[Game Thread] Forests of fear

[purplerook]

Undead on the left, Owlbears on the right, threats all around. Zook remounted Betsy and rode up to where Declan and Jon were conferring. He far preferred to be mounted when dealing with races that were larger than he - the entire party except for Oodiliana. The Artificer thought, "It's nice to be mounted, I can at least look them in the eye without craning my neck. Still better would be to have Jaeger and have him interact with them." Zook turned to Jon, "I've a bit of healing magic that I can call upon in need. However, I'd prefer to save my magic from the dangers of combat." Then Zook interjected himself into the conversation about Owlbears and the undead. "Let us proceed from facts into hypotheses. It is fact that we have encountered this three undead. They do imply that there is some power that raised them. As to Owlbears, we have mere reports of them, although for rumors and reports to reach Westhaven, it implies some credence behind them. As to the relationship between Owlbear and the undead. It may be coincidence or enemy action that two threats would arise simultaneously. At this point, we should be ready for two threats - more undead and an Owlbear. For whatever raised these undead should be able to raise more. As the Owlbear, well, we are here to hunt it."

Table Top   Movement: Action: Bonus Action: Free Object Interaction: Reaction: Dice Rolls: DEfault Combat Actions: Magic Stone out of melee, Toll the Dead in Melee, if already injured (less than 18 HP) Shield spell   Zook | Rock Gnome | chaotic-good | male | Artificer 1 /Wizard 1 Armor Class 18 Hit Points 18/18 Speed 25 ft Str 10 Dex 14 Con 16 Int 20 Wis 12 Cha 14 Saving throws: Str +0, Dex +2, *Con +4, *Int +7, Wis +1, Chr +2 Initiative +2 Skills: acrobatics +4, arcana +7, history +7 (+9 alchemy, magic, technology), investigation +7 Tools: Alchemy, Leatherworking, Smith, Tinkers, Thieves Senses Passive Perception 11 | Passive Investigation 17 | Passive Insight 11 Languages Common, Draconic, Gnomish (Dwarven script) Weapons: Dagger +4 1d4+2, Magic Stone +7 1d6+5 More details: character sheet   https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/16960-mule AC 10, HP 11, Speed 40ft,

[secretID]

"Stinger" Drum, 2L Fighter Custom Lineage (Dwarf/Halfing) Crossbow Expert | Archery Style | Second Wind 1/1 | Action Surge 1/1 Stinger does not bother to respond to Jon’s question, but he does linger near Prod as he gives the huffing mule a small pat of gratitude. “If your people are prone to confusing zombies for owlbears,” Stinger opines, “then I think that beverage served at the inn may be your true villain.” Stinger nods his chin toward the now-still corpses as he begins to check and reload his crossbow. “These creatures have the look of herdspeople,” he notes. “Something opportunistic, not crypt guardians. Unless you know of some such place nearby?” he asks casually.

 

Applicable Spell/skills/statuses: Crossbow Expert
Initiative 6
Movement: Wyatt 70ish foot dash to the side of the front wagon, whichever side gives the best line of fire on the undead; if more movement is need for LoS, Stinger dismounts to move on foot; Ringo dash to O11.
Free action:
Action: Hand crossbow: 24 to hit, 10 piercing damage
Bonus action: Hand crossbow: 14 to hit, 9 piercing damage
Reaction:
Dice rolls: Lady Luck

Stinger sheet

Individual	AC	HP	PP	other
Stinger	17	20	8	blessing 1/1
Ringo (mastiff	12	5	13 (+ADV hearing & smell)	40’ move, blessing 1/1
Wyatt (mule)	10	11	10	40’ move; STR and DEX ADV vs. going Prone, blessing 1/1

[SnakeOilCharmer]

