Why Can't Fighters Have Nice Hobgoblins? Ironfang Invasion

Game Master Stalwart

"Ah! Got it! Grum, half-step to your left!" And Aerel opens fire.

First shot: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

Rapid shot: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

Iterative: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Iterative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Please use damage rolls as necessary.

Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Finding his lower body engulfed, Grum roared in agony. His armor did nothing against the creature that assailed him. Raising his blade up with both hands, he drove it down directly into the creature.

Ref: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Entangled: The character is ensnared. Being entangled impedes movement, but does not entirely prevent it unless the bonds are anchored to an immobile object or tethered by an opposing force. An entangled creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity. An entangled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) or lose the spell.

Hit: 1d20 + 23 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 23 - 2 = 40
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (6) + (4) + (3) + 26 = 39

Confirm: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43
Crit: 1d10 + 26 ⇒ (9) + 26 = 35

Iterative: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 15 - 2 = 23
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (5) + (1) + (4) + 26 = 36

Iterative: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 2 = 26
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (5) + (2) + (3) + 26 = 36

Benedict attacks the ooze, using both Combat Expertise and Fighting Defensively (as well as Power Attack). This makes his attacks quite unlikely to hit, but will give him AC 36 - and he'll step up so that he will be the nearest target for the other ooze.

Attack, Obedience, Recklessness, PA, CE, Defensively: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 3 - 3 - 3 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 2 + 3 - 3 - 3 - 4 = 26
Damage, Recklessness, PA: 1d10 + 8 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 3 + 9 = 21

Secondary: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 3 - 3 - 3 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 2 + 3 - 3 - 3 - 4 = 17
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 3 + 9 = 30

Tertiary: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 3 - 3 - 3 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 + 3 - 3 - 3 - 4 = 11
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 3 + 9 = 26

Haela picks up her axe and moves up.

Will: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 3 = 20

Haela remains stunned by the harmonics of the one she failed to resist.

The barrage of attacks from Grum, Benedict, and the archers manage to shatter the first ooze. Affecting Haela=1: 1d2 ⇒ 2

The second ooze surges forward after Benedict and tries to crystallize the clever warrior, who finds the sluggish nature of the oozes both easy to hit and easy to evade!

Slam: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28
Damage: 7d8 + 9 ⇒ (8, 4, 5, 7, 4, 5, 8) + 9 = 50

Everyone is up!

William unleashes another fusillade of arrows at the remaining creature.

+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow PBS MS RS DA AS 1: 1d20 + 20 - 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 2 + 1 - 3 = 28 Damage 1: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 20 Damage 2: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 17
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow PBS RS DA AS 2: 1d20 + 20 - 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 20 - 2 + 1 - 3 = 22 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 23
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow PBS RS DA AS 3: 1d20 + 15 - 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 15 - 2 + 1 - 3 = 12 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 19
+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow PBS RS DA AS 4: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 + 1 - 3 = 10 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 24

Hit: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (11) + 23 = 34
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (1) + (3) + (2) + 26 = 32

Despite his wounds, Grum was still in the fight. Pushing through the mess that was once the first ooze, he swung his sword at the second without second thought.

And that 28 to hit would have Grum (and dropped him to -12 with 50 damage), so I am feeling very good about being able to tank effectively.

Benedict swings his axe into the ooze, hoping to finish it quickly.
He only gets the +3 morale to hit and damage from Recklessness on the round he enters combat, so he doesn't have that now. Turning off Fighting Defensively but keeping Combat Expertise, for AC 33.

Attack, Obedience, PA, CE: 1d20 + 17 + 2 - 3 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 17 + 2 - 3 - 3 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 9 = 24

Secondary: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 3 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 - 3 - 3 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 = 19

Tertiary: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 3 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 - 3 - 3 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20

He then steps diagonally to make room for Amkarang.
"One big hit, my friend!"
I think they have DR, so a single two-handed blow is probably your best bet to punch through it.

Aerel continues to fire.

First shot with multishot: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33

Iterative: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Please use damage rolls as necessary.

Damage: 2d8 + 24 ⇒ (4, 2) + 24 = 30

Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

With Clustered Shots, that's potentially 63 points before damage reduction.

Botting Amkarang

Don't roll a one: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Amkarang steps into range with his meteor hammer and brings in down on the already heavily wounded ooze, shattering it into pieces.

25,600 xp

The main passage continues past the crystal chamber, with a small side passage branching off to your right.

Which way?

Aerel tries to find tracks of the slaves reportedly ahead of the party.

