Come now, no more pessimism. Always darkest before the dawn,and all that. We'll rescue the fair damsel, though it also won't surprise me if we arrive as she is busting her self out, too. Also, I really like the idea of the duergar using spiders…
Query, as we follow along, how tricksy and false do we notice these particular elves being in the direction of their course?
Basically I'm wondering if it is at all possible for the group to ride for a mile or so in the trail's direction at a reasonably fast pace, then spread out in an effort to find traces again and confirm the direction. We're likely to need to backtrack a few times doing that, but if the path is relatively straight for any significant segments, that method is liable to be notably faster than the 8 miles a day we're looking at now (Or 12 a day if convinced to abandon all caution and risk being ambushed in the night, torch light carries a long way, and most of the party would require such to avoid broken ankles and the like.).
Edited: daishain on 12th Dec, 2016 - 5:31am
Aeric, would Zinna know that elves are immune to the sleep spell? That's her most potent spell for this situation. I dislike player knowledge being used for the character. She would use that spell if given the opportunity. This is assuming she can recover her lute somehow.
So this could just be the "Dwarven drive" within Carrick, but he'd be more inclined to push on and take the CON save. But, this should be a party decision so I will defer the majority.
The multi classing has a lot to do with the roleplaying. It all depends upon how exactly things go with Zinna in her current predicament. The situation she is in is what made me think about multi classing. I have a couple of fun ideas related to this and will have a creative explanation for it *smile*.
My rulebook is at home, and I won't get back for a few more hours from work, so I did a quick search. If I read it correct, if we fail the CON save and are Exhausted (Or Fatigued), we get Disadvantage on skill checks. Considering that we might be at this awhile, and the second level is even worse (Half-speed), Corren is going to order the group to rest. We'd be no good for anyone if we got to the Illiosani and were not at our best. We're going to be outnumbered at a minimum, and probably outclassed. We'll need to be sneaky, and probably ready for a fight. The idea of dealing with unnecessary Disadvantage sounds like a recipe for failure. Now, if I have the effects incorrect, our Dungeon Master can correct me and I will reconsider.