Chrios' Ironfang Invasion

Game Master Torilgrey

Wow are we glad to find you two. We were all worried and coming to get you. We are so glad to see you safe
diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
just trying to calm the kids down
Was your uncle still at the shrine when you left? Once we get you to the bridge some of us are going back to save more people.

Caleb takes wing again flying toward the northeast bridge.

Ibron looks to Malgrim, shaking his head in the affirmative, Yes, they were there, but were in the process of leaving when we had left. We ran once the tower appeared in the middle of town. Okay, there are still a lot of people around town, but we did see the hobs with chains and stuff, I don't know if they are taking prisoners or what?

Phaendar Bridge
Colorful gobs of lichen and moss dapple the ancient, basalt bridge here at the Marideth’s narrowest crossing. The ravine below drops twenty feet into raging whitewater and jagged,
exposed boulders. To the northwest stands a ramshackle shed and a weathered but sturdy-looking wooden crane. Twentysomething bloody and motionless bodies litter the ground, and above them flap banners painted with an ominous, fanged red shield. To the north, three hundred feet past the bridge, a wall of trees and ferns marks the edge of the Fangwood.

Everyone except Malgrim: You can make out a heavily armored figure pacing the center of the bridge, a very large wolf bristles at its side, matching pace for pace. In the dim light there is some kind of red iconography painted on the breastplate the hobgoblin wears, and the moon glints off their weapons and armor some one hundred feet distant.

Aubrin crouches behind you, kneeling on one knee, with her staff laid on the ground. The rest of the Westfields, Thatchers, and the two merchants clustered behind her, with young Jayniss bringing up the rear. What's wrong? Abby hisses when you stop advancing, squinting into the night. I can't see a damn thing even past those trees, too far away.

Next slide is up... decide what you'd like to do!

How high are the sides or end pillars of that bridge? Looking to see where I could go to get out of reach. There are some trees as a backup plan, but they might be too far away from the action.

Great question, the Pillars are say, 8 feet high, and the sides are about three feet high.

I think 8' is probably too high to jump even with the ring (which puts me at a total of +9 for jumping), but I imagine these old mossy rock pillars aren't too bad to climb. 8' is about a quarter of my speed, so one move action.

Or, jump onto the 3' part and then from there onto the 8' part.

That sounds about right, and very catlike at the same time

Ryll leans toward Abby and speaks very quietly to Abby, filling her in, but trying not to panic the townsfolk behind them. Hobgoblin and a huge wolf. The Hob in heavy armor with some kinda red symbol on it. Looks like they've been...stopping...those who've tried to cross.

She looks at the Zdena, Malgrim, Premek and Sighere. I don't think these will go down as easily as the others. Though I'd love for you to prove me wrong. she says, with a grim smile and a nod to Zdena.

Thoughts? Soften them up with magic and arrows til they close? Abby, we may need you to get folks back a bit. I don't trust that dammed wolf not to try and jump past us and go for them.

Nodding grimly, Abby turns to go, then stops a moment. Here, let me help you... she says. She looks at each of you in turn, considering for a moment, before fishing her holy symbol out of her armor, the pewter tankard grasped in her hand she begins to cast.

Cayden, grant your blessing of strength to this woman, may she be even more heroic in doing so...
Cast Bulls Strength on Zdena +4 to STR for 3 minutes which means +2 on melee attack rolls, and +2 on melee damage rolls

Zdena feels the strength of Cayden Caileen flowing through her, as if she could snap her falchion in half with her bare hands...

Breathing a moment more, Abby grasps the tankard again, Cayden, give them hope with your blessing, give them courage. You all feel the power of the god of adventurers and heroes flow through you, giving you surety in your actions and a sense of bravery.

Cast:Bless for 3 minutes: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saving throws vs fear effects.

The townsfolk gathered behind her stand with a little more confidence as the divine energy flows through them from this spell as well.

Aubrin smiles as she wobbles to her feet, the pain of her injuries evident on her face. There, let the bastards try now. I'll back up a good twenty paces and hunker down with everyone. and she does so, They lay in the tall grass, obscured by the trees and drifting smoke from the burning of Phaendar.

If anyone else wants to buff, you've got two rounds while Aubrin casts these spells on you. Drink a potion, etc.

Casting Guidance on Zdena and myself.