Syrota Hittebarn Maybe it's an undead Owlbear? thought Syrota, though she refrained from mentioning the possibility aloud. This seemed as likely a situation as any other to her, but she wasn't sure how the others would take it. What did she know, next to Zook's impressive sounding hippo... hyper... theories and all the long words they contained? The dark-clad man, Declan, posed a good question. Had Prod and Miguel seen the Owlbear themselves? Or had they just taken the priest's word for it? For all she knew, the Owlbear might have just been a ruse to get capable folk to join them without sounding far-fetched with talk of walking dead. Frankly, Syrota herself wouldn't have necessarily believed such things were wandering the roads, had her arrow not lodged itself in one of their all-too-real skulls. The thought prompted her to kneel down and retrieve her quarrel, and rifle through what was left of the hideous thing's clothing for good measure. She wasn't expecting to find anything of use, but you could take the girl out of the streets... besides, if she did come up with a couple of coppers or suchlike, they were more use to her than this poor soul. As she got back to her feet, Syrota looked upward, and idly wondered if Oodiliana might not be mistaken for an owlbear in her current condition. She laughed inwardly, but then found herself wondering if the truth might not be even stranger. One thing was sure, she'd let other people twist their brains around trying to figure it out. She was happy enough to keep her eyes and ears open, and fill anything suspect looking with arrows. It seemed like she was pretty decent at that.

Action Retrieve quarrels, and search the body of the white-haired undead for anything worth stealing.

Syrota Syrota Hittebarn - Level One Half-Elf Rogue AC: 14 HP: 9/9 Init: +3 PP: 17 Currently wielding: Shortbow Proficient Skills: Acrobatics +5, Insight +5, Investigation +4, Medicine +5, Perception +7, Persuasion +4, Sleight of Hand +5, Stealth +7 Class features: Expertise (Stealth and Perception), Thieves' Cant, Beginning at 1st level, you know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll.Sneak Attack - 1d6 Racial Features: Thanks to your elf blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.Darkvision You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.Fey Ancestry

[LeDragon]

Welcome to Coldwater "They found traces of an owlbear... " Prod says. "We should discuss this with the priests and the mayor of Coldwater." Miguel adds. "It lo'ks inde'd that ther' is at le'st a sec'nd pred'tor in the wo'ds." The group now catches up with the carriages and moves on together. The path again becomes muddier and worse, but at least it does not rain. Within a mile, the caravan leaves the forest and one can see the road directly leading to a small village with small shacks, surrounded by fertile fields with plenty of crops. People are working in groups on the fields far away, each group protected by a militia guard. Even from here, one can see three buildings stick out of the middle of the village: a square stone tower, a three-storey caravansary – and a massive temple painted in bright colors. The small caravan passes a newly planted orchard with fruit trees. Prod stops there, then turns to the adventurers. "Well guys, we nearly reached Coldwater. I suppose to stay in the Dancing Goat for the night. It’s cheap and in addition, it's the only one." Prod smiles at Zook. "You'll like the new village! Go!" The caravan slowly enters the village through a new gate, then moves along a dirty, mud-covered street to the market place in the middle of the village. Most of the huts have a stone cellars and a strong foundation, but the constructions above are made of wood. The sun is just setting behind the mountain tops when the caravan reaches the market place. In the middle of the marketplace, there is a new wooden statue of a Centaur don't wear pants over their horse part.clearly male centaur with battleaxe and shield and his halfling rider, wielding a sword and a staff. The wood is painted with bright colors. A bronze plate is nailed to the pedestal. ____________________________________________ In memory of the brave adventurers Yaeger Zook and the ones who gave their lives Elohir of Tarsis Solgin Sebastian Pryce (MIA) Dudon May the gods bless their souls! _________________Gundar Swiftblade was here!_

DM's notes: Feel free to post actions in the wood and actions when you enter Coldwater.

[Gath]

Heeey, Zook! Looks like Zook’s been immortalized! Gods blessings on your soul, good sir!” Said the owlin with a giddy chuckle. ”The Dancing Goat, eh?” She added, eager to find food and shelter. Perhaps the owlin might even spring for a mattress after so much dancing.

 

Travel to The Dancing Goat.

