GM ShadowLord's Ironfang Invasion (Inactive)

Game Master The Rising Phoenix

After searching the surrounding area and finding no entrance, the party turns around to double back on the ground they already covered. The the sun is beginning to descend, though there is still plenty of daylight around.
Father Emil examines a group of trees and suddenly realizes that he has just found what you are looking for. Hidden behind several large oak trees, the mouth of the cave is tucked away and barely visible even if you aren't aware of its existence.

Beyond the tangle of roots shading the cave entrance, a narrow tunnel slopes sharply down. The tips of tree roots protrude from the ceiling like stained teeth. Faint light from outside catches on a streak of cloudy teal crystal running along the length of one wall. Bulbous brown and purple fungal growths sprout from the ground, and an unpleasant, faintly sulfurous odor hangs in the air.

Your group is about 60 feet away from the entrance of the cave, how would you like to approach?

Perception: Caspan: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Perception: Thael: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Perception: Wren: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Perception: Selde: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Perception: Jillian: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Perception: Father Emil: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

”Great job, Father! I’d have never found the cave in a hundred years! Now, we know they know we are coming because that guy used his magic device to warn them. That means they are ready for us. Anyone have any bright ideas on how we might make this a bit easier? I wonder if there is a back door to the cave?”

”Great job, Father! I’d have never found the cave in a hundred years! Now, we know they know we are coming because that guy used his magic device to warn them. That means they are ready for us. Anyone have any bright ideas on how we might make this a bit easier? I wonder if there is a back door to the cave?”

Selde nodded in agreement with Wren, it had been a good find. "There might be, but it could be miles away." Selde said softly.

Emil puts his scythe into its holder and puts on his shield, intending to fight with his hammer. He casts light on his holy symbol pinned to his chest. He holds his shield in front of the light to limit the effect in situations where the group may not want light sources announcing its presence, although creatures working underground can probably see with darkvision.

He nods to the others when he is ready. He is weary of fighting and witnessing atrocities. But he is relieved to be heading underground, where at least they can cease worrying about hobgoblins and bugbears attacking them unawares.

Thael frowns as they consider their options.

"Though these creatures seem to be in league with the hobgoblins, or at least complicate in their plans, the ethics of displacing a tribe of reptilians for our temporary base weighs on me. It would be ideal if they would negotiate with us and allow us use of a cavern for a time, though they do not seem inclined to negotiate. But we should attempt to resolve this peacefully before hostilities ensue."

The wizard does take a moment to cast a defensive spell, just in case.

cast mage armor

"Their presence could indicate a connection to the Underdark, which is where they by rights ought to be since they have no interest usually in above ground affairs. I, for one, will sleep easier if I know these stinkbugs are driven far from the surface. They're no better'n hobgoblins and orcs, if ya ask me and can only cause trouble ta the rightful residents o' the forest."

Once the cave is found Jillian steps up to take the lead. When Emil casts light she notes ”Stay back a bit, I can at least get a look and see if I spot any threats in the dark before anything inside has a chance to spot your light.”

When the others are ready she draws her sword and will advance slowly keeping an eye out for any threats.

Beyond the tangle of roots shading the cave entrance, a narrow tunnel slopes sharply down. The tips of tree roots protrude from the ceiling like stained teeth. Faint light from outside catches on a streak of cloudy teal crystal running along the length of one wall. Bulbous brown and purple fungal growths sprout from the ground, and an unpleasant, faintly sulfurous odor hangs in the air.

Jillian moves forwards toward the caves, looking for signs of danger or threats ahead. She spots it when she sees troglodytes sitting beneath the violet gem in the ceiling. Moving closer slowly to get a better look on the number of threats ahead she accidentally trips an alarm.

As she moves past the purple mushrooms something unexpected happens, they begin to emit a piercing sound that is so loud she is forced to put her hands over her ears. The shrieking lasts for about 15 seconds before it stops, but you are fairly certain everyone and everything within a mile probably heard that sound.

At the sound of the alarm the three troglodytes all take off running deeper into the cavern.

"WELL, GUESS THEY'RE GOING TO ALL COME OUT NOW," Caspan yells over the sound of the mushrooms shrieking. "SHOULD WE WAIT AND TRY TO PLAY NICE OR JUST GET LET THEM KNOW THESE ARE OUR CAVES NOW?"

