“Shall we go to one of the ravines, my friends, at least until the snowstorm passes?” Thoroncir asks.
“Yeah, I think taking shelter and waiting out the storm is our best option. It does increase the risk of being found by the Drake, but it’s better than encountering the Drake in the middle of the storm, where it’ll have all the advantage.”
(Oh, and Bitur has Absorb Elements, which works well for reducing elemental attacks, but it’s only available as a reaction cast on self, so it doesn’t help anyone else. And the second part of the spell–i.e. the retribution aspect–isn’t all that useful since most creatures that have elemental attacks are immune to those attacks.)
Sounds good to me. Let’s get to shelter!
Once the party is in a wooded ravine, Ghan can cast various spells to help cope with the storm:
- Speak with Plants and ask nearby trees to combine their branches thus forming a shelter
- Plant Growth to fill in gaps between branches so we are well protected from snowfall
- Druidcraft to light a small campfire (provided the party think it is safe and won’t attract attention)
Also note I can cast Leomund’s Tiny Hut straight out of my spellbook (I believe), which will pretty much eliminate the chance for an ambush.
It is a tiny hut, it won’t accomodate the whole party. Only a 10’ radius dome.
Nine creatures of Medium size or smaller can fit inside the dome with you. The spell fails if its area includes a larger creature or more than nine creatures.
As long as Gwaelur gets at least a short rest he can take up watch outside the hut.
The horses would be incredibly vulnerable with the party hiding in the hut. Pretty much write some off if the drake attacks.
Well in that case let’s make sure Gwaelur gets his rest no matter what.
And maybe he sleeps with his big axe handy.
In the ravine, and with Ghan’s spells helping keep us and the animals from getting too covered in snow, we’re likely about as well-protected as we’re going to get. And, now that we know about the drake, and its characteristics, we know what, in particular, to be on the watch for. I do imagine it’ll be a fitful night, regardless.
“I suggest having two people on watch at all times. If possible, one should be an Elf or Dwarf, as they have better vision at night than humans or I.”
Gilraen has vision equal to a normal Dwarf at night, a benefit of basically being a half-elf. In her cloak she won’t be cold. With the ancient Rod of Kanotir she stay alert for the night and then sleep in her magic saddle on Kali, a descendant of Shadowfax himself. So she will watch all night as will Grávund of course. So that gives us two pairs of eyes with 60’ darkvision all night.
Of the other 7 members, lets decide how to divide up 12 hours of rest.
Gwaelur & Hejren both have 120’ of Darkvision and Bitur & Ghan have 60’.
Gwaelur only needs a short rest before any further action unless he has already gotten a short rest. He’s up for the watch after that.
If Gilraen is sure she’s up to that, how about:
Gilraen and Gravund - on watch all night
Ghan and Felareth - 8-10pm
Gwaelur - 10-midnight
Ceol - midnight-2am
Bitur - 2am to 4am
Thoroncir - 4am to 6am
Hejren - 6am to 8am
This allows Ghan, Felareth and Hejren, our magic-users, a full night’s uninterrupted sleep (unless we’re attacked, of course).
Suggested changes welcomed.
That plan works for me.
The watch schedule looks good to me – thank you, @Elendil_s_Heir!
Thanks Elendil_s_Heir* - I should add that if Ghan can meditate, he only needs half the usual rest time.
Also Ghan can have his Wolf and Wardog on guard with him.
*I’m sure I’ve heard that name somewhere… 
That’s fine by me. I may not see very well in the dark, but I still have ears.
It is 1am and the night is unpleasant. It is chilly and damp. But so far nothing but occasional flurries and the temperature is still hovering just above freezing. Gilraen , Gravund & Ceol are on watch. His warhorse Leofwin is also up and also has dark vision.
Gravund with his badger spirit senses a disturbance nearby just before the party can be surprised. Tunneling out of the side of the ravine is a pale warmish drake with eyes that reflect yellow in the firelight and nasty looking claws and horns. It appears to have an icy beard. Gravund bellows loudly, awakening the party.
The Drake is only 30’ away. Initiative ties are resolved by Initiative bonus.
| Character | AC | dv | Initiative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilraen Telcontar | 16** | 60’ | 23 |
| Ghân-buri-Ghân | 20 | 60’ | 22 |
| Felareth Took | 17 | 0 | 18 |
| Bitur son of Bofur | 18/21 | 60’ | 15.2 |
| Drake | 15 | ||
| Thoroncir | 17/20 | 0 | 14 |
| Gwaelur | 19/23 | 120’ | 8 |
| Ceol | 17 | 0 | 8 |
| Hejren | 14/17* | 120’ | 6 |
Gilraen immediately starts singing her Estë Prayer song giving the party a +d4 on to hits & saves. She also pulls out her bauble, but almost no light from it yet.