In a tabletop a game a while ago I had a squirrel-kin warlock character that I liked a lot.  Sadly, the campaign didn't survive Covid.  I would love to bring back Borborybodboddynock.  Squirrel-kin is obviously not a players handbook race but it is about what you would think - a little guy that functions kind of like a halfling with some climbing abilities.  Think of a squirrel-person, bidpedal and around 3' tall.  The Bory is a warlock with quite a backstory.  

Woud this work?

The party spent a part of the morning discussing plans – some wanted a stealthy approach while at least one wanted a full frontal assault.  But whatever the method, all agreed that they needed to return to the Vargolg if there was to be any chance to rescue the missing twins.  That meant it was time to return to the Hreusen River.  Perhaps the fey Boris would be available, but perhaps not. 

               Hornet took the lead and led the group back through the forests dim light towards the river.  It was impossible to miss – if the party just went East they were assured of running into it eventually.  So even though it was impossible to perfectly follow their path from the night before the group easily found the river.  It took less than two hours to again hear water flowing.  The group moved quickly forward, hoping to see the new state of affairs.  But even before they reached the water the group was surprised when Hornet suddenly held up a fist to bring the group to a halt and call for silence.  Talking could be heard ahead – towards the river.  He wasn’t sure just what was speaking or what they were saying, but it was clear that something was ahead. 

               Again, urging the group to be silent, Hornet moved silently (he hoped!) forward a bit to the edge of the river.  Before he cleared the vegetation it was clear the voices were speaking common and were not goblin in nature.  He could make out words. 

               A female voice spoke quickly but excitedly, “There I was in the woods!  And approaching the river I met you.” 

               She didn’t get any further when a familiar voice interrupted the flow of words.   A voice that could belong to none other than Boris the Otter spoke in his usual rapid fire fashion, “of course!  Of course!  One must always be careful of mages; they always have surprising tricks that can do all sorts of interesting things.  Why, once Boris met one with these weird glasses who . . . well, never mind that, that mage isn’t here, but you are!  And such a you!  It was obvious you weren’t half, and no, I have never heard of a two-thirding but that meant you must be something else!  But I spotted it – the stick, you see, it is a give away for those who know what Boris knows.  And Boris has been to more places than just his river.  But this river is a good place and many people come to it!  Which they should since it is such a fine river!  Like my friends from yesterday who did me a good service – you will like them.  And I can say will, because they are right behind those bushes over there!”

               These words caught Hornet (and the others who had moved closer to listen) off guard and he started when the fey Otter added, “Come forward friends!  There are times to hide in the woods and fog, but the bright light of the morning is not such a time!  Come, come!”  As the group shuffled out into the little cleared area by the river’s edge, they saw Boris waving them forward.  In front of him stood a small, young lady.  She was just under 4’ tall, thin and with long blond hair that was tied up in a topknot.  She appeared very youthful and was dressed in colorful clothes – patches filling in where other colors faded, and tall leather boots covered her feet.  She held a long staff or stick that had a fork in one end and appeared to have a strap across it – almost like a slingshot.  She looked up with a smile at the large group that emerged from the woods.  Boris continued his monologue, “Come!  I would like to introduce you to . . . “and here he indicated the young female in front of him, “this!”  He proclaimed it almost triumphantly! 

**At this point the group will get to meet this new person.  Additional post coming.**

               Having met Boris’ companion the group quickly turned to the otter and asked about the events at the river the night before.  The fog had indeed been the gift of the otter as he said, “You had not managed a great entrance to the door, and it seemed a bit of concealment was called for.  No goblin can find their way in my fog!  And you, young lady,” he looked to Soledad, “your little lights sent them down river to deep water.  A simple thing, those lights, but quite effective when dealing with minds the size of a mussel shell!”  When asked about the events of the rest of the night and so far this morning he had some information.  He passed on the following bits of information:

*The vile creatures had returned to the Vargolg not long after the bush burned out.

*They appeared to have guards watching a bit higher on the ridge near the entrance to the gulley.  But what was going on in the gulley or caves?  He didn’t go there.

