GM ShadowLord's Ironfang Invasion (Inactive)

Game Master The Rising Phoenix

”Remind me not to make you two mad,” Wren says, thinking about telling the heavyset human that she got her sketch with Wee Pat. Probably isn’t the right time, she decides.

Jillian remains on the floor, not moving, still in pretty bad shape. She's at least conscious now and takes in the scene around her.

Delay until she doesn't threaten an AoO from standing

They expected little opposition from backwoods hunters and sunburned farmers, and this encounter clearly hasn't gone the way they expected. The hobgoblin looks at the dying companion on the left and then his unconscious, friend on the left. He's contemplating his actions when Thael pulls out his quarterstaff and he silently steps up over the unconscious hobgoblin to flank the purple cloaked figure him with Father Emil.

The attacker looks like he's aware this situation is bleak for him and he considers running until he looks over his shoulder at the carnage outside of the door. He steels his nerves and screams as he instead thrusts his longsword through Emil's chest, popping it through his lungs, cracking his ribs and bursting it out the other side of his body. As Father Emil's consciousness winks out from his body and remains suspended on the blade of the hobgoblin, he laughs loudly before pulling out his blade and letting the cleric's body collapse in a heap next to Jillian's. Crit, 10 damage.

He takes a guarded five foot step back towards the door and states "You are no match for the Ironfang legion!"

R3: Jillian , Thael, Selde, Baddies (x3), Wren, Father Emil [color=brown](Prone, Dying)[/color], Caspan
R4: Jillian [color=brown](Prone)[/color], Thael, Selde, Red [color=brown](Prone, Dying)[/color], Purple, Yellow [color=brown](Prone, Blinded, Stunned)[/color], Wren, Father Emil, Caspan

Purple attack Father Emil: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25
Confirm Father Emil: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Crit Damage : 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10

If he's going to use Starfinder rules like guarded step, I'm pulling out a laser pistol! :)

Caspan hesitates for a few moments as he sees the third person in the Taproot fall in a matter of seconds.

If he's just leaving, maybe that's for the best ... but they already tried to gack the girl after she fell. If he just stands here, the hobgoblin could do the same thing to the old man.

Clenching his jaw, he steps forward ... and throws a wild punch, one that might have knocked the enemy out if only it had hit.

"DRAGON SHIT!" he curses loudly.

Fist: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 9

Huh. If I hadn't put the space in that quote, it would've let me defeat the censor.

Jillian struggles to get to her feet but finally manages. With Father Emil laying on the floor bleeding she picks up her sword and prepares to defend him. She coughs up a bit of blood as she notes to the others "Don't let it escape and alert the others..."

Move/Move

Selde's eyes went wide as Father Emil slumped on the Hobgoblin's blade. She had known the old cleric almost her entire life, had been sharing drinks with him moments before. Instead of worrying, her mind finally cleared and her reflexes took over. In a blink she crossed the inn and let loose another arrow at the Hobgoblin.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 22
Arrow, P: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 3
Crit Additional Damage: 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 2 + 2 = 13

Haha dang, so close. Move action to move across the room, standard action to attack the Purple Hobgoblin.

THe halfling knew the odds were against her as the Inn was so crowded, but she couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. She again threw a half filled mug of ale at the remaining threat, trying to guide it through the air through a combo of her own willpower and the blessing from the Green Lady. ”Please just leave us alone,” she yelled.

Ranged attack with Bless into melee 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 1

Damage 1d6 ⇒ 3

Constitution Check to Stabilize, DC 11: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Sorry to have you bot me...I had actually checked the boards a few times yesterday, but didn't realize I was up. I thought I'd already gone that round.

Thael looks on in horror as three of the tavern's patrons are cut down before his eyes. "Selde, can you do anything for the fallen?" he shouts.

Though his cantrip had already failed to work twice, he thought it worth one last try to stop the fleeing enemy.

With a gesture and a few words, he casts daze on the last standing hobgoblin.

DC 15 Will

Selde's arrow embeds itself into the shoulder of the last enemy standing. He grunts and staggers back a half step before ripping the item from his body, blood pouring down his chest.

Once more Wren's airborne mug flies past the hobgoblin out into the chaos beyond the inn. The hobgoblin chuckles as the feeble attempt and turns back to say something witty in response only to find that his mind is clouded and he is temporarily overcome with confusion.

What, uh, what was I doing?

The last hobgoblin looks around the room for something, temporarily lowering his blade slightly as he tries to place some critical piece of information.

