Dungeons and Dragons – Chapter 3

The Thundercrag Ruins

[Scene was altered!]
[1d10 = 3 = 3]

[Action Meaning]
[Free, Safety]

The journey to Thundercrag Ruins passed in uneasy silence. Owren Wrathstone and Mathillas Dragonstar had spent the morning gathering supplies in town—a routine that masked their apprehension about what lay ahead. The ruins, a half-day’s walk from civilization, stood shrouded in legend, danger, and, perhaps, the answers they sought. As the ruins came into view, an unsettling stillness hung in the air, tightening its grip on their nerves.

[Are there monsters patrolling the area? (Likely) No!]
[1d100 = 50 = 50]

Mathillas crouched behind a tree, peering at the ruins. The sorcerer adjusted his robes, the faint jingling of his component pouch breaking the quiet. His golden eyes narrowed as he whispered, “Something’s not right. Too quiet.”

Owren nodded, his calloused hand resting on the hilt of his greatsword. “Feels like we’re being watched.” He scanned the crumbling architecture for signs of life. Was it truly abandoned? Or was something lurking, waiting for them to make a wrong move?

“I say we keep quiet,” Mathillas murmured, “at least until danger finds us.”

“Danger won’t have to look far,” Owren muttered, motioning for them to move.

[Stealth Check]
[1d20 + 1 = 4 + 1 = 5]

Together, they crept through the ruins, the crunch of gravel beneath their boots muffled as much as possible. The silence was oppressive, amplifying every misplaced step. Mathillas tried to keep his movements graceful, but his foot caught on a loose stone. The sharp clatter echoed like a gong. He froze, grinning sheepishly at Owren.

Owren shook his head in frustration. “That’ll wake the dead.”

[Did the noise Mathillas make alert anybody? (Very likely) Yes!]
[1d100 = 21 = 21]

[Character Appearance: Piercing Athletic]

It wasn’t the dead, but possibly as deadly. The bushes rustled. A low growl sliced through the air, chilling them to the bone. From the shadows, a panther leapt into the clearing, its sleek body coiling with menace as it blocked their path.

“Get ready!” Owren barked, drawing his greatsword in one swift motion. The steel caught the light, its edge gleaming.

Mathillas took a step back, raising his hand as fire danced along his fingertips. “I’ll handle this.”

Initiative:
Panther rolls 1d20 + 2 [Roll: 9 + 2 = 11]
Mathillas rolls 1d20 + 1 [Roll: 16 + 1 = 17]
Owren rolls 1d20 + 2 [Roll: 8 + 2 = 10]

Mathillas reacted first, weaving arcane energy into a Fire Bolt. He hurled the flaming projectile toward the panther.

Fire Bolt Attack Roll: Mathillas rolls 1d20 + 3 + 2 [Roll: 11 + 3 + 2 = 16]
Fire Bolt Damage Roll: 1d10 [fire] [Roll: 10]

The bolt struck true, engulfing the beast in flame. It snarled, shaking off the searing heat. Snapping back into action, the panther lunged at Mathillas, jaws wide.

Panther Bite Attack Roll: 1d20 + 2 + 2 [Roll: 3 + 2 + 2 = 7]

Mathillas sidestepped the attack, giving Owren an opening. The warrior swung his greatsword with both hands.

Greatsword Attack Roll: Owren rolls 1d20 + 3 + 2 [Roll: 7 + 3 + 2 = 12]

The blade barely missed its mark, scraping the ground with a metallic hiss. Mathillas tried again with another Fire Bolt.

Fire Bolt Attack Roll: Mathillas rolls 1d20 + 3 + 2 [Roll: 3 + 3 + 2 = 8]

The spell fizzled out, leaving the panther unfazed. The creature snarled and lashed out again, this time sinking its teeth into Owren’s leg.

Panther Bite Attack Roll: 1d20 + 2 + 2 [Roll: 13 + 2 + 2 = 17]
Panther Damage Roll: 1d6 + 2 [Roll: 2 + 2 = 4]

Owren gritted his teeth, countering with a powerful strike.

Greatsword Attack Roll: Owren rolls 1d20 + 3 + 2 [Roll: 7 + 3 + 2 = 12]
Greatsword Damage Roll: 2d6 + 3 [Roll: 8 + 3 = 11]

The blow landed cleanly, bringing the panther down with a final growl. Owren wiped the sweat from his brow and sheathed his weapon.

Owren stood over the panther’s lifeless body, breathing heavily. He wiped his blade clean and sheathed it. “Well, if anything else was around, they would’ve heard that,” he said grimly. “But it seems calm for now.”

Mathillas winced. “I’m sorry. I swear I found every crunchy leaf on the ground.”

“It’s done now,” Owren said, his tone softening. “Let’s move on.”

Do they see the entrance to a dungeon? (Likely) Exceptional No!
1d100 = 88 = 88

[Do they see the artifact that they are searching for? (Unsure) Exceptional No!]
[1d100 = 98 = 98]

The two scoured the ruins for hours, searching for any sign of the artifact they had come to retrieve or an entrance to the dungeon rumored to be hidden within. But no matter where they looked, they found nothing.

“This doesn’t make sense,” Mathillas muttered, frustration creeping into his voice.

““Are you sure you read that map right?” Owren asked. He frowned, glancing back at the ruins.

“I’m sure,” interrupted Mathillas. “Maybe a secret entrance we can’t locate? Or someone beat us to it?”

[Investigation Check]
[1d20 + 3 + 2 = 1 + 3 + 2 = 6]

“I’m not seeing anything that would give us any clues,” said Mathillas.

“I’m not sure, but either way, let’s make camp for the night,” said Owren. “It’s beginning to get dark. We’ll try and look for clues in the morning.”

Defeated for now, but determined, the pair prepared camp, the mystery of Thundercrag Ruins far from resolved.

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