The Ironfang Invasion: Fangs of War

Game Master vayelan

Undari looks at the body of the alchemist and the ruined tent, attempting to asses any residual explosive or flammable danger from the exposed chemicals.

Alchemy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Looking a bit alarmed at the chemical slurry and remaining patches of smoke and flame., he says, ”Unstable maybe?”

To the group, he asks, ”Anyone hurt?”

"Thank you!" Gaius says with a smile to Lily. "At this point, 'dry' and 'flat' are the only qualifications I'm truly considering!"

"I- er, no, I, I'm not a spy, why-," But by the time he manages to spit something semi-intelligible out, Thorek has already moved on to Undari. He eases up considerably when Thorek's withering stare turns to the newcomer instead. I'll have to be sure to bunk up far from him, no need to wake up to that every morning!

Noticing Boudra's peculiar behavior, he gives her a quizzical look but says nothing. Maybe she is mute? I'll ask Lily when all the attention diffuses a bit and they start talking among themselves. Don't want to ask an insensitive question of strangers openly and right at the start!

Wonder what's got his tongue? He might also have a different set of capabilities, like Boudra. All will be learned in time I suppose. "No, I'm all good here, thanks though. Would anyone care to help me finish looting the camp?" he asks. "There is a... disturbing tent behind the trees and bushes there with some chests in it. They're locked, but maybe one of you is handy with a set of picks?"

Undari laughs, a dry rustling of wind over the leaves, and says to Gaius, "That what a spy would say too." He points to himself and says to Thorek, he says, "Undari healer, not spy."

Boudra arches an eyebrow and nudges Thorek. Is he alright? she asks, indicating Undari with a tilt of her head. Tell the chatty one I'll go with him if he wants some company.

Undari will continue to answer questions (with increasingly better diction as he recalls how to speak the ‘Common’ that he has not commonly spoken for the last 3 years), and approaches the body of the alchemist carefully. He casts Detect Magic and examines her possessions carefully, but —as a show of good will—does not pocket anything, instead laying it out for all to see.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Alchemy if Needed: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Spellcraft if Needed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Thorek exchanges a glance with Boudra and shrugs, then turns back to Undari. "We'll let the Cedric know about this, he or Aubrin will know what to do. Who are you a healer for if you haven't spoken to anybody in three years? Squirrels?" The dwarf starts to laugh but slow realization dawns on his face.

"It's squirrels, isn't it?"

Although much of the tools and lab equipment within the alchemist's tent has been reduced to smoldering ruin, a pair of chests - coated with fireproof lacquer - have survived the conflagration. However, the blackened iron locks upon them may be more difficult to open due to warping.

The slain alchemist's thick leather coat protected much of her equipment from being damaged by either the explosion or barrage of attacks she suffered. No fewer than fifteen flasks, thick glass bottles, and vials hang from belts and cords on her person. Undari is able to readily recognize the more alchemical compounds, but the ones that display a magical radiance seem to elude his identification for now.

Undari looks up and smiles, saying, ”I heal many animals...squirrels too. I also heal others in forest Fangwood Druids ask, but I speak language of forest, not of townspeople...not since orc invasion.”

A cloud passes over Undari’s face at that last statement, as he recalls seeing the aftermath of the invasion of his hometown, Roslar’s Coffer...so much emptiness!

He picks up the keys from the alchemist’s body and goes to the chests to see if they will work on the locks.

Gaius has a go at identifying some of the mysterious flasks on the executed Hobgoblin. Been a while since I had to do this kind of work... Should have brought some of my school notes with me. I'll have to try again tomorrow on a couple.

"So, is this little resistance you all have been developing camped out nearby? Just want to know if I'll need a horse or not," he quickly explains, eager to not support the idea that he is a spy. Ugh, Undari was right, even that was what a spy would say too! Thorek is going to kill me. At least Father sent me to school instead of arranging for my "accidental" and untimely demise.
________
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Didn't know how many unique potions/flasks there were, so I just rolled a bunch. But man, those rolls! Is there an area we haven't searched yet?

