Expedition - Foxy/Lost Children- 01 May 2021

[Stirling]

just remember to cast entangle before you go!

[Marullus]

Roxy's arrow wings past the goblin, eliciting what can only be angry curses. Prepared this time, three arrows fly back at her while exposed, one thunking into the tree trunk as she dives behind it, another piercing her arm before she can do so. (-2 HP)

[1d20] = 5 [1d6] = 6 [1d20] = 18 [1d6] = 2. [1d20] = 14 [1d6] = 6

A cry of pain comes from the other farmhand, a harsh cracking sound with it. "I keep them, I think. You can follow. Dmukaz will be amused by you. Perhaps you convince him."

The goblins begin moving out.

[Stirling]

Don't mind taking a hit, not at all. just checking their to hit roll if I may, I made the point of Foxy being out of spear range from the nearest goblin, 60ft+, so anyone firing at me by bow will be at by medium range also and importantly out of infravision too, so are they not also in the dark (-4 penalty) or are they advancing towards me?

Could we have a new position map? Where everyone is? I'm thinking that Clay wanted some goblins seperate so he can cast his spell on the centre ground ensnaring the chief and a couple of goblins which surround the captives, maybe getting them also so they can't be hauled away.

Then Mors and Mr Farrow can close for some melee action.

[Marullus]

Map is the same - nobody moved dramatically. You are six hexes from the nearest goblin and they have about ten hexes of infravision. I stated explicitly that they could see you. One arrow hit, the other missed only because of you seeking cover (good move).

The immediate decision is, do you close to melee to free farmhands now, or follow, as they say they're leading to the children? Your choice might. Pre-empt Clay, but if not we can wait for him to post as well. (I am hesitant to have him cast spells in absentia.)

[Stirling]

So Foxy learns, painfully so, that goblins have 90ft of infravision, much better than dwarves and elves. Surprised too she didn't hit the goblin by the captives, is he armoured too or just high dex? Don't know cus she can't see clearly. More bad news if they are AC 6, because at this range with a penalty I will only hit 20% of the time. (I fear the goblin archers get around 35% chance to hit me, outgunned and outmatched, the odds are not in my favour. Used arrows marked off).

Foxy has had her action this round and the goblins in firing and taunting have theirs so it is down to Clay to act. And Mr Farrow.

[Marullus]

Foxy nurses her wound and contemplates the tiny size and nimble nature of her foes.

Yep, good analysis. Their base AC in the book is 6.

It is a new action - they are moving out and walking along their previous route, presumably leading you to the children. You can declare a response (follow, stop them with melee, pester them with arrows) and Clay can be second.

[Stirling]

Foxy takes a more precise aim this time, shooting just to the rear of the captives at a goblin prodding them along with his spear. She hopes to drop the foe and inspire the captive farmhands to make a grab for the weapon and join the melee.

Immediately after firing she will move 30ft + further left and north, ducking behind any scrub, trees or hollows to gain additional cover.

86762 [1d20-2] = 17
86763 [1d6] = 5

If they can indeed run through another guard with the spear and Clay entangles the boss +1 or 2) Mors and Mr Farrow charge in...maybe the remaining goblins will bust morale and flee as the advantage will be with us. Lots of variables, down to the other party members now)

[Rusty Tincanne]

(I am hesitant to have him cast spells in absentia.)

Thanks Marullus. I appreciate that.

Clay Weatherwax
Clay is visibly disappointed at frustrated at the stereotypical behaviors of Ms. O'Hare and the goblins. He sighs as the mass of goblins walk away, telling Mr. Farrow, Morr and Asala to hold steady... Ms. O'Hare's rashness will likely be her own undoing. Clay's eyes remain fixed upon the largest goblin and when he appears 70' away those around him hear Clay recite a short litany, accompanied by subtle hand gestures.

Grasses, roots and branches awaken. They reach out to ensnare the legs of anyone surrounding the outspoken goblin, pulling them to the ground. Clay readies his sling and shouts again. I have offered you your lives and you declined. He tells his four companions to stay where they are, then heads toward the goblins, ready to cast stones at any that might fight their way to freedom.

[Marullus]

Initiative:

Gobs [1d6] = 1 humans [1d6] = 6

The goblins sneer, boldly turning to both continue their course and disrespect Clay's offer. They shove one of the prisoners, who stumbles and whimpers. Foxy snaps off an arrow in retort, the goblin who shoved the prisoner dropping abruptly with a cry of pain. The two remaining goblins on the west side fire a return volley as she dashes through the brush, their arrows all deflected amongst thee foliage.

With a retort to the goblin leader and directions to his companions, Clay intones his spell. Cries of surprise are heard from the goblins as the brambles and brush whip outward, entangling them, until even their yelling is muffled. The sound of crashing is heard among the brush as the goblins on the west flank appear to be fleeing the angry flora and approaching Foxy in the darkness and starlight.

Day: 03 May 2021
Time: 02:22 am
Light source: None. (-4 penalty to hit) (Sunrise at 5:26am)
Temp: 35 F, feels like 30 F
Wind: 8 mph E, gusting to 16 mph
Distance traveled: ~11 miles, 20 miles total

[Rusty Tincanne]

from my estimate, it looks like two might not have been in range of the spell. Is that the number advancing on Foxy?

Clay Weatherwax
Seeing two (or more) goblins heading towards Foxy, Clay suggests Mr. Farrow and Morr head them off, preventing their escape. Then he pushes his way through the thick growth, bludgeoning all the goblins except their leader, leaving him the sole survivor.

