Across a open plan is a large amount of trees and bushes with a path entering it from the nearbye town. There doesn't seem to be anything out of place besides a few broken barrels and a wagon. A few birds fly overhead. As the group moves along the path, the wagon looks like whatever was inside of it was cleaned out. Some spots of dry blood are scattered around. Seems like a battle took place but hard to tell when.

The trade road cuts through the western portion of the Witchwood. Its hard to gauge how far it goes. As the group enters about a mile away is a old log woodcutter and trappers shed. Three of the walls are enclosed with one faceing the path. No tools are visible and there is a long stool as well as a bench probably for trapping. Nothing remarkable.

The area is warm with a mix of oaks, subtropical evergreens and plenty of undergrowth.

Seeing as they are now in unfamiliar territory, Landor keeps quiet although the light clinking of his full plate would be sure to alert anyone who was purposely listening for people close by. He notes the wagon and figures they are on the right path.

Gar, clearly more comfortable in the wilds, seemed a little less agitated in the woods and more at peace. With his longbow in hand, he took point, occasionally pausing to crouch and inspect the trail, only to stand again and keep walking. He pauses when they come upon the trappers shed, hand his serene look takes one of irritation. “Never understood the need for traps for animals....the thrill of the hunt is a test of skill. Traps are without honour.”

He looked back to the others. “The hunters code us an unspoken rule, but sacred. No hunting females of breeding age, no young. Bucks and older animals....traps do not distinct.”

Roywin follows right behind Gar. She does not know about hunting, but she nods at Gar's words. They seem reasonable.
Then looks at the wagon, with some taxes of fight in it.
"This area seems to be the right path. Someone tried to defend the wagon. I don't know if they succeeded, but either noone died or the winners took the bodies with them..."
Those last words unsettle the wizard a little bit.
"Let's stay close in case of an ambush, but... Gar, Lyr, should one of you scout ahead of us a little bit?"

The samurai glances around. With the loss of the rogue as she decides to stay back in the town, he keeps a close eye on the surroundings. Tai sticks close to the mage, but when he hears the ranger talk, he lowers his head and looks away. The heavy clinking of armor seems to be the biggest threat as most within earshot can probably hear it. He whistles a few moments and goes off to the side of the path. Everything seems quiet besides the sounds of woodland creatures. Nothing comes out. Gar stops at times after awhile and it becomes two trails-one leading to the north and the other leading the north-east.

OOC
Anyone that has Track make a wilderness lore check/search check as well. And need Spot checks too.

Lyrian comes walking quickly up behind the group, panting slightly and feeling rather foolish that she had lingered to examine what she thought might be an old campsite or trail, only to find it was nothing but a game trail when a startled deer nearly scared her out of a year of life.  She scooted up behind the others and gave a small shrug and a sign for "all clear".  "Nothing behind us.  I thought there was a trail but turned out to be nothing.  These hobgoblins don't leave much behind them, that's for certain."

OOC: 02:05, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 16 using 1d20+14.  Spot.

Roywin walks by three side of Tai looking around. She's better at doing other things, but given the fact that she to has two eyes she puts them at use.
"If anyone sees something let the rest know"


08:06, Today: Roywin Viasaquilla rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Spot check.

08:06, Today: Roywin Viasaquilla rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Spot check. (This was actually a search check...)

Landor seems distracted by a smudge on his armor and wipes it clean as he keeps walking forward. “I suppose we should keep going.”

Nothing creeps out as the group stops at the trail that splits off. Tai looks down the path to the north-east and glances at the others. He looks over at the mage and points.

Gar, preoccupied with some thought, looked at Tai and nodded. “Sorry my friend...my thoughts were elsewhere.” He had a grim look, clearly frustrated at himself for lacking in his own focus.

He took point and moved slowly

Landor continued to move forward. They would either find the keep or some scouts first. Either way, they would find their destination.

The gnome happens to be walking on top of a log next to Landor as she looks around, so she has a good view of the surroundings.
Then Roywin jumps down and grabs Landor's sleeve. "It seems there is a building over there." she points in a direction "It seems a bigger version of the one we saw earlier; at least it looks bigger from here. Shall we go and have a look? I think it is inhabited, or at least someone is camping next to it, so better be careful."

"Yes, definitely smoke coming from it, so someone is likely there now.  Ingrid and I can go take a look, and I can send her back to get you if there's trouble," Lyrian says, petting the silky-furred weasel riding on her shoulder.  "If there is someone there, and they are not with the hobgoblins, perhaps they can tell us more than those in the village."

“I’ll hang back since I’m a walking wind chime.”He gives a small hop causing his armor to rattle accentuating his point.

"I'll stay with you Lan. I think it's better if someone does the scouting first.
The gnome smiles at the cleric.

Gar, bow at the ready, looked at the gnome. "I could assist her....I have some skill in moving quietly in wilderness. And if anyone jumps out, I can rip their arms off and beat them over the head with the bloody ends." he didn't say it as a joke or threat, but a serious suggestion.

Lyrian smiles at Gar.  "Thank you, Gar!  Now, let's go, and see what we can see.  If you don't otherwise hear me screaming for help, I'll send Ingrid when it's safe to come closer."

Lyrian will carefully move towards the cabin, taking advantage of what cover she, Ingrid, and Gar can, and then watch and listen closely for any signs of life as they draw near...

As they approached the area, they can see its a old cabin. What looks like a dog sits near the door. It growls and barks just as a man comes through the front door. He looks older, probably a human with a cigar hanging from his lips. The man puts it down and grabs a bow and one arrow, notching it towards where Lyrian is hiding "Yah got to hide better then that. What do you want?" The arrow is aimed, the man looks calm and collected as the others slowly appear.

Roywin walks behind with Landor. "Hello sir... please understand that we are being a little cautious here. We were not expecting people living here now with the threat of the hobgoblins in the area. My name is Roywin and me and my friends are on a reconnaissance mission here. Could we talk for a minute?"
The wizard smiles at the man trying to look friendly.