Well, at least they seem eager to help, Boudra signs to Thorek. I can see as well as you in the dark - I'll keep watch if you want. She starts to head off a few yards to get the best view of the area possible, but before she fully departs she turns back to Gaius and Undari. "Nice to meet you," she calls shortly, giving the two men a little wave. Though she's got a thick accent when speaking Common, she's understandable.

Thank you, Boudra With a final harumph and glower at Gaius, Thorek hefts one of the chests. "Let's get the loot back to Hidden Hope, we can sort it all out there. No sense in sticking around here in case another Ironfang patrol or something shows up."

It seems like we're done with the camp?

Thank you, Boudra With a final harumph and glower at Gaius, Thorek hefts one of the chests. "Let's get the loot back to Hidden Hope, we can sort it all out there. No sense in sticking around here in case another Ironfang patrol or something shows up."

It seems like we're done with the camp?

If I read it correctly, there are the chests in the alchemist’s tent Undari is currently trying to open with the alchemist’s keys, then there are the chests in the Chieftain’s tent which you guys have the keys for from your earlier fight. If we can carry all these chests, great, but if not, trying the keys would be a good idea...

"I don't know about everyone else but I'm ready for a long rest. Should we go get the cart to carry this stuff home?

If we built a travois Thorek could probably drag the whole lot easily enough, though it might leave a trail. We should also see if Novvi can find us some Dust of Tracelessness

Gaius looks intently at Boudra when she signs to Thorek and waits for her to look at him again.

Hello.

Gaius.

he signs, very slowly, as he joins the group of people using language they normally don't. Yet another thing I wish I had my notes for... She just spoke though, so she must be deaf, not non-verbal. I'll make a point to practice with her at camp.

"My horse could be for carrying things instead of riding! I also have one of these," he offers, pointing to his backpack. "It carries way more than it looks, there are some extradimensional spaces in it."
________
Note to self, get scrolls of ant haul...

If I read it correctly, there are the chests in the alchemist’s tent Undari is currently trying to open with the alchemist’s keys, then there are the chests in the Chieftain’s tent which you guys have the keys for from your earlier fight. If we can carry all these chests, great, but if not, trying the keys would be a good idea...

Correct. There are three chests in the sergeant's tent, and the party took the keys off of Scarvinious after defeating him. There are two chests in the alchemist's tent, and the keys for them are on her keyring.

The flanks of the camp courtyard are lined with many supply crates, pushed along the ravine walls, as well as a pair of sturdy rain barrels. Searching through these containers and inventorying their contents could take an hour or more, to say nothing of the effort required to transport them. Of course, considering that they contain enough supplies for an entire warband, they could be invaluable for your camp of refugees.

Thorek's demeanor softens and his expression turns thoughtful at the mention of a magical horse. "Gaius, you said? A magic horse to haul these chests away would be very helpful. Thank you."

Perception w/Guidance: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25

Rummaging through the crates & satchels, Thorek notices the displaced log and retrieves the black iron lockbox from it. With a pleased grunt the dwarf tucks it into his backpack. "We should bring the wagon back here to haul all of this off. Hidden Hope could make good use of all these supplies!"

As the group prepares to leave he points towards the blasted remnants of the goblin. "Are there...more of those things buried around there? Any chance we could dig them up to fortify our own base with?

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

After attempting to open the alchemist's chests with the keys he found on her body, Undari sweeps the rest of the camp with Detect Magic.

Stopping as he scans the way the dwarf came, he says, "I detect magic auras in collapsed tent. I will search."

Undari goes over and rearranges the tent so it can be searched (either pull off the collapsed portion if it is mostly down, or pop it back up if it is mostly up). He then tracks down the magic sources and pulls them out into the main area for reviewing.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"If you need, I keep watch here while you retrieve wagon," Undari offers.

Fine with waiting until later to open the chests; it is just something Undari was already doing several posts back.

Boudra is surprised - pleasantly so - when Gaius signs to her, however poor his articulation may be. Hello! You're very good at signing, she returns, politely. I'm Boudra. It's good to have you with us.

To the rest of the group, she signs, I'm not strong, but happy to carry what I can.

Gaius is able to initially identify a few of the alchemist's flasks, recognizing a trio of healing potions and a salve that, when applied to once-living matter, staves off the wear of time.

