GM Michael's Ironfang Invasion

Game Master Dread

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Ethan lowers Aubri to the floor and moves closer to Arkhan (5'step) He calls upon Erastil to use him as a conduit of his healing power.

Channel Energy, healing, 30' radius: 1d6 ⇒ 2

I hate healing hobgblins, too, but at least I can help Aubri and Arkhan at the same time.

Much thanks, Ethan! Down in the first combat is NOT a great sign...lol.

@GMMichael may I take a Round 2 action then?

Yes.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Tarrow spies Jet and Jenni turning for a back room instead of joining the others through the far door outside.

At the far end of his line of sight, the half orc Arkhan is bleeding on the floor, but Ethan appears to have saved both his and Aubri's lives, for now.

But he can't think about any of that now with a trio of snarling hobgoblins tearing into his new friends. He draws his rapier and sickle and lunges into the fray!

First time using Roll20. It appears there is a wall occupying the space south of Tarrow. Going on that assumption, I am stymied from gaining flanking and doing significant damage...

With weapon in hand, he attempts again to help Brunner gain advantage against these fearsome foes!

Aid Another (Halfling): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 vs AC10, success!

This time it appears his distraction was successful. Brunner, +4 to-hit on your next attack.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Hearing what the fleeing group is up to, Barhador drops the ballista bolt, draws his kukri, and attempts to assist the dwarf. As he swings the blade around, though, the hobgoblin simply leans out of the way. The hunter starts to step back, out of his precarious position, but spots the other two out of the corner of his eye, and adjusts the other way in an attempt to help protect them.

Kukri w/ Bull: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
Slashing w/ Bull: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Round 1

Shaking his bald head, eyes refocusing, taste of iron on his tongue, Arkhan looks about to access the situation.
Still sucks, I see.

The druid creates a storm around the Hobgoblin facing the Elf.
Storm Burst (Sp): 30', touch : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d6 ⇒ 4
Crit? Storm Burst (Sp): 30', touch : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d6 ⇒ 5
nonlethal; -2 attacks 1 round

He then stands shakily onto his feet. The 1/2 Orc smiles at his handiwork; while winking at Ethan.
Well, thank you, friend Priest.

Theres 5' then wall south of Tarrow. The staircase up is left rear of Tarrow.

Tarrow, once more performed some fancy sword work to draw the attention of the Hobgoblin in front of Brunner. The one to his front lay on the ground its blood seeping into the floorboards. They were down to two of the Hobgoblins.

the skull indicates dead I could remove it from map, but you might forget to search it after

Eilyne once more pulled a seed out and had it grow to become a green shrd of wood. This hobgoblin was quick to raise his shield to block the wooden missile, shattering the shard.

Ethan lowered Aubri to the ground and stepped past The Ranger and over the half orc laying on the ground, and a burst of white energy enveloped eeveryone. stopping bleeding and healing some minor wounds Arkhans eyes flew open with a gasp.

sorry for moving Ethan, hed gone outside the inn through the walls where he stepped. I should have made the walls barriers for movement and not just sight.

Arkhan , while laying on the ground, pointed a finger and a fierce wind and water pelted the Hobgoblin in front of Barholder, buffeting the Ironfang soldier clouding his vision.

Back in the back the fait sound of a trap door clicking shut occurs.

Barholder spun, pulling out a curved blade and slashed at the Hobgoblin blinking away at the water running down his face., but hit only shield.

Initiative Order Bold May Go
20-Brunner
15-Hobgoblins -2 for #3's attacks
13-Aubri
12-Tarrow
11-Eilyne
10-Ethan
9-Arkhan
7-Barholder

Not wanting to give anymore room to the attacking hobgoblins, Brunner twists the chain on the swinging dorn-dergar, jerking it in tight shortening the chain. Having the chain balled up in his fists, he swings the round stone ball at the nearest Hobgoblin. Seeing Tarrow feign to the left and the goblin shift that way, Brunner compliments him. "Weel dain Tarrow. Tha Gobbo booght 'at hook line an' sinker." Brunner then swings the shortened ball and chain at the enemy soldier but misses entirely, failing to do his part.

Move action, shortened chain on dorn-dergar Attack: dorn-dergar PA, hatred, + 4 aid from Tarrow.
attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 - 1 + 4 = 12 for damage: 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 3 = 16

Brunner shortened the chain and tried to use it as set of bras knuckles essentially, but The Hobgoblin barely avoided the attack, despite Tarrow's distraction.

