[DnD] Of Kobolds and Castles - D&D Learning Adventure I

It sure was going to be interesting. As a regular human traveling with the strangest of other intelligences around, I had little to compare in my studies of arcana and flora and fauna. Joining me were two very grim looking characters: A death-obsessed lizard-man (or whatever race he is a part of--I should make a note to look into that), a rather disturbed-looking witch with superior magical powers, but much less talkative (I bet she'll open up later, the trick with the lettering was impressive at least), an impressively prepared elven cleric-- which I was relieved to see, as my powers of healing were laughable at best (I found the best medicine to be a swift workout, not lying in bed the entire trip. All the same, I envied the girl's restful state-- My mind was not at ease and I feared no amount of meditation would change that). There was also the dwarf warden, who I would at least be able to have an easier time of conversation with. I had trained with the tough and durable dwarven people years ago and picked up their tongue somewhere along the way, so there was that bit of commonality.

Of course, I was a bit quicker on the uptake then most dwarves, so I would be right next to the warden, preparing to assault whatever might come at us!

Now, despite my lack of cooking in previous travels, I was glad that the fish I had caught would be sufficient for a meal before we departed-- Blessed be the drunk sailor to lend me his fishing pole... right before he, err, 'released' his dinner over the side of the boat. I hope he was not needing it very soon after his unscheduled nap.

Turning to the group, I pressed my right fist to my open left palm and bowed, as it was a proper greeting in my order of monks: "Hello all! Enjoy the fish that I caught at the shore, I'm Zeno and I'm ready to take on those cultists and uh... whatever else it was we were going to do!"

How ya doing, buddy?

2 Dice Rolls *MORE LOUD NOISES

The nerve of these rat things, attacking my party! I'll show them!

"So, you like to attack helpless young adventurers eh? Too bad we're not helpless, or young! Well, at least not myself, but anyway.... URRAGGGHHH!"

Thundering Roar against Minion M5

Naturally, it was shocked to discover that my bark was as bad as my bite, given the current situation.

It promptly fell over, quite dead from the looks of its unmoving corpse. A job well done if I say so myself.

"A job well done! Now for the rest of you uglies!" I surveyed the situation and held my place, waiting to strike in a few moments.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

2 Dice Rolls FIST ATTACK GO!

"*cough* well... looks like I've taken on.. *cough* more then I planned."

I was injured, much to my own chagrin. I decided that a dead fighter wasn't going to do the group much good, so I rose to a somewhat standing position, despite the pain needling throughout my body, and made my way towards the healer, who thankfully was away from those annoying rat things.

Move to K2

Still, I was going to just wait around while they might attack either.

"Got a little *cough* present... from back here, courtesy *cough*, ugh... I mean, of my FIST!"

Energy Strobe on Dragonshield, Thunder-type damage

That monster in the witch's shroud was getting a current update on how pissed I was, via my thundering attack. While I was pressing the limits on my range, I was confident that the attack hit it at least. The attack I managed to make, made me dizzy, especially with my wounds.

I sat down to hopefully let the vertigo pass uneventfully. I also silently prayed that my companions would have better luck then I at vanquishing these pests.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

2 Dice Rolls *Attack

I was out of the worst of it, or at least I hoped, but my companions weren't faring much better, their attacks hitting nothing but air. I ran up to join their attack, or at least give some support if nothing else.

Move to I8

The dizziness was still there, and so I didn't want to risk an attack, but I had no choice in what I wanted versus what needed to be done. Things weren't going the way I had hoped, I doubt for any of us, and I felt my lungs give voice to a great charge of anger at everyone wrong with the world, particularly directed at the rat creature in front of Daituk.

"URAGGGGHHH, YOU'RE PISSING ME OFF *cough cough* Ugh... dammit"

Cacophonous Shout against Minion I9

That seemed to at least damage them a little bit, I thought, but I couldn't be sure yet until things settled down in my head.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I found a small patch of grass at the side of the road to sit down upon and began to rest my body from the ordeal, mentally playing back the events of our unexpected combat.

"Those kobolds... I wonder why they decided to ambush us here...", I wondered aloud to no-one in particular.

My wounds were healing and my head felt balanced to the ground and sky again, so I couldn't much complain. At the same time though, I was intensely curious about what our group might encounter down the road. The others were looking at the remains of the rat creatures so I suppose AN answer would be provided one way or another.

Most amazing jew boots

As I entered the Inn, the familiar and overpowering scent of sweaty, tired bodies and the usual whiff of mead which followed, filled my nostrils. I suppose it would be unbecoming of a monk to indulge in the bottle, but I sometimes found that a good carefully prepared drink could enhance my fighting abilities. Unfortunately, they only served very strong and stubborn types of spirits here, with a very limited selection at that.

