”If there is a camp of hobgoblins in the forest we should find them.” Krowe says. ”And wipe them out.”
|
You search until daylight runs out, the sun slipping below the tree line as you prepare a camp for the night. You found a few traces of hobgoblins to the south, some of them weeks old, but can't be sure they're from this same group. You are limited in your perspective but feel confident that all trails lead to Phaendar.
Your sleep is disturbed in the night by a horrible scratching sound, metal being run across stone and splintering wood. Nothing comes near enough to be seen and there is a chill in the morning air as you wake and search the area. Fresh boar prints ring the camp and several new round marks show in the stones.
Faolan wakes uncomfortably, worrying about the creature in the forest. "Now is this something you can track?" he asks as he looks down at the prints.
vs DC 10 to aid.
Bazsil looks confused. ”Are those boar prints *IN* the stone?” Bazsil asks, wanting to be sure he’s seeing that correctly or the dizziness from his head wound has returned.
”Perhaps it had a rider.” Krowe suggests, trying to help sort out the curious tracks.
|
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The tracks seem to be standard boar tracks, if unusually large. The depth doesn't indicate a rider. Some of the marks on the trees match a boar marking territory with its tusks, but the circle gouged into stone remains a mystery. The group is able to determine the boar circled the camp in the night and then moved northwest into the forest.
"Shall we follow the boar? We were headed west anyway I think. Might as well track a little north to see what this is while we're out here. Then we'll circle back southwest."
Having said that, Faolan is not sure he's looking forward to facing the boar in battle. He took on a normal boar once, and got tusked before he took it down. Very nasty fighter that. In fighter - and tough to beat.
... but it could be an ally too.
Bazsil stares at the track for a while, as if it was taking abnormally long to find his voice, his words, his ability to speak. He slowly comes to, his tongue worried that his utterances might disappear into the aether.
"Yeah, it could be ally. Or foe. I don't know. We should keep on the hobgobs, though, if we can. They are our foe and they not likely to be entreating with boars save as food."
He turns to the party.
"Shall we continue?" Bazsil says hopefully, hoping the party doesn't seem frozen in time in the near future.
Krowe nods agreement with Bazsil and Bor. The hobgoblins are their quarry.
Faolan shrugs, "Sure, that's fine."
He yawns as if after a long sleep. "Let's get to it then."
Bazsil shakes his head, again feeling like he was lost in his own thoughts.
”Well, what are we waiting for? Permission to do as we please? We need to move. Let’s go.”
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You quickly strike camp and begin to move south towards the former logging camp, generally following the hobgoblin tracks and looking for trouble. It seems time and fate are both on your side, for it is not long before you hear sounds of movement through the undergrowth. Preparing yourselves for combat you see a wolf partially emerge from the brush.
Seeing you it quickly chuffs then moves back into the forest to the south, looking back once before disappearing from view.
"Well, I'm inclined to follow it, but I'm fine letting it be I suppose. Feels like the forest itself is picking sides, and it'd be good to influence that if we can."
He shrugs, "But we can continue toward the logging camp too. Might be good to check in there - see if any of the undead have cropped back up, or if the hobos are using it as a staging ground."
Baszil wants to believe that the forest gods are with them (and certainly gives that morale-boosting impression to the camp when he is relating tales of the party), but doesn't truly believe they should be following every boar, bull, and wolf that looks at them sideways.
"I think we should keep on the hobgobs. But we should also make note if we see that wolf again. Strange things have happened before..." Baz holds up the magical archery glove on his right hand as proof.
Krowe ponders the odd encounter. ”I’m no expert on wildlife, but I’ve never seen a wolf.. a normal wolf.. act that way. We should follow.”
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You quickly decide to follow the wolf, despite Bazsil's misgivings, into the brush. Movingly quickly and quietly you see the occasional paw print but not the actual wolf. Ahead you hear the harsh sounds of hobgoblins and see a patrol.
There are six hobgoblins in the patrol, 2 with battleaxes and 4 with longswords. They are moving in a double column along a game trail and do not appear to notice you.
|
Bor crouches down, he knows with his armor he won't be able to get past them without being heard. He looks to the others and nods at the hobgoblins. Underneath his scarf he mutters a silent prayer of protection.
