I said:

  Hi, I'm back again to test your skills as a dungeons and dragons dungeon master.

  From here on out will use the abbreviations DnD and DM.

  Could you compile and run me through a small scenario where I act as a player - a lv.4 half-orc barbarian - using the original 5e rule system. He wears simple traveler's clothes, carries an explorer's pack, and uses a greataxe for a weapon. For money, we can say he has but a few coppers on his person at the story start.

  For this, please do not use any of the 2024 revisions to 5e.

  My player character will be called Greg - short for Gregory - with a mercenary background.

  His lv.4 statblock is 18 Strength, 14 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 8 Intelligence, 10 Wisdom, 12 Charisma, using standard array to determine his stats at the first level.

  His race gains are darkvision 60 feet, Intimidation skill proficiency, relentless endurance feature, savage attacks feature, and he can speak both Common and Orc.

  We will only use Athletics skill proficiency and Persuasion skill proficiency as his background gains for this one-shot.

  His class gains are the Rage feature, Unarmored Defense feature, Danger Sense feature, Reckless Attack feature, and Tavern Brawler feature as his lv.4 Ability Score Improvement substitute.

  We will also give Greg the lv.3 Primal Knowledge variant feat, giving him proficiency in the Animal Handling skill.

  His barbarian class also provides skill proficiency in Perception and Survival, and saving throw proficiency in Strength and Constitution. He also receives proficiency in all simple and martial weapons, shields, light armor, and medium armor.

  His subclass will be Totem Warrior, gaining the Spirit Seeker feature and Totem Spirit feature choosing Bear.

  Greg's other lv.4 statistics is a Hit Point total of 41 and an Armor Class of 14.

  ChatGPT said:

  Got it! Everything looks solid. Just a couple of quick clarifications before we begin:

  Do you want me to handle rolls, or would you prefer to roll for yourself?

  Would you like a combat encounter, a social encounter, or a mix of both?

  Do you have any preferences for setting (e.g., wilderness, city, dungeon, tavern)?

  Do you want a structured, objective-driven session, or would you prefer a more open-ended sandbox-style scenario?

  Once I have those details, I'll set the scene and we can begin!

  I said:

  For 1) You can handle all roll queues but I would prefer to roll Greg's.

  And I may ask a question here or there to see if a skill check could be initiated.

  For 2) Let us say a mix of both. But try to keep the story short and concise as to not draw it out for any lengthy affair.

  For 3) Let's go with wilderness here. Perhaps the story start can have Greg wandering alone on a back road in the woods at a late evening hour when "something" occurs. Feel free to come up with any narrative as to why Greg is alone in the woods at night.

  For 4) Let's try a structured session here as I'd prefer to keep this particular game on a straight and simple path.

  ChatGPT said:

  Understood! Let's begin.

  Session Start: A Lonely Road at Dusk

  The sun is little more than an ember on the horizon, casting long, skeletal shadows through the dense forest that surrounds the narrow dirt road. The scent of damp earth and fallen leaves clings to the air, mingling with the distant chirp of crickets.

  Greg, alone, trudges down this path—his reason for being here known only to him. Perhaps the mercenary work in the last town dried up, or maybe a simple job went south, leaving him with nothing but his weapon, wits, and the road ahead.

  As he moves forward, the wind shifts, carrying with it an unnatural stillness. The usual sounds of the forest—rustling branches, distant owl hoots—vanish. It’s as if the very woods are holding their breath.

  Then, from somewhere ahead on the road, a sound: a soft, shuffling movement. A figure, silhouetted in the twilight, limps out from the treeline onto the path.

  It’s a man, his clothes tattered, his body hunched. Even from a distance, Greg can see the figure is clutching his side, staggering as if wounded. The man's face is obscured in shadow, but his labored breathing is loud in the silence of the evening.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Greg will approach the wounded man, but readies his weapon as to not be caught off-guard.

  May I roll a skill check to try and gain some unseen awareness on this approach?

  ChatGPT said:

  Good call. You can roll a Perception check to scan the area for any hidden dangers or details as you approach. Let me know your roll!

  I said:

  I rolled a Natural 1 on the d20 (if that matters).

  Perception total = 3.

  ChatGPT said:

  Oof, a natural 1. That’s never a good sign.

  As Greg approaches, gripping his greataxe in readiness, his eyes strain against the dimming light. The wounded man is moving sluggishly, his breaths ragged, but beyond that, Greg notices nothing unusual. The forest is quiet, eerily so, but no hidden figures, no glint of metal, no sign of immediate threat stand out.

  The man finally lifts his head slightly, revealing sunken eyes and a face streaked with dirt and sweat. His voice comes out as a weak rasp:

  "P-please... help me..."

  He stumbles forward, his legs barely keeping him upright. His outstretched hand trembles, though whether from injury or something else, it’s unclear.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Greg will stop roughly 5 feet away from the man. He keeps weapon lowered as to not seem threatening but grip still tight for he is still a little wary.

  "What seems to have gotten you," the half-orc will ask in a gruff tone. But then looks over his wounded person feeling a little guilty.

  "I'm afraid I'm all out of healing potions, and I never had good hands with triage. How bad is it?"

  ChatGPT said:

  The man sways slightly, his breathing labored. Up close, Greg can see deep claw-like gashes across his side, barely held together by torn scraps of cloth. The wound is fresh—too fresh—as if whatever did this is still nearby.

  At Greg’s words, the man exhales a shaky breath.

  “Bad... real bad...” he mutters, barely above a whisper. He glances behind him, towards the darkened treeline. “It’s... it’s still out there...”

  Then, as if a realization suddenly strikes him, his eyes widen in panic. He stumbles forward, reaching out, desperation clear in his hoarse voice.

  “You—y-you have to—RUN—”

  Before he can finish, a deep, guttural growl rolls through the trees, followed by the heavy snapping of branches. The forest silence shatters as something big moves through the underbrush, fast.

  Greg has mere moments to react. What does he do?

  I said:

  Greg uses this moment to Rage to feel a quickening power course through his blood as he reaches out with his free hand to yank and toss the wounded man to the opposite side of where he hears the growl and snapping of branches.

  Then if enough time remains, the barbarian takes a readied stance expecting a battle.

  ChatGPT said:

  As rage floods Greg’s body, his vision sharpens, his muscles coil with power, and his senses narrow in on the danger at hand.

  With a surge of strength, he grabs the wounded man and hurls him aside, sending him rolling safely off the road, away from whatever approaches. The man barely manages a pained grunt as he lands.

  Greg plants his feet, greataxe at the ready, just as the creature emerges from the underbrush.

  A hulking shape bursts from the trees—a dire wolf, its dark fur matted with blood, its yellowed fangs bared in a snarl. But something is wrong. Its eyes glow with a sickly, unnatural light, and patches of its flesh are missing, exposing sinew and bone beneath.

  A zombified dire wolf.

  It growls low, its decayed lips curling back as it crouches to pounce.

  Combat Begins!

  The dire wolf is lunging at Greg! Roll initiative!

  I said:

  Another bad roll, a 6. Makes Greg's Initiative total an 8.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg: Initiative 8

  Zombified Dire Wolf: Initiative 14

  The undead beast strikes first!

  With a snarling lunge, the dire wolf surges forward, its rotting maw opening wide as it leaps at Greg, aiming to tear into him with sheer, undead ferocity.

  Dire Wolf’s Attack - Bite

  +5 to hit… Rolls a 12

  Total: 17 vs. Greg’s AC 14 → Hit!

  The beast’s jagged teeth sink into Greg’s shoulder, dealing 10 piercing damage. But since Greg is raging, he resists the damage, reducing it to 5.

  Greg feels the pressure of the wolf’s bite, but his adrenaline-fueled fury dulls the pain. However, the wolf’s massive weight threatens to drag him to the ground—Greg must make a Strength saving throw (DC 13) or be knocked prone!

  Roll it!

  I said:

  Greg has advantage on Strength checks and saving throws when raging.

  Rolls were a 1 and 14, good thing for advantage. Total with modifiers is 20.

  ChatGPT said:

  Good call on that advantage!

  Greg braces his legs and shoves back against the beast’s weight, refusing to be toppled. The dire wolf snaps and snarls, its undead eyes burning with unnatural hunger, but Greg stands firm.

  Greg’s Turn!

  The zombified dire wolf is right in melee range, its maw still dripping with filth and blood. Greg’s rage fuels him, his axe thirsting for battle.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Greg attacks, swinging his greataxe with Reckless abandon to try and deal a heavy opening blow.

  Reckless feat is used, rolls are a 16 and 2. The attack to hit total should be 22.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg’s greataxe finds its mark!

  With a primal roar, he swings recklessly, putting everything into his strike. The axe’s edge whistles through the air before burying itself deep into the wolf’s undead flesh.

  Damage Roll:

  Roll 1d12 + 4 (STR) + 2 (Rage bonus) for damage!

  (Remember, since Greg is a half-orc, if he crits, he rolls an extra damage die due to Savage Attacks!)

  I said:

  damage roll is a 3 + mods of +4 +2 rage = 9 slashing

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg’s greataxe cleaves into the dire wolf’s side, hacking through rotting flesh and exposed bone. The beast howls, its unnatural voice echoing through the dark forest.

  Despite the devastating blow, it still stands, its undead form refusing to collapse so easily. But Greg’s rage-fueled might has left a deep wound, exposing the festering tissue beneath.

  The dire wolf staggers, then snaps its head back toward Greg, eyes burning with unnatural hunger.

  End of Greg’s Turn

  Dire Wolf HP Remaining: Still standing, but badly injured

  Next Round Begins – Dire Wolf’s Turn

  The beast, enraged by the blow, lunges again! It snaps its massive jaws at Greg, aiming to drag him down.

  Dire Wolf’s Attack - Bite

  +5 to hit… Rolls a 9

  Total: 14 vs. Greg’s AC 14 → Hit! (Barely!)

  Greg takes 9 piercing damage, reduced to 4 due to rage.

  Once again, the wolf tries to drag Greg down—make another Strength saving throw (DC 13) with advantage!

  I said:

  just so you know, when the Reckless barbarian feature is used, attack rolls against the barbarian also have advantage until start of his next turn

  ChatGPT said:

  Good catch! That means the dire wolf rolls with advantage on its attack. Let’s roll again and take the higher result.

  Second roll: 15

  Total: 20 vs. Greg’s AC 14 → Still a hit! (Doesn't change the outcome, but good to apply the proper mechanics.)

  Now, Greg still needs to make that Strength saving throw (DC 13) with advantage to resist being knocked prone. Roll it!

  I said:

  will do, rolls for save are 15 and 9, total with mods added should be 21

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg stands his ground once more!

  The dire wolf’s massive jaws clamp onto his forearm, but Greg shoves the beast back, refusing to be taken down. The undead creature snarls in frustration, its decayed muscles twitching as it struggles to overpower him.

  Greg’s Turn!

  The dire wolf is still right in melee range, its rotting form barely holding together after the last axe blow.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  was there a damage roll on that hit ?

  ChatGPT said:

  Yes! The dire wolf's bite dealt 9 piercing damage, but since Greg is raging, it's reduced to 4 damage.

  Current Status:

  Greg's HP: 32/41 (after damage reduction)

  Dire Wolf: Badly injured but still standing

  Now, it's Greg’s turn! How does he strike back?

  I said:

  yes he does, this time not Reckless though after feeling the second bite

  this straight roll is 19, with mods turns into a 25 to hit

  ChatGPT said:

  Solid hit! Greg's greataxe strikes true once more, cleaving into the undead dire wolf with brutal force.

  Damage Roll:

  Roll 1d12 + 4 (STR) + 2 (Rage bonus) for slashing damage!

  I said:

  damage roll is 6 + mods = 12 slashing

  ChatGPT said:

  With a mighty swing, Greg’s greataxe tears through the dire wolf’s rotting body, splitting bone and sinew!

  The beast staggers, its glowing, unnatural eyes flickering as the necrotic energy holding it together begins to unravel. With one final, rattling growl, it collapses onto the forest floor, twitching before going completely still.

  Combat Over!

  The undead dire wolf is slain.

  Greg stands victorious, his axe dripping with the creature’s foul ichor.

  The forest is eerily silent once more, save for the ragged breathing of the wounded man Greg had tossed aside. He groans, shifting on the ground, but he’s alive.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Greg's rage begins to subside as the twangs of a pain ache.

  "-had worse," he says more to himself before turning to the wounded fellow to ask if he's still breathing.

  ChatGPT said:

  The wounded man groans and shifts slightly, his breathing shallow but steady. He’s alive—barely.

  At Greg’s question, the man coughs weakly and manages a strained chuckle.

  “Heh... still breathing... for now.” His voice is hoarse, and pain laces every word. He glances at the dire wolf’s unmoving corpse and shudders. “You—saved me. Thought I was dead for sure.”

  He winces and presses a shaking hand to his wounded side, eyes flickering with a mix of gratitude and fear. “That thing—wasn’t the only one out there,” he mutters. “It came from somewhere... and I don’t think it was alone.”

  He struggles to sit up but doesn’t quite manage. “I was with a caravan... we were attacked. Bandits... no, worse. I ran. Kept running until—” he gestures weakly at himself. “Well... you saw.”

  The air is still, heavy with tension. The forest around them remains dark and silent, but the man’s words linger.

  Greg has a choice:

  Tend to the man’s wounds (as best he can) and learn more.

  Search the dire wolf’s corpse for clues.

  Look around the area for signs of where the other threats might be lurking.

  Move out quickly, either taking the man along or leaving him behind.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  To confirm, can I choose more than 1 action here, or for story sake is a single option.

  Good question! Greg can take multiple actions, but time matters—spending too long in one place could have consequences if there’s still danger nearby.

  If you want to prioritize, Greg can:

  Quickly check the dire wolf’s corpse for anything unusual.

  Give the area a fast scan to look for threats.

  Try to stabilize the man, though Greg isn't skilled in medicine.

  You can choose the order, but if Greg lingers too long, there’s always a risk of something else finding him first.

  What’s the plan?

  I said:

  Even though Greg is hardly a medicine man, he will try to use what supplies he has left in his explorer's pack to better stabilize the man.

  "I don't have much left in here," as the half-orc offers his pack to the injured fellow. "But let us see if we can't staunch that bleeding some."

  (Note: the plan after is to fast scan the area for threats then give a quick check on the dire wolf corpse.)

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg kneels beside the wounded man, rummaging through his explorer’s pack for anything useful. There’s a bedroll, some rations, a waterskin, and a tinderbox—but no real medical supplies.

  Still, he tears a strip of fabric from his own gear, pressing it to the man’s wound in an attempt to slow the bleeding. Greg isn't trained in medicine, but sheer grit and determination might help.

  Make a Wisdom (Medicine) check!

  (Greg doesn’t have proficiency, so just roll 1d20 + WIS modifier (0) and let me know the result!)

  I said:

  Medicine roll is straight 9

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg does his best, pressing the cloth against the man’s wound and tying it off tightly. It’s not expert work, but it helps slow the bleeding enough that the man isn’t on death’s door anymore.

  He groans in pain but nods weakly.

  “Good enough… better than bleeding out.”

  The half-orc stands, scanning the area, instincts on high alert.

  Greg’s Next Action: Scanning for Threats

  Since Greg is actively searching, make a Wisdom (Perception) check!

  (Roll 1d20 + Perception modifier (+2) and let me know the result.)

  I said:

  another 9 for 11 total for Perception

  passive Perception is 12 if that helps

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg scans the dark forest, ears straining for movement beyond the trees. The silence is heavy, unnatural—but nothing moves.

  Something about this quiet feels wrong—as if the forest itself is holding its breath.

  Though Greg doesn’t spot anything immediate, the wounded man’s warning about “not being the only one” lingers in his mind. There could still be danger lurking, just beyond sight.

