Balodek's Ironfang Invasion

Game Master Balodek

Faolan grabs his shield and heads down to the dark passage. He to does not know the blather heard from below, but he doesn't expect they'll be friendly.

"Anyone understand that gibberish?" he asks as he moves into position in front.

Krowe listens to the call, then looks to see if any of the mercs understand it. Then shakes his head when he sees them all looking at him.

Instead, he tries a few other languages to see if the caller perhaps knows them instead.

Bor barely understood common let along anything else. He also looks to Krowe on what is happening. "Well, at least it isn't attacking right away." He lowers his shield as the call to arms seems to have been a bit preemptive. "I have no clue what it is saying. What is it?"

The voice does not respond to your multilingual requests. Whispering and wondering to yourselves what to do next, Kining speaks up.

After exchanging a few words a glowing pebble is thrown forward and a gray figure emerges. Kining acts as translator.

"Hello, I am Novvi. I come in peace to trade. I see you have deposed the troglodytes, but this one tells me you are willing to talk and trade with me."

If you agree to trade with this Darklands merchant you will find she can trade copper and silver for gold, or even for slender gold trade bars worth 100 gp each. Thanks to her extensive stock, Novvi can buy and sell as if she were a village market, offering almost anything worth up to 500 gp and buying up to 2,500 gp worth of goods each week. It is also possible she has rarer items for sale, it depends on your needs.

Wow, really? What a gift! Can we trade a ranged character worth a damn? That would be keen, thanks.

Bazsil gives a quizzical look to Faolan, then shrugs and goes to speak to the merchant.

”Excuse me...uhm, did you know the Trogs that were here? Were they friends of yours? How did you know to come to us? And...what are you?” Bazsil asks, looking Kining to translate. Is there a knowledge check?

* * *Shopping part:

”Faolan, I’ll need more inks for the scrolls,” Bazsil remarks as the shopping list is made. ”Also, more scroll paper. See if he can get something nice for the camp...maybe a few bottles of everclear? That would be keen.”

Bor stands confused. "Ugh...You travel through the Underdark and trade? How have the drow or anything else down there not gotten to you yet?" He doesn't quite know how to handle the strange situation. "What rarer items do you think you could get your hands on?"

Looking back to the others. "This could help us arm the villagers for the strike back and get Phaendar back."

Kining acts as translator.

"Hello, I am Novvi. I come in peace to trade. I see you have deposed the troglodytes, but this one tells me you are willing to talk and trade with me."

Faolan nods to Kining, "You've quite the talents. When we get a chance, I'd like to chat with you a moment."

He turns to the newcomer, "Welcome! We would certainly be willing to trade with you. For now, we have much to sell, and a little to buy I should think. We'll need to sort through some things so as not to overwhelm you, but we welcome your presence."

”Faolan, I’ll need more inks for the scrolls,” Bazsil remarks as the shopping list is made. ”Also, more scroll paper. See if he can get something nice for the camp...maybe a few bottles of everclear? That would be keen.”

Faolan laughs, "Sure, we should write up a list of our needs and wants. Get what we can."

Looking back to the others. "This could help us arm the villagers for the strike back and get Phaendar back."

"Exactly!" Faolan grins widely thinking of the death and destruction they will bring to the hobos.

I’ve set a number of things to sell on the treasure spreadsheet. We can’t sell much - just 2,500gp worth of stuff, so we’re limited so far. Next week we’ll get more money. :) Please check the sheet and let me know if there’s anything you want, whether it’s marked to sell or not. Thanks. Once folks have had a chance to chime in, I’ll do a distribution and let people know how much money they have to spend.

Should we pool some of our money to get a wand of cure light wounds? It’s above the 500gp limit, but we could request one and see - maybe get it in a week or two or some such.

+1 to the wands of CLW. Also, gave corrections to loot sheet to Faolan.

When Kining and Novvi are finished explaining and translating, Bazsil will ask a question that just comes to him.

”Hey, Kining...do you know of any entrances or paths this way that are closer to Phaendor?”

Krowe listens carefully to Kinning’s conversation with Novvi, trying to pick up any common words. He makes a note to spend some time with Kinning and try to learn the language.

Knowledge check to Identify Novvi race/etc.
Knowledge ?: 1d20 ⇒ 5

To Kinning, ”If you need anything to get that forge working, let us know.”

To the mercs, ”Kiaphas believes all the sheep have been found, and over-foraging leaves a mark on the surrounding area that could clue the hobgoblins in to our new location. I think we should consider setting gold aside to buy food stores and some basic weapons to arm some of our refugees. Some of those previously assigned to hunting and gathering food could be reassigned to farming mushrooms, train with weapons, or maybe help Kinning make arms and armor.”