As the patrol closes in a pair of Bors burst forth from the bush with a crazed scream as he raises his shield high in front of his body.
He skids to a halt hoping to draw all of their attention to himself so the others might sneak in behind and cut them off. "Here I thought orcs were ugly."
HP 29/29
AC 21 (23 w/ shield of faith; 25 vs Goblinoids)
Spells Used:
(1st)
(2nd)Communal Prot from Evil x1
Vision of Madness 7/8
Sudden Shift 8/8
CPE 2/2
Ironfang Survivor (free, roll twice vs goblinoid (intimidate, sense motive, stealth): 1/1
Bazsil stops, readying his bow. He will let others get into position before firing at the lead hobgob.
When others are ready, Bazsil will fire the first arrow.
to hit;
piercing damage.
to hit;
more piercing damage.
Round: Surprise, Initiative: -
Fort +7, Reflex +6, Will +4
Front Row
Opponent: Hobgoblin
- - -
Conditions: None
Equipped: Shield
Silver Blanch, Cold Iron Bolts: 20/20
Melee: Attack: BAB 3, Str +4 (flurry -2) Damage: Str +4 (shield bash +1)
Ranged: Attack: BAB 3, Dex +2 Damage: +0(+4)
Martial Flexibility (move): 3/4
Shield Bearer (free, adjacent ally +2 AC (trait)): 0/1
Ironfang Survivor (free, roll twice vs goblinoid (intimidate, sense motive, stealth): 1/1
Faolan snaps to attention, triggers a little protection* (move), and rushes forward (move) to join Bor with his shield raised high.
”These aren’t orcs Bor, they don’t even measure up that high!” he laughs as he closes for combat. "Nice shot Bazsil!" as the arrow whizzes past his head.
As the mercs move in Krowe summons some aid.
”Sessael!”
Three blackbirds appear in a burst of smoke, diving on the axe-wielding hobgoblins.
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One of the lead hobgoblins falls to a combination of Baszil's arrow and Krowe's bird. The other is also hit by one of the birds. The hobgoblins seem surprised by you presence, no doubt believing their numbers would deter any attack.
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 13, flat-footed 11 (+1 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 19 (2d10+4)
Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +1
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk battleaxe +3 (1d8+2/×3),
handaxe +2 (1d6+1/×3)
Ranged composite longbow +5 (1d8+2/×3)
Special Attacks combat style (two weapon combat), favored enemy (animals +2)
0/19 14/19
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +2
DEFENSE
AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +2 Dex, +1 shield)
hp 17 (1d10+7)
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +1
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee longsword +4 (1d8+2/19–20)
Ranged longbow +3 (1d8/×3)
17/17 17/17 17/17 17/17
Krowe focuses his magic to one of the hobgoblins.
Meanwhile, his blackbirds continue ripping into the second axe-wielder.
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Two birds rip into the second axe wielder, dropping him quickly.
The hobgoblins remaining chop at the birds while yelling in panic and anger.
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +2
DEFENSE
AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +2 Dex, +1 shield)
hp 17 (1d10+7)
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +1
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee longsword +4 (1d8+2/19–20)
Ranged longbow +3 (1d8/×3)
17/17 17/17 17/17 17/17
Round 1
Stow bow, 5’ step closer.
Begin words of encouragement
Ah! Good shot, Bazsil! Bazsil smiles as he stows his bow, beginning a chant to help his allies. It’s clear he intends to charge next round with his sword.
1) +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution
2) +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws
3)
4) You cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration. [ /spoiler]
[spoiler=Stats of the Grim Grimalkin]
[ dice]1d20+7+1+2[/dice] to hit; (song,+flank)
[ dice]1d10+6+1[/dice] slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+6[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+1[/dice] piercing damage.
HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (4 armor, 2 dex)
Spells: 0/4 used (CLW*1, Ident*0, Vanish*0, LibCom*0)
Words: 1/9 used
Ironfangedness: 0/1 used
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
[spoiler=Bazsil's Deep Song of Wrath] Bazsil has activated his bard like song. You can opt in or opt out. Your choice...but you get all or none of the below. Bazsil will be opting in because that's what he does. You get:
1) +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution
2) +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws
3) –1 penalty to AC. +1 dodge from Guarded Stance rage power.
4) You cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration. [ /spoiler]
Round: 1
Fort +7, Reflex +6, Will +4
Front Row
Opponent: Hobgoblin
- - -
Conditions: Song (+2 Str/Con, +1 Will, skill limits)
Equipped: Shield
Silver Blanch, Cold Iron Bolts: 20/20
Melee: Attack: BAB 3, Str +4 (flurry -2) Damage: Str +4 (shield bash +1)
Ranged: Attack: BAB 3, Dex +2 Damage: +0(+4)
Martial Flexibility (move): 3/4
Shield Bearer (free, adjacent ally +2 AC (trait)): 0/1
Ironfang Survivor (free, roll twice vs goblinoid (intimidate, sense motive, stealth): 1/1
Faolan smacks the nearest hobgoblins at last, with the aid of Bazil’s encouragement.
(song) (song)
(song) (song)
Krowe changes targets, attempting to a different hobgoblin.
Krow watches his blackbirds swarm the hobgoblins. Though his stomach turns a bit at the bloody sight of eyes and ears torn away, another part of him finds grim satisfaction at their suffering.
”Enjoy it. They did when they tore your family apart.”
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Between Faolan and the birds two more hobgoblins go down.
One of the two remaining hobgoblins stands stupefied at the destruction caused by a small flock of birds. His companion screams out in fear as his death approachs.
He flails ineffectually at the bird nearest him.
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +2
DEFENSE
AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +2 Dex, +1 shield)
hp 17 (1d10+7)
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +1
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee longsword +4 (1d8+2/19–20)
Ranged longbow +3 (1d8/×3)
-10/17 -4/17 17/17 17/17
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| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Baszil song rings through his ears like the drums of war. The rhythm opens a seed in his shattered vision as it visits the red, bloody and hellish realm he visits in his dreams. Sweat beads on his back as his hairs stand on end.
On the hill in the distance crouches the beast that watches him, waits for him to make a mistake so that he can have what he wants. Its wings folded in loosely around it's hairy body as crimson eyes glow in the darkness on silhouetted by the crimson moon. Looking down Bor walks on a bed of bones and skulls. Some bare bone white while others have dried flesh remaining in silent screams.
This all happens in a quick instant as the roar of a hobgoblin and screeching of the birds is enough to draw his mind back to this reality.
Don't let him get to me. He is only causing a distraction to have me killed. Bor swings a closed fist into the hobgoblins jawline.
Round 1
Move as part of charge, drawing sword.
Swing at hobgob, preferably a wounded one.
Bazsil charges into combat, letting his own words inspire himself.
to hit;
slashing damage.
1) +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution
2) +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws
3)
4) You cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration. [ /spoiler]
[spoiler=Stats of the Grim Grimalkin]
[ dice]1d20+7+1+2[/dice] to hit; (song,+flank)
[ dice]1d10+6+1[/dice] slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+6[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+1[/dice] piercing damage.
HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (4 armor, 2 dex)
Spells: 0/4 used (CLW*1, Ident*0, Vanish*0, LibCom*0)
Words: 1/9 used
Ironfangedness: 0/1 used
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
[spoiler=Bazsil's Deep Song of Wrath] Bazsil has activated his bard like song. You can opt in or opt out. Your choice...but you get all or none of the below. Bazsil will be opting in because that's what he does. You get:
1) +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution
2) +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws
3) –1 penalty to AC. +1 dodge from Guarded Stance rage power.
