Campaign Lost Mines of Phandelver (Chapter 1)

[VashTheStampede]

Dude looks down at the mangled mess that he has created. This cannot be right. It's time.

Dude pulls out the piece of lettuce, holding it in his hand. He channels the energy of his Grandtorty to determine the history behind this piece of lettuce.

As he contemplates the piece of lettuce, Tortle Dude is reminded of the vegetable's versatility and resilience. From ancient sacred plant to a ubiquitous staple of the dinner table, lettuce has played many roles in Faerun's history. It has been a symbol of fertility, a tool for medicinal purposes, a subject of horticultural development, and a key ingredient in cuisines worldwide. Lettuce, in its simplicity, carries the weight of centuries of civilization, adapting and thriving alongside it.

Then he thinks about how lettuce has evolved over the years. When his people first discovered it, it was a simple flowering plant. Through years and years of cultivation, it became the hearty vegetable we know today. Where first the leaves were frail and exposed, like the leaves branching from the stem of any old plant, now they are densely layered, supporting each other as they grow, overlapped, protecting the heart of the plant.

A-ha! A revelation!

If they layer the skins and furs of the bedding just so, just like Romaine lettuce, then the netting of the travois would help support the frame AS WELL as the goods being carried.

(( Advantage gained on Survival checks towards trying to build a travois ))

 

[TD]

((Okay that was amazing))

Dude upon his revelation lets out a big gasp. Perhaps this lettuce is not meant to be consumed, perhaps the purpose of this lettuce is not for him alone. His pursuit for his own personal lettuce supply will continue. However, the group he has sworn to protect needs this lettuce.

...thanks Grandtorty.

With the revelation of this use of lettuce, Dude sets out to continue building.

 

[VashTheStampede]

With the rest of the party's help, the Dude begins re-organizing the materials they've gathered, directing the team with a calm and steady hand. The wooden planks from Klarg's bed, now stripped of their former purpose, are laid out to form the frame of the travois. The furs and fabrics, once a comfort to their enemy, are repurposed as cushioning and ties, ensuring the stability and safety of their load.

Tortle Dude's instructions are clear and efficient, allowing the party to work together seamlessly. The travois comes together quickly, its construction a testament to the combined skills and cooperation of the group. As they finish,the Bard can't help but draw a parallel between the collaborative effort of the travois and the journey of lettuce through history—both serving as reminders of growth, adaptation, and the importance of nurturing and working together for a common goal.

With the travois ready, the party loads it with the supplies they've decided to take back to Phandalin. The task, which might have seemed daunting at first, was made easier by the collective effort and ingenuity of the group, inspired by a Tortle's musings on a piece of lettuce.

 

[TD]

Dude takes a step back - admiring the handy work of the group with a satisfied smile. Between the battle with Klarg and the construction of the travois, he feels the group has been instilled with an appropriate amount of confidence.

I'm tired of the cave.

 

[Kutshort Yes]

Dude takes a step back - admiring the handy work of the group with a satisfied smile. Between the battle with Klarg and the construction of the travois, he feels the group has been instilled with an appropriate amount of confidence.

I'm tired of the cave.

that’s funny, since you’re the only one of us who has multiple naps!

Kutshort slaps Tortle Dude’s shell with a laugh

 

[VashTheStampede]

With the travois skillfully constructed and their recent encounters behind them, the party decides it's time to settle in for a well-deserved long rest. The cavern, now cleared of threats, offers a semblance of safety, and the exhaustion from the day's events weighs heavily on everyone.

They choose a defensible position within the cave, making sure the entrance and any potential points of vulnerability are covered. Sildar, still feeling grateful for his rescue, takes the first watch, his sword within easy reach as he leans against a wall, his eyes scanning the shadows.

The rest of the party, each finding a spot that offers some comfort against the hard cave floor, unwraps whatever provisions they have left. Small talk fills the air for a while, recounting the day's events, speculating about what lies ahead in Phandalin, and sharing personal stories and ambitions. This camaraderie strengthens their bond, making the hardships of the road seem a little less daunting.

As the night deepens, watches change quietly, ensuring someone is always alert to any dangers. The cave, however, remains peaceful, and the only sounds are the occasional drip of water from stalactites and the steady breathing of resting adventurers.

~~~

As dawn breaks, the party stirs, feeling more prepared for the journey ahead. Their rest, though in a cave and on the hard ground, has revitalized them. With the travois loaded and their gear checked, they set their sights on Phandalin, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, strengthened by their shared experiences and the unspoken bond that has grown between them.

The cave that once echoed with the sounds of battle now witnesses the quiet determination of a group of adventurers, each with their own reasons for being here but united in their purpose. The journey to Phandalin promises new adventures, and as they exit the cave, the light of the rising sun heralds the beginning of the next chapter in their story...

Chapter 1 Complete