The Caves Of Chaos: First Blood

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf Fighter

“Yes, onward to where we left the other crew. Let’s stay alert in case those halflings aren’t as innocent as they appear to be and have actually set up some type of trap ahead!” He nods follows behind Bugs.

[Stirling]

Crabgrass

Figures they are probably a bunch of rascals like Bugs. "Bet they are in league with the kobolds." he mutters.

He muses in them trying to persuade us to not focus on the ruin we saw. Maybe it is the brigands hideout or a place of treasure they want to keep for themselves? Interesting, perhaps if the caves get less lucrative, we can check that out.

I am fine heading back to the Keep.

[OGRE MAGE]

The Infamous Caves Of Chaos
Back To The Keep
Partly Sunny, Afternoon

Unsatisfied by their conversation with the friendly/shady hobbits, the group decide to leave them to their business as they attempt to make it back to the Keep. There are no traps ahead or other indications that their group meant you any harm.

Pressing the rest of the way through the forest, the party makes it out to the road again. They head back to the area where Renna pounded her stick into the ground (red X) to find it missing from the hole. There is no sign of the stick laying around on the ground, however.

Reaching the area where the road detours into the forest, Loyn remembers dealing with the bandits on their way to the caves. The dwarf suggests they don't go through the forest and instead hug the bank of the washed out river to make their return.

Actions?

Wilderness - Copy.jpeg (93.56 KiB) Viewed 17426 times

Keya Redd: Half-Elf C/R AC5 7/12 CLWx2
Loyn Shortbeard: Dwarf F AC5 11/12
Bugs Donato: Gnome T AC3 8/8
Crabgrass: Half-Elf C/MU AC7 3/7 CLW Sleep Sanctuary
Haldric Hammerheart: Dwarf C AC3 9/12 CLWx3
Rida: Human F AC2 9/10
Gyb the Meager: Human M AC10 6/8

[Rex]

Rida

Rida will continue to follow along bringing up the rear and watching behind them for surprises.

[Jernau35]

Gyb

"We never were sure of how many bandits." says Gyb. "We counted four and thought at least two more. Those we saw, left, going north, after taking the money".

"They earned a lot. Probably more than expected. Perhaps they gambled, took their winnings and left?"

"They said the other trail was home to giant frogs. A lie? Maybe. But if true, dangerous. Frogs can lie in wait and we would never see them".

"I say we scout the trail again. We're a smaller group now, more stealthy. If we see bandits
we can retreat and try the river".

[Stirling]

Crabgrass

Would be in agreement with Gyb to stick to a known route.

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf Fighter


Loyn considers each route, knowing either way could prove dangerous. He agrees taking the known path first and if not clear then take the river route.“Bugs, you want to do some recon with me?”

[Stirling]

Crabgrass

If Bugs and Loyn want to sneak ahead, then I can carry a few bits of pack and gear that might otherwise betray their stealthy movements. I am not sure I can do too much more in a practical way except cast Resist Cold upon one of them in the slim case either sneaks gets blasted by a cold or frosty form of attack, even hypothermia.

Resist Cold cast. I am fine with it being taken by choice or randomly assigned.

After blessing a comrade, he will continue along on the trail with the few bits of extra gear.

[ravenn4544]

Haldric follows either way, preferring to be quick about it so they can be that much sooner to return to the Caves.

[Monsieur Rose]

Bugs

Bugs is still mentally occupied with the halflings and starts when his name is said. "Oh! Scout? Sure, let's go."

He waves off the generous offer of holding his stuff, but thanks Crabgrass all the same.

Bugs will stick to the treeline along the detour and try to move silently. He keeps a lookout for any fallen trees.

MS (30): [1d100]=71

[OGRE MAGE]

The Infamous Caves Of Chaos
Back To The Keep
Partly Sunny, Afternoon

Loyn suggests the others wait while he and Bugs sneak forward through the wooded trail, apparently forgetting about the Ranger Keya standing beside them. Crabgrass casts a spell that will help protect Loyn from cold, in case the bandits have more tricks up their sleeves this time through.

After a short trek alongside the path, they both spot the thick log rolled back into the middle of the trial. Upon the log sit 6 dark clothed figures, sharpening their swords and chatting quietly. When they hear Bugs and Loyn stomping towards them, one of their group stands and waves the pair forward, towards them.

They are still a good distance off, and no vocalizations are made from their team as of yet.

Actions?

Keya Redd: Half-Elf C/R AC5 7/12 CLWx2
Loyn Shortbeard: Dwarf F AC5 11/12
Bugs Donato: Gnome T AC3 8/8
Crabgrass: Half-Elf C/MU AC7 3/7 CLW Sleep Sanctuary RC
Haldric Hammerheart: Dwarf C AC3 9/12 CLWx3
Rida: Human F AC2 9/10
Gyb the Meager: Human M AC10 6/8

[Stirling]

Crabgrass

Waits from his secluded spot for any cry of alarm, pain or help.

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf Fighter

Loyn looks at Bugs and groans. “Not these sonsabitches again! You think we should go talk to ‘em? Prolly got some scam set up! The ol’ free armor trick or something.”

The dwarf walks back to where he can see the others waiting and calls out loudly. “WE HAVE A FEW OF THOSE BANDITS LEFT BEHIND FROM THE LAST TRIP!!!”

[Jernau35]

Gyb

Gyb waits with Crabgrass. "It's clear now. We should have fought them". He shakes his head ruefully. "This will happen every time. And when they make more, more men will want to join them".

[Rex]

Rida

"Should we try sneaking around them?"

[ateno]

"Well if we cut left and stay just within the treeline, we should be able to avoid them and any troubles near the river, need to be on watch, I would expect a few traps set by our friends perhaps."

Keya

[ravenn4544]

Haldric harmumphs at the new news. "Seems we have some right bastards out here too! I don't have any prayers left to offer in aide if things go poorly for us"

[Monsieur Rose]

Bugs

He sighs and mentally starts counting coins while walking back with Loyn. "What do you think? Go around, or stay back and fire arrows? Maybe we could negotiate a fee to not attack them."

[OGRE MAGE]

The Infamous Caves Of Chaos
Back To The Keep
Partly Sunny, Afternoon

Ignoring the strangers waving at them, Loyn and Bugs walk back to reunite with the others again.

A few suggestions on how to deal with this situation are bandied about, but none of them are tried up to this point.

The ground to the south of the river looks saturated, but not impassable. There is a good chance it will be rather soggy, however.

No creatures are seen in the river from a distance, but the recent warnings of giant toads still ring in the back of more than one mind.

Actions?

Keya Redd: Half-Elf C/R AC5 7/12 CLWx2
Loyn Shortbeard: Dwarf F AC5 11/12
Bugs Donato: Gnome T AC3 8/8
Crabgrass: Half-Elf C/MU AC7 3/7 CLW Sleep Sanctuary RC
Haldric Hammerheart: Dwarf C AC3 9/12 CLWx3
Rida: Human F AC2 9/10
Gyb the Meager: Human M AC10 6/8

[Jernau35]

Gyb

Gyb looks at the river. Then the road. An idea sparks. "The road is meant for merchant wagons. We are not wagons. Or merchants." He looks at Keya. "What about north of the road? You are wood-crafty. Could you lead us through the forest a fair distance from them?"

"We should go back aways and not make it obvious."