4) You cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration. [ /spoiler]
Round: 2
Fort +7, Reflex +6, Will +4
Front Row
Opponent: Hobgoblin
- - -
Conditions: Song (+2 Str/Con, +1 Will, skill limits)
Equipped: Shield
Silver Blanch, Cold Iron Bolts: 20/20
Melee: Attack: BAB 3, Str +4 (flurry -2) Damage: Str +4 (shield bash +1)
Ranged: Attack: BAB 3, Dex +2 Damage: +0(+4)
Martial Flexibility (move): 3/4
Shield Bearer (free, adjacent ally +2 AC (trait)): 0/1
Ironfang Survivor (free, roll twice vs goblinoid (intimidate, sense motive, stealth): 1/1
”Man, those birds are nasty!” he shouts, laughing at what they’re doing to the most deserving enemy.
Faolan steps to the next attacker and tries to do the same he did last round!
(song) (song)
(song) (song)
|
|
Bor and Bazsil drop one of the hobgoblins while Krowe and his birds savage the last. All 6 bugbears lay dead upon the forest floor, slaughtered in a few seconds of work by your capable band. A lone howl rises into the forest canopy, a wolf voicing its pleasure at your death dealing skills.
You find the following while looting the corpses.
potion of cure light wounds (4)
alchemist’s fire (4)
padded armor x 2
studded leather armor x 4
light steel shield x 4
longsword x 4
handaxe x 2
mwk battleaxe x 2
composite longbow (+2 Str) with 20 arrows x 2
longbow with 20 arrows x 4
spyglass
50 feet of hemp rope attached to a grappling hook
exceptionally fine woolen cloak, dark gray and lined with camel-colored silk (worth 100 gp)
29 gold
Provision Points (17) (all in the form of iron rations and waterskins)
Each member of this expedition carries a tattered notebook, making rough maps of the area and noting water supplies, game trails, and ideal routes for marching large groups. Each also carries a copy of a bounty notice.
BOUNTY!
Phaendar has not been secured to our glorious general’s satisfaction, and in her name I now offer a bounty of 25 pieces of gold to any member of the Ironfang Legion who returns reliable information regarding the location of fugitive human-likes who fled Phaendar. The payment is doubled if you instead return their heads. Live captives may be claimed as slaves! All rewards are doubled for the impudent ringleaders of this band! Return all information or heads to my cur of a son, Sergeant Scarvinious.
—Lieutenant Scabvistin
The forest is still in the aftermath of your combat, and each of you reflects on the import of this note. Who is Scarvinious, and where might he be found? Based on the path of the patrol you assume Lt. Scabvistin is located in Phaendar, which seems to indicate that Scarvinious is not.
Bazsil cocks his head, hearing the wolf's howl.
"Is that that wolf? Is it following us? What is going on? There is something else happening here, maybe...or maybe the wolf howls because it wants the meat from these goblin bones. I say leave them for the wolves," Bazsil offers, and begins to pack and stow the gear and provisions.
"Might be good to try to capture this Scarvinious. Seems like he might be useful for information or...well, other things."
Faolan collects the gear of value, leaving most of the armor, and offering to carry the potions of cure light wounds.
Faolan listens as well, "Yes, I think that is the wolf. Sure, we can leave 'em for the wolves. I'm too tired to dig all these graves anyway." he looks around the bloody battlefield.
"Capture would be good - if we can get 'em to talk. That can be tricky I expect."
|
|
"Let's bury the gear near here and leave the meat to the wolves." Bor looks at his companions questioningly but not asking the simple question that he wants to.
Were they thinking of eating the hobgoblins?
Bor grabs some of the tent material and wraps the weapons and armor in it as they take it further into the woods. While there is still light he unfurls the crude hand drawn maps in the notebook. "Okay. If we compare these we might be able to tell where they are coming from. They are tracing streams and hunting trails. If they are doing that then each of these should lead back to a common area." Bor looks up to see if his theory makes sense.
”I am convinced that someone, or something, is aiding our cause.” Krowe looks out into the forest, though he doesn’t hope to see anything out there. ”Whatever it is, it seems intent to remain anonymous.”
Regarding the bounty, ”I’m not sure if we should be impressed or insulted. We are worth more than this sum. Perhaps the goblins are marching on a limited budget. I’d love to go after Scarvinious, but I don’t think we are ready to return to Phaendar. Perhaps one of these journals could be used to lure him out?”