I marked a couple things to sell among the loot. The gutstones and some masterwork weapons. A wand of cure light wounds would be good for the PCs, but it might take up all our buying power, which means no supplies for the camp. Also, I think Bazsil can create scrolls cheaper, and they can be split up between himself and Bor.

"Buying food is a great idea. Supplies. That's what we need. General supplies. Plus the wand. And more scroll making materials. We have the cash."

"How much food should we buy?"

Food is 3-5sp per day per person. Rounding up, and knowing we have 30 people, that's 15gp per day. We could buy a months worth of food for 450gp to start. Figure some general supplies (cooking pots, tools, clothing, etc.) for another 50gp brings us to 500gp.

We have a lot of weapons from picking things up, but ignoring that for the moment, we could buy everyone a dagger (2gp), longspear (5gp),a couple packets of sling bullets with a sling (1gp), and leather armor (10gp). We'd be out 540gp for the gear, 500gp for food and sundries.

How does that sound to people?

That sounds good to me. Though can we keep a months worth of food from perishing? Then the following week we can put in for a bit more healing whether it be scrolls or another wand.

"We could all use a good hot meal. Something more than berries and grass roots." Bor runs through their inventory in his mind as it looks like he recounts his fingers several dozen times.

Novvi listens with interest to your conversation, such as it is and translated. You are able to identify her as a svirfneblin, a race common to the dark passages under the world.

"I knew the troglodytes, they were decent customers if a bit strange. Way of the dark, here one minute and gone the next."

Although friendly enough she seems hesitant to divulge too much to you, being far more willing to trade than gossip.

Kinning shakes her head to Bazsil's questions.

"I know nothing of the local passages in this area, and nothing close to Phaendar. I don't need anything extra for the forge except raw material to work with. Steel for the weapons, unless you want everybody to have sticks?"

She purses her lips at the request for a wand before nodding.

"I have one available that I can sell you. I should be able to supply the food but it'll be mostly hardtack. It'll keep. I don't have that any supplies for a militia but if you're willing to put down a deposit I'll gather them. It'll take me a few weeks to travel, barter, and return however."

Faolan nods at the svirfneblin, "Thanks, I think we will give you the deposit, and hope for the best. Get us what you can." He gives her 2,000gp (750gp wand of Cure Light Wounds to stretch our scroll supply, 450gp to stretch our food supply, and call it 600gp in militia supplies to be provided later. Also, we get 200gp worth of scroll making materials for Bazsil so he can craft more of our Cure Light Wounds scrolls.

He turns to the others, "Hardtack is fine. We'll supplement it with local fresh food, but much less foraging needs to be done, so we’ll be able to keep our heads down and stretch out our food at the same time.”

He hands everyone a small pouch, ”Here’s a little spending money from what’s leftover.”

Party Divvy! Everyone please take 997gp each after the sale of some of our items, and divvy of cash we’ve accumulated so far as a group. There are a few 'cash' items I didn't distribute (a wedding ring, and an amulet) that the owners may want back if we ever find them or their families.

He turns to Novvi, ”I need a few things if you have them. Here, I have a list.”

Alchemy Fire (20gp) x2
Holy Water (25gp)
10 Crossbow Bolts (Cold Iron w/ Ghost Salt) (202gp)(1#)
Potion of Touch of the Sea (CL 3) (75gp) (normal caster level 1)
Scroll of Masterwork Transformation (CL 3) (150gp)
Total purchase: 472gp
Paying for my shield to be masterworked twice over by Krowe when there’s time (once for the spikes (attack) and once for the shield itself (defense)) 400gp
Net income if everything is available: 125gp

"How much food should we buy?"

<A lot of good planning.>

Bazsil feels some excitement about meeting one of the svirfneblin, something he had heard of, but never thought he'd meet one in person.

"How far...how far do you travel to get to us? Do you have a circuit? You must have an interesting life, traveling through all those caves, huh?" Bazsil asks, trying to butter up the merchant.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 Diplomacy

Thanks for handling the shopping stuff, Faolan.

Bor is just glad this creature was not the dark elves. They had enough problems to deal with and they wouldn't have survived a battle on two different fronts.

He pockets his gold for later and observes the transactions. "Thanks for this Novvi. This couldn't have come at a better time."

Yes, Thanks for all that Faolan!

"We should inventory today and can start training first thing in the morning. The extra exertion will use more food and water but I think we are sitting pretty good."