Survival: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

The tracks continue on through the main corridor. How they got past the carnivorous crystals is an exercise for the reader.

”So far so good.” Grum said as they walked on. ”If the tracks continue this way then they must be safe.”

Haela will do her best to heal the worst of Grum's wounds.

Healer's Hands 1 of 9: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35
40 HP

Healer's Hands 2 of 9: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22
27 HP

34 HP still lost. Using wands of CLW need a 2+1

5d20 ⇒ (14, 6, 17, 20, 15) = 72
5d8 + 5 ⇒ (6, 8, 1, 8, 3) + 5 = 31

Sorry, you had Wounds marked as 74 so I thought 40+27 left you only 7 down. No way would I expect anyone to need to rely on a wand. Were you really down 101?

Haela heals Grum some more.
Healer's Hands 3 of 9: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35
40 more.

Slam: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Damage: 7d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 8, 3, 7, 2, 3, 3) + 9 = 37

Crit confirm?: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33
Damage: 7d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1, 5, 2, 2, 5, 7) + 9 = 37

Had taken 74 wounds. You healed 62 now. I'll use 2 charges to be at full and we're good

Haela healed 40 with her first use of Healer's Hands and 27 with her second use, for a total of 67, leaving Grum with only 7 damage remaining.

Ah, thank you! Much obliged. I'll just use 1 charge, leaving him at a very comfortable -1 wounds

The heroes move ahead through the main passage. After a short traversal of a narrow corridor, they reach a large open chamber. Small white crystals coat every surface in this grand chamber, lending it the appearance of a winter landscape. The entire chamber is like a wide kaleidoscope of shifting white and gray patterns, reflecting along the jutting rocks of the cavern.

Can we have everyone back a little bit, and Aerel scouting ahead with Stealth to see what is in the chamber?

That was my expectation, that Aerel was still leading with Stealth.

Stealth: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (1) + 24 = 25

Perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38 +5 vs. traps

Survival: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32
Perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

As Aerel scouts ahead, he sees the chamber is occupied by two nagas and a large insectoid being. Aerel steps on an unfortunately-placed rock which makes enough noise to catch all the creatures' attention. One of the snakelike creatures speaks in a sibilant whisper.

Aerel retreats when it's clear he's been spotted.

Init Nagas: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Init Aerel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Aerel backs away before the nagas are able to respond.

To the others, ”Three creatures together ahead. Two like the Naga we saw earlier and a third that was more like an insect. It spoke and it was similar to the language you used with the trader. Maybe.”

”Fun!” Grum said. ”So, we kill them and take everything they own?” Grum asked.

”Well, they did not act aggressively toward me, so I’m not sure they are foes. I’m quite sure they knew I was there and when I realized it, I retreated here. So… caution is always warranted, but we may not need to fight them. We are still needing information, are we not?”

I really don't know. I feel like I was too indecisive with the Duergar slavers and cost us XP and gold that we will probably need. But picking fights with non-hostile beings just for loot seems morally questionable to say the least.

"Let's hear what they have to say, anyway. I don't want to volunteer information about us and our mission."

There are plenty of story reasons to enter combat. We don't need to kill every sentient being we meet.

"I feel the same. I've got your back. I don't know if we need a sign you can give us non-speakers that the conversation is not going well."

Benedict moves up to the mouth of the tunnel.

Benedict sees the large insectoid creature, but only one of the two nagas that Aerel reported.

Initiative?

Aerel has constant See Invisibility from the Spectral Shroud.

I don't know if you intended that for me, but to explain, See Invisibility doesn't reveal a creature that is also hiding automatically. I posted the Perception check to get it out of the way in case they are using both magical and mundane means to hide.

Enemy: 21 = 21
Grum: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Benedict: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
William: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Amkarang: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Aerel: 22 = 22
Haela: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Aerel is up! (Pink border is the one that's invisible)

Aerel's eyes scan the room until he finds the invisible creature. He mutters in Elven, "There you are..."

He takes a step back to be out of his friends' path and opens fire.

[spoiler=Note to self]+1 longbow +19/+14/+9 with point-blank shot, deadly aim (1d8+12/x3/30' range), using multishot[/dice]

Attack with multishot: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25
Damage: 2d8 + 24 ⇒ (8, 3) + 24 = 35

Iterative: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Tertiary: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

---------------------

Iterative potential crit: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Potential extra damage: 2d8 + 24 ⇒ (3, 7) + 24 = 34

Aerel's first shot passes just by the naga, but his second shot hits it solidly center mass eliciting a pained hiss.