  Final Action: Checking the Dire Wolf

  Greg approaches the slain dire wolf, its bloated corpse now motionless in the dirt. Its rotting flesh stinks of death, and dried patches of fur flake away where his axe struck.

  Something seems… off.

  Greg can:

  Examine the corpse carefully (make an Investigation check).

  Look for signs of what might have raised it (make an Arcana check).

  Search for physical clues—collar, scars, markings (no roll needed, just a quick search).

  How does he proceed?

  I said:

  Greg doesn't have any of the 2 listed skill proficiencies, so he'll go with #3.

  The half-orc takes a quick look around, his eyes not picking up any further danger that he can see in the dark. Before deciding it best to move on and drag the no-longer-bleeding man away to find a better spot to short rest, he goes to give a swift kick to the dead undead wolf to see if there be any visible clues to be found.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg plants his boot against the rotting dire wolf's side and gives it a firm kick. The corpse shudders, but remains still—dead for good this time.

  As he glances down, his eyes catch something strange:

  Around its thick, decayed neck, there’s a strip of torn leather—what remains of a collar. The metal buckle is corroded and twisted, but there’s faint engraving on a rusted plate barely clinging to the strap.

  It’s too damaged to read clearly, but one marking stands out—a crude, claw-like insignia scorched into the metal. It doesn’t look natural.

  Greg’s Choices:

  Take the collar for later examination.

  Leave it and focus on getting the man to safety.

  Try to recall if he’s seen this symbol before (Intelligence check—low chance, but possible).

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Greg bends down to take the collar, seeing a crude claw-like insignia, but his thoughts are far from trying to identify it. He then goes to yank the man up saying-

  "We best get a move on and find a safe spot to rest up. There could be more of these undead buggers around."

  The half-orc gives the man his shoulder to lean on if needed.

  "Name's Greg by the way. I think we can save any proper greeting for when we aren't neck deep and bleeding out in the woods, eh," trying to make light of the situation they are in.

  ChatGPT said:

  The man grunts in pain as Greg hauls him up, but he doesn’t protest, leaning on the half-orc’s solid frame. His breath is ragged, but there’s a ghost of a smirk at Greg’s attempt to lighten the mood.

  “Yeah… fair enough. I’m Trevor.” He exhales sharply. “And I’d rather not be dinner for whatever else is out here, so let’s move.”

  Escape & Finding Shelter

  Greg has two main options for finding a safe place to rest:

  Find higher ground—perhaps an outcropping or large boulder where they can see trouble coming.

  Look for dense cover—thicker trees, a fallen log, or a ditch to stay out of sight.

  Since Greg is leading the way, this calls for a Wisdom (Survival) check to find the best spot.

  (Roll 1d20 + Survival modifier (+2) and let me know the result!)

  I said:

  Greg will aim to find higher ground. Survival roll is a 15 to make a 17 total.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg scans the terrain, searching for an elevated vantage point. A few minutes into their trek, he spots a rocky outcrop jutting from a small hillside—a perfect spot to see trouble before it sees them.

  Helping Trevor along, the two climb up, Greg taking most of the weight. The half-orc’s strength makes short work of the incline, and soon enough, they reach the top. From here, Greg can see the surrounding forest more clearly.

  The area below is still unsettlingly quiet—but nothing stirs in the immediate vicinity. For now, they are alone.

  Trevor slumps against the rock face, breathing heavily. “You’re a good one, Greg,” he mutters, wincing as he shifts. “Don’t meet many folk who’d bother hauling a dead man up a hill.”

  Short Rest Opportunity

  This spot is as good as any to take a breather. Greg and Trevor can now:

  Take a short rest (Greg can roll Hit Dice to recover HP).

  Examine the collar more closely.

  Ask Trevor more about the attack on his caravan.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  "You're not dead yet," Greg smiles his smile in what looks to be more a grimace.

  Narrative wise, Greg will spend the next short rest hour making small talk with Trevor, asking about the attack on his caravan. While at the same time, he will pull out the collar to see if he or Trevor can identify it.

  If nothing accosts the duo in this hour, then I'd like to roll a d12 to regain Greg some health.

  ChatGPT said:

  As the night drags on, Greg and Trevor settle into their makeshift resting spot. The injured man adjusts himself against the rock, trying to get comfortable despite his wounds. Greg, ever practical, pulls out the wolf’s collar, turning it over in his hands.

  Trevor’s tired eyes narrow when he sees it.

  “That… ain’t right.”

  He gestures weakly toward the scorched insignia on the rusted plate.

  “I’ve seen that mark before. Band of cutthroats call themselves the ‘Crimson Claw’—nasty lot, real fond of… unnatural help.”** He swallows, glancing at the wolf’s corpse below. “Didn’t think they’d gotten this deep into the forest, though.”

  The Caravan Attack

  Greg asks about the caravan raid, and Trevor exhales sharply before explaining:

  Trevor was a hired sword, guarding a merchant caravan heading for a trade outpost a few days’ travel from here.

  The Crimson Claw raided them at dusk—but they weren’t just bandits. They had undead beasts with them.

  The guards fought back, but it was a slaughter. Trevor ran after seeing his captain torn apart.

  He shakes his head, staring at the darkened woods below.

  “If they’re using undead now, they’ve got a necromancer in their ranks… or worse.”

  Greg’s Choices

  Take the short rest, roll 1d12 + CON mod (+2) to regain HP.

  Press Trevor for more details—like who the caravan was working for or why the Claw wanted it.

  Decide the next move—find the caravan’s remains, track the Claw, or leave this mess behind.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Greg will roll the die now just to get it out of the way. 5 +2 con, restores 7 HP.

  Greg will then press Trevor for more details, "So umm, sounds like you the last one standing. Would there be any reason to chase after this Claw."

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg leans back against the rock, flexing his aching muscles as he feels a bit of his strength return. The night air is cool, but the stench of rot still lingers from the battle below.

  Trevor sighs at Greg’s question, rubbing his face with a shaky hand.

  “Last one standing? Yeah, looks that way.” His voice is heavy, but there’s no self-pity—just exhaustion.

  He shifts slightly, wincing. “As for why to go after ‘em…” He gives Greg a grim look. “Coin, for one. But if you’re askin’ whether there’s unfinished business… yeah.”

  Trevor’s Story

  The caravan belonged to a merchant lord named Vannis, who paid well for protection but wasn’t exactly a noble soul.

  The Claw didn’t just rob them—they were looking for something specific in the wagons. Something important.

  Trevor doesn’t know what it was, but one of the merchants was acting strange before the attack. Kept a heavy lockbox close.

  If the Claw wanted it badly enough to use undead hounds, it was probably worth a fortune—or dangerous as hell.

  Trevor studies Greg, eyes tired but serious.

  “If we track ‘em, might still be time to get that thing back—whatever it was.” He gives a weak smirk. “Or we just let it be someone else’s problem.”

  Greg’s Next Move

  Hunt for the caravan wreckage—see if anything remains, or if the Claw left behind tracks.

  Ignore it and move on—Greg isn’t getting paid for this.

  Ask Trevor more about Vannis—was the merchant hiding something dangerous?

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  "Did you see any of these merchants survive the raid," Greg would question first before dryly remarking there is no telling where this trail might lead the two of them, and what odds may be set against them if a whole brigade is set against them.

  "Might be better for you to get back to a ... whatever town is near and raise the alarm on these Claw bandits. Or better yet, just tell the Vannis lord and have him gather reinforcements if you still feel the need to settle the score."

  Greg muses for another minute considering his options before replying, "Think he would pay well?"

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor huffs a tired chuckle, shaking his head. “You think like a mercenary. I can respect that.”

  He shifts, adjusting the rough bandages Greg had hastily secured earlier.

  “Did any merchants survive?” He pauses, thinking back. “Last I saw, that merchant with the lockbox was still breathing. He had a couple of his own guards—hired blades, not caravan stock like me. If anyone made it out, it’d be him.”

  Greg's next remark about odds stacked against them gets a knowing nod from Trevor.

  “You’re not wrong. If we’re up against a full Claw raiding party, we’d need an army.” He exhales, considering Greg’s suggestion to let Vannis handle it.

  “Getting word to Vannis would be the smart move, yeah. But...” He shrugs, wincing at the pain. “You ever worked for a merchant lord? They don’t pay for old news. If I show up empty-handed, I’m just another failure in his books.”

  The Pay Question

  Trevor rubs his face, groaning.

  “Would he pay well?” He scoffs. “If we bring him proof the Claw hit his caravan? Maybe.”

  “If we bring him back whatever was in that lockbox?” A tired smirk creeps across his face. “You can bet he’d make it worth our while.”

  He looks at Greg.

  “So what’s it gonna be? You look like you could handle yourself in a scrap. You in?”

  Greg’s Choices

  Track the caravan wreckage—see if anything valuable remains and if the merchant survived.

  Head for the nearest town—let someone else handle this mess.

  Find Trevor a safe place and go alone—Greg’s not dragging a half-dead man into another fight.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  ooc - I'd like to point out that npcs can also take short rests and expend hit dice to regain health. Could we perhaps apply this to Trevor here before continuing?

  ChatGPT said:

  (OOC: Good call! Trevor will take the short rest as well and roll hit dice to regain some health.)

  Rolling for Trevor’s hit dice (1d8 + 1):

  First roll: 7 + 1 = 8

  Second roll: 5 + 1 = 6

  Total HP regained: 14

  Trevor is looking a lot better now, though still bruised and sore. He straightens, rolling his shoulder with a wince but a bit more strength in his movements.

  “Alright. That’s a bit more like it.” He exhales, rubbing at his side. “Still wouldn’t want to take a sword to the ribs, but I can move without feelin’ like I’ll break in half.”

  He looks to Greg, waiting on his decision.

  Would Greg like to:

  Track the caravan wreckage

  Head to the nearest town

  Find Trevor a safe place and go alone

  What’s the plan?

  I said:

  Greg scopes out the night vista from their high vantage as he considers the current options.

  What lays out before him is likely a deadly encounter should he pursue the bandits alone or with Trevor here. The guard may look recovered enough, but he's hardly in any fit state for any drawn out clash.

  "There's probably some merit in atleast scoping out where your caravan got hit. We might see where a trail may lead ... or find some valuables they may not have picked."

  Greg takes a better look at his battered companion, "You don't happen to have a weapon on you do you?"

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor follows Greg’s gaze out over the darkened forest road below, the faint glimmers of moonlight catching on the damp leaves. He exhales sharply, as if bracing himself.

  “Yeah. Heading to the wreckage makes sense—long as we don’t overstay our welcome.”

  At Greg’s question about a weapon, Trevor smirks and pats his belt.

  “I ain’t completely helpless.” He draws a short sword, the steel catching a dull gleam in the night. “Lost my spear in the fight, but this’ll do.”

  He adjusts his grip, testing his stance, before rolling his shoulder with a wince.

  “Still not at my best, but I can keep myself alive. You lead, I’ll follow.”

  Tracking the Caravan Wreckage

  Greg will need to find the battle site where the caravan was attacked. He can roll Survival to follow a trail or Perception to scan the area from their high vantage point.

  Which approach will Greg take?

  Survival (Follow the trail) – Look for signs of tracks, wagon debris, or claw marks.

  Perception (Scout from above) – Spot smoke, overturned carts, or disturbances in the forest below.

  I said:

  Greg will take another Survival approach, "Follow me then, friend," and he gives Trevor another grimaced smile as a means of encouragement.

  Survival roll is 18 to make it a 20 total. (rolling good on survival so far)

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg’s sharp eyes and seasoned instincts cut through the night, picking out the subtle disturbances left in the wake of the attack. The drag marks of heavy bodies, the scattered footprints, and the broken branches all paint a clear path leading downhill through the forest.

  The two men descend, stepping carefully over twisted roots and loose earth, until Greg spots a break in the treeline ahead. The acrid scent of burnt wood and blood lingers on the breeze.

  The Caravan Wreckage

  As Greg and Trevor push through the underbrush, the remnants of the ambushed caravan come into view.

  A wagon lies overturned, its frame broken and one wheel missing.

  The ground is littered with torn bags of spilled goods—grains, silks, shattered glassware.

  A few bodies—mostly merchant guards—lie still, weapons clutched in stiff fingers.

  A second wagon has been burnt to the frame, blackened wood barely holding together.

  Greg spots scattered footprints leading away, some heavier than others—likely from wagons or beasts of burden.

  Trevor swears under his breath, scanning the wreckage grimly.

  “Damn it. It’s worse than I thought.”

  His eyes search the scene, a flicker of hope lingering. “That lockbox merchant… if he got away, he’d have gone somewhere.”

  Greg’s Next Move

  Greg has several options here:

  Search the wreckage (Investigation) – Check for valuables, clues, or anything left behind.

  Inspect the bodies (Medicine or Perception) – See if any survivors remain or confirm their fates.

  Follow the tracks (Survival) – Chase after the bandits’ trail before it gets too cold.

  Something else – Greg can take another approach.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  "Do you really think he managed to escape in the midst of the attack?" Greg will ask first. It seems unlikely to him but he wants Trevor's opinion on the matter before deciding further.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor exhales sharply, running a hand through his sweat-matted hair as he surveys the wreckage.

  "I don’t know," he admits, his voice tight. "I was busy fighting for my damn life when the ambush hit. But that merchant—Vannis, I think his name was—he wasn’t a fighter. If he had the chance to slip away while the rest of us were keeping the bastards busy, he’d have taken it."

  He gestures toward the scattered footprints leading away from the scene.

  "Thing is, they didn’t just kill and leave. They took things. Wagons, maybe prisoners. If Vannis was alive, he might be with them… or he might’ve run while they were distracted. Only way we’ll know is if we check."

  Trevor looks to Greg, his expression caught between desperation and pragmatism.

  "I get it. Odds aren’t great. But if there’s a chance he’s still out there…" he lets the thought hang.

  Next Steps

  Trevor seems to believe there’s a small chance Vannis got away—or was taken. Greg can now decide:

  Follow the bandit tracks (Survival) – Chase after their trail while it's fresh.

  Search the wreckage (Investigation) – Look for anything useful or valuable left behind.

  Scan for signs of escape (Perception) – Look for a separate, lone trail that might indicate Vannis fled on his own.

  Leave the area – The risk might be too high.

  What’s Greg’s call?

  I said:

  "Well let us first make sure there isn't anything here worth leaving behind," and Greg will take the action to search the wreckage for anything that might prove useful.

  Investigation roll of 2, makes it a 1 total with his negative modifier.

  Assuming that is a hard fail, Greg will attempt to scan the area for signs that Vannis might have escaped the ambush.

  Perception roll is 16, making it a 18 total.

  ChatGPT said:

  Searching the Wreckage (Failure)

  Greg rummages through the wreckage, kicking aside torn sacks of grain and shattered crates, but the sheer chaos of the battlefield works against him. The burnt remains of the second wagon crumble under his touch, and most of the supplies have either been looted or ruined.

  At one point, he nearly trips over a broken sword hilt, cursing as he realizes he’s just stirring up dust and ashes. Trevor, seeing Greg's lack of luck, raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment.

  “Well, guess the bastards took everything worth a damn.”

  Scanning for Escape Routes (Success)

  Shaking off the wasted effort, Greg steps back from the destruction and takes a wider look at the area, scanning for any signs of an individual breaking away from the chaos.

  After a moment, his sharp eyes catch something—a set of boot prints, smaller and lighter than the others, leading away from the main wreckage, heading toward the denser part of the forest. The footfalls are uneven, like someone was moving in a hurry but stumbled more than once. The path isn't obvious, likely missed in the chaos.

  Trevor notices Greg’s sudden focus and follows his gaze.

