The Ironfang Invasion: Fangs of War

Game Master vayelan

That interaction makes sense, but doesn't Thorny Entanglement make ranged attacks? Idk how it would work with Web offering cover/total beyond 5ft/20ft. If it all works fine, Gaius is gonna web it up, but otherwise more acid is just fine :)

Thanks! I'll go ahead and amend my turn, then.

For my surprise action I'll have moved up the hallway past where Thorek's short dwarven legs took him, and then for the regular turn, move up another 2 squares to make a single attack against the same hobgoblin.

Esperanza, I was going to say something similar! Burst of Radiance is so nice for PC's IMO. I feel like Clerics got a lot of evocation options as more books came out. Sure, they'll never surpass a orc/draconic sorcerer 1/admixture wizard X, but they have quite a few flavorful options now! :)

Four!

Hey I have included botting and macro instructions for my character. It shouldn't generally change much for until two levels.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iH9h6laVle5QKGrdsXL6Hfpx4DLgi9eyjv5sMtm w0Ms/edit?usp=drivesdk

I was going to linkify that url for you, but it says the file doesn't exist.

Lily, I managed to restore your token. It's in the same spot as it was originally.

Ha! Well that's a development. Way more in this tower than I thought!

Lily is going to be right behind Thorek. Also yeah. Its kind of impossible to attack them from range

I moved you to as far as you can get with a single move action. You've still got the rest of your turn, though.

Thanks. I'll just spend the extra move getting v right behind Thorek.

Gaius's wand trickery makes me wish I had the extra skill ranks to invest in UMD. Could hold a wand in my tail and shoot magical lasers with it!

I for one am having an amazing time with this fight. This is tense, exciting stuff!

I for one am having an amazing time with this fight. This is tense, exciting stuff!

It does my heart very good to hear that. Thank you.

Always feels good when buffs make a difference! :D

Just a bit of tactical table-talk, since this is shaping up to be a tough fight: let's focus our attacks on 1-2 enemies at a time to take them out of the action economy as quickly as possible.

On the second floor, I think Esperanza could probably take out the monk in one round of halfway decent rolling, and Lily + Thorek could probably bring down Parthuk if we focus fire and he seems to have the highest to-hit that we've seen so far.

Down on the bottom floor, the soldier in melee with Undari seems like a good candidate, unless Gaius has some other tricks up his sleeve ;)

We've got this, team!

Also a big shout-out to Lily, Mesmeric Mirror is waaaaay stronger than I was giving it credit for!

"Mesmeric Mirror: An illusory image appears near the subject to throw off attackers. The mesmerist can trigger this trick when the subject is attacked or becomes the target of a spell that requires an attack roll. One duplicate of the subject appears, and the attacker must determine randomly which it hits (as mirror image). For every 5 class levels the mesmerist possesses, one additional image appears, to a maximum of five images at 20th level. Each image lasts for 1 minute per mesmerist level or until destroyed. This is an illusion (figment) effect."

Sometimes, you can stack on so many buffs it feels like overkill, like when my magus in Thorek's home game gets prep time and breaks into a boss's house.

Other times, literally every single one is exactly what makes the difference between survival and disaster, and this is definitely one of those instances. This whole battle is so much fun!

Agreed!

Undari is trying to use the flaming sphere as a barrier to keep the outside hobgoblins at bay as best he can, but if they all come through he will focus on one at a time...I debated whether to have the flaming sphere go after the same one he is currently fighting in melee, but if the flaming sphere can keep the other 2 out for one round, that is worth it I think.

Undari didn't roll that high, but maybe he will get lucky since the hobgoblin charged last round...

I don't think the monk is much of a threat on her own, and if you give a bit of ground toward the stairs you can funnel them and prevent yourself from being flanked.

A withdraw action is more than enough for me to get downstairs, where I've got enough reach to cover the hole they're crawling through plus give Undari a flank on the guy he's fighting. With them being flat-footed while squeezing and the absolutely bonkers number of hits I get on a full attack, we could probably finish those guys off pretty quickly, then get back to relieve Thorek and Lily.

