Ironfang Invasion

Game Master GM Red

dot and delete

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d6 ⇒ 6+50% for 9 vs swarm.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d6 ⇒ 2Miss.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d6 ⇒ 3+50% for 4 vs swarm.

I don't recall crits working on swarms, though.

[Dice=Stealth]1d20+12

I don't recall crits working on swarms, though.

[Dice=Stealth]1d20+12

I don't recall crits working on swarms, though.

Lizzie creeps along closer to the nest, then gives a nod to Gronilda, who cracks a smokestick. Lizzie lobs a vial of alchemist's fire that explodes on the nest, setting it alight, hundreds of angry wasps swarming out. Thankfully, it appears the smoke is causing them to fly erratically.

Zarena, feel free to make your entrance. Realistically, I've placed you at the entrance to the abandoned farm, where you happened upon it when noticing the large group of refugees nearby. I'm also GM fiating that this encounter is too unfair at this CR with 4 party members only.

Who's up
Zarena, Saélihn & Ghost, Gronilda
Swarm (-9, exhausted)
Grymwold, Lizzie

Combat Map

Zarena eyes the abandoned farmhouse, wondering if it could be a trap. Hopefully just more refugees, but never hurts to be careful.

Quietly...

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Zarena approaches the farmhouse and peeks in. Seeing no one, but hearing some noise, she continues farther in until she can see out the back door.

Double-move

As the wasp nest erupts in flames from Lizzie's well-aimed alchemist's fire, Gronilda maintains her focus, keeping an eye on the swarm of angry insects.

Feeling a surge of urgency as the swarm begins to swarm erratically due to the smoke, Gronilda steps forward, waving the smokestick to confuse the swarm "I was not prepared today to fight wasps, but here we are!"

She tosses one of the thunderstones the group picked before, hoping to disperse the insects.
Throw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

BAAAANG!!!

Watching closely as Gronilda and Lizzie deal with the swarm, Saélihn casts a spell that generates an intense warmth deep inside her, the spreads throughout her body as she waits to see if the swarm attacks.

Cast Firebelly

The thunderstone explodes with a deafening BANG!, but the wasps activity doesn't seem to have changed at all from it. Saelihn gets ready to go dragon-mode.

The swarm flies towards the source of the noise - and the smoke - Gronilda. She finds herself in a cloud of angry wasps, most of them stinging at her flesh.

Swarm: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8
Gronilda needs a DC 13 Fort save vs Distraction (nauseated), and a DC 13 Fort save vs Poison

Who's up
Zarena, Saélihn & Ghost, Gronilda (-8)
Swarm (-9, exhausted)
Grymwold, Lizzie

Combat Map

Fort+hardy DC 13: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16
Fort+hardy DC 13: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25
Fortunately, Gronilda's hardy dwarven nature kicks in, and she endures the stings of the wasps, stepping out of the cloud "We need to do something about it soon!"

Picking up her lone alchemist fire, she tosses it at the wasps!
Throw (touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Next round fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Grym has never encountered an angry swarm and now feels that he's vastly underestimated the danger it poses

Nevertheless, he throws an Alchemist Fire at it hoping that it's effective

throw(touch): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

next round fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

I rarely play low-level games....Swarms are deadly here without the options available at higher levels

Taking a deep breath, Saélihn breathes a gout of fire directly at the angry swarm, hoping to finish this quickly.

Fire (DC 14 Reflex for 1/2): 1d4 ⇒ 2 (x1.5 vs swarm)

Seeing some of the survivors from Phaendar trying to deal with a dangerous swarm, Zarena hurries closer, trying to get into a position where she can attack the swarm without harming anyone else.

Double move again. Sorry... was worried trying to squeeze a burning hands between two people on the front line wouldn't work, so circling around.

Gronilda hurls an alchemist's fire into the swarm of enraged wasps, watching its magnificent detonation that incinerates hundreds of them into mere ash. Grymwold swiftly follows with another fiery bomb, the buzzing cloud glowing with intense flames.

Meanwhile, Saélihn leans back, inhaling deeply into her core before exhaling a relatively modest flame. Nonetheless, a number of wasps meet their demise the attack.

Zarena approaches, while Lizzie contemplates what to do...

Who's up
Zarena, Saélihn & Ghost, Gronilda (-8)
Swarm (-19, exhausted)
Grymwold, Lizzie

Combat Map

I hadn't rolled next turn fire dmg from my own attack that triggered combat.
1d6 ⇒ 1

Lizzie makes some distance between herself and the wasps, knowing the bugs' are faster than she is, normally, and that she has no other means to fight them with.

2x move.

Lizzie adds some distance between herself and the swarm.

The fire continues to singe that the wings of the wasps, burning many of them to a crisp, but still some remain!

