Hoard of the Dragon Queen Episode 1: Greenest in Flames

[Zergrinch]

Episode 1: Greenest in Flames

 
What is this?
For those who don't have access to the Play by Post subforum, this is a campaign of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, played by post.
 
Dramatis Personae:

• Arjan - A dragonborn urchin who stole his way into being a caravan thief, and is now honing his sorcerous powers for his own sake!
• Erwin - A disciplined human fighter who attempted to dabble in magic, but could not make any more progress.  He is the appointed chief of security for the caravan escort.
• Garanth - A wood elf fighter who's here for purposes only he could answer.
• Morganor - A hill dwarf cleric, and avid worshipper of Bahamut.  He holds on to a relic entrusted to him by a fellow believer.
• Perrin - A half-elf bard who, unbeknownst to him, is the subject of a warrant for his capture - dead or alive!

What went on before:
The party is assembled from a motley crew by a wealthy merchant who has inexplicably found mercenaries very hard to come by.  During the normally safe journey, the crew has been waylaid by goblins, bears, and giant wasps, and adroitly pitted a group of goblins against ferocious orc bandits while escaping relatively unscathed.  The group now convenes at the town of Greenest for some much needed rest and recreation, while the caravan restocks for the journey ahead...
 
And now, Episode 1 of Hoard of the Dragon Queen.

---

The party spends the whole day wandering Greenest aimlessly; generally taking the sights and doing a bit of shopping.  The shopkeepers were happy to take the greataxes, but were extremely reluctant when it comes to the armor.  The orcish group menaces the area around Greenest, and no one was disposed to angering them by transacting in their armor.
 
Arjan pleads with the team to buy out the diamond, and barely has enough to do so.  At the end of the day, Arjan is down to his last gold piece, although his compatriots have considerably more coin - least of all Garanth after he manages to resell the bear pelt for a hefty sum.
 
Come sundown, you all find yourselves at the pub, everyone but the impoverished dragonborn nursing a drink.  The caravanmaster joins you, and starts to inform you about the accommodations when the relaxed atmosphere is interrupted by a large rumbling sound.  You start to hear panicked shouts from outside the tavern.
 
"What the devil is going on?" the caravanmaster.  You all look at the barkeep, who looks just as confused as you are.  What are you going to do?

[Jeikor]

Garanth and Morganor both jump to their feet and listen carefully to the sounds from outside trying to tell what is happening.

[Zergrinch]

You hear mass confusion, of people who are running around in fear. You hear someone shout "Raiders!", and inexplicably a hush descends as you both hear the flapping of wings and a very loud roar.

[Jeikor]

"Dragon!" yells Morganor as it dawns on him what that sound is. He looks to Erwin and the caravan master. "Do we need to protect the wagons?"

 

Garanth gulps but joins Morganor ready to do what is asked by the leaders of their group.

[Rilbur]

Perrin:

 

Perrin sighed as he carefully stows his flute.  "A dragon attack?  Really?"  If this was someone's idea of a joke...

 

Arjan:

 

Arjan drew his dagger with a frown.  A dragon!  He'd never met one of his greater kin, but a fight certainly wasn't his idea of a good time.  "Perhaps we should hide?"

 

Erwin:

 

Erwin sighed and drew himself up to his feet.  "Caravan Master, return to the caravan.  We'll try to ascertain what's going on here, and assist the local guard if appropriate.  If there's an attack, the best way to protect the caravan is to protect the entire town.  If you have to move out, do so -- we'll cover you, and do our best to rejoin."  With a single smooth motion, Erwin unsheathed his blade and started walking towards the door.  "Morganor, Garanth, on me.  Arjan, Perrin, take the rear."

[Jeikor]

As Garanth moves toward Erwin he asks, "Sword or bow?"

 

Morganor hitches his shield into place and prepares to use Guiding Bolt or a healing spell as necessary as he falls in with Erwin and Garanth.

[Zergrinch]

It is now 7:30 PM.

 

You exit the tavern into a scene of utter chaos: people are fleeing through the streets as purple-cloaked figures menace the villagers with their swords.  Some of the raiders are carrying torches, while the others bear empty sacks as they break into homes.  Before you can say much of anything, a dark shadow blots out what is left of the dying sunlight, as an gigantic blue dragon soars the sky over the tavern.  With a large kra-ka-thoom, it unleashes a bolt of lightning at a building atop a hill.  You see many tiny figures atop the ramparts scatter upon sighting the dragon.  The dragon itself soars skyward, apparently attempting to rebuild enough strength for another attack.

