The iron door creaks open slowly, revealing a small room containing two staircases. One narrow wooden staircase twists upwards, before finishing in a small observatory fitted with clear glass panels and a powerful telescope. There must be some sort of magic afoot here, as this second floor wasn't visible from outside.

The other staircase twists downwards into the darkness, carved out of the very rock of the walls. A damp chill emerges from the basement. Descending, you find yourselves in a small room. A narrow rough passage leads north, looking far more unprofessional than the rest of the house, and a slightly ajar wooden doors leads south.

I'll try to have the basement map up tomorrow. The second floor is one room and doesn't get a map.

The books are Songs of Ice People and A Bestiary of Lyi. Skimming them, you find they match the descriptions the librarian gave earlier. However, you are unable to find anything in the books regarding the Spirit Wolf. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that someone has torn a sheath of pages out of each book. While A Bestiary of Lyi is only missing a couple of pages, the entirety of chapter 5 is gone from Songs.

Without any strain the muscular warriors shove the door open, revealing a large bedroom. The north wall is lined with a relatively plain dresser, which opens to reveal piles of clothes. Kegan clearly didn't have much fashion sense, prioritizing cheap and comfortable clothes. The unmade and tangled bed is to the west wall, and is covered in dust. No one has slept here for years.

On the bedside table lies a scrap of parchment on which someone has inscribed in clumsy dark red letters The blood by that which mine hand has wrought darkens my soul. It lies next to a pair of books. Both of them are recognizable as the ones about the Spirit Wolf that Kegan took from the library.

Map updated

The two remaining doors stand ominously. The one to the left is simple and wooden like the others. The one to the right is carved from steel and marked with more runes. Which will you choose?

The librarian mouth descends to the lowest its ever gone, a flat line, at Ganzorig's question. "Let me see." Its eyes flash red for barely a moment and no books are highlighted. Speaking in an ominous rumble, it gazes menacingly at Ganzorig. "I'm sorry, I cannot provide you with anything about those subjects. This library has nothing about them."

Immediately back to its cheery self as though nothing had happened, the statue smiles at Katsa's suggestion. "Well, if you do find him, please let me know! I do hope he's alright. I'll be here for any time you need to do any research! It's been lovely having you."

"I detected no one present, but that's hardly unusual behaviour for the Master. He is a visionary, you know. He hears things others can't." The statue smiles sweetly.

The statue patiently waits for Katsa to finish before completing Hob's request. It's eyes glow red and it speaks in a deep monotone voice. "Artifacts of Old by Arth Azouhka. Predates the Mage War. A listing of many known god-made artifacts from the first age. Particularly known for being exhaustingly researched and including speculation as to the present location of many of the items." It barely pauses for a moment before continuing into the next one. "Kaliban's Grimoire. A unique book, written by Kaliban of the Seventh Red Sun. Kaliban was an expert conjurer of demons and used this as a notebook, both to keep track of classes of demons and to write information about specific entities he had multiple dealings with. Kaliban taught Kegan wizardry, and gifted this book to him upon completion of his apprenticeship. Kegan has spent years improving the information within."

Without breaking stride, the librarian meets Ganzorig's request by highlighting two books. One is the book the gnome is already holding, on which a specific page is indicated where the writer describes their conversation with a fey lord known as the Origin, who mentions that he can be summoned with a ritual which is given in detail. The other book is the academic examination of the structure of the plane. It specifically calls out the ritual mentioned in the other book as dangerous and likely to end in the users permanent removal from this plane by the Origin, who is a malign entity. The book then goes on to describe that any normal method of plane travel should work, just with reduced accuracy unless you take into account the unique alignment of the fey realm.

The librarian continues "Songs of Ice People by Hiln Songsayer. Written around a century ago by an adventurous halfling musician, it details her trek through through the Northern lands with a particular focus on the stories of the people she met while there. In Chapter 5, she describes her encounter with a near extinct orc tribe, and their story of a huge intelligent wolf that hunted them to oblivion." Without taking a breath, the stone face moves on. "A Bestiary of Lyi by many authors. This book has an entry for many of the creatures found in the continent of Lyi, with a special focus on monster not native to Adina. It was written in the early days of colonization." Finally, the red eyes fade back to the calming blue, and the librarian returns to it's happy upbeat self. "There you are."