Success at last! Party is up!

R4: Jillian, Thael, Selde, Red [color=brown](Prone, Dying)[/color], Purple [color=brown](Dazed)[/color], Yellow [color=brown](Prone, Blinded, Stunned)[/color], Wren, Father Emil [color=brown](Prone, Dying)[/color], Caspan
R5: Jillian, Thael, Selde, Red [color=brown](Prone, Dying)[/color], Purple, Yellow [color=brown](Prone, Blinded, Stunned)[/color], Wren, Father Emil [color=brown](Prone, Dying)[/color], Caspan

Will: Purple: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 It was bound to happen, no?
1d4 ⇒ 2
1d4 ⇒ 3

"I'm on it Thael!" Selde shouted as she ran towards Father Emil. Green energy enveloped her hand as she uttered a blessing in a strange language. "Faodar a leigheas le beannachd nàdair!" Touching her hand to Father Emil's body, his wounds began to close.

Move action to move up to Emil, standard action to cast Cure Light Wounds.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Wren moves forward, just to the right of Aubrin, and calls of the Green Lady to allow her to heal Jillian.

Faith discipline allows me to convert a 1st Level Spell slot to a CLW 1/day.

CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Unfortunately, she was distracted and her spell didn’t do much. ”Hopefully that will keep you on your feet! Go get him!”

Caspan steps closer and punches again at the hobgoblin, but, even dazed, the creature's defense is too heavy for the hero of Phaendar's offense to get through.

Fist: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 12

And the string of good rolls continues... Also, took a 5-ft. step down to allow room for Jillian.

Father Emil's vision misted over as he fell unconscious. Yet he found he could still see someone standing near by who had not been the room before, a woman with green skin and slender willow boughs for hair. She smiled at him and said in a voice that sounded like the warm wind that sometimes flowed down the mountain slopes in springtime: "Your time is not yet. Rest a moment and return to the fight."

A moment later, consciousness flooded back into Emil like a hot spring melting snow. He was on the ground, his chest soaked in blood. He opened his eyes a crack and saw Selde's pleasant face lined with worry and felt commotion near him, Caspan in a fist fight. Clarity returned and Emil sensed he should not move yet, so he relaxed and let his arm flop sideways until he felt his scythe. He gave Selde a wink with the eye hidden from the hobgoblin.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 4 = 4
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 = 14

Jillian moves behind the others, stepping over the dying hobgoblin in the corner to find a better position. She attempts to swing her blade at the hobgoblin, but with her recent severe injury it hampers her movement and she misses entirely.

Fighting defensively, AC 14

Haha Selde's face isn't all that pleasant.

Haha Selde's face isn't all that pleasant.

Maybe he's looking at the other side!:)

Unfortunately both Caspan and Jillian's attempts fall short of hitting the last remaining hobgoblin. He still stands there blocking the doorway, a dazed expression visible on his face.

Thael's up.

Haha Selde's face isn't all that pleasant.

Doh...sorry about that, sister! I'm guessing that didn't happen since the last time I saw you. If so, Thael is pretty oblivious!

Hoping the tavern's patrons can handle the last hobgoblin, Thael tries to bash the prone one at his feet over the head with his quarterstaff, knowing his spell will wear off at some point.

However, not being something he has trained in much, he finds the creature's skull an elusive target.

quarterstaff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 51d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

OK... Five rounds, three crits and two unconscious playersis quite enough for the opening combat.

The majority of the patrons fled into the kitchen during the combat encounter, but the three that remain see tide turn with the resistance provided by the party. Inspired by your actions, the last three patrons swarm the hobgoblin and take him to the ground. After a sickening crunch from somewhere on its body, the battle in the Root finally comes to a close.

The emboldened trio do not hesitate and sit still for long though. Eosvir Valdison, Antanth Boffairb, Jane Haucey all shout "FOR PHAENDAR!" and burst out into the chaos beyond the Taproot to continue their rebellion against the invaders.

Aubrin pushes herself to a sitting position, although she hisses in pain and clutches her ribs as she does so."Thank you for saving me. Let me help get you back to fighting shape since I will not be much assistance in that area." She becks Emil and Jillian closer and then cures all of their remaining wounds.

