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)

 

The Soul snatcher 2nd Eleint Brumhilde'ss

2nd Eleint

     I awake in the temple, stiff but feeling good after a night's rest. The shoulder should be okay in a day or two, provided that I take it easy and don't strain it. I join Jethro for a basic but hearty pottage of oats and almonds with a few dried Berries, honest food and hearty. Over breakfast, Jethro says he will attend to the grave of our fallen, but can't promise that they will not turn into husks. I reassure him that's all anyone could ask and that I feel that the families will appreciate what has been done to help them rest.

I leave the temple and head across the marketplace to the shop labelled Brumhildes tonic and tinctures. I enter the small building. And am immediately taken aback at the sight that greets me, a half-orc standing well over seven feet tall and all muscle. She looks up at me and smiles warmly.

"Some ingredients can't be brought in fresh, you need to go and forage for them", Brumhilde from Brumhildes Tonics and Tinctures

"Welcome, you must be Karlak with my shipment, I can't tell you I've"

I cut her off 

"I'm sorry, I'm not Karlak. He was possibly among those who were killed on the way to the village by Husks on the road, but while we are in town, there may be someone among our numbers who may know where they are".

I go on to describe what the creatures are like, and I am aware that they are similar to the tales of souls that are unable to ascend to the afterlife.

" Well, that is a story. I'm sorry to hear about your trials on the road. Well, let me introduce myself properly. I'm Brumhilde, and this is my humble abode and business. Should you need any potions or tonics, look no further. I have extensive knowledge of herbology, among other skills. Let's have a think"

She reaches behind her, turning to look at one of the many shelves that has tome upon tomes that are straining the wood of the shelves she and carefully selects a book and pulls it off. and thumbs through a few pages, she pulls a face victoriously like one who has found what it is they are looking for. She clears her throat and begins

"Husks are remnants of bodies without a soul. According to ancient Kilanic scripture, a Husk is created when the soul of the dead never leaves the material plane" She puts the book down and scratches her chin 

"it would seem that something is preventingthe souls from leaving, or worse, are being destroyed" she leans back for a moment and says

you need to speak with Gargax Ildrex he has a stall in the market you cant miss him he's a Dragon born he might have an idea on how to solve this issue of the husks".

a wry smile crosses her face, and she says 

"Well, how about a potion or two? You'll need it if you are going to save us all?" I tell her that the coin purse is a little light at the moment, though should that change, I'll be more than happy to take her up on the offer. She looks me up and down and says 

"How about you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, hey? I have this issue, you see, there is something in the crawl space between the ceiling and the roof, and they are keeping me up at night till i am ready to pull my hair out. The problem is that I'm too broad to get in and sort it out. I'm getting to the point where I might just pull the roof down and be done with it. But if you come back this evening and deal with it, I will give you a free potion for the trouble. What do you say?"

I assure her I will return and deal with it tonight, and for the moment, I will be off to find Gargax.

The Soul snatcher

 The Soul Snatcher was the first solo module I downloaded to try solo. 

I created an Elven Druid for the game (trying to get over my dislike of Elves, I don't know what it is, but I can't normally like them). I've added it to D&D Beyond, but I've also copied it into a notebook so I have a visual reference to use. This is how I see Braak

Braak the Unlikely Hero of our Tale.

Now there are a few things different to standard group play that need to be remembered

1. As a bonus action on your turn, you may drink a potion from your inventory.
2. If your character falls to 0 hit points, you may immediately spend one hit die to regain hit points. If you do not have any available, your character proceeds to rolling death saves as normal. Remember, you are the only adversary to the monsters in this module. If you are knocked unconscious, they will continue to attack you until you are dead.

I'm also using the Solo Adventurers Toolbox to help with Npc's (so that it's not just the characters are there at the clutch moment to save the day) and as an Oracle.

The introduction is as follows

You are a traveller from a distant land, and your destination is the capital city of Kelon, in the Kingdom of Kilan. At the onset of this adventure, you have been travelling for days through the Gelden Expanse, a massive forest that serves as the western border between Kilan and the Kingdom of Gierrland. You are scheduled to stop at the village of Westmarch before continuing to the metropolis on the Cyther River. While you may not know much about the country, the others in your band of travellers regard the citizens as generally kind and welcoming of foreigners. Only you know why you set out for the capital city. Perhaps you are in search of a mysterious item or seeking a relative. You may even belong to one of the city’s powerful factions. Whatever the reason, you’ve taken leave from your homeland and set off toward an uncertain future. This adventure will give your character their first taste of danger, heroism, and hopefully a sense of purpose. They will face creatures they’ve never seen and help the villagers accomplish tasks that put their lives at risk. Will they prevail against the evil of Westmarch, or will they perish in their pursuits?

