II.1.3 Into Coppervale Caves

Session Preface

The evening's earlier rainfall has subsided, leaving a dense fog that settles over the slick cobblestone streets of Daggerford. The wind carries an early winter chill, cutting through cloaks and tugging at the hoods of passerbys. From the shadows of an alley across from the Lady Luck Tavern, Aethuriel looks on with the observant vigilance of a trained watcher of Helm, dutiful and keen.
In the hushed conversations of those who pass, you learn of an approaching curfew after which only the Duke's guards walk the streets. You wager it won't be long before the tavern and other establishments close for the evening. Just as you wonder once again where Pax could be and what became of his evening, you hear his voice from further in the shadows of the alley behind you. As you turn, Pax becomes visible, dropping his spell. Though seemingly no worse for wear, a solemn look washes across his face as he begins to explain what he's learned.

Session Summary

Returning to Sir Isteval's home for the evening, Pax catches Aethuriel up with his conversation with Yaldronno. At the Knight's home, they are greeted by Krobach who is doing her own late night research with documents spread across her desk. The following morning, they wake to discover Sir Isteval busy at work in his modest kitchen, making a bountiful spread for breakfast. He regrets not having coffee available since it is a rare import these days, but offers a myriad of local cheeses, breads, eggs, and meat. WIth full stomachs, the party crosses town to Derval's Bright Blades.
The party meet Derval, the proud dwarven smith whose shop is meticulously arranged to highlight display pieces of his finest work. Inside the smith shop, Pax shares Yaldronno's secret message and the dwarf quickly closes the storefront. Pax explains that they have been asked to clear out a mine of a goblin infestation. Derval points them towards Coppervale Caves and gives them directions. He explains that the mines provide some of his necessary components and the goblin's occupation has disrupted his work on a contract with their mutual acquiantance. Given the timing and the frequent raids that predated the total loss of contact, Derval does not expect the party to find any remaining survivors.
With the trek being more than a half-day away thanks to thick forests and winding through a narrow valley, the party sets out at once. They make quick time following the nearly empty High Road, once again observing the putrid and rising water of the moat outside of Daggerford. Turning westward, they trudge through thick forests of coniforous trees and heavy underbrush. Aethuriel soon discovers a patchy pathway that includes the divets of once frequent carts or wagons. Following this path, they come to the valley and find themselves waylaid by a fifteen foot pile of logs and tree trunks creating a bridge across the opposite ridges.
While attempting to scale the wooden obstacle, Pax and Aethuriel are assailed by arrows from goblins hidden in the trees along the ridge. Aethuriel is hit in the back and slides back down the structure, but recovers quickly and nimbly misty steps onto the otherside for cover. Unfortuantely, he comes face to face with a monstrously strong goblin swinging a massive axe. Meanwhile, Pax is pinned to one of the tree trunks by another arrow and just scrambles to the top of the barrier with his slippery, bloody hands. Once Pax is in position, Aethuriel uses a distracting blow to open up a shot of his foe for Pax, who kills the larger goblin. Pax returns fire to the goblin sniper who struck him, defeating them as well. With the sudden turn in the tide, the other would-be ambushers scatter through the underbrush in retreat.
While recuperating from the unexpected skirmish, Aethuriel finds a set of goblin tracks, discovering a direct and clear path to the Coppervale Caves. Through stealth and teamwork, the party quickly drop the archers keeping watch and proceed into the cave. A stray arrow draws the attention of the goblins within, who swarm and then retreat, drawing the party further into the cave. Approaching the primary passageway, Pax finds a hill giant sitting among a pile of rubble. The hill giant moves to protect the goblins, throwing broken carts and splintered wood towards the intruders.
Pinned between goblins flanking them from behind and the hill giant rushing in and swinging his massive makeshift club, a cart wheel afixed with pickaxes, Pax and Aethuriel fight back to back in the narrow mouth of the cave. Though surrounded, they eventually push back the waves of goblins and break their morale by defeating their captain and incapacitating the giant. After routing the remaining minions, Pax approaches the stupified giant and persuades him to find a new home, to which the giant begrudgingly agrees after explaining in broken common that the caves had been the goblin's home first.
After recuperating, the party investigate the caves, ensuring they are empty. They make preparations to return to Daggerford to report back to Yaldronno of their success, eager to learn more about the vassal of Gristaxadahn they seek.

Session Overview

Date Played:
June 20, 2023
Party:

• Aethuriel
• Pax

Time Passed:
Marpenoth 19 PM -Marpenoth 20, 1493 PM
NPCs:

• Sir Isteval
• Kobach
• Derval Ironeater

Loot: