The Duergar Outpost

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Retro Actions: The night before

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Skill Challenge - Phase 1 - Stealth and Distraction

Skill Challenge - Phase 1 Results

Skill Challenge - Phase 2 - Kill or Subdue guards

Skill Challenge - Phase 2 Results

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At the Northern Light

As the party settles back into the Northern Light, the warmth of the inn provides a stark contrast to the bitter cold they faced on the mountain. The Shorard sisters and Trovus eagerly listen as Mutt recounts their battle with the Duergar and the ogre zombie. The atmosphere is filled with a mix of relief and determination as the party discusses their next steps.

Fizzbum is the first to speak up, excitement bubbling over as he thanks Allie for the food. "Thank you, Miss Allie!" he exclaims, shoving tasty bites into his mouth. Between mouthfuls, he rambles on about how cold weather makes him hungry and how he once had to bonk a biting eel on the head during egg-laying season. His chatter brings a smile to those around him, even as he attempts to conjure a minor illusion to mimic the foam from his ale. "I've got a lantern too, but mine's just for catching Ele-Menthols in the snow!" he blurts out, curiosity getting the better of him. "What does your lantern do that makes it special?" Fizz suggests that the party spends the afternoon warming up, playing cards, drinking cocoa, and gathering supplies. He insists on bringing Peck along for the next journey and discusses with the boarding master how to keep the Axe Beaks safe if they need to be left behind in the snow.

Mutt graciously accepts the stew and drink from Allie with a warm smile.

"Well now! I could hardly hope for a warmer welcome. Your hospitality is only surpassed by your charm, Miss Allie," he says, taking a few large pulls from his tankard before settling into the meal.

After Mutt settles into his meal, Allie gives him a playful smile, leaning in slightly as she hands him a key to his room.

"Well, aren't you sweet," she says with a soft, suggestive tone. "..And if you need anything at all tonight... I'd be more than happy to stop by and check on you, make sure you have everything you... need." She gives him a wink before straightening up, leaving Mutt with a lingering sense of her warm presence.

As the group enjoys their time together, Mutt entertains the patrons with a lively retelling of their encounter with the Duergar. His animated gestures and dramatic flair draw laughter and cheers from the gathered crowd. When the story winds down, he leans back in his chair, a satisfied grin on his face.

"Right then. I’m off to shore up my supplies and see what I can do about this depressing thing," he says, gesturing to the black studded leather armor he took from the Duergar. "Gods, these Duergar are depressing. They live underground, so all of their clothes have to be black? Ugh."

Azalie, who had been quietly brooding during the journey back to town, overhears Mutt’s lighthearted flirting with Allie at the Northern Light. She watches the exchange with a small, unreadable smile, noting how effortlessly Mutt charms those around him. As he mentions the Duergar armor, Azalie’s attention sharpens. She stands up from where she had been quietly seated, her expression still tense from the earlier battle.

"I'll put this to use," Azalie says, stepping forward and eyeing the armor critically. "We may need it if we go after the wizard." Her voice is firm, and there’s a determination in her eyes that hadn’t been there earlier. Mutt, noticing her interest, nods and hands over the armor.

"Here, take it. It’s served me well, but I think it’ll suit you better now," he says, offering the armor to Azalie with a friendly smile.

Azalie accepts the armor, her fingers brushing against the worn leather. As she inspects it, she can’t help but catch a lingering scent of Mutt’s cologne on the material. She wrinkles her nose slightly but says nothing, storing the thought away for later.

Gulping down a stein of water, Azalie looks around at her companions, her mind still on the wizard who had managed to escape. "We are going after the wizard, right?" she asks, her voice steady but with an edge of urgency. The others exchange glances, but before anyone else can respond, Uptharr speaks up with a firm, reassuring tone.

"Without a doubt," Uptharr assures her, his voice carrying the weight of his conviction. "That wizard won’t escape justice. We’ll hunt him down and make sure he pays for his crimes." His words are steady and confident.

Azalie nods, her resolve hardening with Uptharr’s assurance. She plans to visit the shop to gather supplies, particularly food for Mellon, her blood hawk. As she prepares, her thoughts remain focused on the mission ahead, determined not to let the wizard slip through their grasp again.

After the group finishes their report to Trovus and the Shorard sisters, Azalie decides to approach Trovus, feeling a bit bold despite her usual serious demeanor. She walks up to him, trying to think of something clever to say.

“So, Trovus… You, uh, ever wrestle a yeti?” she asks, her voice laced with an attempt at humor. Trovus looks at her, slightly puzzled by the question.

“Can’t say I have,” he replies with a chuckle, sensing her awkwardness. “Why, are you offering to teach me?”

Azalie stammers slightly, “Oh, no, I just… thought, you know… a strong guy like you might have. I mean, not that you need to wrestle yetis to be strong! I mean…” She trails off, feeling the conversation slipping away from her.

Trovus gives her a reassuring smile, “Well, I’m always up for a challenge, but I think I’ll stick to dealing with Duergar for now.” He pats her on the shoulder, a friendly gesture that leaves her feeling both relieved and more awkward.

After her less-than-smooth attempt at flirting, Azalie turns her attention to the studded leather armor Mutt passed over. She examines it closely, wrinkling her nose.

“Ugh, it still smells like Mutt’s cologne,” she mutters to herself, crinkling her nose at the scent. She tries wiping it down with a cloth, muttering under her breath, “I mean, it’s not a bad smell, just… strong. Really strong.”

Realizing her efforts aren’t quite doing the trick, Azalie takes the armor to the local shop, hoping for a more professional cleaning. “Is there anything you can do about this?” she asks the shopkeeper, holding up the armor. “It’s, uh, still got a bit of an… aroma.”

The shopkeeper gives her an amused look and takes the armor, promising to do what they can. Azalie waits, tapping her fingers on the counter, and when the armor is returned, she takes a deep sniff. “Better… but still there. I guess Mutt’s just… unforgettable,” she says with a resigned sigh, but there’s a hint of a smile on her face.

Satisfied that the armor is as clean as it’s going to get, Azalie straps it on, making a few final adjustments. She spends the remaining time sharpening her weapons and ensuring Mellon is well-fed, ready to head back out into the cold to track down the wizard and recover the stolen goods.

Mutt's Actions in Town:

After finishing his meal and exchanging stories with the tavern patrons, Mutt heads out into the snowy streets of Caer-Konig in search of art supplies. He visits a few of the town's small shops and asks around, hoping to find paints, brushes, or even some parchment and charcoal to brighten up the dreary Duergar armor. However, much to his disappointment, he finds that the town is too focused on survival to cater to artistic endeavors. With no luck in finding the supplies he wanted, Mutt decides to make the best of what he has. He spends the remaining time adjusting his gear, checking his rations, and making sure he's prepared for the journey ahead. Though he’s unable to add a splash of color to the armor, he resolves to focus on the mission at hand, eager to track down the remaining stolen goods and confront the Duergar wizard once more.

Fizzbum's Actions in Town:

Fizzbum spends the afternoon exploring Caer-Konig with his usual enthusiasm. After enjoying a hearty meal and some playful spellcasting at the Northern Light, he heads out to take care of his errands, starting with a visit to the town's only store, Frozenfar Expeditions. Though the shop isn’t specialized in alchemy, Fizzbum makes do with what he can find, picking up a few useful items and ingredients to restock his supplies.

Next, he visits the local leatherworker to get his pants adjusted and fitted, ensuring they’re comfortable and ready for the journey ahead. Determined to be fully prepared, Fizzbum insists on bringing Peck, his Axe Beak, along this time. He takes some time to discuss with the boarding master how to keep the Axe Beaks safe and warm if they need to be left behind during the trek.

With his tasks complete, Fizzbum suggests that the party spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and preparing for the next day. He’s more than happy to indulge in some card games and cocoa, and as the evening wears on, he takes a short nap to recover his energy and spells. By the time the sun sets, Fizzbum is content and ready for the next day’s adventure, eager to see what challenges lie ahead.

Uptharr's Actions in Town:

After the group reports their findings to Trovus and the Shorard sisters, Uptharr pulls Trovus aside for a more in-depth conversation about the Duergar threat. The paladin's brow furrows with concern as he inquires about any known Duergar outposts nearby.

Trovus shakes his head, "It's been a long time since we've seen Duergar around here, Uptharr. I can't say for sure where they might be holed up. But if I had to guess, they’re likely after Chardalyn. Those underground devils make a lot of things from that rare mineral, and with the recent disturbances, they might be getting desperate."

Uptharr nods thoughtfully, "Chardalyn... That would explain a lot. We'll need to be vigilant. If they’re here for that, they won’t stop until they get what they’re after."

Trovus sighs, "Aye. And we don’t have the resources to fend off a determined Duergar force. We’ll be relying on you and your companions to put an end to this threat."

With a firm nod, Uptharr thanks Trovus for the information and spends the rest of the day visiting the local temple. There, he assists with various tasks, from helping mend damaged items to offering prayers and blessings to the townsfolk. His presence is a comfort to the people, and his diligent work at the temple helps strengthen his resolve for the coming journey. By the time evening falls, Uptharr feels a deep sense of purpose, ready to confront the Duergar and protect the people of Caer-Konig from whatever threat may come.

Dorf's Actions in Town:

With no specific tasks assigned to him, Dorf spends the day restlessly trying to keep himself occupied. He starts the morning by heading to the nearby frozen lake, setting up for a bit of ice fishing. The peaceful activity offers some distraction, but his thoughts keep drifting back to the wizard that escaped their grasp. After a while, the stillness of the fishing doesn’t quite hold his attention, so he packs up and starts wandering through Caer-Konig.

As he roams the small town, Dorf's mind remains focused on the unfinished business with the Duergar wizard. He feels the urge to do something—anything—to prepare for the upcoming confrontation. But with little else to do, he continues to walk the streets, occasionally chatting with townsfolk and checking in on the sled dogs. Despite his efforts to stay busy, an underlying restlessness gnaws at him, fueled by the desire to track down the wizard and recover the stolen items. By the end of the day, Dorf is more than ready to set out, eager to confront the Duergar and bring justice to the town.

