Dungeon of the soul Snatcher

We follow the spirit to a tomb just outside the village of Westmarch. I notice that the tomb is really old; the slightest gust of wind could cause it to crumble. The windows are shattered, and the door that remains is ramshackle at best. The spirit continues into it i go to follow when I feel a hand on my shoulder, and the familiar voice of Gargax follows.

"This is as far as I can go, I'm sorry my friend that brush with death has filled me with fear, I couldn't even aid you against the Husk in the cemetery even after though you brought me a sword for protection again I'm sorry I shall await your return at the coldfeet inn" before I can try to respond he turns and walks away shoulders hanging somewhat slumped compared to his normal stature I looks as if thos fear shames him. I press on into the tomb, determined to end this Curse.

Room 1

The room is filled with shattered pots and antique embalming tools and fluids; the smell of Death hangs in the air in a thick miasma, as if you could move through it. In the corners of the room, furthest from the door, are two husks. Sneaking is not an option here, and there will be no retreat. I must fight them. I start to cast a flame, but am spotted.

The fight begins

                Initiative.      Hp

Braak.           13.            16.

Husk1.          11.              9, 0

Husk 2.         11.              9, 0

Round 1

I grip my quarterstaff, infusing it with the power of nature with my spell shillelagh and charge the first of the two husks and swing my quarterstaff (I roll 18+5 for AC23, a hit. Doing 8+3 11pts of damage), the Husk falls. I channelled all my Rage, worry and frustration over the past few days into that strike, and it couldn't stand against it. The second Husk swings (I rolled a 9+3 for a 12, which misses), the momentum from my attack carries me out of the Husk's reach as it tries to claw at me ineffectually.

Round 2

(Rolled a 9+5 AC14 which is a hit for 6+3 9 damage) I instinctively swing my quarterstaff around as I turn, connecting with the Husk flooring it and putting it to rest. I have a quick look around, but there is nothing useful here.

Room 2

As i enter this room i feel a small vibration which grows in intensity getting more violent, looking around it see (perception 17) cracks start to form in the celing above and lots of rocks fall to the floor, I manage to dive out of the way into an alcove that has the dead interred there (Dex save DC13 i Rolled a 17+3  20 total so I make it and take no damage) after the ceiling is take stock and look around i notice a a small crack of stone that shows a secret door (roll of a 12+5 perception).

Secret room 1

Inside this room is a single sarcophogus, lid broken and the occupant rotted away a sense of calm comes over me and i feel the touch of a spirit (religion check DC15 16 Rolled +3 so 19 passes) positive energy fills me the energy removes negative effects and heals 1hd worth of damage (i asked an oracle if the rejuvenating effects of the room soothe the tenderness and as im at full HP whether the healing imbues temporary hit dice the answer is yes so i gain 7 temporary hit points).

Room three

This is a small hexagonal room that seems to have been used as a store for the necessary implements to entomb the dead, giving funerary rites before funeraryaid to rest, though two husks wait for me and in the confines of this room, they are ready for me.

                  Initiative.      Hit points 

Braak.             18.                 23, 21, 19

Husk 1.           11.                   9, 4, 0

Husk 2.           11.                   9, 0

Round 1 

Again I go for the magical essence of my staff and go in for the offence (I rolled a 7+5 to hit for 4 damage) they try to claw me (rolling with advantage as Braak is flanked 1st Husk rolls 5+3 and a 17+3  so AC20 is a hit Doing 1D4+1 2. The second Husk rolls 17+3 and 16+3 AC20 another hit doing 1D4+1 for 2 damage).

Round 2

I swing at the 1st Husk (Roll a Natural 20+3 for a critical, doing 4+4+3 11pts of damage). Killing it for my troubles, the second Husk's claws rake the place where I stood (roll 8+3 AC11 is a miss)

Round 3

I lash out again (roll 9+5 for AC14, which is a hit for 6+3 damage). I swing and knock it off balance, striking its head on the embalming table, killing it.

The dust settles, and I look around and find nothing of use in any pots that are about.

Room 4

This room is small and square. It looks like it has the wealthiest and most prestigious in the Westmarches ' long history interred here. The few stone coffins are decorated with silver filigree and surrounded by pots of gold and gifts for the afterlife. The Husk that just stood around animates and comes at me.

                       Initiative.   Hp

Cursed husk.          18.      22, 17, 8, 0 

Braak.                      6.      19

Round 1

In its rage, the Husk swings wildly (I rolled a 9+3=12, so a miss). The words of power erupt from me grantingmagic to imbue my staffing I swing (I rolled 14+3, so a hit doing 5 Damage)

Round 2

It lashes out again (I roll a 3+3 AC6, so a miss). I come in again to strike (again 14+3 AC17, so a hit, doing 9pts of damage).

Round 3

It rakes it's out stretched hands at me (rolls a 15+3, so 18 is a hit 5pts of necrotic damage. I roll a wisdom save 2+5 for 7, the save is DC11, so I fail). Braak is now frightened. shakily Braak takes up a defensive stance as this one scares him a bit. He swings (with disadvantage, getting 16+3 to hit and 20+3 and does 9pts of damage). killing the husk. 