  "You see something?" he asks, stepping closer.

  Greg’s instincts tell him this could be their merchant, Vannis, making a desperate escape. The footprints vanish into the trees, but with some effort, they could be followed.

  Next Move

  Greg has found a potential escape trail. He can now:

  Follow the footprints (Survival) – Track whoever made this trail into the forest.

  Compare it to the bandit trail – Weigh which trail to pursue before committing.

  Call out – Risk making noise but see if anyone responds.

  Ignore the trail – Focus on the bandits instead.

  What’s Greg’s decision?

  I said:

  "Possible," as Greg points out the strange footfalls. "They seem to veer different from the other tracks here."

  (Just to confirm, is Greg seeing multiple tracks with this lighter one seemingly alone?)

  ChatGPT said:

  Yes—Greg sees multiple sets of tracks, but the lighter footprints are separate from the rest.

  The bandit trail consists of heavier, clustered footprints, likely from multiple people moving in an organized direction. They appear deliberate and steady, suggesting a group leaving with loot, prisoners, or both.

  The lone trail is smaller and erratic, veering away from the caravan wreckage. It shows signs of rushed movement, possibly from someone fleeing in panic or injury.

  This lone set does not match the larger bandit trail, reinforcing the possibility that Vannis (or another survivor) ran off on their own rather than being taken.

  Would Greg like to follow these lighter tracks, or take another course of action?

  I said:

  Greg will attempt to guide Trevor down this lighter path, "Worth a shot I guess. Hopefully this lord can appreciate our gusto here."

  Survival check 12 for a 14 total.

  ChatGPT said:

  Tracking the Lone Trail

  Greg leads the way, following the uneven footprints as they weave through the underbrush. Twigs snap underfoot, and the distant sound of night insects fills the quiet, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves as Trevor hurries to keep up.

  Despite the hurried nature of the tracks, Greg keeps his focus, guiding them along the faint path as it curves deeper into the forest. After about ten minutes of tracking, he spots signs of disturbance—broken branches, scuffed dirt, and what looks like a small smear of blood on a low-hanging leaf.

  "Looks like whoever ran this way wasn't unscathed," Trevor mutters, examining the mark with a frown.

  A Break in the Trail

  Up ahead, the tracks reach a small, rocky incline, where the footprints pause before continuing. At the base of the incline, partially concealed by a bush, Greg notices a discarded pack—weathered but still intact.

  Trevor gestures toward it. "Might be our guy’s. Could be a clue."

  Greg can now choose to:

  Check the pack – See if it contains anything useful or identifying.

  Continue following the tracks – Ignore the pack and keep moving before the trail goes cold.

  Split up – One of them checks the pack while the other keeps an eye out.

  Pause and listen (Perception) – See if anything or anyone is nearby.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  First Greg pauses and listens, "We should proceed with caution from here," Greg warns Trevor as he points out this series of clues.

  The half-orc carefully grabs the pack and aims his companion to follow him off to the side - preferably by a nearby bush - to check on its contents.

  ChatGPT said:

  Listening for Danger

  Greg stills himself, ears tuning in to the forest’s natural ambiance—the rustle of leaves in the night breeze, the occasional hoot of an owl, the distant chirping of crickets.

  Roll Perception.

  I said:

  Perception roll is a 3, for a 5 total. However passive Perception is 12, if that matters.

  ChatGPT said:

  Hearing Only the Night

  Greg listens carefully, but the forest reveals nothing unusual beyond the natural noises of the night. The occasional creak of shifting branches and the scurry of small creatures in the underbrush are all he picks up. If danger is near, it isn't making itself known.

  Checking the Pack

  Greg pulls the pack into the shadows, where Trevor crouches beside him, watching their surroundings while the half-orc inspects its contents. Inside, he finds:

  A water skin, about half-full.

  A wrapped bundle of dry rations, barely enough for a day.

  A small coin pouch, containing a few silver and copper coins (nothing of major value).

  A folded piece of parchment, creased from wear.

  Trevor leans in, whispering, "Could be Vannis’ pack. The blood smear on the leaf back there suggests he was injured. Might explain why he dropped this."

  The most notable item is the parchment, which Greg can unfold and read or pocket for later. Meanwhile, the tracks still lead further up the rocky incline, disappearing from sight.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Without shame, Greg adds the small coins to his own pouch, probably ignoring the pointed look Trevor is giving him.

  "We'll read this now," as his hands work to unfold the parchment, "-if it is his, it might give us a clue as to what we might be chasing down."

  (note at this point Greg will take note that Trevor also seems to be able to see in the dark. Is there a clear reason as to the why?)

  ChatGPT said:

  A Question of Darkvision

  As Greg casually swipes the coins, Trevor does, in fact, give him a pointed look, but says nothing. Instead, he glances toward the dim surroundings, his eyes scanning ahead with surprising ease.

  Now that Greg is paying attention, he realizes that Trevor has been moving through the darkness with little issue—no hesitation, no fumbling. The human shouldn’t be seeing this well without a light source.

  (Greg can choose to press him on this or let it slide for now.)

  The Parchment’s Message

  Unfolding the worn parchment, Greg sees hastily scrawled writing, the ink smudged in places. It reads:

  "If you are reading this, I am likely dead.

  The Claw hunts me. I fear I have led them to our camp."

  "If they take the ledger, Vannis' enemies will have their proof. They cannot have it. I will hide it where I can."

  "Tell Vannis—"

  (The writing cuts off abruptly, as if the writer was interrupted.)

  Trevor frowns as he reads over Greg’s shoulder. "A ledger? Sounds like this wasn’t just a random bandit attack."

  He glances toward the tracks leading up the incline. "If this was meant for Vannis, then maybe he's still out there... and maybe that ledger is with him."

  Greg’s Choices

  Press Trevor about his ability to see in the dark – He’s clearly not a normal human.

  Focus on the parchment’s message – Discuss the implications of this letter with Trevor before moving forward.

  Continue tracking the trail – Time might be of the essence, and lingering too long could be risky.

  Search the immediate area – If something was hidden, it might be close by.

  I said:

  As the two read and put to memory the words on the parchment. Greg realizes something and gives Trevor a very pointed look as if remembering a key detail about humans that most other humans can't (shouldn't) do.

  "You have very good night eyes there." There is a heavy emphasis on the word "night eyes" in Greg's open query.

  A few more moments would pass before the half-orc further questions, "Care to explain?"

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor stiffens slightly at Greg’s pointed remark, his jaw tightening as he realizes he’s been caught. His silence lingers, as if weighing whether or not to speak.

  Finally, with a reluctant exhale, he mutters, "You’re not wrong."

  He shifts his stance, still keeping his voice low. "I wasn’t exactly forthcoming when I said I was just a guard. The truth is… I wasn’t hired to protect the caravan. I was assigned to watch Vannis specifically."

  Trevor’s gaze flickers toward the surrounding darkness, as if half-expecting someone—or something—to be listening.

  "And as for the eyes? Let’s just say that my bloodline has a few... oddities."** He gives Greg a level look. "Nothing dangerous to you, I promise. But if we’re going to work together, you should know I can see more than most humans can."**

  He watches Greg carefully now, waiting for a reaction. There’s clearly more to this story, but he’s not offering it freely—at least, not yet.

  Greg’s Choices

  Press him further – If he’s hiding something, Greg wants the full truth.

  Accept the explanation for now – If he’s not an immediate threat, there are more pressing concerns.

  Be skeptical – Greg doesn’t trust him fully, but he won’t push... yet.

  Intimidate him into talking – If Greg doesn’t like half-truths, he can force the issue.

  I said:

  "Well then, I won't pry any further. I am a half-orc myself," Greg retorts, eyes soft in his half apology.

  However his eyes quickly turn hard, "But you do seem to be more keen on what may lay out there. Why would this Vannis fellow need such a detail."

  (will roll an Intimidation check, if needed)

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor relaxes slightly at Greg’s half-apology, but when the half-orc’s gaze sharpens, pressing him about Vannis, his jaw tightens again.

  "You’re asking the right questions." He exhales, rubbing his temple. "Fine. You should know."

  His eyes flicker toward the dark woods, then back to Greg.

  "Vannis isn’t just some noble merchant. He’s got connections—ones that make him a valuable asset to certain people. The Claw wasn’t just after his gold; they wanted him. And I was under orders to make sure that didn’t happen."

  He folds his arms, hesitating. "Let’s just say… if he’s alive, and in their hands, then whoever is pulling the strings of this ambush is playing a much bigger game than simple banditry."

  Greg’s Next Move

  Press for details on Vannis’s ‘connections’ – Who exactly is after him?

  Focus on the Claw instead – Who are they working for?

  Keep moving and stay wary – Greg doesn’t need more details, just a direction.

  Question Trevor’s orders – Who does he work for?

  I said:

  "I can accept that for now. I thank you." Trevor would note Greg's apology this time around is a genuine one.

  "Now let us see if we can find your missing lord," but the half-orc will point out that this parchment is likely not from Vannis in question.

  "Seems like he had another tail."

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor nods, accepting Greg’s genuine apology with a small grunt. "Appreciate it. And yeah… you might be right about that." He glances at the parchment again.

  "If someone else was tracking him, then either they were a step behind the Claw, or… a step ahead." His brow furrows. "Either way, doesn’t make me feel any better about this."

  He tucks the note into his belt. "Let’s move. If these tracks belong to Vannis, we might still have a chance to catch up before the Claw does."

  Next Steps

  Greg can now:

  Lead the way cautiously, keeping an eye out for potential dangers. (Survival or Perception check?)

  Push the pace, hoping to close the distance quickly before the Claw catches up. (Athletics check?)

  Stop and assess the surroundings further, seeing if there are any more signs of this ‘other tracker.’ (Investigation check?)

  I said:

  Greg will assess this surrounding area further, remarking to Trevor that this someone else may also be nearby.

  Can I roll Perception for this instead of Investigation?

  (Also I've asked twice about my passive Perception score of 12 being of use. May I ask is it or not being accounted for?)

  ChatGPT said:

  Yes, you can absolutely use Perception instead of Investigation for assessing the area. Go ahead and roll!

  And yes, your passive Perception (12) is always being accounted for in the background. If something would reasonably be noticed without a roll (such as a hidden presence that isn't well-concealed), I will describe it automatically. A roll is only needed for actively searching or contested checks where a DC is set higher than 12.

  I said:

  This time roll was 18 for Perception 20

  ChatGPT said:

  With a Perception total of 20, Greg sharpens his focus and takes in the details of his surroundings with clarity.

  Amidst the dim moonlight filtering through the trees, Greg picks out several signs that someone else has passed through recently:

  A faint set of boot prints—smaller than his or Trevor’s, but deeper than Vannis' lighter trail—heading in a slightly different direction from where Vannis was moving.

  Broken twigs and disturbed undergrowth, suggesting this person was moving with urgency but with some skill, as the trail isn’t obvious at first glance.

  A subtle, lingering scent of something sharp and herbal, possibly an alchemical ingredient or a treated piece of leather.

  Most tellingly, a low, deliberate rustling in the nearby brush—about 40 feet ahead—suggests someone is either moving or trying to remain hidden.

  Trevor tenses beside Greg, his posture shifting into something more cautious. He hasn't noticed the movement yet, but he's clearly on edge.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Greg positions himself in front of Trevor and the brush where the unseen figure seems to be in hiding.

  "Don't act surprised," he murmurs low, "But I think we got that other tracker hiding just over yonder," with the half-orc gesturing ever so slightly in a direction behind him in the brush.

  Then Greg tries to play it off by pointing out how the trail ventures in a different direction as a way to distract the onlooker with his louder conversation.

  ChatGPT said:

  As Greg speaks loudly to Trevor about the trail, he keeps his stance firm and his senses honed, watching for any reaction from the hidden presence.

  For a few tense moments, nothing happens—whoever is in the brush remains still, either contemplating their next move or hoping to remain unnoticed. But Greg’s trained ear picks up the faintest shift in weight, the controlled exhale of someone who realizes they’ve been made.

  Then, a soft voice—low, cautious, and distinctly feminine—calls out from the brush.

  “You’re sharper than I expected. Not bad.”

  A figure slowly emerges—a cloaked woman, slim and light on her feet, dressed in dark leathers. A hood covers most of her face, but Greg catches a glimpse of pale skin and piercing amber eyes. A longbow rests loosely in her hand, not yet drawn, but within easy reach.

  “No need to make this ugly,” she says evenly, glancing between Greg and Trevor. “I’m after the same man you are.”

  Trevor stiffens, shifting uneasily. “And who exactly are you?”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  The woman smirks slightly. “Let’s just say I have my own reasons for hunting Vannis down.”

  She doesn’t lower her guard, but she also hasn’t made any hostile moves.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  "This Vannis fellow seems to be quite popular tonight," Greg tries to joke to break this proverbial ice.

  And the half-orc gives the newcomer his well-practiced smile (strained on his face) as he introduces himself a lonely traveler who got caught up in this night's affair. The woman would notice Greg would stiffen his posture towards her as to not be taken lightly, but his hand is still off his greataxe (for now).

  ChatGPT said:

  The woman’s amber eyes flick over Greg, assessing him as he speaks. His words may be casual, but his stance tells her plenty—he’s not someone to be taken lightly.

  She lets out a small huff of amusement at his remark. “Popular? That’s one way to put it.”

  Her grip on the bow loosens slightly, though she doesn’t fully relax. “If you’re just a ‘lonely traveler,’ then you must be really unlucky to have wandered into this mess.” There’s a hint of skepticism in her voice, but no outright hostility—more like she’s trying to figure out if Greg is a hindrance, an asset, or something in between.

  Trevor, still wary, speaks up. “And what exactly do you want with Lord Vannis?”

  The woman finally lowers her hood, revealing sharp, almost foxlike features and short-cropped auburn hair. She looks young, but her eyes carry the weight of someone well-versed in the dangers of the night.

  “Same thing you do, I’d wager—answers.” She tilts her head slightly, watching their reaction. “But let’s not pretend this is a friendly little search party. So why don’t you tell me what you really plan to do if we find him?”

  She’s testing them—seeing where their true motives lie.

  Greg gets the sense she’s not looking for a fight, but she’s also not about to fully trust them yet.

  What does he do?

  I said:

  (Can Greg first try to identify her race, if possible? Trying to gain some ooc information here as Greg's mercenary knowledge.)

  (But more in-game) Greg takes note of her peculiar features - holding back the quip of calling her a foxy lady - before answering with a shrug, "Well I'm just hoping to pull in some coin. You may not believe me, but I really did just stumble into this mess after finding this one getting half-mauled by an undead wolf."

  ChatGPT said:

  (OOC: Based on Greg’s mercenary background and experience, he can make an Insight or Perception check to try and discern her race. Some features may be a giveaway, but others might be subtle. Let me know if you want to roll for it!)

  In-Game:

  The woman narrows her eyes slightly at Greg’s casual shrug, but there’s a faint twitch of amusement at the corner of her lips. “Coin, huh? Mercenary, then?”

  She shifts her weight slightly, lowering the bow but still keeping it casually at the ready. “Undead wolves. Bandits. And now you’re chasing after some noble, all for a payday.” There’s no mockery in her tone—just a matter-of-fact assessment.

  “Well, at least you’re honest.” She folds her arms, glancing briefly at Trevor before settling her gaze back on Greg. “For what it’s worth, I don’t care much for Vannis either. But if you’re tracking him, then our goals might overlap.”

  There’s a brief pause before she adds, “Call me Sienna.” It’s not exactly an invitation to trust her, but it’s a step toward cooperation.

  She tilts her head slightly. “So, which way does this little payday of yours lead?”

  Greg gets the sense that she’s measuring their worth—seeing if they’re useful, expendable, or in her way.