I do have the 3 magic stones still for an opening volley, I could toss one and two other could toss. They are small enough that it may appear if we are approaching weapons down. So we might be able to walk close enough to toss before melee. Alternatively if I can get close, we did find that scroll of calm animal, it may take the wolf out of the fight

Sighere, those have a range increment of 20' when thrown, 50' if used with a sling - they'll do 1d6+1 damage if they hit FYI

Premek looks towards the bodies. Do they look like the bodies of villagers who approached unarmed?

I think the main choice is the party can either start engaging immediately (at 100' range) or take advantage of the trees and pillar to possibly not be noticed until reaching the bridge (at 60' range).

Malgrim stares at the bodies littering the ground and goes still. Listening to Ryll explain the situation their anger gains a target. Their eyes begin to glow a dim red as anger and hatred suffuse their otherwise human features.

We kill these bastards, and we save whoever we can. Sighere, if any of those people are still alive I'll point then out as we approach

Malgrim whispers in an Arcane tongue and taps a quiet beat on their drum. Barely audible Tha-thump...tha-thump......tha...
Malgrim casts Deathwatch. 10 min 30 ft cone "You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death."

We have to win this battle. Our only chance against this army is to make it to the woods across this bridge. These people gave me a home. Eight years of peace, of life. I'm not letting them take my choices away. They do not define who I am...I do.

The glow fades from Malgrim's eyes and they appear human again. Their inner demon buried once more by the strength of their choices.

They look around at you all, and back at the families behind and nod. As if to say Yes, we can do this. And they prepare to advance with the party.
I use Inspire Courage giving everyone +1 competence bonus to Hit and Damage rolls. As we move forward I will indicate any of those bodies that are still alive

If you want to rapidly save people, the best plan may be for the group to engage, then Abby or I can channel which will at very least stabilize any of those alive until the battle is done. To that end I could use dancing lights as a distraction to allow and closer approach for you.

Oh I know the range is only 20'. I have to get that close anyway to cast anything offensive currently. But I thought an opening volley and all 3 hit, 3d6 +3 is a pretty big punch at our level. If they hit.

Zdena pulls out the magic weapon oil and wipes it over her falchion. She nods thanks to Abby as she feels Cayden's blessing settle on her. That feels... weird? But good.

She looks over at the two figures on the bridge, then focuses on the armored hobgoblin. One thing at a time. That's my target.

Studied Target on the hobgoblin.

Okay, so everyone's got a +1 morale to hit, a +1 to hit and damage from inspire courage competence bonus while Malgrim continues their bardic inspiration (Round 1 of ??? Malgrim) and Zdena and Sighere have an additional +1 competence bonus to a roll which does not stack with Malgrim's competence bonus - so that could be on a save or skill check for them.

Zdena additionally has a +4 to strength which translates into an additional +2 to hit and +2 to damage (which turns into +3 since she's using a 2 handed weapon), and Zdena's falchion gives an additional +1 to hit and damage from magic weapon.

The hobgoblin and wolf are over 100 feet distant, as you can see on the map - anyone else want to do anything before starting the ruckus, or whatever you intend?

Malgrim accepts a magic stone from Sighere. Crouching down they get ready to approach the front corner of the bridge.
stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
the start of this combat marks the 3rd round of Bardic Performance I've used. I can use it for 8 rounds total.

Premek moves towards the near clump of trees, and if that goes ok continues to the first corner pillar, with the ash wand still in his mouth.

stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

Ryll accepts the second stone from Sighere. Thanks. I'm Ryll, by the way.

As Malgrim's eyes flare, Ryll glances at them. Right, Jet...it's the Kitty that's creepy.

She nods, and follows the Storyteller quietly to the corner of the bridge.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

When you take the stones you notice an odd look in Sighere's face, the look of a hardened experienced soldier. It looks very out of place on the young face. I'll be right behind you he whispers and then begins quietly chanting.

Casting Dancing Lights at the clump of trees across from us, and will have them loop around the building away from us and the hobgob.
Will spawn them to look like dim torches in a hopes the hobgob sees them and thinks someone is making a break for the river on that side

You can hear the sound of the wolf growling and lunging against its leash trying to alert the hobgoblin in the center of the bridge to the presence of the magical spell.

Okay so with the spell alerting the wolf, we're into initiative. I've moved everyone on the maps to about where they'd be, feel free to adjust before your first Action.

