Taking the time to look more thoroughly, you find nothing useful for the refugees. No bunks, no hammocks, no food, no firewood, not even any feed for riding animals in the hidden stables.
The rooms are clean and dry, and the redoubt is both hidden and defensible, but only enough room to handle maybe a quarter of the refugees.
By accident, you discover that a wall mounted blackboard, erased of course, could be flipped over.
This revealed a map of the Southern Fangwood with colored pins stuck all over, with index cards of strategic threats pinned down the left side indicating which is which.
Many of the threats listed are things you have already dealt with or irrelevant to your current situation.
Two of the threats could mean the acquisition of twenty supply units each of supplies for the refugees. (One infested with giant bees, one aflicted with hostile apple trees.)
One thing stood out that is of interest. Before they left, the Rangers had been conducting a methodical search for the base of a clan of Troglodytes that had moved into the area and raiding their neighbors. Intelligence notes that their base was well hidden and "probably underground".
"Or coordinated with whatever caused them to withdraw, leaving everyone vulnerable. Their attack has been extremely tactical and well organized." Faerieth points out.
Yaron nods, "Well, that's a pleasant thought, isn't it?" He sighs, "Hope for the best, plan for the worst, I guess."
When they find the map, Yaron looks at it for a moment, then says, "I think securing those supplies is worthwhile -- and since this suggests the Rangers may have gone to ground - literally - looking for the Troglodytes, maybe we can find some clues to where they might have ended up while we do it?"
"If we could clear the troglodyte base of it's current occupants maybe it could be a safe place to hide the refugees, if a bit unpleasant. "
Yaron chuckles, "As long as we could get the smell out.."
"Let's get those supplies and then look into the troglodyte base."
"If the full complement of the Rangers, couldn't rout out the troglodyte home territory, I wouldn't think it as easy as it sounds. Even if we found it, they're likely to outnumber us heavily, at least in terms of able fighters...and you're not likely to get Russet into those tunnels, or be able to fight the way you usually do." Faerieth says after considering things for a bit.
Yaron shrugs, "Depends how active the Trogs are - if they think the Rangers have moved on, they might be bolder. Of course, you may be right about numbers. Still, that's why I suggested the supply depots as the better objective."
"I definitely agree with collecting the supplies and getting them back to the camp before trying to hunt the troglodytes, unless we come across a change of situation between now and then." Faerieth replies.
After resting up, you begin the trek north again. While Big John and Sor head back to the encampment, the rest of you head towards the closest place where you know supplies useful to the refugees are known to be.
A place designated "Hostile Orchard".
After two days, about mid day you come through a thick screen of trees to find a small valley filled with fruiting apple trees. You can see one apple tree towards the center that is enormous, easily three times taller than the others.
TACTICAL MAP
Yaron looks around, then says, "Something's moving the leaves, and I don't see any animals. Ambush, maybe?"
"Right. could be an ambush.... what was this place called again?"
He asked peering as best he could all around. when he didnt see anything right off he glanced to the others.
"I'll ride out and see if anything happens, Me and Sebastion can move the fastest...."
He offered with a slight scowl. Something stunk.
Pressing further in, you see a rich bounty of fruit dangling from the trees in this area.
A sweet smell of apples draws you further in.
Fort save dc12 or you are Dazed
The sight of the abundant fruit is welcome, but the unnatural noise keeps her wary as she waits for the result of Darry's scouting.
"There are little monsters look like plantmen!There!"
He called out as the smell of rich apples wafted into his sense. He did his best to point the ones he saw out while he kicked Sebastion into a charge to the nearest group of them.
Arlen frowns as they enter the orchard and nocks an arrow to his bow
Russet seems oblivious, and can't help but be interested in the smell of one of his favorite foods
Popping out of near perfect concealment, you see a number of short, thin, and green humanoids stand up brandishing a spear. Tendrils of fungus dangle from their arms, midsection, and legs. Vines dangle like hair from their heads. They let out an inhuman squall as they start charging towards you.
Round 1_________________________________________
Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.
Russet is dazed and takes no actions.
Yaron says, "Seems to be a whole lot of 'em, whatever they are." He draws his bow and steps back a little, quickly casting a spell on the weapon in his hands before raising his voice, "There once was a pack of moss beasts/who saw us heroes as feasts/but with arrow and blade/the weirdlings were slayed/which they did not like in the least..."
Arlen turns and spins, firing an arrow at the nearest vegepygmy.
Then he drops his longbow and draws his bardiche.
Tamarantha rides Sundancer through the woods approaching a nearby abandoned orchard when the sounds of combat reaches her ears, her horse wuffles nervously "I know girl, I hear it too". Gently she guides her mount to the edge of the clearing taking in the scene before her. The once straight rows of trees are now overgrown with brush as nature begins to reclaim what was once hers.