Yes, things are going good. Almost a little too good. Something is coming. Something bad is going to happen. He thinks in the back of his mind.

"We can train a couple to train the rest so we can still scout. A train the trainer sort of deal."

Novvi seems reluctant to share information with you, but soon relents to Bazsil's sweet voice and complete lack of haggling skill.

"Takes me a while, travel through the Darklands is no sure thing. Could be a route that's clear one day is closed the next month. Few years back there was a gug migration, closed down a few passages for months. Think I'm still missing a toe from all the running I had to do."

She begins packing up the goods while leaving your purchases.

"There's some morlocks to the north got themselves some new religion, they're causing trouble in some of my regular tunnels. If everything goes well I'll be back here with your purchases in a few weeks, but I always travel safe not fast."

She has little else to say but does look over the list Faolan has made.

For quality of life purposes we'll say she has all of that stuff available now. Unless there are any other last minute purchases she'll conduct the final trades and then leave.

Bazsil smiles, taking in the tale.

"Well, we certainly appreciate the risks you take to get here. You say you'll be able to make it back weekly? Every other week?" Bazsil continues to chat up the gnome, seeing to seal good relations.

"And thank you again, Novvi. You are welcome here." Bazsil says as she leaves.

Heartened, Bazsil will sleep well that night. It's not much of a victory, but it seems like a giant one considering the odds they face.

Bazsil wonders what will happen in the morning.

Krowe has no current requests of the merchant, though he places a couple suggestions for items to keep an eye out for the future: a pearl of power 1st level and spell lattice containing a magic missile spell.

Both are over the limit, but maybe with time?

He also asks about the morlocks. ”How close are these morlocks? And how many? If it is possible to clear them out to make your travels safer we may consider it.”

Once Novvi has returned to the Darklands, Krowe reminds the mercs of a present concern.

”Lirosa and Taidel have not returned from scouting. They are overdue. If it is not too late we should consider going out in search for them.”

GM: Is there time left in the day to do anything about this?

Novvi will keep an eye open for the requested items.

"No, you've not the power to clear them out. I'll avoid them."

As negotiations conclude Krowe proves that he is indeed a master summoner, Lirosa and Taidel appearing when named. They are both breathless and dirty. Lirosa speaks up.

"We found a caravan. They camped for the night on the plains but they're heading towards Phaendar. Hobgoblins, at least 6, escorting an armored wagon."

”Caravan?” Bazsil smiles, clearing his voice with a cough. ”Oooh...that sounds like fun. We haven’t had any chances to strike back against the hobgobs...until now. Let’s go take it down. This will be good. A good ambush. What do you think?” Bazsil looks at Krowe and Faolan, then he weird side of Bor’s face, and knows what they’ll say.

”Yeah, I’ll get my bow, and my gear. Let’s do this.”

Faolan grins widely, "A caravan! Definitely something we should see to, and a good opening target for us. Cut their supply, and make them weaker. Sounds like a good move. We should go now, so as to surprise them at dawn."

Faolan takes his things from their lovely trader and packs them away. Wishing his shield was a bit better, but shrugging it off for now, he is ready to head out into the plain.

”A good first target.” Krowe agrees. ”Hobgoblins can see in the dark, so we should time our ambush to take them just as the sun rises.”

Bor smiles underneath his scarf. "This is perfect. Faolan is right. We cut off their supplies and food and they will grow weaker over time. They had to have stretched their resources and command reach too far to cover this much ground."

Bor grabs his shield. "I'm ready when you are. Krowe? Can you send one of your creature's ahead to keep an eye on them?"

Bazsil is quickly ready to head out, trusting on Lirosa and Tiedel to lead the way.

”Safety first, Lirosa. Get us close and do so carefully,” Bazsil says, more to contain his excitement than anyone else’s.

Lirosa nods at the questions.

"I can lead you to it, the wagon isn't too far away. Do you need to rest first? We can get there in just a few hours, depending on how many of you can see in the dark."

It's almost night now, you could reasonably rest 4 hours to avoid being fatigued and still get to the forest path in time.

”Let’s get a little rest first.”

Rest 4 hours, then go.

Brilliant!

Faolan looks discouraged at not going right away, be sees the sense in waiting, "Very well, let's get some rest first."

He has a hard time falling asleep he's so excited. Finally - a chance to strike back!

It's almost night now, you could reasonably rest 4 hours to avoid being fatigued and still get to the forest path in time.

Bah! I’m sick of you denying the awesome power of my FPS (footfalls per second) build! To wit...

We can leave soon and strike them at our leisure! Also, I’d like to be the first person ever, probably, to use this power.