The Next Morning: Setting Out

As dawn breaks over Caer-Konig, the party prepares to leave the town behind and head back into the mountains. The weather is unusually cooperative today, with a clear sky and no sign of the relentless storms that have plagued the region for weeks. The sun, though still weak in the cold northern sky, provides a faint warmth that boosts their spirits as they harness the sled dogs and ready their gear.

After a hearty breakfast at the Northern Light, the party sets off, following the tracks they discovered the previous day. The path winds upward into the mountains, the snow crunching beneath their boots and the sled gliding smoothly across the frosted ground. The journey is steady and uneventful, with the party retracing their steps until they reach the spot where the Duergar wizard had evaded them.

Here, Azalie, with her keen ranger instincts, spots a new set of tracks leading further up the mountain. She points them out to the others, and the group follows them until they approach the location—a foreboding scene where sheer cliffs of ice and rock rise on either side, creating a natural corridor leading to what appears to be a hidden outpost.

The Duergar Outpost:

As the party advances, they come upon a stark, blocky stronghold jutting out from the hillside in a rough crescent shape. The structure is devoid of any warmth or charm, its stone walls partially buried in the rock and snow. A large double door made of heavy stone marks the main entrance, set into a gently sloping plain covered with fresh snow.

To the northeast of the entrance, a frozen stream once flowed out of a barred culvert, now solid ice. Along the northern wall of the stronghold, two other barred openings can be seen, positioned in a way that would give anyone inside an unobstructed view of the approach. Closer to the party, separated from the main structure, is a snow-covered stone bunker, its walls perforated by narrow arrow slits.

Azalie holds up a hand, signaling the group to stop. The outpost is clearly guarded, and even from a distance, the party can sense the presence of watchful eyes. Two Duergar, likely weary and bored, stand guard—one in the bunker, the other in the overlook. The party knows that any careless move could alert the sentries and turn their stealthy approach into a deadly confrontation.

(Party location = Flag, Duergar locations = Skulls)

Securing the Animals:

Before advancing further, the party decides to find a secure location to leave their animals. After some searching, they find a sheltered spot beneath an overhang, partially hidden by a cluster of snow-covered boulders. The area provides some protection from the wind and cold, and Fizzbum, with the help of Uptharr, arranges the sled and animals in such a way that they are safe and well-insulated from the harsh elements. Peck, Fizzbum’s Axe Beak, nuzzles against him as he whispers a few reassuring words, promising to return soon.

With their animals safely stowed away, the party gathers at the base of the hill leading up to the outpost. The time for careful planning is now, as they must decide whether to approach stealthily, hug the north cliff, and use the terrain to their advantage, or take a more direct and aggressive approach.

For your next post - you need to decide how you intend to proceed.

Include Stealth skill checks if you intend to be sneaky. You can view the map of the location to see positions of the Duergar guards.

20 hours have passed

Current Time: 10:19 AM

Date: Fourthday , 24 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: -45°

Current Phase: Exploration

Retro Actions: The Night Before

The night before they leave Caer Konig

Mutt restlessly fingers the mug of ale he’s been nursing most of the night. Most of the common room has cleared out leaving Mutt mostly alone with his thoughts. He always gets a bit anxious before he knows he has to leave in the morning (and sometimes in the middle of the night) but this time even more so because he knows what they’re up against.

His mind involuntarily conjures up an image of the aftermath of that Duergar wizard’s fireball. Uptharr down on one knee…Fizz and Dorf blackened and rocked by the force of the blast… It easily could have gone very poorly very quickly.

Mutt shakes his head and curses himself for letting his mind wander to such dark places. He pushes the mug away and stands up. Seeing Allie clear some mugs from a nearby table, he walks over to her.

“Look…I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but if you’re looking to have a bit of fun tonight with some sweaty, no-strings-attached sex I’d love to see you up in my room.”

Mutt gives her a confident smile and offers her his hand.

“If you’re interested, I’ve been working on something with Mage Hand I think you might like.”

Allie’s eyebrows lift slightly at Mutt’s bold proposition, but a playful smile quickly spreads across her face. She places the mugs she’s holding back on the table, her eyes locking onto his.

"Well, Mutt," she says, her voice taking on a teasing, sultry tone, "You certainly don’t beat around the bush, do you?" She steps closer to him, her hand brushing lightly against his arm. "You’re not the only one who’s been a little restless tonight."

She gives him a once-over, her smile widening. "It’s been a long time since I’ve had any fun with someone who knows how to show a girl a good time. And this ‘Mage Hand’ trick of yours… consider me intrigued." Allie lets her hand linger on his for a moment before pulling away with a wink. "Give me a few minutes to finish up here, and I’ll meet you in your room. Let’s see what kind of magic you’ve got in store for me."

With a final, suggestive smile, Allie turns back to her work, her pace a little quicker now as she finishes clearing the tables, clearly looking forward to the night ahead.

Meanwhile....

Azalie lay restless in her bed, her thoughts consumed by the missed shots haunting her mind. Frustration builds as she paced her room, the weight of her failure too heavy to bear. Finally, she decided to step outside for a breath of fresh air and a calming smoke.

She reached for her fur coat, pulling it around her bare skin. Azalie hates the cold. "This should do," she murmured to herself, slipping into her boots. "As long as no halflings are lurking at this hour, I'll be fine." She moved quietly, using her stealth abilities to descend the stairs without a sound.

