Ironfang Invasion

Game Master GM Red

Hmm. Well, if he is as slimy as you say... I don't know any spells that will make someone forget... but I might be able to scare him off? Don't freak out now. I'm going to show you something.

She opens her mouth, causing her fangs to elongate, to show them.

It's just a sorcerer thing, mild poison if I actually bit someone, but if we told a ghost story about a vampire or something, and I visited his tent... I mean, could freak him out. And sounds like he might deserve it?

"Maybe, it would be more merciful than finding another boar to have him run into."

Lizzie suddenly gets a look in her eyes, that turns into a sly grin.
"If you did manage to bite him, i could sneak to his place every evening.
Fake a 'voice in his head' while hidden, maybe gradually convince him he should comply, a bluff of a consequence of failing to obey his mistress?"

Gronilda thinks deeply concerned, then looks at each one in the group on turn "We need to find out what he’s really after. Zarena, your idea could work, but we need to be careful. If we’re going to scare him, we should do it in a way that makes him slip up, reveal more about what he’s hiding. Maybe we can use his fear against him—get him to talk without realizing it."

The dwarf pauses, her mind working through the possibilities "What if we set a trap for him? Not a physical one, but something that plays into whatever he’s after. We could drop hints about a valuable location or item, something he might be interested in, and see how he reacts. If he takes the bait, we’ll know he’s up to something. And if we need to, we can use Zarena’s idea to push him further."

"I am thinking... we can simulate in front of him we are hiding a map to a secret refuge with weapons or other important goods... then try to see if he steals it..." she proposes as an initial idea.

Sounds like a good idea to me. My only concern is ... if we think he is working with the enemy, can we afford to show him where we are taking the refugees? Maybe we should take him aside... assign him to a foraging party or something? Camp overnight at least, and keep him away from everyone else, until we test him for sure... and if we have to scare him, or worse, it won't be in public.

Gronilda tightens her grip on her axe as she speaks, her voice steady but urgent "Zarena is right. We need to set the plan in motion today, before we reach destination"

She glances at the path ahead, then back at the group, her eyes narrowing in thought "While we are on the move, we will keep Edran close, but not too close. I will take the lead, and we will have a 'casual' conversation with him as we walk. We will drop hints, make it seem like we are still deciding where to go next—maybe even suggest a different route. The goal is to confuse him about our true direction."

She pauses, scanning the faces of her companions "When we stop for lunch, that is when we make our move. We will use the break as an opportunity to subtly adjust our course, taking a roundabout way to throw him off. If he is keeping track of our route, this should help muddy the waters."

With a plan crafted, Edran folds back in with the rest of the villagers. The travels continue, and Edran is heard again asking questions about the surroundings whether the Nirmathi army will be helping with Phaendar or not.

The path stretches onward as the sky deepens in dark greys. The threat of rain is still a distant one, likely half a day or so away. As the party nears the river leading to the Redoubt, Aubrin suddenly halts. Her eyes narrow on the surrounding trees.

"Something's coming," she whispers, raising a hand to stop the group. Moments later, frantic rustling in the trees gives way to three reptilian creatures and a giant gecko, their hissing voices not unlike the sounds a dragon might make.

The villagers huddle behind the trees, trembling, as the party draws their weapons...

Who's up ->
Gronilda
Red, Blue Troglodytes
Zarena, Lizzie
Gecko, Green Troglodyte
Grymwold, Saélihn & Ghost

Map

As the group moves along the path, Gronilda carefully pulls out the note they recovered from the hobgoblins, unfolding it with deliberate slowness. She holds it in such a way that it appears to be a map, glancing meaningfully at her companions as she does. Her voice is calm but carries an undercurrent of urgency.

"Here are marked the Chernasardo strongholds and hideouts," she says, her tone laden with significance "One of them might have the support and help we are seeking."

She pauses for a moment, letting her words sink in, then subtly glances in Edran’s direction. Just as quickly, she turns away, folding the map back up and tucking it away, ensuring that Edran catches the movement. She makes sure to shield the "map" from his view, creating a sense of secrecy and importance around it.

