[CLOSED] The Mountain & the Frost, a 5e One-Shot Adventure for 5th Level Characters

[Drew]

NOTICE

I am looking for a group of 3 to 4 players. If I cannot get the minimum 3 players, I will not run this game. Full disclosure: applicants who are not already playing in another game will be chosen before applicants who are already in an active game.

Adventure Setup

The party has traveled from the bustling city of Mulptan to the remote, snowbound village of Nathoud. The sun dips below the jagged peaks of the distant mountains, casting long shadows across the icy landscape as the biting wind grows colder. The first thing that catches their attention is a gruesome yet impressive sight: the severed head of a frost salamander mounted prominently on the wooden gates of the settlement, its icy teeth gleaming in the fading light.

If the party inquires about the monstrous trophy, the villagers are eager to share its story. "Kalathos, our town's powerful wizard, defeated the beast single-handedly!" one says with pride. "It had been terrorizing Nathoud for months, but Kalathos struck it down and saved us all!" Their admiration for the wizard is palpable, and the conversation soon shifts to an exciting new development in the village.

Posters advertising a quest are plastered across the settlement, each promising an enticing reward:
"Join me, adventurers, on this quest, and claim a magical item of your choice from my wizard tower! Together, we will unlock a sealed gate in the mountains! Meet me at the inn tonight! – Kalathos"

The streets buzz with activity as townsfolk and travelers alike discuss the quest. Groups of adventurers and rugged individuals gather in clusters, speculating about the treasures Kalathos might offer. Whispers of powerful artifacts and enchanted relics fill the chilly air, adding to the growing excitement. Many villagers, even those not planning to join the expedition, make their way to the inn, eager to hear more from the celebrated wizard.

As the party follows the crowd, they find the inn already bustling with activity. Adventurers, traders, and curious locals pack the space, their voices blending into a cacophony of excitement and anticipation. Strong-looking individuals sharpen weapons or share stories of past exploits, while others simply drink and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The wizard, however, is conspicuously absent.

An hour passes before the old bartender, a wiry man with a gruff demeanor, climbs atop the bar and claps his hands for attention. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announces in a voice that suddenly grows deeper and smoother, "someone wishes to speak with you about an adventure."

As he speaks, his form begins to shimmer and shift. The crowd gasps and cheers as the bartender transforms into a middle-aged man draped in a cloak adorned with mysterious symbols, wielding a gnarled wooden staff topped with a glowing red gem. The man's piercing eyes and commanding presence immediately quiet the room.

"Welcome, adventurers," Kalathos begins, his voice carrying an air of authority tempered by warmth. "This evening, I present to you a special opportunity - an adventure that even I cannot undertake alone. Hidden deep within the frozen mountains lies a sealed gate, and beyond it, knowledge that has been lost to time. Together, we will unlock its secrets."

The room is silent as he continues, his words weaving a spell of intrigue. "As promised, if you join me and survive the trials ahead, you may choose any magical item from my collection as your reward - even this staff, should you desire it." He lifts the staff, its gem pulsing faintly with power. "But prepare well. The journey will be long, the cold merciless, and the challenges great. If your group is ready, meet me here tomorrow at noon. Until then, enjoy your drinks!"

With a flourish, Kalathos transforms back into the bartender, and the crowd bursts into cheers as their drinks magically refill. Laughter and revelry fill the inn once more, but a new undercurrent of determination flows through the room as adventurers ready themselves for the trials to come.

How to Apply

If you're interested, feel free to make a character. Use a 27 point-buy.
All abilities start at 8.
You can increase abilities by "buying" points:
9: 1 point
10: 2 points
11: 3 points
12: 4 points
13: 5 points
14: 7 points
15: 9 points
You cannot raise an ability score above 15 using point buy (though racial bonuses may increase scores above 15).

Level-up HP will be rolled.

Starting wealth will be 500 gold pieces, plus normal starting equipment from your class and background. With these funds, you may purchase either 1 magic item or as many spell scrolls as you can afford. The remainder must be kept or spent on mundane items and gear. Find prices here.

All WoTC material is allowed.

Use a Tangled Web character sheet, please.

Player	Character	Status
Aburness	Elrohir (Grifen)	Complete.
southeast	Aelinoria	Complete.
Luopo	Jackson Ryder	Complete.

[southeast]

Will work on a character! Thinking maybe a wizard.

Question: Can we use starting gold to purchase additional spells? If so would it be based off the cost of a spell scroll?

[Drew]

Can we use starting gold to purchase additional spells? If so would it be based off the cost of a spell scroll?

southeast With your starting funds, you may purchase either 1 magic item or as many spell scrolls as you can afford. The remainder must be kept or spent on mundane items and gear. You buy the spell scrolls prior to beginning the game, then you can make the Arcana checks at 50gp per attempt once play has begun.
It's important that you understand that I am looking for a group of 3 to 4 players. If I cannot get the minimum 3 players, I will not run this game. Full disclosure: applicants who are not already playing in another game will be chosen before applicants who are already in an active game. I have added all of this information to the initial post.

[southeast]

I have most of if the mechanics down just need to shopping and flavoring. I am in a game now so am fine with stepping aside dor other players who do not currently have one.

[Luopo]

Would you mind if I joined?

[Aburness]

I'm not a great fan of (nor particularly experienced with 5e - about 1.5 editions too modern for me), but if you don't object I'll roll up a character.

[Drew]

I have no objection to any long-time members of the site creating an application. I am hoping to entice at least one new player, though, and they'll get special consideration. Just wanna be upfront about that.

[Luopo]

Of course! Hopefully you get some because it would be nice to see some new players on the site.

I have no objection to any long-time members of the site creating an application. I am hoping to entice at least one new player, though, and they'll get special consideration. Just wanna be upfront about that.

[Luopo]

How about we all play Wizards... that would be interesting.

[Aburness]

How about we all play Wizards... that would be interesting.

Or wizard aligned at least.

[Aburness]

(HP Roll 4d10) [9, 7, 10, 7] = 33

[southeast]

I am fine with all wizards, going for scribe wizard myself. Will roll hp and post sheet tomorrow. As stated I will make way for players without a game.

[Luopo]

wizard adjacent it looks like

I am fine with all wizards, going for scribe wizard myself. Will roll hp and post sheet tomorrow. As stated I will make way for players without a game.

[Luopo]

rolling for hitpoints. I'm assuming max at 1st, so this is for a Warlock2/Fighter2/Sorceror1

(1d8+2d10+1d6) [4] + [2, 3] + [5] = 14

[Luopo]

Wow, that is pretty crappy Less than average.

[southeast]

(4d6) [4, 2, 3, 5] = 14