When Undari picks through the collapsed tent, he discovers the magic aura comes from a length of fabric that turns out to be a ragged green cloak, hidden among the many animal hides heaped beneath the fallen tent's canvas. Although he, at first, suspects it to be a Cloak of Elvenkind, he discovers that its properties differ significantly, but he can't quite identify the item.

Once the chests salvaged from the alchemist's tent are opened, the first turns out to contain, perhaps to little surprise, several more sealed vials, flasks, and bottles. An overwhelming sickly sweet odor belches forth once the chest is opened, leading Undari (educated in alchemy) to suspect that a collection of poisons sits within.

The second chest reveals a less deadly though no less eclectic contents. Within you find a chunk of darkwood the size of a small shield; two rolls of a strange, supple black leather to turns out to be eel hide - enough for a suit of light armor; a tube made of beaten silver that, when uncapped, contains two handfuls of rough-ground salt; and lastly, a small fortune in Molthuni and Nirmathi gold.

The box that Thorek discovers hidden beneath the log proves to be an iron coffer, and one of the keys taken from the slain Scarvinious proves to be a match for its lock. Another slew of Molthuni-minted gold coins, along with a smattering from Druma, are inside. A stiff leather scroll case also sits cradled among the coins. The more sundry supplies around the camp include a couple weeks' worth of food, as well as bedrolls, blankets, lengths of rope, candles, and torches. There is also a particularly ghoulish religious icon made of hammered iron that sits, forgotten, within one of the boxes.

.....

The last cache lies within Scarvinious' own tent, the one that Gaius warned you about. As testament to the bugbear sergeant's cruelty, rather than canvas, his tent is made entirely of humanoid skins, flayed and stitched together. The empty, agony-twisted faces of their victims still sit among the human skins in many places.

Braving the ghastly tent, you find some of the warband's finest weapons stored upon racks along the sides. A shaving kit, five blocks of soap, two stiff-bristled brushes, and three vials of deodorizing agent are tucked beneath the cot. Combined with the bucket of lye in the corner, this paints a picture that pairs obsessive cleanliness with the slain sergeant's cruelty.

Opening the three chests within the tent, you find that the first two contain the treasury and payroll for the camp - amounting to a considerable sum of silver, gold, and jewels, as well as a few clearly labeled potions.

The third chest, strangely, contains a collection of trinkets: wood carvings, beaded jewelry, belt buckles, small painted cameos, and other small personal effects.

Since you no longer need to worry about being hunted, at least for the time being, we can assume that you have enough time over the next few days to identify the rest of the items recovered.

As the preparations are being made with the wagon and the horse, Undari keeps watch.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

He will help with the loading and keep an eye out for hazards on the way back to wherever their hidden camp is.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

As they travel he asks the friendly one, Lily, "You part of refugees from town to south? My town, Roslar's Coffer, to north in Lastwall, destroyed by Twisted Nail tribe orcs while I in Fangwood learning to be druid. That three years ago. When I heard of town on south edge of Fangwood, suffering same fate, I leave circle and see how could help."

"Yes I am part of the refugees from the south. I was a traveling performer and managed to get caught up in the attack. Fortunately, I met the rest of the party and we've been surviving together. I'll be honest the fact that so many people rely on me to survive freaks me out at times," she says very plainly.

”Then I am in time? Journey has not been in vain? Praise be to Erastil!” responds Undari excitedly, continuing, ”I am simple healer, but I live in these woods for years. I help with their survival too.”

now that she can access a computer again...
Bree eyes the newcomers suspiciously. She doesn't want to enter into another unfortunate situation like they had before...twice now. Although, if these two are willing to help kill a couple of hobs, how bad could they be? And they clearly have something to offer. Still, she suggests to Thorek, "We may not want to bring them back to camp just yet? Maybe we could set them up at the shack of the ranger fellow with the cat?"
if Undari heals the wounded cat though, she'll probably let up pretty quickly

Boudra takes a quick inventory of everything as it's shipped back to Hidden Hope.

