Welcome to Auvensberg!

A small village sits nestled into a low valley. A number of small houses dot the area with chimney's of white smoke. The main thoroughfare, The Kings Road, cuts through the middle of the town going east to west. A large well kept cottage overlooks the town from the south. This is the lord's manor. The local tavern and inn, Hogswash, sits in the center of town just off the road. Small stables with a few pack animals milling about inside stands nearby. Across the well worn dirt road sits another large building, this is the local blacksmith who works tirelessly day an night.

The village is mostly surrounded by rolling hills. To the northeast a large forest encroaches on the fields near the edge of town. A small path leads off into the forest. Southwards the hills grow and grow eventually turning into mountains far off into the distance. East the Kings road meanders lazily through rolling hills and grassland. Some boulders and sparse trees dot the horizon. Westward the road comes to a small bridge just outside of the village that crosses a stream and continues on into the sunset. Across the bridge next to the road is a parcel of land surrounded by a low stone wall. Standing stones are situated haphazardly spread within enclosure. The stream flows from rocky crags in the south and cuts northward gently curving around the outskirts of the village and eventually heads off towards the forest.

Ambush! Loaf and Kigur approach the entrance to the old silver mine. They failed to notice 3 goblin sentries hidden out front in the blackness of night. The full moon overhead washes the small clearing in soft blue dim light. The goblins patiently wait for the chance to strike and take it as Loaf stumbles directly into one hiding behind a rock pile. An archer fires an arrow at Kigur but missed at the same time. A third goblin lets out a shrill war cry scream and charges Kigur with a handaxe drawn.

[OOC] I couldn't find what languages Kigur knows on your char sheet but since you're an Orc I'm gonna assume you understand goblin. Kigur hears the goblin shout "Attack!". -edit I just learned the orcs aren't part of the 'goblinoid family' in normal DnD lore but fuck it it makes sense to me. Orcs will be like the big brother to hobgoblins and more vicious than bugbears.

[OOC] You guys both go first in initiative and at the same time nice!
This is how I understood you guys approaching. Loaf approached from the left and Kigur approached from the right. You are about 20ft apart from one another at the time of ambush. Loaf is like 10ft to the left of mine entrance along steep hill and doesn't have line of sight of the goblin archer. Loaf is in melee range with a goblin holding a scimitar. The goblin up in the rocks above the mine entrance is 15ft of difficult terrain up. The goblin charging Kigur is 30ft away.

@Jilanico@lemmy.world @phailhaus@piefed.social

Loaf blurts out a cry that is not brave at all. The truth is he's never been in a fight. Tears streaming from his eyes, he desperately stabs his rapier at the goblin before him.

The goblin defends with his scimitar. He deftly parrys your rapier away with a clash and growls at you

Kigur has been in many fights. His strategy is simple: Get in close and hit people. Really. Hard. This was easier when he had a great buffalo to carry him into battle, but his legs work well enough.

He pulls his sword from his back and charges the goblin with the axe. He swings without slowing, using his momentum to add force to the strike.

The only sound Kigur makes is the thud of his feet. He would normally jangle softly, but his chainmail is stowed for stealth. He considered a battle cry, but enemies this small are probably scared enough already.

[OOC] When I asked about ranges I was meaning the distances between the combatants. This is great.

[OOC] I was considering asking if I should understand Goblin, but then I looked it up and found that they have no overlap with orcs in the base settings. Happy to hear I can understand them in your head! I don't have languages listed currently, but I'm keeping it simple with Common and Orcish.

That goblin is very dead. Go ahead and describe what your sword does to it and what happens to the body from you charging it

The archer fires another arrow at Kigur! The arrow finds its mark and slams into your shoulder dealing 5 piercing damage!

The goblin next to Loaf attacks him with his scimitar! The scimitar catches you in the side leaving a nasty gash dealing 6 slashing damage!

Kigur's blade carves through the goblin's chest until it reaches the spine. As the blade continues its' arc, the lifeless body flies off it, tumbling into the darkness of the mine.

