Why Can't Fighters Have Nice Hobgoblins? Ironfang Invasion

Game Master Stalwart

"Okay Kisegar, you and me."

Benedict moves forward to retrieve the weapon.
He will knock it against the ground to get rid of any remaining spores before bringing it back to the party.

Kisegar gives a command to her beetle companion, who stays put with the rest of the part and well out of range of the mushrooms.

Once the two move into the patch of glowing fungus, Benedict recognizes the shape and slight whiffs of a sour but unpleasantly familiar musk, leading him to realize that the body is that of a troglodyte. Retrieving the spear predictably causes a cloud of spores to fill the air, obscuring his sight and filling his lungs with a toxin that he is thankfully immune.

Kisegar coughs a few times but doesn't appear to be in distress. "Well, easy enough," she says, fanning the spores away from her face. "A little bit of treasure gathering while we're--"

She's cut off by a large hissing as two long and sinewy shapes drop down from the wall and land hard on the ground near the two!

The shapes resolve into dragon-like creatures, wingless, but covered in spines across their body! They hiss in their dragon tongues to each other triumphantly.

Enemy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Kisegar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Grum: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Benedict: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
William: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Amkarang: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Aerel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Haela: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Farther away, the rest of the party sees the pair get assaulted by a pair of large dragon-like beings, but all four creatures are still in the deadly spore cloud!!

Grum, William, and Aerel are up!!

"Stay at range! She wasn't lying about the spores!"

Aerel swings around, catching the sight of something dropping down the wall in the corner of his eye, and lets fly with a salvo of arrows at the nearer of the two figures.

Deadly Aim and Manyshot: 1d20 + 21 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 21 - 3 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 + (4) + 5 + 6 = 34

Deadly Aim, iterative: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 16 - 3 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 6 = 15

Deadly Aim, iterative: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 3 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 = 13

I am assuming we are out of Point-Blank range, otherwise, please add 1 to those rolls. I assume you will apply any necessary concealment. All damage is combined before DR thanks to Clustered Shots.

Edit: Well, I don't feel awesome about any of those shots...

William reacts to the creatures and what they said. He shouts to Benedict in Minatan"They expect the mushrooms to lay you low in the ambush the planned."

+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow MS RS DA AS 1: 1d20 + 20 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 20 - 2 - 3 = 24 Damage 1: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 22 Damage 2: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 17
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 2: 1d20 + 20 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 20 - 2 - 3 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 18
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 3: 1d20 + 15 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 15 - 2 - 3 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 17
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 4: 1d20 + 10 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 2 - 3 = 14 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 23

Grum held back, his blade at the ready. With both Aerel and William firing a deadly barrage of arrows, he steeled himself for the draconic attackers to fly down and end the threat. If they did so, he would be ready.

Standing next to them as best as possible with readied action

Readied Action: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (3) + 23 = 26
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (10) + (5) + (3) + 26 = 44

Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 60
Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 77
Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 19

William's shot is lost in the spore cloud, but two of Aerel's shots strike true.

Benedict 1, Kisegar 2: 1d2 ⇒ 1

One of the dragons steps close to Benedict and unleashes a flurry of claws, fangs and tail.

Bite: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 59
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 2) + 8 = 16

Claw: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 72
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Claw: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 1

Tail: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

The other dragon notes the arrows coming its way and plows through the cloud and then breathes a line of fire at the rest of the party!

Fire, Reflex DC 20: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 6, 6, 1, 2) = 24

Kisegar steps away from the dragon and goes invisible.

The party is up!

Reflex, evasion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 Now doesn’t that just suck

Aerel steps aside so he is no longer lined up with his friends, but fires at the dragonkin harassing Benedict. He is careful to stay behind Grum, naturally.

Deadly Aim and Manyshot: 1d20 + 21 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 21 - 3 = 32
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 + (6) + 5 + 6 = 36
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 79

Deadly Aim, iterative: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 16 - 3 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 = 17
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 100

Deadly Aim, iterative: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 3 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 = 17
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 49

I am assuming we are out of Point-Blank range, otherwise, please add 1 to those rolls. I assume you will apply any necessary concealment. All damage is combined before DR thanks to Clustered Shots.

William steps to the side opposite Aerel and unloads more arrows at the creature that breathed on him.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow MS RS DA AS 1: 1d20 + 20 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 20 - 2 - 3 = 19 Damage 1: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 16 Damage 2: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 21
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 2: 1d20 + 20 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 20 - 2 - 3 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 23
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 3: 1d20 + 15 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 15 - 2 - 3 = 25 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 21
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 4: 1d20 + 10 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 2 - 3 = 8 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 23

Benedict attacks with the spear he has in hand, first faking a stab to the eyes before pulling it back and plunging it into the dragon's neck.
Assuming the spear is +1. If greater, please add that in. He will use both Power Attack and Combat Expertise. The iteratives are unlikely to hit with such penalties, so he will feint and strike.

