpses.
OOC:
Anyone want to help Investigate?

Brainstorming:
Put the bodies in one of the barn’s pens
Owl keeps watch overhead
Start a fire in the fireplace when the bandits arrive so they see smoke coming out of the chimney
Ox and wagon in the barn
Spellcasters on the upper floor
Melee fighters on the ground floor
We’ll need to name watches

Questions:
How long do we want to stay before we leave for Orlane?
Anyone plan to wait in the barn?
@spaceseeker19 How far is the barn from the farmhouse and where are the farmhouse windows?
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