  I said:

  (Greg will roll Perception check to try and identify Sienna) another 18 for Perception 20

  ChatGPT said:

  With a careful look at Sienna’s features—her sharp eyes, slightly elongated canines, and the way her ears seem just a touch too pointed for a human—Greg pieces it together.

  She’s a shifter, one of those beast-touched folk with lycanthropic ancestry. Her specific traits suggest a predatory lineage, possibly fox or wildcat based on her slender frame and sharp features. That would explain her keen senses and why she moves so fluidly, even in the dim light.

  Shifters aren’t uncommon in mercenary work, scouting, or bounty hunting, and they have a reputation for being quick, perceptive, and a little wild-hearted. While they’re not full-blooded lycanthropes, some folk still distrust them for their animalistic nature.

  Whatever Sienna’s deal is, Greg can tell she’s dangerous in the right circumstances, but she doesn’t seem outright hostile—yet.

  I said:

  Greg picks up on Sienna's cue and points out his other two finds in the area.

  "Well I wasn't lying about the other set of tracks there," gesturing towards the heavier footprints, "But it also looks like someone was in this underbrush here," referring to the many broken twigs and subtle lingering herbal scent in the area.

  "Granted, these may be your wake." But Greg leaves this inquiry open for Sienna to answer.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna flicks her golden eyes toward the underbrush Greg pointed out, her expression cool and unreadable. "Not mine," she says simply, crouching to run her fingers over the broken twigs. She lifts one to her nose, sniffing subtly, before narrowing her gaze at Greg.

  "Someone else was here—recently. And not just passing through. They were watching." She glances toward the deeper woods, her ears twitching slightly as if still listening for something unseen.

  Trevor shifts uneasily, tightening his grip on his sword. "So, that means... what? Another tracker? Another bandit?" His tone is edged with frustration.

  Sienna stands, dusting her hands off. "Possibly. Or someone who didn’t want to be found." She exhales sharply. "Whatever the case, if we stay here much longer, we might find out the hard way."

  She fixes Greg with an appraising look, as if reassessing him. "So tell me, mercenary, what’s your next move? Still keen on tracking down this Vannis lord, or do you have second thoughts now that we know we're not the only ones playing this game?"

  I said:

  Greg gives the two another shrug, "Well ... I'm already here and got nothing better to do this night, and this seems as good a job as any for a poor bloke like myself. I could tuck my ass and run but that'll still leave me dead broke."

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna smirks at Greg’s blunt honesty, a flicker of amusement in her otherwise guarded expression. “At least you’re honest,” she remarks, rolling her shoulders. “That puts you ahead of most mercenaries I’ve met.”

  Trevor, however, doesn’t seem as convinced. He exhales sharply, rubbing his temple. “I don’t like this. I barely got out of that ambush alive, and now we’re walking into—what? Another?” He gestures vaguely at the broken twigs and the ever-present shadowy tree line beyond.

  Sienna tilts her head. “That depends. We could keep tracking Vannis and hope he’s still alive. Or...” she looks meaningfully at Greg, “we try and find out who else is sniffing around before they decide to make a move on us.”

  She crosses her arms. “Either way, we need to move soon.”

  Greg finds himself at a crossroads—push forward after Vannis, or try to uncover the identity of this unknown observer?

  I said:

  After mulling over the options before them, Greg comes to a decision, "I'd prefer to find your quarry if given the choice, rather than chasing after some ghost that we may or may not find. Heck I'd wager we'd bump into them soon enough anyways," the latter referring to how the unknown is also tracking Vannis.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna nods, seeming to approve of Greg’s logic. “Fair enough. No sense in chasing shadows when the real target is still out there.”

  Trevor still looks uneasy but exhales and grips the hilt of his borrowed sword. “Then let’s not waste time. If he’s still alive, the longer we wait, the worse his odds get.”

  Sienna adjusts her gear and motions for Greg to lead the way. “You’re the tracker,” she says with a smirk. “Let’s see if that skill of yours holds up.”

  Greg now has the task of following Vannis’ trail deeper into the woods. Would you like to roll another Survival check to continue tracking him?

  I said:

  "Well you seem to be a better ranger then me," Greg quips, "Care to help?"

  (asking if Sienna has Survival proficiency, if so sometimes these rolls can be made at advantage if she takes Help action)

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna raises a brow at Greg’s comment and smirks. “I know my way around a trail, sure.” She steps up beside him and glances at the tracks. “Fine. I’ll back you up.”

  Sienna takes the Help action, giving Greg advantage on his Survival check. Roll twice and take the higher result!

  I said:

  rolls were a 9 and 6, for a Survival check of 11 (not great)

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg follows the trail as best he can, but the forest terrain proves tricky. The tracks are faint in places, disrupted by underbrush and uneven ground. Still, he manages to keep a general heading—whoever left these tracks was moving with purpose, not aimlessly wandering.

  Sienna frowns, crouching to examine a disturbed patch of dirt. “Not the cleanest tracking job, but we’re still on them,” she mutters.

  Trevor, bringing up the rear, huffs. “At least we’re not going in circles.”

  After several more minutes of following the trail, Greg spots something ahead—a subtle break in the treeline where the brush seems parted unnaturally. The signs of recent passage are faint but there.

  Sienna stops beside him and murmurs, “This might be our lead… or trouble.”

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  Greg looks up to the occasional rustle in the trees, an idea springs to mind.

  Keeping his voice low, he remarks, "Well I do have a little technique that could get us some intel on what we are walking into."

  However his next sentence leaves the other two wondering if it is worth it.

  "I can sort of commune with animals. But it is a bit of a hit and miss, depending on how chatty they may want to be."

  (here Greg is referring to his Totem Warrior feature: Spirit Seaker to ritual cast the Speak with Animals spell. It might allow for some Influence options as a means to scout ahead. Is this an action you as DM might allow to be done?)

  ChatGPT said:

  That’s a fantastic use of Greg’s Spirit Seeker feature! Yes, I’d absolutely allow it.

  Greg takes a moment to kneel, steadying himself as he focuses on his connection to the wild spirits. The dim forest air hums with an unseen energy as he reaches out—not just with his voice, but with something deeper, more primal.

  After about ten minutes of ritual casting, the rustling above pauses, and a small set of glowing eyes peek out from the branches. A black-feathered raven tilts its head, watching the group with clear curiosity. Another tiny shape, likely a squirrel, skitters down a nearby tree, twitching its nose at Greg.

  Both creatures seem aware of Greg’s strange ability to communicate.

  Who does Greg wish to speak to first—the raven or the squirrel?

  I said:

  Both Trevor and Sienna look on in utter confusion (and amazement) as Greg's voice takes on a more druidic tone as this low cacophony of sounds begin to ping off the other.

  A squirrel and raven appear as if drawn to the half-orc's weird trance.

  Greg looks to the squirrel first to ask, "How long has this part of the woods been eerily still."

  ChatGPT said:

  The squirrel twitches its nose, its tiny claws gripping the tree bark as it chatters in response.

  “Still? Not still. Much movement. Too much! Stomping, sneaking, creeping—bah!” It flicks its tail in irritation. “Big ones passed here, many feet. Then more, quieter. Bad smells, yes. Metal clanks. Meat-rotten stink.”

  It pauses, sniffing the air before looking down at Greg with beady eyes. “Night full of noises. Too many. Not safe. Not safe at all.”

  Trevor and Sienna exchange glances, still marveling at Greg’s bizarre conversation with the woodland creature.

  Does Greg have any follow-up questions for the squirrel, or does he turn to the raven next?

  I said:

  Is Greg able to pick up on the "sounds" the squirrel is addressing? And are they in the clearing ahead?

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg listens closely to the squirrel’s rapid chattering, and though the little creature doesn’t provide exact locations, he can piece together some details:

  The "stomping" likely refers to the heavier-footed group that passed earlier, possibly armored individuals or large creatures.

  The "sneaking, creeping" suggests a second, quieter group—perhaps the unknown trackers or scouts moving with more care.

  The "meat-rotten stink" is particularly concerning, as it could imply the presence of undead or creatures that dwell in decay.

  As for the source of the sounds, Greg glances toward the clearing ahead, tuning his ears. While he doesn’t currently hear movement, the squirrel’s description suggests that whatever passed through may still be nearby—perhaps waiting in the shadows or just beyond the immediate clearing.

  Does Greg press for more details from the squirrel, or does he turn to the raven for a second perspective?

  I said:

  Greg turns to the raven next, "May I ask what your keen eyes have seen from above? It would be much appreciated to know what lay over yonder."

  ChatGPT said:

  The raven tilts its head, its beady eyes reflecting the dim light before it croaks out in response:

  “Shiny people. Metal shells. Walk, walk—no talk. Stiff. Wrong.”

  It flaps its wings slightly, as if recalling something unsettling.

  “Others too. Hide. Shadows. Watch the stiff ones. Waiting, waiting.”

  Greg gathers from this that the “shiny people” are likely armored figures, possibly undead given the raven’s description of them as “stiff” and “wrong.” The second group—“hiding, watching”—seems to confirm that someone else is tracking these armored figures, just as Greg and his companions are tracking Vannis.

  The raven hops closer, pecking at the ground before adding one last detail:

  “Shiny ones stop near big dead tree. Standing. Not move much.”

  That gives Greg a potential landmark—a big dead tree—where at least part of the armored group has stopped. It could be a rallying point, a resting place, or worse… an ambush.

  What does Greg do with this new information?

  I said:

  Greg relays the information gained from the two critters to Trevor and Sienna.

  "Seems there are undead ahead, drawn to a big dead tree. But they also seem wary of a different group tracking them, but they keep to the shadows."

  As the magic of Speak with Animals begins to fade, Greg will ask his last question to the pair of critters, "Are you more afraid of the ones hiding in the shadows?"

  ChatGPT said:

  The squirrel twitches its tail anxiously, chattering in a nervous, erratic rhythm.

  “Afraid? Y-yes! Hiders are quiet, too quiet. Not like other hunters. They smell… wrong. Move like wind, but no breath. No sound.”

  The raven, more composed, clicks its beak and adds:

  “Shiny ones easy to see. Loud. Slow. But shadows? No eyes on them. They find you first.”

  With that ominous statement, the connection fades, leaving Greg to consider the unsettling implications. If the undead ahead are one threat, then these unseen stalkers could be something worse—something that even the animals of the forest fear more.

  Trevor grips his sword hilt. “That’s not comforting.”

  Sienna frowns, adjusting her stance. “No, it’s not. If they’re skilled enough to avoid the undead’s attention, then they’re either very good… or very unnatural.”

  What’s Greg’s next move?

  I said:

  Greg thinks it over and remarks, "It doesn't seem like our missing lord is to be found here. However we really can't know for sure if he got simply taken as prisoner and is holed up either. Thoughts?" he asks his two companions.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor, still gripping his sword hilt, exhales through his nose. “If Vannis was taken, he's either bait or already dead. Not much in between when dealing with brigands, let alone undead.” He glances at the darkened woods ahead. “But if he is here and we leave, that’s it—he’s done for.”

  Sienna folds her arms, thinking. “We need to be smart about this. If we engage, we risk fighting on two fronts—the undead and whatever these stalkers are. If we had a way to scout the area without exposing ourselves, we could decide if it’s worth the fight.”

  She looks to Greg. “Your little animal trick was useful. Think we could use it again? Or do we take a risk and get closer ourselves?”

  Decision Time:

  Scout Ahead Stealthily: Try to sneak closer and see what’s actually happening. (Stealth check)

  Use Another Trick: If Greg has another ability or strategy in mind, now’s the time.

  Avoid the Area: If Vannis isn’t likely to be here, maybe the smarter play is moving on.

  I said:

  Greg would only say he needs more time to re-commune, however it will take another ten minutes. And they spent twenty in hiding here already.

  "We could always approach the outskirts with stealth, see if we can spot their numbers and our odds." However the half-orc feels they might be a little outnumbered with their 3 to their unknown number. His worry clear on his face.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna nods. “Stealth is our best bet. If we can get a look before they spot us, we might be able to decide if it’s worth a fight or if we need to pull back.”

  Trevor shifts his weight, his usual blunt demeanor giving way to a bit of caution. “Yeah, but if we get too close and get spotted, we’ll be in the thick of it real fast.” He glances at Greg. “You’re the one leading us, so what’s the call? We creeping up slow or staying the hell away?”

  Options:

  Approach Stealthily: Move carefully to observe the undead and shadowy figures (Stealth check).

  Wait for Greg’s Magic Again: Stay hidden for another 10 minutes while Greg re-casts Speak with Animals (risk of something changing while waiting).

  Retreat and Avoid Engagement: Decide the risk is too great and move away from this area.

  I said:

  Greg comes to a decision, "Let us approach with stealth, if we cannot spot our target (Vannis) then we will retreat." He waits if they agree to the plan.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna gives a sharp nod, already adjusting her stance for a quiet approach. “Agreed. No need to start a fight we don’t need.”

  Trevor exhales and mutters, “Alright then, let’s not screw this up.”

  Stealth Checks:

  Greg, Sienna, and Trevor will each need to roll for stealth as they move closer to observe the clearing. Roll for Greg, and I’ll handle the others!

  I said:

  I rolled a 13, making Greg's Stealth a 15.

  ChatGPT said:

  Not bad! Let’s see how the others fare.

  — Sienna: Rolled 17 total

  — Trevor: Rolled 12 total

  The three of you move carefully through the underbrush, staying low and avoiding loose branches that might snap underfoot.

  As you get closer to the clearing, you begin to see the massive dead tree the raven had spoken of. Its gnarled branches stretch into the night sky like skeletal fingers, and beneath it, a cluster of undead lurk—five in total.

  They seem restless, shifting uneasily rather than simply standing mindless. But beyond them, your eyes catch subtle movements—figures flitting between shadows at the edges of the clearing.

  Your group remains hidden… but what now?

  I said:

  "Any sight of Vannis," Greg quietly mumbles to the two beside him.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna narrows her eyes, scanning the clearing. Perception check: 14. She shakes her head.

  Trevor follows her gaze, his expression tense. Perception check: 11. He also sees nothing that resembles Vannis among the figures.

  "If he's here, he's either hidden... or worse," Sienna whispers back. "But those others, the ones in the shadows—they're watching the undead just like we are."

  The air is thick with tension. You could:

  Wait and observe longer to see if anything changes.

  Try to get closer, risking discovery for better information.

  Retreat and regroup, avoiding confrontation for now.

  Attempt to contact the hidden figures, seeing if they’re friend or foe.

  What’s Greg’s call?

  I said:

  "We'll leave the shadows with the undead. They might keep both out of our path. We are wanting for someone else."

  And with that Greg will aim the others into a stealthy retreat to pick up a different trail where Vannis may be.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna and Trevor nod in agreement, and the three of you begin your careful retreat. Stealth checks:

  Sienna: 19

  Trevor: 14

  Greg, rolling a 15, leads them through the underbrush with practiced ease. The eerie sounds of the clearing fade behind you as you put distance between yourselves and the undead.

  Once far enough away, Sienna whispers, "Alright, we’re back to square one. If Vannis isn’t there, he must have taken a different route. But which way?"

  Trevor furrows his brow. "The lighter set of tracks we saw earlier—before we found that note. Could still be our best lead."

  It seems the best course of action is to return to that previous trail and attempt to pick it up again. Would Greg like to lead another Survival check to track it down?

  I said:

  Greg will look at Sienna, wondering if he should be assisting her rather than the other way around.

  "Look miss Sienna but I confess I am not the best ranger or rogue to be found. You may take the lead in our search here if you think it best."

  (this is another way of asking ooc if Sienna's Survival rolls would be on average higher than Greg's own, Greg has a 10 Wis and only +2 mod)

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna smirks slightly at Greg’s admission, then nods. "Fair enough. Tracking is more my thing anyway. You back me up if I miss something."