Greater Feint, vs non-humanoid: 1d20 + 25 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 25 - 4 = 32

Attack, PA, CE, Recklessness: 1d20 + 16 - 3 - 3 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 16 - 3 - 3 + 3 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 9 + 3 = 20
01-20 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 31

AC 33 with Combat Expertise.

What is Grum's current HP? My stat line says 62 wounds taken...

Ref: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Will ready action if his wounds were healed. If they were not? Then he will use this turn to heal up. Just need to know where he stands

An entire day came and went, during which Haela had 9 uses of Healer's Hands (around 30 pts each) plus regular Treat Deadly Wounds, plus healing from resting.

Everyone should have started this fight at full.

Thank you. So 12 damage taken with fire resist 10. 2 wounds

Dazzling Display: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

The flames washed over Grum, who walked through unscathed. ”Cowards)l!” He roared, pointing his blade at the enemy in an obvious challenge.

Will post tomorrow, got a concussion right after getting back on my feet from Covid…if it ain’t one thing it’s another.

Holy cow! Hang in there, you’re due for some sunny days soon!

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Alright, down 12.

Amkarang gets next to Grum, strength in numbers and all that, and prepares an attack should the dragons advance with his meteor hammer held for reach.

Attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

The dragon in the spores looks off-balance from Benedict's move, and takes a hit from the clever warrior. A cluster of arrows from Aerel harms it further.

William manages to hit with only one arrow when he shoots at the closest dragon, while Grum alarms both dragons with his bold challenge. Amkarang wisely uses his meteor hammer's reach to avoid the bristling spines covering the dragon's hide when he hits it for some damage.

Kisegar reappears several feet away as she shoots at the dragon facing Benedict.
Ranged, ff: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 = 28
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 2
Damage: 1d10 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 1 + (4) = 15

The dragon continues to fight Benedict with tooth and claw.
Bite: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 18 - 2 = 19
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 2
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 2) + 8 = 14

Claw: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 18 - 2 = 17
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 90
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Claw: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 18 - 2 = 29
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 25
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Tail slap: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 2 = 25
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 40
Damage: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) + 4 = 13

The other dragon avoids Grum but focuses on Amkarang.

Bite: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 18 - 2 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 1) + 8 = 13

Claw: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 18 - 2 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Claw: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 18 - 2 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Tail slap: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 13 - 2 = 31
Damage: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6, 5) + 4 = 18

Tail slap confirm: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 13 - 2 = 20
Damage: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3, 6) + 4 = 17

Amkarang is hit with the dragon's tail, which is clearly poisoned by the way he feels his wounds burn!
DC 20 Fort save, Amkarang

The party is up!

Wait, the other dragon was in melee range of the party? It could just 5' step and get a full attack on Amkarang? I don't think either Grum or Amkarang knew the dragon was that close.

Benedict shifts to a more offensive posture, hoping to finish his foe. No more Combat Expertise so AC 30.

Attack, PA: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 16 - 3 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 9 = 20

Secondary: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 3 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 9 = 24

Tertiary: 1d20 + 6 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 3 = 4
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 9 = 18

Unfortunately, his aim is terrible.

Aerel continues to fire at the dragonkin harassing Benedict. He is careful to stay behind Grum, naturally.

Deadly Aim and Manyshot: 1d20 + 21 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 21 - 3 = 37
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 + (1) + 5 + 6 = 31
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 17

Deadly Aim, iterative: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 16 - 3 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 = 17
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 86

Deadly Aim, iterative: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 3 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 6 = 16
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 5

I am assuming we are out of Point-Blank range, otherwise, please add 1 to those rolls. All damage is combined before DR thanks to Clustered Shots.

One more possible hit for 17

William shoots at the creature attacking Amkarang. He calls out in draconic "I think you fell into our trap! Time to die!"

+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow PBS MS RS DA AS 1: 1d20 + 20 - 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 20 - 2 + 1 - 3 = 27 Damage 1: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 20 Damage 2: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 20
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow PBS RS DA AS 2: 1d20 + 20 - 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 20 - 2 + 1 - 3 = 35 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 18
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow PBS RS DA AS 3: 1d20 + 15 - 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 15 - 2 + 1 - 3 = 16 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 22
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow PBS RS DA AS 4: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 2 + 1 - 3 = 24 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 20

Hit with flank?: 1d20 + 23 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 23 + 2 = 43
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (3) + (1) + (1) + 26 = 31

With the dragonkin focusing on Amkarang, Grum came around behind it. The enemy had it's arm raised, ready to strike at Amkarang, and Grum brought his sword around, to intercept the limb as it came down.