So the i have written it out as a journal-style story

30th Elasis

It's been 12 days now, I have been walking through the Gelden expanse, which started off as a solitary walk, has ended up as a bit of a route march/ Convoy with more people joining us as the days go by. There are 31 people at my last count, though I am here for my own reasons, I feel slightly responsible for them; they all seem simple people looking for work elsewhere in the realm.

Seven guards, all human, have joined the ranks, which has helped as we take watches coordinating the protection of the innocents, and by doing this, I have learnt their names

Jaden: seems to be the default leader of this group.

Melcan and Chun Naoy: jokers, though seem dedicated and good soldiers.

Vocho: quiet and reserved, I'm not too sure about him

Waw Hao: Eager to prove himself, as most of his race are.

Kinrak Zangedi:  he has to be the tallest human I have ever met

Odvier Strongstone: speaks with an accent different to the others. I have been told he is from further away than most.

There is also a travelling merchant in the group by the name of Rupert Avery, and we have become somewhat friends as the days have gone by. I traded some torches and a tinderbox with him for some rations (Humans struggle in the dark, so this will help with this)

1st Eleint

As we approached the village of Westmarch, spirits were high and merry, the thoughts of beds instead of bedrolls and a mug of unwatered-down ale with roasted meats on most minds that morning. When we were attacked by some undead-looking creatures, I recall hearing tales that there are creatures cursed to roam the world, their souls having left their bodies but not moved on to the Everlasting Plain.

Husks are the remains of the body stuck on the material plane.

Kinrak and  Odvier managed to get the people of the group away before we could muster a defence. The combat was a harsh engagement and has left a mark on most of us, but we overcame the challenge.

12 died. 12 too many. Rupert was among the fallen, his plans to make his fortune now but a memory. Vocho was struck down, as was Chun. The howls of grief that came from Melcan are something I will never be able to unhear, pure unbridled anguish. We carefully gather up the dead onto Rupert's wagon.

When I am approached by a Halfling who suggests that when we make it to town, I should look for Brümhilde, the Apothecary of the village (Brümhildes Tinctures and Tonics), as she may have knowledge of what is going on with these husks and could help.

Upon arriving in the village, I head for the temple that has been set up here to see about a prayer or a service for the recently departed from the ambush on the road. Melcan has not left his brother's side. I pity him and offer to speak with the priest to see if he can ease his suffering.

As I approach the temple from above, I hear a screech of a thumper hawk above me in a dive bomb heading straight towards me 

I cannot ascertain why it may be attacking me, except that it is being very territorial. I sensed it just in time and got out of the way. I tried to hit out at it, but it managed to dodge mid-flight. It veered round and came again and hit me hard on the shoulder as it tried to fly away. I swung at it again, the quarterstaff, connecting with it and felling it. holding my shoulder, rubbing the area of impact, I head into the temple inside, and I see a priest kneeling before a shrine in prayer.

As I walk up the aisle towards him, he turns and says,s "In this time of darkness, someone new arrives in the west march. I'm short of time. Tell me what it is you want, my child"

I relay the situation, explaining about the dead that we have brought into the villageand his expression seems to change slightly.

"This is ill tidings indeed, and this befell you on the road, you say?"

I nod in response.

"There is little I can do but can try to give them their last rites"

Under his breath, he adds  

"Though what good it'll do basedon everything that has happened to us" 

There is a weight on his shoulders that much is obvious to me.

A small ceremony is held, and those guards who came in with me dig a communal grave for the fallen and carefully lower them in with sombre faces. There are a few tears from the travelling companions, but after this is all done, a few people linger, but everyone else heads off to their own business.

I sit in the church, tending to the wounds I have sustained through the day, the priest comes up to me and sits next to me, 

"The name is Jethro" 

"Braak"

"Well met, Braak, I'll level with you. I need a favour, the priest that was here before me has passed on, and I'm to be promoted to take his place. I need to grab a few things from where I was living and bring them here to prepare for the ceremony. If you could stand here and watch over the temple while you are in the west march, I will heal all your ills if I can"

I agree whole heartedly i want to gain his trust to be able to find out what it is that is weighing him down so much, to aid his recovery, so he can better aid those under his guardianship. He thanks me and leaves the temple. About five minutes after Jethro leaves the temple, I hear a voice in my head. After a quick look around, I work out that the painting of Opus is talking to me. “Traveller,” it continues. “From afar, a stranger to our lands and customs", he's right, but I have heard the legend of the Black Brigade (three centuries ago. The Black Brigade led the charge against the Titan of Evanlast, the million-armed beast that rose from the sea during the War of the Brothers. Beyond that, their story is legend, with many differing accounts explaining how the Titan was defeated).

"Approach and hear my riddle", it continues, 

"And I will grant you a blessing in my name.” 

I approach, and feel a warm sensation. Opus speaks in a booming voice, though it is entirely in my head. Still, I'm not too sure.