Landor walks up to the man without fear. “If you have to shoot us. Please shoot me. Pelor will protect his disciple. By the way, you have a cute dog. What’s its name?”Casually conversation about someone’s pet usually helps to calm a hostile situation, usually.

"My apologies for coming up on you in hiding, but we weren't certain who you were, and the woods can be dangerous.  My name is Lyrian, and these are my friend; we're adventurers.  We were looking for the hobgoblin raiders who have been in these parts.  Do you know anything about them?" Lyrian comes out of her apparently not terribly good hiding place, hands open to show that she has no weapon ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:56, Sun 23 May 2021.

The dog growls, stepping forwards towards Lan but the man whistles. It stops, watching each of them "I know where they live. Why are you going there other then to die? You walk up to my cabin and your being cautious? If anyone was cautious it would be me. And why would I want to hit yah when your armored? Course that means nothing. Hit you in the right spot, you'd be dead." His eyes narrow and he finally puts the bow down. The man leans against the side of the cabin, the dog sticking between him and the group.

The samurai seems to have dissapeared into the wilderness.

Landor stops and keeps a respectable distance from the man. “We wish to investigate their numbers and any weaknesses they may have. Of course a direct attack would be futile which is why we wish to do some recon. Know anything that might help us in that respect?”

Roywin smiles at the man politely as Lan speaks to him. He seems the kind of man that would like some in a cabin surrounded by hobgoblins and happy about it. She thinks this conversation will not lead to much, but she lets the cleric do the talking anyway.
She then looks around in case anything else moves while they are talking to the old man. Where is Tai Chi now? she things as she looks around.

Gar, on the defensive since the mans appearance, relaxed a little when he put up his bow, easing his bowstring but keeping the arrow knocked. "Trust me....i'm not going there to die." he said, a grim look on his face. "the town has had problems with them, if we can get numbers, maybe do something about them, then the town will be safer."

"Yes, what my friends said. We are not trying to be foolish, but to learn as much as we can before trying to find a way to rid this area of them. There may be trickery, or stealth, or other cleverness, but we are not going to throw our lives away charging the keep walls!" Lyrian says politely, trying to coax the cantankerous man to sharing anything he would.

"You will need a lot of allies and I can aid you. Go up the path, the Old Forest road. You will find a causeway, and keep following it. You'll find a old keep-keep your distance. That is where the hobgoblins lie as well as their pets." The ranger whistles as two more dogs emerge on each side of the cabin. He watches Gar "Believe what you wish but if your surrounded, you will perish. Yeah you can take out some of them but you'll be overrun." He goes to push away just as Tai comes from along the side of the building. All of the dogs growl and bark. Oddly he sits down, watching them. Jorr seems a bit taken back as he watches his dogs surround him. He whistles again and they move away from the raven creature and sit down on the front porch "Most dwell in the Wyrmsmoke mountains but a rather large band is in the keep."

"Do you think the hobgoblins are trying to take over this area for their people in the mountains?  Or is this a different band who broke away from them?  Both are dangerous, but there's a difference between one group trying to carve out their own steading, and one holding a place to bring in others...  Oh, and pets?  What pets have you seen?" Lyrian asks.

Landor nodded in agreement with Lyrian. “Any and all information is helpful.”

Gar stood listening with arms crossed, taking note of the information of the Keep and the wyrmsmoke mountains. He had nothing to say so let the others do the talking

Roywin smiles and thanks the man for the information. "Your right. if we're surrounded by the hobgoblins we'll be in trouble. That's why all information will be useful here."
She looks it the direction of the keep -as if she could see it- and asks the man again.
"Do you know any way to safely approach the keep? We need to have a look at it if we want to help the people from town."

"Have you not listened to anything I've said? Man...." The ranger shakes his head. They keep repeating themselves half the time-already did he tell them where the hobgoblins lie. Already did he tell them that they have other beasts. Yet he got asked again. He stares at the wizard "Do not go near it. First off he'd stick out and they would know you are there. Secondly, if I can see her...." He motions towards the rogue "They probably can see her as well. The bird stands a good chance."

Tai watches him, tilting his head as he is called a 'bird'. His upper feathers drop back and he grips his sword.

"And how would you know this eh? Both are dangerous. Both will kill anyone that gets in the way. And both are ruthless. If they wanted to take over this forest, then they will have to deal with me. I won't go down without a fight and killing me isn't as easy as more believe." He leans against the rail "It doesn't matter what they plan on doing. Though there's more to a simple band. I noticed. Pets? Never seen them but I have seen creatures in the night flying towards it. Gut feeling but I have seen a minotaur. I steer clear of the keep, like to keep my life thank you. Picking them off as I see them. Skirmish. "

OOC
Roy you can't see the keep from here
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:37, Mon 14 June 2021.

Landor considered something. “Perhaps we can reconsider our approach. You say you usually pick them off as you find them. That means you know where they have traveled through. If we can lay some traps and pick them off a little bit at a time then that might work.”

Lyrian is a bit miffed by the ranger's assessment of her stealth skills, but she had been spotted and heard, fair and square.  But the idea of whittling down the numbers of foes outside of the stronghold seemed a more palatable one than going right into the keep!

"Well, if Tai is willing to scout for us, perhaps he could take Ingrid with him.  That way we could have an early warning if you need help or need to let us know something.  Ingrid could be your messenger," Lyrian suggests, turning to Tai to see what he thinks.  It would be dangerous, but Tai was skilled and stealthy.  "Then the rest of us could find places of ambush to take out groups who venture forth?"

Roywin nods with a smile at the words of the man."If we don't get near the keep, maybe a different approach will make more sense." she looks at Landor "Ambushing and attacking them when they leave the keep it's a good idea... But I'm not sure we're the right party for that type of approaches. Neither me nor you young man are the right people to do it... Maybe lure some of them to an area where we can fight them would work better. What do you think?"
The old gnome is trying to make a point about the stealth she and the cleric in full armour have.

OOC: I know. We don't see the keep, but the man pointed at the direction of the keep and she was doing the same.