CLW Emil: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
CLW Jillian: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

The cleric squints towards the splintered remains of the Taproot Inn's front door. "My eyes aren't what they used to be, but it... it sounds like there's an army outside the door. How did they fall on us without being seen? These damn plains are so flat you can see an elk from two days off, let alone an army!" She winces and presses her hands against the bloody hole in her chest. "They sound large. Too large to fight on the ground like honest fools. We need to gather what we can, cross the bridge, and hide out in the Fangwood. I—I know a few secrets that may keep us safe. Should probably figure out how to take down the bridge while we're at it, else they'll just march themselves across before we have the chance to hide."

Each hobgoblin had studded leather armor, a light steel shield, a longsword, and a longbow with 20 arrows. One is carrying a masterwork backpack stuffed with a heavy crossbow (with 20 bolts and 12 masterwork bolts), 10 clearly labeled potions of guidance, a magic wand, a scroll with three spells on it, and dried goat meat, sheep's cheese, and a jug of sheep's milk worth 6 Provision Points.

1 Provision Point is enough food and drink to sustain a person for 1 day.

No, Selde has had the scar since she arrived in Phaendar. It's from her Blight-Burned trait and Foul Brand drawback. Another fun fact, her left eye is purple and sometimes moves independently of the right. She'll look away and the left will continue to look at you for just a moment, etc.

As the final Hobgoblin fell, Selde ran to the door to check on her red elk Nur. Finding him safe, she hugged his neck tightly before leading him to the entrance. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew she should be more worried. Instead she felt a calm like sometimes happened on the hunt. A rare clarity had taken hold, and all she could focus on was the problem at hand.

She began grabbing supplies from the hobgoblin corpses and shoving them in Nur's saddle bags. They would need all the equipment and supplies they could get. She turned to face the others but her clarity faded some as she went to speak. "Gr...grab what you can."

Haha Selde's face isn't all that pleasant.

Eye of the beholder, doncha know?

Haha Selde's face isn't all that pleasant.

Eye of the beholder, doncha know?

Emil takes the masterwork backpack, if no one else has a greater need of it, since it will allow him to move faster. The extra strength equivalent of the MWK backpack will put Emil back down to light encumbrance. He also takes the longbow and arrows, again, unless someone else needs it. He is not of much use identifying things like the wand, as he doesn't know spellcraft and hasn't prepared read magic today.

When Selde checks on her reindeer, Emil remembers his pets who had been in the room and he whistles. Handle Animal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

His cat, dog, and otter peer out from hidey holes and come to him for a little reassurance. He looks at them sternly and speaks some words that sound like soft wild animals sounds of indistinct source. The animals listen and make some small noises back and so it goes back and forth for a short while. After that, they stay close to him, wary of danger. 2 uses of Domain ability Speak with Animals.

Caspan nods.

Yeah, that's one smart. Getting out of here is the best thing we can do.

"No one's ever accused me of being an honest fool," he grates. "Let me just get my stuff from upstairs. Then we'll take a quick look around and see if there's any food in the back..."

He comes down a few minutes later, now wearing a suit of studded leather armor, somewhat cleaner than his previous outfit. A buckler's attached to one arm, while the backpack slung over his shoulders is stuffed, as if he were ready to have to flee at a moment's notice.

"Never really been good with any fancy weapons" he says, dismissing most of the equipment, "but maybe we should take it in case there's anyone else smart enough to get out of town. I'll take one of them guide potions, though, if no one wants." Is there still anyone else in the Inn we can equip?

"That's good that your moose there can carry stuff," he says. "If all the noise and fire doesn't make it run away, it'll be good to have that option in case we run out of all our other food too."

He glances over at the other animals.

"Never had to eat a seal before, I don't think," he mutters.

As the others arrange for the dead soldiers' gear, he'll check in the back to see if there's anymore food there.

I'm happy to take a potion or two. If someone wants to push the heavy crossbow on him, he's not likely to use it often, but doesn't currently have a ranged option. Does someone want to do a loot list (if not, I can).

Thael's mind races as Aubrin explains their situation. It did seem bizarre that an army had reached the town without so much as a minute's warning.

Either we all let down our collective guard, or some magic is at work to allow them to get so close to town.

He vows to put his mind to figuring out what had happened.

"First, we must get to safety," he says. "If the town is overrun, it makes no sense to stay here a minute longer."

He grabs his backpack, which he had conveniently packed this morning.
As the group is dividing up the items, Thael offers to take the wand and scrolls to identify later.

"We should go now."

"Just hold your damn mooses," Caspan objects. "If we're going to be in the woods, we need something to drink. We're in a bar. They've got stuff to drink here, right? Where's Jet? She'd know the best stuff we should take..."