He clenches a fist as he prepares to fight, looking for more of the lizard men to come running back this way.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

After the mushrooms reveal their presence, Selde rubbed some dirt on Nur as she began to speak in Druidic. "Nàdar, feuch an cuir am falach seo am falach agus a dhìon." As she completed her incantation, the dirt began to spread and harden across Nur's body as the elk began to shrank. In a few moments Nur was transformed in to a small stone figurine in Selde's hands. Carefully packing the figurine away, Selde checked her sword and nocked an arrow. "I do not think they wish to play nice."

Selde casts Carry Companion.

The tip of Thael's staff begins to glow with a silver light.

The dark-clad wizard nods at his sister, but says "We should at least attempt negotiations. Though these are not honorable creatures, they are sentient beings that have the capacity of overcoming their vile nature. Though I do not hold high hopes, perhaps there is a section of the caverns they are not utilizing."

Hope she can fix that; that deer would barely make a decent lunch now, he thinks as he waits a minute for the lizard men to come back and negotiate.

After the sounds stops and the three trogs are gone, the rest of the group moves up with Jillian to the cave entrance. Caspan and Jillian take the lead and lead the group into the cavern. The violet gem in the ceiling is an enormous amethys, most likely work a hefty amount of gold should it be removed.

Pushing forward, a sharp drop leads to a large chamber. Rough stone steps have been cut at the end of the tunnel, easing the downward passage. Faces loom from the walls, cut from the natural stone in the form of reptilian visages. Their mouths are open, filled with jagged teeth, and their oval eyes lack pupils, making them seem blind. The charred remains of a fire sit within a bowl in the center of the room.

Five troglodytes stand at the ready blocking your path deeper in the cavern, waiting for your entrance. The leader appears to be some form of holy figure, wearing religious gowns. As you approach he calls out HALT! You are trespassing on the holy ground of the Children of the Stone. Turn back and leave now! It would be a travesty to spill blood on this holy ground, but I will not allow you to proceed."

I'm putting us in initiative. You can try to talk or start combat, up to you! The purple one is the religion ones speaking to you, currently pointing a heavy cross bow at you but with a spear on his back. The others currently have javelins at the ready.

R1: Religious Trog, Thael, Wren, Father Emil, Caspan, Selde, Trogs, Jillian

Seeing the gem in the ceiling, Emil raises one eyebrow and says, "Removing that will trigger a trap, I'd bet a bushel o' apples. Best leave it be."

When the religious leader says his piece, Emil drifts to the back of the group, far enough back that he can channel energy to heal anyone injured in the initial fight (if it comes to that) without affecting the enemy.

He speaks softly to Thael, "Here's yer chance ta negotiate. Good luck."

Emil readies an action to cast Entangle, should the troglodytes initiate hostilities.

"We do not wish a fight, but will defend ourselves if attacked," Thael responds.

"We are well-armed and capable of defending ourselves, as several of your scouts found to their regret. We are looking for a place for a group of refugees. Are there any caverns that the Children of the Stone are not utilizing?"

Though the wizard did not want to displace this tribe, his firm grip on his black staff shows he does not think this will end well.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 ouch...looks like we're coming to blows

EDIT: Should roll an appraise, too. appraise: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 Can I get an aid on the appraise?

Aid Another Appraise 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

”We tried to negotiate with your other tribesmen and they tried to attack us. It’d be nice if we could work something out. We need a place for our displaced tribe, for the time being. If you could show us other caves, we’d appreciate it. Or if we could share your place here, we’d be appreciative.”

Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

The religious figure in purple robes does not seem even remotely interested in any coexistence or information sharing. "There are no other caves. Children of the Stone own all these caves. You have invaded our home and threaten violence? No, I think if you do not turn around and leave right now then we will be forced to exterminate you as instructed. "

He keeps his crossbow aimed at your front liners, ready for a fight.

Wren sighs deeply. ”Any thoughts, Thael,” she whispers, knowing exactly what was about to happen. At least they are bad, she told herself

Caspan waits impatiently, knowing how this is going to end up.

You don't try to explain to the marks why they should let you rob 'em. They're never going to agree, he thinks, mind flashing back to dark alleys in Canorate. This ain't no different ... 'cept they're a bit uglier.

Move action: martial flexibility to gain Power Attack
Standard: Ready action to trip anyone who comes into melee range to attack us

Improved Trip: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

"This cave is part of the Fangwood which is our rightful home. Yer jus' a bunch o' stinky squatters. Time git on back ta the underdark where ya came from!"

Not sure where we are in init, if the trogs talking was their turn or if this is still kind of free action.

Jillian chimes in as well "If this place is holy to you, do not be so foolish as to taint it with your hostilities. We will defend ourselves if we must, but why would you choose fight rather than come to a peaceful arrangement? Wouldn't it be better for us to talk?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Preparing for the worse she takes up a defensive stance seeing the crossbow pointed directly at her.