Initative Order: Kergri > Premek > Ryll > Sighere >Zdena > Kur > Malgrim

The hobgoblin drops the chain holding the wolf back, and shouts loudly Up you damn fools, there are more comin' and Scabvistin wants prisoners! She brings her crossbow up to her shoulder with surprising quickness pointing it toward the hut.

?!?: 1d20 - 8 ⇒ (9) - 8 = 1

Premek, Ryll, Sighere, Zdena may all act, realize the hobgoblin isn't aware of your presence yet, but instead thinks someone is lurking by the hut.

Premek goes for the pillar. Not sure what the DC would be.
climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Trying to stay stealthy up there. -5 for moving faster than half pace.
stealth: 1d20 + 16 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 16 - 5 = 27

Thats enough to climb to the top of the pillar

Going to take a second to look around and see who the hobgob was shouting at.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

and apparently what color underwear they have on.

Once I've surveyed the area (my action), if I think it's safe I'll move to join the others.

Nothing I can do yet, delaying until after the wolf. Dunno if I need a stealth check here, but since everyone else made one...

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Well, if our Bold Beheader is standing her ground, I think I will follow suit! Delaying action til after the wolf. No need to try and stab the Evil Doggie while giving the bowman a straight shot.

The wolf bolts over to the hut, looking everywhere for the source of the lights, finding nothing, it seems confused....

Premek scales the pillar with little effort, and goes unnoticed by the hobgoblin holding the bridge. Zdena and Ryll wait to see what happens.

Malgrim , zdena, Ryll is up!

Malgrim moves forward, their hand tapping a quick beat on the drum at their hip. inspire courage 4/8
They raise their hand up and hurl a magic stone at the wolf.
attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Here we go.

Zdena charges the wolf.

So... a +5 to hit from sundry bonuses, +2 from charging, and +5 damage?

Falchion: 1d20 + 5 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 5 + 2 = 25
damage: 2d4 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 + 5 = 19

On the one hand, you didn't leave any space for Ryll to flank. On the other hand, I don't think you left anything that needed to be flanked.... :)

I mean, the flank bit is likely no longer attached to the rest of the wolf, so technically she could give it to me? Like in a box?

Ryll creeps over to the pillar, and hurls her magic stone at the Hobgoblin with the crossbow.

Dex+magic stone+Bless+ Inspire Courage-Distance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 7

Zdena sets her feet, and then charges the wolf, falchion blade descending in an arc, which removes the wolf from this world.

Malgrim and Ryll's thrown projectiles at the hobgoblin miss, impacting the ground near her, and clattering on the cobbles of the bridge. None of the bodies on the bridge as Mal approaches bear any sign of life...

The Hobgoblin's eyes track Zdena as she crosses the bridge, taking out the wolf in the process. Moving slightly closer the hobgoblin shouts again, Turgut, Trarar, get here now! as she brings up her crossbow and snaps a shot at Zdena.

Sighere's searching for obvious other threats comes up negative, but he's captured every detail of this bridge in his mind's eye...

Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Crossbow confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Crossbow: 1d8 ⇒ 4
Crit Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

?!?: 1d20 - 8 ⇒ (15) - 8 = 7

The crossbow bolt slams into Zdena, knocking her sideways with a perfectly aimed shot into her midsection.

12 Damage to Zdena- if this puts you at 0 You gain the staggered condition and can only take a single move or standard action each turn (but not both, nor can you take full-round actions). You can take move actions without further injuring yourself, but if you perform any standard action (or any other strenuous action) you take 1 point of damage after completing the act. Unless your activity increased your hit points, you are now at –1 hit points and dying.

The whole party is up!

Sighere runs to Zdena's side as soon as she drops.

cast cure light wounds

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Premek casts magic missile at the hobgoblin.
magic missile damage with inspire courage: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Then he tries to hide again.
stealth -20 for sniping: 1d20 + 16 - 20 ⇒ (12) + 16 - 20 = 8

That did in fact put me at exactly 0 hit points. Ow. Much as I appreciate the healing, Sighere, did you actually have the movement to get to me AND heal? I moved 40ft with that charge action and you were behind me.

Maltreaver in hand Malgrim charges the hobgoblin on the bridge, their fingers still tapping an uplifting beat. inspire courage 5/8
attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 10

Sighere can cast CLW on his next action, next round. Ryll can get to the hobgoblin this round, but cannot charge as the line isn't direct enough. But a double move to the hobgoblin is totally possible.