He looks around for the proprietor.

"Wait, you work here, short stuff. You probably know the best drinks too, right?" he realizes, turning to Wren.

When Selde pushes outside briefly, she observes a terrible scene. The town is bloody chaos: houses and market stalls burn, screams of pain and death fill the air, and dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of hobgoblin soldiers roam the streets. At the center of it all is a strange structure that was not there earlier that day. A four story black onyx tower looms taller than any other building in Phaendar. From its archway entrance at the base, more hobgoblins continue to pour forth into the town.

Aubrin speaks up, "We'll need to go around town seeing who we can rescue, and gathering what we can before those hobs get them."

"A lot of people go to Oreld's fine goods at the end of the day, and that place is stocked with supplies. Oreld's a herbalist and occasionally delves into alchemy. He may have something that can blow up the stone bridge and delay pursuit."

"Lots of people also gather at Father Noelan's evening service. And if nothing else Father Noelan usually keeps a stash of healing supplies in case people get hurt."

"Another place we may want to head to is the Phaendar Trading Company. Kinning was the person who built the stone bridge - the blueprints for the bridge are still there - there might a way to take it down from the blueprints. Besides there's probably a whole stock of trade goods form the day's trading down there - some of it might be useful."

Where's Jet? She'd know the best stuff we should take..."

As if on cue, a blood curdling scream of anger rings out from the backroom of the Taproot. A terrific racket ensues as multiple loud noises crashing down followed by cursing and the din of battle.

Aubrin looks to the room with ineptness. It's clear she wants to help, but clearly she is no position to engage for assistance. She waves you on, "Go. GO! I'm right behind you."

Thael takes a few tentative steps after Selde. He takes a look at the tower, wondering how on earth it managed to get there.

knowledge (arcana, planes, religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

"We should stick together," Thael suggests to the tavern's patrons. "Alone, any of us would be cut down," the wizard adds.

"Supplies would be most useful. We should go to the Phaendar Trading Company and see what we can salvage. That will also keep supplies away from this...army."

"Oh, damned nation," Caspan curses as he hears the noise from the other room. "Someone's already got into the good stuff!"

He rushes into the backroom, ready to fight for the liquor.

Wren wasn’t leaving without being sure Jett was alright. She followed the large human into the back. ”We have to save Jett! Some more of these awful monsters may have sneaked in the back! Everyone, come help!”

Wren was glad to see the others had the common sense to grab everything that wasn’t tied down. She terribly wanted to look at that wand, but she knew there would be time later to get into all the supplies, hopefully when all of the town was hidden in the forest.

She hated to use most of her magic, but she used her divine spell to cast Mage Armor on herself as she headed to find Jett.

Rushing into the backroom reveals that not all of the escappees of the Root made it out alive. Four dead patrons line the floor to the back entrance to the taproot, with a blood trail leading south to a hobgoblin standing over the last survivor in the room. The hobgoblin towers over Jet, ready to run his longsword through the owner who is equipped with a well used frying pan.

The hobgoblin notices Caspan's approach and looks towards a water barrel on the floor between the two. Unfortunately for him, the brawler acts quicker than he and he is caught flatfooted as he prepares to handle this new threat.

After Caspan acts, anyone else may choose to join the fray or take any other actions they want outside of the room if need be. There is only one this time!

Caspan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Hobgoblin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Initiative 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

All the halfling could think of was saving her friend. She summoned all her willpower as she again tried to Daze the evil hobgoblin. ”Green Mother, please strengthen my reserve!”

Cast Daze. Spending two points from phrenic pool to activate Overpowering amind, increasing save DC by 1. Will DC 15 to resist.

As evidenced earlier, the hobgoblin are an extremely difficult group to overcome with magic of the mind. The hobgoblin shakes his head as Wren tries to temporarily confuse him, but the raider is not deterred. He grunts out in affirmation of something unspoken.

Will: Hobgoblin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

"The trading company makes sense, and the path towards the shrine will take us around...whatever that is." Like many other things that night, the black tower didn't bother her as much as she knew it should. "Thael, how are you..." Selde's words were cut off by Jet's scream. Grabbing her shortspear from Nur's saddle, Selde headed towards the back.

After Caspan goes Selde will head towards the back. Since Jillian hasn't posted yet, can we say she grabbed gear as Caspan did?

Yep, no problem.

