Evergreen Hollow, 5R DMless

Action: Unarmed Strike at S1 (injured), unseen from invisible, Attack: 20 Damage: 10, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at S1 (injured) or S2 using luck (1/2 left), Attack: 15 Damage: 18, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 

Quote from cyreon >>

Action: Unarmed Strike at S1 (injured), unseen from invisible, Attack: 20 Damage: 10, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at S1 (injured) or S2 using luck (1/2 left), Attack: 15 Damage: 18, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 

Fuifui moved like a shadow, silent and swift. As the first skeleton raised its sword to strike Cor, she darted out from her hidden position. With a single, well-placed blow to the back of its skull, the bones shattered on impact, the skeleton collapsing into a lifeless heap at her feet.

She barely had time to breathe before the second skeleton whirled on her, its hollow eyes locking onto her with murderous intent. Fuifui was quicker. She dodged its clumsy swing and struck out with all her strength, her fist connecting with the brittle bones of its ribcage. By sheer luck, the force of the hit sent the skeleton crumbling to the ground, its bones scattering across the forest floor.

Panting, she glanced toward Cor, relieved to see his breathing steady. Above, his owl circled, keeping watch for any more threats. Fuifui stepped back, her body tense, waiting for whatever might come next. But having nothing to help Cor recovering faster, she could only sit there and protect him while he slowly returned to this world. (2 hours)

Jackoby stumbles back into town late he collects the bounty having already paid Yuno before leaving her at the cave.  Then he trudges back to the Grove for a long rest…

8hrs later he awakens an heads down for a meal.  Perhaps another solo bounty, just no spiders.  He heads out to check the bounty boards.

A couple thoughts enter J’s web filled mind, I could replace this black pelt cloak for a brown one, and if I cross paths with Yuno it’d be nice to know the lass made it free of the cave.  Yeah I’m heading back.

Location Darkwood Demon Cave table 102 BB.  
Stealthy approach 10 BB perception 5 Surprise.  
Initiative J 7 BB 5

Surprise Round.  
Spotting the BB rubbing against a tree trunk, Jackoby quickly enrages with the memory of a hundred scars.  Throwing a handaxe from 20’ away, then closing the distance drawing his battle axe.

Bonus action Rage.  100/100
Action ranged attack handaxe 7 miss.  
Move 20’  drawing battleaxe.

Round One.  
Wasting no time Jackoby swings low hoping to slash an artery.  The thick fur absorbs much of the deadly strike, as the BB roars in surprise swiping a paw and biting with a toothy maw!

Action attack battleaxe 11 damage 7 slashing
Rage 99/100rds BB 15/22hp 

BB Action multiattack.  
Claw 15 miss Bite crit 17 (8 rage) piercing.

Round Two.  
Jackoby again swings for blood.

Action attack battleaxe 20 damage 11 slashing.  
Rage 98/100rds BB 4/22hp

BB Action multiattack.  
Claw 7 miss Bite 21 damage 9 (4 rage) piercing.

Round Three.  
Attack battleaxe 15 damage 13 BB dead Rage ended.

Jackoby having taken a couple mauling bites roughly rigs a couple stout poles (tree trunks) to create a drag to haul the BB cadaver back to Evergreen.

After which he cleans his wounds, eats a meal, soaks in a hot bath (2sp).  Looks around for ‘Cake-eater’ Yuno.  Relaxing and recovering.

200xp 80gp 

Quote from HunterOrien>>

After which he cleans his wounds, eats a meal, soaks in a hot bath (2sp).  Looks around for ‘Cake-eater’ Yuno.  Relaxing and recovering.

200xp 80gp

After a while Yuno stumbles in... This time covered in wounds but not from the bear attack. These are weapon wounds from her trip to the canyon where she killed a Scout in a small perch.

Quote from NycrolB >>

Death save: Nat 1 — two failures.  

It seems that the Elvish burial ground will soon have one more skeleton. 

Varnak the Crank (https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/132406593) jumps out from hiding. He runs to Cor's side and says, "You promised to me. Even though I don't like visitors."

Varnak uses a healers kit to cause Cor to heal a hit die plus 3, 10

Round 3
Both Skeletons fire arrows at Varnak
SK1 targets Varnak, shortbow Attack: 15 Damage: 6 
SK2 targets Varnak, shortbow Attack: 17 Damage: 6 

Varnak uses the shield spell as a reaction, AC 15 becomes AC 20
Varnak extends his wand of magic missiles to let lose a barrage onto the skeletons, SK1 will take five missiles, and SK2 will take four
SK1 takes, 2, 4, 5, 2, 4
SK2 takes, 2, 2, 4, 3

SK1 takes 17 damage and dies. SK2 takes 12 damage (1/13)

Round 4
SK2 targets Varnak, shortbow Attack: 25 Damage: 10

Varnak takes the hit, unless it misses

Varnak will cast magic missile from a 1st level slot, dealing 10 damage to the remaining skeleton.