Lily, with me heading downstairs to help cover the rear guard, you might want to give yourself a bit of distance, so that someone couldn't just 5-foot step to you without provoking from Thorek.

Yeah I'm going to move back just a bit. So I'm going to stay on the level with Thorek and maintain distance. Just want to make sure.

Also yeah Mesmerists are my favorite buffing class just because while they can't spam support abilities they're support is still pretty valuable.

Here's my boting macro. This is also to help me keep myself straight so I don't screw up:
Botting Macro

Also a lot of things are happening so I'm not sure when I can take my turn.

I took this to mean that you are busy in real life and may not have a chance to post, so I botted you as per your macro instructions.

I meant that I lost track of initiative and I didn't want to sit awkwardly with you waiting on me.
Edit
The bot thing was me linking because I meant to earlier but screwed it up.
Edit
Also I should head down stairs? I'm fine with that.

I meant that I lost track of initiative and I didn't want to sit awkwardly with you waiting on me.

Edit
The bot thing was me linking because I meant to earlier but screwed it up.

Sorry about the confusion.

...

Haha, Hobgoblin blender go brrr....

...I'll see myself out.

God DAYUM y'all, that was an epic fight from start to finish. WOO! Great job all around the table! :)

God DAYUM y'all, that was an epic fight from start to finish. WOO! Great job all around the table! :)

Agreed.

You should be proud about how well you handled what ostensibly serves as this book's final battle (plus or minus one dragon), especially since it unfolded as a multi-level fight with multiple fronts. Now we just need to see how you manage the dragon's return.

Thorek is thoroughly tapped on spells & fervor and still pretty injured; his preference is to GTFO and deal with the dragon another day.

Once we've gotten these rescued rangers sorted out, we still have another fort right? But there's a party going on there so that should be fine :)

After that last healing spell, Undari has two first level spells left--currently an Entangle and a Produce Flame. Beastspeech and Communal Protection from Acid are still up, but he has no uses of wildshape left for the day. He does have some curative poultices and can treat deadly wounds as we have the time. I say we quickly heal up and sweep the rest of the tower. Undari would like to free the animals if possible, even if it means burning the tattoo off the dead monk to free the cougar (unless it can be magically removed).

I like Thorek's idea of a tactical retreat/rescue of the Rangers to our hidden redoubt--no sense them getting caught up in a dragon fight--after we have cleared the rest of the buildings in the fort and taken the useful stuff. We can rest, heal, identify and such, then come back in the morning to either face the dragon or set an ambush for it.

I try to avoid posting memes in my games, but I saw this and was immediately reminded of Esperanza's performance in the recent epic battle.

I appreciate that.

I think this is one of the first times we've had items worth straight gp (at least since I've been a player, but I'm not going to pretend my memory is infallible!). How do we sell these items in this AP? Or, have we found other uses for these things?

Back at base we have a svirfneblin merchant contact named Novvi, she includes us in her regular circuit around the area and has extradimensional pockets. So we give her loot and she brings us magic items from Kraggodan or whatnot.

Taking a shot at the magic items during our rest:

3 Magic Cloaks
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

5 Cure Moderate Wounds potions
1 Magic Scale Mail
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

1 Magic Token
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

1 Magic Wand (27 charges)
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

1 Magic Headband (Brass, shaped like crown of leaves)
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

2 Magic Rings
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

1 Magic Amulet
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

1 Magic Vestment
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

6 Barkskin potions

Bronze Griffon Figurine of Wondrous Power

magic dart,
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

magic potion,
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

two scrolls
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Magic pouch and
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

magic incense.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Magic belt
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Magic crossbow
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Oh snapples, I totally forgot! Gaius will do the same. Shameless copying of your list, Undari.