“The more you take… the more you leave behind. What is it?”

"footsteps", I murmur 

He says an incantation in a language I cannot understand, but I am suffused with positive energy, feeling the warmth course through my veins.

The door flies open, and Jethro runs in calling for help. Behind him are four husks. I grab up my quarterstaff and cast Shillelagh, imbuing it with nature's wrath. I help him take them out 2 to 1, but he gives just as good an account of himself as I do, and we make short work of them. I take a raking blow again to the shoulder (it's stiff as I haven't been able to rest it yet). But Jethro is as good as his word and heals the injury with the aid of his deity. He holds out a coin purse and 

"Here, take this. You may have more use for it than I will. Rest the night here and in the morning, prepare yourself for what's ahead of you. There is a spare cot in the other room you can use".

I walk through and gingerly lie on the sleeping pallet to try and get some rest.

 

Glide the Courier

Location: Prastead

Guild Courier report: Elias Light skimmer Designated delivery route pattern: tésera Notes on the route. Segment 1 Prastead to Mygraff farm

• Left Prastead with a cargo glider that was fully charged when, out of nowhere, a lightning Storm struck. I managed to evade some of the static discharges, but the side of my glider got struck and suffered some minor damage (shouldn’t affect the control,s mainly scorch marks from what I can see).
• I clear the storm and notice a route through the volcanoes that stretch out before me. It should help me to gain some speed moving forward.
• I'm proved right, as on the other side, I come across some volcanic vents which cause the gliders' propulsion to overcharge and offer extra speed, though I notice the wreck of a courier on an outcropping of rock and angle my glider over and find that the package they were taking was still attached, so I could make a profit from this.
• I found out why this route isn’t on the map as I approach Mygraff farm, the sand beneath the glider starts to shift and start to slow I cut loose the cargo I picked up and gain a small boost,t which pushes me through.
• Route 1 completed, I pick up the cargo that needs delivering to Hoygend and set off

Segment 2 Mygraff farm to Hoygend

• Set off fine, avoiding the loose sand, cursing my ill fate and focusing on the way forward, when all of a sudden, the wind changes direction, blowing sand and loosening detritus into my face.
• Pooling dust blocks all lines of sight, and I have to rely on my Gliders' navigation through my helmet's Heads Up Display, which, while helpful, is more frustrating than anything else.
• The wind changes its direction again, and I'm able to make some time, so I do a quick Look over the glider and see that the lightning bolt earlier hit some of the electrical components. There are not enough to do anything major to control overall, so I do a few minor repairs to it to see me through.
• I run across some more volcanic vents and pick up some momentum to try to arrive sooner than estimated.
• Though a rival spots me speeding and starts to make a dash towards me, I run the glider quicker and after a quick cat and mouse through some rock stacks, I make it through and get to Hoygend.

Segment 3 Hoygend to Salt City

• As dusk approaches I start off and a meteor flashes across the sky, I manage to nab a piece of cargo off of one of the rivals' colleague's gliders that were parked up, “you Snooze you lose” I make my way through another volcanic area one good thing about this route is its closeness to the volcanic mountain of Pra which gives me a welcome boost forward
• The heat from the desert at the close of the day helps to lift me higher, and I glance briefly over the vista, though deserted, it still has a level of charm.
• I use the boost to speed up and arrive quicker at my destination

Segment 4 Salt City to Prastead

• Last delivery of the day, I set off towards Prastead and get hit by a relic storm, I find something of interest and can pick it up as I go over but catch the wing of the glider on a suddenly appearing relic. I'm not sure whether I'm going to be able to buff it out.
• After the storm, it is a relief to see clear skies above me as I move forward through the storm. Navigation is somewhat stressful; I do, however, notice one more relic. I scoop it up. I may be able to deliver this to someone and make a little extra,
• As I continue, I get a warning klaxon through my earpiece. Something has locked onto me. Looking around it is a sabotaged drone, I circle the area trying to confuse it and to lose the lock. I find its MMB (mobile maintenance bay) and sabotage what's left hoping to cause it to fail and run out of charge again more scrap to sell ha ha.
• My mirth is short-lived as I hit some salt flats, the irregular surface causes the glider to Slow down, I'm so close to Home.
• The temperature starts to drop, and the cells cool again slowing me down And I think this is going to be the last drop of the night.
• I pull into my bay and hand over my cargo.
• I'm awarded a golden wing medal for the effort

All in all, it was a fun experience. It is a simple card draw game with a few stats, though I chose to write it up as a narrative as I had this story forming in my head as I played. I am definitely thinking of trying out the full game of Glide at some point, as this has piqued my interest. I will post a link to the rules https://sasquatchgames.itch.io/glide-the-courier, as it was a free game. Give it a go, let me know what you think

I was also inspired to do a little doodle of the drone using a tracing app and a pic I found online