The invisible one casts another spell to enhance its defenses while sliding back. The other moves up so it can see down the corridor, and launches a bolt of lightning that passes through Benedict, Aerel, Haela and Grum!

Electricity (DC 16 for half): 7d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 1, 4, 5, 3) = 22

Then the large insectlike creature charges forward, roaring in a frothing rage as it tries to pummel Grum with its bare hands! The thick hide armor seems to flash in power as it charges!

Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 18 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d4 + 8 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 8 + (4, 3) = 16

Even flat-footed, Grum's armor is stout.

Everyone is up!

Reflex DC 16: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

No damage thanks to evasion.

Perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (7) + 25 = 32

Not sure I understand the spoiler - have we been following the wrong tracks?

Waiting for my action since I've just gone.

William moves forward and fires at the naga he can see. Seeing the creature fighting Grum he says "Guess we know what a trox is now."

+2 Adaptive Goblinoid Bane Composite Longbow DA AS 2: 1d20 + 20 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 20 - 3 = 34 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 + 6 = 17

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Ref: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 4 = 20

Hit: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (6) + (6) + (2) + 26 = 40

Confirm: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (11) + 23 = 34
Crit: 1d10 + 26 ⇒ (10) + 26 = 36

Iterative: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (7) + (2) + (3) + 26 = 38

Iterative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Damage with electricity and fire: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d4 + 26 ⇒ (4) + (5) + (3) + 26 = 38

Confirm: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Crit: 1d10 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27

Grum let out a bellowing laugh, his soul filled with joy as only a follower of Gorum could feel it. He sidestepped the bolt of lightning, as best he could, so that the blast did not hit him full on. And then the insectoid creature came at him, only to be met by his blade. Trusting in his armor, Grum impaled the creature on his sword, using his own strength, as well as it's momentum, to drive the blade all the way through. With a flourish and a grin he ripped the blade free, only to swing it at his enemy, the blade landing before the body even had a chance to fall. Trox or no Trox, the creature had attacked him, and he was not about to let a good time go to waste.

@Grum, WOW! That is 152 damage, or 179 if a 20 confirms.

Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 6 damage after Aasimar resistances.
Benedict dodges some of the lightning and resists some of what he fails to dodge.

Assuming that the Trox is dead, Benedict moves up to the Naga that cast the Lightning Bolt and strikes it.

Attack, Obedience, PA, Recklessness: 1d20 + 17 + 2 - 3 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 17 + 2 - 3 + 3 = 38
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 3 + 9 = 29

Reflex, Hardy, Shake it Off +3, Lastwall Phalanx +3: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 3 + 3 = 17

Haela likewise dodges some of the lightning.

She moves up to try to box in the naga.

William hits on a 1: 1d5 ⇒ 2
Benedict hits on a 1: 1d4 ⇒ 1
One of the overlaid images pops when William tries to strike the naga. Benedict follows that up with a mighty hit on the snake creature.

Grum brings devastating strikes down on the trox, and after his third brutal cut the insectoid creature falls!

The invisible snake becomes visible in a cry at the death of the trox. She undulates her body and with arcane words detonates a blast of fire that engulfs everyone but Haela!

Fire DC 16 for half: 7d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 1, 2, 4, 6, 2) = 24

Reflex DC 16: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

My evasion is showing up in this fight.

Aerel adjust his aim at the movement of his now-visible target and keeps firing.

Attack with multishot: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
Damage: 2d8 + 24 ⇒ (4, 7) + 24 = 35

Iterative attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Iterative attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Potential crit on first shot (don't multiply the second arrow's damage, right?: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37
Potential Critical Damage: 2d8 + 24 ⇒ (5, 4) + 24 = 33

Naturally, if the first shot kills his original target, he will change targets. Clustered shots is in effect if she has DR.

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Amkarang avoids the worst of the blast of fire as he charges in to help Benedict take on the snake-beast.

Double moving in. HP 109/121

Ref: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 4 = 19
2 damage taken. Double move towards pink. Will move when near a computer but anyone can feel free to do it

Ignoring the flames, Grum pulled his blade free from the corpse and broke off running towards the enemy to the south. Given the difficult terrain he wasn’t able to get to grips with it…yet.

Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Benedict takes the full brunt of the fire.
Down 30 now.

He strikes the naga in front of him.

Attack, Obedience, PA: 1d20 + 17 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 2 - 3 = 30
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 9 = 25

Iterative: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 2 - 3 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23

Even if that's a miss it is hopefully close enough to pop an image.

Tertiary: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 - 3 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 9 = 27