"Vegepygmies" she whispers to herself, then to the others she shouts "Do not stab at them for it would have little effect. Cut them down as you would a stalk of wheat or crush them like the mill stone would grain". So saying she sees Arlen draw his weapon and she chants a brief incantation "Mother Earth protect this man from those who would do him harm."
"There! Protect Miss Faerieth Sebastion!"
He called out to his hound as he 'charged' torwards the vegetable man on the druids side.
At the shouted warning as the vegepygmies emerge form the dense foliage, Faerieth begins a rapid druidic chant, calling upon primal elemental power. A burst of flame erupts into her hand, dancing hungrily in her palm as she watches the approaching plantfolk, grateful to have Darry and Sebastion nearby.
Round 1 completed_________________________________________
Yaron draws his bow and steps back a little, quickly casting a spell on the weapon in his hands before raising his voice, 5' step and Gravity bow for me, Inspire Courage for everyone.
Arlen turns and spins, firing an arrow at the nearest vegepygmy.
The arrow shattered its central stalk and it fell to pieces.
Then he drops his longbow and draws his bardiche.
Tamarantha rides Sundancer through the woods approaching when the sounds of combat reaches her ears, her horse wuffles nervously "I know girl, I hear it too". Gently she guides her mount to the edge of the clearing taking in the scene before her.
"Vegepygmies" she whispers to herself, then to the others she shouts "Do not stab at them for it would have little effect. Cut them down as you would a stalk of wheat or crush them like the mill stone would grain". So saying she sees Arlen draw his weapon and she chants a brief incantation "Mother Earth protect this man from those who would do him harm."
Darry Swiftfoot 'charged' torwards the vegetable man on the druids side.
Both Darry and Sebastion tear the hell out of a bush, missing the vegepygmy.
Faerieth begins a rapid druidic chant, calling upon primal elemental power. A burst of flame erupts into her hand, dancing hungrily in her palm as she watches the approaching plantfolk. Cast Produce Flame.
Russet continued to stand dazed.
Vegepygmy 1 noticed Tamaranta’s warning shout, turned and double moved towards her waiving his spear in a menacing manner.
Vegepygmy 2 also noticed Tamaranta’s warning shout, turned and double moved towards her.
Vegepygmy 3 moved up to Yaron and stabbed at him.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 4 moved up to Arlen and stabbed at him.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 5 moved up to Faerieth and stabbed at her.
for a possible piercing damage.
But tripped and accidentally stabbed #6.
Vegepygmy 6 double moved up to Faerieth.
Vegepygmy 8 moved up to Yaron and stabbed at him.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 9 moved up to Russet and stabbed at him.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 10 moved up to Darry and stabbed at him.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 11 moved up to Sebastion and stabbed at him.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 12 moved up to Darry and stabbed at him.
for a possible piercing damage.
Round 2_________________________________________
Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.
Taking advantage of the vegepygmy's disorientation as it stabs its fellow, Faerieth quickly reaches forward to touch the attacking plant creature with flame, another burst of fire immediately blossoming in her hand.
As the plant men approach Tam slides from her saddle and drawing her sickle begins to cast a spell. "Armis Magicae" she intones as an invisible force surrounds her body, protecting it from harm.
Arlen slashes at vegepygmy 9
"Snap out of it Russet!"
"Gah! Blasted foul creatures! Take that!"
He called out as he hacked at the plant creature in front of Sebastion.
Glancing back he scowled at the pygmys attacking miss Faerieth.
"Sebastion Guard her!"
He called out pointing to the druid. His wardog spun and began a series of aggresive growls and barks turned to rabid bites.
Yaron steps back, continuing the mockery while he fires an arrow at one of the plants that attacked him, knowing that the shot leaves him open to the other.
for
Round 2 completed_________________________________________
Faerieth reaches forward to touch the attacking plant creature with flame and the creature immediately catches fire and burns to ash, another burst of fire immediately blossoming in her hand.
Tam slides from her saddle and drawing her sickle begins to cast a spell. Tamarantha casts Mage Armor on herself, increasing her AC to 17.
Arlen slashes at vegepygmy 9, but it dodged
"Snap out of it Russet!" he called out as he poked Russet with the butt of his polearm. Russet snapped out of his Daze with a start.
Darry hacked at the plant creature in front of Sebastion, but it managed to parry with its spear.
"Sebastion Guard her!" He called out pointing to the druid. His wardog spun and began a series of aggresive growls and barks turned to rabid bites, but he missed wide.
Yaron steps back, continuing the mockery while he fires an arrow at one of the plants that attacked him, knowing that the shot leaves him open to the other.
His shot obliterated Vegepygmy 3 in a cloud of splinters, but left him open to Vegepygmy 8.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 1 shifted left and attacked Tamarantha.
but whiffed so badly he spun around in place.