Whoops, forgot about the cohort.

Reflex DC 20, Shake it Off, Lastwall Phalanx (say 1 ally adjacent): 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 28

Haela dodges some of the flames. 12 damage.

She enters Dwarven Hatred Style, then steps to strike at the dragon that Grum hit.

Attack, Blood for the Empire, PA: 1d20 + 17 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 17 + 3 - 3 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 3 + 6 = 19

Iterative: 1d20 + 12 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 3 - 3 = 28
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 3 + 6 = 21

Wait, the other dragon was in melee range of the party? It could just 5' step and get a full attack on Amkarang? I don't think either Grum or Amkarang knew the dragon was that close..

Yes, the dragon would have had to have gotten within range to use his breath weapon. I misread Amkarang's post and thought he moved up to hit.

William and Grum combine to bring down the dragon threatening the others, though its tough, spine-covered hide managed to exact a retaliation of its own, as he comes away from the attack with a bloodied forearm.
It's also poisoned, so Grum, give me a DC 20 Fort save
It was dead before Haela's attack

The other dragon is protected by the spore cloud from two out of three arrows Aerel sends its way. Benedict misses all of his, while Kisegar again tries to hit with her crossbow.

Ranged: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Damage: 1d10 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (1) = 8
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 42

The dragon roars at the loss of its mate, and tries to exact revenge upon Benedict.

Bite: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 5) + 8 = 17
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 11

Claw: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 96

Claw: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 10

Tail Slap: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Damage: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5, 6) + 4 = 20
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 42

The spore cloud protects Benedict from its massive jaws, and his defensive posture keeps the claws and tail away from him in harrowing near-misses.

You're up! Finish him!
(And Amkarang, don't forget your Fort save)

Seeing their chance to end this Robert sends more arrows at the remaining creature.

+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow MS RS DA AS 1: 1d20 + 20 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 20 - 2 - 3 = 35 Damage 1: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 19 Damage 2: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 17 Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 84
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 2: 1d20 + 20 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 2 - 3 = 27 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 18 Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 18
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 3: 1d20 + 15 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 15 - 2 - 3 = 15 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 23 Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 87
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow RS DA AS 4: 1d20 + 10 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 2 - 3 = 7 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 16 Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 98

+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow MS RS DA AS 1 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 20 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 20 - 2 - 3 = 28 Damage 1: 2d8 + 12 + 6 + 12 ⇒ (6, 8) + 12 + 6 + 12 = 44

Aerel continues to fire.

Deadly Aim and Manyshot: 1d20 + 21 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 21 - 3 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 6 + (3) + 5 + 6 = 30
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 51

Deadly Aim, iterative: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 3 = 32
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 6 = 12
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 7

Deadly Aim, iterative: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 3 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 6 = 15
Miss, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 52

I am assuming we are out of Point-Blank range, otherwise, please add 1 to those rolls. All damage is combined before DR thanks to Clustered Shots.

One more possible hit for 30; unlikely hit for 15

Looks like 30 from Aerel and maybe 80 from William (from a single crit) just that round, and 20 from me earlier, so I doubt it is still up, but just in case...

Benedict watches as arrows plunge into the dragon, then adds a few stabs of his newfound spear.

Attack, PA: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 16 - 3 = 16

Secondary: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 3 = 10

Tertiary: 1d20 + 6 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 6 - 3 = 5

Or tries to, anyway.

Nothing to see here, folks...

Pretty sure Aerel has hit for way more than 30 points. More like 130.

Pretty sure Aerel has hit for way more than 30 points. More like 130.

30 last round alone I meant.

That was as much for me as anyone. The spores have spoiled some very nice rolls, but I'm tickled at the damage that Aerel has managed to deal, nonetheless.

The barrage of arrows bring it down.

19,200 xp

"Ha! Well done." Grum said, as he looked down at the corpses. "Let's finish looting the place and the bodies before we move on."

The fissure in the cliff face seems like it served as the dragons' lair.

Kisegar calls her beetle to her and she checks it out for injuries, then rejoins the group. "Looks like that pair started using our own trap. Given the size of the patch of mushrooms, they've been using this for a while. I can cast spider climb if you want to send someone up."

William nods to Kisegar, "Thank you. Grum do you want to go up or should I with detect magic? Or someone else if they prefer."

Grum needs a DC 20 Fort save against poison, I believe.

"If these dragons have poisoned spines, and were spending time among the poisonous mushrooms, then I think I am the best one to search their lair. To be on the safe side. Could be more poisoned spines in there.
Kisegar, you can cast your spell on me."