An arrow slams into Kigur's shoulder and he grunts with pain, fixing his attention on his next target. Adrenaline courses through him as he charges up the slope toward the archer. He takes another mighty swing, twisting around the goblin and skidding to a stop up the slope from it.

Loaf is hurt, and badly. When it comes to fight or flight in Loaf's little mind, flight has the upper hand. He bawls in terror and runs away from the mine.

Kigur thats just enough damage to kill the archer. Please describe how you merc him

[OOC] damn thats nice movement ability. And your sword always does damage? what? lol +5 str at lvl 1 is insane!
As for Loaf I'm assuming as your action you're disengaging? Because otherwise that goblin's gonna stab you in the back as you try to run away

[OOC] Yeah disengage 😬

The goblin crumples at Kigur's feet, a gash around his side and up his back. Kigur looks past the falling body and sees his ally fleeing from the final target. He leaps off the slope to strike the last goblin down. His blade is snagged in the archer's bow, however, ripping it from his grasp and sending him tumbling.

He hits the ground sideways and attempts to roll into the goblin to grapple him.

[OOC] I got lucky with my attribute rolls and got an 18, then threw my origin +2 into the same stat. Maxed strength is pretty silly, but he's kinda terrible at most other things.

[OOC] Weapon mastery is one of the biggest changes in 5.5e. It puts special properties on weapons that differentiate similar ones and are only active for martial classes. The Scimitar gets to do off-hand attacks without a bonus action while the Shortsword gives advantage on your next attack against the same target. Greatsword deals Strength modifier on miss, which couples nicely with my comical Strength.

[OOC] few things. The goblin gets his turn before you. And grappling is an attack so you either grapple or unarmed attack. Also the save is to get out of the grapple. To initiate its contested strength (or dex for defender) roll

The goblin snorts as his opponent Loaf turns and flees. Realizing his compatriots have fallen runs to the mine entrance and begins to call down into the darkness. Hes interrupted by Kigur tumbling down the hill and landing hard in the dirt next to the goblin.

[OOC] this is where you decide if you wanna do the damage or grapple. Then itd be the goblins turn again (technically Loaf gets a turn before but hes fleeing so i dont think hed change his mind in 6secs) whose gonna attack you. But missed. Ill describe what occurs when i know what you wanna do

[OOC] Oh, that's an interesting difference. 5.5 made grapple a kind of unarmed strike instead of its own thing. Reading more carefully, that's basically a formatting tweak since it's still in place of the attack roll and damage. Seems pointless and confusing to do it that way. The more significant change is that they removed contests from both starting and escaping a grapple, replacing them with a fixed DC (8+STRMOD+PROF). I'm happy to do it either way.

Given how the situation stands now, Kigur will leap to his feet and punch the goblin in the face.

[OOC] I have the 2014 phb so thats what I'll be using. If 5.5 has cool rules in the future we can totally use them instead tho. I might have to get my hands on one of those books. So this is whats happening. Waiting to see what Loaf does. If the goblins still standing itll take a turn then its back to top of initiative with you guys again

The goblin sputters for an instant from the dust cloud Kigur made when landing. Giving you an opening when the goblin goes to strike you you grab his arm defeating his attack and simultaneously pull him into a right hook. The goblins nose crunches and you hear bones break. He cries out in pain and surprise. He's bloodied.

What works works. Kigur punches him again.

Loaf looks over his shoulder to see, to his surprise, Kigur killing a goblin with his. Bare. Hands.

The goblin falls limp, dead. Its face a bloody pulp.

The still night air is cool and light breeze rustles the trees. A cloud is beginning to obscure the moon and in a short while the world will be bathed in darkness again.

Kigur limps up the slope to collect his sword, then goes to Loaf.

I hurt. You do too. We should pull back and clean our wounds.

Kigur wants to find a vantage point about 100 ft. from the entrance, then patch up and strategize.