 

Map: You are in the position marked "X".

[Jeikor]

Morganor stares at the purple cloaked raiders a bit then remembers, "Those are Dragon Cult members in the purple cloaks like the ones that passed us on the trail."  When the dragon flies over Morganor tries to remember if he knows anything about blue dragons (check here per Q2) besides they obviously use lightening.

[Rilbur]

Erwin:

 

"The dragon is obviously beyond our ability to fight," Erwin said grimly.  "If it notices us, we're dead, so don't worry about it.  It'll either notice us or it won't.  Focus your efforts on the raiders.  They, at least, represent a threat we can deal with."

 

"Garanth, feel free to fall back to the second rank and use your bow if you wish."

[Jeikor]

Garanth steps back and readies his bow. He finds a target emerging from a nearby building with a bag full of loot. He aims and fires.

 

Morganor sees where Garanth has fired and sends Sacred Flame cantrip at the raider next to Garanth's target.

[Zergrinch]

ROLLS

Morganor's Knowledge Check: [1d20+2] = 13+2 = 15

 

Garanth vs Looter: [1d20+5] = 18+5 = 23 [1d20+5] = 14+5 = 19. Hit: [1d8+3] = 2+3 = 5 plus [1d8] = 8 crit.

 

Sacred Flame vs Raider: [1d20+1] = 14+1 = 15 vs DC 13 or take [1d8] = 5 radiant.

 

INITIATIVE: Arjan [1d20+2] = 20+2 = 22 Erwin [1d20] = 14 Perrin [1d20+3] = 12+3 = 15

 

INITIATIVE: Garanth [1d20+3] = 17+3 = 20 Morganor [1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20

 

Initiative: Cultists A-D. [1d20+1] = 6+1 = 7 [1d20+1] = 20+1 = 21 [1d20+1] = 5+1 = 6 [1d20+1] = 17+1 = 18

 

Initiative: Guards A-B: [1d20+1] = 10+1 = 11 [1d20+1] = 18+1 = 19

 

Morganor purses his eyes and tries to recall what a blue dragon is.  A flash of recollection lights up the cleric's face, as he remembers the lessons taught by the order of Bahamut.  He recognizes it as an adult blue dragon - a vain and deadly predator who takes great pleasure in proving its superiority over lesser creatures.  Blue dragons prefer to attack from a distance with volleys of lightning, and dart out of harm's reach before it waits to attack again.  Blue dragons are fond of collecting talented creatures, and even reward valuable bards, sages, artists, wizards, and assassins handsomely.  Needless to say, just like all the other chromatic dragons, blue dragons are evil - and allied to their evil queen, Tiamat.

 

Garanth nocks an arrow into his longbow, and the arrow strikes an unsuspecting looter (Cultist C), drawing blood.  He yelps out a cry of pain, alerting the raider next to him about the merceneries' presence.  Morganor's Sacred Flame descends out of the way, but he dodges at the last second.

 

Now scowling, the raider points to the party, roaring at the five men behind him to "kill them."

 

Battle is joined, with both groups preparing to square off against each other (you are at least 40 feet away from the closest enemy)

 

Initiative Order: Arjan, Cultist B, Garanth, Morganor, Guard B, Cultist D, Perrin, Erwin, Guard A, Cultist A, Cultist C.

[Jeikor]

On their turns:

Garanth fires another arrow at cultist D this time.

 

Morganor uses Sacred Flame against the same cultist D hoping to eliminate an enemy before engaging in melee.

[Rilbur]

Erwin: 

 

Erwin calmly strides forward, shield raised, and prepares an attack for the first enemy to come into reach.  "Come to me cultists, I'd like a word with you!"

 

{{ Action:  Ready an attack, attack roll 22, damage 8. }}

 

Arjan:

 

Arjan raises his crossbow and snaps off a shot.

 

{{ Action: Attack (worst injured enemy), attack 8, damage 6 }}

 

Perrin:

 

Perrin laughs evilly and sneers at the enemy cultists, "Ooh my, what big 'swords' you have.  Come over here, and I'll show you why compensating for your lack of attributes doesn't help you in a fight!"

