Ironfang Invasion

Game Master GM Red

"There! It is trying to flee! I think he is calling the alarm!" unable to run faster enough, Gronilda just double moves so she can at least bring bright light on the troglodyte area for the others to cleanly shot at him.

HP 24/24 AC 21 TAC 12
light (shield) 30 min
barkskin (Ghost) 30 min

Zarena follows the fleeing Trog (darkvision), and throws a ball of acid at it.

Acid Splash (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Acid Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

That's a crit treat, Zarena

Even if it weren't a crit... it's deader than dead.

Saélihn, Ghost and Zarena finish off the trogolodyte, and now they and Gronilda are able to get a better view of the adjoining chamber - a sharp drop leads down to it. 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.

I'll call this out of combat. Please advance your tokens.

In Draconic
An ornately-dressed acolyte raises her hands in a non-threatening gesture and speaks. "Hold! This is sacred ground. I fear further bloodshed here will anger the stones themselves. Perhaps we can discuss this intrusion without more violence."

Two ordinary-looking troglodytes maintain defensive stances as they wait to see what happens.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Gronilda looks back at the others as she senses the direction of the speech "Does any of you know what are they saying? It feels like they do not want for the violence to continue..."

The dwarf calls Pawnies to her side and does some gestures to try improve the attitude of the talking troglodytes.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"Either that or they're stalling now that the alarm has been sounded." Saélihn replies, keeping her bow trained on those not speaking.

Anything from Zarena, as the party's Draconic-speaking representative? :-)

Grymwold looks about confused at the parlay

Zarena tells the party what they are saying, and replies.

Agreed. Let us talk of peace. We have no wish to harm you, but are in desperate need of shelter from our enemies. We represent a group that we are trying to protect. This looks to be a vast complex. May room be found for us, that we may work together for the good of all?

Surely holy ground may be used as a refuge?

Gronilda's instincts tell her the acolyte's desire to avoid combat in this sacred space appears genuine.

The acolyte now responds in Common, her scaled brow furrowing, "You speak of refuge, yet your companions just slew our guards in their sacred duty! Why should we trust surface-dwellers who bring violence to our holy places? No, no. Leave, at once."

Her tone remains diplomatic, but she grips her spear tightly.

knowledge: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 What does Grym know of Troglodytes? Are they a peaceful race or are they known to be evil and likely allies of the Hobs?

Aren't Trogs known as an evil race? If so we'll never be able to trust them, especially after killing their guard.

Grym would have never suggested an attack on a group of cave dwelling dwarves or elves but was fine with this course against the trogs assuming they're generally known as an evil race, but I suppose I should have asked before we engaged. Would Detect Evil be of any help here? Their acololyte might have an aura like a cleric

Kn. Local on troglodytes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Lizzie thinks on what rumors she may have heard about these scaley creatures.

She couldn't outright fault the acolyte for her opinion, after all the group did force their way in before asking nicely.

Gronilda catches her breath, lowering her shield slightly as the troglodyte acolyte speaks. She takes a step forward, her posture steady but non-threatening, and addresses the acolyte in a calm tone, her Dwarven accent thick but her words clear "Very well, then. We'll stay our hands if you'll do the same. But we need answers. Why your kin has allied with the Ironfang Legion and threaten the surface folk? Speak true, and perhaps bloodshed can be avoided"

Her hand remains near her holy symbol, ready to channel Erastil's blessings or wrath, depending on the troglodytes' response.

Zarena, attempting to assist Gronilda to calm things down, says

We don't desire war with anyone, but the Ironfangs are trying to exterminate us. We didn't know your cave complex was a sacred place, and we made the mistake of assuming you were enemies before talking to you. We regret those things. We can't change the past, but we are willing to work with you if you have other ideas about resolving this to mutual benefit. Perhaps we can help you in some way. Tell me, are there other caves nearby?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

While it's common knowledge that troglodytes are indeed evil, this tribe seems to have developed its own unique culture around their stones and religious practices. The amethyst at the entrance where the two guards were meditating hinted at this.

The acolyte's eyes flash with anger at Gronilda's accusation. "You dare speak of bloodshed as a threat to us? You who invade our halls?" Her scaled lips pull back in a snarl, revealing sharp teeth. "The surface-dweller who came before at least showed proper respect, bringing offerings for our consideration."

Thinking back, a note found on the evil centaur mentioned something similar to this.

The two troglodyte guards grip their weapons tighter, their natural stench becoming more pronounced as they grow agitated. The acolyte scowls at Zarena and her reasoning. "Other caves? You wish to defile those too? These caves are ours by right of strength and blessing of the stone, and I intend to keep it that way."

We'll roll for initiative here, given the trogs don't seem to be budging. Will do this in a separate post coming shortly.

