Noromo Esdallefin, a human Merchant, has hired the party to escort him and his inventory into the Margreve forest on a path to the village of Levoča.

Currently, the party is traveling a trade road into the Margreve forest that leads to Levoča as Noromo says, "I'm glad I managed to find and convince you all to escort me and my wares to Levoča since I know bandits frequent this area and those I normally hire were unavailable."

It is upon the road that the group finds something unusual. An overturned wagon in the distance can be seen in a ditch next to the road. Noromo with his wagon of cargo stops progressing as he says, "That is odd, that wagon wasn't there last time I traveled this road... must be the work of whoever has been attacking merchants and travelers in this area." Noromo glances around, unsure where the attack he is expecting will come from.

OOC: In the Margreve Roll20 campaign, character avatars may be placed on the Impregnable Fortress map. No encounter has started yet as the 'fortress' is still in the distance, but nothing prevents the PCs from approaching, although Noromo won't approach to close for fear of being attacked.

Hunter looks around, assessing the situation. They were forced to stop, which could be what the ambushers want. Being a ranger means the li'l goblin is stealthy, cautious, and tough. "I'll scout it out. You guys stay with Noromo." he says decisively as he begins carefully approaching the wagon and keeps an eye out for danger. He is also sure to use cover as he approaches; be it a tree, bushes, or whatever.

He won't object to a stealthy type going with him, either shadowing or following beside, but he will object to non-stealthy types approaching.

Amalar stays back as asked, but listens and watches intently. She can sneak OK by virtue of being dextrous, but it isn't necessarily her thing. She glances at Cael as if to check what he thinks about the situation, but then pulls out her longbow and an arrow just in case. She has her longbow drawn, but currently pointed down and away.

  Joe considers the not all that inconvenient (to themselves) position the wagon has next to the road, rather than blocking it.  "Maybe the bandits were eaten before they could finish blocking the road?"  This is the part where the roll20 map loads, and his player sees what will probably be described in full shortly.

  He nods to Hunter.  While technically a stealthy type himself, Joe's fashion preferences of being 1/20th less likely to be stabbed do not help him there.   Though his friend has always been better at it anyways, now Joe has an excuse for being worse!

  Joe will either stay entirely with the main group, or trail a no stealth checks needed distance behind hunter depending on just how far away it actually is.

Caeldrim knows that like Amalar, his stealthiness is just from his dexterity, but Parne's stealthiness makes him a good scout.

Caeldrim nods to Amalar and softly says in Sylvan, "Be ready for anything," and shows that he's ready to cast a cantrip at whatever threat may reveal itself while Parne silently flies over to investigate with Hunter, although Parne stays a bit back and lets Hunter take the lead on scouting.

While Rocky knows how to be stealthy, he knows he's not quite as stealthy as Hunter so he hangs back to let the little ranger scout. Instead Rocky comforts Donny to keep the donkey quiet and calm.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:44, Tue 04 June 2019.

Barbara was polishing one of the already very shiny surfaces of her shield while Noromo spoke and simply nodded to his expression of relief at having an escort.  Doesn't have the heart to tell him that having a destined champion such as herself along will almost certainly mean that this trip will be anything but safe.

With a facial expression that says she saw this coming from a mile away, Barbara flips her helmet's face mask down in preparation for the inevitable ambush.

"Might want to take cover, Noromo.  Arrows and spells are still deadly even if you had an army guarding your wagon."

Doesn't have the heart to add, "And you're probably going to be the first to die."  She disembarks, draws her sword, and taps the hilt to the shield, magically emblazoning an offensive symbol upon the surface.  (Whatever counts as a middle finger in the fantasy world.)  It tends to convince intelligent creatures to attack her instead of those she defends.

Taking the cue that danger is afoot, her retainers take cover.

As Hunter and Parne stealthfully scout out the overturned wagon, Hunter quickly realizes that the wagon has been transformed into what appears to be a fortress. There are apparent signs of goblin-work: broken shields reinforcing the walls, crude arrow slits cut into the driver's bench and walls of the wagon, a makeshift flag lacking any sort of clan markings is hanging limply from atop of the 'fortress'. There is also an unfinished moat around the 'fortress' which has a rather wretched smell. The 'wagon fortress' is close enough to the road that it is impossible to pass by without being vulnerable to attack from those within the fortress.

Hunter remembers when he was playing this human game called "chess" with Jengis, Jengis said "Move in haste, regret at your leisure." It may have been a board game, but he felt that quote applied to life in general and decides to return to the group to report...

When Hunter gets back to the group, he says, "The wagon has had some modifications to turn it into a fort; arrow slits, a flag, an animal skin hanging on the front. Even has a mote of sorts that is filled with something rancid. If you have a sensitive tummy, I'd say stay as far from it as possible. But the fact remains, we would be vulnerable to attack passing by it, so we must confront the individuals in the fort. I suspect they are goblins because of the style of modification. It's possible we could avoid a confrontation if we pay them some kind of toll, but this isn't their road."