 

{{ Action: Vicious Mockery, Save Roll (Adjusted): 10, damage 1.  Disadvantage on enemies next attack.  Targeting preference an enemy with high HP, and coming soon in initiative order. }}

[Zergrinch]

All campaign rolls are here.

 

The party focus-fires on the heavily-injured looter, but only Morganor's flames did any damage.  The man looks like he's barely holding by a thread, and slumps to the ground, gravely wounded.

 

The other guard rushes out towards the party, and after closing the gap considerably, flings a spear at the cleric.  The weapon pierces through Morganor's scale mail, grazing him a bit (4 HP damage).

 

All of the raiders, save the man who ordered the charge, surge forward, as Perrin's jab seems to briefly offend the spear thrower.  Now that the purple-cloaked looters are within range, Erwin confidently steps forward a few feet, and stabs one of them (Cultist deep in the gut.  He doubles over with pain, but manages to remain conscious.  (Everyone except the leader are now within melee range; the purple-cloaked looters appear to be very fixated on the cleric's shield).

 

Meanwhile, the leader assesses the situation, and fingers the signal whistle on his neck.  He blows out a series of piercing whistles in a form of code.  In the distance, his whistles receive a reciprocal reply, as you hear more yells and footsteps heading your way.

 

The caravanmaster and bartender poke their heads through the door.  "We're being attacked by a dragon!!!" the dwarf cries out in shock, as he freezes in fear.

 

Initiative Order: Arjan, Cultist B, Garanth, Morganor, Guard B (Disadvantage), Cultist D (K.O.), Perrin, Erwin, Guard A, Cultist A, Cultist C.

[Jeikor]

On their turns:

 

Garanth takes one last shot with his bow targeting the leader.

 

Morganor steps in front of his party, touches thumbs and releases Burning Hands spell trying to catch the five cultists and guards in range.

[Rilbur]

Arjan:

Arjan smoothly reloaded his weapon and pointed it again at the enemy.

 

{{ Action: Attack, 9 Vs AC, 4 damage }}

Perrin:

 

Perrin let another string of insults loose.

 

{{ Action: Vicious Mockery, save: 19 damage: 3 }}

Erwin:

 

Erwin lashed out with his sword and shield.

 

{{ Bonus Action:  Shove, 8 vs 12 }}

 

{{ Action:  Attack, 9 vs AC, damage 4 }}

[Zergrinch]

Note: All rolls here.

One of the purple-cloaked looters close in on Erwin, swings with his scimitar at the fighter. A well-timed crossbow bolt from Arjan rips harmlessly past his hood and breaks his concentration, and Erwin easily deflects the attack.  

 

Garanth's arrow flies true, and sinks deep into the leader's side (5 damage).  He grits his teeth, and makes his retreat - reinforcements will be here momentarily, there is no point to risking his life in a show of bravado (disengage and flee). 

 

The cleric steps forward into the fray.  All eyes refocus on him as the shield of Bahamut flares brightly, and a gout of flames erupt from his hands, catching two purple cloaked looters and one of the raiders in its wake.  One of the looters was instantly incinerated (9 damage), and the two remaining unfortunates are badly-burned.  Although the raider closes in on Morganor, the pain of the flames caused him to seize up, and his spear thrust bounces harmlessly off the cleric's shield.

 

Perrin insults the singed raider's manhood some more, but the man was fanatically focused on Morganor's symbol and the insult fails to find purchase.  Erwin attempts his favorite board and sword technique, but it falls short as the unharmed looter (Cultist easily dodge his attack.  He points to Morganor, and declares: "Brothers, here is a follower of the false god Bahamut.  Kill him, and despoil his symbol!  For Tiamat!"

 

Bolstered by his cry, the remaining conscious looter rushes to the dwarf, flashing his scimitar maliciously.  Unfortunately, he was still injured from the cleansing fire of Bahamut, and his attack misses.

 

In the distance, you hear more whistles; tiny figures in purple cloaks are converging in your general direction from the east.  "We can't stay here," the caravanmaster finally manages to croak out.  "There's too many of them!"

 

Initiative: Arjan, Cultist B (next to Erwin), Garanth, Morganor, Guard B (next to Morganor), Perrin, Erwin, Guard A (fled), Cultist A (next to Morganor), Cultist C (unconscious).

[Jeikor]

Garanth drops his bow behind him, draws his sword and stabs at guard B next to Morganor.

 

Morganor pulls out his war hammer and jams it into the chest of cultist A.