Oodiliana Xhaaa Female Owlin Sorcerer Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +3 | Int: +2 | Wis: +0 | Cha: +3 HP: 9/9 || AC: 15 | Passive Perception: 10 | Initiative: +2 Saves: Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +5 | Int: +2 | Wis: +0 | Cha: +5 Arcana: +4 | Deception: +5 | Persuasion: +5 | Stealth: +4 | Survival: +2 Special: Darkvision 120ft Wielding: Staff Default Attack: Chill Touch +5, 1d8dmg

[purplerook]

TBD Every step that Betsy took was a reminder that she was not Jager. Cold Valley brought back unpleasant memories of blood and death, of the crazed cleric and the flying beast he controlled. Zook was in a dark state of mind when confronted with the wooden statue. The rider was so unlike Zook that the Gnomish Artificer would not have recognized himself, but for Jaeger and of course, the bronze plaque. Zook scowled and pointed to the plaque, "Look at the Plaque; six of us came, but only Jaeger and I left. We buried three, and we could find no sign of the fourth." Zook took a deep breath and apologized, "I'm sorry, OOdiliana. It's just that the statue brings back painful memories." The Gnomish artificer turned to the rest of the group, "And a warning to us all. Adventuring is a dangerous occupation; we're all just one step away from becoming a name on a tombstone somewhere."

Table Top   Movement: Action: Bonus Action: Free Object Interaction: Reaction: if already injured (less than 18 HP) Shield spell Dice Rolls: Default Combat Actions: Magic Stone out of melee, Toll the Dead in melee   Zook | Rock Gnome | chaotic-good | male | Artificer 1 /Wizard 1 Armor Class 18 Hit Points 18/18 Speed 25 ft Str 10 Dex 14 Con 16 Int 20 Wis 12 Cha 14 Saving throws: Str +0, Dex +2, *Con +4, *Int +7, Wis +1, Chr +2 Initiative +2 Skills: acrobatics +4, arcana +7, history +7 (+9 alchemy, magic, technology), investigation +7 Tools: Alchemy, Leatherworking, Smith, Tinkers, Thieves Senses Passive Perception 11 | Passive Investigation 17 | Passive Insight 11 Languages Common, Draconic, Gnomish (Dwarven script) Weapons: Dagger +4 1d4+2, Magic Stone +7 1d6+5 More details: character sheet   https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/16960-mule AC 10, HP 11, Speed 40ft,

[Dyerdon]

Jon There was plenty to think on... undead. A curse? Necromancy? He was not fond of those who wielded magic. He understood it's usefulness, but it brought a lot of bad thoughts to his mind. A lot of bad memories. His eyes turned toward the others as they reached civilization again... his chest ached, but he'd live. He sheathed his sword at long last, pausing as he caught part of the conversation. "It takes a certain folk to lead this life... That's why my shield is put to use in defense of others, not just my own well-being..." he said somberly. "It is why I wished to come out here as well, I see a lot of fresher faces-" he paused, "Says the boy of sixteen... " he muttered to himself " but it is dangerous out here... but if someone else had traveled that road instead of us just now, they would still have had to face those monsters without the skills we have honed..." he offered, motioning toward the statue. "Honor what they did, clearly it was something these people honored, honor it by doing what they would have done... death is but a danger to any who travel that road, not just us... better people like us travel it to protect those who need it..." he mused, putting a hand on Zook's shoulder momentarily. "Come on, I look forward to sitting a spell," he mused, making his way toward the Dancing Goat with the others.

 

Actions Action: Bonus Action: Movement: Reaction:

 