---

K. nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Careful!" Gronilda exclaims as soon as she detects the enemies, moving forward in front of Zarena trying to protect her with her axe while she stirs Pawnies to attack "But what are the troglodytes in this region?! They haven't seen here in generations!"

Hadle Animal DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

HP 17/17 AC 18 TAC 12

Pawnies obeys and quickly jumps forward into the attack!
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 111d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

HP 6/6 AC 13 TAC 12

Hello! says Zarena, wondering if they are evil creatures or not. She's never seen one before.

"Troglodytes....extremely rare in this area...and most likely not friendly!" Saélihn exclaims as the creatures advance on them from multiple directions.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Not arguing against attacking, but figured it was safe to say hello since they go next and we will find out immediately whether they respond. And if they *are* nice, I bet they know where some good caves are. :)

Edran watched closely as Gronilda unfolded the map and explained the surrounding areas and hideouts, his eyes wide with interest. He's about to ask something, but stops suddenly once the troglodytes appear, shielding himself conveniently behind Aubrin.

The troglodytes continue hissing in a strange tongue if anyone speaks Draconic, let me know and I'll start offering spoilers instead of responding to Zarena's greeting.

Gronilda wastes no time reacting to the appearance of danger, and commands Pawnies to bite the nearest foe. The loyal dog lunges, but the troglodyte narrowly evades the attack, and in retaliation, the troglodyte launches a brutal assault.

Club: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 81d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Claw: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -21d4 ⇒ 4
Bite: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (18) - 3 = 151d4 ⇒ 2
Pawnies yelps in pain as the troglodyte sinks its teeth into his side, tearing away a chunk of flesh.

Club: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Another troglodyte advances on Saelihn, and swings its club at her head but WHOOSH -- it misses her widely.

Who's up ->
Gronilda, Pawnies -2
Red, Blue Troglodytes
Zarena, Lizzie
Gecko, Green Troglodyte
Grymwold, Saélihn & Ghost

Map

Lizzie swirls her sling to throw a bullet at green trog.
Sling, PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15Bump, PBS, sneak attack: 1d3 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (5) = 7

She then steps 5ft back and reloads her sling.

Rude! Zarena mutters under her breath, and then sends a ball of acid towards the trog that bit Pawnies.

Acid Splash (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Lizzie lobs a bullet at the green-scaled troglodyte's skull. Zarena conjures up an acid splash that melts what might eventually be a cool scar into the trog's arm - if it somehow survives.

The trog advances on Lizzie, and swings with its club, while the Gecko eyes its nearest target - Gronilda.
Club vs Lizzie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Bite vs Gronilda: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 202d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 1 = 4

Lizzie manages to duck in the nick of time, but Gronilda isn't so lucky, and the gecko takes a chunk of her ankle with him.

Who's up ->
Gronilda -4, Pawnies -2
Red -2, Blue Troglodytes
Zarena, Lizzie
Gecko, Green Trog -7
Grymwold, Saélihn & Ghost

Map

ughhh Hobs and now Trogs! Enemies all around us

Grym 5fts towards the nearest Trog and makes a horizontal slash with his scimitar

attack, Scimitar MW, PA -1: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 17
damage, PA+2: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Taking a step back, Saélihn directs Ghost to help Gronilda as she fires an arrow into the advancing troglodyte (Blue)

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Composite Longbow (+2)/PBS: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Piercing/PBS: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

The fierce young wolf turns quickly, snapping at the giant lizard.

Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Clenching her teeth from the pain of the wound, Gronilda quickly swings her axe, trying to deal with the red troglodyte.
mwk battleaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

HP 13/17 AC 18 TAC 12

Pawnies continues attacking the same trog.
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 201d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

HP 4/6 AC 13 TAC 12

Grymwold and Saélihn team up to take down the blue-eyed trog with a well-aimed arrow, while Gronilda and her canine companion slash and snap at the red-scaled trog.