One of the guards dashes past the acolyte, club in hand. Its stench now becomes apparent, and Gronilda, Ghost, Saélihn and Zarena feel their stomachs turn. The troglodyte swings and misses Gronilda.
Make a DC 13 Fort Save vs Stench, or become Sickened for 10 rounds

Club vs Gronilda: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Gronilda is up, then Yellow and Red (Acolyte), then Grymwold, Lizzie, Saélihn, Zarena

Map

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 (pass)

Seeing the Troglodytes start the fight again, Zarena looks disappointed that they weren't able to avoid bloodshed. She is glad that they at least tried. It was a longshot with a people so different than they were, but perhaps their beliefs and social structure didn't allow for compassion.

Fort(Saélihn): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Fort (Ghost): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Why is this place so sacred to y..." Gronilda is surprised mid-sentence, and praises her shield for not being cut this time.

She quickly reacts by stepping around the troglodyte to start surrounding him and slicing with the axe.
mwk battleaxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

"Pawnies attack!" she orders, but the dog is a bit hesitant to enter the sacred area.
Handle animal DC 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

HP 24/24 AC 21 TAC 12
light (shield) 30 min
barkskin (Ghost) 30 min

Fort Save vs Stench (Blue), Gronilda: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

The party manages to quell their nausea, and Gronilda advances, slashing at the troglodyte and whiffing. The acolyte steps forward and raises her palms, chanting in a strange tongue as she stares into Gronilda's eyes...

Gronilda, make a DC 13 Will save or become frightened. Succeed and shaken for 1 round. I also need another Fort Save from you, DC 15 this time, against the acolyte's unique sort of stench. Technically the Fort save happens first.

The other troglodyte moves forward and also swings at Gronilda, managing to catch her shoulder with its club.
Club: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Crit?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 141d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Grymwold, Lizzie, Saélihn, Zarena are up, Blue, Gronilda (-4), then Yellow and Red (Acolyte)

Map

Ghost jumps forward snapping viciously at the lead troglodyte as battle once again unfolds.

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Trip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Handle Animal (DC 10): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 Good thing you can't autofail a skill check

Though they'd both been able to shrug off the worst effects of the stench it still takes quite the effort to convince Ghost to attack again once in the thick of it. Pushing aside the smell, the huntress shoves aside all distractions locking her sights on nothing but her target as she puts an arrow into the troglodyte fighting Gronilda and Ghost, sinking an arrow up to the fletching in its eye.

Composite Longbow/PBS/Coordinated Shot: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 30
Piercing/PBS: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Confirm Crit!
Composite Longbow/PBS/Coordinated Shot: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 30
Piercing/PBS: 2d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7, 3) + 4 + 1 = 15

Will+hardy DC 13: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19
Fort DC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 hardy +2 vs poison and spells might apply
Gronilda clenches her teeth, seasoned enough to know she has to hold her position despite the danger, and managing to block with her shield "Your vile god cannot defeat my faith in Erastil troglodyte!"

HP 24/24 AC 21 TAC 12
shaken 1 round
light (shield) 30 min
barkskin (Ghost) 30 min

Happy that all the talking is over (no way we could ever trust Trogs after violating their temple and killing a guard)....Grym charges and seeking to slam his shield into the nearest trog

Charge +2, Hatred+1, Banner+1,Relentless+2
Bull Rush: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 26
IF Bull Rush is successful he deals 4pts bludgeoning damage

AND free action Overrun
Overrun: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 12
IF Overrun is successful he inflicts 2pts bludgeoning damage

If your attack exceeds your opponent’s CMD by 5 or more, you move through the target’s space and the target is knocked prone.

Lizzie moves 20 feet east, but with the clustered bunch of people at the chokepoint, doesn't bother to sling a bullet at the troglodyte.

subtract 1 from Grym's attack rolls. HATRED does not apply vs Trogs

Zarena throws another ball of acid.

Acid Splash (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13 (Hemlock Banner)
Acid Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

I think we all forgot to add the +1 from the Banner

If you moved within 30 feet of the acolyte or troglodyte, you'll need a fort save. Both 'regular' troglodytes emit the same stench so one save will cover both, but the acolyte's DC 15 stench aura is different. Some of you already succeeded at the DC 13 save earlier, but for those who didn't, I'll roll those for you now to move this along.

Saélihn Fort vs DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Ghost Fort vs DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Grymwold Fort vs DC 13: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Grymwold Fort vs DC 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Zarena Fort vs DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
If you failed to make the save, you'll be sickened for 10 rounds starting now.

Zarena, Grymwold and Saélihn all feel nauseous from the disgusting smell in these caves. Yuck!

Ghost lunges forward with bared fangs, but the troglodyte twists away from at the last moment. In the same heartbeat, Saélihn's bowstring sings - her arrow flies true, catching the troglodyte in the throat with devastating precision. The creature crumples, dead before it hits the ground.

The cavern echoes with the THUD THUD THUD of heavy dwarven boots as Grymwold barrels forward like an unstoppable force. He charges through the troglodyte, but it steadies itself by grabbing the wall. Zarena hurls a globe of acid, but her aim wavers.

Gronilda (-4) is up, then Yellow (-6) and Red (Acolyte), Grymwold, Lizzie, Saélihn, Zarena

Map

I'd rolled these earlier before it was my turn

[dice=Fort(Saélihn)]1d20+5

[dice=Fort (Ghost)]1d20+8

Hmm, I think that was against the DC 13 aura from the regular troglodytes. An additional DC 15 check was needed against the acolyte.

