A Hero’s Welcome and a New Quest

Our latest session of Voxels & Valor began with the party returning to Phandalin after their victorious battle at Cragmaw Castle. The adventurers had defeated King Grol and his minions, rescued their patron Gundren Rockseeker, and even freed a captive owlbear. Their return to Phandalin was met with a hero’s welcome, complete with celebrations and tales of their bravery.

After a well-deserved rest at the Stonehill Inn, the party gathered for breakfast, where Gundren Rockseeker awaited them. Gundren, grateful for his rescue, revealed the importance of the map to Wave Echo Cave. He offered the party a substantial reward: a 10% share of the mine’s profits if they could rescue his brothers and secure the mine. With the promise of riches and the thrill of adventure, the party set out for Wave Echo Cave.

The Journey to Wave Echo Cave

The journey to Wave Echo Cave was fraught with challenges. The party navigated difficult terrain and cold weather, making their way through the foothills and snow-covered peaks. Along the way, they encountered various obstacles, but their determination and teamwork saw them through.

One memorable moment was when Yatendouji rolled a natural 20 on his perception check, spotting a hidden compartment in a mattress that contained the map to Wave Echo Cave and several valuable items. This discovery set the stage for their next adventure.

Discovering the Cave Entrance

Upon reaching the location of Wave Echo Cave, the party faced the challenge of finding the hidden entrance. The cave was concealed by transmutation magic, making it difficult to locate. However, with their combined skills and a bit of luck, they managed to uncover the entrance.

Inside the cave, they found a large cavern supported by natural pillars of rock. The cavern was filled with stalagmites and various supplies left by previous explorers. As they explored further, they discovered the body of one of Gundren’s brothers, identified by a signet ring bearing the Rockseeker family crest.

Exploring the Depths of Wave Echo Cave

The party’s exploration of Wave Echo Cave was filled with tension and excitement. They navigated through the dark, winding passages, encountering various threats and traps along the way. Their journey was marked by several notable encounters and battles.

Encounter with Giant Spiders and Sturges

One of the first major encounters in the cave was with a group of giant spiders and Sturges. The battle was intense, with the party using their skills and abilities to overcome the threats.

• Yami’s Fireball: Yami cast a powerful Fireball spell, which exploded in the middle of the room, eliminating many of the enemies in a single blast. The spell’s impact was devastating, turning the tide of the battle in the party’s favor.
• Zend’s Melee Attacks: Zend showcased his impressive melee skills, including a critical hit that split a spider in half. His attacks were precise and deadly, contributing significantly to the party’s victory.
• Akkira’s Firebolt: Akkira’s precise Firebolt attacks were instrumental in taking down the remaining enemies. Her spellcasting prowess added a crucial element to the party’s combat strategy.

Navigating Traps and Hidden Dangers

As they delved deeper into the cave, the party encountered various traps and hidden dangers. Their keen senses and quick thinking allowed them to avoid or disarm many of these threats, ensuring their continued progress.

One particularly tense moment occurred when the party had to navigate a collapsed section of the cave. The floor had given way, creating a 20-foot drop into a lower level. With careful planning and teamwork, they managed to descend safely and continue their exploration.

A Moment of Compassion

In a surprising turn of events, the party decided to spare the owlbear they had encountered earlier. This act of compassion highlighted their commitment to protecting all creatures, not just those who could help them in battle. Gundren and the townsfolk of Phandalin were impressed by the party’s bravery and kindness, further solidifying their reputation as heroes.

Celebrations and Rest

The session concluded with the party returning to Phandalin, where they were greeted with celebrations and gratitude. The townsfolk celebrated their return, and the party enjoyed a well-deserved rest at the Stonehill Inn. Drinks flowed freely, and the adventurers shared tales of their exploits, basking in the glory of their hard-fought victories.

One of the highlights of the evening was an impromptu arm-wrestling contest between Zend and a local strongman. Zend’s natural 20 on his strength check ensured his victory, much to the delight of the cheering crowd. The party’s camaraderie and sense of humor were on full display as they recounted their adventures, with each member adding their unique perspective to the story.

Looking Ahead

As the session came to a close, the party looked forward to their next adventure. With one of Gundren’s brothers found and the map to Wave Echo Cave in their possession, they were ready to continue their quest to secure the mine and rescue the remaining brother.

The journey ahead promised more challenges and excitement, but the party’s determination and teamwork would see them through. Their adventures in Wave Echo Cave were far from over, and the promise of riches and glory awaited them.