Total Defense, assuming it is her turn in init and this isn't all free action, otherwise ignore. AC21 for 1 round.

The religious trog went first in init and readied an action should his request to leave no be followed. So everyone but Jillian can take their turns, but all are free to talk.

"You cannot defend what is not yours. Do you not have a home of your own? Why must you come into ours and threaten violence? I do not wish to spill blood here, but your persistence in it has unfortunately brought this about.
LEAVE NOW! FINAL WARNING!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Selde studied the figure in the purple robes. The tension in his stance was clear. Selde doubted he had any intention of ending things peacefully. The half elf tightened her finders around her arrow and relaxed her bow hand, ready to pull back and release the arrow in a single, fluid motion. "Thael?" Selde said softly but sternly, at once a question and a warning.

Move action to Study Target purple lizard, standard action to ready an action to attack purple if violence breaks out.

"What's holy to you is unholy an' evil ta us. What's home ta you is a place we'd only occupy when our homes were overrun by other evil vermin like you. You take advantage of any ya think are weaker than you. We know we are stronger than you yet we offer you a chance ta walk away from a fight ya cannot win. We've cut down hobgoblins armed with metal swords an' wearin' armor. Don't delude herself; ya can't win this fight. Leave an' live or fight an' die. Yer choice."

Emil will not fight them unless they attack first. But once one makes to attack, Emil will cast Entangle.

"Enough!" the religion one shouts. "Clearly you intend to do to us what was done to you. No? You can keep your holier than though speech and die here instead!"

The religious troglodyte looses his bolt towards Jillian, but his aim is terribly off and it hits the ground at her feet instead. He shouts "Get rid of them!" to the other trogs in the area.

Attack Jillian: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

As the troglodyte loosed his bolt, so did Selde.

Readied Action, C. Longbow; ST: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21
Arrow; ST, PBS: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Wren casts Bless on the group, wanting to steel their blows against the prepared defense of the whole troglodyte tribe.

Remember your Bless bonus, please.

"You have brought your own doom upon yourselves!" Thael cries out. He draws his wand and sends a magic missile at the leader that had fired his crossbow.

mm: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

If the floor of the cave is not populated with enough plant material to sustain the entangle effect, then Emil will wait and heal if anyone is wounded.

Emil says, "Roots and Vines of Erastil defend us!" and holds his hand so his fingers stick up and then close into a fist. A spot of green light flies to a spot near the back of the cave and whatever roots and plants are near the surface begin to grow and grab at the legs of the troglodytes.

Entangle spell DC 14 Reflex save or gain entangled condition.

Emil - This section of the cave (the shrine) has no vegetation. The prior room had roots coming from the ceiling, but there is nothing like that here as the large gem comes from the ceiling only. I will put you a readied action to heal if injured instead.

Selde's shot is much better than the troglodyte's who took took aim at Jillian and she hits home on her shot. Thael's missiles also blast the purple cloaked religion figure.

The four other troglodytes move forward a few steps and launch their javelins at the front line, two at Jillian and two at Caspan. One of them fall short of Jillian, but one strikes her as well as both striking Caspan. (Jillian takes 2 damage, Caspan takes 11 damage.) With the javelins disposed of, the front line now draws their clubs.

Jillian is up and both front liners were injured. Father Emil can choose to advance and heal one if he wishes.

R1: Religious Trog, Thael, Wren, Father Emil, Caspan, Selde, Trogs, Jillian

Caspan snarls in pain, ripping the javelin from his arm and tossing it on the ground.

Jillian looks down at the cut from the Javelin then advances on the front line of troglodytes simply noting "You should have sought peace..."

Greatsword, Bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14

On Red if it hits

Emil will send out positive energy to heal Caspan and Jillian, being careful not to include the injured troglodytes in his range.

"Erastil's blessing is on us all," Emil sings out.

Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

Whereas the earlier troglodytes outside the caves were unarmored and poorly trained, these four have steel shields and studded leather armor and are better trained. Jillian's swing glances off and is deflected by a shield, missing her target.

The religious trog stares at Jillian and points at her. Keeping his voice rasied he shouts "No! It is you who have brought this! I said BE GONE!" as he casts a spell. DC14 Will save on Jillian or become frightened and flee. A successful save allows you to only be shaken for 1 round.

R2: Religious Trog, Thael, Wren, Father Emil, Caspan, Selde, Trogs, Jillian

Wren focuses her mind, remembering how effective she was with the prior found wand, and conjures two thorns of her own, launching them forward to strike the religious leader of the troglodyte tribe. ”Thank you, Green Mother,” she cries out.