*There was much activity this morning as they spent a lot of time hauling dead bodies away.  (You did do something while you were up there, he noted!)  They seem to be taking them a little over a mile downriver – there they were hauling them about half-way up the ridge.  There is a ledge there.  If smells and smoke indicate anything – he believes they are making a huge pyre of the bodies.  When you look up you can see the black smoke curling skyward to the South.  He doesn’t know how many are there – some, they come and go carrying bodies.  Others gather wood.

*He knows of no second entrance to the Vargolg.  He doesn’t believe there is one. 

*There are a couple of goblins along the shore watching the ford – and those on the ridge (2?) likely can see the ford as well.

After a while he finishes with:

“Well, well, it seems I have repaid my debt and then some!  I showed you the location of what you sought and then repaid a rescue with a rescue!  Now you come seeking more information!  Boris knows how to give thanks and he has done so!  But ask much more and you will be in my debt!  A turn of events that would be!  It is good to clear the scales.  And cleared they have been!  But friends you remain.”  He answers your questions willingly enough but it is clear that he has no intention of entering the Vargolg or the Ridge in general. 

Overview

It is now a little before noon.  (You woke, talked, walked and then talked with Boris.)  The day is a little overcast, but no rain seems imminent.  You are approximately ¼ mile upstream (North) of the ford.  The burning is a bit over a mile South of the ford. 

I'd be willing to give it a shot.  A fantasy setting is always my go-to, but if others wanted I wouldn't be put off by sci-fi.

Yes, please put anything you want to do clearly in the post.  

OOC (Out of Character) does work to add "if this, then that" sort of additions to the post.

FYI - I'm getting one more thing figured out and then will post.  It will likely be on Saturday.

If anyone needs help leveling up please let me know.  

And Hammer is right - a marching order would be good. 

I should be updating soon so get any additions to the post going.  Right now it seems like you are headed to the river - be sure it is clear if you are headed to the ford or not.  And if not, upstream or downstream of it?  And if you are trying to find Boris is there anything you are doing to try and make it happen?  

I'm not sure I like that line.  It seems to imply that I'm Malfoy.  Hmmm.... Just look out for flying daggers.  

As for the rest of you - 4 posts up.  I need a few more - and a clear plan.  Posting "we need a plan" is all well and good but it doesn't give me much to work with unless you want me to post "the sun rises, the sun sets."  

As noted in the post -everyone can level up to 4th level.  I know some of you I have been helping with the character sheet and such so please let me know if you need some help working out any of there details.  4th level is a big jump as it gives everyone a +2 stat bump or the possibility of a feat if you prefer. If you don't know the details of the feats - just go with the stat bump as it is always a good choice.  

And that also means that you don't need to worry about your current hp - everyone got to max after the rest.

The party quickly moved away from the burning bush and into the darkness.  You moved swiftly while trying to remain silent, trusting to the Goliath's spell to cover your tracks.  In general you headed away from the river as it seemed the safest best to avoid acciedntally encountering those you had left behing.  

After fifteen minutes you halted breifly to allow for some quick introductions - both the dwarf Gerdar and the Goliath Uthal were unknown to any of the others in your band.  The halt also gave Dok a chance to repay his rescuers with a Prayer of healing which restored health to everyone in the party.  (+10 HP to all)   Uthal also cast a healing spell on Gerdar who had asked for it.  (+8 hp, so +18 total with both spells for Gerdar.)  With everyone a bit less injured the group pressed onward into the darkness eager to put more space between themselves and any potential pursuit.  They couldn't hear anything coming, but it remained a nervous march.

The woods were very dark and those without dark vision had to rely on their companions to keep moving quickly. But move you did until 45 minutes later when the Pass Without a Trace spell wore off.  You now lacked magical cover and would be much more easily spotted by things that go bump in the night, wether that was one of the goblins you fled or some new enemy lurking in the dark.  There did not seem to be a good resting spot nearby, but all agreed that one would be needed soon.  The party kept moving, but at a slower pace that would both allow more stealth and perhaps a chance to spot a cave or other defensible spot.  

About 20 minutes later you came across an area with a bunch of small hills and jumbled together rocks.  Everything was still covered the trees, of course, but here there were high places and, you hoped, the possibility of a cave or sheltered hidey-hole.  After searching in the dark for 15 minutes you failed to turn up a true cave, but you did find a nice spot in a jumble of boulders that offered protection and concealment.  It wasn't a cave, but it seemed likely to be the best you would find.  

