1: New Beginnings Recap

Our story begins in the tiny village of Phandalin, to the south of Waterdeep. The village citizens include humans, dwarves, elves, gnomes, half elves and halflings. Originally a farming community, the discovery of some ancient runes has brought in adventurers from all over. One of the those adventurers is Shield the loxodon. What is a loxodon you ask? Loxodons are a race of elephant humanoids. They are known as formidable warriors - they're tough as tanks, surprisingly quick on their feet, and tireless in battle. Loxodons' beliefs are straightforward, earnest and, above all, unswerving.

Art by: YanmoZhang

• STEVE:  Shield is a 7’6” tall loxodon, weighing in at 350 pounds. At first glance you are most likely to notice his two long curved tusks that follow along his 5’ trunk before curving out into dangerous points. With dark grey leathery skin, and light grey stripping like that of a tiger, Shield does not look like he should be messed with.
• Shield currently wears a long travelers coat, over his old military armor and uniform. A large round shield is strapped to his back and a banner of some sort can be seen rolled up on his travelers pack.
• Shield has been traveling from town to town in search of something and doing good when ever he can. He is always willing to help out whether there is gold involved or not.

After speaking with an old villager (DM: who apparently is from Alabama) and learning of white dragons being in the area and terrorizing the village. Shield makes his way to the village notice board to find individuals in need. There he comes across, another one of our main characters, Berick the well dressed Raccoon.

• MIKE: Berick, the smartest most charming and of course most good looking of any group he is a part of, is a 3’9” giant of cunning, stealth, and wit.  He looks for the good in all situations, and ways he can prosper from it.

Shield extends an invitation to Berick in hopes of gaining traveling companions and some good stories. Berick has other plans in mind and dismisses the invitation and takes one of the three notices that is for offer on the board, specifically the notice to help the Dwarf prospectors that discovered the ruins in the mountains.
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1. Dwarf prospectors found ancient dwarven ruins in the mountains southwest of here, and have been working an archaeological dig seeking treasure and relics. They need to be warned that a white dragon has moved into the area. Take the warning to them, then return to Townmaster Harbin Wester to collect a reward of 50 gp.

1. A clan of reclusive rock gnomes resides in a small network of caves in the mountains to the southeast. The gnomes of Gnomengarde are known for their magical inventions, and they might have something with which to defeat the dragon. Get whatever you can from them. If you bring back something useful and don’t want to keep it for yourselves, Townmaster Harbin Wester will pay you 50 gp for it.

1. The local midwife — an acolyte of Chauntea named Adabra Gwynn — lives by herself in a stone windmill on the side of a hill a few miles south of Phandalin. With dragon sightings becoming more common, it’s not safe for her to be alone. Urge Adabra to return to Phandalin. Once she’s safe, visit Townmaster Harbin Wester to claim a reward of 25 gp.
   

Berick starts to run away from Shield. As Berick runs, a figure from the shadows shoots an arrow towards Berick in an attempt to shoot the job notice out of his hand. The arrow misses the raccoon but cuts off Berick’s path, it did catch his attention though. An elf emerged from the shadows.

• DEVON: My name is Fengolor Caerdonel, in case you are wondering and I know you are, I am 6’ tall. Obviously the best looking Male Wood Elf Ranger you have ever laid eyes on. I am 300 years old and despite what people claim to be a “low level” I have witnessed enough wars to last me more than a few human lifetimes. I have lost too many friends, and while most common folk love me for my kindness and generosity I push people away so I don’t have to endure the pain of losing them. I am a Knight of the Order, through my training and upbringing I know my noble Obligation and duty is to protect and care for the people beneath me. Yes the world does revolve around me and I know that can be a flaw but I'm willing to listen to every side of an argument before I make my own judgement.
• SHIELD: I really was just offering to help. With all the reports of Dragons and Orcs around, traveling alone is dangerous.

After some heated words were exchanged and apologies (DM: there were apologies??) were made. The group decides to get some assurances of payment from the Townmaster. Harbin Wester is the town master here and has locked himself up in the town hall because he is afraid that dragons will come for him at any second. Harbin offers no real information, and the party decides to buy rations for the upcoming journey and get some rest at the inn.

• SHIELD: I don't have time for this, why are all city leaders useless?

At the inn Shield makes some inquiries about the town-master and learns that he locks himself in the town hall and no one ever sees him. Berick decides to sneak into the town hall to investigate the Town master. Fen has one drink, really only one drink, and follows after Berick.

The lock to the town hall is quickly picked with no noise and entry to the hall is gained. Fen decides to help in his drunken state. The pair does not find anything of interest, Berick lets Fen sleep it off in the town hall. Berick peeks in on Harbin and sees a very nervous spooked looking man. After peeking in on the man Berick finds Shield and sells him the information he found. Night falls and the party turns in for a night of rest.

Morning comes and the trio sets off to complete the three contracts and hopefully earn some coin while they are at it. But they are definitely not together, they just happen to be going in the same direction. With the threat of orcs and dragons they stay close to each other, but not too close. The three day journey to the dig site happens without event.

• STEVE: No bandits or wolves or any other weird random encounters. Lulled me right into a false sense of security

The party finds the entrance to the mines uncovered by the Dwarves. The miners are quickly located and Berick tries to convince them to sign the paper so he can get paid. Not fans of the town master themselves the miners ask that the group take care of a little monster problem that is keeping them from uncovering some really cool stuff.

• ​STEVE: First encounter of the campaign, how hard could it be?​

Monster Manual 5E

• DM: Should be fine

​The sucking sound of the ochre jellies echoed off the stone walls of the ruins. Over confident with his large stature, Shield engaged one of the jellies with his battle shield. The mountain of a humanoid was laid low with one mighty blow. Shield fell unconscious.

• DM: A nat 18 to hit then 12 on 2d6, I was as shocked as anyone.

Seeing the large loxodon go down in a single blow gave Fen and Barick pause. Fighting for their lives, Barick engaged the jelly and also succumbed to the blows of the pseudo-pod, falling unconscious in the path of the creature.

• DM: well crap, did I read this encounter right? “This is good for high stakes!”

Fen slayed one of the creatures from range buying Shield and Barick time to stabilize. Shield regained consciousness and quickly dispatched the jelly that was inches away from devouring the loxodon. Barick by force of will also regained consciousness and struck the jelly dead. After seeing the danger passed, Shield slumped against the nearest wall to rest and recover. Feeling defeated and vulnerable the trio stop for a rest.

• SHIELD: I have never been hit so hard.
• FEN: Shield I guess that's one way of telling the story of how our adventure began, but you left out a lot of information. Yes I got a little tipsy from ONE drink but I swear someone slipped something in it and I still think it was Berick, I don't trust that trash panda. I got him good though, I haven’t laughed like that in years. He thinks he is pretty sneaky but my senses are too good for him and I can easily follow his movements. When it came to our first battle I didn't even get a scratch and there was no pause in my step despite what you might think. I single handedly killed 99% of the enemies and you both proved that you are not my equal, but don't worry I will do what I can to protect you and the trash panda, it is my duty after all. You both held on and overcame getting your butts kicked by a couple jellies which is pretty embarrassing but there might be some hope for you yet. ​​