Character Information Name: Jonathan de Antheros Race: Human (Variant) Class: Fighter (Champion) Level: 3 HP: 29/29 | AC: 19 | Speed: 30 | Initiative: +3 Saving Throws Strength: +5 | Dexterity: +3 | Constitution: +3 | Intelligence: +0 | Wisdom: +0 | Charisma: -1 Skills Acrobatics: +3 | Animal Handling (Prof): +2 | Arcana: +3 | Athletics (Prof): +5 | Deception: -1 | History (Prof): +5 | Insight: +0 | Intimidation (Prof): +1 | Medicine: +0 | Nature: +3 | Perception: +0 | Performance: -1 | Persuasion (Prof): +1 | Religion: +3 | Stealth (Disadvantage due to Armor): +3 | Survival: +0 Passive Perception: 10 Languages: Common, Elven, Dwarven Weapons Versatile, Slashing, +5 to attack, 1d8+3 damage, single handed/ 1d10+3 damage two handed (Cannot use shield, AC 17 in that moment)Silver Longsword Thrown, Slashing, +5 to attack, 1d6+3 damage, Range 20/60Handaxe | Versatile, Thrown, Piercing, +5 to attack, 1d6+3 damage, single handed/1d8+3 damage, two handed (cannot use shield, AC 17 in that moment)Spear Armor 17 AC, heavy armorScale Mail +2 ACShield Abilities You have mastered techniques to take advantage of every drop in any enemy's guard, gaining the following benefits. When you hit a creature with an opportunity attack, the creature's speed becomes 0 for the rest of the turn. Creatures provoke opportunity attacks from you even if they take the Disengage action before leaving your reach. When a creature within 5 feet of you makes an attack against a target other than you (and that target doesn't have this feat), you can use your reaction to make a melee weapon attack against the attacking creature.Sentinel When a creature you can see hits a target, other than you, within 5 feet of you with an attack, you can use your reaction to reduce the damage the target takes by 1d10 + your proficiency bonus (to a minimum of 0 damage). You must be wielding a shield or a simple or martial weapon to use this reaction.Fighting Style: Interception You have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your fighter level. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.Second Wind Starting at 2nd level, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again. Starting at 17th level, you can use it twice before a rest, but only once on the same turn.Action Surge | A Natural 19-20 is a critical hitImproved Critical

[secretID]

"Stinger" Drum, 2L Fighter Custom Lineage (Dwarf/Halfing) Crossbow Expert | Archery Style | Second Wind 1/1 | Action Surge 1/1 Astride his own mule beside Zook, Stinger Drum reviews the statue and plaque as the gnome elaborates some on the memorialized events. Stinger takes a breath, but before he can utter some quip, the young knight begins his speech. Such sincerity tends to grate on the tomb raider and sometime mercenary, but this time he finds himself listening respectfully to the whole thing. When Jonathan has finished, something about the mood seems to have changed, and Stinger elects to keep any further commentary to himself.

 

Applicable Spell/skills/statuses: Crossbow Expert
Initiative 6
Movement: Wyatt 70ish foot dash to the side of the front wagon, whichever side gives the best line of fire on the undead; if more movement is need for LoS, Stinger dismounts to move on foot; Ringo dash to O11.
Free action:
Action: Hand crossbow: 24 to hit, 10 piercing damage
Bonus action: Hand crossbow: 14 to hit, 9 piercing damage
Reaction:
Dice rolls: Lady Luck

Stinger sheet

Individual	AC	HP	PP	other
Stinger	17	20	8	blessing 1/1
Ringo (mastiff	12	5	13 (+ADV hearing & smell)	40’ move, blessing 1/1
Wyatt (mule)	10	11	10	40’ move; STR and DEX ADV vs. going Prone, blessing 1/1

[Gath]

Hmm, hmm, hmmm! Dance, dance, dance!” Hummed the owlin, prone to shuffling steps and thrusting hips as she juked from side to side, front to back, and utilized her wings for aerial maneuvers as well including flips and somersaults, but sometimes just hopping around in a circle with a wing outstretched humming, ”Uh, uh, uh! Huh!” Zook’s chastising and beratement rolled off of her just as easily as Jon’s sentimentality. She appreciated that the gnome was coming from an emotional place but there was no way for her to have foreseen such meaning in the content of the plaque. In a similar vein, Jon’s sentimentality was forlorn and morose, though he tried to bring it into a positive light it still ended up with a fatalistic bend. The owlin was too excited to see this Dancing Goat to engage with such depressive content. Oodiliana slowed and spun around on one foot with both wings out and asked, ”Did you guys see how Syrota impaled that white haired ghoul right through the eye socket?” The owlin extended her other leg which propelled her into another rotation and she flapped her wings and hopped up onto Syrota’s wagon. ”Well done, indeed!” She said, with a curtsey. While perched on the wagon edge, Oodiliana produced a wooden pan flute and began to play a harmonious melody. Within moments, a couple deer appeared at the edge of the trail along with a badger and porcupine family. Another owl landed in a tree as well as an eagle on the other side. There was bleating and cawing as the creatures looked on curiously. Then the music stopped. ”I think I might go on ahead and scout, yeah?” She asked.

