Campaign Lost Mines of Phandelver (Chapter 1)

[VashTheStampede]

Starring:

@Tubby23 as Tuberius of Wadawurrung

@TD as Tortle Dude

@shortkut as Kutshort Yes

@GwJumpman as Dragmire

~~~~~~~~~~

Nestled on the northern Sword Coast, between Neverwinter Wood and the Sword Mountains, is the town of Phandalin. Centuries ago, Phandalin was a thriving settlement with deep ties to its neighboring communities. But then bandits overran the town, and Phandalin lay abandoned for centuries.

Only in the past few years have settlers built a new village on the ruins of the old. These townfolk hope to grow Phandalin through hard work, camaraderie, and the shared purpose of building a lasting home. Threatening their efforts and their survival are bandits, brigands, and monsters.

~~~~~~~~~~



You began this phase of your adventuring career in the city of Neverwinter. A dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker hired you to bring a wagonload of provisions to the rough-and-tumble frontier settlement of Phandalin, a couple of days' travel south of the city.

Gundren was clearly excited and more than a little secretive about his reasons for the trip, saying only that he and his brothers had found "something big," and that he'd pay you ten gold pieces each for escorting his supplies safely to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. He then set out ahead of you on a horse, along with a warrior escort named Sildar Hallwinter, claiming he needed to arrive early to "take care of business."