Rounding a corner, Azalie spotted Mutt finishing his ale. She raised her hand to catch his attention, but her breath caught as she noticed him engaged in conversation with a girl from town. Instantly and surprising to her, she melted into the shadows, her heart pounding louder than ever. She covered her mouth, suppressing any sound that might escape her lips, cursing her elven ears as they betrayed her, delivering every word spoken between the two.

A strange numbness spread through her arms, down to her fingers, as if her body were weighed down by a powerful magic. She closed her eyes, praying it was just a dream, an illusion caused by indigestion. But reality held her captive as she waited for them to leave, slipping outside only when they were gone.

Mutt & Allie

Mutt`s initial energy and enthusiasm are undeniable. While his stamina isn`t endless, he manages to keep up admirably. There`s a point where the fatigue starts to set in, but Mutt`s charm and natural flair come into play, and he compensates in other, more creative ways. It’s during these moments that Mutt truly shines. He makes the experience something memorable. His performance is executed with a level of finesse and passion that leaves Allie breathless. He uses the magic of his Mage Hand in ways that surprise and delight, adding an extra layer of wonder to the evening.

As the night winds down and the two lie together, Allie’s breath is still slightly heavy, but her expression is one of deep satisfaction. She turns to Mutt with a lazy, contented smile, her eyes half-lidded with a mixture of exhaustion and happiness.

"Well, Mutt," she murmurs, "I have to say, you certainly know how to keep a girl entertained." She chuckles softly, her voice a bit husky from their exertions. "That little trick of yours… the Mage Hand… let’s just say you’ve set a new standard around here."

She leans in, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. "When you get back from the Duergar outpost, you know where to find me. I'll be looking forward to giving you your reward." With a satisfied sigh, she settles back into the bed, curling up against him as sleep begins to claim them both, a small, contented smile playing on her lips.

Mutt grins, clearly pleased with himself as he feels Allie’s warm breath against his cheek. "Well, darling, I aim to please," he replies with a playful wink. "But I have to admit, I wasn’t sure if the Mage Hand would impress or just get me laughed out of the room. Glad to know I’ve still got a few tricks up my sleeve—or, you know, wherever else they might come in handy." 

He chuckles softly, giving her a gentle squeeze. "When I return, I’ll have to come up with something even better—though that might be a tough act to follow."

Meanwhile back outside:

Leaning against the wall, Azalie lit her pipe, her mind swirling with unwanted thoughts. The light from the pipe's ember cast a soft glow on her watery eyes and delicate, chilled nose. As the smoke curled around her, she relaxed, letting her coat fall open, the biting cold kissing her exposed skin. She traced her fingers along her neck, wondering what it would feel like to truly be desired, on her terms. Her fingers flowing down her side, towards the dancing light bouncing off her hips.  

She knows what sex is, but the choice had never been hers. The master had left his marks, scars that had faded over the years but still carried the weight of fresh wounds. She closed her eyes, letting her hair cascade over her bare breast, the silence around her broken only by the sound of her pant, steady and deep, and speeding up. Her breath visible in the crisp night air.

Her mind wandered, imagining what it would be like to be wanted, truly wanted, like Mutt had wanted that girl. Jealousy twisted inside her, drawing her deeper into her fantasies. She found herself yearning, a feeling so foreign it left her unsure, unsteady. A deep breath, accepting her own touch, imaging the touch of another.

Azalie’s sharp ears caught the heavy footsteps of the Dragonborn approaching, the crunch of the frozen ground beneath his gait unmistakable. She didn’t immediately stop, letting the smoke coil around her, knowing anyone who saw her in this moment would be transfixed. She waited until he was about to round the corner, then quickly closed her fur coat, tapped out her pipe, and slipped back into the inn.

A few beads of sweat trickled down her spine as she glided back into her room, a giggle escaping her lips as she leapt into bed.

"Well, he didn’t seem to see me." She reveals to Mellon. She didn’t want to admit that she wished he had seen her with her hands on her body. Rolling over, she noticed her studded armor, still carrying Mutt's scent. She picks up the armor and looks at it intently, then sets it outside for the night.

Current Time: 10:19 AM

Back to the Duergar Outpost

Uptharr motions for the group to gather closer. He keeps his voice low, his eyes scanning the terrain ahead.

"We’ve got two sentries—one in that bunker and another up in the overlook," he whispers, pointing out their positions. "If we alert them, they’ll raise the alarm, and the whole compound will be on us before we know it. I suggest we move in quietly, stick to the shadows along the north cliff, and take out the guards before they can warn the others."

He pauses, looking at each member of the party. "But I want to hear what you all think. We can’t afford to make a mistake here. Our best chance is to avoid drawing the entire outpost’s attention. How do you want to approach this?" Uptharr’s expression is serious, showing his commitment to ensuring the mission’s success while valuing the input of his companions.

Azalie stands with The Howlbears, carefully laying out the plan for their secret attack. Yet, as she spoke, her thoughts drifted back to the night before. She needed to focus; her friends' lives hung in the balance, and one wrong move could mean disaster. A heavy wave of emotions pressed down on her, a burden she was unaccustomed to carrying. Until now, her heart had only stirred for a dying boy and a loyal dog.