 

Initiative: Actions: Play Flute, Dance, Talk

Oodiliana Xhaaa Female Owlin Sorcerer Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +3 | Int: +2 | Wis: +0 | Cha: +3 HP: 9/9 || AC: 15 | Passive Perception: 10 | Initiative: +2 Saves: Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +5 | Int: +2 | Wis: +0 | Cha: +5 Arcana: +4 | Deception: +5 | Persuasion: +5 | Stealth: +4 | Survival: +2 Special: Darkvision 120ft Wielding: Staff Default Attack: Chill Touch +5, 1d8dmg

[Greyling]

Declan Once the rain stops, he leaves the hood down as they continues to make they way woods. As the small farming village comes into view, Declan smiles. The small community was reminiscent of the small town from his youth. This church was more colorful than the one his father was remarried in. He wondered to which deity the church was dedicated. Prod and Miguel had spoken praising words of Fharlanghn, though that could have been because of the priests. The sight of the town people working in groups, each with their own militia guard, had Declan impressed. Hinted at two things that should ensure the small town's survival: a sense of community, and someone had this community organized. As Prod brings the wagon to a halt, the pause rocks the fighter in his seat. Softly repeating the man's suggestion, "the Dancing Goat inn. Copy." Listening to the exchange of words regarding the statue to thank Zook's previous group, and the dangers of the adventuring occupation. "Adventuring can be dangerous. So can being a shepherd." Declan hops down off the wagon as it slowly made its way through the two-story caravansary. He begins to walk toward the asking directions if the sign isn't visibleDancing Goat. "I could sit for a bit too. Maybe with a stiff drink. Unless the drinks are anything like what was served at the Old Boar Hunter." He shakes his head to Oodiliana's recount, "I missed it, but sounds like an impressive shot."

 

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Declan Varis, male half-elf fighter
HP 14/14 | AC 15 (or 15+2 shield) | PP 15 | Init +4
Worn = Leather armor
Wielding =
Carried equip. = longsword, handaxe, longbow, shield, backpack
Stats S 18, D 18, C 18, I 13, W 17, C 14
Saves Str +6 | Con +6
Skills athletics +6 | acrobatics +6 | nature +3 | perception +5 | survival +5 | intimidation +4

Class features
Your unarmed strikes can deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier on a hit. If you aren't wielding any weapons or a shield when you make the attack roll, the d6 becomes a d8.
At the start of each of your turns, you can deal 1d4 bludgeoning damage to one creature grappled by you.Fighting Style: Unarmed Fighting
You have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your fighter level.
Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.Second Wind

Racial traits
Thanks to your elf blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.Darkvision
You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.Fey Ancestry

[SnakeOilCharmer]

Syrota Hittebarn Syrota was about to ask if the dancing goat wasn't another of her transformations, but then the mood changed - for everyone except Oodiliana, apparently - leaving her in no mood for jokes. Some of the men had gotten awfully serious, thinking about what a dangerous business adventuring was, but after Zook's remark about being one misstep away from a tombstone, all she could think was: At least you gotta chance of gettin' a tombstone. Ain't many I know got that lucky. Fortunately, her Owlin friend, who had declined to partake in the somber reflection, made a flattering reference to Syrota's own shot to polish off the white-haired horror. Declan said he hadn't seen it, which was a shame, but did provide the urchin with the perfect setup for an awful pun. "Thanks for the kind words, lads. What can I say? I knew I 'ad to sock it to 'em." With that, Syrota made her way inside. She wondered if she might not have been the first person in the history of the West Marches to have spent more time indoors as a result of taking up adventuring.