Red steps back from the fray, pulls what looks like a feather from his pocket and tosses it into the air. In a puff of smoke, the token transforms into a sparrow that then flies up through the trees. Still visible from where the party stands, the sparrow looks like it has started flying towards the northeast.

The hunter twins watch the bird fly off and call out. "A messenger bird of some sort?"

Who's up ->
Gronilda -4, Pawnies -2
Red -8, Blue
Zarena, Lizzie
Gecko, Green Trog -7
Grymwold, Saélihn & Ghost

Map

How far away is the bird? I would love to target it, if it is within 60 feet. If not, targeting the same trog that Pawnies is fighting.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Acid Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Lizzie tries ducking to move away from the trog without getting hit.

Acro vs aoo: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Flinging bullet vs green, pbs: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9Bump, pbs: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Learned a bit more about bird flight speed this morning than I thought I'd ever have to :) @Zarena: The assumption I'd make is that it travels 60 feet per round, that the troglodyte tossed the token up into the air before it transformed into a bird, and so the bird is probably just out of range for you to hit it from where you are currently standing. It doesn't look like you took a move action though, so you could technically walk up next to the red trog (provoking) and then toss acid.

Okay, I will do that. I mean, if I can stand somewhere that doesn't provoke, that would be better, but worried about them sending for help or whatever, so I'll risk it. ... Not exactly sure where to place my token, so will leave it to you in this case.

Next turn I may try to hit it. A bow has a pretty good range

AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 91d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Zarena moves up next to the trog, evading its opportune attack, and targets the bird messenger instead. Her acid is a direct hit, and the poor bird drops to the ground like a stone sinking in a murky pond.
You are now 'Hated' amongst the 'Messenger Birds' Faction ;)

Gronilda, Ghost, or Pawnies: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 92d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 1 = 6
The gecko is craving canine today, but Ghost is ever evasive and easily leaps over its bite. Meanwhile, the other trog also pulls out a feather token and a second little bird emerges with a poof, taking to the skies.

You could try to shoot it down, you could try to follow it once you're out of combat, or you could leave it be

Who's up ->
Gronilda -4, Pawnies -2
Red -8, Blue
Zarena, Lizzie
Gecko, Green Trog -7
Grymwold, Saélihn & Ghost

Map

Grym takes a step(5ft) toward the Trog and attacks once again

attack, Scimitar MW, PA -1: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 7
damage, PA+2: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Saélihn's bow snaps up, sending an arrow streaking up at the new bird before it can fly to whomever the trogs were trying to send a message to.

Composite Longbow (+2): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Piercing: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Nimbly avoiding the giant lizard, Ghost reacts to Saélihn's whistle, directing him to shift into a flanking position with Pawnies, viciously snapping at the attacker as part of a pack.

Bite/ Flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Free Action: Aiding Attack (Ex) The Ranger Animal companion can use this trick as a free action when he hits a creature with an attack. The next ally who makes an attack against the target creature before the start of the Ranger's animal companions's next turn gains a +2 circumstance bonus on that attack roll. (Gronilda or Pawnies get a +2 to attack the gecko)

Saélihn's handle animal check (DC 10): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

"They are trying to send a message, we must stop them!" Gronilda shouts alarmed, but nonetheless keeps fighting the gecko. She swiftly enlarges to giant size and swings at it, or if already down by Ghost, to the remaining red trog.
mwk battleaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Slashing damage (enlarged): 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 = 14

HP 13/17 AC 16 TAC 10
enlarged 6/7 (-2 AC included)

Pawnies works with Ghost to finish the menace.
Bite+flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 231d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

HP 4/6 AC 13 TAC 12

Saélihn takes aim at the second bird, her arrow sending it crashing into a nearby tree trunk. The sound momentarily distracts Grymwold, causing his swing to go wide. Ghost prowls closer to the gecko and lunges, ripping a chunk of flesh from its scaly hide.