She must be accurate and determined, to win this victory. She is worried what would become of her, if she was to lose the very people she just started to love.

Azalie leans in closer. She can still smell Mutt’s cologne on her armor. She’s starting to get used to it.

“I have an idea.” Azalie starts drawing out a plan on the ground. Her plan consists of her and Mutt sneaking over to the closest bunker. Mellon creating a distraction.

“Mutt, can you create a snow screen for us? Something to block us from the further tower.” Azalie would like the best chance at not being seen

She continues whispering out her plans. “Dorf and Uptharr, you aren’t exactly the quietest of characters. So you should make like a rock and stay put, covered in snow.” Azalie slaps Dorf on the back, because, he knows why.

Azalie is hoping to not draw any attention from the front gate. “If we get their attention, we would do better if me and Mutt are in the bunkers.” Azalie is itching to send a few arrows through the air.

“Fizz! What tricks do you have up your sleeve? I’ve been curious about your mushrooms.” Fizz always seems to have a fungus among us.

“What do you think? I’m pretty good at stealth. I’ll be going 2 handed with my daggers.”

Azalie rubs her hand over her daggers worn hilt. “I haven’t done much hand to hand recently, but I’m getting jealous of Dorf.” With a perky smile she puts her hand in, “So, who’s with me?”

Mutt listens to Uptharr and Azalie, nodding along with their suggestions. It’s odd seeing Azalie in his old armor. Her broad shoulders and developed musculature fill it out better then Mutt when he wore it. It looks like she was meant to be in that kind of armor, whereas Mutt wore it more like an imposter. A rabbit in ram’s wool. He shifts uncomfortably, suddenly feeling a bit self conscious.

“I agree we should try and approach without being seen. The last thing we need is that wizard to start raining fireballs down on us.” Mutt suppresses an involuntary shudder at the thought. “I can create a small illusion, but probably not enough to block line of sight from that distance.”

Mutt looks at Uptharr and frowns.

“No offense Uptharr, but you aren’t going to do much sneaking in that armor. I can make you invisible but I can’t do anything about how much noise you make.”

Uptharr listens intently to Mutt’s and Azalies concerns, his face lighting up with a wide, almost boisterous grin.. He slaps his armored chest with a loud clang that echoes in the cold mountain

air.

“Ah, you are correct, my friends! I am, how shall we say, not the most... subtle of warriors. This armor—magnificent though it may be—does tend to make a bit of noise!” His tone is full of pride, as if the clattering of his armor were a badge of honor rather than a hindrance.

He nods in agreement, completely missing Mutt & Azalie's hint about stealth. “Aye, the quietest among us should indeed do the sneaking! I shall remain here, along with any others who wish to stand and fight should it come to that. We will be ready to cover your approach or create a grand distraction, if need be!” He beams at the thought, clearly enjoying the prospect of battle and bringing those Duergar to justice.

Uptharr then turns to Fizzbum, his grin widening even further as Azalie asks Fizz about having "tricks up his sleeve". “Yes, Fizzbum, you may be small, but you carry a large presence! Perhaps you could use your... talents to create a distraction. A little magical trickery, eh? Maybe you could even conjure up an illusion to make yourself look like one of those Duergar! Imagine the confusion it would cause if one of their own suddenly appeared where they did not expect!”

He chuckles at the thought, clearly entertained by the idea. “Yes, yes, I like this plan. The quiet ones sneak in and disable the guards, and the rest of us stand ready to leap into action if needed! What say you, comrades? Shall we put this plan into motion?” He raises his flail slightly, as if ready to charge at a moment’s notice, his enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge practically radiating from him.

Mutt turns back to the party.

“What are we thinking? Azalie and I are used to moving silently so no worries there. Fizz is looking mighty stealthy in those new leather pants. Which…don’t leave much to the imagination. Good gods, Fizz. You’re 35 pounds and it looks like 5 of that is currently stuck against your inner thigh. Ahem…uh, we can sneak up to the bunker and try to neutralize the guard but if there’s more guards in there than we can see we could be in trouble. Do we chance it and just have everyone sneak up to the bunker? I can help with Uptharr a bit.”

Azalie looks away from Fizz’s pants. She’s had enough of visualizing her friends. She pinches herself to keep from gawking.

“I say we take our chances. I’m sure we can at least subdue the ones in the first tower.” Azalie is hoping there is only 2 guards in the tower. She doesn’t want the others to be spotted.

She looks back at Mutt, a brief memory sprouting from a time he was singing her favorite song. She holds the swallow or he will be onto her moment of embarrassment.

Dorf furrows his brow, clearly a bit miffed by Azalie’s comment. “You crunch one skull in a Yeti's cave and suddenly I’m branded as not stealthy,” he mutters, crossing his arms. He looks around at the others, a mix of confusion and irritation on his face. “I can be as stealthy as any of you, you know! I’m a halfling after all—we pride ourselves in being stealthy!” 

His tone carries a touch of defiance, though he’s clearly trying to prove a point. Despite his irritation, he eventually sighs, relenting. “But fine, I’ll do whatever you need me to. Just don’t be surprised when I sneak up on that wizard and he never sees me coming.”