Vegepygmy 2 shifted right and flank attacked Tamarantha.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 4 shifted right and attacked Arlen.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 6 attacked Faerieth.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 8 attacked Yaron.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 9 moved up to Arlen and flank attacked him.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 10 shifted left and attacked Darry.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 11 shifted right and flank attacked Darry.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 12 atttacked Darry.
for a possible piercing damage.
Round 3_________________________________________
Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.
This was getting to be a bit more than he expected. Whatever these things were they were a least smart enought to try and surround him. He slashed at the one on his right.
Sebastion continued to savagely try to maul the plant person in front of him to keep Faerieth safe.
Letting out sharp hiss of pain as the vegypygmy strikes, Faerieth turns her full attention on the plant man, grabbing him by the throat with her hand aflame to utterly incinerate him.
Tamarantha steps out between the two vegepygmies attempting to double team her and swings her sickle at number 1.
;
Yaron takes a step out of the cluster of creatures, trying to find himself the space to use his bow.... and, ultimately, steps next to the creature that's been harassing him, firing instead at one of the monsters flanking Arlen.
Round 3 completed_________________________________________
Darry Swiftfoot slashed at the one on his right, and hit for moderate damage.
Sebastion continued to savagely try to maul the plant person in front of him to keep Faerieth safe.
He got a good bite, took it down and shredded it.
Faerieth turns her full attention on the plant man closest, grabbing him by the throat with her hand aflame to utterly incinerate him. It burns to ash with a shriek.
Tamarantha steps out between the two vegepygmies attempting to double team her and swings her sickle at number 1. But the creature was too quick and ducked out of the way.
Yaron takes a step out of the cluster of creatures, trying to find himself the space to use his bow.... and, ultimately, steps next to the creature that's been harassing him, firing instead at one of the monsters flanking Arlen. And missing badly.
(npc) Arlen stepped to flank a vegepygmy with Russet and attacked, hacking it into kindling.
Russet stepped to attack Vegepygmy 4, but missed.
Vegepygmy 1 stepped to the right and stabbed at Tamarantha.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 2 recovered and stepped to the left to flank Tamarantha and attacked.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 4 stabbed at Russet.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 8 stabbed at Yaron.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 11 stepped to the right and stabbed at Faerieth, finding her more interesting than Darry.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 12 flank attacked Darry.
for a possible piercing damage.
Round 4_________________________________________
Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.
Sidestepping the vegepygmy's clumsy attack, Faerieth brings her staff down in a powerful blow, trying to smash the plant man's head.
Realizing she cannot hope to outfight the two vegepygmies attacking her Tam takes advantage of a gap between the the two plant men and makes a run for the others, hoping to draw them after her.
Yaron steps back again, finally finding a moment's peace to raise his bow without being pressed by the plant monsters.
But this is all out of sight of the rest of the heroes.
"Made a mistake picking on us you overgrown salads!"
He called out as he slashed at the vegepygmy in front of him a smirk on his face as he heard his mate Sebastion try to tear in the pygmy 'behind' him.
As Tamarantha sprints across the orchard she shouts another warning "Beware, there is another creature here. Some type of tree monster, it's limbs covered in the toxic mold responsible for making these vegepygmies and it is moving this way!"
Round 4 completed_________________________________________
Faerieth brings her staff down in a powerful blow, trying to smash the plant man's head, but it parried it to one side.
Tamarantha will use the withdraw action to take a 5' step diagonally between 1 and 2 and will then move towards the main group.
Yaron steps back again to shoot, but missed.
Darry Swiftfoot slashed at the vegepygmy in front of him, but missed.
Sebastion tried the same with the one behind him, but also missed.
As Tamarantha sprints across the orchard she shouts another warning "Beware, there is another creature here. Some type of tree monster, it's limbs covered in the toxic mold responsible for making these vegepygmies and it is moving this way!"
(npc) Russet stomped at Vegepygmy 4, but missed.
(npc) Arlen lashed out at Vegepygmy 8 and hits it square, hacking it down.
Vegepygmy 1, surprised at Tamaranthas retreat, is unable to make the usual AoO attack, but is able to chase up behind her to stab his spear at her.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 2, surprised at Tamaranthas retreat, is unable to make the usual AoO attack, but is able to double move around the brambles to pop up in front of her. (Can’t attack this round.)
Vegepygmy 4 attacked Russet.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 11 stabbed at Faerieth.
for a possible piercing damage.
Vegepygmy 12 flank attacked Darry.
for a possible piercing damage.
Something small and fast is thrown at Yaron.
Hit! It explodes dealing bludgeoning damage. It leaves a sweet sticky residue.
Round 5_________________________________________
Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.
As the battle with the vegepygmy's rages on, Faerieth takes a step away from her attacker, quickly casting a spell to infuse her staff with primal power
With Faerieth stepping back Sebastion followed taking a quick snapping bite at the goblin between himself and his master.
Darry spun about between the two vegepygmies and chopped his axe at the one between him and Sebastion. It was better to make sure one was felled so he could focus on the other.