Hahaha! So do you sing the entire time to our ambush site?

Bor knows that it is probably a good idea to rest and lays down as the others do. Though he nearly tosses and turns the entire time as he is both nervous and excited.

Well that's an interesting power you have there. I'd say it is underutilized but honestly if it's ever been utilized at all I'd be surprised. It doesn't affect fatigue from not sleeping though, it only prevents fatigue from hustling. I will however say that you could use this to get into position and prepare a better ambush, granting a +20 to your stealth rolls.

Resting, preparing, and then marching to the sound of Bazsil's mellifluous voice you make your way to the road a short distance from the hobgoblin camp. Lirosa and Taidel move towards the wagon and to either side of the road while you setup your ambush positions.

Shortly after sunrise you hear the creak of leather and wood mixed with the harsh bark of hobgoblin laughter, and a large armored wagon pulled by two broken down horses comes into sight. There are 2 hobgoblins riding the wagon and 4 walking next to it, 2 on each side. They do not seem to be watching very carefully for danger.

Your advanced preparation pays off and none of the hobgoblins have noticed you. You may ambush them at your leisure.

Feel free to discuss any plan for this ambush you'd like. The wagon is in the middle of the trail, 10 feet wide with trees on either side. You can easily hide next to the trail and be within a move action of the wagon when the ambush is sprung. Should you choose to prepare a smooth section of ground for a partial charge you'd have time to do so, thanks to Bazsil.

”What kind of tools or tricks am I missing here as we plan this attack,” Bazsil talks when they are out of sight and sound from the wagon. ”In order to plan, I need to know what things we have that might be used to help.”

Bazsil pauses and looks at Krowe.

”You can do those sounds, right? Also, what I wouldn’t give to have a holocaust cloak. Do we want to put a log across the road? In stories, that’s always a good start.”

Bazsil tests his bow.

”I’ll sing more once we are engaged, but then I’ll use that bow until it comes time to use the sword. The question is: do we want to keep the horses alive? Or take them for meat?” Bazsil wonders if it might be more humane to kill or keep the horses.

"Well, I have a crossbow, but I'm not particularly good at it. I say we log the road as Bazsil suggests to stop them, then open fire with ranged weapons for the first round. Then I and Bor maybe will close if they haven't already. I think I'll start with an Alchemy flask and go from there."

"We should all be on the same side, but yeah, if we can get some of them to hunt on the other side and take 'em in waves, that would be better so we're not overrun."

He takes out a potion of Bull's Strength and offers it to Bor, "If you like. I have two and plan to use one here."

"Oh, and try to leave the horses alive. Even if we need to eat them, but I hope we don't, we might as well walk them back."

Bor looks to Bazsil. "Try and keep the horses alive. We have enough food to feed them and we can train a few of the townsfolk to ride them. Clear larger ground and do hit and run tactics against the hobgoblins."

Looking at the potion he pushes it back into Faolan's hands. Save it for later. I have a feeling we are going to need all we can get. A few hobgoblins don't frighten me with what I have seen."

As the goblins approach Bor lays a hand on each of them. Communal Protection against evil.

”Maybe we have Lirosa and Taidel on either side with the responsibility of cutting down or stopping any that try to flee,” Bazsil suggests. ”If possible, I’d like to keep this raid a secret from the hobgobs, not wanting them to know our situation and numbers.”

Bazsil looks grim.

”None can escape.”

Krowe silently agrees with the mercs. He assumes having been on the receiving end of caravan ambushes before (or the reverse - he doesn’t judge anyone in current circumstances) they know the business of such things. He prepares by admiring himself with his new wand, then summoning an earth elemental when the ambush is sprung.

The wagon stops short at the fallen tree. The hobgoblins seem none too wary as the two forward soldiers move to the tree. The driver watches them while his co-rider polishes his crossbow. The two rear guards are grateful for the moment of idle tranquility, perhaps enjoying the grandeur of this old forest.

Sadly for them, it is not to last, the peace of their morning supply run shattered with the sound of glass and flame as Faolan's alchemist fire breaks directly on the drivers face. His scream of pain is cut short as he inhales broken glass and liquid flame.

Well...that's all my 1s for this fight I hope.

Turn Tracker Round Surprise
Hobgoblins
Hobgoblin Heavies
Bor
Bazsil
Krowe
Faolan
Lirosa & Taidel

Bor, Bazsil, and Krowe have surprise actions.

Round Surprise, Init 4

Free:
Move:
Stnd: Shoot arrow at fiery goblin.