Finished with that long speech, the librarian addresses the questions Katsa has levelled at it. "It would depend how complicated the analysis is. I have a passing familiarity with all books currently in my library, well enough to summarize the features and sections of each tome. I can run a detailed search for keywords on all the books very quickly. However, I may not be able to combine information in the way you describe. If a keyword is mentioned in both books, I would be able to identify them both. But my primary function is to find books, not to find knowledge. I have no in depth familiarity with my contents, in order to prevent an Awakening."

"You," the statue winks at Ganzorig, "are quite clever, aren't you? Very well,
here's the page for the book he opened." A glowing image of an open book hovers in the air in front of the gnome.

The librarian thinks for a moment before responding to Katsa. "That's a difficult question. I was originally designed in the city of Makeria some fifty score ago, to help them sort a library many magnitudes bigger than this one. It is said that Telloca herself had a hand in my construction. On a library that size, I could only do searching. Master Kegan has never asked for than that, so I know not what I can manage here." It smiles widely. "Whatever it is you desire, I shall try. How can I help?"

The statue follows the conversation about the missing books and helpfully chimes in, "I'm afraid your companion is right, small bearded fellow. The master took the books with him. And that was the last time he visited."

"With pleasure" About a dozen or so books illuminate themselves. Skimming them, only three cover the topic in detail. Two are survivors guides, containing disorganized notes on some key locations and figures. Only one attempts to present an organized overview of the magical structure of the plane and how magic works there. The others are either general books on the fey which talk about it briefly, or plane guides which also cover The First World briefly. "The Master was always very interested in the fey. He has quite a lot on the subject. May I get you anything else?" What takes your fancy?

Given how the front door was earlier torn right off it's hinges, Hob finds it hard to lock convincingly. The best he could manage is propping it into place and placing the kitchen table against it.

Turning to face Ganzorig, the head says "You look lost, little one. May I help you find a book?"

The stone head winks at Thurin and cheerfully proclaims. "I do not know how long it's been. My functions include conjuring light snacks, organizing the library, and providing light conversation. Knowledge such as time is outside my abilities." It turns to Katsa and addresses her with a more serious tone. "I'm sorry that you've experienced such poor hospitality here. I suggest taking it up with the master when he returns." For a moment, it sits quietly and then as if compelled it declares in a neutral voice "Would you like to search for books about 'blob'?"

"Well, has it really been a decade? My, my. I wish I could help you. That's quite distressing. Maybe something did happen to him."The statues pauses, and tries to frown in concentration, but can't get it's lips to lower beyond the smallest smile you've ever seen. "Oh! There is one memory I possess that may be of some relevance to you. I feel that this demonstration may be aided with the usage of imagery. Be warned, what you are about to see is an illusion. Have no fear." It raises an eyebrow and a bright red glow emanates from the eyes of the head. The room flickers and changes, books appearing on shelves and the door closing. The sun rapidly sinks and the full moon comes up, proceeding over a dark cloudless night.

Not offering will saves because you were told it's an illusion. You autopass unless you want not to.

The door slams open. A tall skinny man with short brown hair bursts into the room. A simple metal band adorns his forehead. He is wearing leather armour, and carrying a sword to rival Hob's for size. Unlike Hob's, this sword is dark as if carved from obsidian, and etched with silver symbols down it's edge. It's also dripping with blood. His armour is soaked with blood as well. The man has a huge bruise on his cheek and minor cuts all over, but clearly most of the blood on his armour is from another. Those of you who've seen him before recognize this as Kegan.

Smiling grimly, Kegan grabs the books and the sword. "Thank you. You've been very helpful." He stalks out of the room, gently closing the door behind him.

The librarian smiles widely and the room returns to how it was before. "Does that help?"

"Tea it is! The statue's eyes flicker red for a moment, and a steaming glass mug pops into existence on the table. Next to it, a small cup of milk appears as well. "Well then, I'm pleased to meet him too. That's alright. Master Kegan thinks I'm the only nonbeing this far north. Say, you wouldn't happen to know where Master Kegan went would you? I've noticed he isn't with you. It's been a while since he stopped to chat."

Calmly, the rock head responds to Hob's cursing. "No need to swear sir, you don't have to have tea. May I help you locate a particular book or subject?" It's face remains unmoved, with a small mysterious smile locked on it's lips. It smoothly swivels to face Katsa, and addresses her in a chipper upbeat voice. "Guests! Oh my! That is unusual. I am the librarian, a nonbeing who tends these fine books. Would you care for some tea?"

The head doesn't show any sign of noticing Ganzorig's scheme.

Sorry for ninjaing you, Hob!