Don't have time to make a longer post now (:P) but I added everything but the cash and gemstones to the loot tracker...wasn't sure where to put those.

There is simply too much at the Ironfang camp to load into the wagon for a single trip, so you focus on the most valuable of treasure and the most needed of supplies. The bandaged lynx allows Thorek alone to place her upon the wagon for the trip back.

With magic and torch, you light the way through the forest as you make your way back to Hidden Hope. The night's events wear heavily upon your muscles, minds, and eyelids, but you doggedly press onward. The pale blue first light of dawn bleeds into the sky by the time the rocky outcropping that signals home comes into view. Your posted lookouts have already spotted your approach, so a number of familiar faces are present to greet you. Their faces are filled with nervous anticipation, hoping that the first tidings you bring are news of victory.

Noticing the bandaged Lynx and its trust of Thorek, Undari approaches the dwarf, asking ”If you like, I examine feline and heal. How she injured?”

This must be their flock, better stick to the back and let them do the talking. Can’t imagine they are crowding around to see me! Definitely could use sleep though, that was quite the trek. Gaius slows his stride to bring him to the back of the group and patiently waits for some of the known members of the group to address the crowd.

Lily happy to see the villagers just wells with tears unable to really get any words out about their success.

"Worg's teeth, and an Ironfang blade. She got the best of them though, she surely did." Thorek gently pets Pila and makes little cooing sounds to calm her when Undari approaches.

"Shh, it's all right. I know he's weird, but he can take the pain away." I will also use my last Fervor points to Channel, so anyone who's injured should gather around

Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Looking at the folk of Hidden Hope with confusion, Thorek steps to the fore. "Where are Cedric and Cyrioul? They should have arrived here before us with news of the battle..."

Assuming this happens on as we load up the wagon before leaving, as that is when Undari noticed the injured animal.

Undari approaches the wounded animal with caution, whispering words in the ancient tongue softly, for the Lynx’s ears only (Druidic).

Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

If he is allowed to approach, Undari will gently remove the bandages, assess the damage, then treat the wounds with care before applying a fresh dressing.

Heal check to diagnose: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Heal check to treat deadly wounds: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

Using his healer’s kit, Undari expertly tends the wounds (lynx gains back 6 hp +1 hp per it’s HD). If Undari diagnoses other issues or more healing is needed, he will use his herbal concoctions in the poultice applied under the bandages—Cure Light wounds(1d8+4) or Lesser Restoration (1d4) as needed.

The positive energy that Thorek channels washes over the party, easing the tension in Pila's muscles as the lingering pain flees further away. The lynx begins to purr, feeling safe in the company of the dwarf and his companions. Her fur bristles when Undari first approaches, but the druid soon eases the animal's apprehension. This allows him to examine the lynx's lingering injuries. A few simple poultices can prevent infection from setting in, but between the combined ministrations of the party, Pila will recover quickly.

The sentries exchange confused looks that soon turn to anxiety. With growing trepidation, they admit that the wizard and priest have not returned yet.

"Not to worry," Aubrin speaks up, emerging from the cavern. "Devotion to Erastil, unfortunately, never brought Cedric much direction sense. I'm sure they're just caught taking the long way home."

Admittedly, I forgot that they got sent home ahead of the party. This just means that the pair will be catching up after resolving and off-screen encounter. This will also help wrap up one or two loose ends from Book 1.

The positive energy that Thorek channels washes over the party, easing the tension in Pila's muscles as the lingering pain flees further away. The lynx begins to purr, feeling safe in the company of the dwarf and his companions. Her fur bristles when Undari first approaches, but the druid soon eases the animal's apprehension. This allows him to examine the lynx's lingering injuries. A few simple poultices can prevent infection from setting in, but between the combined ministrations of the party, Pila will recover quickly.

Undari nods with satisfaction, offering Pila a Goodberry if she likes, then bids her farewell as he takes his place in the marching order to head to Hidden Hope. His body language suggests familiarity with animals, much more so than people, and he seems to take his leave respectfully, treating the lynx as an equal and respecting her wishes.

...