"Well you need tah get across the causeway. There's a bridge there and don't fall into the muck. Also I don't know where tah tell yah to put up traps and I don't think anyone with yah know how to. You want to go, so be it. I can keep some busy but I don't venture far from here. Up to you how you want to approach. Most stay inside the keep yah hear?" Jorr waits for a moment "There's more then you think and amushing them won't do much. Got to take out their leader or leaders and not sure where they be. Perhaps in the keep, or elsewhere.">

Tal nods his head towards being the scout but his eyes doesn't leave Jorr but he seems to unwide a bit towards the group.

Landor rubbed his temples. “So what you’re saying is that to defeat them we need to take out the leaders which are in the keep, but to go to the Keep is to die. Ambush has a higher chance of survival but is apparently fruitless. Basically in your eyes there is no good option. So we’re done here and will succeed or die regardless of what you think.”He starts walking towards the indicated causeway and motions for the others. “Let’s go.”

Lyrian nods to Jorr.  "Thank you for talking with us, Jorr.  We'll try not to die," she says, and gives him a little bow in farewell.  She is as frustrated as Landor, but it wouldn't do any good to snap at Jorr.  She catches up with Landor and waits until they are well away from Jorr's cabin before talking again.

"Well, that was frustrating.  Everyone seems to want us to go directly into a keep full of hobgoblins!" she says, blowing air out in a long sigh.  "Perhaps we could take out the leaders with arrows or spells if we can see them on the walls or get a view of them in the courtyard from a tree or hilltop.  Pity we can't get them a few wagonloads of wine and get the whole lot of them drunk; they'd be far easier to defeat!  Well, perhaps once we see the keep we'll have a better idea of what our options are."  Lyrian and Ingrid will keep a wary lookout for any signs of their foes, whether it was old campsites, trail blazes, new paths, or anything else.

The ranger crosses his arms over his chest "You need a damn drink cleric." He spits onto the ground "Taking the leaders down ain't easy. An' they are protected. Taking down the patrols might hinder them a bit but I got that there feeling there's going to be more then we realize. It will not be easy. And now you walk away..." He turns to head inside as the three dogs sit down upon his porch "An' I didn't say there be leaders in that damn keep. Yah putting words in my mouth and I don't like it. You show up here demanding information and I give it you just so you ignore it and throw it aside. That ain't right. Not right at all." He glances back at the others "Yer stick out like a sore thumb. Perhaps that can be a advanage no? An' yer best be wise and stop actin' like a damn kid."

Tai stands up looking at Landor and to Jorr. Of course he doesn't say a word-never has. He makes a loud cawwing sound and stares at the cleric then at Jorr. His eyes narrow at the ranger, puffing his chest out as if challenging him and grips his sword but he doesn't pull it out. Jorr glances at Tai, the odd bird warrior is a oddity for him. He comes out from the porch, looking at Tai "Yer got a odd blade and don't talk much. Lemme take a look alright?" Jorr offers his hand and Tai seems hesistant but puts his hand into Jorrs, perhaps a new custom to the bird. Jorr looks at it, the claws and feathers exterior. He clamps it and nods "You be welcome here yah hear me? All of yer even that damn cleric. Thought there be smarter then that." He snorts and moves back to the cabin "What yah call a goblin with 20 arrows in its back?" Odd question.

Gar listened to the talking. Gar was stubborn, and s fierce warrior, but he wasn't totally stupid. "Heed his words....this is his home. He says it will be difficult, i believe him, but there has to be a way to flush them out, seperate them and then thin the heard before they realise."

Landor looks back at Gar with a smile. “Well I suppose I’ll be bait then. I stick out like a sore thumb anyways. You don’t need to follow me if you think it will get you killed.”He turns and keeps on going.

Roywin similes at the old man "Thank you for the information, sir. What you're saying makes plenty of sense, but I'm afraid this time we'll go against common sense."
She points at Lan as he is walking away.
"I wouldn't leave a colleague walk into danger alone if I can help him."
She smiles at the man again and rushes to catch up with the cleric.
She keeps walking by his side as they leave the area.

With most of the group leaving, Tai does the same.

After a few hours, they arrive at the causeway.


A wide expanse of dark water has flooded the woodland in this low valley. Trees still portrude  from the calm, dark water here and there, but many large seem to be little more than open pools of algae-choked water. The trill of frog and the whine of insects fill the air. The forest road leads right down to the edge of the flooded section, up to a rickety-looking causeway made of thick-planks of wood lashed together with mossy rope. The wooden causeway for several hundred feet through the boggy patch only a foot or two above the water. A few yards away, the group can make out the wreckage of a wagon, lying on its side and half-sunk in the flooded forest about 30' from the causeway.

OOC
If wanting to run or charge, need a Balance Check DC 10 or not move. Normal movement is fine.

Make a Spot Check.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:27, Mon 05 July 2021.

Landor stopped. The overturned cart was an obvious ambush tactic. He listened to see if there were others nearby.

11:36, Today: Landor Halbrek rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Spot.

Roywin sees Landor stop and look around and she does the same.
It is a remarkable flat area, so it's not an issue for a person her size to look around and not being blocked by the usual small hills.
She feels there is a chance for the combat to start soon, so she casts mage armour on her before that happens.

OOC
Cast mage armour, +4 AC for 6 hours.

07:16, Today: Roywin Viasaquilla rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Spot check.

Lyrian regards the causeway with curiosity.  "I wonder how long that wagon has been here?  Seems odd for it to be there," she says quietly, looking around with Ingrid for anything untoward.

OOC: 03:36, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  Listen check for Ingrid the ferret familiar.
03:36, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  Spot check for Ingrid the ferret familiar.
03:36, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 21 using 1d20+13.  Listen check.
03:35, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 29 using 1d20+14.  Spot check.

Gar, bow in hand, walks quietly and looks around as he does, not focusing on anything specific.

<OOC: Gar Irontooth rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  Spot check. >

The group can make out what looks like some sort of crocodile watching them from behind the wagon. It just stares at them, not moving. Tai is silent, staring at the beast. He holds his blade slightly out and remains close to the wizard.