Azalie smiles at Dorf, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and sincerity. “Oh, come on, Dorf, you know I was only kidding,” 

she says, giving him a playful nudge. “Of course I know you can be quiet when you want to be. I’ve seen you sneak around just fine—like that time you nabbed those pies without anyone noticing!” She chuckles softly, then her tone softens a bit. “Just… try not to let that famous temper of yours get the best of you this time, alright? We need your strength, but we also need a bit of finesse. Save the raging for when we’re cracking Duergar skulls.” She gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder, hoping to smooth over any lingering irritation.

“Dorf, you, me and Mutt will take the guards out. I'll take the one on the overlook, and you and Mutt take the one in the bunker." Azalie reassures her friend that his stature can be used as an advantage. Who would think that the power of 8 oxen lies within those muscles? “Dorf, you don’t make noise but you do make a great battering ram. I don’t want your spark to be picked up on too quickly. You’re our ace in the hole.”

Fizz is the most flexible of them all. “Fizz, I trust you to do the right thing when the right thing needs doin’. You would be great hiding close to the tower. Just in case Mutt and I get overtaken.” Azalie trusts Fizz with her life.

“I’m not sure what to station Uptharr. What do you guys think?”

Uptharr nods thoughtfully as Azalie lays out the plan. He grips his flail tightly, a determined expression on his face.

“A sound plan, Azalie,” he says, his voice low and steady. “I’ll remain behind, just out of sight. If things go south, I’ll be ready to charge in and create the necessary distraction—or take the fight to them if it comes to that.”

He glances at the others, offering a reassuring smile. “If your distraction and subduing of the guards are successful, I’ll meet you all at the gates to the outpost once the job is done. Just give the signal, and I’ll be there.”

With that, Uptharr takes a position behind some cover, his eyes scanning the area as he prepares to spring into action at a moment’s notice. He gives a final nod to Azalie and the others, trusting them to execute their part of the plan with precision.

"Hmm... I suppose I could try! I've never tried a Duergar illusion though. I'll see what I can do!"

Fizzbum begins to check himself over... feet, armor, cloak and hair trying to figure out how to create the right size glamour to appear as a grumpy Dark dwarf. Best he can remember is the Duergar wizard that dropped a fireball on his head in the last battle. That one might do the trick! He might even be able to keep his staff with him for that one.

Fizzbum pulls his yeti cloak up over his bright red hair to help make the illusion a little easier, and wiggles his fingers over his staff before he begins the illusion incantation.

(Cast Shilleigh on Staff)

Fizzz steps out in front of the group for a minute, facing them, and begins his illusion incantation. "Plinky, winky, Dark and Stinky, Make me a Duergar that by the name of Binky!"

(Cast Minor Illusion)

As Fizzbum completes his playful incantation, “Plinky, winky, Dark and Stinky, Make me a Duergar that by the name of Binky!” a magical aura begins to envelop him, shimmering like the winter air on a clear, cold day. The transformation starts at his feet, and his sturdy boots subtly shift, gaining the rugged, well-worn look typical of Duergar.

The blue hue of his skin shifts to a pale, natural color, and his small stature expands, giving him the broader, more muscular build of a Duergar dwarf. Even his armor and cloak seem to adjust slightly, taking on the appearance of the rough, functional garb favored by the dark dwarves.

When the illusion settles, the little blue gnome with his bright red hair is gone, replaced by a rather grumpy-looking Duergar with a bushy red beard. The illusion is convincing enough, capturing the rough edges and dour expression of the dark dwarves. However, whether it will fool the guards, remains to be seen.

Skill Challenge: Infiltrating the Duergar Outpost

Objective: The party needs to stealthily approach and subdue the Duergar guards without raising an alarm. Mutt & Dorf will use stealth to approach the bunker and disable the guard there. Azalie, will approach the overlook and climb the wall to disable the second guard there. Fizzbum will create a distraction to help them. Uptharr will remain behind and be ready should the distraction fail.

Phase 1: Stealth and Distraction

Fizzbum: Arcana and Performance Checks

• Arcana Check DC: 13 (Maintaining the illusion)

• Performance Check DC: vs. Opposed insight check of guard

• Outcome:

  • Success for both Arcana check and Performance check: Fizzbum maintains his illusion and successfully distracts the guards. This causes the guards to roll their Perception check at disadvantage when trying to detect Mutt and Dorf’s approach.

  • Failure for either arcana check or Performance check: The guards are suspicious, and their Perception check is rolled normally without disadvantage.

  • Failure for both arcana check and performance check: The guards are very suspicious and have advantage on their perception check to detect Mutt and Dorf's approach.

Fizzbum - please make your arcana check and your performance check. The performance check must include what you are doing to keep the guards distracted, include anything you wish to say or do. Creative posting here will grant you up to a +3 bonus on your roll. Then the Duergar will make an opposed Insight roll to see how well your performance works for the distraction.

Mutt and Dorf: Stealth Checks

• DC: Determined by the guard’s Perception Check

• Guard Perception Check:

  • If Fizzbum succeeds both his checks: Guards roll Perception at disadvantage.