With shelter having been procured you settled down to get a rest.  More than one party member sighed as the were finally able to rest their sore and injured bones on the ground.  The elves took turns standing guard as the others rested.  Several times throughout the night you heard the howl of wolves in the distance and once, while Thaoran was on guard, there was a loud crashing as something large and unconcerned about silence moved rapidly through the woods near the base of the rocks in which you hid.  But nothing bothered you and you were able to get a good rest.

In the morning the sun rose on a clear blue sky.  From your perch atop the rocks you could even see some of the sky, although it was obvious that conditions under the trees would be fairly dark again once you began to move.  But where to move to?  You had survived a much larger battle than you had bargained for and escaped the creatures of the Vargolg.  But the mission was not accomplished and the Malkin twins remained missing.  It was time to figure out a plan for the new day.

Overview

***First, you can level up to level 4!  

You are about 90 minutes march, maybe a bit less, west of the Hreusen River and the ford.  (No clear direction was indicated and there was some talk in the Q&A thread of sticking near the river, but as that seemed riskier and escape was the goal I had you keep going the way you were going.  The more specific you are, the more closely I can follow your directions.)  

A long rest gets everyone back to max hitpoints and all of their used spell slots back.  

It seems like you have an idea of what to do.  I need at least a couple of you to post so that I can get you to a resting spot and see what happens from there.  

Since you were talking about the geography - a bit of clarification.

The Hreusen River runs North-South through the land.  On the eastern side (the other side) the Blacktooth Ridge is a very rugged land the parallels the river, north to south.  On the side of the river you are on the Barren Wood stretches for many miles.  It is a forest.  (Think northern boreal forest.)  It has some small hills and such in it but is not a hill or a mountain - that sort of rugged terrain can be found on the ridge.  Right now you are headed directly away from the river - roughly speaking straight west.  None of you know of any caves in this area.  It is possible that there might be one, but also a good chance you wouldn't find one wandering in the night,  

Long rests (8 hours interupted- which usually means about 12 so that some people can  guard while others rest and everyone still manages 8 straight hours) will restore all hit points as well as used spell slots.  

The far side of the river felt much safer, but the group was not out of danger yet.  Two of the vicious humanoids still confronted them – out of the concealing fog and now screaming to attract the others.  Already the screams of the goblins had brought one of the gnolls.  Now the remaining goblin and gnoll raged at the party.  All in the party seemed to realize the danger.  In order to escape they needed the creatures to be silenced.  As a group they took aim at the noisemakers.

              Thaoran drew back his bow string and let loose – his arrow nailed the creature in the chest and buried itself to the fletching.  The creature staggered but did not have time to fall before Hornet had sent a bolt of his own into the creature’s bowls.  The creature collapsed to its knees while attempting to keep its life’s blood from flowing to the ground.  But it Gerdar didn’t give it the chance as he launched a javelin at the creature and took it full in the throat.  Pierced multiple times the hyena-like beast toppled to the ground in blessed silence.

              Soledad had been ready to hurl a firebolt at the gnoll, but seeing it fall she quickly redirected her fire at the last goblin.  The quick change of plans was not a good idea as she completely missed her target.  Instead, the bush next too it burst into flame and lit up the nighttime forest like a torch.  (Crit fail – natural roll of 1.)  The now brightly lit goblin was an easy target for the newcomer to the battle.  Uthal hurled an ice knife at the creature and hit it square in the chest.  The creature staggered from the initial blow.  Then the ice exploded, blasting the goblin and the gnolls corpse with jagged shards of ice.  Goblin chests were not built to withstand ice explosions from up-close and it was blasted backwards in a bloody heap. 

              All of the visible enemies were now gone – but the burning bush lit up the night like a beacon and was sure to draw the attention of any enemies still around.  And from the sounds that could be heard there were still quite a few out there.  Howls, yells, splashing and screaming could all be heard out on the river and some of it seemed to be headed in the direction of the party.  As Dok cast a cure wounds spell on Silver (+7hp) the party quickly slipped backwards into the forest and out of the light.  As a group they moved quickly away from the river and the light, hopeful that their new, strange friend’s spell would cover them. 

