Stubborn Princess - A DnD Story

Chapter 3: The first Battle

"I know you are eager to get going, but please wait for one more moment.", Guinevere stopped the four adventurers. She went around the table towards a big shelf and seemed to search for something, until she closed the doors again and came back. She was holding two potions which looked very familiar to everyone. "The Cobra Clan may only consist of thugs, but their strength lies in their numbers. Take these with you, just in case." She handed one of them to Owen and one to Tenshi. "Thank you Vivi, you're the best." "You are very kind milady. Thank you."

With that the party set out towards the north of Lholon, Tenshi once again taking the lead. "Hey leader, what kind of person is this Astrid? Do you know her?", Lou asked them on their way. "I've never really spoken to her before, but I've met her a couple of times when I reported to the mayor. From what I heard she is a very kind and hard-working young lady, should be around 16 now. She is always helping out somewhere and she listens to what the people have to say. Most want her to follow in her father's footsteps and become mayor, but whenever the topic came up she didn't seem too happy. I think she'd like to live a little different." "I see. She sounds like she would make a fine adventurer herself.", Owen interrupted. "Yeah, I thought so too!", Lou agreed.

"I can see where you two are coming from, but I fear her father wouldn't like that at all. There's little he fears more than loosing his daughter after his wife died last year. Anyways; we should focus on the task ahead. Astrid is a half-elf like you Owen, her mother was human. She has long blonde hair and usually wears a pink headband." "A young female half-elf. Ok, I can work with this! Thanks leader!" Tenshi actually blushed a little after Lou called them leader again. They couldn't deny that it made them a little proud. It didn't take the group too long after that to reach the northern gates of Lholon. Tenshi led them outside and around the city walls. They were following a small stream of water that led them to an entrance to the sewers. "This is as close as you can get to the north from the sewers. Think you can help me look around Lou?" The huntress nodded with excitement and the two quickly started to look for clues.

Investigation Checks from Lou and Tenshi: Lou: 18 + 4 = 22; Tenshi: 16 + 4 = 20

They both were very skilled in discerning the smallest of changes in their surroundings and noticing things that would be unnatural. Together it took them but a few minutes until they found what seemed to be tracks. "These smaller ones are definitely from someone young and the size would fit a girl. These two tracks next to her are deeper and way bigger, two men. They were followed by two more, but I also found a few older tracks from someone, probably a scout they sent to look for the place. No sign of him returning through here though, so I guess he stayed there.", Lou summed up their findings. "That makes at least five enemies then. The odds are almost even. A fair fight considering we will have the element of surprise.", Kara smiled. "I can follow these tracks, no problem. Tenshi and I could scout ahead, then we can figure out our strategy once we see the area." "I like that idea Lou. Let's do it."

Stealth Checks from Lou and Tenshi: Lou: 4 + 4 = 8; Tenshi: 16 + 4 = 20

Lou was a little careless as they started pursuing the trail the kidnappers had left, but Tenshi managed to remind her to be on guard. Kara and Owen stayed back, but followed them at a steady pace. As they ventured further north the forest changed its appearance. There were plenty more evergreen trees around now and there was a slight increase to their way. They were definitely getting closer.

Perception Checks from Lou and Tenshi: Lou: 11 + 1 = 12; Tenshi: 4 + 6 = 10

Tenshi was starting to hear faint voices ahead, so they showed Lou to be quiet. She nodded in agreement, she heard them as well.They still had to get a bit closer to hear more, but Tenshi turned around and made a gesture towards the other two to stay right there.