DnD 5e: My mouth is dry...

[EspressoPatronum]

"Say, friends, how about we help that guy out? He seems in over his head.

I can try to get everyone's attention if one of you wants to take the lead on negotiations. How about we offer to investigate the river for him?"

*Starts to approach the group of people*

[EspressoPatronum]

"Hi, Bobert. I'm River Clearwater"...

Shakes Bob's hand then gestures to the rest of the party.

"...and that's Virgil, Vekna, Corin, and Savionne. We'll get you answers to this mess. Before we head out though, what are the good people of Thode paying for the solution to this problem?

[EspressoPatronum]

"Now that you mention it, Bob, that is pretty strange. Hold off on mustering any finances from Thode until we're back. I'll talk with my colleagues to see if they know any details about Cobble's payment."

"Good thinking, Virgil! Perhaps we could track down the people who left before."

Looks over to Corrin.

"You seem like the outdoors type. Are you familiar with tracking and whatnot, Corrin? I'm afraid the extent of my investigative abilities is limited to people and their behaviour, so I won't be much help on this part."

[EspressoPatronum]

"And may the Mother of Waters bless you. Stay safe, Bob."

I'll head out with the group and idly chat with them on the walk. I'll keep an eye out for anything of note on our walk.

[EspressoPatronum]

As far as tactics go, how about we try keeping Vekna and I up front? Vekna has that sturdy dwarf look to him, and as for me ...

I lightly bang my shield and armour.

These should weather the storm.

[EspressoPatronum]

"I'm not well suited to move boulders, unfortunately. I'll also keep watch while Vekna clears the rocks."

"Good call, Savionne. Maybe we can lay an ambush for whoever comes to check on the dam once the river starts flowing again."

[EspressoPatronum]

"

I'll leave the traps to the more... 'subtle' folk in the group. I'll take a look around for any defensible positions.

Great job on the dam, Vekna!

"

[EspressoPatronum]

"Circle up, lads. This is about to get ugly!"

[EspressoPatronum]

"

Mother of Waters, please grant my allies your blessing.

"

*A small wave of holy energy flows from River through Vekna, Corrin, and Virgil. It feels refreshing, almost like having a mug of cold ale on a warm summer day.*

"

Focus fire on the magic user - it's buffing the frog people. If its spells are anything like mine, it'll have to keep focus to maintain those vines."

[EspressoPatronum]

"That's healing

lady

to you, Virgil."

"The Mother of Waters grants me limited blessings each day, so I will only call on her divine healing if the battle is looking dire. How about we rest here for an hour instead? That should be enough time for me to apply some bandages while you, Vekna, and the Fishman rest."

[EspressoPatronum]

"

Mayhaps we should relocate in case the ones who ran away bring reinforcements.

"

[EspressoPatronum]

River nods and gets ready to head out with the group.