The woods around them rapidly got darker and darker. For a little while they could make out the light of the burning bush, but then that was swallowed by the trees.  For a bit longer they could still hear the shouting, but that was also soon lost in the silence of the night.  It wasn’t far before they found themselves moving through the dark and the silence with no noticeable sign of being followed.  They kept moving.

Overview

Congratulations – you seem to have finally escaped the great battle of the Vargolg.  Pass Without a Trace makes you impossible track – so having escaped the visual contact of the enemy they can’t follow you.  As you left the river side you did have the sense that they were looking around in the area of the burning bush.  But you are gone.

              The next post needs to address how far you want to go, what you do when you get “there” and anything else you are up to.  The spell lasts for up to 1 hour.  You can’t be tracked and get +10 to any stealth checks.  So where do you go and what do you do?  Assuming you take a rest of some sort you could also consider what you do after that.  (Assuming nothing happens while you rest.) 

Everyone has posted so I will have an update up soon.

It isn't dead yet!

Sadly, the Inn is not as active as it has been in the past.  However, it is not dead.  The Blacktooth Ridge is a D&D game that is alive and kicking.  We don't need another player, but could squeeze one in if needed.  

Still looking for Silver and Dok. 

The group saw the three goblins in the river as the large newcomer revived Dok.  Members of the party were unsure exactly how to respond.  Some started to ask questions.  Others were immediately ready to follow.  The first to act was Hornet who sent a bolt straight at one of the goblin archers.  It took the creature in midscream and silenced it.  The creature staggered backward, clutching the arrow in its throat as it disappeared back into the fog. 

               Gerdar stepped forward a few steps and swung his axe at the sword wielding goblin in front.  The axe slammed into the creature’s rib cage and flung it like a rag doll to the side.  Technically it wasn’t in two pieces, but the pieces were no longer connected the way they were supposed to be.  It landed with a splash in the water and didn’t move.  The dwarf then retreated with the rest of the party.

               As the remaining goblin howled in anger Uthal cast Pass Without Trace on the party.  Even as he was casting it Dok was already sprinting towards the woods.  Uthal followed the hurrying dwarf and led the group directly away from the river.  

               You hadn’t gone more than 5’ when suddenly the fog around you simply disappeared.  It didn’t fade out, it was simply gone.  Spinning around and afraid that the fog that gave you cover was all gone you realized that an incredibly thick wall of fog still coated the river.  It appeared to stretch some distance both down and upstream, but you can’t tell how far – the forest blocks your vision.  The fog came about 10’ onto the riverbank and then . . . stopped.  Around you the forest is dark.  It is nighttime and through the leaves above you can barely make out the light of a crescent moon.  Out on the prairie perhaps it would be fairly easy to see, but in a woods as dense as the Barren Woods, little light shines through and those without dark vision are nearly blind. 

               Goblins, however, do have night vision and the goblin archer from the river chased after the group, never losing sight of them.  He fired an arrow as he ran, barely missing Gerdar who remained in the back.  As the group retreated you see a gnoll burst through the wall of fog by the river, drawn by the goblin’s screams.  He appears to be one of those who had earlier taken a nap courtesy of Soledad as the group can still see one of Hornet’s bolts and one of Thaoran’s arrows sticking out of the creature.  Drawn by the screaming goblin it spied the party and howled.

               In the darkness as the group moved back from the river Soledad feels her Dancing Lights spell go *pop* as she exceeds the spells range and the incantation collapses.  The little sound in her head is accentuated by loud screams from the river. 

Overview.

You are now 25-35’ back from the river.  About 10’ back of the party are both the gnoll and the goblin.  Please be aware that Pass Without a Trace makes you impossible to track.  But someone who can see you does not need to track you.  It gives you +10 to stealth checks, but it is very hard for a group of 7 to get stealthy on someone that can see you.  Back in the river there continues to be a lot of noise.

I echo that happy new year to all! 

Jim - what does "this way" mean to you?  

Up stream- back the way you came?

Down stream - Southward further down the river?

Striaght back - Directly into the woods? 