  • If Fizzbum fails one of his checks: Guards roll Perception normally.

  • If Fizzbum fails both his checks: Guards roll perception at advantage.

• Outcome:

  • Success: Mutt and Dorf approach the bunker undetected.

  • Failure: The guards notice their approach and the challenge fails.

Dorf and Mutt: Please make your Stealth Checks for your approach

Azalie: Athletics Check to Climb the Overlook

• DC: 13

• Outcome:

  • Success: Azalie climbs the overlook without issue and is ready to engage the guard.

  • Failure: Azalie struggles to climb, potentially making noise or taking damage from a fall, alerting the guard (Guard gets advantage on perception check to spot azalie climbing the wall)

Azalie : Please make your Athletics check to climb the wall. Azalie does not have to make a stealth check to approach, if Mutt cast invisibility.

Once phase 1 is done, I will post all results and then phase 2 will commence.

10 minutes have passed

Current Time: 10:29 AM

Date: Fourthday , 24 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: -45°

Current Phase: Exploration

Skill Challenge - Phase 1 Results:

As the party carefully executes their plan, Fizzbum takes center stage. With a creative flair, he removes his straw hat and wraps it up in his blanket, making it look like a captured animal struggling in a sack. He grumbles and curses under his breath, stopping frequently to give the "creature" a sharp whack with his staff, all while muttering in what sounds like irritated Duergar. His performance is convincing, drawing the attention of the Duergar guards. They watch with a mix of curiosity and amusement, failing to notice anything unusual. Fizzbum's performance is so effective that the guards completely overlook the approaching danger.

Mutt and Dorf, moving stealthily through the snow, take full advantage of the distraction. Their approach is silent, and they easily reach the bunker without being detected. The guard inside is too focused on Fizzbum's antics to notice the halfling and the bard creeping up behind him.

Meanwhile, Azalie attempts to climb the overlook wall, but the icy surface proves too slippery. She loses her grip and falls, landing hard on the ground below and taking 5 points of damage. Fortunately, the guard in the overlook is so engrossed in watching Fizzbum that he doesn’t hear her fall. Although Azalie is frustrated by her misstep, she is still undetected, leaving her options open for the next phase.

As Fizzbum continues his performance, dragging the "captured creature" through the snow and muttering curses under his breath, the Duergar guards exchange confused glances. They’ve been stationed at this outpost long enough to recognize most of their comrades, and this newcomer doesn’t seem familiar. However, the convincing illusion and Fizzbum’s gruff demeanor make them hesitate to challenge him outright.

Finally, one of the Duergar guards stationed in the bunker calls out in Undercommon, his voice gruff and authoritative.

"Thal'vok zrigar! Kul'ram du kraag? Dorith vi thark vorr?"

The words are unfamiliar to the party, but the tone is clear—he’s demanding an explanation and seems suspicious of the approach.

The other guard, positioned in the overlook, leans forward slightly, squinting as if trying to get a better look at Fizzbum. He’s clearly suspicious but doesn’t seem to have fully grasped that something is amiss.

This opens up Invisible Azalie to a Coup de Grace called shot if she can manage. She also could attempt to climb up again to the guard, and pull him over the edge into the snow. She can use Mellon to distract him, but that could put Mellon at risk, however it would give her an added advantage on her athletics check to climb up quickly and pull him over the side.

The moment hangs in the balance, with Fizzbum’s response and continued performance crucial to maintaining the ruse and keeping the guards from sounding the alarm.

Phase 2: Persuasion and Subduing the Guards

Fizzbum: Persuasion Check

• DC: 15

• Objective: Fizzbum must craft a believable explanation for what’s in the sack and who he is.

• Outcome:

  • Success: If Fizzbum successfully persuades the guard, they are convinced by his ruse, and Mutt and Dorf can make their Coup de Grace with advantage.

  • Failure: If Fizzbum fails to persuade the guards, they grow suspicious and prepare to attack, firing at Fizzbum before the others can take action. This would alert the outpost.

Mutt and Dorf: Subduing or Slaying the Bunker Guard

• Objective: After Fizzbum's successful Persuasion, Mutt and Dorf attempt to silently take down the bunker guard.

• Athletics Check DC:

  • Coup de Grace: DC 15 (with advantage if Fizzbum’s Persuasion is successful, otherwise they take it at disadvantage) *Failure to this check results in damage to the guard.

  • Knockout: DC 10 (with advantage if Fizzbum’s Persuasion is successful, otherwise it is at disadvantage) *Failing this check, results in damage to the guard.

• Stealth Check DC: The guard in the overlook will make a Perception check at disadvantage vs. Mutt and Dorf's Stealth roll.

  • Outcome:

    • Success: Mutt and Dorf silently disable the guard without raising an alarm.

    • Failure: If they fail the Stealth check, the guard in the overlook hears the commotion and raises an alarm.

Azalie: Climbing or Taking the Shot

• Objective: Azalie can either attempt to climb the wall again or take a called shot at the distracted guard in the overlook.