Thurin pulls the door open with a loud creak, revealing a neat and clean library. The soaring nine foot ceiling has a skylight, flooding the room with the dreary light of the clouded day. The shelves, each stacked neatly with books and marked with small runes are surprisingly clean compared to the rest of the mansion. In fact, this whole room looks as though it was thoroughly cleaned just a minute ago. There isn't a speck of dust to be found anywhere, and the air smells faintly of parchment and ink, with the slightly sweet taste of magic as a backdrop.

Near the door, there's a table and chair with a few open books piled on the table. All of them are books about legends and myths, especially focused on native myths. The pages lying open all describe some form of monster or beast found in the north, although none of them are open to the same monster. Whether it's a snowhag, an ijiraq, or a dragon, all of the creatures so described look ominous. Also on the table is a sculpture of a stone head facing the door, eyes closed and smiling slightly.

The shelves are sorted by subject, with most appearing to be about magic theory, including books such as Thelgrin's Tome of The Ignorant; Aikon's Illusionary Primer; Defence; and Aza's Fall. Other shelves include historical events. The Mage War: Causes, Effects, Outcomes; Aza's History; Ren's Treastie; Mel and the Collapse Thereof; and Din's Theory: How To Kill A God are but a few token examples of the numerous tomes on the subject. Another section of the library is dedicated to books about strange creatures and legends. The books here have more fanciful images and designs, and include books such as The Spirit Realm; Fey Creatures; A Monster Spotters Guide; The Monster Manual; Elgrim's Bestiary; Native Stories and Oral History; and Orcs: An Overlooked People.

There's an entire shelf dedicated to the twenty or so books written by Kegan himself, most of which are untitled. Flipping through them reveals that they're mostly full of spells and rituals, although a couple are dedicated to famous magic items artifacts, and one is a compilation of northern myths. The more scholarly among you would note that only 7 of the 18 books have been published before and the rest might fetch a small fortune with the right buyer. Many of the other books in here are rare and therefore likely valuable. Of course, such an action could be construed as stealing until you've worked out where the wizard went.

After 30 seconds or so passes, the stone head's eyes flicker open revealing faintly glowing blue eyes. It calls out in a friendly voice. "Good evening Master Kegan! Would you care for some tea while you read?"

That was fun to write!

Pyrope is nowhere to be seen in the quick glance through the open door. Likely, the creature is hunting some small game to occupy it's time and stomach, although there could be any number of other more mysterious pursuits for the fey.

At first, silence on the other side of the illusionary door. The tension slowly grows, until a popping noise indicates that the ooze has run over the base. Looking worse for wear, the slimy puddle drags itself through the doorway, only to be neatly cleaved in two by Hob. Ooze juice splatters the room, and the few silvery puddles on the ground remain motionless.

Will save: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (13) - 4 = 9
I love the base so much, I'm giving you 1.5x damage on it.

Where to?

Good points. I'll work on it. I have some plans for future encounters that use those techniques, so I'll step them up a little. This was supposed to be a straight fight with the added complication of limited room and ambush tactics. There's some better stuff in the other rooms.

What are your opinions on the monsters taking a turn once every 24 hours regardless if everyone's posted? You can take two turns afterwards or we could adopt a botting policy. Or you could agree that that's too much and that would be fine too.

The ooze burbles as furiously as the armoured orc lumbers away, deflecting it's lash of a pseudopod with a well timed shield block. The puddle pauses for a moment, before whipping a tentacle through the next target in the room, illusionary Thurin. Without meeting any resistance, it cuts right through the illusion. A probing tentacle rises up to sniff the air, as it tries to decide where to go next. Without warning, a pair of shadow bolts shoot past it, one thudding into it, sending a spray of acid out. Slowly, it begins to lumber towards the open door and the gathered party.

Map updated. Party up.

This is the worst part of GMing. When no one goes unconscious in a fight, I feel like I'm going too easy and not providing a good challenge. But when someone does go unconscious, I feel awful for taking them out of the game for a while and want to apologize profusely.

I'll take the ooze's turn to keep it flowing. Ganzorig, since you didn't get any actions, you can take two turns after this post. It's up to you if you want one to come beforehand or just want to take them both after the ooze moves. To answer your question, you didn't have line of sight until it moved. Now you do, but it's between everyone's legs.

The goopy puddle slides forwards over the ground, bubbling menacingly. A limb extends menacingly towards Hob, whipping at him with great speed. It harmlessly bounces off his armour, failing to get a grip.

Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Map updated. Party up (Ganzorig twice)

I say the first suggestion works.

With one massive hand, Hob rips Katsa from the goopy monstrosity, and hoists her out of it's reach. The ooze burbles slightly, and prepares to assault Hob.

Hob's Grapple: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Ganzorig, Thurin, and Fake Thurin are up. Also Katsa, which may be relevant if a certain dwarf uses a certain sphere power on her before she takes an action.

Ganzorig, I concur. I'd make you roll the check if you wanted to , but you went with the plan anyway, regardless of if it works.

Thurin and Hob could both act, but in the interest of keeping things moving, I'll put up the ooze's next turn.

With one slippery tendril wrapped around it's next meal, the ooze whips an arm at the next perceived threat, illusionary Thurin. However, distracted by the weight of Katsa, it misses entirely, smacking a bottle on a nearby shelf, filling the room with the sound of breaking glass.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Every time you swing a twohanded weapon in this room, roll a reflex save at a DC 10. Fail and you knock a shelf over, causing damage to anyone in the way and possibly the explosion pf magical reagents violently mixing.

Hob, you can make two rolls. Katsa is being grappled on your turn, but as she walks away the attack of opportunity knocks her out.

Ganzorig, I have no idea if illusions can be seen by blindsense. I'm leaning towards yes, but open to ideas.

AOO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + (6) = 15
Grapple: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

I believe Hob and Thurin still get turns before it acts again.

Katsa slowly stalks deeper into the room, on the lookout for trouble. A puddle of water covers much of the floor. Glancing down the third isle, she notices a huge pile of smashed beakers and vials, as if someone swept a whole shelf of potions onto the ground. Before she can react, a tentacle of chemicals emerges from the puddle and whips Katsa, wrapping around her waist and trying to yank her sideways. The acid of the chemicals burns her flesh, but it doesn't get a hold on her. 13 damage. The puddle begins to move and shift, taking on a silvery sheen and it starts trying to grab Katsa again.

Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (3) = 13
Grapple: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

That was the surprise round! Watch out for shelves! Anyone caught swinging a massive weapon (any two-handed) in here runs the risk of knocking one over.

Thing initiative: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (1) - 5 = -4
Katsa initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Ganzorig initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Thurin initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Hob initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Party up, map updated

The next door then? You can take some time to discuss too.

Sorry for the delay. I'm back now!

Struggling to reach past the table, Ganzorig barely manages to pull the ragged curtains open. A sheaf of dust falls from them as they move, and the bleary light of the clouded day floods the room.

Katsa opens the next door with a creak, revealing a dark room filled with shelving units. Four rows of floor each carve their way deep into the darkness of the tall room. The shelves are in no particular order, covered in rotten rood, magical supplies and implements, and general living materials at seemingly random. Notable is that there are no books or scrolls of any sort here, although some ink pots and quills are visible on a shelf near the door. The shelves are rotted and the stench of decay fills the air. Something is gently burbling and bubbling deep within the room. It would take some time (1d4 x 10 minutes) and a perception check to determine if anything here is actually valuable or still useful.

Hob, I forgot to mention that prof blacksmith works on that appraise check.

Hob slowly opens the door, revealing a neat kitchen. A bare wooden table and chair decorate the south wall, practical if not comfortable. Across the north wall lies a neat countertop, also quite empty of supplies. The countertops along the west wall contain a few simple plates and glasses, along with the rotten husks of vegetables and plants and other cooking ingredients, clearly unused for many years. A wooden door leads outside, connecting to the garden. The windows on the south wall are tightly curtained shut, leaving the room in darkness.

It's dark. What're you all doing for light? Darkvision all round?

The garden or continue clockwise? Map updated.

The slow moving construct may have seen Hob's blow coming, but failed to dodge out of the way. It's head severs cleanly from it's body, and silence once again fills the room. Hob notices a huge chip in his blade, and many cracks running down the side. Your blade took 5 damage after hardness. This means it now has the broken condition. I'm sure you're capable of fixing that in time.

Weapon Damage: 3d6 - 10 ⇒ (4, 6, 5) - 10 = 5

Hob, if you want to use your corpse looting ability on these, you can have some stone. Not sure what you'll craft out of stone though.

Pick a door, any door!

I've updated the sharing such that anyone with the link can edit. You guys may now feel free to move your pawns on your turns if you wish. You can also keep giving me directions and let me sort it out.

The blue outlined Thurin is the illusionary one.