OOC its about 5' behind the wagon in the muck. Group is on the bottom of the picture on the 'ramp'.

Landor has his mace and shield ready as he starts walking across the bridge taking note of any weak boards that might break under the weight.

Roywin stays as close to TaiChi as she can without being awkward and points at the crocodile. "Can we avoid that? it seems it's looking for its next meal; and I don't want to be it."

She follows the group accepts the platform.

Gar, his bow ready, was the last to move, covering everyone else

"I have an idea.  I have a scroll I have learned to cast, hypnotic pattern, and hopefully I can make it work, or Rowin can.  If it does, it will make a fascinating display of color.  If we look away from it, the spell could keep the crocodile looking at the magic and not doing anything else until we're on the other side of the causeway," Lyrian suggests, looking to Roywin to see what they think.

Landor considered the idea. “That’s a good idea, but do we have a solution for when we come back over?”

"I know the story you talk about. it's very useful, but it works better with gross of people. if the crocodile resists the spell it will be useless, but we can try it. I have it memorized myself as well, if needed."
She gives Lyra warm smile."I could also try to cast an illusion of something more appealing than us and lurk him away so we can cross safely. Again it might not work, but it's another option. It just needs to be something that does not make a lot of sound, as the spell is visual, but does not produce any sound. What do you think we should do? Hypnotic pattern or silent image?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Sat 10 July 2021.

"Well, if we need something that doesn't make much noise, perhaps a fish?  Or a waterbird sitting at the edge of the water, like a large goose?  And since you have hypnotic pattern readied, I will try the scroll now, and then you can try an illusion if the crocodile resists," Lyrian suggests.  If all are in accord, she will produce the scroll, study it once more to be familiar of how to say the words, and hold it out.  "I'm going to put in right in front of his nose, so no one look at it, all right?"

OOC: Casting hypnotic pattern from the scroll, assuming everyone is good with that.

Roywin looks with curiosity how Lyr casts the spell. She checks the small variances that are characteristic of every wizard with a smile.
"Let's hope it works!" she says with a smile in her face.

As the spell is cast, the 'crocodile' seems uneffected but the group realizes this is no ordinary beast as another head pops up. Then another. Another another until it rises up from the murky depths, towering over the group as it stands about thirty feet away.

Six heads. Massive elongated heads. It roars from all of them.

https://www.dhresource.com/0x0...oHAAJKwQWdPyo481.jpg

OOC
Initiative.

Gar kept his bead on the crocodile head as he edged around, when another head appeared, and another, and another.

Damnit he thought as he eyes widened.

Out of pure instinct he fired his bow at the beast.

<OOC: A six headed beast that looks like a croc? Anyone want to say 'oh shit, a hydra!'

Gar Irontooth rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Iniative.

Gar Irontooth rolled 12 using 1d20+8.  attack - longbow. (I'm assuming this misses)>

Roywin looks at the heads as they appear from below the water. "What is this??"
The old gnome tries to identify what the creature is, so she can think about a plan. At this point she only hopes to live to see the next day. But the nerves makes her mind blank.
She casts a spell to make the creature lose its sight, so it can't attack them.

OOC
23:03, Today: Roywin Viasaquilla rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  Initiative.

23:05, Today: Roywin Viasaquilla rolled 18 using 1d20+16.  Knowledge arcana.

Cast Reality Bind, will save DC 21 or being blind and stunned.

"Trouble!" Lyrian says back to Roywin, and yanks out another scroll, this one far more destructive, letting a bolt of fire loose at the creature!

OOC: 22:28, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 11 using 1d20+7.  Initiative.
Using a scroll of scorching ray
22:29, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 26 using 1d20+10.  Ranged touch attack.
22:30, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 16 using 4d6.  Scorching Ray damage.

Landor saw the beast and knew they needed to regroup and come up with a plan to deal with this beast instead of doing it on the fly. “Retreat!”The cleric turned and ran away from it as quick as possible.

OOC: Run away which I think in full plate for him is 60 feet.

02:08, Today: Landor Halbrek rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Initiative .

Seeing the beast, Tai charges up to it. He pulls out his katana and attacks! It hits sunking into its leg. As much as the samurai hope it would be a decent foe, it knows where he is. Watching. Waiting.

Roy casts her spell, hitting one of the beasts heads. It falls limply to its side.
*Didn't save. Lost a head.

Gar fires and misses.

The spell from the rogue hits the beast, harming him.

Lan runs away (60')

The hydra howls and goes after the samurai but is within 15' able to hit the others! But it sinks all five of its attacks on Tai! One misses but the other hit their mark! The wounds that hit him are slowly healing up!
*10' reach
*Tai take 51 damage

Group is up. The hydra can hit all of you but Lan is fine.
Tai (29)
*51 damage
Roy (23)
Gar (19)
Lan (14)
Lyr (11)
---------------------------
Hydra (05)
*???/14
AC 16
5 Heads
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:14, Thu 15 July 2021.

Landor waves at everyone to retreat. “We need to regroup!”He raises his shield to defend himself if the hydra advances.

OOC: Total defense for +4 AC

Roywin moves 5 feet away from the hydra. She casts something in from of her to attack the hydra.

The wizard talks to the others quickly.
"Attack it, but do it fast. It'll heal otherwise!

As she does that a crocodile appears in front of the hydra and tries to slap the hydra with is tail.

OOC
5 foot step back to avoid AoO.

Cast Summon monster III (Dire crocodile) between Roywin and the hydra

Crocodile attack - tail slap
16:53, Today: Roywin Viasaquilla rolled 12,13 using 1d20+6,1d12+6.  Tail slap attack, damage.

Gar, still overwhelmed by the beast, saw it snap at hif friend, feeling the anger build, he fired another arrow, and dropping his bow, took out the orcish double axe. "Hey ugly..>You want to bite something, Come get a piece of me!"

<OOC: Action, Fire bow

Gar Irontooth rolled 21 using 1d20+8.  attack - longbow.
Gar Irontooth rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  damage - longbow.