Action RP

Syrota Syrota Hittebarn - Level One Half-Elf Rogue AC: 14 HP: 9/9 Init: +3 PP: 17 Currently wielding: Shortbow Proficient Skills: Acrobatics +5, Insight +5, Investigation +4, Medicine +5, Perception +7, Persuasion +4, Sleight of Hand +5, Stealth +7 Class features: Expertise (Stealth and Perception), Thieves' Cant, Beginning at 1st level, you know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll.Sneak Attack - 1d6 Racial Features: Thanks to your elf blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.Darkvision You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.Fey Ancestry

[Greyling]

Declan Declan lets out an audible groan at the pun. Turning his head toward Syrota with a smirk on his face showing his approval. "They tried to end our lives, and you weren't having it. I think they took your point to mind."

 

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Declan Varis, male half-elf fighter
HP 14/14 | AC 15 (or 15+2 shield) | PP 15 | Init +4
Worn = Leather armor
Wielding =
Carried equip. = longsword, handaxe, longbow, shield, backpack
Stats S 18, D 18, C 18, I 13, W 17, C 14
Saves Str +6 | Con +6
Skills athletics +6 | acrobatics +6 | nature +3 | perception +5 | survival +5 | intimidation +4

Class features
Your unarmed strikes can deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier on a hit. If you aren't wielding any weapons or a shield when you make the attack roll, the d6 becomes a d8.
At the start of each of your turns, you can deal 1d4 bludgeoning damage to one creature grappled by you.Fighting Style: Unarmed Fighting
You have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your fighter level.
Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.Second Wind

Racial traits
Thanks to your elf blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.Darkvision
You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.Fey Ancestry

[LeDragon]

In the dancing goat The market place is neat and clean. Some peasant in simple clothes and two militia men watch the caravan. A young girl waves happily at Zook while a little dog barks from the safety of an open window at the newcomers and especially their canine escort. The market place is dominated by the fortified temple of Pelor. The massive building lacks any architectural fineness, but it appears nearly friendly with the white painted walls with the colorful symbols, although one can still notice the fortress that is hiding beneath the coarse stones. The gate is covered with a bright, polished bronze and shows the sign of Pelor – a threatening humanoid with a grimace, surrounded by flames. On the left side, there’s the caravansary. Although the brown, wooden, three-story building is nearly as high as the temple, it seems to be much smaller and more delicate. The Dancing Goat lies in opposite of the caravansary. A two-storey building with a new roof and a renovated front. A wooden sign shows a dancing goat with a cup of wine. Prod stops there. ”I'll talk to the inn keeper. There’re four rooms. Miguel and I take one room. You can have the others. Each one is for four persons up to eight – if you like it cozy. We’ll care about the carriages and horses – you can have time off.” Prod just jumps from his cart when Riban Smudlay, the innkeeper - an mid-aged, chubby man – comes out of the inn, greeting Prod and bowing several times in a flattering way. ”Praise that goods gods led you back again, Prod and Miguel, my dear friends. Please come into my inn and be my guests as long as you want!” ------- In the inn, the inside reminds very much about "On your shield" except that the patrons are all unarmed and the furniture is not worn off by all kinds of a metal. Some patrons are already sitting in a corner, eating dinner and drinking beer. A big fire burns in the chimney and spreads a chilling warm. "Put your stuff in the chambers upstairs." Riban says. "Take anyone, they are all free but one. Meanwhile, I'll serve you dinner and beer." He nods to Prod and Miguel. "I send for the mayor and the priests to come, so you can talk about the owlbear." The man sadly shakes his head. "Terrible thing. The huts of the woodcutters were raided last night. No-one survived. Luckily, most of them were already in Coldwater." He turns to the stable boy who passes-by with a heavy duffle bag. "Bring the baggage upstairs and then wake up Mr. Swiftblade! We want to have some music and entertainment this evening."