Damage 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 = 5

Jillian is immune to Fear with Aura of Courage, also in case it is relevant to others any allies within 10 feet of Jillian get a +4 bonus on saves vs Fear.

Whatever the leading troglodyte casts on Jillian has no apparent effect as she glares at him.

Jillian is immune to Fear with Aura of Courage

Well obviously HE doesn't know that! :)

When the aasimar shows no sign of fleeing, the purple cloaked troglodyte grinds his teeth in frustration.

Emil moves up and draws on Erastil's grace to convert his spell of Command into healing energy and touches Caspan to send him back into battle renewed. "Be healed. If'n ya can take out one o' them trogs, I'll try to get at that witch doctor."

CLW, Frontier Healer: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
That should bring Caspan back up to full.

"Thanks, oldtimer," Caspan says as he moves forward and kicks out at one of the lizard men's legs, catching it and sending him sprawling to the ground.

Improved Trip vs. black: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 = 31 Dang it! Missed opportunity for a crit.

If the creature tries to stand back up, he kicks him in the head.

Fist AoO vs. prone: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11

Selde quickly followed one arrow with another, hoping to end the purple troglodyte before he was able to cast any more magic.

C. Longbow; ST, Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 13
Arrow; ST: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

Wren continues to add more damage to the one who is doing all the talking whlie Father Emil heals Caspan. Selde's shot is too long and flies past its intended target. Caspan knocks one of the trogs to the ground and then when he gets up he pummels with a solid boot to the head.

Going to delay the trogs to group the grunts up front with the guy in the back. Jillian can take a turn for R2 and then R3 as they delay to shift.

The four front troglodytes all swing their clubs at Jillian and Caspan, but none of them are able to inflict any damage to the front liners. The purple cloaked trog casts a spell and a 10x10 section of grease appears beneath Caspan and Jillian's feet. DC14 Reflex or fall prone.

R2: Religious Trog, Thael, Wren, Father Emil, Caspan, Selde, Jillian, Trogs
R3: Religious Trog, Thael, Wren, Father Emil, Caspan, Selde, Jillian, Trogs

Thael steps forward cautiously while he begins casting a spell to conjure a magical beast to help with the fight.

Begin casting summon monster I

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"Whoa!" Caspan blurts out as he falls to the ground in the grease.

He tries to climb to hit feet, only to fall before he can finally manage it. Failed the Acrobatics check as a move action, so did it again as a standard. That presumably provoked from both creatures adjacent to him.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

R2

Jillian swings her greatsword at the trog once again.

Greatsword, Inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

However, the slippery lizardman avoids the blow. When the grease shows up under her feet she tries to stay standing.

R3

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

The stuff is too slippery though and she falls to the ground with Caspan. She guards herself as she attempts to stand. Total Defense as standard AC 21, stand as move

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Luckily she manages to get to her feet and feels pretty stable as long as she doesn't move.

Both of the trogs adjacent to Jillian manage to find a weak spot while she stands up, landing their blows (3+4=7 damage). Both of the attacks on Caspan miss though, swinging too high.

AoO Jillian: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 4 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
AoO Caspan: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 4 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
AoO Jillian: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
AoO Caspan: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 4 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Nàdar, a 'toirt iasad dha do lasair." Selde spoke in Druidic as a ball of flame formed in her hand.

Selde cases Produce Flame.

Wren continues to pepper the spellcaster with her magic missiles of thorny fury!

Damage 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9

[dice=Reflex]1d20+5

** spoiler omitted **

"Whoa!" Caspan blurts out as he falls to the ground in the grease.

He tries to climb to hit feet, only to fall before he can finally manage it. Failed the Acrobatics check as a move action, so did it again as a standard. That presumably provoked from both creatures adjacent to him.

[dice=Acrobatics]1d20+7
[dice=Acrobatics]1d20+7

While standing is a move action, it is not movement. The spell says if you do not move, you don't have to make an acrobatics check. So I would think Caspan could have made an attack instead of his second move action to stand.

I'll have my action posted after I've had supper.

I was trying to parse the spell and movement rules, and felt like it would require a check, but I'll certainly take the attack if the GM rules it didn't! :)

Just in case:
Fist: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6

Emil is running out of spells for healing so he retreats back to the rear and channels more energy at Jillian, hoping the shaman has no more serious spells he can cast.

"Erastil's green blood flow through ya an' be healed."

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Fearing he won't get a chance for melee combat, Emil drops his hammer and slips off his shield as he moves.