Drops longbow and draws double axe>

Lyrian retreats to get away from the creature's multiple snapping jaws, and digs into her pack to extract a vial of a thick, orange, jelly-like substance.  With a little luck, in a few seconds she could capitalize on Gar's accuracy...

OOC: Move 15' back, get out vial of alchemist's fire.  Next round, intend to use hand of the mage to move it over the hydra and drop it on a damaged head.

Upon getting the smackdown, Tai wants to fight but he sees the healer taking off and the others seem scattered. Taking a deep breath, the warrior dives into the water and takes off in the opposite direction!
-Disengages away from the hydra and the group (Should be 30' in the water)

Back up, Roy casts another spell and conjures up a nasty looking crocodile but it misses the hydra.

Gar fires again and hits his mark. He drops the weapon and pulls out his axe.

Lan watches, trying to regain his composure and motioning the others to back up.

The rogue flees backwards, pulling out a alchemist fire.

The hydra heals up again, almost back to its full self. It steps forwards 5' feet at a angle, putting it within head range of Gar and Roy! Three of the heads slam down and the crocodile is literally mauled and disappears and the last two heads seem to fumble around as if distracted.
-Crocodile is 'dead'

Group is up. The hydra can hit all of you but Lan is fine.
Tai (29) (30')
*51 damage
Roy (23) (15')
Gar (19) (15')
Lan (14) (60'/Defense)
Lyr (11) (30')
---------------------------
Hydra (05)
*???/03
AC 16
5 Heads

Landor grits his teeth and moved forward still holding up his shield. “We need to regroup. Everyone run and I’ll hold it off.”

OOC: move 20 feet forward full defense

Roywin does move back and once everybody is in range she casts a spell to help the whole party in the fight.

OOC
Move back 20 ft.
Hold action until all are less than 30 ft apart. Cast haste.

(When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with any weapon he is holding; +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves; sped increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed and

Gar looks at the hydra, and despite his urge to rush in and attack, he grunts and backs away to the others, though the grip in his bow and axe show he barely is in control.

…he wants a good fight

With the group seeming to run away with the gnome stopping to caste her haste spell, the hydra charges! With Lan taking up arms and becoming ready the creature charges and goes to bite into the clerics fleshy bits! The samurai is nowhere to be found! The hydra looks all healed up but one head lies limply at its side.
13 Damage

11:34, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d10+3.

11:33, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 27 using 1d20+10.

Group is up. I'm going to assume everyone took off besides Lan to protect them and the gnome is 25' away after casting the spell. Sorry, I had Tai at 30' but he was further then that!

Tai (29) (Unknown)-Opposite of the group
*51 damage
Roy (23) 25' from Hydra
Gar (19) 60+ feet
Lan (14) 10' from Hydra
Lyr (11) 60+ feet
---------------------------
Hydra (05)
*???/FH
AC 16 (14 charging)
5 Heads

Landor just stands there like a mountain facing a giant tidal wave. “Come on! Let’s see what you got!”

OOC: Full Defense

Roywin backs some mome steps until she stays back behind Lan "Now you're all faster we can take the creature! Attack the heads that are active, I'll try to distract as many of them as possible!"
She casts a spell and some beautiful patterns start moving in front of the heads of the hydra.

OOC
Move 15 feet until she reaches Lan
Cast Hypnotic pattern.

09:47, Today: Roywin Viasaquilla rolled 13 using 2d4+6.  Hypnotic pattern HD.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Sun 25 July 2021.

The hydra stops, looming over the cleric. It looks at all the colorful lights, just staring in all directions seeming to be fascinated.

Lan stands where he is, holding his ground and holding his shield up at the ready.

Evil Gnome of Doom lol!
07:56, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Hydra-Will Save DC 20 .

Waiting on Gar and Lyr.

Tai (29) (Unknown)-Opposite of the group
*51 damage
Roy (23) 15' from Hydra/Casted Hypnotic Pattern
Gar (19) 60+ feet
Lan (14) 10' from Hydra (Full Defense)
Lyr (11) 60+ feet
---------------------------
Hydra (05)
*???/FH
AC 16 (14 charging)
5 Heads
-FASCINATED
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:57, Sun 25 July 2021.

Gar, snarling, grips the double axe and runs in, ready to cut away at the beast, his fury barely contained.

<his movement and action will be spent getting close to the hydra to attack next round.>

Gar moves back, and wants blood, holding his double axes.
*Hydra automatically makes its save as Gar moves at him with a held weapon. Happens after Roy casts her spell.

Lyr seems to be gone as well, perhaps she fled or is hiding. It remains unknown.

Three of the hydra's head tries to bite down on Lan but miss. The other two heads attack Gar, one of them hitting him. And the last head seems to wake up but doesn't attack.
*Gar take 8 damaage

Group is up.
Keep it in mind-Everyone is hasted besides Tai
When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with any weapon he is holding; +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves; speed increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed

Tai (29) (Unknown)-Opposite of the group
*51 damage
Roy (23) 15' from Hydra/Casted Hypnotic Pattern
Gar (19) Right next to Hydra
*8 Damage
Lan (14) 10' from Hydra (Full Defense)
Lyr (11) 60+ feet
---------------------------
Hydra (05)
*???/FH
AC 16 (14 charging)
6 Heads (Reality Bind drops for Hypnotic Pattern)
-3 on Lan
-2 on Gar
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:36, Sat 31 July 2021.

Roywin sees how the Hydra is able to recovers from her spell. She decides to step back 10 feet while casts another spell.
"I hope this works! Gar, Lan, I'll try to create a distraction!"

As she finishes the spell a silent replica of Gar appears next to him, trying to confuse the beast and provide some tactical advantage to the cleric and the half orc.

OOC
Move between Gar and Lan, around 20 feet from the Hydra.
Cast silent image (SR 19).

Landor holds his ground trying to keep as many heads busy as possible.

OOC: Total Defense

Gar, on the verge of madness, runs in, screaming at the top of his lungs like a wild man, his double bladed axe hitting once, twice, three times, blood spurting  like a fountain all over the wild orc.

<OOC: Attack the hydra....duh, barbarian here!