Or perhaps some variations therin?  Also, if you are staying along the river - how close to the edge?  The closer you are the easier it is to keep track of and to see the other side.  But it is also easier to be seen.  Pass without a trace makes you untrackable.  It gives huge benefits to stealth, but does not make people invisible.

To the rest of you - if you follow Uthal are you making any attempt at stealth?  Stealth slows you down, but obviously make syou harder to spot.  The spell provides a +10 to stealth which makes you very stealthy but a dwarf in plate can still make some noise and trip.  

Yes, you have what you need to cast spells unless there is something exotic in the requirement.  

Some general info about your surroundings right now - behind you is the the woods.  They stretch on for many, many, many miles.  The Hruesen river runs North to South (flow is southward).  The Blacktooth Ridge (and thus the Vargolg) is on the Eastern shore.  You just crossed over to the Western shore.  In most places the river is about 60' or so across and fairly deep - just not at the ford you just crossed.  The village of Botkinburg is a day and a half north of you on the western shore.  

The party came down stream on the eastern shore - the side the Vargolg is on.  Thus nobody in the original party knows much about what is on this side (meaning the western shore you are on.) of the river.  You know the woods stretches for miles.  You know that about 8-10 hours travel North you will get to the bridge you originally used to cross the river.  From that bridge a road did go South on the western shore, but it turned into the woods and did not stick with the river.  You never saw evidence of any type of path on the far side of the river as you came South.  All you know is that the barren woods strech out beyond the river.  

Gerdar - You traveled northward along the eastern side of the river (Again, the side the Vargolg is on.).  That side was very rough and rugged.  You have not been on the western shore where you now find yourself.  You know nothing of the woods over here beyond the name "the barren woods."

Uthal - Your original journey southward was on the Eastern shore of the river - along the ridge.  But you crossed over to the Western shore at the bridge mentioned above.  That means you did travel southward along the river on the side the group now finds itself on.  There was no road or easy path.  You did find animal paths here and there and quite possibly some paths used by humanoids like the goblins and others the group was fighting.  But there was no clear path leaving the ford.  However, you could lead them back up stream the way you came reasonably easily.  Going South or straight back into the woods are directions you have not been before, but based on your prior experiences you don't see any reason you couldn't move through the woods. 

Overall the woods are passable - but not quickly.

One more wrinkle.  You got to the Vargolg at sundown.  You tried to smoke them out for about 20 minutes and have then been engaged in a battle for a bit.  It is now dark.  Although it rained a lot last night, the sky is now clear and therer is a crescent moon which provides some light.  But the woods are very dark.  Visibility is a bit easier staying near the river, but of course that works for or against you.  Many of you have dark vision, but I'm not sure everyone does.

Dok - I don't know off hand what spells you have used.  You would probably need to go back and double check your old posts.  I will try to do so, but haven't had time just yet.  

I will look at trying to do a picture, but the site that allowed that went down awhile ago so I'm not sure how much luck I will have.  Assume it won't happen and celebrate if it does.

The group on the shore was surprised to see the newcomer but all seemed willing to take his offer of help for what it was.  After the long battle in the gulley, they could just hope his offer was honest as they had little fight left in them.  Hauling Dok onto the shore Silver and Hornet lay him down. 

               The newcomer crouched down and lay his hands on the fallen dwarf and cast cure wounds on him.  Under his ministrations the dwarf stirred and opened his eyes – surprised to be waking at all.  But the dwarf seemed to grasp the situation and quickly rummaged in his pack and grabbed a potion of healing.  He quickly guzzled the potion and got to his feet.  (Between spell and potion, new HP total:  11)  Soledad and Uthal stood and looked towards the river and fog.

               Further into the river Tharoan paused his retreat long enough to send an arrow flashing back towards the goblin he saw engaged with Gerdar.  His arrow flew at the goblin but failed to hit and flashed on into the fog.  Thaoran didn’t stick around but continued to retreat.  Gerdar did the same, disengaging again from his opponent and moving backwards.  First the elf and then the dwarf reached the edge of the river where they found the rest of the party and a tall stranger awaiting them.  They stepped onto the bank as the fog swirled. 