I noticed the Dwarf marking something on one of the bottles, and sauntered over to see what he was doing. The spelling could be better but the message was clear. I may just have to borrow his idea for another time. Right now though, my goal was information.

Looking around, I spotted an Elf nursing a bottle and generally keeping to herself. I decided that since the others were chatting up the scholar, I should explore other avenues.

"Excuse me Miss... my apologies in interrupting you, might I be able to ask for some general information? I have heard tales of the Ranger's prowess in discovering hidden places, and my companions and I seek the whereabouts of a rumored cult in these northern lands."

She seemed annoyed that I was interrupting, but I thought if I bought her a drink, she might be more willing to open up to conversation.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

The Elf just stared in what I assume is either amazement or confusion as Truckbus managed to spill perfectly serviceable alcohol and knock over a table and several chairs. At least the Dwarf crashed into the table instead of anyone else, I thought. I figured a drunken dwarf is about as spectacular a sight as a sleeping town guard. From the back of my head I could feel all of the Inn's staff and visitors staring at us, but I tried to ignore them.

"Please excuse my friend, he is...uh, passionate about finding this cult. You said a cave yes? That cave would be an excellent place to start!, I said to the Ranger, nodding to Daituk to affirm our mutual destination.

Before the Elf could respond, it occurred to me what she had said about the town: "...but I think we should find someplace less... loud to discuss this.", I quickly added, and looked around to see where the others were.

FELIPE NO

2 Dice Rolls *Damage

I felt like I had been away from reality far longer then I needed to be; thus, I snapped to attention and spotted more of those retched kobolds. Honestly I had half a mind to wipe them all out personally, but I knew I needed to be a team player about the whole thing. I moved swiftly to my target.

Move to J28
Fallen Needle on Dragonshield

Ordinarily a witch like that girl Thia might've distracted me, but I had a clear intent: I focused solely on the ugly thing beside her and punched hard at its body. My mind's concentration helped out more then I realized and the attack connected beautifully. There's always a downside to battle, as I must have hit its very thick skull: my hand felt swollen and it seemingly only flinched from my attack.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

2 Dice Rolls Attack

I was a bit too focused on getting the (admittedly pretty tasty) juice out of my robes to sense that it was my opportunity to attack, so the witch took her attack to one of the ugly, stupid rat creatures. I suppose I should thank her later, but right now I had more important things to consider, such as the gaping wound I had suddenly suffered.

Painful as it was, I had to keep fighting. There was one of the kobolds next to our lovely healing elf and I wasn't about to let my source of replenishment get attacked.

"Ohh... *cough* no you don't!"

Move to H26 via Crane's Wing
Stone Fist of Fury to Kobold @ G26

My stone fists were quite the handy tool and I silently wondered why I had not used them as often as I could have before.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

1 Die Roll Hit

I was getting the hang of the ebb and flow of battle again, it had been too long. Only a couple kobolds remained and I decided to try and get the one closest to me.

Move to H27

Unfortunately, my attack only struck the impartial air, missing the ugly thing entirely.

"You can't run forever you little shrewd rat!"

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I clasped the shoulder of Truckbus in response to his question as a gesture of understanding. I suspected dwarves were lacking a native word for the word subtlety, and so I spoke in Dwarven to him intent on getting my point across.

"I'm not sure we will ever find out, or that we were even meant to know... but she will be missed"

My other comrades were checking the -very- dead rat creature's bodies for anything of value. I noticed they had some rudimentary equipment and a few weapons, which probably would do better for them then for myself, given my own weapons were already 'equipped' in a sense, but all the same, no harm in looking.

Check to see if any of the kobold equipment is usable

How ya doing, buddy?

Having seen nothing of value in the vaniqshed enemy's arsenal, I made my way to the nearest tree for a good long nap and recovery.

"Yawn..."

I awoke. Aside from the sky being darker and the quiet chippering of some sort of bug off in the distance, I noted that the Lizard-man seemed keen on continuing forth, quite anxious even. As I stood up and stretched, I could feel my muscles getting a fresh dose of air. Overall I felt very rested although still a bit groggy.

Still, I wondered just how long I had dozed off, and in no particular hurry made my way over to my companions.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

1 Die Roll looking for badies

I had no words for its arrival and felt a great opportunity missed in addressing the lingering questions that flooded my thoughts. There was a meaning and purpose to the chaos that enveloped our lives, I was sure of it. I mean, a mechanical thinking monster just doesn't appear for no reason. I decided there was a cause and intent behind its deliverance... I just had to find out what that was.

Still, I was taken aback by the improbability of such a thing occurring; albeit rather then what exactly this warforged... thing actually was. It was back and forth in my mind: Incredulity versus Confirmation.