With the fighter over i look around, finding (2d6 Gold coins) 6gp

Room 5

This hallway seems to connect the prep chamber with the rest of the tomb. There is a crack in the floor 5ft across that has decayed with time (Dc10 Athletics check. I rolled a 9+2 success). I ready myself and take a running jump and clear the gap, landing safely on the otherside.

Room 6

I open the door and make my way into the room when I'm hit by a blindingly bright flash and a concussion boom (dex save DC14 rolled a 13+3, so a pass). I manage to sidestep and somehow avoid the ward that is glowing on the floor. Obviously there to catch out unwanted visitors, this seems to be an office of sorts two book shelves and a desk are in the room on the desk is a chest (Investigation rolled 2+1 for a 3 to check it over for traps I don't believe there is any) it is closed i open it and inside is a pouch with with 85gp and two potions of healing, I look over the book case just a cursory look nothing too in depth (perception DC16 rolled a 12+5 rolled a 17) i spot a tome that seems out of place "A Fools Rise" by Bibnar Nabbner amongst the tomes on embalming and funery rites, I go to remove it and "Click" the book case comes away from the wall revealing a secret door.

Secret Room 2

In this room, it is a small corridor-like affair with a shrine and a small bench, obviously for Blessings and quiet contemplation before a ceremony. Upon the shrine is a potion of healing. I pocket this and leave a token 3gp there and say a prayer to the great spirit. There is another door out of this room, so I take it.

Room 8

I enter this room, though it is more like a chapel, its walls still bearing the remnants of century-old frescoes, the pews are untouched, and the ceiling seems to have survived years of neglect. There is a pile of corpses at the altar (perception roll 20+5). I can see 4 husk among them.

They haven't seemed to notice me. I drop into a crouch and prepare my move forward (stealth roll 17+3, so a 20). I cast produce flame and hurl it at the group of them (attack roll of 18+5 to throw the orb, hitting Husk 3 for 2 damage)

                Initiative.         Hp

Braak.          14.              19, 14, 11,18, 16, 12, 7, 13.

Husk 1.          9.                9, 1, 0.

Husk 2.          9.                9, 4, 0.

Husk 3.          9.                9. 7, 0.

Husk 4.          9.                9, 4, 0

Round 1

As they start to rise i release another ball of fire towards them (roll to hit of 2+5=7, so a miss). They run at me and engage one at a time. The pew acts as a funnel, so I have them bottlenecked for now, so I'm in control (Husk 1 20+3 to hit, so a critical doing 4pts necrotic damage). I feel back as I'm hit harder by the Husk than I expected. Negative energy radiates from where I was struck. I feel a coldness creep up my arm.

Round 2

I cast shillelagh, I swing again (5+5 to hit AC10 is a miss), but miss i step back into the room. With the shrine, the one I came from previously, my confidence I had gained ebbs away, with my back to the way out i have a means of escape if needed. As one approaches and attacks (Rolls a 15+3, so AC18 is a hit for 3 pts of damage), the others follow behind it.

Round 3

I call out to the spirits of nature to aid me (Healing word roll 1d4+3, I get 7pts back). The spirits strengthen me, and as the healing power flows through me i attack (roll 8+5 for AC12, so a hit dealing  5+3, for 8 damage). The Husk staggers back if it had emotions; I'm sure my fury would've surprised it. It tries to claw back at me (5+3 AC8 is a miss).

Round 4

(7+5 for AC12 a hit for  5+3 8 pts of damage)

Killing it. Husk 1 falls to the ground, and another one steps in to take its place and attacks (9+3 AC12, so a miss)

Round 5

(17+5 AC22 to hit for 5 damage) This Husk weathers my blow bit keeps coming (18+3 AC21 to hit for 2pts of damage)

Round 6

(Roll to hit of 15+5 AC20 doing 7pts of damage killing it) 

Side note: as there are 2 bodies on the floor, I'm going to impose disadvantage on attacks made by creatures in that square and advantage on attacks made against them moving forward, as the floor is now uneven and has more give.

Another one fills the entrance and steps in, lunging toward me (5+3 for AC8 and 15+3 AC18 with disadvantage, this is a miss) but misses due to the bodies impeding it.

Round  7

(8+3 AC11, 5+3 AC8 with advantage, this is a hit for 7+3 10Damage) I add another Husk to the pile on the floor before this one has even tried to hit me. The 4th Husk leaps over and tries to hit me (11+3 for AC14 and 17+3 for AC20 l, 14 is enough to hit me, doing 3+1 4pts of damage). I feel the impact is harder than any I have taken so far. If these creatures had sentience i would worry it was trying to push me back to counter the disadvantage (I rolled on an oracle to see if the leaping Husk would unbalance me, it came back as no, it wouldn't)

Round 8

(16+3 AC19 and a 1+3 AC4 is a hit with advantage doing 6pts of damage)  it attack (11+3 AC14 and 14+3 AC17 with disadvantage it's a hit for 5pts of damage).

Round 9

I quickly drink a healing potion (in the appendix of this adventure, it states that this is a bonus action, it heals 6 points of damage 2,+2+2 I'm granting the husk advantage to hit, but with the disadvantage it already has it'll have a flat roll) i swing the quater staff (17+5 AC22 a hit doing 9pts of damage). All goes quiet, I have a quick look around and find 45gp on a counter to the side of the room. I return to the bookcase in the secret room and pull it closed, leaning the husks to be a bit of a blockade to create a safe space to rest for a moment. And I take a short rest, regaining 2 hit points.