OOC Skill Check: Intelligence (Carpentry) to determine the weaknesses of the Wagon Fortress. Hunter rolled 21 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 19.  Intelligence (Carpentry) check to spot weaknesses in wagon fortress.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:15, Thu 06 June 2019.

Amalar says, "Thanks for the report. While avoiding a confrontation would be ideal, they will still be there for the next unfortunate to pass by. And they may have even been responsible for the deaths of whoever once rode that wagon. Still the fact remains they are under cover and would have an advantage against us if we confronted them directly."

She looks at the others and then to Hunter. "If it were you or some of your clan, how would one go about getting you to come out of cover."

Hunter shrugs. "They have no reason to. Fact is even if you have something they want, why not just shoot you and take it? My clan, of course, wouldn't do that, but chances are these guys aren't so nice."

  "Well, unless they have more hidden defenses than that, it should be easy for us to walk right up to it without even coming into view of the arrow slits.  I guess that's why they were trying to make a moat?"

  Joe wouldn't suggest lighting Hunter's clan on fire.  But he expects it may come up in this case.

Parne returns to Caeldrim as Hunter returns to the group and Caeldrim nods to Parne and says, "With what Parne saw, there are no blind spots for approach with the number of arrow slits and small gaps that a weapon could be stuck through or shot through. Might be able to sneak up close, but once they know you are there they will be able to attack you from within the wagon. I will point out that since it's wooden... it will burn well so we might be able to burn them out of the wooden structure."

OOC Skill Check: Intelligence (Carpentry) to determine the weaknesses of the Wagon Fortress. Rolled within RPoL's dice roller: Caeldrim Sylvaranth rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Thu 06 June 2019.

Rocky glances at the elven alchemist and shrugs, "I agree that they need to be dealt with, and that moat was probably made to limit people's ability to approach the wagon but we all can't sneak up on the wagon to assault it at point blank range. So how do we want to deal with them?"

Both Hunter and Caeldrim realize several things about the 'Wagon Fortress' with their skillful application of Carpentry knowledge.

• The structure is AC 14 and has 40 hit points. It is resistant to piercing attacks but is vulnerable to fire damage. Despite looking shoddy, the structure is actually rather sturdy made even if it does have several flaws that can be exploited.
• The door at the back of the wagon while solidly reinforced can still be kicked it. (DC 17 Check), however, if the reinforcement is destroyed (which occurs when the fortress is reduced to half its maximum hp or less, then the DC drops to 14.)
• The Wagon Fortress has not been anchored to the ground so it can be lifted up and tipped over. This would take two rounds. Each round requires a successful DC 17 Strength (Athletics) check made by one individual. The DC of this check is reduced by one for each ally assisting. Whoever is involved in liting the wagon may take no other actions that round. Failing the check on the second round results in those trying to lift the wagon having to start over.  Also, the placement of the murder holes in the wagons means that attacks at someone trying to lift the wagon will be easier to make (such attacks will have an advantage.)
• The wagon fortress is made of dried out wood and has a 50% chance to burst into flames each time it takes fire damage. While burning it takes 2d6+2 damage each round [at initiative 20] (after the vulnerability is applied)
• In addition to the murder holes where melee or ranged weapons can be used, the roof of the wagon has concealed sprayers that can spray some sort of substance up to 20ft away.
• Hunter and Caeldrim have spotted enough weak spots in the reinforcement of the wagon that any weapon attack they make that hits the wagon deals double damage to it. (This bonus can't be shared with others.)

This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Thu 06 June 2019.

Barbara is liking what she's hearing from her new team.  Especially Amalar pointing out that paying bandit tolls only makes trouble for others.  But that no one challenged the point is also a very good sign.

Pyrus grins.  "I like the idea where we set the wagon on fire."

Wildfire, Barbara's little fairy companion, whispers in her ear, "Remember, 'probably' guilty of murder isn't the same as proven guilty.  Suppose the people of the wagon fort are only there defensively?  Or, even if they really are naughty, what if they have a captive inside?"

Barbara nods and addresses the group.  "Could be an innocent captive inside the wagon.  Let's rule out fire until someone's seen inside to be sure.  I can approach in the open with my shield at the ready and Hunter can talk to the suspects from behind me.  Meanwhile the rest of the group can circle around to where they won't have to deal with that nasty moat.  If things get violent, I'll kick in their door. Then they'll be fish in a barrel.  Pyrus, Mix, and Wildfire, you stay here to watch for any sneak-attacks on this wagon."

So accustomed to giving orders and having them followed, Barbara assumes the matter settled, and begins to approach the wagon with shield at the ready.  But she won't ignore someone objecting and asking her to stop.

(( OOC Full defense action in case that wasn't clear. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Fri 07 June 2019.

Hunter likes this Barbie girl. She reminds him of his mom.

Mix stays behind as directed, squirming a little. He glances at Pyrus. "I dunno... I thought the fort was kinda neat... if it didn't stink so much as Hunter said. I'd like a fort. Maybe we can turn our own wagon into a fort some day."

Hunter says, "Don't get any closer than thirty feet, Barbara. I was just thinking about this odd structure at the top of the fort and it dawned on me they have something up there that will spray an unknown substance about twenty or so feet."