• Option 1: Climb the Wall

  • Athletics Check DC: 13 (with advantage with a successful Animal Handling check to use Mellon to distract)

  • (optional) Animal Handling Check DC: 12 (Using Mellon successfully will give her advantage on her athletics check, however the guard can shoot Mellon and if he hits, potentially kill the Blood Hawk) Shot will be an attack roll vs. Mellon's AC.

  • Outcome:

    • Success: Azalie scales the wall and can pull the Duergar over the side, causing him to fall into the snow.

    • Failure: If Azalie fails the climb again, she risks making noise or taking additional damage, potentially alerting the guard.

• Option 2: Called Shot at the Overlook Guard

  • Attack Roll DC: 20 (with advantage if Fizzbum maintains his Persuasion check or if Azalie succeeds in an Animal Handling check for Mellon)

  • (Optional) Animal Handling Check DC: 12 (to command Mellon to distract the guard, granting advantage on the called shot)

  • Outcome:

    • Success: If successful, Azalie makes a lethal shot, taking out the guard with a single arrow.

    • Failure within 5: If she fails, by 5 the guard is injured but not killed, giving him a chance to raise the alarm or fight back.

    • Failure over 5: If she fails, by more than 5 she misses the guard, and becomes visible and he may raise the alarm.

    • Failure on Animal Handling: The guard can take a shot at Mellon.

Skill Challenge Summary

In this phase of the infiltration, the party must work together to convince and subdue the Duergar guards without raising an alarm.

Fizzbum's Role:

• Fizzbum must use his Persuasion skills to convince the guard that his story is believable. A successful persuasion will allow Mutt and Dorf to strike with the element of surprise, giving them advantage in their attack. If he fails, the guards will become suspicious and may attack, potentially alerting the entire outpost.

Mutt and Dorf's Role:

• Once Fizzbum has distracted the guards, Mutt and Dorf will attempt to silently take down the bunker guard. They can choose to either kill the guard (Coup de Grace) or knock him out. Their success depends on both their Athletics check and their ability to remain stealthy. Failing to subdue the guard quietly could alert the other guard in the overlook.

Azalie's Role:

• Azalie has two options: she can either scale the overlook wall to engage the guard directly, or she can take a lethal shot from below. She may choose to use Mellon to assist her, but this carries the risk of the guard shooting at Mellon. A successful climb will allow Azalie to pull the guard from the overlook, while a successful shot can take him out silently. However, failure to either climb the wall or hit the shot could result in the guard raising the alarm.

5 minutes have passed

Current Time: 10:34 AM

Date: Fourthday , 24 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: -45°

Current Phase: Exploration

Skill Challenge - Phase 2 Results

With Fizzbum's performance reaching its peak, he rolls around in the snow, wrestling with the “creature” in the bundle with exaggerated grunts and yelps of pain. The Duergar guards, completely taken in by his ruse, are too focused on the supposed threat in front of them to notice Mutt and Dorf sneaking up from behind. The guard in the bunker barely has time to react before Dorf swings the back of his axe with brutal force, knocking him unconscious with a sickening crack.

Meanwhile, Azalie, taking advantage of the distraction, notches an arrow and takes a deep breath. With precise aim, she lets the arrow fly. It strikes the guard in the overlook directly in the throat, causing him to gasp silently before toppling over the edge and landing in the snow below, lifeless.

Dorf, ensuring there’s no chance of the downed guard waking up, quickly and efficiently snaps his neck. The party takes a moment to gather themselves, the adrenaline from their successful takedown still pumping through their veins.

Exploration and Loot

With the guards neutralized, the party now has time to explore their immediate surroundings. They find themselves near two key locations: the stone bunker where one of the guards had been stationed, and the main doors leading into the keep.

Bunker:

• The bunker, standing 15 feet tall, was crudely carved from a single piece of stone. It served as a vantage point for the guard to fire at intruders with his heavy crossbow. Inside, the party discovers a tunnel leading underground, 20 feet deep, with a ladder that connects to another location within the stronghold.

Main Keep:

• The large, heavy stone doors at the entrance to the keep are carved from stone blocks.

Culvert:

• Near the main doors, a frozen river once flowed out of a barred culvert. Now, the ice covering the riverbed presents another potential entry point into the keep. The culvert could provide a more discreet way inside, though it will likely require crawling through the frozen waterway.

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Loot Found on the Duergar Guards:

• 2 Heavy Crossbows (with 10 bolts each)

• Two bags of gold coins, totaling 24 GP

• 2 Chardalyn Shards

• 2 Rubies

• 1 Emerald

• 2 Dragon Scales

• 3 Spider Silk

• 1 Mountain Goat Horn

  
  

Decision Point

The party now has three potential paths to proceed further into the Duergar outpost:

1. Secret Tunnel (from the bunker): This tunnel leads deeper into the outpost and could provide a way to infiltrate the stronghold undetected.

2. Main Entrance: By opening the heavy stone doors and crossing the drawbridge, the party could make a more direct entry into the keep, though this might be more dangerous if the drawbridge mechanism is triggered.

3. Culvert: Crawling through the frozen riverbed might allow for a stealthier entry, though it may come with its own set of challenges.

You can also view the map on the website, hover over the markers for more details.

10 minutes have passed

Current Time: 10:44 AM

Date: Fourthday , 24 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: -45°

Current Phase: Exploration

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