Chapter 4 > Thundertree

[OGRE MAGE]

Kelton nods at the logic of his comrades.

That sounds reasonable to me. Now that we know some of the tactics of these cultists, perhaps it would behoove us to be extremely cautious ere we fall into another of their ambushes.

Perhaps the wise Reidoth would be willing to assist us in this new challenge?

[ybn1197]

Gerland nods with the others. "How about it Reidoth? Are you with us? With luck we can rid the area of the cultists and learn what it is they have that the dragon fears."

[hedgeknight]

Reidoth finishes his tea but continues to hold his cup with both hands. "I will...I will see you through this endeavor, foolish though it may be. If we only succeed in destroying the cultists and still wind up in the dragon's stomach, well, it will only be the natural order of things. The cultists do not belong here and the least we can do is attempt to eradicate them. When shall we leave to face the dragon?"

[coil23]

Aslaan

Judging by the sun I'd say five minutes ago. We lose any feigned goodwill from the dragon if we don't meet the deadline.

[OGRE MAGE]

Kelton smiles at the druid.

Yes, let's be off now to see where this quest takes us.

He checks his gear, ready to delve deeper into this abandoned town.

With Reidoth here to guide us, we might be able to avoid any time consuming pitfalls in this area.

I am ready to continue. We can take care of our fallen brethren upon our return to this place.

He again sadly looks upon the dead body of the Brick.

[wordoftheoracle]

I am in agreement. Let us make haste to court this dragon.

[ybn1197]

As they are leaving, Gerland will say a final pray for their fallen friend.

[hedgeknight]

To the Dragon's Tower

With a plan of action, your group moves out as the last rays of the sun sets on the ruined town of Thundertree. Reidoth leads you up the road a few feet until you come to a "T" whereupon he turns right. Continuing on for about 30 feet more, you come to an intersection near the middle of the village. A narrow lane winds up the steep hillside to the north, and directly south is a ruined building that might have been a store or workshop. Webs stretch across the lane, from the building to the trees on the north side of the road.

"Just up that lane, we'll find the dragon's tower. But confound it if I know how to get there without alerting the spiders who live in this building here." Reidoth speaks nervously, gesturing toward in the building on your right.

[coil23]

Aslaan

Burn the entire thing to the ground, perhaps? Aslaan suggests quietly, unsure of the reception to this comment.

[OGRE MAGE]

Kelton searches the face of Reidoth to ascertain his reaction to Aslaans idea of burning the webs and spiders. He knows that druids can be a little funny about the destruction of living things.

I believe that a sound idea as long as our new friend does not disagree. Or could we simply skirt the areas of danger along the way to this tower? We could try to come at it from another direction, no?

[hedgeknight]

"I prefer not to kill the spiders...unless we have to; they are, after all, part of the ecosystem of this wood. Avoiding them would be best, but it would take us through thick patches of the wood, and near other hazards > zombies, cult members, and Silvanus' knows what else!"

[wordoftheoracle]

"I prefer not to kill the spiders...unless we have to; they are, after all, part of the ecosystem of this wood. Avoiding them would be best, but it would take us through thick patches of the wood, and near other hazards > zombies, cult members, and Silvanus' knows what else!"

We are unrested from our last encounter. What chance have we against another such assault? One of our party has already perished! I think the route of the spiders may be our best option. We have no need to kill the spiders, but we must make our way.

[OGRE MAGE]

Kelton agrees with Loriston in taking the easiest approach.

Is there some way we can pass the webs without alerting the spiders? What if we just burn a path for us to cross and not the whole web?

Or, is there a way we can block the insects inside with magic, preventing them from being able come out to attack us as we pass?

[ybn1197]

"The risen dead are the enemies of Lathander, not creatures of the natural world. Unfortunately, none of my magic will help us in a fight against the spiders."

[coil23]

Aslaan

I'm afraid if we just burn a path then we will just alert the spiders where we are. If we are weak enough to not want a run-in with the cultists then we are weak enough to not afford to give up the element of surprise with the spiders but I will go with what the group decides.

[hedgeknight]

"So, how do you wish to proceed, young fellows? The longer we tarry, the darker it gets." Reidoth muses, watch a pair of bats swoop in and out of the leafy canopy, searching for prey. "Fire might keep the spiders at bay. As long as it does not touch the undergrowth, it should catch flame."

[wordoftheoracle]

Ioriston shifts restlessly: If there is no objection, I say we take the less hazardous path: the path of spiders. Everyone should have a torch ready. It is not our intention to disturb the natural course any more than we must.

Ioriston is ready for the path of spiders.

[OGRE MAGE]

Kelton takes a torch and steels himself to pass the webs.

I am not a big fan of spiders but I am a fan of simplicity. Lets burn a small path and try not to spark anything else up.

Lets move as fast as we can to get through here. Maybe the spiders will want to avoid the flames and just leave us alone?

He begins his advance towards the webs with his torch held out in front of him.

I never thought I would say something like this, but lets go see that dragon!

[hedgeknight]

Kelton leads the way, torch in hand, and approaches the the web-strewn path...and as he clears the first strands away with the torch, a loud chittering sound comes from the ruined store house...and climbing swiftly over the walls and roof are two spiders...really, big spiders!

giant spider.jpg (115.33 KiB) Viewed 433 times

Alright fellers > I need a Dex roll from anyone who tries to pass through the webs along with Initiative and Actions!
Anyone else have a lit torch?

Aslaan > down 13 hp
Gerland > down 10 hp
Ioriston > down 7 hp
Kelton > down 1 hp
Reidoth > down 8 hp

[coil23]

Aslaan

initiativeInitiative [1d20+3] = 2+3 = 5

Aslaan will fire a regular arrow at the closest giant spider and have a fire arrow handy in case he wants to switch to that next shot. He is not trying to get through the web.

To hit: [1d20+7] = 2+7 = 9, damage with longbow [1d8+3] = 4+3 = 7