The Hobgoblin countered trying to take out his ancient enemy. The Paladin easily avoided the strike.

attack Brunner AC16: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

The other was flinching away the water running in his eyes and struck out at Barholder. The Elf, blocked the sword with his Kurkri barely avoiding it.

attack Barholder AC15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Aubri lay slumped against the wall, trying not to move so great was the pain from her busted ribs. It was going to take time, not just divine healing to get her in better shape

Initiative Order Bold May Go
20-Brunner
15-Hobgoblins -2 for #3's attacks
13-Aubri
12-Tarrow
11-Eilyne
10-Ethan
9-Arkhan
7-Barholder

Round 3

Arkhan frowns at the still standing upright Hobgoblin facing the Elf.
Storm Burst (Sp): 30', touch : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d6 ⇒ 1
nonlethal; -2 attacks 1 round

You boys lost; or sumting?

The 1/2 Orc grimaces in Ethan's direction.
We may want to find a more secure location to access this shitty f~** situation!

Profession-Advisor (Wis): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
I couldn't resist...lol.

The fight was not going well but it could be going far worse. It seemed their foes were very well trained and they were more than making a fight of it. Fortunately the tide seemed to be turning in their favor for the moment. Seeing her target distracted for the moment Eilyne took another shot at him with yet another splinter of wood.

woodblast @ nearest target w/pbs/precD: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 = 111d6 + 1 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 4 + 1 = 7

With the first hobgoblin dead and Barhador moving, Tarrow steps around the fiend still engaged with Brunner. Now, gaining the advantage of an attack from behind, Tarrow slashes again with his rapier, this time with intent to do harm!

Flanking Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21
Sneak Attack Dmg: 1d4 - 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) - 1 + (1) = 4

The elf adjusts to the side again now that the halfling's position was helping limit the enemy's movement. He makes a quick feint before, and after, he moves before managing to run his blade along the length of the hobgoblin's forearm. The cut is effectively from the back or underside of the arm, where the armor is thinner, slicing the armor and arm, though not as deep as he would have liked.

Kukri w/ Bull: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 1 = 20
Sashing w/ Bull: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Ethan touches Arkhan and calls on Erastil's power again. "Grant him the strength to fight on," he intones.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Hold the line, and I'll try to get Miss Aubri out the back," he replies.

"No, there's a better choice. Behind the bar for now."

Tarrow did a quick tuck and roll past the Hobgoblin so he wouldnt get the opportunity to swing at his moving form and came up behind him thrusting his blade out to cut into his leg.

knew youd do that so rolled for you

acrobatics vs CMD15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Once again Eilyne tried her wood shard fired at the same Hobgoblin who smashed it out of the air with his sword.

Ethan starts a prayer and reaches out to place a hand on the slash on Arkhans side, Arkhan instinctively pulled away, so that only a bit was healed.

Arkhan focused his storm powers on the same one again and the Hobgoblin flinched from the cold wind and rain trying to see through it. Then The Half-Orc tries to tell Ethan the group needed to relocate all the while cussing up a storm.....badump bump

Barholder takes the opportunity while the Hobgoblin is flinching from the wind and water in his face, to slash out with the kukri, slicing into the Hobgoblins arm.

Initiative Order Bold May Go
20-Brunner
15-Hobgoblins -2 to #3 attack
13-Aubri
12-Tarrow
11-Eilyne
10-Ethan
9-Arkhan
7-Barholder

Tarrow did a quick tuck and roll past the Hobgoblin so he wouldnt get the opportunity to swing at his moving form and came up behind him thrusting his blade out to cut into his leg.

knew youd do that so rolled for you

Ahh, that's right, it doesn't matter if I remain inside the opponent's threatened area. AOO is triggered whenever I move out of a threatened space. Thanks for the role, GM!

Seeing Tarrow tumble to the other side of one hobgoblin, but nearer to the other, Brunner, worried for his leather wearing friend. "Be cannie Tarraw, ye dornt want tae gie yerself bloodied up." He then swings the shortened dorn-dergar at the hobgoblin again striking the soldier squarely on the head. Knowing that hobgoblin was out of the fight, Brunner released the chain on the stone weapon he begins to swing it wide again.

Attack: dorn-dergar PA, hatred, flank. Move action returns dorn-dergar to reach weapon
attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 - 1 + 2 = 17 for damage: 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 = 13

Brunner, spun the shortened chain, up over his head, bringing the spiked ball down on top the hobgoblins skull smashing it. The enemy dropped to the ground.