Attack one (Main hand)
Gar Irontooth rolled 20 using 1d20+8.  attack - double axe.
Gar Irontooth rolled 10 using 1d8+4.  damage - double axe.


Attack Two (Off hand)
Gar Irontooth rolled 28 using 1d20+8.  attack - double axe.
Gar Irontooth rolled 18 using 1d20+8.  confirm critical.
Gar Irontooth rolled 8 using 1d8+4.  damage - double axe. (X3 - 24 Damage)

Hasted Action
Gar Irontooth rolled 23 using 1d20+8.  extra attack - haste.
Gar Irontooth rolled 6 using 1d8+4.

Total Damage - 40 Damage (WOW - Go the Crit!)>


 

Roy casts her spell, conjuring up a silent image on the other side of the hydra.
*Note: It does not gain flanking

Gar slashes with his double-blade, hitting the hydra several times!
*Hits for 40 damage

Lan keeps going full defensive.

A bolt flies out, hitting the hydra wounding it as Lyr slinks back into hiding!
*Hits for 9 Damage

The hydra slams one of its head, hitting the silent image but its attack slams into the ground. Growling, it throws two more heads on Lan and three on Gar! None of the attacks hit Lan but Gar gets hit by two of them. Its wounds begin to heal up once more.
*Gar take 22 damage

Group is up.
Keep it in mind-Everyone is hasted besides Tai
When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with any weapon he is holding; +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves; speed increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed

Tai (29) (Unknown)-Opposite of the group
*51 damage
Roy (23) 20' from Hydra/Casted Silent Image
Gar (19) Right next to Hydra
*30 Damage
Lan (14) 10' from Hydra (Full Defense)
Lyr (11) 30 feet/Attacks and Hides
---------------------------
Hydra (05)
*???/33
AC 16 (14 charging)
6 Heads
-1 on Silent Image
-2 on Lan
-3 on Gar

Landor seeing that everyone wants to take this thing down draws a symbol in the air with his middle and index finger before moving up to it and pressing the symbol into the belly of the hydra. The curse takes hold and wracks it with pain to distract it.

21:46, Today: Landor Halbrek rolled 22 using 1d20+8.  Bestow Curse touch attack.

Move: move 10’ up to it
Standard: Cast Bestow Curse hit for -4 to all attacks, saves, checks, and skill checks

The hydra growls as Landor uses his spell. It hisses and goes to swing its head down missing the cleric.

*Hydra is unaffected by the spell. Saved.

OOC
Waiting on  Roy, Gar and Lyr.

Gar, having been hit by the hydra, fell over, winded for a moment, but that was all it took to push his mind over the edge. The half orc roared as he ran in, no thought of tactics or danger.


He was just wild

<OOC: Current HP - 28 (40 now raging)

Rage: +4 bonus to Strength, a +4 bonus to Constitution, and a +2 morale bonus on Will saves, but he takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class

Action - ATTACK!!!!

Gar Irontooth rolled 29 using 1d20+9.  attack - Doubleaxe (Main Hand)
Gar Irontooth rolled 15 using 1d20+9.  confirm critical (Main Hand)
Gar Irontooth rolled 10 using 1d8+6.  damage - doubleaxe (X3 If crit - 30 Damage)

Gar Irontooth rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  attack - doubleaxe (Off Hand).
Gar Irontooth rolled 13 using 1d8+6.  damage - doubleaxe

Gar Irontooth rolled 27 using 1d20+9.  attack - doubleaxe (Haste)
Gar Irontooth rolled 12 using 1d8+6.  damage - doubleaxe.></Orange

Total Damage - 35 (55 If Crit)>

Roywin sees how the barbarian fights the hydra and decides to help as well. Moving quickly behind Lan, the wizard gets closer enough for her spell to work. She casts a cone of acid aiming to hit the hydra while avoiding catching the half orc or the cleric in it.

OOC
Move to get in range (15 feet from the hydra) and cast to make sure it doesn't hit Gar or Lan.

Cast acid breath. Reflex saving roll 18 to halve it.
23:42, Today: Roywin Viasaquilla rolled 22 using 6d6.  Acid breath

The acid hits the chest of the hydra just as Gar goes insane. He slams his axe into the belly of the beast. It roars just as a bolt slams into the belly as well. Covered in blood, the six head slam into the cleric and barbarian! It then falls to the ground in a huge heap. It lets out another howl and falls. It hits the cart, sending bones in all directions but something peaks out from beneath one of the heads as if it lands on it.

OOC Holy....

Gar take 8 damage.
Lan take 6 damage.

Well done!

Ga4, bleeding, bruised and covered in gore, continues to hack at the corpse wildly with his two bladed axe

Given how the hydra had been able to heal itself, Lyrian was not one to tell Gar to calm down.  She let him vent the remainder of his not inconsiderable wrath on the hydra's hopefully inert corpse.  Her own efforts had not been very successful - she was too new in magic for her spells to have much power, and had been frightened to close with such a powerful beast!

"Good job, Gar!" she said to him, keeping a respectful distance away from the spattering of blood and muddy water.  She squints at the place where the hydra had landed, wondering if she had seen a different face there or if it was all in her imagination...

OOC: 22:16, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 21 using 1d20+14.  Spot check.
22:17, Today: Lyrian Swift rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Spot check for Ingrid the ferret familiar.

Roywin, covered in water and swamp plants, cheers as the beast falls to the ground. "We made it! well... Gar you made it!"
Then looks at the bleeding wounds from the half orc and the cleric and realises something. "Where is Tai? He got hit pretty bad and then he disappeared? we need to find him and take care of all your wounds. They all look serious."

She starts looking around and shouting "Tai! Come, the beast is dead!"

Gar, slowing his hits, eventually stopped as the beast became a bloody mess, looking sore and exhausted, he panted in exhaustion as he glared at the hydra, and spat at it in defiance.

He staggered to the others with a smile, “Felt good to get some frustration out.” He mumbled

The samurai doesn't come out. Perhaps he's out of earshot or is unconsious. Maybe dead, its hard to know. Lyr watches something on the hydra, eyes narrow. Some dead orcs and goblins-old it seems are scattered around the smashed wagon. Some still wear their armor buts its old and rotted. The smell is horrid.