As everyone prepares to rush off Jillian shuffles through her sack and pulls out her armor to put it on as quickly as she can. As she prepares she agrees with the others "Yes, let's see who we can help and then get out of here so we can plan our next move. We will be no good to anyone if we face that horde outside and fall."

----------

When everyone is ready to move, and they hear a crash in the back Jillian follows the others, sword in hand ready to assist.

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

When she get's a chance she will follow inside and attempt to help Jet before it is too late.

Double Move.

This army will overrun us...I do not comprehend the wisdom of staying much longer...

Thael, having been about to respond to his sister, also hears the crash and races after her.

I'll need to double move to get there.

"Get away from her!" Caspan orders the hobgoblin, rushing forward to try to protect the innkeeper. He slips in the blood pooling on the floor and manages to hit armor instead of flesh, his knuckles tearing open.

Fist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Man, this is getting old...

Father Emil is in the middle of repacking his gear into the masterwork backpack when the ruckus signals more trouble. Seeing the line of people filing in to help Jet, Emil takes up a position close enough to channel energy for healing but far enough from the hobgoblin to avoid helping him. He watches apprehensively, struggling to keep composed, seeing everything he worked to preserve going up in flames, knowing many people he loves will be dead soon, and knowing survivors will need a spiritual leader to help them escape and survive.

As Wren stands by the open back door, she can't help buy see what Selde saw moments before. Homes burning, screams of pain and death and too many hobgoblin soldiers to count.

"The Ironfang Legion will destroy you! Submit now!" he growls in response.

Inside the back rooms, the hobgoblin sees Jillian as an easier target than the brawler and steps up towards her as he swings his sword at her midsection. More agile than he anticipated, she leans back from the blow as the blade scrapes the surface of her armor and doesn't penetrate the hide.

Ok, party is up. Go get'em!

Attack Jillian: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Caspan sidesteps, trying to get the hobgoblin between him and the girl as he throws another punch to try to distract the enemy.

5-ft. step south; punch
Fist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
I really would enjoy my PBPs a lot more if the die-roller was even close to be evenly distributed. This feels like a ridiculous run of bad rolls, even for it.

ALL of the dice are going my way and not for you guys. Apologies on that. Maybe it is just helping build the ideal 'heroes coming from nothing' concept? :)

Jillian returns the favor and swings her sword at the hobgoblin hoping to put an end to it.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11

Oof so close...

The back of the inn was too cramped and crowded for her bow. Instead, Selde attempted to tumble past the hobgoblin, hoping that flanking the creature would allow her allows to finish it.

Double move action to get behind the hobgoblin for flanking, acrobatics to avoid AoO

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Wren again uses her nature granted ability to try and enhance her toss of a bottle full of ale at the threatening hobgoblin. She was so distracted by the sights around her that her throw wobbled a bit as it went through the air.

Attack into melee 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 4 = 19
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 1

Possible crit Attack into melee 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 4 = 1
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 2

Oh, it's not your fault, GM. Just hard especially at first level when the rolls go this way.

The hobgoblin takes note of Selde's quick movements, but isn't fast enough to do anything about it on its own. He seems intent on running his blade through Selde when a bottle full of ale explodes on the back of his head. Looking around at his deteriorating sitatuion, he pivots in a small circle as he tries to figure out what to do next. He reiterates with a little less enthusiasm "Surrender now and I'll let you live!"

Thael and Father Emil are up.

"You are not in a position to dictate terms of surrender!" Thael retorts. The wizard steps forward and casts his cantrip again. These hobgoblins seemed far more resilient mentally than he would have imagined, but he had few spells prepared.

Daze again...DC 15 Will

Emil moves to the door and says, "Let Erastil guide your hand, Caspan." and reaches through the door to touch the brawler's shoulder, delivering a divine blessing of guidance.

Emil casts guidance on Caspan.

Turning to Thael the hobgoblin points his sword at him and spittle flies from his mouth as he retorts in anger, raising his voice loudly and his flushing in the process "I SAY YOU WILL-"

When Thael's spell hits, the hobgoblin stops yelling and pointing. Lowering his sword and looking around the room with a dazed expression he seems temporarily confused as to what is happening.

In the back room

R3: Party up - GO GO GO!

Will: Red: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Selde was sure she had left herself open to to the hobgoblin. Thankfully, he was distracted enough that she was able to safely tumble behind him. Waiting for an opening, Selde thrust her spear as her brother provided one.

Move action to activate studied target, standard action to attack, flanking with Jillian.

Shortspear: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 1 = 13
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5