               The goblin that had attacked Gerdar as he retreated across the river charged after him out of the fog but pulled up short, surprised to see 7 opponents standing on the shore.  He stopped 5’ away and screamed – in rage, fear or hunger nobody could tell.  First one, then another, goblin archer followed the first out of the fog.  Like the first, they too seemed stunned to find a large group standing there, but instead of freezing they quickly fired arrows.  The first flew towards Gerdar but instead found purchase in a nearby tree.  The other drew and fired so quickly nobody could be sure where he had intended to aim it, but it seemed unlikely it went where intended.  The shaft struck the leading goblin a glancing blow in the back of the shoulder before flying off into the fog.  The struck goblin staggered forward and looked backward with a glare.  (Don’t role a natural 1!)

               For now, that was all that appeared from the fog but everyone in the group knew that more creatures ere out there.  They could hear howling, yelling and splashing coming from the fog.  Soledad held here dancing lights spell but couldn’t move it any further down stream without getting out of range. 

Overview

The whole group is on shore but within about 5’ or so of the edge of the river.  Everyone is now up and standing.

5’ away stands one screaming goblin with a sword.

10’ away are two goblin archers.

There are an unknown number of enemies still in the river. 

Behind You

Behind you are the woods.  It is hard to tell if there is any path at all on this side of the ford.  Maybe, but maybe not.  In the fog nothing is obvious. 

Hammer - if you are around to post soon, with a bit of healing Dok can get up and act on his own now.  I'll hopefully be upsating soon.

Dragon-Soul:  There is no need to worry about an attack of opportunity at the moment.  Those are only an issue if you are actively engaged in melee.  You are not at the moment.  So no problem. 

Also, don't forget that you get an action and movement.  If you are onlyu going to take a normal movement (30') you could also take an action.  For example, you could shoot your bow at the goblin, then move 30'.  The only way you don't get an action is if you use your action to dash.  (In which case, I guess you still got an action - it was the dash.)

Take care of your health.  I'll run Gerdar if need be for the duration of this situation.  Then he can go on standby as needed.  You are welcome to jump back in whenever possible.  Or simply to never leave if you can manage it.  But here's hoping everything works out. 

Gerdar disengaged from the goblin in front of him and with a slight stumble on the river stones under his feet he retreated into the fog.  He figured they would follow him and kept his axe up and ready.  The same goblin that had attacked him continued to move up on him and appeared out of the fog and swung his sword at him.  Again, it missed.  The archer he had hoped to leave behind also reappeared, but this time he did not simply stop and stare but loosed an arrow that flew past the dwarf and continued into the fog.  Another goblin also appeared with bow in hand but seemed surprised to see the dwarf. 

Thaoran also continued to move quickly towards the far shore.  Fog swirled around him as he moved.  He could hear noises behind him, but in the fog it was hard to tell what was what.  As he moved he saw the new dwarf appear out of the fog behind him – and continue to be engaged with another goblin.  That was the only creature Thaoran could see, but an arrow flew out of the mist and passed the dwarf.  But the elf could not see the archer. 

The trio of Hornet, Silver and Soledad had the unconscious Dok with them and moved as quickly as they could towards the shore.  After only a few feet the shore appeared out of the fog in front of them and, breathing a sigh of relief while hoping that it’s shores would offer some safety, they moved towards it.  As they approached the shore, they stopped short when a shape stood up in front of them on the shore.  At first all they could see was that it was enormous – perhaps 8’ of humanoid causing all of them to catch their breath. 

But as it emerged from the fog, they heard it whisper, “Psst, do you need help?  Come this way!”  He seemed to wave them ashore.  Now they could see that he was a very pale skinned looking person – not a bugbear or any such creature.  But he was very pale skinned and had silver hair.  He gestured with a quarterstaff that he gave the impression of knowing how to use.  The group stared at the newcomer.  He wears clothes hand crafted from animal skins and a necklace of some sort of teeth.  The pale skin that caught your attention is covered with tattoos - lines on his face and arms.  

Behind them they heard more noise in the fog.  Yells and howls could be heard as well as splashes.  But in the fog, it seemed to come from every direction at once.  Out of the fog an arrow suddenly flew – just barely missing Hornet’s head.  Was it aimed?  Was it just a wild shot in the fog?  They had no way of knowing. 