With Tai not responding, Lyrian picks up Ingrid and looks into her eyes.  "Ingrid, can you see if you can find Tai, please?  Let me know if you come across him," she says to the ferret.  Her eyes were keen and her nose was sharp, or at least far sharper than Lyrian's.  If Tai was out cold, Ingrid had a chance of finding him.  Once the ferret was away, Lyrian peered more closely at the hydra's corpse.

"I sent Ingrid off to see if she can find Tai.  I think... I think I saw something when the hydra collapsed on the wagon.  Some dead orcs and goblins, perhaps old victims?  Still wearing their armor, though it doesn't look in good shape.  And it stinks to the treetops!"

Landor looks around. “Well that was unexpected all around. Gar, come over here so I can look at your wounds while the others look for Tai.”

OOC: How much damage do you have?

The half orc staggered over with a smile. "I've had worse, believe me priest." Though he boasted, he was hurt for the few hits the hydra got in. "That thing packed a punch, but man i haven't had a fight like that in a while."

---

OOC: Gar dropped about 38 HP
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:56, Fri 06 Aug 2021.

With how far the samurai could have gotten and with the tiny legs of the ferret jumping around here and there as it tries to look for Tai-its pretty unsuccessful. Specially with Tai being a very good at hiding. He could be dead.

Lyr looks at the hydra and it breathes! It then goes silent. Perhaps a reflex? Something seems to be under one of its heads but its hard to make out. Something shiney. Its basically a swampland.

Bodies are strewn apart here and there. Perhaps later meals for the beast. Some are old, others looking somewhat fresher but not much.

Landor puts a hand on Gar’s shoulder which glowed with holy warmth healing some of his wounds before he takes out his wand of healing and closes up the rest of the wounds. “From what I understand of Hydras, we should probably burn the body before it wakes up. Has Tai been located yet?”

09:28, Today: Landor Halbrek rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  Cure wand charge 4.
09:21, Today: Landor Halbrek rolled 2 using 1d8+1.  Cure wand charge 3.
09:21, Today: Landor Halbrek rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  Cure wand charge 2.
09:21, Today: Landor Halbrek rolled 9 using 1d8+1.  Cure wand charge 1.

Touch of Healing to heal Gar 18 damage then 3 charges to heal the remaining 20 damage. 1 charge spent to heal Landor 7 to full.

Roywin stops shouting looking for Tai and turns to the rest. "No worries. Once dead I should remain dead. And I think Gar took care of that."

She looks worried. "I'm worried for the little kid." the old wizard refers to TaiChi. "Let's make sure the beast is dead and then look for him around. He shouldn't be far."

I think Gar spent some time once the hydra was dead chopping its corpse, so it should be more than dead.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Fri 06 Aug 2021.

Gar nodded at the healing magic, then looked at the hydra. He began searching the heads for a suitable tooth as a trophy and ripped it from its jaw.

---

OOCm gar will search for treasure, his friend and a suitable trophy

Gar finds several teeth, easily able to pull them out with his strength and spots underneath what looks like a interesting breastplate. He pulls it up and realize its attached to a skeleton that starts to crumble. The armor remains as bits of skeleton stay attached to it unless its removed. A mithral breastplate.

Gar finds a head and pulls two teeth from it with a smile. It’s then he sees the gleam of metal and looks,  lifting the breastplate with a smile,

“It seems one of its previous victims had some interesting armor.” He held the breastplate up.

A sadness fills the samurais soul as Tai makes his way towards the dead hydra. He's covered in grim and has his sword drawn. He doesn't look at Landor or Gar, his legs shaking. The upper body is covered in his own blood. Tai gets to the wizard then turns on Gar and Landor. His eyes narrow, gripping his sword tightly. Tension builds up, and he turns his back upon them. No whistle. Nothing. Slowly he sheathes his blade. Its odd. Most of the times, Tai tries to communicate. He attempts to tell them something but now? Nothing.

Roywin sees the fighter boy and silently moves next to him. She then slowly holds his hand, trying to confort him.

She says nothing and just waits.

Landor sees Tai and the tension towards him and Gar. He sighs. “If you want to leave, I understand. I would offer to heal your wounds for your journey if you so wish it. I tried to convince everyone to retreat and regroup for a more thought out strike. It seemed it was neither needed or wanted.”

Landor looks up at the road ahead and sighs once more. He knew what he needed to do to rouse more people to recognize that evil should be exterminated than he allowed to continuously fester every time it is stopped by the few willing to put their lives on the line. The apathy of the world it’s own sickness that knew no cure. He had seen it in the people of the village and the hunter in the woods. Every man for himself. Perhaps if there was an evil strong enough to challenge the world it would finally do something about it…

Maybe his plan would work, or maybe he would just be tortured to death. Only one way to find out. He walked away from the group across the bridge toward the keep. “Don’t follow me. If you see me again, know that what I did was what I felt I needed to do to wake up the world. To make them get off their backsides and do something instead of turning a blind eye and say it’s not their problem.”

OOC: Will fully heal Tai before he leaves if allowed.

The samurai turns as the cleric approaches. He grips his sword, backing away from Landor as if petrified. Soon, the cleric turns and leaves, heading back the way they came after he starts to walk towards the keep. Tai slumps down, but doesn't say a word. Everyone seems defeated despite the hydra getting destroyed. Soon, Landor is gone back to the village. Silence. Tai stares at the ground.

Gar frowned at tai and his behaviour. “What….you would let a beast like this roam the world and kill innocents? Landor may be sorry, but I am not. I was not fully in control, but had I been, I still would have done what I done. This beast is a killer, and having it gone will save lives.”

The hal-orc snorted, holding his gaze.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:11, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

The samurai walks some distance away. He stares out into the woodlands, and its hard to tell if he heard what Gar said or if he even cared. Somethings really bothering him. He looks over at Gar before going back to the wizard. In some strange tone from someone he heard-he speaks quietly and expect for Gar to blow up at him, not understanding his ways. And copying Gar."Killing innocent. No honor. Regain it." Its hard to tell who is ment by it. Lyrian doesn't make a appearance, but is probably out there nearbye probably scouting.