Final room

I enter into the room at the side of the chapel, the sight I'm met with is strange, like most (humanoid) races,s it has two arms and two legs, a head, but with a featureless face. Its skin Writhes and convulses strangely (Perception 12+5 for 17). A face appears on the shoulder and pushes out before receding and leaving the skin smooth. It dawns on me that this is the fiend I have been looking for. The Soul Snatcher, as it glares back, the mouth opens to speak, layered under the hissing like voice, I hear screams "ahhhh a fresh soul mine, MINE, MINE", and it rushes towards me, hands out stretched.

(Before beginning combat, I need to look back at the number of casualties I wrote down during the Prologue. For each day it has taken me to complete this dungeon, I'm going to roll 1d4 and add that number to the number that I wrote down. This sum is the additional hit points the Soul Snatcher will begin combat with. 12 casualties 2,2,4 on the dice, so it will have 38 health).

                    Initiative.     HP

Braak.                19.         16, 4, 2, 11, 9, 2, 0, 2, 2

Soul Snatcher.   14.          38, 32, 24, 20, 15, 4, 0

Round 1

I activate my staff in have now done this so many times it's like second nature to me at this point.

(Roll 17+5 for AC22 for a hit doing 3+3 6 damage) It lashes out at me (rolls a 6+5 for AC11, so it's a miss)

Round 2

I follow my attacks with another (roll 13+5 for AC18 so a hit doing 5+3 8 damage) it swings with me a the blow shakes me to the core (roll 20+3 for AC23 a critical doing 12 damage) i feel the very essence of my life force being sucked out of me ad into the soul snatcher (I need to make a DC 14 con save or lose the damage taken in hit points this will last till I take a long rest when i will get them all back, i Roll a 6 so i'm now on a a max of 4 hit points) 

Round 3

(I drink a potion that takes me back to 4 hp) I swing the Quarterstaff at the Soul Snatcher (roll 14+5 for AC19, which is a hit for 4 damage). I swing at it in my weakened state, and it attacks again (rolls 19+5, so AC24, this is a hit for 2 damage I roll a 12+1 Con save of 13, which is a fail, so I'm now on 2hp).

Round 4

I let the beast within out, assuming the form of a wolf and attack (roll 16+4 AC20, which hits going 3+2 5 Damage). I bite it and try to let the instinct of the wolf guide me, but I'm unable to cause it to trip. So it keeps its feet, it attacks me (rolling 7+5 so AC12, which hits my now lower AC1,2 doing 1+1 2 damage. 13+1 14con, which fails, so 2 more damage siphoned off)

Round 5

I go for a bite (rolling 11+4 so AC15, so I miss), it swipes (rolls a natural 1, so misses)

Round 6

I try to bite the Soul snatcher again (rolled 2+4 AC6, so a miss), it swipes at me (it rolls 3+5 AC8, which will miss)

Round 7 

I growl in frustration at not being able to hit it (rolls 10+4 AC14 a miss), it attacks (it rolls 19+5 AC24, which hits, doing 6+1 7pts of damage I make the CON save on a roll of 15+1).

Round 8 

I leap and try to bite it (3+7, which is a miss), it hits back (10+5 AC15, which hits, doing 2pts of damage again. I pass the CON save on the roll of a17+1, so an 18). The damage takes me out of the wolf form. I am now on my knees in front of it.

Round 9

I swing at the Soul Snatcher two-handed (roll a 16+5 AC21 for 8+3 11 Damage), it kicks out at me (rolls 11+5 AC16, which hits, doing 2pts. I will be honest i lost track of all the dice I was rolling. I was getting a little excited, so I stopped, took a calming breath and restarted. I rolled a 20 on the Con save, so a 21, no loss of HP i have to use a HD to bring my HP up from zero)

 

Round 10

I need to finish this. If I don't, then my soul will be consumed by the soul snatcher I swing, trying to hit it (I pray to the god of dice to bless my roll 11+5 AC16 is a hit, doing 9pts of damage)

It falls to the floor and starts convulsing uncontrollably. The body starts to rise, its head thrown back, and its mouth agape. The souls it was consuming started to gush out of it like a geyser. All the souls swirl around me and start to fly out of the room behind me, as they escape the soul snatcher, its body withers and dessicates till there is but a husk of what it was.

I search the room and find  115 gp, 250 sp, and 374 cp. As I go to leave i see a shard of a glass-like substance, i pick it up and look at it, shaped like a dagger made out of a deep purple glass-like material 

I pick it up and take it with me; it may prove useful in my further adventures, but for now, my main concern is returning to the coldfeet in and resting as I am bruised and battered.

Epilouge

With the Soul Snatcher gone, the village of Westmarch is no longer in danger of its souls being captured. As I return to the village with proof of my victory, I'm met with applause and gratitude. The business owners open their doors to me, offering reduced prices, the priest is allowed to ascend into the afterlife, and those who recently lost loved ones can sleep better at night. I have saved Westmarch with the help of a Few new friends and, as a result, reached the conclusion of this adventure a few days pass before your travelling party decides to hit the road once more. Your destination is Kelon, and only time will tell what your future holds.