You've spent the last few days following the High Road south from Neverwinter, and you've just recently veered east along the Triboar Trail. You've had no trouble so far, but you know the territory can be dangerous. Bandits and outlaws have been known to lurk along this road...

~~~~~~~~~~~

{{Much like Ben, I'm going to use these brackets for OOC DM talk. As you begin your trek down the Triboar Trail, we'll use these early moments for you to introduce yourselves to each other (those of you who aren't already familiar with each other, that is). @Tubby23 , as your character has the highest Animal Proficiency, we will say that you are driving the wagon by directing the two oxen pulling the cart.}}

 

[TD]

{{Is it a fair assumption that Tuberius is driving the cart while the other three of us are in the cart as well? Or are we walking alongside the cart?}}

 

[VashTheStampede]

{{Is it a fair assumption that Tuberius is driving the cart while the other three of us are in the cart as well? Or are we walking alongside the cart?}}

{{Whether you are riding or walking alongside is up to you}}

 

[Kutshort Yes]

{{if no one has a preference, I’ll assume we are all walking. Will that tire our characters out faster or does it actually make no difference?}}

 

[VashTheStampede]

{{if no one has a preference, I’ll assume we are all walking. Will that tire our characters out faster or does it actually make no difference?}}

((No difference))

 

[Kutshort Yes]

Ay, Tortle Dude, it sure is great to spend some time with you again. How long has it been? 5? 10 years
Kutshort bounces over and gently slaps TD’s shell
I cannot get over how crisp the air. You don’t realize how briney the air smells and tastes until you’re away from the island.

It’s wonderful to be traveling with such a diverse group. I haven’t seen a firbolg in ages. Have you known them long?

 

[TD]

Tortle Dude smiles at having a conversation with his long term friend.

I believe it's close to ten Kutshort, but my long term memory is not what it once was. I'm happy to get to see you again.

I had only seen this firbolg once in passing at a tavern, but we did not have an opportunity to get acquainted at the time. Halflings, I've seen many - but never this particular one.

This is also my first time along this trail, have you ever been here before? And when did you depart the island?

 

[Zesty Zapcrackle]

Ay, Tortle Dude, it sure is great to spend some time with you again. How long has it been? 5? 10 years
Kutshort bounces over and gently slaps TD’s shell
I cannot get over how crisp the air. You don’t realize how briney the air smells and tastes until you’re away from the island.

It’s wonderful to be traveling with such a diverse group. I haven’t seen a firbolg in ages. Have you known them long?

{{That purple on dark mode hurts... }}

 

[VashTheStampede]

((We're gonna let this play out until at least each party member has had an opportunity to contribute))

 

[Tuberius of Wadawurrung]

{{I'm very glad to be driving, I've seen how you Yanks drive}}

Tuberius kept his eyes forward on the road as the oxen slowly dragged them forward. While the tortle and the human idly chatted he watched for any form of movement. In the distance he could see Smudge bounding around in a large circular perimeter.

As yet nothing had seemed amiss about the trip, though Tuberius did have misgivings about their benefactors intentions as well as the intentions of his fellow travellers.

 

[Kutshort Yes]

{{I'm very glad to be driving, I've seen how you Yanks drive}}

{{that’s why it’s taking a few days. Let me take the reigns and I can shave at least half a day off that time}}

 

[Tuberius of Wadawurrung]

{{that’s why it’s taking a few days. Let me take the reigns and I can shave at least half a day off that time}}

{{I've seen your story about having to chase after someone for insurance details, you can stay away from the oxen!}}

 

[Kutshort Yes]

{{I've seen your story about having to chase after someone for insurance details, you can stay away from the oxen!}}

{{I was the safe driver, and I stopped a foul fiend from getting away with a dastardly deed}}

 

[Tuberius of Wadawurrung]

{{I was the safe driver, and I stopped a foul fiend from getting away with a dastardly deed}}

{{you went vigilante, who do you think you are Oliver Queen?}}

 

[Kutshort Yes]

{{you went vigilante, who do you think you are Oliver Queen?}}

{{more like Steve McQueen}}

 

[Tuberius of Wadawurrung]

{{more like Steve McQueen}}

{{you are officially fourth in line to drive the oxen}}

 

[Dragmire]

Dragmire stirs awake from his nap in the bed on the wagon.

Are we there yet?

 

[Dragmire]

{{Can I also ask if we know anything about our companion Sildar Hallwinter aside from that he's escorting us?}}

 

[TD]

Oh, good. The sleepy halfling has awaken.

Tortle Dude gently claps his hands together and licks his lips.

 

[Dragmire]

Oh, good. The sleepy halfling has awaken.

Tortle Dude gently claps his hands together and licks his lips.

Travel with the turtle guy they said, he's NORMAL they said...

 

[TD]

Tortle Dude looks up at the sleepy and impatient halfling.

The name is Tortle Dude. And yours.. halfling?

 

[Dragmire]

Tortle Dude looks up at the sleepy and impatient halfling.

The name is Tortle Dude. And yours.. halfling?

I am Dragmire, future slayer of dragons; future looter of dungeons; future charmer of probably women; future MASTER WARLOCK. All will heed to my desires in due time.

Currently though I'm very poor so I need some spending money before I conquer the world.

 

[TD]

Tortle Dude smirks.

Nice to meet you.. Dragmire.

I have met many warlocks throughout my time and I have seen many impressive spells take out groups of bandits. You'll be useful to us in our journey, however, I hope we shall not need it.