Undari is content to remain quiet during the return to the camp, but he does scan the inhabitants for evidence of sickness, disease, injury, or just simple malnutrition. To those who appear hungry, he offers a Goodberry. Once introductions are over, he will ask to be shown to the infirmary, if there is one.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Heal skill to diagnose: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Thorek gathers up a few volunteers and takes the wagon on a return trip to the Ironfang camp to gather up the rest of the supplies.

Assuming that goes smoothly...

Later that evening, with the supplies and newcomers settled in, Thorek goes to find Boudra and whomever else in the lead group he can find, dinner plate still in hand.

"I can hardly believe we pulled that off," the dwarf says, shaking his head before taking another bite. "What now? The immediate danger is dealt with, but the Ironfang's still hold Phaendar and the Chernasado Rangers all seem to have vanished. Shouldn't we have seen some sign of them by now? Is there some bigger fight going on elsewhere that we don't know about?"

Did we recover any useful documents or records from the camp? And get all those chests & boxes open?

Having just marched through the night, Gaius finds an undisturbed part of the camp and resigns himself readily to the comfort of slumber. Waking up in the late morning, he briefly peruses his spell book before walking around camp. Where he can, he introduces himself to any scholarly types as well as people who look like they might be a frequent traveler of the woods. This is a sizable number of people... I’ve read about war and invasions in books before, but seeing the displacement is much different than the unfeeling numbers on a page.

Around dinner time, he happens to be near enough to Thorek to chime in briefly. ”I, um, I think that maybe, you know, some reconnaissance might be in order? I know you all have been on the run, but, if we can spare it, well, it might be worth a look, right?” he suggests to the Dwarf uneasily. Having said his piece, he awkwardly slinks back to his own table.

The Loot spoiler above includes everything that was in the locked containers.

Undari and Gaius soon learn that this "Hidden Hope," the camp that the refugees from the village of Phaendar call home, is a cavern system seized from a tribe of troglodytes. The narrow entrance is a concealed cleft in a broad rocky outcropping that rises from the forest floor. If your new companions hadn't led you here, your only clue that anything of interest lurked nearby would have been the simple banner planted among the rocks. It is made from a staff with a crossbeam lashed across the top, and a green scarf hangs down alongside a pair of pine boughs - the so-called Hemlock Banner.

Undari finds that the refugees, despite what they have obviously been through, are surprisingly hale and healthy. They suffer from neither sickness nor injury, and their morale is unexpectedly high. Their guardians have clearly been doing a stellar job looking after them.

Thorek and his volunteers encounter no resistance when they return to the conquered Ironfang camp and load up the remaining plunder and supplies. On their way back, they even find their paths crossing with the wayward Cedric and Cyrioul. The pair are alive and unhurt, but haggard nonetheless. Evidently, the previous night did not calm for them once they left the ambush site. They promise to tell the story back at camp, especially since Aubrin will want to hear the outrageous tale.

Only a scant few documents are recovered from the sergeant's foul tent on this second trip. Written in Goblin, they offer a brief insight into the Ironfang Legion's overall strategy. With a new bridge built over the Marideth River, the Legion is using Phaendar as a base from which to expand across the Nesmian Plains. In particular, they seem eager for their main force to seize the Tamran Highway. A superior officer, one Scabvistin, has also sent a letter that simultaneously criticizes the late Scarvinious' skills while also directing the bugbear sergeant to join the hunt for the remaining Chernasardo Rangers.

There is one other document that sticks out from the rest. Written in Common Taldane, it simply reads "All foxes to their holes."

"All foxes to their holes..." Thorek whispers to himself after the note is read. "It's not in Goblin, and it seems like some sort of signal or code phrase. Mayhaps the Rangers have gone to ground?"

Thorek frowns at Gaius' suggestion, but after mulling it over a moment slowly nods. "I suppose you're right. Not certain what else we can do, to be honest. A bit of reconnaissance would likely be helpful--assuming we don't stumble into an Ironfang column."