Krowe packs as much gear as he can into his magical haversack and follows the mercs’ lead on where to head next.
Regarding the bounty, ”I’m not sure if we should be impressed or insulted. We are worth more than this sum.”
Bazsil reads the bounty note again.
"Ah, 50 gold for my head, 25 for each of the rest of yours? That seems about right," he grins cheekily and helps Bor pack and hide the gear that they won't be taking with them now.
"Let's see if we can hit another patrol before night," Bazsil says when the party is ready to move on, looking at Bor or Faolan to lead the way.
* * *
Bazsil continues to track all the healing supplies, keeping detailed notes.
Scroll: 3 1*CLW, 1*Identify
Scroll: 4*CLW
2 1 potion of CLW
2 potions of CMW
potion of cure light wounds (4)
potion of cure moderate wounds
4 potions of CLW
|
|
You move south through the forest, making your way cautiously now that you know hobgoblins are patrolling in numbers and looking for your heads. The patrol notes show that the hobgoblins left Phaendar and moved towards the western edge of the forest, turning north to follow streams and game trails.
You move south along the path the scouts took, detouring to check on the logging camp. Though you quieted the restless dead in the camp no animals have reclaimed the site, and the undergrowth hasn't made the progress you'd expect in two weeks.
You stop short of Phaendar, it's been a long day and you're wary of staying too close to the town at night. Concealing your camp and setting watches you prepare for tomorrow.
Bazsil is ready to move out, going east, then north, then west, finally south (towards town, I think)...unless someone has a better plan.
Bazsil ponders what to do next.
"I do think we need to check the town, at least from the relative safety of the tree line. Let's see what there is to see. Then maybe follow the forests edge to the east a ways before turning north to pick up our cache and then back home."
"With luck, by the time we return, that trader will be back and we can unload some more of this stuff."
Faolan is fine with nearly any reasonable plan however, so if someone has a better idea, he's all ears!
”I’m agreeable to that plan.” Krowe nods.
|
|
You move to the edge of the woods, taking your time and watching for any additional scouts. You sight none and move into position to observe the town.
Phaendar is barely recognizable, the smoke of fire and industry covering the remaining stone buildings. Watch towers look to each direction and are fully manned by legionnaires. A large area downstream has been clear cut and cages sunk into the mud.
Filthy prisoners can be seen working on a stockade using trees cut from the forest. The bridge itself has been repaired and reinforced, the new span made of wood instead of stone. It could easily handle the traffic of one of those reinforced wagons you ambushed earlier.
***
Faolan, frowning, looks out on their industriousness. "And here I was happy we managed to feed ourselves through two moves. Shit."
For a moment he's overcome with a sense of failure, of having not done enough.
But he overcomes that right quick. "Well, we have our work cut out for us boys. Damn. These guys sure are organized huh? Too bad we're not fighting orcs. Disorganized sods they'd never keep something like this going."
"I say we keep this to ourselves, and tell the others we didn't make it as far as Phaendar this trip. No sense in reducing morale until we have to."
Bazsil looks on, agreeing with the awe expressed by Faolan over the hobgob’s ability to build and enslave.
”I have to admit, that’s pretty impressive. They are organized, and disciplined,” Bazsil shakes his head, happy to not be among the enslaved. ”But if there is a way for us to drive them out, I’m not seeing it. There are a lot of them, well fortified, and we are few. We...we need to find another way.”
Bazsil looks on.
”Maybe we have to burn down the town, the forest, and everything down to get rid of them. I don’t know if that would be better, but it might be.”
|
|
"That sure is disheartening." Bor says outloud. "Are we just delaying the inevitable at this point?" He looks around to see saddened eyes all around. "We are surrounded on all sides and easily outnumbered. We can't even get word out for aid." He falls into dispair.
”Maybe we have to burn down the town, the forest, and everything down to get rid of them. I don’t know if that would be better, but it might be.”
"All that will do is make it easier to find us. Less ground to cover. We are surviving for now with small strikes, hidinga nd keep moving."