Ironfang Invasion

Game Master GM Red

Commanding Ghost to continue attacking, Saélihn takes aim at one of the mites behind the poor wolf mother (yellow) sending an arrow streaking toward the malicious fey.

Handle Animal (DC 10): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Composite Longbow (+2)/PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14
Piercing/Gravity bow: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7

EDIT: Just realized not yet active, but as the wolf is likely to attack the mites, this will probably still have sense.

"For Erastil! Leave the wolfy be!" Gronilda bellows increasingly angry with the mites as she steps forward to attack with the axe at the green mite.
mwk battleaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Slashing damage (enlarged): 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 6) + 3 = 10

HP 13/17 AC 18 TAC 12
enlarged 5/7 (swift for 1 more round)

Concerned that the wolf will be killed before they can pick off the mites slowly, Zarena makes a likely unwise decision, moving closer so she can catch more of them within the range of her spell.

Fire Damage (Burning Hands): 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Reflex Saving Throw for half: DC 14

Put a triangle on for area of effect. I turned it sideways to measure 15 feet by the squares, and then rotated it for where I am attacking from, but if I got it wrong, feel free to correct.

Zarena...you do realize the wolf we're trying to save is dead center of your fire right? Just checking.

Nope, didn't realize that. I think I mistook someone's animal companion/familiar for the wolf. Ugh.

<Retcon>

Zarena fires off another ball of acid, this time at Yellow.

Acid Splash (Ranged Touch): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Saélihn takes down another mite with a shot through a large wart on its face. Zarena raises her hands as if to conjure up flames, but changes her mind at the last moment, a blob of acid appearing in her hand. She throws it wide.

I'll hang onto Gronilda's action as if she had readied for now until she's up, but she can keep the rolls

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

Map

Lizzie walks some distance north.

Sling vs red mite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11Bump: 1d3 ⇒ 2

The mite shrugs off a stone from Lizzie's sling. The wolf mother fixes her eyes on her pup, and she lunges at the mite carrying her young.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 131d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Trip?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

She grabs the mite's ankle in her fangs, tearing off a huge chunk of blue flesh. The mite falls to the ground with a thump, the wolf pup frantically rushing behind its mother for safety.

Gronilda shouts a powerful battlecry, swings her axe, and carves another mite in two!

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

Map

Grym doesn't have a clear lane to charge, so he double-moves to within melee-range of the mites.

Grymwold advances, while the mites stab at the injured wolf again, undeterred by their fallen friends, but the nimble wolf easily dodges both attacks.

Stab: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Stab: 1d20 ⇒ 4

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

Map

Zarena moves closer and blasts the remaining mites with Burning Hands.

Fire Damage (Burning Hands): 2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8

Reflex Saving Throw for half: DC 14

Ghost advances, trying to bite another of the mites.

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Trip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Walking forward calmly, Saélihn puts an arrow through the eye of any mite still standing after Zarena's fiery blast.

Composite Longbow (+2)/PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
Piercing/Gravity bow: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 2 = 13

Confirm
Composite Longbow (+2)/PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11
Piercing/Gravity bow: 4d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5, 4, 3) + 4 = 17

If both survive she'll target Purple

Zarena advances, plants her feet firmly in the dirt, and lets loose a jet of flames that engulf both remaining mites. When the fire stops, both charred mites are on the ground in a pile.

The wolf mother turns to Ghost and growls, barring her bloodied fangs.

We're still in combat because the wolf sees you as a threat. There are options here. You could try to calm the wolf if you've got Wild Empathy, aided by the fact that you killed the mites. You could also kill it and butcher its corpse for Provisions. If she's killed, she has 4 pups in hiding as well that you'd be able to raise or abandon. Saélihn still has actions given her attacks weren't needed to finish off the mites.

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

Map

I can't make posts in discussion. :/, it refuses to process it no matter what i do. So happy birthday!

And if the mother wolf dies, Lizzie for sure can't stand abandoning them just like that. The only problem is it's more mouths to feed. But maybe they can be trained to track good game?

Lizzie does not sling at the mother wolf. The situation and silent pain of losing a parent is too real, and she can't burden her heart with stealing the life of the mother of these kids.

"Saélin, can you calm her down? I can't attack her, i'm sorry but i can't do it. That's the pups' sole living parent. We just fled a situation where people lost their families to violence....i won't do the same to these animals."

Slinging her bow over her shoulder, Saélin gesturing to her companions to back up a bit before turning her attention to the mother wolf, using her inherent way with animals and bond with Ghost to communicate to the wolf that she and her companions are not a threat, but friends.

Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Zarena steps back and casts Message, whispering to the wolf

Don't worry, we don't want to harm you. We killed those mites so they would stop hurting you. We're trying to survive too.

Saéhlihn leans down to look at Ghost with care in her eyes, then looks back at the angry wolf, speaking in a soft way that seems to be getting to the wolf for better or for worse. Confused at the gesture, she snaps back at the hunter, but misses.

Ghost, Saelihn, Grym: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

And then, the wolf suddenly halts, her dark eyes widening as if hearing something unfamiliar - Zarena's calming message. She lowers her head and steps back, allowing her four pups to rush out of hiding and cling to her in fear. She licks their wounds tenderly, then looks up at Saélihn and Zarena before glancing back at her pups. A gesture that signifies the newfound friendship.

Out of combat

Zarena whispers again.

If you would like to travel with us, you are welcome. We don't have much, but you are welcome to share what we have, and we can help you heal if you like. It's up to you though. We don't want to interfere.

She explains to the others what she offered, in case they didn't hear the whisper.

Gronilda swings his axe terminating any still breathing mites.

Sighing as she shrinks back to her normal size, she passes to focus on the rest of the group "Is anyone else harmed?"

"Don't be afraid" she tries to calm the wolf, then raising her holy symbol, sends a wave of healing that includes the mother wolf "You shall feel better now"
Channel 1/3: 1d6 ⇒ 6

HP 17/17

As the last of the Mites dies Grym moves slowly away from the wolf trying to appear unthreatening

The wolf is bathed in healing light, and her wounds close up. Her pups snarl happily.

She picks the runt of the group - the same one that a mite had nearly wolfnapped - and grabs its scruff in her mouth. Padding slowly along to Zarena, she drops the pup in front of Zarena's feet, looking up at Zarena. Seems she's offering one up for your adoption, knowing it would be safer in your care than in this den. If you wish to, there are rules to raising a wild animal (3 hours a day and a DC 15 Handle Animal check each day that will allow the animal to learn tricks as it grows). This can be done by anyone in the party, or by your refugees.

Looking around the den, you notice a treasure sack lying next to one of the mites. Inside the sack is 50 feet of spider silk rope, a bag of caltrops, a healer’s kit, clothing dyes, three bolts of cotton cloth, eight sewing needles, a pair of scissors, four spools of thread, a shaving kit, two potions, a Medium dagger, and one boot.

I'll assume Zarena is Detecting Magic when no danger is present, like right now. The boot has a faint transmutation aura. The dagger has a faint evocation aura.

Zarena whispers to the wolf mother.

I am greatly honored by your trust. We will raise this little one with care, and make it a part of our pack.

Zarena leaves the dried meat portion of one of her ration packs for the mother to share with her other cubs, then picks up the young runt

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

and the treasure sack, and retreats from the den.

(Assuming that is all that is there, and there is no opening to a vast, underground dungeon.)

Once they are out and the small wolf is settled with something to chew on, Zarena examines the boot and the dagger more closely.

Spellcraft (boot): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Spellcraft (dagger): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

She also tries to identify the potions.

Spellcraft (potion 1): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Spellcraft (potion 2): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

(Added stuff to loot sheet.)

"You've earned her trust" Gronilda says to Zarena, nodding approvingly "We will take good care of that little one." she says to the wolf.

Gronilda then turns her attention to the treasure sack discovered by Zarena and helps examining the contents.
Perception to id potion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Perception to id potion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

The dwarf picks for herself the healing kit and the silk rope.

She gives the wolf mother a respectful nod "You've been through a lot. Stay strong for your pups. We'll make sure they grow up safe and sound."

Gronilda then shoulders her pack and readies herself to continue the journey.

The gruff Dwarf turns to the group and says If we pick up any more wolves we're just gonna have to call our little group here "The Pack"

Saéhlihn smiles, running her fingers through the ruff at the back of Ghosts neck as he lets out an approving grumble at the addition of the cub to their pack.

@Zarena - Thank you for updating the loot sheet! I updated it with the IDs below.

The mother wolf turns away, the remaining cubs scrambling to follow her back deeper into the den. She stands watch as you all leave, ready for any other dangers that might approach. It indeed does not open to a hidden underground dungeon

Outside, you take stock of your loot. Zarena has no idea what the boot is, or what the potions are, but she identifies the dagger as a +1 Dagger.

Gronilda takes a sip of each potion, and realizes they both taste the same - 2x potion of pass without trace.

__

Back into the depths of the Fangwood, you regroup with your refugees. They've all made progress on building shelter, foraging for food, and hunting for Phaendar's lost sheep. Though the woods are pretty dark most of the time, the apparent lack of light peeking through the trees makes it easy to deduce the day has passed.