Varnak leans down and helps Cor stand up. "No time for laying down on the job. We've got to collect these reagents. I'm sure you'll find my research fascinating. Let's head back to the Hollow and get something to eat."

2x Skeleton Rewards
2x shortbow (25 gp)
2x shortsword (10 gp)
2x bounty parts (20 gp)
50 XP (shared with Varnak)

Quote from NathanAscher >>

Syrah Diavo: Driven by a desire to understand the dark powers of natural portals and rifts, Syrah has settled in Evergreen Hollow to study the Demon Cave. This unique rock formation is believed to have pierced the fabric of our realm. Venturing deep enough into the cave could potentially lead to one of the Nine Hells or even the Abyss. Fortunately, over time, the rift has constricted, making the passageways between realms narrow and difficult to traverse. However, that hasn’t stopped lesser demons, devils, and other unnatural abominations from slipping into our world. Syrah has placed bounties on any such creatures found emerging from this dangerous cave.



Encounter Table 203 (Level 2 recommended)
1-20: 1x Imp (200 XP, bounty 100 gp)
21-40: 1x Quasit (200 XP, bounty 100 gp)
41-60: 2x Imp (400 XP, bounty 200 gp)
61-80: 2x Quasit (400 XP, bounty 200 gp)
81-90: 1x sewer king (450 XP, bounty 225 gp)
91-10: 1x rutterkin (450 XP, bounty 225 gp)

Welcome Syrah Diavo, a new NPC in town. Syrah may be a Tiefling and a Warlock, but she is driven by her research to understand and explain natural phenomena, such is the Demon Cave. Equipped with her family fortune, she is prepared to offer a hefty bounty on any demons or devils that come out of the cave. 

When you reach level 2 and if you don't like bandits, try out this new table filled with two PHB 2024 fiends as well as some unique fiends from legacy.

After a while Yuno stumbles in... This time covered in wounds but not from the bear attack. These are weapon wounds from her trip to the canyon where she killed a Scout in a small perch.

“Really glad to see you made it back.”  Jackoby smiles a rare sight, “Did you look deeper in the cave?”

He awkwardly tries to chit chat, finally clearing his throat loudly, “Well I’m thinking of doin some goblin round up, hope to let ya know how it went.”

And he sure enough heads off to collect bounty on gobs…

Location Deadman’s canyon 201 4 Gobs 
Approach Stealth 14 vs 20 perception.  
Ambush stealth 6 vs 7 perception.  No surprise.  
Default 20’  Initiative J 22 Gobs 21 phew!

Round 1.  
  Jackoby sees the big headed goblin eyes go wide as he enrages himself and launches a handaxe.  
Bonus action Rage 100/100 rnds.  
Action attack handaxe 22 slashing 7 Gob1 dead!  
Object interaction draw battleaxe.  
  Gob2 3 & 4 aim and fire.  
Actions attack sh.bows 23,7,10 one hit for 4(2 rage).  
Movement they scatter and try to hide….  
but there’s nowhere to hide. (Failed checks)

Round 2.  
  Jackoby drops the battle axe scooping up the handaxe, he runs at Gob 2 and fires off his handaxe.  
Free action drop battleaxe.  
Object interaction grab handaxe.  
Movement 30’ towards Gob 2.  
Action attack handaxe 18 slashing 10.  dead.  
Gobs 3 & 4 seeing half their numbers drop choose to run… move and dash.

Round 3.  (DMG chase)
  Jackoby watches Gob4 run off but chases Gob 3.  
Since Jackoby has higher con he catches up with Gob3 and attacks with his second handaxe drawn during the chase.  
Action attack handaxe 14 slashing 6 as he took no action to don his shield… Gob3 1/7hp.  
Gob3 pitifully pleads for mercy then try’s throwing dirt in J’s eyes and attacking.  Dex save DC 10. (Just made it!).  
Action attack scimitar 12 miss.

Round 4.  
Action attack handaxe 17 dead.

Lost one handaxe one battleaxe stolen by Gob4.  
XP 150 one got away bounty 45gp

After a night's rest, Fuifui again moved quietly through the shadowy depths of the Silverwood Forest, her eyes scanning for the rare herbs and plants she needed. But more than that, she sought another grim ingredient—skeleton skulls. Their remains, remnants of corrupted souls, were said to hold potent magic, useful in rituals and salves alike.

The forest twisted around her, filled with illusions and whispers of its ancient past, but she stayed focused, her every step silent and deliberate. Fuifui had survived this place before, and she would do so again, gathering what she needed before the forest’s dark magic could claim her. However, she is glad she purchased a healing potion last evening and taps slightly on the pouch to ensure that she actually brought it with her.

Encounter: 7
Stealth: 8
Init: 6

Enemies (adjust modifiers after encounter is known):
Perception: 1, 8 
Init: 20, 8 

Fuifui spotted the skeleton ahead, half-hidden in the shadow of an ancient tree. Its bony fingers clutched a rusted sword, its hollow eyes staring blankly into the gloom. It hadn’t noticed her approach. She crept closer, her steps silent, muscles coiled with tension. In one swift motion, she sprang from the shadows, delivering a powerful strike to the back of its skull. 