This is the end of the 5e Soul Snatcher adventure. It was a fun experience, but for now I'm going to let Braak have a little time to relax and recuperate, and though I have used Night Cafe to help bring him to life i will try to use alternate art/pictures for posts going forward instead of AI

3rd Eleint

After waking up at Brumhilde's, realising I fell asleep and missed meeting up with Gargax is rush into the street and look about (I make a perception check 11+5=16, so I'm gonna say if he's about, I'll see him. After a roll on the oracle, it turns out he is at his stand in the market). Relieved he's still here and living i head over to him, trying not to look like someone about to be scolded for disobedience.

"Ahh, there you ate i was wondering if I was to see you today? Sorry for not turning up after that ordeal yesterday. When I got home, I fell asleep and awoke at sunrise. I crack a smile, then start to laugh. It becomes a full belly laugh. He looks at me, somewhat bemused. I regain composure and look at him, saying.

"i'm here for a similar reason, i wnet to help brumhilde and during my deed i was injured and when she was helping to clean my wounds i must've droppred off to sleepand awoken not ten minutes past"it's now his turn to smile and laugh, which in this village is an odd sound with everything that the town is dealing with at the moment, when he is calm i say to him i think you need something more than your spells and wand if we are to take this thing on, even if it is just something to defend yourself. I wouldn't feel right if you were not prepared. let me go and get you something from the smithy to use," he tries to protest, but I cut him off.

"We nearly lost our lives yesterday. Jethro isn't always going to be there. Now, silence i won't hear another word of it." I make my way to the smithy.

Making the kings Order

The noise within the forge is something else as I walk in under the lee of the open smith, I see a gnome hard at work hitting what looks like a blade on the anvil "Hello,, I say. iwait for an answer when none is forthcoming. I try again, a little louder, "HELLO" I see eyes look up at me from under bushy eyebrows, 

"well whats E after?"

"A sword or mace, if you have either, I need it later today"

"mmm that's not going to work i ave an gert big order to get to the king's army Dreckly. I can probably get you one on the morrow?"

He stops and thinks

"Unless E wants to help me do it, it could be done sooner. What's E make of that?"

The accent doesn't help me to understand what he says, but I grab the gist of it, so I agree to help him in the hope of getting a sword for Gargax.

The Gnome shuffles over to the workbench and produces a small cloth bag. Insideis a silver-looking powder. He picks up a pinch and says 

"angelite an elf friendfairer of hair than you, has told me of a way to use it in the forge to speed up the forging of metals and rid them of impurities. 

(DC17 Arcana check needed to know what could happen i rolled a 3 on the dice +3 for a si,x, so a fail. It seems like a good idea to produce better blades for the soldiers in the king's army. The Gnome asks me to man the bellows and get this started.

I get into a steady pace, and the metal gets hot,

"Names Mord by the way now get ready i'm gonna add this" he sprinkles the angelite onto the metal then thrusts it into the coal to heat back upafter about 15minutesof pumping the bellows a Blue flame erupts out of the forge accompanied by a shower of sparks that spray every where (DC 12 Dex save to avoid these sparks roll  14+3 so a success) i manage to leap out of the way in time but Suddenly a puff of blue smoke erupts from the forge it has a thick acrid quality (DC10 Con save which i make so no coughing for Braak) i with stand it and keep on pumping the next bar is put in and the same thing happens sparks fly but i'm not as quick on my feet and some of the molten sparks catch me (DC12 rolled a 3 so with a +3 is a 6 so a fail D6 wounds rolled a 6. followed by the DC10 CON rolled a 5+1 so a 6 a fail again and i take a level of exhastion). 

Mord looks at me and says 

"I think that's a good lot for now."

I wipe the sweat from my brow and say 

"lets get a couple more done, hey". 

i eat the last of the good berries i have left  (healing my self for 5hp)

(Persuasion roll off Braak Disadvantage 15-1 and 3-1 Mord 1+0 so i manage to convince him to carry on) 

i try to prepare for the explosion but it still catches me out making me jump

(DEX save DC12 Disadvantage roll of 20+3 and 16+3 so i make it the roll the Con save DC10 20+1, 11+1 so i pass this aswell)

Ok Mord i think your right this is it for me you were right can i get the short sword made for tomorrow? seeing as i have helped clear your back log?" he looks at me and scowls throws a bag of coins for your help (30gp and 55xp for the job)

"for your help today and since his lordship cannot even give me a day to rest tkae this." he hands me a short sword.

"Not the greatest has a few minor impurities i made it last summer when it was hot and i'd had a few ales, Now PISS OFF"

the sword is like mord said poor craftsmen ship but considering the price i can't argue (on a roll of 0-25 on a d100 it will break)

i go to the cold feet in and have something to eat, followed by renting a room and going to sleep (i know Braak slept last night but i'm saying the analgeasic effect of the herbs sent him off to sleep but it didnt count as a long rest)

i arranged for Olfa to get me mid evening (about 9pm Braak then does a ritual and regains his spells and is at full health). I then have something light to eat and heand head to the cemetary and look for Gargax to complete the ritual.

i arrive and enter look around the cemetary seeing if i can locate the where he is, 

(i roll a perception check 15 on the dice +5 so a 20) i spot him off to the side, he has a table set up with different implements to help him to cast the spell. i duck into an overgrown bush and dig a hole to place the hawks in to and say a small prayer over them, 