Sure give me investigation or survival roll

Kigur is the best at looking for things.

Nat 1.

Lol sure you find a good looking spot in some dead brush that is a good vantage point nearby

Kigur sits down and sets about pulling the arrow out and patching up his shoulder.

Loaf joins Kigur for a short rest. "We showed them, eh Kigur? Did you see how I gave that goblin a proper mauling? You did ok yourself."

Loaf readies his crossbow, not wanting to engage goblins in close quarters anymore. He tries to mask the fear in his voice as he says, "Perhaps you should don your armor. Do you think there are any goblins in the mine that heard the commotion?"

Loaf begins attending to his wounds.

give me a perception and insight check pls

You two sit in some brush and begin a short rest attending to your wounds. You have a decent view of the mine entrance and Kigur (with darkvision) would have noticed the mine shaft goes down a gentle slop into the earth for at least 100ft.

Loaf gets an uneasy feeling beyond his current fear of goblins. Its like the forest is watching him oppressively. The brush almost seems to crowd the two of you.

[OOC] let me know if you don't want me to roll for you anymore at anytime @Jilanico@lemmy.world

Kigur finishes patching up his shoulder and dons his armor.

Know how to use that thing? That rat tried to call more.

[OOC] I really enjoy rolling for actions, but feel free to roll for me when it will keep things rolling, especially with perception and such.

[OOC] good to know! will do

Neither of you see any more goblins come out of the mine. Its safe near the entrance for now. Kigur however gets a foreboding sense from his surroundings. For the hour you sit here you get a deep sense of unease like you're being watched. This area of the forest is particularly dark. You almost have trouble seeing with your darkvision. The roots under your feet are twisted an gnarled. The smell of damp rich earth fills your nose. The dead bushes in your hide rustle with every movement, twigs snap off the dry brush at the slightest touch. Was the brush this dense when you entered? Not that you recall. You look at Loaf and its almost as if one of the bushes are reaching out to him.

Kigur realizes they've chosen to hide in blight. The bush reaching for Loaf is a Twig Blight, and you now notice you have one ready to attack you as well. You know blight like these are ambush creatures and will likely strike the moment you go to leave the area.

-edit youd also know these twig blight are the weakest blight forms and that they tend to overwhelm opponents like undead. This ‘infestation’ is likely in the very early stages.

"Know how to use it? Why, I've felled many an enemy with my crossbow in countless fights." Loaf looks about him. "Though right now I'd rather have an axe. There's something ominous about these woods. The sooner we get this job done, the better. Once we're feeling up to it, let's head down the mine. I'd lead the way, brave as I am, but I suspect you see better in the dark. So you lead the way and I'll be right behind with my trusty crossbow."

Loaf tries to remember to keep his finger off the trigger. The last time he handled his crossbow he shot his fellow adventurer in the back.

[OOC] We want to kindle a torch or two before we enter the mine. Does it make sense to fight or ward off the blights with torches?

[OOC] On the torch subject, it sounds like we will both be mainly using 2 handed weapons. Does tossing torches work? Strap one to Kigur's backpack?

[OOC] the twig blights are wooded plants with evil intent. Fire will work well against most plants. And yea you can totally afix a torch to your belt or pack in a way thats safe enough and keeps your hands free

Loaf senses Kigur's unease and hands him a torch from his pack. He takes one out for himself as well saying, "I have half a mind to torch the mine and this forsaken forest with it. Take a goblin head back as proof and be done with this quest." Loaf lights his torch.

Kigur lights up as well and slowly stands.

Tie this to my pack. Ready your shooter. Stay behind me.

Loaf ties the torch as requested and makes sure a bolt is in his crossbow. He holds his own torch in one hand and the crossbow ready in the other. He's prepared to drop his torch to reload. If it starts a fire in these evil woods he won't lose sleep over it.

Kigur draws his sword, then suddenly strikes at the creeping bush nearest to Loaf.