Wounded, hungry and thirsty-Tai glances at Roy. Gar seems to rather upset with the bird. They were once friends but now its hard. Their fighting styles are so different. Tai is controlled, Gar is a warrior bent on ripping the enemies apart. Two different views. He takes a deep breath and Gar seems to be heading away from the keep and it seems back to the village.

Tai sighs and follows after him. Losing Lan seems to be a big blow but the Kenku won't admit it. He doesn't like the actions but they did defeat it, without his aid. He did was he was told-to run. A whistle comes from the man towards Roy....
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:08, Wed 11 Aug 2021.

Lyrian comes back from her brief scouting of the area, holding a wet ferret who has a doleful look of chagrin on her whiskers.  When she hears the sad statements of Landor and Gar and Tai's own communication, she reached out to give Landor and Gar a brief hug (or handclasp, if they preferred) and a bow to Tai.

"You have all been true friends, and the village could ask for no better guardians.  I will feel safer knowing that you are there amongst them," she says.  Lyrian squints back towards the keep, then looks back towards the village, before turning back to Roywin.  "Roywin, I think perhaps we better see if there any others who would be willing to aid us before we assault the keep, however we end up dealing with it.  I don't mind scouting it on my own, but I would feel better having more backup."

Roywin looks at Tai and his numerous wounds. Then looks at Lyr. "I think both Lan and Gar need some time to recover from all this travelling. I've lived enough to see how people leave this life and come back after some time. Better leave them some air..."

She sighs. "Anyway I think we are too wounded and too few to continue by ourselves. Tai, let's find someone who can treat your wounds and where we can recover or spells. Maybe we can even find someone else crazy enough to come with us." she gives the remaining group a warm smile.

"Betrayed. No honor. No honor." Tai just seem to be in a slump. He tries to understand them and its good the beast is dead. But it could have gone a different way. He lowers his head for a moment and then starts to head back "Guardians don't leave." He does his best to make the words out and is getting better but is still copying Lyrian and Roy. They talk, he listens. Repeat.

Lyrian shakes her head, reaching out to Tai Chi.  "I do still want to help, Tai.  I just want to help smartly.  Once Gar and Landor are protecting the village, I think I won't worry so much that something will happen when we're off trying to find the hobgoblins.  There must be others who are willing to help; it's just a matter of finding them.  Let us try, Tai," she says earnestly.

The samurai doesn't say a word. He seems to be at a loss, traveling with others that don't understand his logic. Losing the cleric and ranger seems to bother him greatly despite them not have much honor. In his eyes at least. They find a small place to hide, the half-orc leaving the mitheral breastplate that no one has checked out behind in case it can be used. Tai goes silent, sitting by a fire with his eyes closed and sitting crosslegged and blades upon his lap. Night has fallen as two people head towards them, one of them leading a horse through the woodlands.

OOC
In comes the favored soul and barbarian

As you see Redoran, the one leading the horse, you see him turn to the dwarf walking next to him.  "You were right!" He says in a friendly manner, patting the dwarf on the back, "Not hobgoblins.  Hopefully these are the ones we're looking for."  The scales on Redoran's skin glint in a slightly darker silver then the mithril breastplate he wears, as the light of the fire reflects off it.

He puts on a friendly smile as he calls out to the individuals, waving his hand, "Well met fellow travelers!  It's a pleasure to meet you.  The mayor of Drellen's Ferrey said there might be some individuals looking for a little aid in these dark times.  My name's Redoran, and this stalwart fellow," he gestures towards the dwarf, "Is Kharath.  The one with a long face behind me," he nods in the direction of his horse, "Is Iron Foot.  How do you all fair?" he asks in a friendly manner.

Kharath is muscled like some kind of wild beast albeit a very small wild beast such as a wolverine or a honey badger.  His beard flows wild and black and beautifully shined as if he had taken a great deal of care of it whereas his head is shaved almost completely bald.  He wears grey hide armour of some kind with a hood in the form of a visor equipped with a horn.

He walks beside Redoran and waves casually. "Yo strangers like Iron Foot's rider said , I'm Kharath.  I don't have a beast because my last one didn't much enjoy being ridden so I let him go."

Edited to change Redoran to Iron Foot
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Sun 29 Aug 2021.

Lyrian stood up as the newcomers approached them, and tentatively smiled at them.  "I'm glad the mayor was good enough to send other folks out who are ready to deal with the hobgoblins!  We had two companions recently go back to help the village itself, so we would certainly welcome honest help.  I am Lyrian, and this is Tai Chi, and that is Roywin," she said politely, trying not to goggle at Redoran.  She had seen dwarves before, but not something like him!  It was pretty unlikely that the mayor was double-dealing or trying to be rid of them, and it would certainly have been odd to find two such distinctive folks just to ward off some adventurers.  If they were exactly what they seemed to be, they would be formidable help!

A whistle comes from Tai and his eyes dart to the two new people. He doesn't greet them, just watches them as his sword slides out slightly. Of course with all that has been dealt with-everyone is probably edgy. And definatly that of the samurai. Do they have honor? It remains unknown. A simple nod from the feathery crow.

Kharath looks from Roywin to Lyrian to Tai Chi and then to Redoran.  "Comrade Redoran," he says.  "Some of these folks seem to be injured.  Perhaps Lord Iron Foot would wish for you to heal them?"

Redoran smiled at those gathered at the little camp, "Yes, if course! If any of you are hurt, and you allow it, I'll have you back on your feet in no time at all. Bahamut and I are on pretty good terms and he's pretty good about working his magic through me. In the mean time, care to tell us what you know about these hobgoblins? The mayor gave us a little information, but hearing it from you on the front lines, so to speak, might give us a better idea about what we're up against."

Not wanting to just force himself and his magic on others without their say so, Redoran laid his spear against a tree and waited with hands open in a welcoming gesture.