Undari has spent the day getting to know and working with those survivors hunting and foraging for food. He has given his best advice for this specific section of the forest, perhaps finding new sources of food or herbs. He spends his first level spell slots converting an impressive amount of berries and nuts to Goodberries—enough to provide many meals with a small health boost in each.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

That afternoon, he decanted four doses of healing salve (Cure light wounds @CL4), giving them to the survivors, just in case. Overhearing Thorek’s comment, Undari breaks away from his conversation with the hunters, saying, ”I may be able to help some with searching. Sometimes when the need is great, Earastil grants me the eyes of the eagle. If you can get me close, I can help with the scouting.”. A day full of speaking with people in the common tongue seems to have done wonders for his diction...

Bree is disgusted to think about the hobs living in her town. If they're using it as a base though, perhaps they kept some of the villagers who didn't escape alive for slave labor. It's a slim hope, and not a fate she'd wish on anyone, but she still hopes to see her family again one day. She shakes her head as if clearing the cobwebs of her mind.
"This is the first real intelligence we've been able to get our hands on. Scouting sounds like a good idea. We may want to scout toward this bridge. If they're using it to spread their forces, perhaps we can slow them down with a little sabotage." She smiles remembering the last bridge they blew. "It's also encouraging to know that there ARE some rangers left, even if we don't know where they are."

Even with Thorek’s agreement Gaius remains stiff. ”I’ll come along too, you know, if you’ll have me,” he offers, staring at the ground.

”Bridges in the woods are very important...” he says. ”Who knows, we might even be able to find some foxes, or even some Fey!”

" I'm not going to say no to additional help. Hopefully we'll be able to find out where additional survivors are. It should be a little bit easier now that we scattered the forces a bit. "

Aubrin asks to see the note, and she holds it close so her clouded eyes can confirm the words. She briefly taps her good foot on the ground thoughtfully before speaking.

"Old Ironsides is correct," she says, clapping a hand upon Thorek's armored shoulder, "This message is a ranger code. It's instructions to fall back to the nearest hidden fort. If the Ironfangs had this note, then it sadly means that at least one ranger more didn't make it."

She shakes her head, more so to dismiss the negative thought than to mourn.

"When I served with the rangers, I trained at one of their forts: Fort Nunder. It sits a little more than thirty miles northwest of here, near the western verge of the Chernasardo. The other two are Forts Ristin and Trevalay, but I've never visited them."

If you intend to scout the Ironfang-controlled Phaendar, Aubrin advises extreme caution.

"I've spoken with the former slaves that Lily, our master of disguise, rescued from those emissaries. After seizing the town, they immediately enslaved the townsfolk and set them to work on two projects: rebuilding the bridge and fortifying the town. It's as tragic as a broken tankard to say this, but Phaendar is well and truly enemy territory now."

"Old Ironsides is correct," she says, clapping a hand upon Thorek's armored shoulder...

"...old? Angradd's beard, Aurbrin, I'm no even fifty," the dwarf grumbles briefly, but he listens intently to Aubrin's mention of the forts and Phaendar.

"Any word on the Ironfang's numbers in Phaendar? If it's an enemy stronghold mayhaps we should report to this Fort Nunder and offer our aid. The ancestors know we could use the reinforcements..."

”How far is the town away from Hidden Hope? asks Undari. ”If you can get me to within an hour’s travel at night, I should be able to scout from the sky in relative safety, but we may not learn more than what the escaped prisoners have already told us.”

Frowning in concentration, he looks around to see what kind of space is in Hidden Hope compared to what might be at a Ranger fort...”I agree, Thorek, perhaps allying with the remaining rangers who made it to the Fort would be a better use of our time.” Turning to Aubrin, he asks, ”How big is the Fort? Could it be used as a new, more secure base, or should we ask any rangers we find to join us here?”

Undari’s diction in the Common tongue, other than a few remaining odd inflections, seems to be more or less recovered now, after a day of conversing with the townsfolk.

Would a side-trek to get Undari close to Phaendar in animal farm in order to get a rough head-count be worthwhile? It's a good suggestion but I'm worried about putting ourselves at too much risk.

Would a side-trek to get Undari close to Phaendar in animal farm in order to get a rough head-count be worthwhile? It's a good suggestion but I'm worried about putting ourselves at too much risk.

The AP does provide some information that can be learned from scouting out occupied Phaendar. The further along in the invasion we are, the more likely you are to have a random encounter with an Ironfang patrol within 2 miles of Phaendar.