The twin blows of Thurin and Hob smash the remaining statue, sending it staggering back. Still standing, but looking like it could barely take another hit, it lashes out at Hob again. Again, the stone sword clashes into Hob's armour, but this time without injuring the massive beserker.

C2 vs Hob: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Party up. Finish this!

I'm away from my laptop, so I can't edit the map tonight. I can look at what you suggested tomorrow, Katsa. Welcome back, and how was Gencon?

I also want to let you guys know that I'm going camping for two weeks starting next week. It's likely the game will have to pause for some of that, or be a little slower. I'm really sorry. I'll post whenever possible, it just might become more reduced. I promise I'll be back it within two weeks. You guys have been really great and I'm enjoying this thus far.

Thurin's hammer smashes C1, which collapses to the ground, deaminated. Katsa sprints around the newly opened gap in the fight, using Thurin for cover. With the armoured dwarf between her and the remaining statue, she taps Thurin on the back gently. He feels his wounds close and a gentle warmth flowing through his body. Heal for 9.

Hob's strike harmlessly flies over the statues shoulder. Despite it being unintelligent and emotionless, Hob almost catches a hint of a grin as it continues it's assault upon him, swinging wildly. The blow clangs into Hob's shield, sending vibrations up his arm, but leaving him unharmed and angrier.

Hob, the two central pillars disappeared. That one is still in the way. I'll see about getting them off the map tomorrow.

Heal: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5) + 3 = 9
1 nonlethal for Katsa

C2 vs Hob: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Map updated. Party up.

Botting Katsa. Don't want to force her to spend a spellpoint and I don't see any good options on her sheet that don't involve that, so she's sitting out for now.

Katsa gawks at the statues, and waits to see if anyone needs healing magic.

Thurin smashes C1 again, feeling the crunch of stone under his hammer. The statue sways unsteadily perhaps due to the large chunk of it's chest that's missing, but it stays standing. C2 parries Hob's blow, and turns to face the orc, seemingly unbothered by his size. C1 glances at the two dwarves and decides which one to hit. Somehow discerning the real one from the illusion, it's sword clangs of Thurin's armour loudly. C2 strikes Hob cleanly, it's blade cutting into his armour. 12 damage

Less than 50 is real Thurin: 1d100 ⇒ 49
C1 vs Thurin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

C2 vs Hob: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
C2 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Map updated. Party up.

So Thurin strikes one, and then Hob will cover Thurin if he's attacked in response.

Thurin smashes C1 with his hammer, causing spiderweb cracks in it's side. Both statues immediately drop their hands to their weapons, and draw them with the sound of stone scraping stone.

Initiative
Statues: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Hob: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Ganzorig: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Katsa: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Thurin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

The column Thurin just stuck drops low into a fighting stance and swings back hard. Thankfully, Hob's timely parry turns what would've been a deadly strike into merely a hard one. 11 Damage. While slashing, it steps around the dwarf so that it's partner can flank. Both took 5 ft steps C2 strikes at the dwarf's back, but only dents his armour slightly.

C1 on Thurin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
C1 confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
C1 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

C2 on Thurin: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12

Map updated. Party up.

So you two are going to approach the statues slowly, and then smash them?

Hob and Thurin stalk into the room, towards the pair of animated statues. To their relief, the statues don't move. Perhaps the trigger is something other than merely entering the room...

Map updated

Hob, they're CR 1. Gimme the rolls, and I'll give you 10 gp of metal for each one you succeed at.

Stoically, the statues ignore Katsa's attempt at diplomacy, and remain motionless. The room remains silent.

Hob, the pillars are stone. And you can have as much dirt or rocks from the corpses as you want. About the same reward as just digging a hole though. And the door has been smashed off it's hinges, remember.

Katsa, enjoy the +2.

Hob, you can use scout on that check.

I'm sorry for the delay. Paizo's been down every time I've looked at it over the past few days, except for this morning when I got distracted with the Playtest document.

Thurin's hammer smashes the elemental into pieces, scattering a spray of gravel over the fresh snow. A quiet overtakes the area.Combat over

Hob grabs the unconscious body, and flexing his impressive muscles whips it into the open doorway. It flies forth, and then smacks into an invisible barrier where the door would be, stopping in midair. With a loud bang, the magic jolts the corpse, causing it to explode and cover Hob with a dusting of dirt. Thurin never took down the ward preventing summoned creatures from entering. Sorry! Since it's no longer alive, you could carry it's corpse in.