"may your spirits fly free and the next rebirth bring you prosperity in all your endeavours" i place a small acorn i have carried with me since i left the circle on my walk (I Rolled a 15 on survival +5 so a 20 to create the grave and fill it in).

i head over to Gargax, he is deep in thought preparing for whats to come, as i approach he looks up, 

"good your here, we both made it this time. right place your hands on the the grave there" he points to an older grave and i follow his lead he casts the spell. a green light starts to emenate from the ground, it slowly rises up and i can just make out the shilouette of a person rising up within it, ascending to the everlasting plane. he finishes and says 

"right if i cast this on a newer headstone it should show us where the soul is being taken". he points for me to stand behind the new headstone and and explains "it belongs to the bakers family unfortunately she passed recently, he casts the spell immeadiately the ground starts to vibrate, this grows in intensity and though i'm able to keep my feet i reach for the headstone to steady myself. from the grave instead of the soul of the bakers Daughter i see a husk rise though this one is different more feral? it casts it's eyes around it's stare lands on me and it lets out a wail of rage and it lunges forward.

            

the Cursed Husks Rises

                      Initiative.   Hp.  

Braak.                21          9

Cursed Husk.     18        22, 15,  7.

Round 1.

I stamp my foot on the ground and say the word of power that infuses my Quaterstaff with natural energy and step into Attack.

(Braak rolled 14+5 so a 19 to hit, for 4+3 7 Damage).

(Cursed Husk rolled 8+3 11 is a miss).

Round 2.

I press the advantage i already have and strike again.

(Braak rolled 11+5 so a 16 hit, for 5+3 8 damage).

(cursed husk 6+3 so a 9 is a miss).

Round 3.

luck is on my side as i strike out again.

(Roll 19+5 24 is a hit, 4+3 damage).

the husk crumples to the floor and it lays still.

 

Gargax peeks out from behind the head stone of the first grave he cast the ritual on and points as the soul rises up and from the grave like the first then it is pulled into the woods away from town Gargax says "follow it quick".

Braak gets to Level up via milestone.

HD 6+1  so a new total of 16

Druid circle of the forest 

Druidcraft Cantrip 

+1 level 1 spell a day

 

2nd Eleint part three

 We get Gargax up on his feet and stumble towards the Coldfoot Inn, bloodied and bruised. Gargax and I stumble into the bar. I see the barkeep cleaning it while chatting with one of her patrons about something or another. Her attention shifts when she sees us stumbling in noisily. Gargax slumps into a chair at the closest table. The barkeep looks over to us, and she rushes over with a worried expression. 

"Is everything alright? What happened to you two? You look like you've taken on a pack of giant rats," she says.

"Husks", I manage to get out, unslinging my pack and letting it fall to the floor, and immediately looking over the Dragonborn.

(Medicine roll DC 15 13 rolled +3 skill bonus)

I see nothing more than a few deep lacerations and some bruising. Taking a day or two to rest should help ensure that he'll be back on his feet again. I look to the barkeep and ask if she has a healer's kit? Stop the blee"ding, she nodaffirmationative and rushes over to get it. Gargax shouts 

"And some Ale Olfa" (this is obviously her name, but I was in a bit of a rush to check Gargax over to make sure he was ok), she rushes back and hands the kit to me, I look at her and say 

"What's the cost?" she mutters, but I make out 

"um uUm, 4gp if you can get him sorted"

I stitch up the worst of what he sustained and satisfied that all is in hand jethro returns to his temple, and Olfa brings the ale over for him, which he drains in one and says 

"I shall head home and rest, remember midnight". I look at him and say, 

"tomorrow my friend, we both need to take it easy after that", he waves me off and says, 

"I'll be ok after a sleep, we can't wait", he walks off befor i can say anything.

I sit back and drink my ale till a cough brings me back out of my thoughts. I look about and see Olfa standing nearby,

"Oh yeah, let me get your payment for the healer's kit" I pull out my pouch and remove the four gold coins from it, handing them over to her.

"I'm a bit short of gold. I don't suppose you have any work that can be undertaken? Though ideally nothing too strenuous based on today's misadventure?"

She takes the coin and says 

"Tell you what i've gained a lot of patrons which your convoy walking in through town. I've had my hands full; I need to take stock and see who has paid and who needs to pay up and get it all settled. I'll pay you 10gp or something from my stock of equal value, your choice once you finish. What do you say, lad?"

I accept and go to rise, but the tenderness from where I was hurt during the combat, Jethros spells seem to have sealed the wounds. The problem is that the body still needs time to heal the tenderness and bruising. I think it'll be a while before it doesn't hurt, but Gargax is adamant that we sort this issue out tonight. 

I quickly cast a spell,l summoning 10 berries to my hand and discreetly eating half of them. I sit back for a moment, feeling the positive energies flow through my body. This also grants a slight numbing, allowing me to get up and do as Olfa asks.

I leave the common room and climb the stairs to the dormitories. I investigate the floor, looking for how many patrons are using the inn.

(Investigation DC11 rolled a 14+1 so 5 will pass)

I ascertain that all of those who came with me from the road are using the inn as a place to safely rest, though some are still wide-eyed with terror (i Wonder if some heard the fight outside). I work my way through the crowd, asking who has paid, and who hasn't. About half of them tell me.