"Fort Nunder is actually a fairly sturdy stone fortress," Aubrin explains. "It was built into a steep hill called Nunder Scarp, and it guards a vault dug into the hillside that holds the rangers' more specialized equipment.

"However, the fort was meant more as a rest stop for rangers to visit and resupply rather than long-term habitation, but it does have a few barracks, storerooms, smokehouses, and pantries that we could probably use."

Perhaps some of the items from the camp could be used by the party members...especially the magical items...

"It might be worth checking Nunder out, if it's the closest fort. Maybe some of the rangers made it."
Bree would support Undari scouting as long as he's pretty sure he can do so safely.

”I agree, a quick scout over the enemy and then we push to the Fort!” Gaius concurs between chowing down on his good at dinner. ”Even a rest stop might hold clues at the least.”

Sorry to hear you've been sick, Vayelan! Lots of that going around unfortunately. Don't sweat the slowness, we're deep into the holiday season so take your time and get better :)

A quick note, I'm around as normal through Wednesday this week, but we're off to see family on Thursday and won't be back until Tuesday 12/26. My posting rate will be reduced during that time.

Ah, thank you for the reminder Daria! Sorry about that.

Happy New Year, friends! We're about to reach Book 4 :)

Happy New Year!

I've updated the encounter map.

There is a phalanx troop guarding the entrance into the tower on the west. Meanwhile, there are stairs on the north side of the tower that wind up to the top, where Lieutenant Kosseruk, the leader of the siege, has her command post.

Hey Vayelan, just a heads up: I learned from one of my other games that losonti/Esperanza is having some irl health issues and may need botting for a little while.

Hey Vayelan, just a heads up: I learned from one of my other games that losonti/Esperanza is having some irl health issues and may need botting for a little while.

Thank you for the heads up. I'll bot Esperanza for now.

Hopefully they get better soon.

Also, do you guys intend to first engage the phalanx troop guarding the entrance to the tower gate, or do you want to attempt to go around the back to climb the stairs and engage Lieutenant Kosseruk first?

Kosseruk first!

Sure!

Hey everyone,

Still alive! I've been struggling with a major depressive phase coupled with some actually bad stuff going on IRL. I struggle with whether to come back or just drop out (semi-)gracefully, and I would like to continue if it's all right with y'all. I know it's been frustrating with how much trouble I've had lately.

I don't mind. I've gone through the same stuff too so I know how it is.

Also, yes lets go after the single target. Im practically useless against troops. :D

Hey everyone,

Still alive! I've been struggling with a major depressive phase coupled with some actually bad stuff going on IRL. I struggle with whether to come back or just drop out (semi-)gracefully, and I would like to continue if it's all right with y'all. I know it's been frustrating with how much trouble I've had lately.

Welcome back! Please, we'd all love to have you stay with us. We all know how rough real life can be, and sometimes you need to take some personal time.

.....

As for attacking Kosseruk...

You can make Stealth checks to try and creep up the stairs as far as you can before being heard or spotted, or you can simply go loud and storm up the stairs right now, getting a surprise round to start this battle.

Given that he doesn't have any means for directly accessing Kosseruk's position Thorek will vote to go "loud" in that he'll just make a sprint for the stairs. Missing our wizard right about now.

Is the top of the tower open to the outside? From the comment about the group, I am inclined to think so…

Is the top of the tower open to the outside? From the comment about the group, I am inclined to think so…

The command center is described as having rune-etched black walls, so I'm going to say that the roof is open, but there is a canvas covering suspended across the top of the walls.

Message for all my games:

The flu has fallen upon my family, hitting me and my daughter especially hard.

I'm going to take the weekend off to recover and look after my little girl, so I'll check back in with you on Monday to let you know how we're doing.

Thank you for your understanding.

No problem, hope you're both well soon!

Hope you get better too.

Heads up but recent computer problems have left me a bit erratic in regards to posting will write up one tomorrow

As a heads up for everyone, my spouse and I will be headed to Japan for vacation from the 18th to May 5th. I might be able to post during that time but it seems unlikely.