Morrow stares blankly at the group, awestruck by the performance. "Woah." Rendered speechless by the fight, he just stares with both eyebrows raised.

The open doorway looms before you...

The large room is mostly empty and the floor is covered in a layer of dust. Clearly, no one has been here for a very long time. Six columns support the ceiling, all carved into the form of female warriors with sheathed swords and shields. Many doors lead deeper into the house, all plain wood except for one warded iron door (Rightmost door on north wall). Silence fills the air. The wind is picking up, and the dark clouds overhead promise snow.

One of the elementals collapses as Ganzorig's blades tear it apart. The other resists the magic, until a bolt of darkness smacks it, wounding it. In response, the last remaining elemental smacks Hob, continuing it's single minded quest for vengeance against he who opened the door.

Map Updated

Have fun at GenCon!

Off balance due to his wound, Thurin's hammer strike goes wide and misses his target.

Thankfully, Hob finishes it for him, and cleaves the elemental in two without breaking a sweat. Forget battered, more like in pieces!

Thurin's hammer rips one of them in half, showering soil down around him. It's few remaining body parts collapse motionless.

Will save E2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Will save E3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Two more of the elementals flinch in pain as spears rain down on them, tearing holes in their makeshift forms. However, beings made of stone don't mind a few small holes, and they continue moving on the attack.

The elementals focus their fire on the one who triggered the ward. Stepping around Katsa, they start trying to hammer Hob. While E3 and E4 have clear blows against the orc, E2 finds Thurin in the way and attacks him instead.

E2 vs Thurin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
E3 vs Hob: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
E4 vs Hob: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

While one of them smacks a hard blow against Thurin, Hob manages to deflect two attacks using his armour and shield.

Map updated. Party up.

Thanks for the helpful reading Katsa. I'll make sure to do block initiatives starting from now. We'll say that Ganzorig and Thurin reacted fast enough to get an attack off, the elementals get their turn, then the party turn. Is that okay?

For future reference, who's initiative bonus should I use on the party check? A rounded average?

First combat! Good luck guys.

With a splintering crash, Hob's massive axes rips the door off it's hinges. The iron flies into the large room, ringing loudly. The sound echoes around the newly opened space for a moment, before silence takes ahold. The revealed room is large, and has a number of doors leading deeper into the house. All the doors are made from normal wood with no obvious wards, except for one made of stone with runic engravings on it's surface. (The rightmost door on the top wall. There are two doors there, not a double door). The walls are bare, and the only furniture is a cloak rack with nothing on it. A thick layer of dust covers the ground. 6 columns adorn the centre of the floor, carved into the shape of female soldiers baring swords and shields. I'll put perception check spoilers up for this room after combat.

The silence only lasts a moment. It is first broken by a popping sound, and then by a slow hissing, as 4 mounds of dirt erupt from the earth in the shape of small humanoids, clearly conjured by some ward. Their eyes glow red, and as one they descend towards Hob with raised fists.

First combat of the game! Woo! I've done my best to position you all based on where you've said you were.

Order: Thurin, Morrow, Ganzorig, E3, Katsa, E1, Hob, E4, E2.

Thurin and Ganzorig are up. For his turn, Morrow will draw his sword and then hold position. He's a little cowardly about the supernatural, and thinks you all are quite capable.

Ganzorig, I sent you a PM.

Not much else for me to say, until someone goes for the dramatic entrance.

Morrow whistles in surprise at Ganzorig's words and shakes his head. He slightly draws his sword, and looks to Hob for guidance.

Pip shakes her head at Katsa and responds in a serious tone. "Do not worry about me. Presently, I only mean harm to trolls." She nods at Hob's anger and smiles ever so slightly. "Good hunting to you, Hob. I hope you find the answers you seek." That said, she turns and trots off into the wood.

Morrow examines the group, with a sad smile. "You better live to tell me what you find over ale tonight."

The door is still locked with a mundane lock. One of you is going to have to pick it or bash your way in.

Morrow moves to place himself in front of Katsa, drawing his sword slowly. When Thurin points out the non reality of the image, he returns his sword to the sheathe, although he keeps a hand on the hilt.

Pip growls menacingly, but lowers her bow at the orc's words. She stares closely at the image for a second, and then relaxes. Returning the arrow, to her quiver, she stalks out from behind the bush toward Thurin, standing far closer than is considered polite. Her voice is low and guttural. "Good eye. Thank you." That said, she turns back to Hob and puts a slight smile up. "Someone doesn't want you entering, orc. Tread carefully."