1d2 ⇒ 2

They fly onward, their ire intensified by Saélihn's fiery breath, converging around the hunter, their stings assaulting her arms with angry determination.

Swarm: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Saélihn needs a DC 13 Fort save vs Distraction (nauseated), and a DC 13 Fort save vs Poison

Who's up
Zarena, Saélihn (-6) & Ghost, Gronilda (-8)
Swarm (-26, exhausted)
Grymwold, Lizzie

Combat Map

Working hard to protect her face from the swarming wasps and resist the urge to scream, Saélihn bears the angry stings, retaliating with another gout of exhaled flame.

Fort(Distraction): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Fort(Poison): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Fire (DC 14 Reflex for 1/2): 1d4 ⇒ 3 (x1.5 vs swarm)

Grym rushes toward the edge of the swarm and begins swinging wildly about with the broad side of his shield

not rolling dice as his attacks will be ineffective...just trying to give the swarm a tanky target

Gronilda, seeing Grymwold valiantly drawing the attention of the swarm, realizes that her warhammer strikes are not effective against the agile and numerous wasps.

Instead, she shifts her focus to aiding her wounded companions "Saélihn, hold steady!" she calls out, her voice firm with determination "I will ask Erastil to heal our wounds, but we need to finish the wasps first!"

The dwarf moves away from the wasps, and readies to channel in case someone falls to the ground. Otherwise, she just remains vigilant as she has no further means to harm the wasps.

Already rolled before the flask damage for this round (5 fire damage)

Finally in a position where she could hurt the wasps rather than the people, Zarena moves forward and casts a spell.

Her lips move and she raises both hands towards the wasps. A gout of super-hot flame bursts from her hands into the swarm.

Burning Hands Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

A stronger jet of flames emerges from Saélihn's belly, melting many of the wasps, and then Zarena raises her palms to finish off the remnants of the swarm with a burst of intense fire.

Out of combat!

Whew, those were nasty. Is everyone okay?

Later, after everyone is healed up...

How did you guys make it out of town?

Saélihn breathes a sigh of relief, a bit of smoke wafting from her mouth as she shudders from the pain of the multiple stings covering her forearms, the warmth on her core rapidly returning to normal temperature.

"As good as can be expected." she says as Ghost runs over to her, licking her hands.

Gronilda's eyes widen in surprise and relief as she sees Zarena approaching and help burning down the wasps "Zarena!" Gronilda exclaims, her voice tinged with both surprise and joy "I'm glad to see you're safe."

She quickly moves worried by Saélihn wounds, her expression softening with concern as she sees the huntress nursing her injuries "I'm glad you're alright, Saélihn" Gronilda says, her voice filled with genuine care "That was quite the ordeal"

With a quick prayer of gratitude to Erastil for their safety, Gronilda channels healing energy.
Channel Positive Energy 2/3: 1d6 ⇒ 4

HP 13/17

She quickly fills Zarena in on the events that transpired, her expression growing somber as she recounts the devastation that has befallen Phaendar "It's... it's all gone" Gronilda says, her voice heavy with emotion "The town, our homes... our people... everything."

Despite the despair evident in her eyes, Gronilda manages to maintain her composure, her demeanor reflecting a deep-rooted resilience "But we're here now, and we'll find a way forward" she continues, her tone firm and resolute "There are a few of us that survived. We'll rebuild, together"

"How did you survive the attack Zarena?"

Without losing time, the dwarf will start collecting the apples while she listens the answer.

"Thanks, Gronilda!" Saélihn, says, breathing easier as much of the pain and redness of the stings fades with the cleric's healing magic. After a quick glance around, for any additional hazards, she begins the task of gathering apples, while turning her attention to the newcomer.

Grym looks up from blindly swinging the broadside of his shield to see a gout of flame and traces it back to ZARENA!

As the bodies of the swarm fall to the floor like daytime fireflies, Grym smiles and says Ain't you a sight for sore eyes. Dramatic entrance as usual I see

Whew, those were nasty. Is everyone okay?

Later, after everyone is healed up...

How did you guys make it out of town?

"Sneaking and fighting, mostly. Thankfully we got out some of the others from town. It wasn't easy, that's for sure.", as the halfling looks over her shoulder at the survivors.

Responding to Gronilda, Zarena says

Oh, I just wasn't in town. My aunt said she had one of her "bad feelings" and wanted me to chop wood instead of going to the festival, so I did. I was actually kind of upset about it for a while, but then we saw the smoke, and the bridge was out.

I heard stories from a couple of other people, and my aunt healed up a couple before they went upriver to find another place to cross. Still amazed that anyone made it out. The Irongfang Legion, right? What do they want with the town?

She grins at Grymwold, Can't help it. and gives him a hug. Good to see you too. Glad you all are okay.