He trots along near Barbie's shield as "agreed" upon. He makes sure to call out in goblin as they approach, <Goblin>"Hello! My name's Hunter! This human is a friend of mine and neither of us mean you ill!"</Goblin>

Then in common, he calls out, "Hello! My name's Hunter and this is Barbara! We are here to help!"

Amalar nods to Barbara and begins circling around as indicated, keeping the others in view, but making sure there is a decent enough distance between her and the others to reduce risk of AoE. Plus if they are more spread out, then when they attack, they will seem more numerous. This isn't technically a social encounter yet, so she'll leave all the talking to everyone else for now.

She knocks a normal arrow first, figuring she'll save any of her fire power for when that is called for.

  Hmm, either the flavor text and encounter text writers were fighting again.  Or 'hidden in the roof' meant the currently upside down wagon's literal roof, which would actually be hidden from view.

  Joe expects it is the former, and these goblins are not actually smart enough to add retractable stealth functions onto work otherwise so bad, they would have to screw up on purpose to get it worse... Which is a shame, as that means they are probably too stupid to know working for Hunter would probably be the best career choice of their otherwise short goblin lives.

  In spite of his previous advice, Joe stays at the side with the makeshift arrow slots.  His time with Hunter means he has in character excuses for knowing how to stand 85 feet away from an 80 foot effective range!  Not like something as mundane as murder holes could stop him from landing a bullseye on whatever is inside, that's what bad dice rolls are for.

  OOC: some people take it for the range, others to obsess over the math for risking -5 to hit for +10 damage.  I'm sure it comes to no surprise to any of you, that I took Sharpshooter for "Only railroads and deliberately passive aggressive spell and monster powers keep you from shooting things just fine."

Caeldrim agrees with Pyrus' idea of 'kill it with fire', and says softly to the group in Sylvan, (Sylvan) "Well given the size of a wagon, I don't think they have any captives in there since they have no room inside that wagon and still able to attack us from within it. Doesn't make this situation any less complicated, although I'll hang back with Joe and resort to what I know works." (Sylvan) Caeldrim thus prepares to just use a Firebolt if it comes to violence...
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:25, Sun 09 June 2019.

Rocky hangs back while Hunter and Barbara try to talk to the Goblins before deciding how to participate in the fight since his options beyond 30ft are rather limited. Rocky does speak up when making their own wagon fortress is mentioned, "Since we have a couple of carpenters among us if we are to build something inhabitable, let's build it properly. And also as something more tasteful and in harmony with nature than an upside down wagon. SO no using my cart to improvise a building."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Sun 09 June 2019.

After some faint discussion can be heard in the goblin tongue from within the 'wagon fortress'. Afterwards, a voice from the wagon fortress calls out in Goblin, (Goblin) "So you are going to join Boss Dib Halfing-Chewer and spread his goals of indiscriminate wrestling? If so prove it wrestle your friend.... to the death." (Goblin) Several voices can then be heard laughing as it is hard to tell if they are trying to test Hunter, to tease Hunter with a bad joke, if they are trying to trick people into fighting each other for their own amusement, or if they are simply a few marbles short of a full bag.

OOC: Good thing that Barbara is in enough armor that the goblins can't tell she is a half-elf and not a human. If they could they'd have called out Hunter on his 'fib'.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Sun 09 June 2019.

Pyrus reluctantly relents to his lady's orders, but smiles when Caeldrim suggests there might be fire anyhow.  He also really likes Mix's suggestion and defends the idea to Rocky, "Your cart is more likely to survive adventuring if it's reinforced to be a mobile fortress."

Meanwhile, though being told what to do by a goblin is a little jarring, Barbara can't complain when she's being told useful advise.

"Got it.  And thanks for translating.  What are they saying?"

Laughter?  Non-violence?  Not what she was expecting at all.  Either way, staying at least 30' away as Hunter suggested.

Hunter looks at Barbie and says, "Their boss's name is Dib Halfing-Chewer and his goal is to spread indiscriminate wrestling. They want me to prove my worth of joining his gang by wrestling you to the death. But I'mma call them out on their own challenge and offer to wrestle their toughest guy and insinuate that if they don't agree, then their claims of liking wrestling are lies."

Hunter turns back to continue speaking in goblin. (Goblin)"How about you show you really believe in wrestling? I'll wrestle one of you. And if you can't even send out your toughest, then I guess you guys don't really believe in wrestling. Or you're too scared of me."(Goblin)

He punches his fist into his hand and then pats his chest with his fists in a kind of wrestle-challenge gesture.

Amalar is soon in position and takes careful aim. She heard what Hunter said on his translation and the enemy is now clearly more enemy than neutral. But they haven't made a move yet, so for now, Amalar is just ready to loose an arrow at a moment's notice.

Mix thinks Rocky's challenge to make the fort more harmonious with nature just makes the idea all the cooler as he imagines a fort wagon that resembles an elven tree hut. He glances at Pyrus. "Thanks... man I wish I knew what those guys looked like or what this Dib guy looked like. I could turn into him and boss them around."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Mon 10 June 2019.