Jet approaches, stretching her arms out and yawning.
"Well, despite being unsettled from everything that happened yesterday, the villagers have made the best of the situation. We've got 7 shelters they built, more wild berries and.. whatever these leaves are.. they look edible, at least," she says, taking a bite of one, ".. and a sheep has even joined. There's not quite enough shelter for all of us, but at least it's a warm night." Mechanically, an additional 24 Provision Points from foraging, 1 sheep, and 7 shelters

Looking ahead, you see a few makeshift shelters that have been setup comprised of blankets and twine tied between trees in some cases, and sticks and old clothing in others. It's not great, but it'll do. The villagers huddle around a fire, passing out berries, bread, and water from Phaendar amongst each other. One tends to a recently captured sheep, leaning over to whisper in its ear - Make us lots of milk! - hopefully he doesn't get too attached.

Though it's getting late, there's still time to explore, or turn in for the night.

The villagers' actions today are on the "Cast List" sheet. One (the warrior) has been told to Stand Watch. The refugees have constructed 7 shelters, but you also have 2 tents and 2 bedrolls you looted which I've added to the "PP/Shelter" sheet. Your own personal bedrolls/tents that you might have on your character sheet aren't included.

Smiling at the progress and resilience of the refugees, Saélihn checks in on Bronwynn, updating her on the events away from the camp and making sure she's settled before heading out for a late hunt, to have additional supplies available for breakfast.

Survival (Hunting): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Ghost Survival (aid w/ scent tracking): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Survival DC 10 - Get along in the wild. Move up to half your overland speed while hunting and foraging (no food or water supplies needed). You can provide food and water for one other person for every 2 points by which your check result exceeds 10.

So Saélihn consumes no provision points herself and supplements enough for 5 people.

"Everyone did a great job, especially with your leadership keeping everyone on task Jet, they're all very lucky to have you."

Zarena keeps the magical boot, even though she doesn't know what it does, so she can examine it further (and perhaps look for its mate), but she offers the dagger to whoever might need it in the party.

She lays out her bedroll in the open, planning to sleep under the stars, but before she does so, she spends time with the young wolf, and lays out a blanket for her.

What shall we name you, young one?

Gronilda crouches down beside the villager tending to the new found sheep, reaching out to gently pat the animal "Let's make sure it's comfortable and well-fed. A healthy sheep will provide us with more than just food; it'll be a symbol of our perseverance"

On the few hours before sleeping, Gronilda spends her time helping to groom the sheep, checking its hooves and making sure it has fresh water and some forage to eat. She speaks softly to it, trying to sooth the animal.
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

During the dinner, the dwarf listens to the other refugees concerns, offering a kind word here and a practical piece of advice there. Drawing from the teachings of Erastil, she speaks about the importance of unity and community "Erastil teaches us that a community is like a well-woven tapestry. Each thread, each person, is vital. When we work together, we create something strong and beautiful, capable of withstanding any hardship"
K. religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

As the evening deepens and the villagers begin to settle down for the night, Gronilda finally makes her way back to her place bellow a tree "I will sleep in the nature today. Take shelter yourselves" She offers a silent prayer to Erastil, asking for guidance and protection for her and her companions.

Before lying down, she takes a last look around the camp, her heart swelling with pride and determination. These people are her responsibility now, and she will do everything in her power to keep them safe.

"Erastil teaches us that a community is like a well-woven tapestry. Each thread, each person, is vital. When we work together, we create something strong and beautiful, capable of withstanding any hardship"

Aubrin raises her tankard. "And Caiden Caylean guides us towards the freedom of deciding our own fate, not submitting to fiends that would take over our home. We will be full of bravery even in these trying times!"

There's a mix of reactions to the comforting words from Gronilda and Aubrin. Some villagers turn away and go to sleep. Others smile with hope. But Lizzie's cousins seem to be making the best of it, with Bradey running circles around the halfling, teasing her incessantly even as others have fallen to sleep.

Saélihn considers heading out for a late night hunt... but thinks it might be too risky given the circumstances.

With everyone tucked into their makeshift shelters, and some villagers sleeping on a pile of their own clothes, the dwarven warrior told to stand watch starts patrolling the camp. "I'll keep ye safe," he says, introducing himself as Taghor. "Rest easy."

Day 2
Even in the Fangwood, the sounds of nature accompanying the quiet are soothing, and night passes without incident. Light peeking in through the canopy means it's a new day.

"Come on, everyone, line up and grab some breakfast," Jet says, doling out more provisions.

Updated on the tracker

Since cousing Bradey is a mere commoner....