Then she turns and says to Lizzie

I can't imagine fighting the Legion... you guys are amazing. Is there anything I can do to help? ... short of getting myself killed, of course. My aunt would haunt me.

Gronilda's expression turns thoughtful as she processes Zarena's words. "The Ironfang Legion, you say... That makes sense... they are the hobgoblin mercenaries from Molthune, aren't they?" she mused, her brow furrowing slightly with concern. "I just don't know how they reached Phaendar without any alert from nearby towns"

"But there were more pressing matters at hand" Gronilda extends an invitation to Zarena "Why don't you and your aunt join the rest of the refugees? We will be stronger together" she urges warmly.

"Aubrin has plans for regrouping with the Chernessardo Rangers, and we should gather these supplies quickly and find a shelter" she explains, a sense of urgency creeping into her voice as she motioned towards the scattered provisions.

Oh, my aunt won't come. She lives there because there is an enchantment on the place that causes people not to notice it. I think she'll be okay. I'll join you though. I want to help as much as I can.

Zarena starts gathering the supplies that Gronilda pointed out, and gets out a couple of bags to make it all easier to carry.

With the threat of the wasps eliminated, Gronilda and Zarena venture over to the apple trees, taking their time to gather the fruit. Though the apples are small in size, a quick taste test reveals a perhaps pleasantly tart and sour flavor (for those with such a palate) - but they'll do as food for some time. This is worth 5 Provision Points, which has been added to the sheet

The farm fully looted, the party heads back to their refugees. There's footsteps just to the north, and then the two half-elven hunters emerge from the trees, having completed their scouting.

"No sign of a Chernasardo base yet," Taidel starts.
"But we did find an interesting ancient tree," Lirosa continues.
"A den seemed to be dug into the soft earth underneath it."
"And there was a stinky smell. Animal stink." Taidel holds his nose.
"I know the way there."

The dense canopy of trees overhead filters out much of the daylight, but the journey to and from the farm provides enough context that you're able to tell that the sun has already reached its highest point, casting shadows that signal the passing of midday.

Are you suggesting the den as a hideout for the refugees? Smelly and underground... doesn't sound pleasant, but might be just the thing for hiding. Shall we have a look?

"It might also be the lair of something that could provide food, or have been preying on things in the area." Saélihn points out. Either way it's worth looking into.

Not wise to have a potential predator nearby. At bare minimum, we should take a look to assess the potential threat

Grym turns to the Hunters and asks How far are we from this den? Can we reach it with plenty of light to spare today or should we investigate tomorrow?

"We found Zenara and these apples. The farm is in no state to offer real shelter though" Gronilda explains as they rejoin Aubrin and the other refugees "This den sounds promising. Some potential prey at the very least"

"Erastil make our hunt bountiful today so we can feed our people" Gronilda offers a prayer before following Lirosa and Taidel to further scout the den.

Are you suggesting the den as a hideout for the refugees? Smelly and underground... doesn't sound pleasant, but might be just the thing for hiding. Shall we have a look?

"Hmm. I believe it's unlikely, unless we all have an appetite for a stinky den underneath a tree," Taidel responds, holding his belly with a frown.

Grym turns to the Hunters and asks How far are we from this den? Can we reach it with plenty of light to spare today or should we investigate tomorrow?

Lirosa's face twists for a moment, and she holds up a hand as if calculating carefully with her fingers. "It.. It should take us to just before dusk. Ample time to still setup shelter, and many of our friends seem to have already begun the foraging and hunting process," Lirosa adds.

Crunch-wise, I'll roll the checks at the end of the in game day, to determine what resources were found (sheep, food, ...).

The party advances through the Fangwood Forest with their refugees in tow, and Taidel and Lirosa leading towards the location they found. Eventually, you come upon the destination. The roots of an ancient oak tree crisscross the ground like the tentacles of some subterranean beast. A shadow beneath the tree marks the mouth of a den dug deep into the soft earth. A tuft of pale gray fur clings to the edge of the hole, and a musky animal stink lingers in the air.

What will you do? Give me a Perception check as well. I'll spoiler it below to keep us moving.

Turning to Grymwold and the others, she conveys Lirosa's estimation of the distance to the den. "It seems we have enough time to investigate before nightfall," she states, her tone resolute.

As the party advances through the Fangwood Forest with the refugees, Gronilda keeps a watchful eye on their surroundings, alert for any signs of danger.

Perception (darkvision): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Gronilda's keen senses pick up on something unusual as they approach the clearing's edge. She raises a hand to signal for quiet, then whispers urgently to the group, "Hold up. Did you hear that?" Her gaze scans the area as she points towards the source of the sound, "There's something in there..."

With caution, Gronilda leads the way towards the den, her grip tightening on her weapon "Keep your wits about you, everyone. We may have company" she advises in a hushed tone, her eyes darting around for any signs of movement.