  (OOC: Yes, Sienna has a higher Survival bonus than Greg. She’ll take the lead, and Greg can use the Help action to give her advantage on the roll.)

  Sienna rolls Survival with advantage: 16

  She crouches and studies the forest floor, following the faint trail of the lighter tracks. "These prints still look rushed but deliberate—not like someone running for their life, more like someone who knows exactly where they’re going."

  She gestures for Greg and Trevor to follow. "Let’s see where this rabbit hole leads."

  The three of you continue tracking through the woods. The air is heavy with tension. About fifteen minutes in, Sienna holds up a hand to stop.

  "There’s something ahead. Looks like a small camp—only one bedroll, a burned-out fire, and… a broken sword?"

  Would Greg like to approach cautiously, search from a distance, or take another action?

  I said:

  "Could be our guy," Greg remarks to the others, trying to gauge how they think it best to act before committing on a single course.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna eyes the campfire embers, her sharp gaze flicking between the surrounding trees and the faint outlines of the campsite. "Could be," she whispers, "but we don’t know who else might be lurking. If it were me, I’d watch for a bit first—see if anyone moves before we risk stepping into something."

  Trevor folds his arms, keeping his voice low. "I agree with Sienna. If Vannis is there, we’ll know soon enough. But if it’s not him… well, better to find out before walking in blind."

  They both turn to Greg, deferring to his judgment. Does he want to stake out the camp first, or take a different approach?

  I said:

  "Well if we going to stake this out, may as well make the most of it," and Greg settles into meditative sit to re-commune with nature, using Spirit Seeker to ritual cast Speak with Animals.

  Before shutting his eyes the half-orc remarks, "Hopefully another critter is around who is chatty."

  ChatGPT said:

  As Greg closes his eyes and begins his ritual, the sounds of the forest settle around him. After a few moments, a small presence scurries near—this time, a field mouse, its tiny nose twitching curiously as it peers at the half-orc.

  "You smell... big. Not food. What do you want, big not-food?" it chitters, shifting from paw to paw.

  Greg, now attuned to the creature's simple mind, can ask what it has seen near the camp.

  I said:

  "Have you seen what's in that camp with fire, little one," Greg questions first.

  ChatGPT said:

  The little mouse twitches its nose and chatters, "Yes, yes! Big one, alone. Smells of sweat, fear. Moves slow, like hurt. Eats food, but not much. Sleeps in turns, wakes fast." It shifts nervously. "Not like this place. Many big ones walked here before. Some never left."

  Greg can tell the mouse is referring to past activity around the campsite, not just the lone person currently there.

  I said:

  Greg thanks the little mouse, giving him a piece of a ration as a going away gift before switching his voice back to Common to address the others, "Seems the one there is another survivor. If not Vannis then could be another of your company."

  That last of his sentence was directed to Trevor.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor furrows his brow in thought, glancing toward the campfire. "Could be. If he's injured, we’ll need to be careful. Desperate men do desperate things."

  Sienna nods. "If he's alone, approaching directly might be the safest bet. We don’t want to spook him into running or lashing out."

  She looks at Greg. "You want to take the lead? You’ve got the best mix of friendly and intimidating."

  I said:

  Greg retorts by once again flashing his smile, which again looks like a pained grimace with his half-orc feature. "Will try friendly but most just find my mug menacing."

  The half-orc will act as the face in their approach. Party enters cautiously but without stealth.

  ChatGPT said:

  As Greg leads the way, the crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot signals their approach. The lone figure by the fire stirs at the sound, his posture tensing. As Greg steps into the firelight, he sees a weary-looking man, dressed in torn and dirtied travel clothes, a makeshift bandage wrapped around his left arm. His right hand hovers near a sheathed dagger, eyes flickering with suspicion.

  "Stay back," the man warns, his voice hoarse. "I don't want trouble."

  Trevor takes a step forward, his expression shifting from caution to recognition. "Wait… Aren? Is that you?"

  The man's eyes widen as he takes in Trevor’s face, and his posture eases just slightly. "Trevor? By the gods… you're alive?" He swallows hard, looking over the rest of the group. "Who are your friends?"

  Greg now has a moment to take control of the conversation. How does he proceed?

  I said:

  "I'm Greg," his strained smile looking more awkward now than before. "I'm just your not-so-friendly mercenary half-orc who tripped into your predicament.

  Greg then steps aside and looks at Sienna to let her chip in.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna crosses her arms, giving Aren a measured look before speaking. "Sienna. Tracker. Your group’s left a lot of footprints, but not many survivors." Her tone is blunt, but not unkind.

  Aren exhales, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Yeah… figured as much." He glances at Trevor again, as if reassuring himself that the man is truly standing there. "We were hit hard. Bandits, undead… it was chaos. I got separated from the others. If you found Trevor, maybe there's hope for the others, but—"

  He stops, his gaze flickering toward Greg now, his fingers tightening slightly around the edge of his cloak. "Why are you here, really? Just looking for survivors?" His voice carries a note of suspicion, but also something else—hope.

  Trevor looks to Greg, deferring to him to answer.

  I said:

  "Like I said, just a traveling merc. Wrong place, wrong time. Or wrong place, right time. Guess a matter of opinion," this referring to Trevor's near death experience with the zombie dire wolf.

  "We've been looking for Vannis in particular. Hopefully saving his hide and getting him out this mess will net me a decent night's pay. Or maybe a future gig ..." is Greg's answer as he tries to smooth out any suspicions.

  ChatGPT said:

  Aren studies Greg for a moment, then lets out a short, dry chuckle. "Hells, if you can find Vannis in this mess, you'd deserve more than a night’s pay. The man was always good at making himself scarce when things went south." He shakes his head, rubbing at the stubble on his jaw.

  "Far as I know, he was alive when the attack started. He stayed near the front wagons, trying to get people organized, but after the first wave hit..." He exhales sharply. "I lost track. I had my own problems staying alive."

  He gestures vaguely toward the surrounding woods. "If he's out here, he’ll be hiding. Maybe holed up somewhere safe, or maybe he got dragged off like the others."

  Trevor frowns. "Others?"

  Aren nods grimly. "Bandits didn’t just kill. Some of our people got taken. I saw it happen before I bailed. If Vannis is alive, he might be with them."

  That revelation hangs heavy in the air. Sienna exchanges a glance with Greg, waiting to see what he makes of it.

  I said:

  "Well we did pass that strange clearing with the big dead tree. But we didn't see any unfortunate captives there. Unless you count those trapped in undeath." Greg shares what the scene the party found earlier with Aren.

  ChatGPT said:

  Aren's expression darkens at Greg's words. "A dead tree? Undead lingering there? That’s bad news." He glances toward the darkened woods, as if expecting something to crawl out of them. "We had a few wizards and clerics in the caravan—nothing too powerful, but enough to ward off curses and worse. If the dead are gathering in one spot, then either something is drawing them there... or someone is keeping them there."

  Trevor folds his arms. "We also know there’s another group moving around. Whoever they are, they’re tracking the undead but staying in the shadows."

  Aren mutters a curse under his breath. "Great. So we’ve got bandits, undead, and mystery stalkers. What a lovely little nightmare."

  Sienna shifts her weight slightly, her keen eyes scanning the treetops before she speaks. "If the captives were taken somewhere else, then we have two choices: follow the bandit trail and see if they have prisoners, or investigate the undead site and hope there’s a clue about what’s going on."

  Aren snorts. "You want my advice? I'd rather face bandits than deal with whatever dark magic is keeping that tree company. But if Vannis is caught up in it... well, guess we don’t have much of a choice."

  He looks to Greg expectantly. "You’re the one who actually chose to walk into this mess. What’s the call?"

  I said:

  "Let us get you better patched up first," Greg talks about taking a short rest to better get themselves recovered to continue any of the pursuits.

  "But yes, I too am wary of going back to that tree." And the half-orc leaves it at that.

  ChatGPT said:

  Aren nods at Greg’s suggestion. "Yeah, I won’t argue with that. Could use a breather." He eases himself down onto a rock near the dwindling campfire, wincing slightly as he shifts his injured leg.

  Trevor sits nearby, his back to a tree, as he starts sharpening his blade absentmindedly. "Short rest it is, then. We’ll need all the strength we can get."

  Sienna stays standing, her eyes scanning the trees while she idly rolls a small dagger between her fingers. "I’ll keep watch. Would rather not have something creeping up on us while we relax."

  Greg settles in, letting his body rest as the tension of the night’s chaos eases, if only slightly. The faint crackling of the fire and the distant sounds of the forest fill the silence as the group recuperates.

  (You can use Hit Dice to recover HP during the short rest. If there’s anything else Greg wants to do—like talking to Aren more, asking Sienna something, or checking anything—now is the time before you continue.)

  I said:

  (Is Aren able to recover some of his hit points, also can Greg try to determine their current party makeup should things go sideways.)

  ChatGPT said:

  During the short rest, Aren takes the opportunity to bandage himself properly and recover some stamina. He rolls his Hit Dice, managing to regain 7 HP, bringing him to a more stable condition. He stretches his leg, wincing slightly but nodding in approval. "Not perfect, but I won’t be slowing us down too much."

  Assessing the Party's Strength

  Greg, having been around enough mercenary bands, sizes up his companions based on their gear, posture, and how they’ve handled themselves so far.

  Trevor: Wields a spear, with a more agile and calculated fighting style. From what Greg has seen, he seems dexterous and trained in finesse combat rather than brute force. The fact that he survived a zombie dire wolf’s attack also means he’s tougher than he looks. He’s likely a fighter or rogue, possibly a mix of both.

  Sienna: Favors ranged weapons and moves with practiced stealth, suggesting a background in archery or scouting. She’s quick on her feet and clearly has a keen eye for tracking, meaning she’s likely a ranger or rogue. The way she blends into the shadows also makes Greg suspect she has some trickery up her sleeve.

  Aren: His movements indicate battle experience, but his wounds suggest he was overwhelmed at some point. He carries a quarterstaff and judging by his leathers, Greg bets he’s a druid of some kind, though it’s unclear if he follows any sort of divine calling.

  Combat Readiness Check

  Greg: A frontline brute with his greataxe and rage, making him the party’s hardest hitter and tank.

  Trevor: Likely a duelist or quick-strike specialist, good for hit-and-run tactics.

  Sienna: Functions well as a ranged skirmisher, potentially providing cover or scouting ahead.

  Aren: A balanced fighter, but injured, meaning he’s not at his full strength yet.

  If things went sideways, Greg figures he would be the primary wall, Sienna would work best from the flanks or high ground, Trevor would likely stick to precision strikes, and Aren would provide support but not go all-in unless necessary.

  With that in mind, Greg finishes his rest, feeling ready to move out when the others are. "Right then, now what’s the plan?" he asks, looking between the group.

  I said:

  Greg muses their best course in finding Vannis is by trying to follow the main bandit trail.

  "It is highly unlikely he managed to escape. We've traveled through half these woods already," here the half-orc is overestimating their night journey so far, but he figures the likelihood them finding a different trail that leads to Vannis is an unlikely one at best.

  Also considering the ambush itself and the few hours that passed, "Like what Aren said: he's either holed up somewhere that could take days to find, or he's been captured. He could be hidden somewhere back at the big tree with the undead about ... but we'll cross that bridge last and only if needed."

  "Thoughts," he asks both Trevor and Sienna.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor rubs his chin, considering Greg’s assessment. "If he was still hiding in some burrow or ditch, odds are we’d have found signs of him by now. If we assume capture, then the bandits—or whoever's tracking them—are our best lead." He looks toward Sienna. "You’ve got the best eyes on the trail. What do you think?"

  Sienna crosses her arms, expression serious. "Greg’s right about the time factor. If Vannis got away, we’d be blindly chasing ghosts in the dark. Tracking the bandits is more likely to get us a real lead. That said, we need to be cautious. If they took him, he's valuable enough to keep alive, at least for now. But that also means they’ll be guarding him closely."

  Aren nods slowly. "If he’s been taken, he won’t be with the rank-and-file. Their leader—or whoever orchestrated this mess—would be the one to keep him close. That means pushing deeper into their territory."

  Greg takes in their assessments. While it means risking an encounter, following the main bandit trail seems the best course of action. The party now faces two questions:

  Do they continue at a normal pace, risking an encounter but covering ground faster?

  Or do they proceed with stealth, slowing their progress but improving their odds of scouting ahead undetected?

  Trevor glances at Greg. "You’re leading this job, mercenary. How do you want to play it?"

  I said:

  "We are likely outnumbered so we will approach with stealth. Sienna, I want you to take the lead but I'll make sure to watch your back so nothing springs up on us."

  Looking at the two guards, "It'd probably be best for you two to just follow our lead forward. Well until we actually find something."

  "If we are in agreement, let us go back to the main trail we saw earlier."

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna nods, tightening her grip on her bow. "I’ll keep us on course. Stay close, stay quiet."

  Trevor rolls his shoulders, keeping a firm grip on his sword. "Understood. No heroics until we know what we’re up against."

  Aren, still looking worse for wear but steady, simply nods. "I’ll follow your lead."

  With that, the party makes their way back to the main bandit trail, moving as quietly as possible. Sienna takes the front, carefully tracking, while Greg keeps a sharp eye on their surroundings, ensuring nothing follows too closely.

  (Stealth Rolls)

  Greg rolls for Stealth.

  Sienna rolls for Stealth with advantage as the lead scout.

  Trevor and Aren roll for Stealth as well.

  Go ahead and roll for Greg’s Stealth!

  I said:

  another roll of 18, makes Greg's Stealth a 20.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg moves with practiced ease, his heavy frame surprisingly silent against the forest floor.

  Sienna, taking point, is just as quiet, her ranger instincts guiding her as she picks her steps carefully. (Her roll: 23.)

  Trevor, while not as naturally stealthy, follows Greg's lead and keeps his armor from clanking too much. (His roll: 14.)

  Aren, still recovering, struggles the most to keep quiet, but with the rest of the group covering for him, his presence doesn’t immediately give them away. (His roll: 11.)

  The group follows the worn trail deeper into the woods. The night air is still, thick with the scent of damp leaves and old bark. After several minutes of careful movement, Sienna raises a hand, signaling the party to stop.

  Ahead, faint through the trees, a distant glow of torchlight flickers. The faint murmur of voices carries on the wind, too quiet to make out just yet.

  Sienna gestures for Greg to come up beside her. "That’s likely our bandits. Could be their main camp or just another group."

  Trevor squints toward the glow. "If they have prisoners, this is our best chance to confirm it."

  Aren mutters, "What’s the call? Watch from here? Get closer?"

  Greg can decide:

  Stay hidden and observe longer to gather intel.

  Try to sneak closer for a better look.

  Signal the others to prepare for a possible engagement.

  I said:

  (ooc - about how much time has passed in-game since this one-shot first started?)

  ChatGPT said:

  In-game, it's been approximately 4 to 5 hours since the one-shot began.

  You started around late evening when Greg first wandered into the woods.

  The initial encounter with Trevor and the undead dire wolf happened within the first hour.

  Tracking, exploring, and the encounters with Sienna, the undead clearing, and Aren took another 2 to 3 hours combined.

  The current stealth approach to the bandit trail and this moment near their camp is happening around very late at night, likely past midnight but before dawn.

  The group has been traveling and investigating for quite a while, but exhaustion isn’t an issue yet unless you push on for several more hours without rest.

  I said:

  (noted) Greg notes that they need to sneak closer for a better look. "However it'd probably go better with just the two of us," asking both Trevor and Aren to hang back to avoid detection.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor and Aren exchange looks before nodding in agreement. Trevor mutters, "I won’t argue that. I’m not exactly the sneaky type." Aren simply sighs, adjusting his grip on his weapon before quietly positioning himself against a tree.