The remaining Ironfang Soldier swung at Barholder while trying to shake his head from the water in his eyes and still managed to cut deep across the chest of the Hunter, leaving a slit in his armor.

attack ac 15: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 2 = 181d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Aubri moaned in pain, and said with a grimacewe need to hurry before they send more. Her gaze showed looking out the splintered door at the mayhem going on outside, as hundreds of Hobgoblins were rounding up stragglers, or outright killing those who fought back. Screams were everywhere. some buildings had been set alight with fire.

Initiative Order Bold May Go
20-Brunner
15-Hobgoblin
13-Aubri
12-Tarrow
11-Eilyne
10-Ethan
9-Arkhan
7-Barholder

Ethan helps Aubri to her feet, counting on his companions to fight off the last hobgoblin. As he does so, he touches her and intones: "Give strength to this one willing to fight for others."

Cure Light Wounds, Aubri: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Can you walk? Which way should we go?" he asks her.

"Thank you, my friend!" Tarrow shouts to Brunner. Then, seeing the dwarf cut down yet another of the foes, Tarrow spins around the last hobgoblin to execute another attack from behind.

Acrobatics vs DC15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Flanking Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18
Damage+Sneak Atk: 1d4 - 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) - 1 + (6) = 8

His rapier slices deep into the leg of the vile creature, staining the floor with more blood.

With only one hobgoblin left to take down Eilyne lined up one more strike. She pulled together the power, grew another splinter, and sent it at the remaining hobgoblin.
wood blast w/pbs/precS: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 1 = 171d6 + 1 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 4 + 1 = 10

And that's the last one...for now

As soon as Eilyne's wooden shard pierces the heart of the final hobgoblin, Tarrow gives the bodies a quick fleecing, for valuables, but also for anything that may reveal the nature of this sudden arrival, such as written orders or markings. He does this as quickly as possible while the others gather Aubri and any other wounded.

"Gah!" The hunter calls out as the wound hits him deep. Seeing the last of these 3 fall, however, he turns to help Erhan move Aubri, and heads into the side room the others went into. "Trap door in here. Safer than out there." and he starts trying to spot it, honestly hoping someone beats him to it.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Tarrow starts looking over the Hobgoblins, each wears a chain shirt, has a shield, a longsword and a longbow with 20 arrows each.

one had a really nicely made backpack on that Tarrow remembered seeing at a merchants stall that afternoon. within the backpack are Eight Vials labeled 'Guidance', A black wand with a pink tourmeline tip, A scroll rolled up with a title that read Calm Animals, Cure Light Wounds, Magic Stone. Theres also Some Dried Goat Meat, Sheeps cheese, and a jug of Sheeps milk. Another Hobgoblin had a heavy crossbow, with 20 bolts. 10 of which were exceptionally well balanced.

He sees easily the indicators these re members of the Ironfang Legion, hes seen the red armbands with the dagger iron tooth represented on them.

Provision Points:5/Masterwork Backpack, 8 potions of guidance.10 MW bolts.---Ill explain provision points later. in discussion.

Barholder helps Ethan with Aubri as she collects her staff and gets back behind the bar then he moves around towards the back and finds the trap door easily.

Aubri speaks as she hobbles over to the bar with their help.

It sounds and looks ...like theres...an army. mmmpf. How did they come on us so quickly. These damned plains are so flat you can see an elk two days out. mmm. ock. let alone an army. Too many to fight. We need to get who and what we can and get across that bridge to the woods. I know a few secrets to help. Should probably figure how to take down the bridge or theyll be on us quick.. damn this hurts.

Arkhan smiles in pleasure, as the last two Hobgoblins fall to The Inn's floor!
The Druid's blue eyes follow the retreat of those around him.
Sound next move!

Arkhan smiles at the Halfling, gathering gear, weapons, and provisions.
Not a bad idea. May I help? Arkhan; by the way.

The 1/2 Orc helps strip the Hobgoblins.

The 1/2 Orc then gathers his pack, following them behind the bar and through the trapdoor....

if anyone would keep gear in their rooms make sure to post that as well.

Tarrow is shocked to see the items carried in the backpack. He nods to the half-orc. "Tarrow, a pleasure. If you can finish with this lot, we should see if we can grab anything from the salt locker - anything that won't spoil. Time is precious, but we may need it wherever we're going." He then hands Arkhan one of his sacks. "Can you carry all of this for now?" One thing the halfling takes are the red armbands, stuffing them into a pocket in his cloak.

Tarrow shoots his eyes toward the upstairs and the guest rooms. He simply cannot leave his alchemical set behind to be destroyed by the hobgoblin horde...