[Rilbur]

Erwin:

 

"Get that runner!" Erwin ordered as he lashed out again with sword and shield.

 

{{ Bonus action:  Shove, 20 + 5 vs 17 + ? }}

{{ Action:  Attack, probable miss. }}

 

Perrin:

 

Perrin snapped his crossbow up and targeted the runner.

 

{{ Action: Attack, 20 vs ac, 6 damage }}

 

Arjhan:

 

Arjan obeyed orders and targeted the runner.

 

{{ Action: Attack, 7 to hit, 10 piercing. }}

[Zergrinch]

As Erwin barks his order, the cultist takes advantage of his momentary distraction to slice at his sword arm (6 damage to Erwin).  This fazes him sufficiently that although his retaliatory manuever knocks the man prone, his sword completely misses the man's head.

 

Garanth draws his shortsword, and slashes viciously at the raider attacking Morganor.  The man's eyes widen in shock as he crumples to the ground, blood gushing through the wound at his opened sides.  Simultaneously, Morganor swings his warhammer at the purple-cloaked looter's chest, but the man dodges at the last second.

 

Arjan and Perrin let loose a barrage of crossbow bolts at the fleeing raider.  The man can dodge one attack, but Perrin's bolt pierces his lungs.  The man crashes to the ground, letting loose a piercing whistle that soon fades to silence as his breath leaves his lungs for the last time.

 

"For Tiamat!" the purple-cloaked man beside the dwarf shouts out in a zealous roar.  His mantra catches the cleric by surprise, and a thin layer of blood on his thigh appear through the vicious cut inflicted by the man (4 damage to Morganor).

 

The small figures draw ever closer, their footsteps ringing clearly through the din.  There must be about twelve of them.

 

Your turn!  Reinforcements are approximately 30 seconds away from you.

 

Initiative: Arjan, Cultist B (prone at Erwin's feet), Garanth, Morganor, Perrin, Erwin, Cultist A (next to Morganor), Cultist C (unconscious).

[Rilbur]

Arjan:

 

Arjan snaps off another crossbow bolt.

 

{{ Action:  Attack, 22 vs AC, 5 damage }}

 

Perrin:

 

Perrin also attacks.

 

{{ Action: Attack, 22 vs AC, 11 damage }}

Erwin:

 

Erwin throws out his shield and his sword once more.

 

{{ Bonus: Shove, 11 vs 11 +?, probable failure }}

 

{{ Action: Attack, 13 vs ac, 4 damage }}

[Jeikor]

Garanth thrusts his sword at cultist A trying to give Morganor a breather since they seem fixated on the dwarf cleric.

 

Morganor swings again at cultist A as well.

[Zergrinch]

Arjan fires off his crossbow to relieve the pressure on Morganor; the bolt catches the unwary looter by the throat, and he gurgles while collapsing to the ground - dead.

 

"FOR TIAMAT!" the last remaining conscious looter shouts, as he runs past Erwin and hacks into the cleric of the hated Bahamut.  The maneuver catches everyone by surprise: Erwin's longsword hits nothing but air as the cultist rushes past his reach, and the looter cleaves into Morganor's shoulder (4 damage).  Blood spurts from the dwarf's wound, as he wobbles slightly in pain and surprise.  (House rule: any time I mention something getting bloodied, that means the target was reduced to at least half of its maximum hit points)

 

This was the last straw for Garanth.  Seeing his friend injured, the elf draws his short sword, and decapitates the looter with a single stroke of his sword (9 damage; cultist B dies).  The sound of battle abruptly stops just as suddenly as it started, although screams permeate Greenest as looters continue to break into houses, kill the occupants, and set fire to the homes.

 

Battle is over... for now.  One of the purple-cloaked looters are unconscious, while everyone else is dead.  Reinforcements will arrive in approximately 24 seconds.

[Rilbur]

Erwin sets himself at the front of the group with a sigh.  "More of them.  Just great.  Just what I wanted to encounter.  Bleh.  I think we need to fall back.  Anyone know a good place to fort up at?"  

[Zergrinch]

The barkeep shakily gets to his feet, nervously looking at the approaching raiders.  "The keep - it's the most fortified place in Greenest.  They would be hard-pressed to breach its defenses... if we can get there!"  The man points to the elevated building to the south - the very same structure you all saw the dragon assault.

 

Greenest Map updated.