3 Magic Cloaks
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

5 Cure Moderate Wounds potions
1 Magic Scale Mail
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

1 Magic Token
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

1 Magic Wand (27 charges)
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

1 Magic Headband (Brass, shaped like crown of leaves)
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

2 Magic Rings
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

1 Magic Amulet
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

1 Magic Vestment
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

6 Barkskin potions

Bronze Griffon Figurine of Wondrous Power

magic dart,
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

magic potion,
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

two scrolls
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 He can also just prep read magic the next day

Magic pouch and
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

magic incense.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Magic belt
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Magic crossbow
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

At the end of the next day, right before we rest again, Gaius will quick study into Identify and then try to spellcraft any remaining items. Since he'd do this right before resting, he'd burn all his remaining spell slots of all levels on it (total of a +22 bonus).

Cloaks of Protection +1 (x3)
+1 Scale Mail
Feather Token (Whip)
Wand of Charm Animal
Headband of Alluring Charisma +2
Amulet of Natural Armor +2
+1 Returning Dart
Potion of Sanctuary
Scroll of Black Tentacles
Scroll of Fly
Belt of Incredible Dexterity +2
+1 Light Crossbow

The rings, vestments, pouch, and incense remain unidentified.

...

On another note, I will work on creating a new regional map to better track locations you have or will visit.

Headband of Alluring Charisma +2

Amulet of Natural Armor +2
Belt of Incredible Dexterity +2

you have my attention

I've updated the Regional Map link at the top of the page.

I've added markers for Hidden Hope, Phaendar, the three forts, the caltrop-guarded grove, the ruins of Gristledown, Kraggodan, and Longshadow.

As a note, there are other small settlements and landmarks south and west of Phaendar on the Nesmian Plains, described by the AP books, but I have not included markers for them. Since they currently sit within Ironfang-controlled territory, visiting them would be highly dangerous.

Gaius would like those two scrolls (fly and black tentacles)! Otherwise, he is happy to pick at the scraps after everyone else has had a go at those items.

I'll do my best to remember the rolls for the remaining items once we get our next rest in gameplay.

Thorek can cast Ironskin as a swift action with Fervor, but he's interested in the Amulet of Natural Armor +2 to possibly free up that spell slot.

Otherwise there isn't much well-suited for him in this particular haul.

Of the items identified so far, the wand of Charm Animal is probably the most useful for Undari. Hopefully the ring or vestments will ID soon and be useful too.

To help you when planning how to divvy up the loot, I will let you know OOC that the remaining items are 2 Rings of Protection +1, Druid's Vestments, a Polymorphic Pouch, and Incense of Meditation.

WOW! Vestments and Pouch are super sweet for Undari! Incense would be cool, but very expensive for a single use item.

I'd like one of the rings of protection. The belt and headband are useful to both me and Lily, for most of the same reasons. I don't have spellcasting, but I do have panache and charisma-based DCs.

I'll also probably want to trade my armor out for a mithral chain shirt at some point. If I got the amulet of natural armor, that and the ring would bring my AC to...the same as Thorek is right now! lol

The crossbow can be good in a pinch against a flying opponent but I'm not sure about the dart. It's certainly worth some money if we sell it, though.

Lily can do without the headband for now. She's more roguish and relies on hitting. Also she has the bow she recently got so she got some loot.
Maybe the ring of protection and a cloak.

I'll just wait until we defeat the dragon to make the magic Dragonhide Full Plate of Wildshaping...That pouch will be very useful for carrying and distributing Undari's herbalism concoctions even when in beastform.

...Undari is a bit sad the Rocs didn't come by to say thanks for the rescue on their way south.

That's very generous of you, Lily! You can definitely take the ring of protection, then.

The rocs had taken shelter during the gale, then scattered once the dragon returned.

They may yet return, especially if the party claims Fort Trevalay as a new base.

I guess we'll leave it to the druid to shovel the dragon, cougar, lizard, and roc s~~@ out of the place first? :P