GM, if Tarrow goes to his room, can he make it back out with the group or is there not enough time? Now that he knows the plan, can he escape by some other means and make for the bridge on his own? Edit: is gear left in the room safe?

that depends on what the party's plan is. Is the intention to get what/who you can from the Inn and bolt...or try and gather as many townsfolks and gear as you can from around and then go. Tarrow would have time to run up stairs and get his stuff while the group finishes checking the Inn and talking to the folks downstairs., though more Hobby's may show up :D

Understood. If we stay a little longer perhaps we can enlist the npcs to pile tables and chairs to barricade the entrance. Where is that ballista?

ninja'd by Tarrow, but I think it still works

Seeing the last Hobgoblin fall and Tarrow begin fleecing the bodies, Brunner wraps his dorn-dergar around his waist. "Guid job a' fowk." He turns back toward Eilyne, 'Especially ye lassie 'at is some fancy wuid." Then helping Tarrow pulls items off of the hobgoblins, "An' ye Tarraw, braw chib wark." apparently a chib is a knife.

As he pulls the fancy pack off of the dead hobgoblin he stuffs the long swords inside the top. Putting the pack on as he points. "One ay ye lads pick up those bows an' quivers, we can pit them tae use." As he throws the crossbow over his shoulder on it's sling and begins to fasten the quarrel quiver to his belt.

Hearing the half orc introduce himself, Brunner is please to see Tarrow giving some direction of his own, turning to the Druid, Brunner waives. "Plait tae meit ye arkhan, Ah am Brunner Gie us a hain wi' th' armur."

Looking from the bodies towards Aubri, Brunner asks, "Dae we hae time tae strip these bodies ay their armur an' tak' it wi' us? Someain main need it. An' ur we leavin' ben th' trap duir ur ouit th' back?"

Understood. If we stay a little longer perhaps we can enlist the npcs to pile tables and chairs to barricade the entrance. Where is that ballista?

Tarrow glances outside as he starts to head upstairs to his room to gather some gear, and looks for the ballista, its moved to the left and the crew is reloading it as they just shot it at the tanners shop.

Arkhan nods to Brunner. The 1/2 Orc helps collect the gear.
Which Hobgoblin carries the Cure potions?

He does take notice of the Wand and Scrolls.
Anybody know what that Wand does? Those Scrolls may come in handy too.

Arkhan grimacing.
Actually, that Scroll would be much appreciated.

The Druid unrolls the Scroll; casting the Cure Light Wounds spell on himself.
The Player apologies for this breech of etiquette; but Arkhan isn't that concerned with etiquette...lol. Also, having only 1 hp makes me nervous!

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Of course; this assumes Druid spells CL1st?

Arkhan (with a bit more spring in his step) watches Tarrow glance out a window, as the Halfling rushes upstairs.
Anyone else got their shit upstairs?

He pats his pack.
Always be ready to run.

He winks.

Tarrow glances outside as he starts to head upstairs to his room to gather some gear, and looks for the ballista, its moved to the left and the crew is reloading it as they just shot it at the tanners shop.

How far away is the ballista, and are there humans or other options for cover in the immediate 30' area? Would try to sabotage it if possible if that will improve the conditions for our escape.

no cure light wounds potions here. just the one on the scroll. but 8 guidance potions. ie +1 on 1 roll. ...hey I didnt write the module ;)

”My traveling gear is in the Temple,” Ethan replies. ”I don’t think there’s an easy way to retrieve it at the moment.”

Tarrow stops short when he sees the devastation wreaked upon the helpless citizens of Phaendar by the hobgoblin ballista.

"Arkhan, Brunner - can we take that thing out?" He appeals to the entire group and points to where the hobgoblins are reloading the ballista. "I could sneak over there and cut the line if I had a distraction. Or are we better to try and make a run for it now? I hate to leave the town to these devils, but maybe there's nothing we can do."

Aubri looked at the crew while painfully holding her side. We need supplies. and to save as many as we can. We can sneak around the outer part of town and get to at least The Temple, Vredd's Alchemy shop, and the Trading Post....Unless you think its wiser to just run from here. The Bridge is right there . Then Aubri looks at Tarrow. Dont chance it. theres hundreds of them out there. Its chaos, but its highly likely anyone going through the Market Green will be caught.

Aubri then calls upon the power of Caiden Cailean and a burst of positive energy radiates out.

1st of 5 Channels Aubri has: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

if you look at the map of Phaendar. The Inn is D. Those other buildings are A-C.