Cursing under her breath, Ryll sprints over to where Malgrim is engaging the Hobgoblin on the bridge, and tries to position herself for a flanking attack on the Hobgoblin.

If Malgrim and Ryll both take 5' steps next round, they could have flanking, assuming the hobgoblin doesn't move.

Zdena grunts and stumbles as the crossbow bolt slams into her. At least the wolf went down first. She had rather expected getting shot at, but was hoping the hobgoblin would miss, or that her armor would take more of the blow.

She lets her momentum carry her forward another few steps past the corner of the building and leans heavily on the wall.

Ow, she thinks vaguely as she watches Sighere run towards her.

Just taking a move action this round to get out of the shooting gallery. Sighere, maybe you want to have moved back here too since you can't heal until next round?

Zdena, what would you like to do, remember, you are staggered, and any action other than a move will cause you to go unconscious until Next round when Sighere heals you.

The Hobgoblin roars again, Dammit! Where are you! Scabvistin will have your hides and I won't stop him!

She instantly switches her weapons, dropping the elaborate crossbow on the ground, and drawing a longsword. Its fullered blade gleaming dully in the moonlight. She fires an attack at Malgrim, snapping her blade forward in a mollinet, firing for the bard's knee.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

The hobgoblin's attack is perfectly lined up, and only Malgrim's quick reflexes prevent the shot from completely dislocating their knee. Malgrim drops to the ground immediately bleeding and unconscious from the expertly thrown attack. The hobgoblin roars in triumph and switches her buckler from passive to active defense, holding it at arm's length and turning to face Ryll...

10 Damage to Malgrim, brings you to -2 and bleeding out. That's a DC10 Consitution check with a -2 penalty to stabilize this round.

Sighere's healing magic refreshes Zdena, strengthening her against assault again and able to move.

7 HP healing to Zdena!
Zdena (2 actions: one staggered, one full), Ryll, and Premek may act

Premek fires off another magic missile, then hops down from the pillar and starts moving towards the fray, in a manner that generations of cautious spellcasters would find appalling.

magic missile damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Sorry Malgrim should make the stabilize check as well.

Uh-oh, I've awakened the crit monster in virtual dice....

Ryll snarls and lashes out at the Hobgoblin with her Rapier and dagger.

Rapier+Bless: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 1 = 13

Dagger+Bless: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 1 = 14

Damage

Rapier damage[/dice: 1d6d6d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5, 6, 2, 1, 6, 4, 5, 2, 4, 5, 1, 5, 5, 3, 1, 1, 4, 3, 4, 1, 5) = 811d4

Damage

Rapier damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Dagger damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

811d4!!! That's a lot of damage :D

My staggered action was a move action. I think you missed seeing it as it posted five minutes before a pretty long post from you, GM Chrios. Full action will be a double move.

Zdena nods her thanks at Sighere. She doubts she can take another hit like that, but it doesn't look like the bridge guard is down yet. With a deep breath, she ducks back out from behind the corner of the building and runs toward the hobgoblin.

Sighere seeing what happened on the bridge desperately digs through his pack for the scroll of healing as he follows Zdena, racing towards Malgrim.

[ooc]Assuming its a full round to reach her, and then next round will use the scroll of cure light wounds if needed.[\ooc]

bleeding to death: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Premek cautiously approaches the melee, not knowing what to expect after sending more magical energy into the hobgoblin defender of the bridge. Ryll attempts to engage the heavily armored foe, but her blades cannot find purchase past the weaving buckler defense. As Sighere rounds the corner and approaches the bridge, he can hear the door to the hut bang open, and two voices in goblin call out,
Эй, сен бар! Токто!

Hobgoblin initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Kegri, hearing the commotion behind her flicks her sword out at Ryll,

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Striking Ryll with military precision, but the hobgoblin was stepping away from Ryll and the blow was softened by that momentum. The Hobgoblin spins away from Ryll, working to keep her opponents where she can see them.

Sighere, you are still a move action away from Malgrim, so its a move, and an action to withdraw the scroll from your pack; you could heal next round (see the Map

Malgrim, that -1 hp for you. Your Con check to stabilize will be at -3. Ryll, that's 4 damage to you from the hobgoblin's sword.

Premek, Ryll, Sighere all can act, then xyz?, Hobgoblins, Zdena, and Malgrim