Ok

Sidestepping for a flank, Gronilda attempts to drop the troglodyte in front of her.
mwk battleaxe+flank-shaken+banner: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 23
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

HP 20/24 AC 21 TAC 12
shaken 1 round
light (shield) 30 min
barkskin (Ghost) 30 min

Gronilda adds to the troglodyte's many wounds... but it fights on!

The acolyte snarls another incantation as she backs away slowly, her clawed hands weaving through the air. A slick coating of grease materializes all over Grymwold's weapon. Or does it? Grymwold, make a DC 13 Reflex save to avoid it, or drop the weapon. I wasn't sure if you are holding the hammer or scimitar currently.

The other guard swings, claws and bites at Gronilda 1 Grymwold 2: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Club: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Claw: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 71d4 ⇒ 3
Bite: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 71d4 ⇒ 1

Round 2 - Gronilda (-4) Grymwold (-6), Lizzie, Saélihn, Zarena are up, Yellow (-9), Red

Map

Fighting through the nausea, Saélihn fires another shot at the retreating acolyte, directing Ghost to attack the other troglodyte.

Composite Longbow/Sickened: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 2 = 18
Piercing: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

sickened 9 rounds remaining

Handle Animal DC 10: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Ghost takes a step forward, snapping at the troglodyte warrior as the fight continues to escalate.

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Trip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

reflex vs grease, -2 sickened: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 2 = 19

Grym maintains his grip on the scimitar and slashes at the nearest Yellow Trog pinned between himself and Gronilda (flanking+2)

Banner+1, Sickened-2, flanking+2
attack, Scimitar MW, PA -1: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 1 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + 1 - 1 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 8
damage, PA+2: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

and the resulting swing is feeble as he fights through the gagging stench

Recomposing herself from the recent scary magic, Gronilda swings again at the trog between her and Grymwold.
mwk battleaxe+flank+banner: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 16
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
"Pawnies attack!" she insists but the dog is resistant to enter the sacred territory.

If the trog falls, she steps over the fallen body trying to gain terrain over the last one.

HP 20/24 AC 21 TAC 12
light (shield) 30 min
barkskin (Ghost) 30 min

Zarena throws another ball of acid...

Acid Splash (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 - 2 = 10 (Hemlock Banner, sickened)
Acid Damage: 1d3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 - 2 = 2

...or at least attempts to, but her spell fizzles as she tries to get in control of her stomach, overcome by the stench.

Saélihn aims her bow at the retreating troglodyte, but her view is obstructed by several of her companions soft cover, and it throws her aim off.

Zarena, Ghost and Grymwold all miss, but then Gronilda finishes off the other troglodyte warrior, and she steps forward.

Round 2 - Gronilda (-4) Grymwold (-6), Lizzie is up, Saélihn, Zarena, Red

Map

Seeing the bottleneck clearing, Lizzie walks over to next to Pawnies.
She pets him while the others are ahead.

Still holding her stomach, Zarena moves a little closer until she can see her opponent. Then she tries to throw another ball of acid ...

Acid Splash (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 - 2 = 5 (Hemlock Banner, sickened)
Acid Damage: 1d3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 2 = 1

... but she's still too sick to do anything meaningful.

Hmm.. Zarena's up now but she wasn't at the time of last post. I moved her token back.

Lizzie advances and pets the puppy.

The acolyte backs swiftly into the descending passage to the south. "Fools!" she snarls in Common. "The stones themselves will punish your sacrilege!" Her scaled form disappears around the bend, though you can still hear her moving.

From somewhere beyond, in the same direction that the acolyte went, you hear the heavy sound of approaching footsteps and what might be claws scraping on stone.

Staying in rounds here, everyone is up

Map

"Sounds like we have incoming!" Saélihn calls out, quickly moving into a better position to cover the passageway. "Get ready!"

With Saélihn advancing to face the cavern the acolyte fled down, she gets a peek at what's ahead - including a big, scaly lizard with a forked tongue.

It'd be just at the edge of your darkvision range. I revealed more of the map.

Everyone but Saélihn is up

Map

"Is everyone ok?" Gronilda checks around and steps forward for her shield to cast light over the next corridor while she starts a prayer to Erastil "Father Deadeye, bring the strength of the trees on our brother Grymwold!"

The dwarf starts to grow to large size.
Will complete the transformation at the start of next round: enlarge person domain spell

HP 20/24 AC 21 TAC 12
enlarge person (Grymwold) 3 min
light (shield) 30 min
barkskin (Ghost) 30 min

"Huge lizard on the way with the reinforcements!" Saélihn calls out in warning.

Big Grym smiles down in thanks at Gronilda and moves forward without blocking Saelihns arrow path

Zarena, unable to see any enemies, does nothing, trying to control her nausea.

Grymwold and Gronilda advance towards Saélihn, the hunter calling out a warning of what she sees beyond - a big, scaly lizard.

Anything from Lizzie?