Overview

At the far shore – with feet still wet.  – Hornet and Silver with Dok.  Soledad.

75’into the river – Thaoran

70’ in to the river – Gerdar and two goblins

               In melee with one – the other is actually 10’ back

20’ into the river – approximate location of the dancing lights – a bit downstream.

               Soledad is still able to hold her spell – for about another 30’ or so, maybe less if she keeps them moving downstream. 

You have no knowledge of anything 10’ beyond Gerdar – just noise. 

The fog swirled around the party as everyone ran for the river.  They had abandoned the gulley and the retreat was on.  Silver and Hornet continued to haul the unconscious Dok across the river.  It was treacherous movement and they went as fast as they could.  All they cold see around them was fog.  They knew they had to be nearing the other side of the river but weren’t there yet.  Behind them things were eerily quiet.  It was a white and misty world.

Thaoran kept his illusion near the dancing lights hoping it would lure the goblins away.  But he also needed to continue his retreat.  He held it as long as he could – well past the time he could see the shapes himself in the fog – and then let them disappear as if the group was fading into the mist.  He moved backwards in the fog 30’. His partner in magical misdirection had the advantage of a spell with a longer range and so Soledad took off at a dash across the water.  Dashing in water wasn’t easy, but neither was getting flayed by goblins, and she had every intention of making sure she had a chance to return and be the one doing the flaying.  She ran.   She caught up with Hornet and Silver.

And as it had previously, that left Gerdar as the rear guard.  He was confronted by the two goblins in front of him and he knew numerous others were just a little mist away.  He disengaged from his opponents and backed up further into the river.  He saw Soledad’s dancing lights as he moved and was temporarily uncertain of what he was seeing, but as they were moving away from him, he was content to ignore them himself. 

The goblins followed Gerdar and he heard a great deal of splashing behind them.  One of them charged the dwarf and struck at him with his blade.   But, still affected by the dwarf’s bane spell, his attack was easily parried by the dwarf.  The other one also followed but paused about 10’ away to look at the lights, clearly confused about what was there.  Suddenly the creature screamed as something grabbed it and dragged it back into the fog.  At that distance Gerdar had no idea what had happened to the goblin, but he heard the scream followed by a splash and a gurgle.  Whatever had happened, the goblin was no longer threatening him. 

Towards the shore he had just left the dwarf could hear a lot of noise, but it was hard to tell what much of it meant.  He heard yelling and snarls.  Lots of splashing.  A scream.  He saw a several shapes in the mist.  A couple seemed to look to the lights and move that way.  One ran out of the fog and stood a mere 10’ away with his bow at the ready.  (But unable to shoot this turn.) 

Overview

75’ in to the river – Hornet and Silver with Dok.  Soledad.

45’ – Thaoran

40’ in to the river – Gerdar and two goblins

               In melee with one – the other is actually 10’ back

20’ into the river – approximate location of the dancing lights – a bit downstream.

Anything 30’ or closer to the shore you left is invisible to anyone in the group – the fog.

I am about to post, but if anyone sees this and wants to clarify please do so quickly.  Also, just note the kinds of things that leave me wondering exactly what the plan is.

Soledad - I'm assuming that "move as fast as I can" means use your action to dash and move 60' total.  Dancing Lights has a 120' range.  No Problem.

Thaoran - Moving 30' only as stated.  Note that minor illusion only has a 30' range - and you are a bit away from it already.  So it will disappear into the fog when you move.

Gerdar - I really don't know what you are doing.  No attack listed.  You could have attacked and then moved 25'.  With no attack listed I'm inclined to think this is a dash of 50'.  (dwarves have little legs and move 25' not 30')  But you don't say dash so it could be just 25'.  But if everyone is dashing that doesn't make much sense.  At least to me. You are in melee so the two goblins will get attacks of opportunity if you leave.  You do say "backed up to them."  So on further review that isn't a dash.  So maybe use the disengage to not provoke the attack of opportunity?

If any of you are ever unsure of the mechanics and need help figuring out what you can do I'm happy to help.  I just don't want to make decisions for you if at all possible.