(Insight check DC14 I rolled a 14+5, so it's a pass).

I then ask the rest of them and find only 1 who hasn't and was trying to skip out on payment.t

(DC14 insight again i rolled a 9,+5, so they almost got away with it)

I make my way down the stairs to the common room again with the missing payment and take it to Olfa, who is relieved that the job is done and everyone has settled. She wholeheartedly thanks me for helping her resolve this issue, as I went through all the patrons, ensuring no one skippedout. She paid me an extra 10gp so 20gp in all for the job. 

She also says she'll knock some money off 9f anything I pick up from her (this works out as a 10% Discount on purchases)

I'm debating ordering some food when I hear from some patrons nearby who loudly gesticulate 

"nah i told you, you are mispronouncing the levitation spell. You have to roll your RRRR's more, you fool" I excuse myself from the bar, and Olfa saying ill be back shortly and take a mug of ale from the bar and head over to the people.

(Arcana Roll DC 15 to recognise the spell. I roll a 2+3 skill, so 5 is a fail here).

"I'm not sure whether he is right or not", I declare, and the three turn to look at me, and one of them says

"Thish ish none of your buishnesh" 

"I don't know if you were in here earlier, but the owner of that wand was in here an hour or two ago Bleeding after he helped me fight off some husks that attacked the village? I think that makes it my business, as if he actually had the wand, he wouldn't have needed to enter the melee" One of the men stands up and says 

"yeah well, we won it fair and square, he bet it in a game of dozen and three, and he lost, so that's his issue, not mine". With this, he drains his mug and calls out. 

"Oi Olfa more ale".

He wipes his mouth on the sleeve of his shirt and says,

"You have 2 choices: you can either pay us 50gp for the wand, and it's yours,s or take us on at a dozen plus three? beat each of us wizards, and it's yours easy"

"yeah it's as easy as that," another chimes in, trying to goad me into partaking.

"ok i'll play your game, but how does one play a dozen plus three?" A smile spreads across the "Wizards" faces.

"Easy roll three dice and get the closest to fifteen, if after the first roll you don't get near  roll one more dice, best outta three, what do you say?"

I pull up a stool and say 

"whats the bet then?"

The "Wizards" Duel

Wizard 1

game one. 1 Gold Wager

Braak       13 (5,3,3,2)          17 ( 5,6,2,4) 

Wizard     15 (5,6,4)             14 (4,6,4)        Winner

Game Two, 1 Gold Wager

Braak       14 (6,2,6)             14 (5,5,4)         Winner

Wizard     13 (5,6,1)             16 (6,6,2*,2) 

(*  as it was a draw, I used an Oracle to ask if the "wizard" pushes their luck and rolls again i got a yes)

Game Three, 6 Silver wager

Braak        12 (2,2,2,6)         13 (6,1,1,5)               12 (2,3,2,5)     Winner   

Wizard      16 (6,4,6)            14 (6,4,3,1)               16 (6,2,2,6)

They hand over the wand somewhat reluctantly, and I say, 

If I'm still in town later this week i'll give you a rematch if you are game? What do you say?"

I then return to Olfa and order the Quail for supper on Gargax's recommendation, as it was already late afternoon at this point, and I'm feeling very hungry right now.

Gargax has impeccable taste. The quail was exquisiteand worth the coin spent on it. 

i return to Brumhilde's potion shop to help her with the noisy attic. She helps me into the crawl space and wishes me luck. As I enter the attic, old smells from past potions assault my nose, sandalwood, mandrake and sulphur. Themix is not the most pleasant, but I crawl about looking for what could be causing the annoyance.

(perception roll DC10 19+5 rolled)

 I see some feathers lying on a wooden beam. I look at it for a moment and realise that it is from a thumper hawk like the one I fought off last night, this could be from where it came from.

 remembering the lessons i was taught in the circle in my days as an adept hawks tend to try and find a safe place to nest to then mate, this could be what is creating the noise, i have a look around and find a single nest in the wall by the chimney where some stones have come loose, i draw my scimitar as the ceiling is low and to swing the quaterstaff may break the low roof in here, i wait for what feels for hours but it is probably 25-30 minutes my paitentce pays as a thumper Hawk comes into the attic and heads for the nest and stats to preen herself, she does this before screeching out calling for a male to come to mate. 

It takes me back to the circle, my leader, the guardian of the grove, who had a hawk live in the tree above their Hovel, though these birds pale in comparison to the majestic hawks of home. It hasn't spotted me, so I try to creep closer to it through the attic 

(stealth opposing roll, Braak 1+3 so 4 total, Thumper Hawk passive perception 12, so i'am spotted)

Its eyes lock onto me, and it shrieks before lunging at me

Initiative

Braak 8 (Dex 15)

Hawk 8 (Dex 15)

i made an opposed D6 roll (B5 H2) so Braak goes first,

I swing the blade through the tight space, trying to turn the blade to swipe and scare the bird off

(I rolled a 20+5 is a hit against AC13, so I critically hit it 2D6+3 Damage 4and 2 on the dice so 9 pts altogether)

the blade connects and sends the bird into one of the support beams and it falls to he floor dead, i only meant to scare it away, i'm a little on edge obviously and need to meditate on this and calm myself i need to wait to see if a male comes to find the female, I sit in wait I try to hide my self behind a beam

(Stealth roll  4+3 so a 7)

And try to collect some of the feathers of the female to try and make something of a totem so that her death isn't for nought. 