Nearing a waterfall, I looked around carefully while the dwarf and lizard headed for the tree. Good idea but I wanted to see if hiding was even required.

Perception check to spot any enemies and/or danger.

I was speaking idiomatically.

2 Dice Rolls Attack

After relaying the enemy positions to my allies, I decided a... direct approach was needed. The lizardman called Daituk had started the assault on the kobold in some circle of arcana, undoubtedly of significance. Perhaps later I would be able to study it in detail.

For now though, the time was for killing. To do that, I'd have to exercise a little and pound one of the rat creatures. With my fist.

Move to AH8
Crane's Wings to Dragonshield at AH12

With a running start, I managed to leap into the circle and smack the Dragonshield a little bit, although he looked more irritated then hurt.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

2 Dice Rolls And a Hit!

My brief experiment in attempting teleportation was a complete failure, but with the kobolds moving closer to punching range, I figured I'd be more serious about this and layeth a smackethdowyn on their heads. Plus, get revenge for them attacking me, its only natural.

Move to AK8
Fallen Needle against Minion @ AK9

The rat creature looked downright stunned from my attack, and I couldn't help but chuckle at its predicament.

FELIPE NO

2 Dice Rolls TASTE MY

With one Kobold down, I figured his equally annoying comrade nearby should get a taste of my fist as well.

Move to AK9
Fallen Needle against Minion @ AL9

Oh yeah, I was on a roll

How ya doing, buddy?

1 Die Roll Hit check

I've seen some strange things, what with my studying the myriad lifeforms on this planet, but its not every lifetime I see a mechanical transport punch someone to full health.

I may have to borrow some of Truckbus's beer later.

Move to AJ11
Fallen Needle to AI11

Unfortunately the kobold I moved towards to attack was nible and dodged my fist. I guess it wasn't curative enough?

"Stupid, stupid rat creatures!"

Jam it back in, in the dark.

1 Die Roll ATTACK

Oww! That really hurt! I mean I know it was just a rock but that REALLY HURT! There's even blood on my face.

Oh yes, I mad.

"Come on you scared little shrieking bag of custard, don't run!"

RUN to AK17
Crane's Wings against Slink

In my anger, the Slink evades my attack just barely. At least the lizard man was here to give support.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Given our new ...ally's exceptional ability to squash small creatures, and given my current condition of BLEEDING, I decided to double back to a less dangerous spot, especially since the battle was almost over anyway.

Move to AI14
Second Wind on myself, +25 HP

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

As my second wind died down, the cuts and bleeding on my body seemed to slow down and even stop, and I accelerated this process by washing my wounds in the waterfall-fueled river.

Rest until full health and no longer bleeding or anything like that

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

After a healing surge I decided to investigate the entrances to the caves along with Truckbus, but I doubt I'd find anything he hadn't. Before I could actually look though, I was suddenly presented with a dollar. Hmm, guess fighting to my near-death was at least worth something

"Thanks for the gold, I'll spend it later."

I was standing there looking pretty daft when it hit me, or rather, the waterfall did. I had an idea.

Check for anything around the Waterfall, such as a hidden entrance

Most amazing jew boots

3 Dice Rolls Third time's the charm?

I figured that with my lean fit body and with a good running start, I could get through that waterfall un-assisted.

Okay, so this waterfall is pretty stubborn. The second time through I barely missed the ledge and slid back down.

After flailing around for a third time, I decided that me and mr. waterfall would never be good friends and I should just call it quits.

I reconvene with Thia to plan the next move for us non-waterfall-beating companions, and dry off my clothes.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

3 Dice Rolls Hit... not miss >:(

Looks like the mechanical has a plan with a disturbingly useful head on a stick. Better then nothing I suppose.

I took position near the two and prepared for anything that might come out of there.

Energy Strobe against anything that comes out
16 + 4 = 20 against Minion vs Reflex, like Prime

FELIPE NO

4 Dice Rolls punching hit

Optimal Lime, as I think the construct called itself, went for the first kobold around the corner; After rushing over, I tried to assist my associate in his attack, but my fist just seemed to bounce off the rat rather then do anything harmful

Charge to AB22
Basic melee attack against the kobold if Prime didnt kill it, otherwise I stand there looking menacing
and ignore those previous dice rolls

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

4 Dice Rolls melee attack

I was beginning to get the idea that my MANLY body wasn't as durable as the construct, a thought which terrified me.

I decided to take out this terror on the nearest kobold which was conveniently right next to me.

melee basic attack against Kobold @ AA25

My fist smacked its head hard. "Take that, stupid rat creature!"

Jam it back in, in the dark.