Action: Unarmed Strike at S1 unseen from invisible, Attack: 25 Damage: 28, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at S1 using luck (1/2 left), Attack: 21 Damage: 12, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 

The brittle bone cracked beneath her fist, the skeleton collapsing to the ground before it could even react.

Fuifui crouched over the fallen creature, her breath steady. With practiced hands, she removed the cracked skull, tucking it into her pack with the other ingredients she had gathered. The job was done, but she remained on high alert—there were always more lurking in the Silverwood’s shadows. (50 XP + 32.5gp from a shortbow, shortsword and a skull)

Fuifui moved deeper into the Silverwood, her senses sharp, scanning for more signs of skeletons. The air felt heavier here, the shadows longer, but she pressed on, determined to gather what she needed. Each step brought her closer to the heart of the forest, where the presence of the undead was stronger.

As she ventured further, she spotted faint movement ahead.

Encounter: 78
Stealth: 24
Init: 8

Enemies (adjust modifiers after encounter is known):
Perception: 6, 1 
Init: 12, 13 

A flicker of bone through the trees. Another skeleton. No! Two. Slowly wandering through the underbrush, unaware of her presence. She crouched low, her eyes narrowing as she gauged the distance, her mind calculating the quickest path to strike.

Fuifui advanced, her breath steady, blending seamlessly with the gloom. She knew the risk of staying too long in this cursed forest, but she needed more. The skulls would be useful for future rituals and preparations, and she couldn’t afford to leave without gathering everything she could.

With a quick shift of her weight, she prepared for another swift takedown, hoping this hunt would be just as successful as the last.

Action: Unarmed Strike at S1 unseen from invisible, Attack: 24 Damage: 18, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at S1 using heroic inspiration, Attack: 22 Damage: 14, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 

Fuifui’s first strike felled the first skeleton in the blink of an eye. But the kick that followed to the second skeleton landed hard, splintering bone, but it wasn’t enough. The creature staggered but remained standing, its sword arm twitching with unnatural life. In a split second, it retaliated, swinging its rusted blade toward her.

Attack: 12 Damage: 4

She barely dodged the attack, the sword grazing her arm ever so slightly. Pain flared, but she pushed it aside, gritting her teeth as she summoned her focus and luck for another blow.

With a fluid motion, she spun and struck out again, this time aiming for the weak point she had spotted earlier.

Action: Unarmed Strike at S2, Attack: 11 Damage: 14, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at S2, Attack: 25 Damage: 18, damage already doubled due to vulnerability 

While her first kick missed its target, her second strike with her fist connected with the skeleton’s jaw, sending it collapsing into a heap of bones. Breathing heavily, she stepped back, shaking off the tension. The skeleton was down, but her hunt wasn’t over yet. She crouched and added the fractured skull to her growing collection, knowing she would need to stay alert if she wanted to leave the Silverwood with her life. (100 XP + 65gp from 2 shortbows, 2 shortswords and 2 skulls).

Fuifui straightened, wiping the sweat from her brow as she glanced around the dark forest. One last skull, she thought to herself, then she would return. The weight of her pack was growing heavier with each trophy, but she knew the risk of staying too long. Still, something urged her to press on.

She moved quietly through the twisted trees, her eyes darting through the shadows, searching. The Silverwood’s eerie stillness was unsettling, but she had learned to trust her instincts. After several minutes, her patience paid off.

Encounter: 52
Stealth: 17
Init: 13

Enemies (adjust modifiers after encounter is known):
Perception: 12, 16 
Init: 17, 12 

(I'm upping the encounter to 2 zombies instead of 1.)

Ahead, two zombies wandered aimlessly, their decaying frame barely visible in the gloom. This time, Fuifui was cautious. She circled around, keeping low, ensuring that she had the advantage. Once in position, she took a deep breath, her muscles tensing for the strike.

Action: Unarmed Strike at Z1 unseen from invisible, Attack: 23 Damage: 5
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at Z1 using luck (2/2), Attack: 8 Damage: 8

Her fists thump into the body of the zombie but they are not nearly as efficient as they were for the skeletons, she sends another flurry of blows, first at one, then at the other zombie.

Action: Unarmed Strike at Z1, Attack: 18 Damage: 9
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at Z1 or Z2, Attack: 8 Damage: 8

It should have been enough for the first zombie but it staggers and clings onto its undead existence (DC13 versus 14 [was 14]). In the last moment she redirects her second strike again at the first zombie to finish it off (DC11 versus 19).

But - to her great surprise - the zombie remains on its feet and takes a swing at her, just as its companion.

Attack: 16 Damage: 3
Attack: 11 Damage: 5

Her surprise was evident as she got smacked right at her head and didn't even have time to contemplate what had happened...

Death save: 17