Should you ever seek encouragement or would like a song to ease your mind, I have practiced this art for some time.

 

[Dragmire]

I have always wanted a Bard minion... This will do.

 

[TD]

Oh, Dragmire. Do not mistake me for a minion. For if push comes to shove, I will take more caution to protect my own shell. However, you are an asset and I will do my best to ensure you remain in tip top shape.

 

[VashTheStampede]

{{Can I also ask if we know anything about our companion Sildar Hallwinter aside from that he's escorting us?}}

{{Sildar is escorting Gundren, not your party. You met him briefly when you arrived to take charge of the wagon and supplies. You recall that he was a 50-ish year old human who seemed kind during your brief exchange. A history check may reveal more information.}}

 

[TD]

{{How would one check history?}}

 

[VashTheStampede]

{{Roll a d20 and the roll + your History modifier (in your case, TD, +0) = the result. If its high enough, you may recall more information about Sildar.}}

 

[TD]

Kutshort my dear friend. Do you remember the tales you used to regale me with when I visited you on the island? I wonder if you know anything of this...Sildar Hallwinter?

{{You are the only one with a history modifier @shortkut, maybe we can learn something.}}

 

[Kutshort Yes]

Sildar… hmm, let me think. I remember hearing about a Goldar that adventured with a Rita… Sildar…

Kutshort rolls for history check

 

[Kutshort Yes]

{{

}}

 

[Dragmire]

{{How do we make the roll happen exactly? Also nice nat 20 for the first roll of the campaign}}

 

[TD]

{{How do we make the roll happen exactly? Also nice nat 20 for the first roll of the campaign}}

{{There's a roll dice button down in the reply bar}}

 

[Kutshort Yes]

{{ @Jon that's how you roll}}

 

[VashTheStampede]

{{First official roll of the campaign is a nat 20. Brilliant}}

Kutshort recalls hearing that not only does Sildar hold a place of honor in the famous Griffon Cavalry of Waterdeep, but he is also rumored to be an agent of the Lords' Alliance. This is a group of allied political powers along the Sword Coast that is concerned with mutual security and prosperity. The order ensures the safety of the cities and other settlements of Faerûn by proactively handling violent threats, and order members work to bring honor and glory to their leaders and their homeland.

As to why an agent of the Lords' Alliance would be involved with a simple supply delivery...you do not know.

 

[TD]

{{Would any skills be able to do more with this info? Like insight or perception?}}

 

[VashTheStampede]

{{Would any skills be able to do more with this info? Like insight or perception?}}

{{If you were to be face-to-face with Sildar, perhaps. But at this moment in time, you've exhausted your options}}

 

[TD]

{{Anyone have any thoughts on what we could or should do next?}}

 

[Dragmire]

Tortle Dude, pilot of this fine wagon, how far away are we from our destination?

 

[TD]

Dragmire, I'll forgive your confused state as you just awoke from your beauty rest. I am not driving, it is the fellow with the strange pet.

Tortle Dude slowly gestures his arm to Tuberius.

 

[Kutshort Yes]

{{ @VashTheStampede what would I need to do if I want to just survey the area for any threats, such as brigands or potholes?}}

 

[VashTheStampede]

{{ @VashTheStampede what would I need to do if I want to just survey the area for any threats, such as brigands or potholes?}}

{{Gimme a Perception check, my good man}}

 

[Kutshort Yes]

Kutshort hops onto the wagon and looks around for any threats, including brigands and potholes

 

[Kutshort Yes]

View attachment 6867

Kutshort hops onto the wagon and looks around for any threats, including brigands and potholes

{{it’s a good thing I rolled a 3-sided die}}

 

[TD]

{{FYI kut, may have been better to let Tubby (+6) or me (+4) jump on that one. I think it'll be a good idea to check modifiers before important checks, just a thought}}

 

[Kutshort Yes]

{{FYI kut, may have been better to let Tubby (+6) or me (+4) jump on that one. I think it'll be a good idea to check modifiers before important checks, just a thought}}

{{We can all look for danger, right now. I think having only one person do something is more important when enemies are around and we need to act in a turn based way, but I could be wrong. If my poor perception check can negatively impact how things are going, I’ll be more cautious in the future. @VashTheStampede , comments?}}

 

[VashTheStampede]

View attachment 6867

Kutshort hops onto the wagon and looks around for any threats, including brigands and potholes

Everything looks pretty hunky-dory. Nice day for driving a wagon.

 

[VashTheStampede]

{{If you guys want to try and min-max your checks as a party, then by all means. Though, if that's gonna be the play, I like when its done like how TD did earlier for the History check: put some flavor and in-universe reasoning on it.

Also don't be afraid to fail checks. This is a game, yes, but its a story. Things go wrong, and sometimes that leads to some of the best bits.

Additionally, in situations like this, where its understood that party members are likely actively scouting for threats, I'm occasionally doing hidden "Passive Perception" checks, so even a failure on Kutshort's specific check may not be an issue because another character may be passing one of these Passive checks}}

 

[TD]

Anyone ever taken this road or been to Phandalin? This has been quite peaceful thus far and I for one am enjoying the pleasantries of this.

 

[VashTheStampede]

You've been on the Triboar Trail for about half a day and are nearing a side road leading south to Phandalin. As you come around a bend, you stumble upon the scene of a recent battle. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets to either side. Two horses wander the road, sniffing at ransacked personal effects.