(Survival roll DC10 roll a 1 + 2 so a 3 and fails)

My mind isn't in it; I seem to defile the bird's corpse rather than make something useful. I place the bird upon my old shirt and, though to no one in particular, vow to bury the hawk at first light. I hear something scuttle through the hole, making its way inside the attic. It is a male answering the call of the female. I mustn't be as hid as I hoped, as it looks at me and shrieks and comes for me.

Braak vs Thumper Hawk Alpha

initiative

Alpha 12

Braak 17

Round 1

I swing at this Male as he is out for blood, as he is here for the female, and my presence he views as competition, so he will go all out at me. My sword connects (I do 5 damage to the hawk), the hawk's talons rend my face, drawing blood (it hits for 4 damage)

Round 2

I swing again but find myself overextended and nearly lose my scimitar (I rolled a natural 1 and made a DC10 Dex save to keep hold of the blade). Its talons dig into my shoulder as I rebalance (it does 4 more damage)

Round 3

I make an all-or-nothing swing, as at this point I feel as if I'm near passing out due to pain building up and my already injured body being pushed to the limit and hit (deal 5 points killing the Hawk).

I scatter the nest pushing most of it through the hole then using what i have to hand fill it (survival roll of 8 it may hold who knows? who am i kidding) and gaather the birds up placing them in my backpack and i climb back down into the shop. Brumhilde is waiting for me i look at her and she smiles though it shifts from delight to concern when she sees the wounds,

"wow they did a number on you Braak what was it Thumpers?" i place the pack down exhaustion making me sway slightly and say 

"yeah thumper hawks and it was a female nesting trying to find a mate and her Suitor"

she looks me over and says 

"by the looks of you it looks like they gave as good as they got. Here lay down here and let me help clean these wounds and see what we can do for you"

she clears a table and places a comforter and a pillow on it i take off my armour and shirt and lay on the makeshift bed and brumhilde washes the wounds and applies a poultice to the area, there is something relaxing in the poultice as i find myself relaxing and drifting off to sleep 

(while Braak rests Brumhilde administors care and through her minstrations she rollled a 19+0 on a medicine check, the scarring will be light thanks to her)

I awake with the sunlight through fog shining on my face, and I sit up with a start 

"gargax i was supposed to help him with something last night. I must find him at once!"

I don my armour and go to walk out. Brumhilde holds out a potion and says 

"here take this for what you did last night"

I take the potion and bow low in gratitude (surprised at the lack of protest my body gives) and head out the door to find Gargax.

Sorry for the delay in posting

Sorry for the delay in continuing the story, but several things interrupted playtime over the last month or so. The main thing was that I had a minor operation, which meant I was recovering and led to a lack of motivation to do much. Also, I had several projects that needed attention as a wargamer and an RPG enthusiast. Sometimes, there are things in one hobby that take more time, so other things are pushed aside. 

Project 1

One of the games I'm looking forward to playing this year is Frostgrave. It has been on the shelf for a few years, and when I have played it, I loved the experience. 

I have painted a full warband of miniatures, along with some extras of each troop type from the main book.

the wizard.

The Apprentice.

Four Thugs.

Four Thieves.

Four infantrymen.

Four Men-at-Arms

Archer.

                                                        

Crossbowmen.

Treasure Hunters.

Trackers.

Rangers.

Barbarians

I then went on to make some stat cards for the

https://inflatablestudios.itch.io/rpg-card-crafter

I also took part in a Corvus Belli Infinity tournament locally with my Haqqislam Hassassin force and placed fourth, which is an achievement for me, as I'm usually further down the rankings, ha ha.

2nd Eleint Continued

 I leave the shop and head over to the market to look for this Gargax. As I leave, I hear the sounds of two men in a heated argument 

"Look, I don't care what you say thems the work of Devils and nothing else thats why they attack at night"

"They are Divine punishment sent to get us to repent for our sins if you can't see that youare part of the problem"

(persuasion DC10 11 rolled -1 for charisma, sothe  result of a 10 is a pass) I approach and say to the first of them

"look turning on each other at a time like this is not going to help YOU. You don't know what makes them, but we all need to come together and defend this villagenot turn on each other in the process"

I then turn to the other and say

"And blaming those who question what is happening is not very forgiving and likely to create more sin than needed. If you're worried, then create an air of co-operation and be the change. Forgive the other of their sins and pray for deliverance. What good is your faith if it deserts you in a time of need?" his shoulders slump "You're right, you're right. I need to go and see Jethro to pray for forgiveness" They walk away in different directions. The market returns to somewhat subdued normalcy.

 Gargax Ildrex, the dragonborn wizard 

Over the conversations, I hear someone call to me.

"Well done, my friend, a voice of  Reason in these dark times is just what we need, though you look like you could do with a Fresh set of clothes, your attire is a bit worn and ripped if I can be so bold?" A smile appears on his face

"But worry not, Ole Gargax is here and will help stitch you up, and you'll be giving the nobles in the high courts something to talk about. You have my personal Guaruntee"

"Do you greet everyone with that silver tongue, Gargax? You get into a fight with the husks attacking the village and see how your attire fares? But alas, you are right i could do with some new clothes, something for travelling, if you can please?"