F$@$ yes; we should run our asses to the bridge!

Is what Arkhan really (she did say "wise thing to do") wanted to say; but, as he opened his mouth, the warm, comfortable, energetic healing overcame any selfish actions (for now) from the 1/2 Orc.

Arkhan watches those gathered around him. The wiley Druid appreciated the quick actions taken by them, during the initial Ironfang party crashers.
Survival seems straightforward with this company.

He bows to Aubri.
Arkhan, at your service. My gratitude for the Healing. Now, please point the way...to The Temple, Vredd's Alchemy shop, and the Trading Post.

With the last of the hobgoblins down Eilyne wanted to bolt towards the back door and get out of there. Unfortunately there were an unknown number of the attackers out there and there was safety in numbers. "Fortunately I already have my pack. I will stick with you, at least until we are safely away from here. After that we will see."

"We can't fight them head-on, and it would be a fool's errand to try," Ethan says. "Moving along the outside, grabbing what we can and escaping may be all we can do at the moment. Live to fight another day and formulate a plan to free the ones who have been taken prisoner."

Arkhan thinks about the lay-out of the town. He frowns; shaking his bald, lazily hooded head.
Well, Looks like we are taking a circular tour of the inner town; on our way to the Bridge to safety. We can collect supplies, provisions, and survivors along the way.

"My gear is also upstairs. I think we should gather not just what, but also who, we can. But stay ready to run if we attract too much attention."

Dang folks, ninja'd by Arkhan and Barhodor, I'll edit slightly.

GMMicheal, can Tarrow/Brunner tell how many soldiers are on the balista and near it?

Looking from Tarrow to Arkhan, Brunner liked the idea of destroying the ballista, but he wondered if they should protect the people instead. Turning as the wounded Aubri speaks about supplies, saving who they can then destroying the bridge to keep anyone from following. It was a good plan and Aubri was a respected elder of the town. Reminding himself, 'Torag is the god of strategy.'

Shifting the pack onto his shoulders so he could reach his weapons Brunner turns to Tarrow, "Tarraw, Ah loch th' idea ay takin' th' battle tae them, hoo mony gobo's ur thaur?"

pointing towards Aubri he continues, "Th' ranger has a guid idea, we can rescue mair fowk an' Ethan an' Ah can gie uir gear."

Looking at Ethan, he nods, "The temple, vredd's alchemy shop, an' th' tradin' post, gaitherin' aw th' folks we can. 'en we destroy th' brig behin' us? It's a guid plan."

Looking from Barhador to the steps, he recommends. "Ye shoods fetch yer gear while we hae time."

He then moves closer to Tarrow, looking out the door with him. "Whit dae ye hink laddie, dae a wee bit o' damage oan uir way it ay toon, sae some folks, gaither supplies an' gie athwart th' brig?" He gestures towards the balista, "If yer deid sit oan hittin' 'at balista i'll gang wi' ye. ah dunnae kinn 'at we'll survife but Torag hates a coward. But if yer willin' tae lae i'll help ye carry yer gear."

Its easy for the Barholder and Tarrow to get their gear, though Tarrow is weighed down severely with a pack holding his portable alchemical lab.

please place your characters on the Inn map where they are at this moment.

Theresa crew of 5 on the ballista moving it around and firing it. but theres easily 300 Hobgoblins, minotaurs, wolves, worgs, goblins, bugbears within 100' of it..

Tarrow listens to the wisdom of his companions. Even if the ballista could be destroyed, it would not stop this army from razing Phaendar to the ground. He finds himself nodding in agreement as they all speak in turn. The town could not be saved, but it would be avenged.

When at last the dwarf speaks he is fully convinced of the new plan, even though he couldn't understand all of what Brunner said. But it sounded like his stout friend would be willing to carry some of his burden, which meant he needed to get his alchemical supplies, now.

"Thank you, my friend, but let's not delay. I'll retrieve my belongings and return in a moment."

Tarrow bolts up the stairs to his room to gather his kits and components.

Alchemy supplies total 16 lbs.

Nodding to Tarrow, Brunner gestures towards the stairs, as he steps near the door. "Gang oan an' gie yer gear, i'll cowre th' duir."

Thinking about what Barhador had said about gathering everyone, he adds. "Teel anyain up thaur they need tae come wi' us noo."

"When I heard them head for the trapdoor, I was hoping for a tunnel. We're going to need to make a break through the back. Which of the hidden are willing to take the ranger's hand and lead her as we run?"