Approaching the mouth of the den, Gronilda gestures for the others to spread out, readying themselves for whatever may lie within "Stay alert. We don't know what awaits us inside" she warns, her voice low but firm.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Grym doesn't hear anything out of the ordinary but is on high alert due to Gronilda's warning. His recently acquired light crossbow cocked and ready balanced atop the edge of his shield.

Zarena isn't worried about seeing because she has Darkvision, but she knows others might not be able to see underground.

Anyone need a light?

She takes out her morningstar and proceeds with the group as long as there is someone in front of her. She doesn't want to be the front line with no armor.

Zarena doesn't have the Light cantrip yet, but she can activate her Ioun torch if it will help.

Hearing the same sounds that Gronilda does, Saélihn slips into a predatory crouch, drawing her bow as Ghost stalks alongside her.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Knowledge Local: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

You make their way through a narrow opening underneath the tree. The smell gets stronger as you move in, and the source of the growling laughter emerges at the end of the shallow den.

Half a dozen small, fey creatures with puffy blue faces encircle a large, snarling wolf. Tiny yelps emanate from three wolf pups behind her. The fey, holding mini torches, taunt the enraged mother wolf in a strange language, and one of the mites grips a fourth wolf pup by its scruff, striking the poor, whining creature with a willow branch.

The mother wolf's fur bears painful burns, some deep enough to reveal bright red, raw skin.

Saélihn recognizes the fey creatures as mites - known to be the most pitiful dwellers of the dark.

Going with low-light in here. This was the most appropriate map I could find for this encounter, so let's imagine there's a massive tree sitting above the den. The Pink mite is carrying the wolf pup. Does anyone happen to understand Undercommon?

Who's up
Lizzie
Saélihn
Zarena
Wolf
Gronilda
Grymwold
Mites

Combat Map

Lizzie moves to the west, getting a better view of the situation.
She starts spinning her sling, to let a bullet fly at the orange mite.

Fling vs flat footed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20Dmg: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Well anything 2 or below is likely nullified, so i'd only hurt them on a 3.

Zarena is scared, but determined to help. She moves close enough to cast the spell and then attempts to hit pink with Acid Splash.

Attack (Ranged Touch): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Acid Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"They're mites, the lowest of the fey, so they probably shrug off some damage!" Saélihn says, quickly chanting a spell as she runs her hand over her bow, imbuing it with the strength and power of a larger weapon.

Cast Gravity bow. Command Ghost to attack

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

With a sharp whistle she commands Ghost to attack the nearest of the vile little creatures.

Ghost charges forward, snapping at the same mite targeted by the new pack member. The agile little thing moving quickly to avoid him.

Bite/Charge: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9
Piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The mite turns to Lizzie and shouts something angry in a strange language as it's pelted by a stone. Then Zarena conjures up and lobs an acid blob onto a mite's neck. It does a frantic dance in pain that would miiight be cute if the mite wasn't so hideous!

The mother wolf moves ahead between the creatures, her eyes fixed on her pup, and she snaps at the mite's blue leg but misses.
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Who's up
Lizzie
Saélihn
Zarena
Wolf
Gronilda
Grymwold
Mites (Orange -1, Pink -2)

Combat Map

Grym balances his crossbow atop his shield and takes aim at the ugly (gold) Mite and squeezes the trigger.

MW Lt Crossbow, one-handed-2: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 = 12
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

He releases (free action) the crossbow which settles back on his hip, retained by his bandolier. And then draws his MW Cold Iron Scimitar (move action)

"Fey? Those are tricky creatures, but maybe not evil. They do not seem eager to talk to us, even less in our language" Gronilda moves forward to the middle of the area and swiftly grows in size to swing her axe at the golden dressed mite.

mwk battleaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Slashing damage (enlarged): 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 3 = 11

HP 13/17 AC 18 TAC 12
enlarged 6/7

Grymwold and Gronilda team up to cut down the mite with the golden earrings, and the other mites turn to glower at the two dwarves, their natural hatred of them feeding their anger.

Despite their fury, the mites quickly refocus on the injured wolf mother, rushing at her while cackling menacingly.

Stab: 1d20 ⇒ 81d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Stab: 1d20 ⇒ 121d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Stab: 1d20 ⇒ 191d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Crit?: 1d20 ⇒ 191d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Stab: 1d20 ⇒ 21d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

One of the four fey manages to land its dagger on the wolf's flank, and the poor creature growls in pain as blood seeps from the fresh wounds.

Who's up
Lizzie
Saélihn & Ghost
Zarena
Wolf Mother (at least -2)
Gronilda
Grymwold
Mites (Pink -2)

Map

Ghost conintues to snap at the mite closest to him, the little creature's surprising nimbleness allowing it to avoid his jaws.

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7