"Yes, I suppose you make a good point there. But very well lets have a look at the stock and see what we have available to offer, shall we?"

He turns around and starts looking through his Wares muttering to himself under his breath as he does.

"yes these boots will do, though you may want to soak them before wearing them, get the fit just right, with the boots you'll need so breeches" he looks over at me.

"so your a fan of the more natural pallette i see, so we will need these in red? no more of an olive green

I think it would be better, a shirt and a jerkin, this warm woollen coat would work nicely, but aha here we are, this belt should bring it all together nicely i think. together as one piece, shall we say 5gp for this exquisite Dress"

"5gp I'll give you 2gp for all this, this isn't my first time in a market! And I was told to come to you, as you would be able to help me have a better understanding of what is happening with these husks".

"Ok, Ok, can't blame a dragon for trying, Coins be scarce as of late, 2 gp it is then, but I did mean it, the boots will need a soak to mould to your feet" 

I hand the coins over, he tests them and is satisfied with the coins, pockets them and smiles as I change shirts.

"So Brumhilde mentioned you, she said you may know something about these Husks that have been attacking the village".

A flash of recognition crosses Gargax's face, but he quickly dismisses it and shakes his head,

"I'm not sure what those things are, or where they come from, as a matter of fact".

(insight Roll DC15 rolled a 10 with 5 ranks in the skill, so 15 is a pass). 

"You're hiding something from me. I can't help the village if you don't talk to me and let me help? These husks need to be stopped! What do you say, do you wanna work with me on this?"

(persuasion this time dice roll of  12 -1 persuasion, so a total of 1,1, which I will say is enough as Gargax is a friendly guy overall)

Gargax's eyes soften, and he sighs.

"To be honest, my knowledge on the subject of the undead is somewhat lacking, though I do know a ritual that could help, but you'd need to meet me in the cemetery at midnight alone, that is vital, and I'd need your asssistance i may have drunkenly misplaced my wand the other night, I was at the Coldfeet Inn. Could you please have a look for the wand? I can offer some coins, say ten gp, for your time"

"I'll see what I can do for you, my friend. I need something to eat after trying to bargain with you," Gargax chuckles and pats me on the shoulder 

"Try the quail, it's a delicacy"

I make my way across the market to the Coldfeet Inn. I pass an alleyway that is covered by the overhang of the Cold Feet Inn's roof, and I feel a chill looking down it as realisation dawns on me that figures are moving in the shadow. As they move towards me i see that two husks are approaching. I have no choice but to take them on.

Husk 1: 22, 17, 9, 3                                                             initiative: Braak, Husks

Husk 2: 22, 10, 7

Round 1

1. The husks come out of the alley towards me. Braak casts Produce Flame and throws the flame at the first husk, hitting it square in the chest for 5 points of damage. then casts Shillelagh on my quarterstaff and prepares for them to come.
2. The Husks come at Braak, the first missed, the second ran in, and the claws dug into his arm, doing 3 points of damage and 1 necrotic. (willpower save of 11 needed, rolled 3+ save modifier of 5, so 8, which fails, so is frightened) Braak feel a sense of dread stemming from the Husk that just attacked Him.

Round 2                                                                           initiative: Braak, Gargax, Husks

1. Braak swings the staff at the husk, rolling 2d20 and taking the lowest result (disadvantage) and misses.
2. The Husk that just hit Braak reels back as if hit by an invisible force, doing 12 points of damage (1d4=1 3 times magic missile). Gargax is approaching the melee, snarling.
   
3. The 1st Husk strikes at Braak and does 4 points of Damage (Braak uses his hit dice to get 1d8 of HP; a 3 was rolled, so that was then his HP). The second swings and misses (Braak rolls another willpower save, getting a 16 on the d20+5, so he is no longer frightened)

Round 3                                                                          initiative: Braak, Gargax, Husks

1. Braak swings at the first husk using a two handed Grip (this increases the damage dice from D8 to a D10) and connects, doing 8 points of damage. Braak has a quick look around the marketplace, looking for aid, and finds out everyone has run back into their respective houses or out of sight.
2. Gargax wades in, swinging a club, he has hitting the 2nd husk for 3 points of damage.
3. Braak is hit by the Husk and falls to the ground, as does Gargax

Braak and gargax fighting the husks in the alleyway

Round 4                                                                         initiative: Braak, Gargax, Husks, Jethro

1. Braak fails his death save 
2. Gargax fails his death saving throw
3. The Husks try to attack and miss both Braak and Gargax
4. Jethro runs over from where he has come out of the temple to see what is going on and casts a cure light wounds on Braak

Round 5                                                                        initiative: Braak, Gargax, Husks, Jethro

1. Braak gets up and casts Shillelagh on the quarterstaff and swings it two-handed and hits, doing 6 points of damage, and as a bonus action, Braak casts Healing Word on Gargax.
2. Gargax lies still on the floor. 
3. The husk swings at Gargax and misses.
4. Jethro runs at the first Husk and kills it

Round 6                                                                      initiative: Braak, Gargax, Husks, Jethro

1. Braak steps in and hits the standing Husk, killing it outright.

(I'm going to find a way to better track combat moving forward) That was a close thing, and I thought it was over before it had even started (the husks I used were a harder Husk, so get more xp from the fight)