Gronilda follows up by cutting the gecko in two, and with the creature down, Pawnies turns his attention to the trog, sinking his teeth into its leg.

The trog hisses in Draconic and whirls toward Zarena, its club smashing into her shoulder with a heavy thud.
Club: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 171d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Claw: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 71d4 ⇒ 1
Bite: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 71d4 ⇒ 3

Who's up ->
Gronilda -4, Pawnies -2
Red Trog -11
Zarena -7, Lizzie
Green Trog -7
Grymwold, Saélihn & Ghost

Map

Zarena grows fangs and bites the Trog.

Attack (bite): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

+poison (Fort Save DC 12)

I think Lizzie is traveling so I'll go ahead and bot her end of day if she hasn't posted (Eastern time)

Lizzie sling, PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 161d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Zarena's mouth twists as she sprout some fangs and sinks her teeth into the troglodyte. It wavers on its feet as it clings to life. Strictly speaking, it has the disabled status Lizzie launches another rock into the face of the other troglodyte.

Club: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 91d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Bite: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (11) - 3 = 81d4 ⇒ 1
Claw: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (6) - 3 = 31d4 ⇒ 3
The other trog launches a full assault on Grymwold... but has no hope at all as its club, teeth, and claws bounce off his sturdy armor.

Finish them!

Who's up ->
Gronilda -4, Pawnies -2
Red Trog -13
Zarena -7, Lizzie
Green Trog -11
Grymwold, Saélihn & Ghost

Map

At a shrill whistle from Saélihn, Ghost looks up, hesitating for only a moment before charging in the leap at the trog facing Zarena, viciously tearing into it, and attempting to take it to the ground.

Saélihn handle animal (DC 10): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Bite/Flank/Charge: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 25
Bite(piercing): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Stepping forward, Saélihn finds it difficult to get a clear shot, in the chaos of the heated battle between Grymwold and his opponent.

Composite Longbow/PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11
Piercing/PBS: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

As the battle flows around him, the tide flowing their way, Grym feels a pang of doubt wishing the fight's morality had been clearer. We attacked first, could the Trogs have wanted to parlay and now they're simply defending themselves?.... Nevertheless, Grym strikes once more with his scimitar all Trogs are evil and therefore worth striking down...I hope

attack, Scimitar MW, PA -1: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 20
damage, PA+2: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Gronilda steps to the side to face the last trog.
mwk battleaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Slashing damage (enlarged): 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 = 12

Crit?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Slashing damage (enlarged): 4d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5, 3, 3) + 6 = 23

HP 13/17 AC 16 TAC 10
enlarged 6/7 (-2 AC included)

Pawnies attacks also the red trog.
Bite+flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 111d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

HP 4/6 AC 13 TAC 12

The heroes cut down the remaining troglodytes, ending the fight with no messenger birds having been successfully dispatched.

Out of combat

Each of the troglodytes carries an ordinary set of gear - clubs, 3 javelins, and a few gold pieces 20 in total. One has a bird feather token in its pocket that looks identical to the other two that had been activated.

The area is quiet once again, save for the trickling water of the nearby river and the chirping of birds. Aubrin approaches, squinting as she looks over the corpses. "Hmm. It's been a while since I've seen a troglodyte, but I'm glad you took care of them. Bravery like yours is sure to instill further confidence in the villagers. They'll feel safer now after seeing your very capable hands."

Grym looks at the Trog bodies, glad to hear Aubrin's words but still not feeling great about the encounter.

Did anyone see the direction the birds were flying? I imagine they were flying towards Trog reinforcements or their camp?

picking up the bird feather token, Saélihn stands to get her bearings, looking around and following the bath that each of the birds seem to be taking before being shot down, in an attempt to determine the direction of any likely troglodyte camp.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Saélihn notes the direction both of the birds were heading towards before being shot down, but it's really more of a general sense of the heading rather than a specific location.

"That would be my guess as well," Aubrin replies to Grymwold. "Perhaps the troglodytes were warning their leaders of danger, or calling for backup. They are not normally seen here in the Fangwood, but neither are crowds of twenty or so people like us. I wonder if they saw us as more of a danger than we did of them."