”Bree-Yark! Bree-Yark!” Bazsil shouts what he assumes is the traditional attack cry of the Phaendarians.

Bazsil steps out from behind the tree and fires at the same foe as Faolan nailed.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 to hit;
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 piercing damage.

Sorry the Communal Protection from Evil is on myself, Faolan and Krowe.

Bor leaps from the woods at one of the heavy hobgoblins. "NOW!"

Move action.

Krowe concentrates on summoning an earth elemental, which rises and slams into one of the tougher looking hobgoblins.

Slam - PA/Earth Mastery: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

The hobgoblins are shocked by your appearance and spend precious seconds in shock, allowing you to badly wound the driver. They are still trained soldiers and respond quickly to the threat. The two in the rear fire their longbows at the elemental while the two in front draw swords and move towards Bor. The driver draws his sword and slashes at the elemental through his pain while the crossbowman responds to Bazsil.

Hobgoblin3@Elemental: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Hobgoblin4@Elemental: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Hobgoblin Heavy1@Elemental: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 71d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Hobgoblin Heavy2@Bazsil: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 211d8 ⇒ 4

Lirosa@Hobgoblin3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 81d8 ⇒ 7
Taidel@Hobgoblin3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d8 ⇒ 2

Turn Tracker Round 1
Hobgoblins
Hobgoblin Heavies
Bor
Bazsil
Krowe
Faolan
Lirosa & Taidel

Party is up for Round 1!

Round: 1, Initiative: 3

Faolan is impressed the drive hasn’t dropped. (don’t forget the 2hp of burning this round.) Still, he’s not going to let a little thing like that stop him. He rushes forward to join Bor on the line. When he gets there, he attacks one of the hobgoblins! (Move & standard)
Shield Bash (cold iron): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Lastly, as a shield bearer, he grants Bor a +1 to his AC for one round (free).

Man, you guys not fans of Keep on the Borderlands?! Sheesh. Tough crowd.

Round 1, Init 4

Free: Drop bow.
Move: Move heavy that shot him, drawing blade.
Stnd: Slash at hobgob that shot him.

Bazsil takes the bolt to the chest with an unhappy grunt. Dropping his bow, he charges to the hobgob that shot him, drawing his blade.

1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 = 27 to hit; (+charge)
1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 slashing damage.

Pot crit:
1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22 to hit; (+charge)
1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 slashing damage.

Haha that's a funny trick. My RPG experience didn't go back nearly that far. :)

"You should be afraid." Bor reaches out for one of the Hobgoblin Heavies, sharing in his cursed touch to show the creature the true horrors in the world.

Vision of Madness Melee Touch Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Vision of Madness- For 3 rounds. +1 to all skill checks and -1 modifier to all attack and saving throw rolls.

Round 1
SA: cast Magic Missile
MA: none
Elemental: attacks

The hobgoblins crack the elemental, but it keeps fighting. Krowe casts a spell and sends two magic missiles slamming into the enemy.

Krowe and elemental attack the same hobgoblin.
Magic Missiles: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6
Slam - PA/Earth Mastery: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

The elemental smashes the driver to pulp while Bazsil decapitates the crossbowman. One of the hobgoblins on Bor starts seeing visions while the other takes a shield to the face. Krowe, seeing the gooey remains of the driver redirects his spell to the shield bashed hobgoblin on Bor, dropping him. The remaining hobgoblin on Bor attacks him, the two archers dropping their bows to attack Bazsil and the elemental with their swords.

Hobgoblin2@Bor: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 1 = 211d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Hobgoblin3@Elemental: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 121d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Hobgoblin4@Bazsil: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 191d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Turn Tracker Round 2
Hobgoblins
Bor
Bazsil
Krowe
Faolan
Lirosa & Taidel

Round 2 Party is up.

Round: 2, Initiative: 3

”There they go! Now they’re getting it! Look at them drop!” He laughs deeply and swings again, trying to knock out more…
Shield Bash (cold iron): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16 (strength) damage: 1d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10 (strength)
Shield Bash (cold iron): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16 (strength) damage: 1d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15 (strength)

"Hah!"

The other hobgoblin attacking Bor falls to Faolan's shield.

Turn Tracker Round 2
Hobgoblins
Bor
Bazsil
Krowe
Faolan
Lirosa & Taidel

Round 2, Init 4

Free:
Move:
Stnd: Slash at hobgob that hit him.

Bazsil takes another hit, and tries to respond in kind.

1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12 to hit; (+charge)
1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 slashing damage.

Freed up Bor charges the Hobgoblins that are surrounding Bazsil. "Back off!"

CI Cestus: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6