Lizzie 'accidentally' sets her foot in Bradey's path, hoping he'll trip into the mud. She didn't feel sorry, really.

Surprise sneak trip: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 "Oops...sorry."

After a refreshingly uneventful night, Grym lines up for breakfast and looks about to see where the rest of the "Pack" is settling down to eat.

What's the plan for today?

Gronilda removes her armor for the night for some comfort, but she sleeps with her weapons an shield close by, just in case there is a call to arms. She is tired for the day and leaves the watch for others better suited for it.

The next day she wakes up and tries to be optimistic through the breakfast. She speaks up with the rest of the party and Aubrin "What do you think, shall we try to find the Chernesardo today? Or maybe try to find some shelter in some of those caves you talked about yesterday?"

She touches her back, sleeping on the ground was maybe not that good idea as she thought.

Zarena gets up and has breakfast, giving some of hers to the wolf pup.

Caves sound interesting she mentions when asked what to do, but she doesn't press the point, since she would be okay doing any of it.

She does try again to discover what the boot does, and asks if the group has other things they need identified.

Spellcraft (boot): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Spellcraft (wand): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Spellcraft (scroll): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Spellcraft (wand): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Spellcraft (potion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Rolled for the other unidentified things on the loot sheet as well.

Having listened to the ominous feeling warning her against a night hunt, Saélihn awakens rested, washing up and donning her armor, to join her companions at breakfast.

"The caves would be a good idea. We're not sure how far the redoubt is, but if we have everyone set up somewhere relatively safe it'll be easier to head out further to explore."

Despite the loot tracker having said 4 scrolls, it was actually 1 scroll containing 3 spells from way back in the Inn. I think this is just flavor though, and it functions the same as 3 individual scrolls would.

Zarena identifies one boot from a pair of boots of striding and springing. Where could the other be?

The scroll contains the spells calm animals, cure light wounds, and magic stone
The potions are all potions of cure light wounds

Loot's updated

"Indeed the caves are a far safer shelter than this wilderness. Let me see if I can get my bearings." Aubrin walks the perimeter of the camp as the villagers start stowing their tents. She pauses at all sides, looking into the distance, past the trees, and squinting. "Was it that way? Or maybe it was this way? Hmm." She points to the north, then to the east. Then to the south.

"Lass, you're not remembering a damn thing, are ya," Kining quips, sharpening a dagger with a rough stone. "Better off followin' a blind bat through a maze than relyin' on yer mind."

"Stop that," Aubrin sighs. "It will come to me. It might be best to at least send out a scouting party out in one direction," she looks to Taidel and Lirosa. "While we continue to search in another. Come, this way." She points to the northeast.

After breakfast Grym begins to prepare for scouting the caves..in whatever direction we choose lol

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12and hears NOTHING

Zarena looks dubiously at Aubrin, wondering if she knows what she is doing, but when she stops talking for a moment...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

... Zarena clearly hears something.

Someone's being chased. About 30 feet that way!

She points as she gathers up her cloak and the wolf and heads in that direction, hoping she can help.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

"A man's voice...he sounds terrified!" Saélihn adds, grabbing her bow and spear and dashing off in the same direction, Ghost racing ahead of her toward the sounds.

Hurried footsteps approach Zarena and Saélihn, and a man suddenly emerges from the trees. He collides with Grymwold, and the impact against Grymwold's armored body sends the man tumbling to the ground. Scrambling back on his rear, he exclaims "N-n-n-no! Get away from me! You're with the hobgoblins, aren't you?! Leave me be, I have nothing of value!" His eyes dart around as he looks for a possible escape.

Zarena motions people back to give him some room to calm down.

We're not with the hobgoblins. Are you from Phaendar?

There are a lot of people who survived the attack, and we're gathering together to help each other. Are you okay? Do you want something to eat?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 (+1 to that if he is from Phaendar)

"Easy now, lad" Gronilda exclaims in a soothing voice "We're not your enemies. We're survivors, just like you."

She kneels down beside the man, trying to calm him down "You're safe here. We have food and water. Tell us, what happened? Who was chasing you?"

She helps him sit up, offering him a waterskin. As she speaks, she glances around at the rest of the group, signaling them to stay alert but give the man some space.
Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

While the others address the panicked man, Saélihn keeps her bow trained in the direction he came from, alert for any sign of pursuit.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

The others have the panicked guy well covered.

Instead, she joins Saehlin in keeping watch.
"Whoever spooked that man so much, that he'd think us with the hobgoblins, must be quite tenacious to chase a lone individual so far out here."

Who's chasin ya man. How far back are they? Grym get straight to the point worried about whether there might be a large number of incoming Hobs