  "We’ll hold here and wait for your signal," Trevor adds in a low voice.

  Greg and Sienna now move forward carefully, creeping closer toward the bandit camp. The faint glow of a campfire flickers ahead, casting dancing shadows against the trees. The low murmur of voices can be heard—at least two speakers, though there could be more unseen.

  Sienna glances at Greg and gives a small nod, silently asking if he wants to take the lead on surveying the camp or let her handle it.

  I said:

  Greg puts a finger to his own mouth, a clear signal to Sienna to remain quiet as they continue to observe with their hidden vantage.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna gives the slightest nod and stays still, her sharp eyes scanning the camp. Greg does the same, carefully taking in the details without revealing their position.

  From their vantage point, they see a modest bandit encampment—several makeshift tents, a wagon parked off to the side, and a campfire at the center. Two bandits sit near the fire, engaged in quiet conversation. A third figure, larger and more armored, leans against the wagon, sharpening a blade. His posture suggests authority—possibly a captain or enforcer.

  Beyond the firelight, a wooden cage sits partially obscured by a tent. Even from here, Greg can make out someone inside—a bound and slumped figure. They’re too far to confirm if it’s Vannis, but it’s clearly a captive.

  Sienna shifts slightly, her voice a whisper barely above the rustling leaves. "Three, plus whoever might be in the tents. And a prisoner." She looks to Greg, awaiting his next move.

  I said:

  "Let's go back to the others," Greg whispers and the two break away with stealth.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg and Sienna carefully retreat from their vantage point, slipping back through the underbrush without a sound. Once they return to where Trevor and Aren are waiting, Greg quietly relays what they saw.

  "Three visible guards, maybe more in the tents. They have a prisoner in a cage—might be Vannis." He glances between the two men. "We can try a quiet approach, take them by surprise, or wait for an opportunity to strike when they're less alert. Thoughts?"

  Aren frowns, rolling his injured shoulder. "If he's alive, we don’t have time to waste. But we can’t just charge in—too many unknowns."

  Trevor nods. "We could set a distraction, lure a couple away before we engage. Or wait and see if they change shifts."

  Greg considers their words, weighing the risks. Time is short, but a reckless assault could get them all killed.

  I said:

  "I like Trevor's plan. If we could set those tents ablaze, it might cause enough confusion for us to rush in and get a quick upper hand." Greg begins to bounce an idea on how to set a distraction.

  "A little oil on an arrow might carry a flame. Think you can get a couple shots off in range," here he would ask of Sienna.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna gives a small smirk, nodding. "I can manage that. Just need the right angle and a bit of luck." She glances toward the others. "We should position ourselves first. Once the fire starts, we hit fast and hard before they regroup."

  Trevor folds his arms. "We need an exit plan too. If more of them are lurking around, we can't get trapped in the chaos."

  Aren rubs his chin. "Agreed. If we can cut them down quickly, great. If not, we grab who we can and retreat before we're overwhelmed."

  Greg now has to decide:

  Where to position himself for the attack.

  Whether to wait for the fire to spread before rushing in or charge the moment the shots land.

  If there's any other part of the plan to refine before executing.

  What’s the call?

  I said:

  Greg settles on a blitz team formation with them inching as close as they can in the darkness without drawing suspicion from the bandits on duty.

  Going over tactics: Sienna will hang back right - about 100 feet away from camp - with enough of a clear shot while still out-of-sight. Once a tent or two is ablaze, the three melees will wait to gauge the bandits' response time, and hopefully find the right opportunity to rush in.

  "Any questions," the barbarian would ask before the party would get into position.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor gives a firm nod. "Sounds solid. I'll aim for the first fool who rushes out."

  Aren tightens his grip on his weapon. "No questions. Just hoping this works."

  Sienna draws an arrow and tilts her head. "I’ll try to hit the center tents first. Should give us the biggest distraction."

  With that, the team splits, creeping into position under the cover of darkness. Greg, Trevor, and Aren stay low, about 50 feet from the camp’s edge, while Sienna hangs back further, preparing her fire arrows.

  Now, it's just a matter of waiting for the signal.

  Sienna readies her shot. Greg watches the camp, waiting for the right moment.

  Are you ready to give the go-ahead, or do you want to tweak anything before launching the attack?

  I said:

  Greg gives the signal for the first arrow to be loosed.

  "Heads up guys," he speaks as low as he can reminding Trevor and Aren to use the potential confusion to start moving stealthily towards the camp.

  "Stay low."

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna exhales slowly, steadies her aim, and looses the first arrow. It arcs through the night, the oil-soaked tip igniting in the air before striking the nearest tent.

  Thwack—

  A brief pause, then whoosh—the dry canvas catches instantly, flames licking upward as smoke begins to rise.

  The bandit closest to the fire stumbles back in shock. "What the—?!"

  Sienna looses a second arrow, striking another tent. More flames erupt, and the camp stirs to life in a panic.

  Greg, Trevor, and Aren take advantage of the distraction, creeping forward with low steps.

  One bandit shouts, "Get water! Now!" while another grabs a weapon, eyes darting through the dark.

  They haven't spotted Greg's team yet—but the chaos is quickly escalating.

  What's the next move? Keep sneaking in? Or is it time to charge?

  I said:

  (Does it look like the bandits have water in the camp, or is one rushing off site to gather some?)

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg spots two bandits scrambling for supplies near the fire, overturning crates and barrels—likely searching for water. Another, cursing loudly, sprints toward the tree line, disappearing into the dark.

  It looks like they either don’t have enough water on hand or they weren’t prepared for a fire. Either way, the panic is buying valuable time.

  From this distance, Greg can count at least six bandits actively moving around the camp. More may be inside the tents, but the flames will flush them out soon enough.

  Next move? Keep sneaking in, or strike while they’re still distracted?

  I said:

  The strike team will continue a stealth approach, aiming for a spot (within 30 feet) to spring an ambush.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg, Trevor, and Aren creep forward under the cover of darkness, keeping low as the fire crackles and spreads. The shouts of the bandits mask any noise they make, allowing them to close in undetected.

  Now within 30 feet of the scrambling enemies, Greg can see three bandits desperately tossing dirt and torn cloth onto the flames, while two others stand at the ready, weapons drawn, scanning for threats—clearly more cautious.

  The sixth bandit has yet to reappear from the tree line.

  This is the perfect moment to strike. Who does Greg target first? Or does he hold to see if Sienna can escalate the chaos?

  I said:

  Making as little of sound as possible, Greg charges in, directing Trevor and Aren towards the nearest of the two bandits with weapons drawn.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg moves swiftly, his heavy footfalls muffled by the crackling fire and the frantic shouts of the bandits. With a subtle nod, he directs Trevor and Aren toward the closest of the two armed bandits, both men tightening their grips on their weapons as they prepare to engage.

  As Greg closes the gap, the distracted enemies don’t notice him until it’s too late. The first target—a wiry bandit with a curved saber—only has time to widen his eyes before Greg is upon him.

  Trevor and Aren veer off, each engaging the second armed bandit, while the three others remain preoccupied with the fire. The sixth bandit still hasn't returned.

  Greg has the element of surprise! Does he go for a reckless, all-out strike or a precise, controlled attack to take the bandit down quickly?

  I said:

  This will be a precise and controlled attack, however since Greg has the element of surprise, can it still be made with advantage?

  ChatGPT said:

  Yes! Since Greg is attacking from stealth and the enemy is unaware of him, his first attack is made with advantage due to surprise.

  Roll to hit (with advantage) using Greg’s greataxe!

  I said:

  rolls are a 20 and 16. I will happily take this first Nat-20 to strike.

  ChatGPT said:

  Critical Hit!

  Since Greg landed a natural 20, he gets to double his damage dice for this attack!

  Roll damage:

  Greataxe: 1d12 → doubled because of the crit

  Savage Attacks (half-orc feature): Roll an additional 1d12

  Strength modifier: +4 (added once)

  Roll 3d12 + 4 and let's see how devastating this strike is!

  I said:

  Greg rolled 3d12 for 19 damage +4 str for a 23 total.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg’s greataxe cleaves through the bandit with brutal efficiency. The sheer force of the strike catches the unsuspecting foe in the side, tearing through armor and bone in a devastating arc. The bandit barely has time to gasp before crumpling under the sheer power of the blow, dead before he even hits the ground.

  The remaining bandit has just enough time to turn, his eyes widening in terror as he realizes what just happened.

  Trevor and Aren, emboldened by Greg’s lethal opening, move in on the second bandit, ready to capitalize on the surprise attack.

  Next move:

  Do you want Greg to move after his attack?

  Trevor and Aren will take their attacks next—do you want to direct them in any particular way?

  I said:

  After quickly dispatching the first bandit unawares with a brutal cleaving strike, Greg will give the remaining armed bandit his patented grimaced smile as a means of further distraction.

  Trevor and Aren will take their attacks said target next.

  ChatGPT said:

  The second bandit barely has time to register his comrade’s sudden demise before he’s met with Greg’s unsettling, tusked grin—a sight made all the more terrifying by the fresh spray of blood still clinging to the half-orc’s greataxe.

  His grip on his weapon tightens, but there’s a flicker of hesitation in his eyes—just enough of a distraction for Trevor and Aren to strike.

  Trevor lunges in first, swinging his spear in a calculated thrust. (Rolling for attack...)

  Trevor’s attack hits! The spearhead bites deep into the bandit’s side, forcing a pained grunt from the man as he stumbles back, gripping the wound.

  Aren follows up immediately, trying to smash his quarterstaff into the bandit’s exposed flank. (Rolling for attack...)

  Aren's strike lands! The staff blunts just beneath the ribs, and the bandit gasps in agony. He’s still standing—but just barely.

  Situation Recap:

  One bandit dead.

  Second bandit severely wounded, struggling to remain standing.

  The rest of the camp is still distracted dealing with the fire.

  Next move:

  Greg has an opportunity to finish the last bandit off—do you attack again?

  Or do you want to take another action?

  I said:

  Greg seizes this moment, stepping in after the pair of attacks from his comrades took him by further surprise and brings his greataxe down upon this bandit with Reckless strength.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg swings his greataxe with reckless abandon, fully committing to the strike. (Rolling with advantage...)

  First roll: 11

  Second roll: 18 (Hit!)

  The axe cleaves straight through the wounded bandit’s shoulder, nearly splitting him in two. His weapon falls from his grasp as his body crumples to the ground in a lifeless heap.

  Status Recap:

  Both guards are dead.

  No alarm has been raised yet.

  The camp is still preoccupied with the fire.

  Trevor wipes his blade on his sleeve and gives a firm nod. “That was clean,” he whispers. Aren exhales, gripping his sword tighter, the adrenaline still pumping through him.

  Next Actions:

  Loot these bandits?

  Move deeper into the camp?

  Signal Sienna for further distraction?

  Other ideas?

  I said:

  Greg quickly signals Sienna to try and loose arrows into the remaining bandits and he aims his strike team to reposition for another ambush amidst the chaos.

  Greg will then scan the perimeter for any remaining bandits who are currently armed as prime targets.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg quickly signals to Sienna, who understands the cue and nocks another arrow, taking careful aim from the darkness.

  Meanwhile, Greg scans the camp, using the flickering firelight and shadowy chaos to pick out remaining armed threats.

  Current Situation:

  Three bandits are still near the fire, arguing about the best way to put it out.

  One bandit (armed) is heading towards a tent, possibly to grab supplies or wake someone up.

  Two unarmed bandits are frantically throwing dirt onto the flames.

  Plan in Motion:

  Sienna’s target: Greg marks the armed bandit heading toward the tent as a priority.

  Ambush positioning: Greg, Trevor, and Aren move closer to the distracted group near the fire, preparing for another quick strike.

  Sienna looses her first arrow. (Rolling for attack...)

  I said:

  Greg will wait to see if Sienna's arrow hits true before committing to a full on rush in.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna’s arrow flies swift and true.

  Roll result: 17 (hit)!

  Her arrow pierces the bandit’s shoulder just as he reaches the tent, staggering him mid-step. He lets out a sharp grunt of pain, stumbling forward but still on his feet. He quickly grabs at the tent flap, seemingly desperate to reach for something inside.

  Immediate Options for Greg:

  Rush in now before the injured bandit can retrieve whatever is inside the tent.

  Hold and watch—perhaps the tent holds something dangerous, or another bandit inside.

  Pick a new target—the three distracted bandits by the fire remain unaware of his precise location.

  What’s the move?

  I said:

  Again in being as quiet as they possibly can, Greg will rush towards the feathered bandit hoping to reach him before he can grab whatever is in that tent. He half hopes his companions remain at his flank to both assist and guard his rear.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg moves swiftly, boots crunching lightly against the dirt as he rushes the wounded bandit.

  The man, still clutching his shoulder where Sienna’s arrow struck, yanks open the tent flap. Greg sees a glint of metal inside—a weapon or perhaps something worse.

  But Greg is faster.

  With a burst of savage speed, he closes the distance just as the bandit reaches inside. His companions, Trevor and Aren, keep tight at his flank, ready to strike if needed.

  Greg has the advantage here—what does he do?

  Strike now and cut him down before he can grab whatever is inside.

  Grapple him to prevent him from retrieving the object.

  Kick or shove him into the tent, throwing him off balance.

  Try to get a look inside before committing to an attack.

  Greg’s instincts scream that whatever is in that tent matters—but there’s no telling if it’s treasure or trouble.

  I said:

  Greg makes another Reckless strike, hoping his greataxe can put a quick end to this foe.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg swings his greataxe with reckless abandon, aiming to end this before the bandit can grab whatever is inside the tent.

  Roll to attack with advantage!

  I said:

  rolls were a 2 and another 20. Will take the Nat-20 please ^^

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg’s greataxe sings through the air in a deadly arc, the sheer force of his reckless swing landing with devastating precision! Roll for critical damage—double the dice!

  I said:

  rolling 3d12 +4, getting a total of 25 in slashing damage

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg's greataxe cleaves through the bandit with brutal efficiency, the sheer force nearly splitting him in two. The bandit barely has time to gasp before crumpling to the ground, lifeless.

  With this immediate threat eliminated, Greg has a moment to scan the camp—his allies are holding their own, the fire is still spreading, and the remaining bandits are scrambling in confusion. The tent the bandit was rushing toward is now within reach.

  What does Greg do next?

  I said:

  Greg takes a quick peek inside this tent to gauge the threat, motioning the others to use the tent flaps as cover.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg quickly pulls back the tent flap and peers inside. The dim firelight flickers over a makeshift command area—maps and notes are scattered across a small wooden crate serving as a table. But the real concern is the figure in the corner.

  A man, bound and gagged, lies slumped against a support beam. His once-fine clothes are tattered, and fresh bruises mar his face. He blinks in confusion at Greg, eyes widening with a mix of fear and desperate hope.

  Greg instantly recognizes that this must be Vannis.

  Outside, the chaos continues—shouts, the crackling of flames, and hurried footsteps as the remaining bandits scramble. The tent provides some cover, but they don’t have long before someone might check inside.

  What does Greg do?

  I said:

  "Trevor, Aren," Greg barks their names as in command then gestures towards the captive figure.

  Speaking fast, "Loose his binds and get him out of here, I'll guard your rear."

  And Greg takes up position at this tent entrance waiting for the prisoner to be freed and better gauge their next move with the camp's confusion.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor and Aren move swiftly, cutting Vannis’s binds with their blades. The captive lord groans, rubbing his wrists as he regains some feeling in his hands. He’s weak but conscious, and with some support, he should be able to move.