Even though Kigur's sword seems to bounce off the hard bark of the bush creature the shear weight of the attack snaps it in half killing it. It sounds like a bunch of twigs breaking. The other bush immediately lashes out with claw like branches!

The bush's claws scrape against Kigur's armor on his back while staying well away from the flaming torch.

Loaf can't believe what is happening. In a panic, he thrusts his torch in the direction of whatever just swiped at Kigur.

The blight recoils from the fire but the dry twigs quickly catch flame. It shivers and after a few seconds falls over, the branches still burning quickly. The fire doesn't last long and slowly goes out on the ground.

Kigur scans for more reaching bushes.

If he sees nothing, he will start moving toward the mine.

No other enemies around. No roll needed

Kigur proceeds to the mine entrance, trusting Loaf to follow.

Loaf, panicking at the sight of every shadow, sticks to Kigur like glue.

The mine entrance is straight with a pair of old rail tracks going down into the darkness as far as you can see. Smeared blood a long the left wall with a crumpled goblins body lies about 15ft in where you threw it.

The tunnel is only 5ft tall and barely wide enough to get a minecart through. The rocks along the walls are smooth and cool to the touch. A constant light breeze of warm air is exiting the tunnel carrying a dusty but welcoming smell.

Kigur doesn't like the idea of maneuvering in such a cramped space, but he sees no other option. He crouches down and begins to creep down the tunnel, careful to keep his sword pulled back so that he can thrust it at an attacker if needed.

Chainmail slaps against his thighs with every crouched step, making a racket no matter how careful he tries to be.

Kigur and Loaf sulk through the tunnel until it comes out into a larger corridor that Y’s. The tunnel ends up being 150ft long. The corridor on either side of the split is ~20ft wide. Each side runs parallel to one another and is seperated by a thick natural stone wall. The floor is covered in a dense fog thats 1-2ft deep obscuring the floor. The ceiling is much taller in this area so you can stand comfortably.

You can hear a goblin conversing with something out of sight down the left side.

Kigur is drawn to life. He continues crouch-walking down the left fork.

Entering the junction you see that both paths meet back up after about 60ft and the far wall has an exit into another tunnel. A goblin sits on a stool swirling the fog with his legs and yammering away with something to your right out of view

Kigur stands and strides up to it, asking in Goblin if it has seen any bad things about.

Loaf watches this happen in absolute horror and decides to not reveal himself.

[OOC] ok well this is gonna be a long post. Gonna roll some things and it'll get interesting. Never not just charge into a goblin lair what could possibly go wrong? lol

Kigur begins approaching the chatty goblin who is so engrossed with their conversation they take no notice. You do catch a glimpse of what it appears to be talking too. There's a lever on the wall that seems to have steam cloud around that's moving strangely. The goblin appears to be talking to the lever or maybe its just a chatter box talking out load.

About halfway to the goblin Kigur's foot finds no purchase on the floor. The ground is no longer there and your heart leaps to your mouth as you begin to tumble forward.

Kigur falls into a pit trap but is able to catch the ledge and stop from completely falling in. The goblin hearing this stops mid sentence and hops off the small wooden stool he was sitting on. Turning in Kigur and Loafs direction the goblin begins scanning and yells, "Who goes there?!" The goblin isn't able to see Kigur who is below the fog holding onto the ledge and doesn't notice Loaf hiding farther back.

Kigur the fog is more like smoke than steam. It stings your nostrils and makes you want to choke.

Loaf is confident seeing this fog that it's dangerous to breath in.
-edit [OOC] actually you got crit success so I'll tell you everything. Spending a full turn prone or submersed in the fog will cause a DC 12 constitution save. Upon failure you become poisoned.

Kigur calls up to the goblin:

What scares you, little one? We will protect you from this.

Kigur attempts to pull himself up into a crouch as smoothly as possible, so that his head lifts out of the fog first, pauses, then his body slides up out of the mist, as if he is floating up from the depths.