I read your post as they all failed their saves. If any are still standing, Clay well attack with his sling before entering combat. Just let me know what to roll for.
And to be sure, the spell was non lethal, correct? Because if it wasn't, we need to keep one of the others alive.

[Marullus]

At range and without a light source, I am giving you imperfect iinformation. . You do expect the spell to be non-lethal, and to have not caught everyone.

[Stirling]

Foxy O'Hare

Without researching the spell I believe the roots and vines will continue to grasp creatures entering the area of effect, so if for example the captives are caught inside, it is going to be difficult to free them until the spell dissipates. It might be that if successful saves are made, movement in or through the area is still penalised. (Clay will know anyway what the spell can and can't do).

It will be good if Mors and Farrow can chase down any stray goblins. The lantern is with the saddlebags, can Mr Farrow light the area up, at least we can see how effective the ministrations of Beith are.

Foxy will move through the scrub to rejoin the companions, following the sound of Clay's voice. If she can see the two captives entangled, Foxy will cast them a dagger each so they may begin to cut themselves free.

She will keep her bow nocked ready to fire at any goblins creeping up.

[Marullus]

(Remember to post your own rolls if you'd like to do them.)
Initiative: Gobs [1d6] = 2 humans [1d6] = 2
Foxy: [1d20] = 14 [1d6] = 4
Goblin bows [1d20] = 17 [1d20] = 18 [1d6] = 5 [1d6] = 5

Foxy yells for Mr. Farrow to get the lantern, pivoting to maintain cover as the goblins advance. She gets off a shot, the arrow just managing to hit in the dark. One of the goblins crashes to the ground and rolls noisily to a stop in the brush. The opening is all that is needed, however, as the other goblin's arrow finds her in the dark. She is pierced through the lung and drops unconscious and bleeding.

Clay Wade's into the brush, struggling against the plants but moving slowly. He clubs the first little goblin, who ceases his struggle with a split cranium.

Mr Farrow gets the lantern lit, remaining away from the angry plants, but circling towards Foxy.

[Rusty Tincanne]

I am going to assume that Clay does not know about Foxy yet due to the darkness and the time necessary for lighting a lantern. Let me know if I am wrong though.

Clay Weatherwax
Clay continues to trudge through the brush, ending the lives of all the lower-ranking goblins he can. He waits to hear the sound of goblins struggling with Morr in the distance, hoping the dog can avoid injury. As he moves through the animated weeds, Clay hoots to Maurice.

Maurice, it is too dark for me to see. Would you please let me know what is going on? How are my companions? It is important to prevent those goblins from escaping and getting to those wolves.

In case we need it:
Initiative [1d6] = 3

[Marullus]

Lets assume he knows Foxy dropped. This is our first encounter with Keehnelf's house rule on negative hit-points - wherein there is only one round to reach and stabilize a companion... We need to see how that plays out, but it might be subject to change.

[Stirling]

Foxy yells to Mr Farrow

She calls for light, downs a goblin, gets hit herself, goes " ugh" and collapses. Mr Farrow knows she is hit and can stabilise her . She has the linen bandages and 1st aid kit from the infirmary in her satchel ( on her person).

Mors can bring down the goblin with the bow, Clay brained another entangled leaving boss man +2 goblins, caught and the farmhands. How long does the spell last?

Did one react and get the spear of the downed goblin prodding him?

Foxy should be okay if you reach her this round.

[Marullus]

Mr Farrow knows she is hit and can stabilise her. Mors can bring down the goblin with the bow, Clay brained another entangled leaving boss man +2 goblins, caught and the farmhands.

Please hold back from dictating the actions of characters not under your control. It is okay for you to yell to them; they may or may not be able or willing to obey you.

In this case, Mr. Farrow got conflicting instructions last turn from both you and the other PC, for example. (He did get and light the lantern, though, but stayed back as he was warned to by Clay.) Also, Mors is trained to take specific orders from Clay; he doesn't attack on command unless Clay says so, and Clay's current order is to stay back.

How long does the spell last?

One turn, or 10 rounds.

Did one react and get the spear of the downed goblin prodding him?

You did not hear anything that would indicate that response. They are quiet just now. It is likely that a spell that ensnared the lead goblin also would have impacted them.

We'll hold for Clay's amended action, then resolve the round.

[Rusty Tincanne]

one round is about 6 minutes, right? With clay waist deep in the weeds, would he even think he has a reasonable chance of getting to roxy?

[Marullus]

A round is one minute. A turn is minutes. He is at half-assed in the thicket, so he might not make it. Mr. Farrow should be close enough, but has the last goblin in his way.

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay Weatherwax
Seeing the situation turn dire, Clay rapidly assesses the situation. Sadly, his mission is dependent on the troublesome woman that is now bleeding on the ground. Knowing he can do nothing for Ms. O'Hare, he uses words, body language and hoots to make suggestions to the rest of the party. He asks Maurice to do what he can to distract the goblin with the bow so Morr can engage him. He shouts to Mr. Farrow to get the bandages from the pack and tend to Ms. O'Hare.

Knowing he can do little else and that time is of the essence, Clay continues to trudge through the brush, ending the lives of all the lower-ranking goblins he can.

Again, in case we need it:
Initiative [1d6] = 3
Morr Attack [1d20] = 5 damage [1d6] = 4

ugh... Should have bought a dog with magical teeth of rending or something.