  Meanwhile, Greg stands at the tent entrance, listening. The sounds of the camp are still chaotic—bandits are shouting about the fire, and at least one voice is barking orders. The confusion is working in their favor, but it won’t last forever.

  Sienna remains on the perimeter, likely lining up another shot if needed.

  Vannis coughs and speaks in a hoarse voice, “We… we need to leave. Now.”

  Greg now has a decision—attempt to stealthily extract the group while the camp is in disarray, or cut down any remaining threats to ensure a safe retreat. What’s the plan?

  I said:

  (Does it look like this tent can be exited by simply lifting an area at its bottom, like going under it?)

  ChatGPT said:

  Yes, the tent is made of thick but somewhat worn canvas, and its bottom edges are not fully secured to the ground. It looks like someone could crawl or slip under it, especially near the back where it sags slightly. It wouldn't be the fastest exit, but it would be much quieter than rushing out the front.

  Greg could direct the group to slip out that way if stealth is the priority. Alternatively, he could create a distraction while they make their escape. What’s the call?

  I said:

  Greg speaks in rapid succession. "The bandits are still befuddled. But it looks like they are regrouping. We are going out this tent, out and under the back."

  Greg takes one last look within the tent, is there any way oil or kindle here, or anything else that might catch his eye?

  ChatGPT said:

  Inside the tent, Greg quickly spots a few items of interest:

  A small oil lantern on a wooden crate, its flame currently snuffed but still half-full of oil.

  A pile of dry straw and cloth scraps near the back corner, likely used as bedding.

  A few loose parchment scraps on the crate, though there’s no time to read them now.

  A sheathed dagger and a small coin pouch (possibly belonging to the prisoner or a bandit).

  If Greg is thinking about setting a fire, the oil lantern and straw could do the trick. Otherwise, he could just grab something quickly before they slip out. What’s his move?

  I said:

  Greg will stow his greataxe just long enough to take up the oil lantern and kindle its flame. Next he will tip it into the pile of dry straw and cloth scraps hoping it will quickly catch fire, just as the others hopefully manged to slip out the tent's back.

  ChatGPT said:

  The moment the oil meets the dry straw, a small flame ignites, quickly spreading as the fire hungrily consumes the bedding. Smoke begins to curl upward, dark and thick, as the fire takes hold.

  Greg doesn't have long. He stows the now-empty lantern and swiftly ducks under the back of the tent where the others have already slipped through.

  Outside, Trevor and Aren are helping the dazed prisoner to his feet. Sienna has already repositioned nearby, keeping watch with her bow at the ready.

  The sounds of alarm rise in the camp as the bandits begin to notice the growing fire. Shadows flicker wildly against the tents as figures move in confusion.

  What’s Greg’s next move? Should they slip further into the woods, or is there something else he wants to do before retreating?

  I said:

  Greg will aim the two assisting Vannis to retreat further into the woods, where they hopefully can reconvene with Sienna before making a hasty exit with the burning camp growing distance behind them.

  Let me know if any rolls are needed in this escape sequence.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg takes the lead, motioning for Trevor and Aren to move swiftly but quietly with Vannis between them. The prisoner, though weak, stumbles forward as best he can with their support. Sienna remains on their flank, keeping a watchful eye for any pursuit.

  Rolls Needed:

  Group Stealth Check (to slip away unnoticed in the chaos).

  Athletics Check for Vannis (to see if he can keep pace or needs additional help).

  Go ahead and roll Stealth for Greg, and I’ll determine how well the others do based on that. If you want to assist Vannis, you can roll Athletics to help him move.

  I said:

  Greg will not roll Stealth but use Athletics if Trevor and Aren are having trouble moving him along.

  roll was a 14 and with his strength mod and proficiency bonus, total equals 20

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg grips Vannis under one arm, practically hauling the weakened man along as they push deeper into the woods. Trevor and Aren, while assisting, struggle to keep pace, but Greg’s sheer strength ensures Vannis doesn’t slow them down too much.

  Behind them, the camp erupts into further disarray as the fire spreads, consuming the tent from within. Shouts rise as bandits rush to salvage supplies and find the cause of the blaze, giving Greg and his team precious seconds to escape unnoticed.

  Ahead, Sienna waits at the rendezvous point. The party is on the edge of the treeline, with a clear path to slip deeper into the dark forest. However, it’s unclear if any scouts were sent to pursue them.

  Next move? Continue retreating deeper into the woods, or pause to listen for any pursuit?

  I said:

  Greg shakes his head at Sienna as if guessing she wants to hang back to ensure there is no bandit pursuit. "Let's put as much distance between us before they realize they've been had."

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna nods, though her expression shows some reluctance to leave without confirming pursuit. Still, she falls in step with the group as they press further into the woods.

  Vannis stumbles but pushes himself forward with what little strength he has left. Greg’s support keeps him moving at a steady pace, and the others keep watch for any signs of pursuit.

  The fire-lit glow of the camp fades behind them, replaced by the deep darkness of the forest. The sounds of shouting remain distant for now, but there’s no telling if the bandits will send a search party once they realize their prisoner is gone.

  How far do you want to go before stopping? Are you looking for a place to rest or continuing to put distance between you and the camp?

  I said:

  After the party puts enough distance to where the crackling sounds and dim burning lights of the camp are behind them, Greg turns to Sienna to remark-

  "Now we can take our time covering our tracks. But we still need to keep moving and find a safe spot to rest up for the night."

  The half-orc fights back a yawn but looks at the nearly winded Aren and Vannis who can barely stand without his arm around another's shoulder.

  "Come on guys, one more hour ... then we can call it quits."

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna nods in agreement, already scanning the forest floor for ways to obscure their trail. "I'll take point and make sure we aren't leaving an obvious path for them to follow," she murmurs, her voice low and steady.

  Trevor adjusts his grip on Vannis, who groans but doesn't complain. Aren, though exhausted, musters a nod of determination. "One more hour," he repeats, more to himself than anyone else.

  Greg can feel the fatigue setting in—his muscles ache from the constant strain, but his resolve holds firm. The forest is dense enough to provide cover, but whether it's truly safe remains to be seen.

  Does Greg want to assist in covering tracks, keep watch for threats, or do something else while they press on?

  I said:

  Greg will take the lookout role in, assisting Sienna as needed.

  ChatGPT said:

  As Sienna works to conceal their tracks, Greg keeps his eyes and ears sharp for any sign of pursuit. The dim light filtering through the trees offers just enough visibility to pick out movement, but the deeper shadows of the forest could easily hide dangers.

  Trevor and Aren focus on keeping Vannis moving, though the wounded man stumbles every few steps. The occasional snap of a twig underfoot makes Greg's grip tighten around his axe, but so far, there’s no sign of pursuit.

  After about twenty minutes of steady movement, Sienna halts, raising a hand. She gestures for silence before whispering, "I hear water up ahead. Could be a stream—we could use it to mask our scent and break the trail more effectively."

  Does Greg want to guide the group toward the stream, suggest another plan, or keep moving forward as they are?

  I said:

  "Let us cross. We can grab a quick drink, refill our skins, and push hard another twenty minutes then start to find a safer spot to bundle down for the rest of the night."

  ChatGPT said:

  The group nods in agreement, weary but understanding the need to keep moving.

  Reaching the stream, Greg is the first to step into the cold water, testing the footing. The current is gentle but steady, and the stream itself is about fifteen feet across at its widest point. The water is knee-deep at most, making it easy enough to wade through.

  Everyone takes a moment to drink and refill their waterskins, the cool liquid a welcome relief after the chaos of the night. Vannis, though weak, manages a few sips before Trevor helps him across.

  Does Greg want to lead the group straight to the other side and keep going, or does he want to take extra precautions, such as moving along the water for a bit before exiting to throw off any pursuit?

  I said:

  Being the tallest among the weary travelers, Greg will dip his foot into the stream as the party watches him visibly testing the waters to find a safer spot to cross.

  (will roll any checks if asked)

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg steps carefully into the stream, feeling the smooth rocks beneath his feet as the water flows around his legs. He tests the footing, ensuring it's stable enough for the others to cross safely.

  Make a Survival or Athletics check (your choice) to determine how well you can find a safe crossing spot for the group.

  I said:

  I will choose Athletics for this, rolling a 19 for a total 25.

  ChatGPT said:

  With practiced ease, Greg finds a stable path through the stream, identifying firm rocks and shallow sections that make for the safest crossing. He moves across first, guiding the others with clear instructions on where to step.

  With his help, even the weakened Vannis and exhausted Aren manage to make it across without slipping. The group emerges on the other side, water dripping from their boots but otherwise unharmed.

  Now safely across, the next challenge is finding a secure place to rest. Will Greg take the lead in scouting for a campsite, or will he leave it to Sienna’s expertise?

  I said:

  "Now that we are safely across, we shouldn't have to worry as much about having covering our tracks. I'd like to push another mile or two in but more importantly, we need to find a secluded spot to make a camp. Preferably that gives us cover."

  Greg says this more to Sienna than to the three trailing behind them.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna nods, her keen eyes already scanning the terrain ahead. "I'll take the lead on that," she whispers, her tone hushed out of habit. "You keep an eye on the others, make sure they don’t collapse before we find a spot."

  She moves ahead, carefully picking a path that veers slightly away from the stream, weaving through dense underbrush and keeping the group shielded from open sightlines.

  Greg keeps the pace steady, occasionally glancing back at Vannis and Aren, ensuring they don't fall too far behind. The night is still deep, and while they’ve put good distance between themselves and the burning camp, there’s no telling if the bandits will mount a pursuit.

  Does Greg do anything else while they move, or will he wait for Sienna to find a camp spot?

  I said:

  Greg will use his darkvision to keep an eye out but can try to assist in Sienna's attempt to find the party a safer resting spot.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg carefully watches the surroundings as they move, his sharp vision cutting through the darkness. Though Sienna takes the lead in finding a good campsite, he keeps an eye out for anything she might miss—potential dangers, fresh tracks, or any natural formations that could provide extra cover.

  Go ahead and roll a Survival check to assist Sienna. If Greg rolls 10 or higher, she’ll get advantage on her check.

  I said:

  Survival roll is an 18 to make it a 20 total.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg’s keen instincts and knowledge of the wilderness pay off. As they press forward, he spots a natural overhang where a fallen tree has created a partial shelter against a rocky outcrop. It’s tucked away from view, with thick undergrowth masking it further. There’s even a soft patch of moss and leaves that could make for a comfortable rest spot.

  Sienna gives a small nod of approval. “This’ll do. Good eye, Greg.”

  The party is exhausted, but with a secure resting place, they can finally catch their breath.

  Do you want to set up any precautions for the night—watches, traps, or anything else?

  I said:

  As the weary party collapse into the soft earth, Greg immediately turns to Sienna to smile and thank her for her good survival skills. However this smile looks somewhat genuine in his near exhaustive state.

  "Glad we stumbled into you," he quips after some of the troop manages to reel in their heavy breathing.

  Greg's gaze falls to Vannis, the key character three of them had been hoping to find at the very start, but he is in no right mind to have any real discussion. That conversation can be saved for tomorrow.

  "Get your lord situated," the half-orc grunts to Aren, "And tuck yourself in too." And Greg offers what little rations he has left to fill their empty bellies.

  "Is it possible for me to take a little breather first," Greg guilty asks Sienna, asking if it'd be too much trouble for her to take the first couple watches.

  But he adds, "Just wake me up when you feel no longer able to keep a steady lookout, and I'll take it from there."

  Greg lastly turns to Trevor, "You too try to gain as much sleep as you can. We'll try to get figure out our next move on the morrow.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna waves a hand dismissively at Greg’s guilty expression. “I’ve got first watch. You’ve done plenty tonight—get some rest while you can.”

  Aren, though stiff and battered, nods and helps Vannis settle in against a patch of soft moss. The nobleman’s breathing is steady, but he barely acknowledges his rescuers before exhaustion takes him. Trevor simply grunts in response to Greg’s instruction, already laying back with his hands behind his head.

  The air is crisp, and the only sounds beyond the slow crackling of a tiny, well-hidden ember fire are the distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

  As Greg finally allows himself to relax, his last glimpses are of Sienna perched near the edge of the clearing, alert but calm, her bow resting across her lap.

  Does Greg slip into a deep sleep, or does his warrior’s instinct keep him lightly aware of his surroundings as he rests?

  I said:

  I would picture Greg does drift into a deep sleep. It is some 5-6 hours past sunset and one can joke he had quite a physical workout (and mental worry).

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg succumbs to exhaustion almost instantly, his heavy frame sinking into the cool earth. His mind, wired from the night’s tension, fades into an overdue slumber. The rhythmic sounds of the forest—rustling leaves, distant chirps, and the slow bubbling of the nearby stream—lull him deeper into rest.

  For the first time since stepping into this cursed stretch of woodland, there are no immediate threats, no flaming skeletons, no lurking undead horrors, no bandit blades gleaming in the dark. Just the deep, unshakable weight of well-earned fatigue.

  The half-orc doesn’t stir for hours.

  Greg’s body naturally wakes with the dawn, or does something rouse him before then?

  I said:

  I would say in this moment, his instincts would kick in to awaken him if his body feels recovered. Or unless Sienna were to awaken him early.

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg's body, hardened by years of battle and survival, knows when it has had enough rest. As the deep aches of exhaustion settle into a dull throb, his instincts stir him from slumber.

  His eyes crack open to the dim pre-dawn light, the forest still cast in long shadows. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine. For a brief moment, there is peace—no clashing steel, no howls of the undead, no scent of burning flesh. Just the hushed world of the waking wilderness.

  Glancing around, he sees Aren and Vannis still resting. Trevor remains bundled against the cold, chest rising and falling in slow, steady breaths.

  Sienna, true to her word, is still awake, perched on a low rock, watching the treeline with quiet vigilance.

  Greg exhales, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "You should have woken me," he grumbles, though not unkindly, as he pushes himself up. His body is still sore, but it's a familiar ache—the kind that says he's ready for another day of pushing forward.

  "Anything happen while I was out?" he asks, rolling his shoulders and reaching for his gear.

  I said:

  (around what time is it, well a rough estimate Greg could determine in-game)

  ChatGPT said:

  Greg squints up at the sky through the forest canopy, taking in the soft bluish-gray hue creeping into the horizon. The air still holds the last whispers of night’s chill, but the distant chorus of birdsong is beginning to stir.

  From experience, he estimates it to be roughly an hour or so before sunrise—perhaps 5:30 or 6:00 AM. They have a small window before the forest fully wakes, and the bandits (if they’re still on the hunt) begin their own morning movements.

  He glances toward Sienna, then at the others still asleep. They don’t have much longer before they need to decide their next steps.

  I said:

  "How are you holding up there," Greg would ask, worried about the lengthy nap he just had without interrupt. The half-orc looks impressed by this woman's stoic demeanor.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna, still seated with her back against a thick tree root, barely shifts at Greg’s question. She keeps her eyes on the forest beyond, her bow resting across her lap, fingers idly tracing the worn wood.

  “Tired,” she admits, voice low and even. “But I’ve gone longer.” She turns her head slightly, offering Greg a small smirk. “Didn’t have the heart to wake you. Figured you’d earned the rest.”

  She rolls one shoulder, stretching out the stiffness of the long night. “Nothing stirred too close. No signs of pursuit—either we lost them, or they’re waiting elsewhere.” She gestures to the others. “They needed the sleep too. But now that you’re up, we should start figuring out our next move.”

  She studies him a moment, then adds with a hint of dry humor, “Feeling well-rested, then?”

  I said:

  "Well as best rested one can wake up in the woods, I guess," as Greg stretches out the last kinks in his well-muscled back.

  "But sometimes I'm like a bear. Can sleep like I'm hibernating."