[purplerook]

A More Welcoming Arrival Zook watched with amazement and thought, "A much more welcoming and auspicious arrival than our last time. Of course, we don't have a cleric out to kill us this time." Zook took Betsy to the stables and ensured she was curried, and her hooves picked clean. The Artificer even had an extra copper for the stable boy to ensure that Betsy got some feed. Zook entered the Inn with Prod and Miguel, who had to take care of the horses and wagons. Zook was in time to hear the Inn Keeper call for the mayor and the priests and silently thought, "Priests, it will be nice to have them working with us rather than against us. Still, this Owlbear will be nasty if the combination of the priests, the militia, and the hunters has not brought it to bay." Zook focused on the tools on hand and what he might be able to craft to help with the hunt.

Table Top   Movement: Action: Bonus Action: Free Object Interaction: Reaction: Dice Rolls: DEfault Combat Actions: Magic Stone out of melee, Toll the Dead in Melee, if already injured (less than 18 HP) Shield spell   Zook | Rock Gnome | chaotic-good | male | Artificer 1 /Wizard 1 Armor Class 18 Hit Points 18/18 Speed 25 ft Str 10 Dex 14 Con 16 Int 20 Wis 12 Cha 14 Saving throws: Str +0, Dex +2, *Con +4, *Int +7, Wis +1, Chr +2 Initiative +2 Skills: Acrobatics +4, Arcana +7, History +7 (+9 alchemy, magic, technology), investigation +7 Tools: Alchemy, Leatherworking, Smith, Tinkers, Thieves Senses Passive Perception 11 | Passive Investigation 17 | Passive Insight 11 Languages Common, Draconic, Gnomish (Dwarven script) Weapons: Dagger +4 1d4+2, Magic Stone +7 1d6+5 More details: character sheet   https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/16960-mule AC 10, HP 11, Speed 40ft,

[Greyling]

Declan Turning to Prod, he nods, "thanks. Probably best to leave the woman's body on the wagon until we talk to the priests, if you're comfortable with that." He holds his tongue on the man's choice of words regarding time off. He had been hired to take care of the threat to the town. A threat that, by all account, was a owlbear. For the safety of the townsfolk, haste was preferred. However, in his experience, hunts don't always go quick. Additionally, rushing into danger can end adventuring careers too soon. Declan heads into the inn. Allowing Prod and Miguel to their reunion with the friendly innkeeper. Exchanging a friendly "hello", if Smudlay glances at the hired adventurers. Stepping into the interior, the warmth felt good after the rain and cold. He finds a seat at an unoccupied table. Leaning his longbow against the table, and his backpack at his feet. Ironically enough, as soon as he sits the innkeeper is suggesting they store their possessions in their rooms. "That's much appreciated. Prod spoke well of your inn. Is there somewhere to bath later? I wouldn't mind washing off some of the road." After giving the man a chance to reply, Declan heads upstairs to find a room. In one of the vacant room, across one of the beds he lays out his longbow, sword, and backpack. Flipping open a side pocket on the pack, he pulls out a deck of cards, then goes to head back downstairs.

 

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Declan Varis, male half-elf fighter
HP 14/14 | AC 15 (or 15+2 shield) | PP 15 | Init +4
Worn = Leather armor
Wielding =
Carried equip. = longsword, handaxe, longbow, shield, backpack
Stats S 18, D 18, C 18, I 13, W 17, C 14
Saves Str +6 | Con +6
Skills athletics +6 | acrobatics +6 | nature +3 | perception +5 | survival +5 | intimidation +4

Class features
Your unarmed strikes can deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier on a hit. If you aren't wielding any weapons or a shield when you make the attack roll, the d6 becomes a d8.
At the start of each of your turns, you can deal 1d4 bludgeoning damage to one creature grappled by you.Fighting Style: Unarmed Fighting
You have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your fighter level.
Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.Second Wind

Racial traits
Thanks to your elf blood, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.Darkvision
You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.Fey Ancestry