She pauses to think, then shrugs as if giving up. "What do you think? Shall we carry on to the Redoubt?"

" Let's be careful, but yes, let's continue our path here, it is going to be almost impossible to know where the those birds where going " Gronilda looks to the sky doubtful.

I think we should carry on, and investigate later... or perhaps um, investigate now with certain people, and the rest push on?

She makes sure he can't see her lips and mouths "Edran" to her companions, for despite the battle, they still had a likely traitor in their midst.

The sky continues to darken as the storm that Saélihn sensed creeps ever closer into the Chernasardo region. The first few drops of rain haven't started falling yet, but the smell of moisture in the air implies it'll start in the next few hours.

The path continues on for some time before the party notices a four-legged creature ahead munching on an apple. Noticing the party, the centaur approaches slowly with a smile on his face. "What great luck that I'd run into other travelers. Hopefully, you aren't as dangerous as that boar I've been avoiding for days. I tried the gift of fruit route, but he seemed more carnivorous than one would think. A bad temper, that one." He laughs. "Speaking of fruit, I do have plenty of apples to go around, if you want to take a break and join me for a meal. My name is Yorc, by the way. What brings all of you to the Fangwood?" The centaur doesn't wait, he starts passing out apples to anyone who will take one.

In situations like this I miss having a Paladins Detect Evil Radar

Grym looks at the apple dubiously. Thank you for the apples friend Yorc. Hope you don't mind if I don't bite in immediately. We're not on good terms with a band of Hobs that invaded our town and POISONED Apples aren't something that would sit well on my stomach right now Grym emphasizes "POISONED" making sure everyone knows he thinks eating the apples would be a bad idea.

No offense meant but we don't know ya. If you truly mean to be our friend I apologize, but you can understand how being chased from our homes would make us wary of strangers bearing gifts

Zarena is delighted to meet a centaur, and thinks they must be wonderful and good, and starts eating an apple right away.

Oh, that might have been a boar that we already killed. It was grouchy, but delicious. ... <many sounds of crunching> ... These apples are also very good. Did you pick them around here? Also, do you know of some caves nearby? We've heard rumors, but no one can tell us exactly where.

Saélihn gives the centaur an amicable nod, while observing his reaction to the others' responses.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

"Poisoned apples?" Yorc chuckles. "No, of course not. I understand your concern, these woods are indeed filled with dangers, but I am not one of them. I'm simply sharing the wealth, given I was fortunate enough to come across a grove and picked it clean. Even after sharing with you, I'll have plenty of food to last me a few more days." Saélihn doesn't sense anything off about Yorc's explanation.

"Caves, huh. You must be thinking of shelter. Well, I haven't seen any caves. I have noticed an increasing number of hobgoblins though, and I can't imagine hobgoblins typically frequent these woods. Seems they're searching for something or someone." He shrugs, munching on some barley.

Gronilda gives Grymwold a gentle elbow nudge, a slight smile tugging at her lips as she addresses Yorc "You'll have to excuse my companion here," she says, her voice warm but firm "Dwarven diplomacy can be a bit... direct. But that's just because we've seen our fair share of dangers lately. Better to be open and sincere about our worries than to dance around them and waste time"

"It's true, these woods aren't the safest place for travelers like ourselves, especially with hobgoblins prowling about. That's why we're heading to one of the more secure places marked on this map we've got" she taps the folded note tucked into her belt, making sure to draw Edran’s attention without revealing anything yet.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Then, she friendly accepts one of Yorc's apples but does not eat it just yet "We're trying to stay ahead of those hobgoblins, you see. If you've seen them around, it would be a great help to know where they were headed. Any detail, no matter how small, could make a big difference for us"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Fort Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Zarena smacks her lips like something tastes bitter, then falls over, unconscious.

Gryn launches into an attack against the poisoned apple-peddling centaur

should I roll an attack or wait for init?