  Seeing her now strained eyes, Greg offers, "You should try and get a few hours in. I don't think we'll move out until the sun is higher anyways. And it will give the others (referring to the three who survived the caravan ambush) should more time to recover."

  "Don't you worry. Nothing will happen before you awaken next," here Greg is trying to assure he will keep a good eye on Vannis and no funny business will go on before she has her say.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna exhales through her nose, half amused, half relieved at Greg’s offer. “You’re full of surprises, Greg,” she mutters before rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

  She glances over at the others—Aren slumped against a tree, Trevor sprawled in the dirt, and Vannis still looking pale and worn, even in sleep. They all needed the rest.

  “Alright,” she relents, pushing herself to her feet with a small groan. “But if you hear anything that doesn’t sound like the usual forest noises, wake me up. No playing hero alone.”

  She gives him a pointed look, then moves to settle herself into a more comfortable spot, close enough to react quickly if needed. Within minutes, her breathing evens out, and she’s out like a candle.

  Now alone with his thoughts, the forest still and quiet around him, Greg begins his watch. The early morning air is cool, the scent of damp earth and pine filling his lungs. The fire had burned low to embers, offering just enough warmth against the chill.

  All seems peaceful—for now.

  I said:

  If allowed without blinding his Perception skill, Greg will use Spirit Seeker to attune with the nature as a way to help keep watch on their surroundings. Could this be done in a narrative sense without having to recast it over and over?

  ChatGPT said:

  That makes perfect sense! Spirit Seeker is more of a ritual ability, so in a narrative sense, Greg could perform a brief attunement with nature at the start of his watch, letting his instincts sharpen as he taps into the primal energy of the wilds. It wouldn’t require constant recasting—rather, it’s like tuning his senses into the environment, letting him feel subtle shifts in the natural order.

  As Greg settles into his watch, he closes his eyes for a moment, breathing deep, feeling the earth beneath him, the whispers of the trees, and the rhythm of the nocturnal life surrounding their hidden camp. It’s not quite speech, not something his mind fully comprehends in words, but more of an awareness—like a pulse running through the land.

  The usual sounds of the forest remain steady: the rustling of leaves in the breeze, the distant hoot of an owl, the faint scurrying of small creatures moving through the underbrush. Nothing yet feels out of place. But if something unnatural were to stir—if the stillness turned too still, if the scent of decay or ill intent tainted the air—he’d know.

  Greg keeps his axe close, his ears sharp, and his instincts open, letting the wild itself be his ally in keeping watch.

  I said:

  Greg will maintain this state for another four hours, the sun starting to rise high in the forest canopy before deciding it is time to awaken the rest of the party.

  That is unless Trevor, Aren, or Vannis wakes up beforehand. I'm just assuming they are "zonked out" until further notice.

  ChatGPT said:

  The camp remains quiet and still for the next several hours, save for the occasional shifting of the sleepers as they instinctively curl deeper into their cloaks for warmth. The cool morning air lingers in the shade of the trees, but the golden light filtering through the canopy signals the break of a new day.

  Trevor stirs first, groggily rubbing his eyes before sitting up with a faint groan. He glances toward Greg, nodding in acknowledgment but saying nothing yet as he stretches his sore limbs. Aren follows shortly after, blinking against the light before instinctively checking on Vannis, who—while still asleep—no longer looks as pale or deathly as he had the night before.

  It seems the others are still deeply exhausted, but at this point, Greg can tell it’s time to rouse them if they are to start discussing their next steps.

  I said:

  "Well good morning to you fine folks. A great start of the day if I say so myself." And Greg will go to wake up with Sienna a gentle nudge whispering, "They're up," as her eyes blink to.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna blinks a few times before exhaling slowly, shaking off the weight of sleep. She pushes herself upright, rolling a sore shoulder as she mutters, "Guess I was out longer than I meant to be." Her eyes scan the clearing, lingering for a moment on Vannis, who still rests but is visibly better than last night.

  Greg notices the tension in her body as she quickly reacclimates to the waking world. "Alright," she sighs, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Let’s see how our 'lord' is faring."

  Aren, crouched near Vannis, glances up. "His breathing’s steady. Still out, though. Probably just exhausted."

  Trevor stretches, cracking his back. "So, we planning our next move now, or waiting for him to wake up first?" He glances between Greg and Sienna, deferring to their judgment.

  I said:

  (Before we continue, can you as DM confirm status for the people here at this camp. Did we all - save for Sienna - finish a long rest, and she a short rest if that can recover some of her abilities?)

  ChatGPT said:

  Yes, here’s the current status for everyone at the camp:

  Greg, Aren, Trevor, and Vannis have all completed a long rest, meaning:

  HP is fully restored.

  Spell slots (for Aren, if applicable) and abilities that refresh on a long rest are restored.

  Greg’s Rages are fully replenished.

  Exhaustion (if any) is reduced by 1.

  Sienna only completed a short rest, meaning:

  She can roll Hit Dice to recover HP if needed.

  Any abilities that refresh on a short rest (such as some class abilities or features) are restored.

  Vannis’ condition:

  While he has benefited from the long rest, his exhaustion and physical weakness from captivity mean he won’t be at full strength immediately. He will still need time to fully recover his mobility and clarity of mind.

  If you want to double-check anything specific, let me know!

  I said:

  (Nope, this is good. Thank you for the update there.)

  "We should probably get him up. The lady here has some questions for him and I'm sure the two of you are eager to confirm your job detail," for a lack of better word there.

  "I myself have a couple things to ask but mine can wait till we are out of the thick of it.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor nods as he stretches out his stiff limbs. "Right, better get this over with while we’ve got a moment of peace."

  Aren kneels beside Vannis and gently shakes his shoulder. "My lord, time to wake up."

  Vannis stirs groggily, blinking against the morning light filtering through the trees. His voice is hoarse as he murmurs, "Still alive, then... That’s a welcome surprise." He slowly pushes himself upright, wincing slightly but otherwise holding himself together. His eyes scan the group, lingering on Sienna before settling on Greg. "I suppose I have you all to thank for that?"

  Sienna, now fully awake but visibly weary from her limited rest, crosses her arms. "You can start with explaining why those bandits went through the trouble of keeping you alive." Her tone is steady but firm, making it clear she expects a straight answer.

  Vannis sighs, rubbing his face before answering. "That’s the question, isn’t it? I don’t know the full answer, but I suspect it’s because I was worth more alive than dead." He glances at Aren and Trevor. "I wasn’t the only noble among the caravan’s passengers. The bandits may have intended to ransom me... or someone else had plans for me."

  His brow furrows, as if trying to piece together scattered memories. "I heard them talking sometimes. Something about a 'buyer'... but I never saw who."

  He looks between the party, waiting for their reactions.

  I said:

  "What's this about another merchant. One carrying a peculiar cargo." Greg poses this more as a statement of fact, rather than question.

  ChatGPT said:

  Vannis blinks at Greg, clearly taken aback. He exhales slowly, rubbing his temple as he tries to recall.

  "Yes… there was another merchant," he admits. "A man named Feldon Varro. He wasn't just another trader, though—he dealt in rare and exotic goods, the kind only the wealthiest could afford. He had a covered wagon, always locked, always guarded. I never saw what was inside, but he was protective of it… maybe too much so."

  Sienna narrows her eyes. "And what happened to him?"

  Vannis shakes his head. "I don’t know. He was alive when the attack started, but after that... I lost track. The bandits were focused on grabbing people and taking what they could carry. If they singled him out, I didn’t see it."

  He exhales. "But if they were willing to ransom me, then they might’ve had other plans for his cargo."

  Greg can tell that Vannis isn’t lying, but there’s still something nagging at the back of the noble’s mind—something he hasn’t quite put together yet.

  I said:

  "Did we see this wagon - or what was left of it - in the wreckage," Greg muses to Trevor, trying to think back on what left they had stumbled upon in the dark.

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor furrows his brow, thinking back. "We saw the remains of a couple wagons, yeah. Some were burned, others just torn apart. But… none of them stood out as being especially well-guarded or locked up. If this Feldon guy’s wagon was there, it was either completely destroyed or already moved."

  Sienna crosses her arms. "If it was carrying something valuable enough, the bandits—or someone else—could’ve taken it before we arrived."

  Vannis nods grimly. "That’s what I’m afraid of. Feldon kept to himself, but if his cargo was worth all this trouble, then it’s likely in the hands of someone much worse than common raiders." He glances at Greg. "And if that’s the case… we might have a much bigger problem on our hands."

  I said:

  "Well that's a problem for another day. We went through all this trouble for you. Trevor and Aren here are your guards. And Sienna there a ranger with a few questions for you that I think you'd ought to answer true for helping secure your freedom." Greg being rather blunt here.

  ChatGPT said:

  Vannis exhales sharply, rubbing the exhaustion from his face. “You’re right. I owe you all an explanation.” He looks toward Sienna, already expecting her scrutiny.

  Sienna’s gaze is sharp, unwavering. “Start with why you were taken alive. Everyone else in your caravan was butchered.”

  Vannis nods slowly, as if he had already turned this over in his head countless times. “I suspect they wanted me for leverage. I overheard some of them arguing over ransom—whether my family would pay for my return. But there was another reason, I think. I recognized one of them.” He frowns. “A former guard of mine. Davian Rell. I dismissed him months ago for theft.”

  Trevor crosses his arms. “So this was personal?”

  “Maybe at first,” Vannis admits. “But Davian wasn’t in charge. I think someone else wanted me alive—someone who wasn’t at the camp when you struck.” He glances between them. “That means we haven’t seen the last of this.”

  Greg, Sienna, and the others absorb the weight of his words. The bandits had a leader, and whoever they were, they were still out there.

  I said:

  "And?" Greg stares intently at Vannis, his gut telling him that was hardly the last of it.

  ChatGPT said:

  Vannis sighs, rubbing his temple as if trying to stave off a headache. “And… there was something else,” he admits reluctantly. “That other merchant—the one I mentioned—wasn’t just another trader. He was transporting something valuable, something important enough that those bandits were willing to risk an ambush on a heavily guarded caravan.”

  Sienna leans forward slightly. “What was he carrying?”

  Vannis hesitates, shifting uncomfortably. “I don’t know exactly. But I heard one of the bandits mention it—something called the ‘Veilshard.’” He shakes his head. “I’ve never heard of it before, but they were arguing about whether it had already been taken or if it was still hidden somewhere.”

  Greg can feel the weight of the words, the gut feeling that this is bigger than just some routine banditry. He exchanges a glance with Sienna, who looks equally troubled.

  Vannis exhales. “Look, I was just trying to get my goods safely to the next town. I never agreed to transport anything strange or dangerous. But whatever this thing is… the bandits wanted it badly.”

  Trevor folds his arms, expression serious. “Then someone else might still be looking for it.”

  Greg narrows his eyes. This was no longer just a matter of finishing a job. There was something deeper at play here. The question was—did they want to get involved?

  I said:

  Greg mulls over his options. "If we avoid the main path and cut through these woods, how long is it to the next town?"

  The half-orc blushes, quickly realizing the previous night's events have gotten him quite lost from his original path.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna smirks slightly at Greg’s moment of embarrassment but doesn’t comment on it. Instead, she glances at the sky, considering.

  “If we cut straight through the forest, avoiding the road, we could make it in about a day and a half. Maybe less if we push hard,” she estimates. “But it won’t be an easy path. Thick underbrush, uneven terrain, and who knows what else lurking out here. The safer route would be to circle back to the road, but that would add at least another half-day, assuming no trouble.”

  Vannis, still rubbing his wrists where the bindings had been, looks uncertain. “I’d rather not take any more risks than we have to. If those bandits realize I’m missing, they might send someone after us.”

  Trevor frowns. “Cutting through the woods might be our best bet, then. Harder for them to track us if we’re not on the main road.”

  Greg glances between them, weighing the choices. The direct path would be rough, but it might get them clear of danger faster. On the other hand, the road was predictable but left them more exposed.

  Sienna folds her arms. “Your call, Greg.”

  I said:

  "Is there anything else you need to know," Greg asks of Sienna before deciding on a course of action.

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna exhales slowly, giving Vannis a measured look. “Just one more thing.”

  She steps forward, lowering her voice slightly. “Vannis, did you know what was in that merchant’s cargo?”

  Vannis hesitates, his gaze shifting. “I was told it was delicate, expensive. That’s all.”

  Sienna narrows her eyes. “And you never thought to ask?”

  Vannis shakes his head. “I was hired to oversee the caravan, not to question what was in the wagons.” His tone is defensive, but Greg can tell there’s something more beneath the surface.

  Sienna watches him for a long moment, then clicks her tongue. “Fine. I’ll let it go—for now.” She looks back at Greg. “That’s all I needed. Your call on how we move.”

  I said:

  Greg takes note on Sienna's pointed questions about this mysterious cargo.

  "I hate to pry in other people's business. Mercs like myself tend to just do what is told for the coin in it. However you seem quite troubled over this."

  ChatGPT said:

  Sienna sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "It's not just about the cargo. It's about what it might mean. Bandits don’t usually risk that much just for gold. Something’s off about this whole thing."

  She looks at Greg, then at the others. "Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe it’s just a fancy shipment that someone with deeper pockets wanted. But if it’s something worse, I’d rather not walk away blind to it."

  She shakes her head. "Still, we have our job. Getting Vannis out was the priority. Where we go from here is up to you."

  I said:

  "Well hearing that lessens the burden I feel. If you'd still be willing to accompany us, could I ask you guide us to the town over ..." and Greg realizes he has no clue where they be traveling to and so asks.

  ChatGPT said:

  Vannis clears his throat, still a bit wary of Greg’s bluntness. “That would be Ormstead. A farming town a few days southeast of here.”

  Sienna nods, arms crossed. “I can get us there. It’ll be safer off the main road, at least until we’re sure no one is after him.” She gives Vannis a look before adding, “And maybe along the way, you’ll remember more about this mysterious cargo that got your caravan hit so hard.”

  Greg can tell she’s still suspicious, but for now, she’s at least willing to help them get to town.

  I said:

  "Good good," Greg mutters. "And we expect to be paid for our service. The rest of the coin the detail would have earned," he then retorts to Vannis, perhaps more hotly than he should have.

  Then the half-orc looks to Sienna, his cheeks a little pink hoping he didn't overstep with his forwardness.

  "And you better throw in a decent tip," hoping that would settle it.

  ChatGPT said:

  Vannis flinches slightly at Greg’s blunt demand but quickly regains his composure. He exhales through his nose and rubs his temples. “Yes, yes. You’ll get paid what was promised to my hired guards. And… considering you all saved my neck, I suppose a bonus is fair.” He eyes Greg warily before muttering, “Once we reach Ormstead, of course.”

  Sienna smirks at Greg’s confidence, clearly amused but saying nothing. Instead, she slings her bow over her shoulder and gestures toward the trees. “Then let’s get moving before you start charging him for every step we take.”

  I said:

  "Yes let's." Greg looks to either Trevor or Aren if they have anything to add (or ask).

  ChatGPT said:

  Trevor glances between Greg and Vannis, then shrugs. “Nah, I think you covered it. We get him to Ormstead, we get paid. That’s all that matters.”

  Aren, however, looks a bit more uncertain. He hesitates before speaking. “Just… what if the bandits are still out there? They could have split up to search for us after last night.” His grip tightens slightly on his sword. “We should stay sharp.”

  Greg nods at the concern but remains steadfast. “We’ll keep our heads on a swivel. If they do show up, they’ll regret it.”

  Sienna adjusts her quiver and starts leading the way. “Then stay close and quiet. We’ll take the forest route.”

  With that, the party sets off, moving deeper into the woods toward Ormstead.

  I said:

  "Then let's get to it." Greg declares as the party breaks camp, mostly rested for what this day brings.