Kisegar complies, which allows Benedict to climb up the rock wall to the crack. He quickly realizes that he was right to be the one to investigate, because the dragons' frequent comings and goings left a dangerous array of stray quills lodged into the stone crevasse. Passing through without getting scratched is almost impossible for someone not specifically trained to maneuver in tight spaces Escape Artist DC 24 to pass unharmed

piercing: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
On the way in

Once in the lair, Benedict finds 6,107 cp, 11,457 sp, 92 gp, 26 pp, an oil of shrink item, a periapt of health, a potion of fly, a wand of magic missile (CL 7, 32 charges), an opal (worth 350 gp), four amethysts (worth 100 gp each), and a dragon statuette carved from a red dragon’s femur
(worth 500 gp).

piercing: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4
On the way out

Benedict collects what he can. The copper is likely more trouble than it is worth. I know we have not been diligently tracking capacity for Handy Haversacks and Bags of Holding but even they have limits.

He climbs back down. He brings the spear to William to identify and switches back to the +2 Dwarven Waraxe.

"Ready to move on?" he asks.

Haela will heal those who need it, starting with Benedict (who is down 30).

Heal: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29
Heals 2*HD (22) + Frontier Healer (5) + 2*Wis modifier (4), so 31 HP. Healer's Satchel doubles the Wis bonus if you hit DC 25.

Amkarang is also down 30, I think.
Heal: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21
29 back to Amkarang.

Aerel flubbed the save from the dragon breath.

Healer's Hands 3 of 9: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19 Fail!

Haela mutters something quietly in frustration and tries again.

Healer's Hands 4 of 9: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30
40 HP of healing to Aerel.

Aerel sighs in relief as the burns fade and disappear. Nodding, he says, ”Thank you, Haela. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

William takes the spear from Benedict and says "Thank you. I'll let you know what it does." He then studies it to determine what it does.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

William determines the spear to be a simple +1 spear.

The group continues a while until they once again stop to make camp for the night. After an uneventful rest, the heroes continue on their way.

They encounter a lone oversized creature looking like some sort of prehistoric troglodyte. It's a savage opponent, though it is quickly overwhelmed by the might of the Heroes of Phaendar. Its stench was truly disgusting, but Benedict's immunity allows him to hold the line and keep it at bay allowing the archers to bring it down.

Kisegar mutters something about the "drow not keeping close watch on their pets," and tells anyone interested that the creature was called a ghonhatine -- a troglodyte subjected to horrific fleshwarping experiments.

The next night is also uneventful. As they set out again, Kisegar whispers to Benedict, "The path ahead takes us across a lair of a deep naga. Hopefully it won't be out hunting or asking for tribute. But, if you don't want a fight -- and you really don't; it's a powerful spellcaster -- have some tribute out. Any magical trinket you're not interested in keeping should be sufficient. Or the dwarves."

Benedict will relate Kisegar's tale to the group.

"If this deep naga collects tribute from travelers in the form of magical items, then it should have a substantial hoard. If we know that it is out there, we can be ready. Maybe I show myself openly and pretend that I have tribute to offer? William and Aerel can prepare to interrupt its spells, or William can Dispel protections or illusions it may have. Haela can bring Grum and Amkarang into melee range. Haela and I can share our abilities to resist magic.
I think it's worth taking this thing on, but if you want to avoid it we have plenty of minor magic we could offer as tribute.
What do you all think?"

”Lets kill it!” Grum agreed. ”Its hoard and its life will be ours.”

Aerel shrugs and gestures toward Grum's response.

Kisegar squints her eyes as she ponders.
Dungeoneering: 1d20 ⇒ 13

"That's a good point. I don't know why they're not hunted more rather than just avoided. Aside from, you know, being huge and having lots of magic."

Map updated

Aerel nods, "Well, if you want a part of that hoard, tell us what you know. What do we need to watch out for? What are her weak points? What sort of magic does she use?"

William stops for a moment and thinks about what he has heard about deep nagas.

Kn: Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Looking for weaknesses and spellcasting abilities and then defenses.

"The Duergar we fought had Darkvision that exceeded ours. I find it plausible that the same will be true for other residents of the Darklands. So we will need a way to see a greater distance."
Anybody have a way to cast Daylight?

"Aerel's pebble trick worked before. Advancing through cover or a fog cloud is another option - it hinders us, but it would hinder a foe with superior Darkvision just as much.

I worry that me going ahead in disguise, with the rest of you hidden behind and watching me, won't work out."

”I can put that light on an arrow for better range, but I fear that’s the extent of my talents in the area.”