Evergreen Hollow, 5R DMless

Falling, her head landed on refreshing morning dew that spattered al over her face and brought her right back into the fight. Ducking, she brought herself into position and fingered for her healing potion, and gulped it down before getting up with a vengeance.

bonus: 5 healing
Action: Unarmed Strike at Z1, Attack: 16 Damage: 5

Again the zombie staggered (20 versus DC 10 [rolled 12]) but remained on his feet. Groaning, Fuifui receives their next attacks.

Attack: 11 Damage: 4
Attack: 11 Damage: 3. 

She struck again and again, her movements growing desperate and wild. Sweat streamed down her face, and her breath came in ragged gasps. With each failed attempt to put the zombies down for good, her confidence wavered. Her strikes became less precise, her once-fluid motions now erratic.

Action: Unarmed Strike at Z1, Attack: 25 Damage: 13
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at Z1 or Z2, Attack: 21 Damage: 6

However, one erratic but powerful blow finally ended the first zombie that simply didn't want to die, or stay dead, or whatever! The second blow pushed the second zombie away from her (Tavern Brawler feat: Push). And she used the opportunity to bring some distance between her and the zombie as she hadn't noticed any ranged weaponry. 

And she was right, the zombie simply trotted after her, faster than she had given it credit for, but still slow enough that it couldn't get to her and still strike. She was waiting however, ready to blow it to smithereens. 

Action: Unarmed Strike at Z1, Attack: 24 Damage: 5
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at Z1 or Z2, Attack: 16 Damage: 8

Push on the first hit and retreat, that was her plan. Rinse and repeat. No risks. 

After the third push, the zombie was finally softened up and looked like it may go down (21 vs. DC 10), but it didn't and she continued her game of cat and mouse. Cat mostly, really, and one enormously stupid, fat and undead mouse. 

Action: Unarmed Strike at Z1, Attack: 19 Damage: 9
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at Z1 or Z2, Attack: 9 Damage: 7

The fourth (9 vs. DC 9 [was 9]) and fifth (23 vs. DC 10 [was 18]) round followed suit but the zombie was apparently too dumb to accept its defeat. Fuifui, however, noted how her bones grew tired of the game. This had to end. Sooner rather than later. 

Action: Unarmed Strike at Z1, Attack: 10 Damage: 7
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at Z1 or Z2, Attack: 7 Damage: 6

Two more rounds (9 vs. DC 10, and 9 vs. DC 11) but no hope in sight. Perhaps, she should withdraw and let it be?

Action: Unarmed Strike at Z1, Attack: 25 Damage: 7
Bonus: Unarmed Strike at Z1 or Z2, Attack: 16 Damage: 5

22 versus DC 12, and 11 versus DC 10

And finally the zombie fell and Fuifui slumped down into a heap herself from exhaustion. She needed a rest, at least a short one before she could harvest those and return them to town. (100 XP and 20 gold from brains)

Cor has barely gotten his legs under him and a read on the whirl of violence and magic around him before it’s all over. 

As Fuifui snips the arrowhead from the shaft, where it sits in his shoulder, he thanks her. He thanks Varnak as he stows his wand of magic missiles, too. 

Fuifui doesn’t linger long, heading deeper into the dark forest, until she vanishes in the shrubbery. Varnak looks after her approvingly. His face is less positive as he turns to regard Cor. 

They reach Evergreen Hollow eventually, and Varnak leaves him for the night, after collecting the bounty and saleable money from the skeleton’s weapons. What the general trader can need with all these poorly maintained weapons, Cor doesn’t know, but gold is gold. 

At the inn, Cor gives 30 gold pieces to the barkeep. “For Fuifui’s account, with my gratitude.” 

The dwarf of few words just gives a nod. The coins are swept from the wooden bartop with one rough hand, disappearing out of sight. 

Cor enters his room, his familiar disappearing to the other pace in a swirl of shadow. He sends his tome along with, unsure of the cantrips and spells he will request from the Ethereal in the morning. 

After a long trance, he reflects on what he can do today. Smaller game is needed, he thinks. A success before troubling Varnak, and seeking clues on the fey and the nature of their court in this region, and who leads them. 

Yes. He will hunt closer to the Darkwood today. 

At Evelyn’s magic shop, Cor purchases a healing potion for 50 gold pieces before setting out into the dark wood. There is a cave in this place, he has seen, and bounties for dangerous animals close to it that prevent and weary the adventurers who travel to defeat infernal enemies. 

Table 104: encounter roll 18

Quote from NycrolB >>

At Evelyn’s magic shop, Cor purchases a healing potion for 50 gold pieces before setting out into the dark wood. There is a cave in this place, he has seen, and bounties for dangerous animals close to it that prevent and weary the adventurers who travel to defeat infernal enemies. 

Table 104: encounter roll 68

 (Meant 102 for near Darkwood Cave).

Perception: 19 vs 11 passive stealth for bear  

Initiatives: Familiar: 21. Cor: 18. Black Bear: 8

The owl swoops in with a hoot to alert Cor to the presence of a fine black bear with its back to the Elven scholar. 

With his familiar’s help, Cor has time to plant his feet and aim. 120 feet away from the bear he is able to score a hit with his Eldritch Blast. That done he walks backwards 30 feet, expecting the bear to come to him.

AR: 9, 19

DR: 6 force

Black Bear (HP: 13/19).

The Blast tears a small laceration along the length of the bear’s back and it turns to dash 60 feet towards the elf, identifying him as the danger. 

Round 2:

With his familiar’s help, he repeats the same strategy of blast and an ordered retreat into the open wood and clearing he has passed through. 

AR: 20, 14.  DR: 8 force

Black Bear (HP: 5/19)

The Blast catches the bear above its eye and blood pours down its fur as it continues to charge another 60 feet towards the elf. If Cor’s heart wasn’t beating as fast as a bard’s drum, he might have time to feel guilty. 

Now only 60 feet apart, Cor holds his nerve. 

Round 3: 

The owl swoops in front of the bear’s face, talons outstretched to make it flinch and help its master. 

AR: 23, 8.   DR: 7 force. 

With a surprised squeal the bear stumbles then falls to the ground and breathes its last, 30 feet from Cor’s boots. He waits to catch his breath, and sends his familiar to scout the nearby wood. It will be some time but he will collect his bounty and then return to the Hollow, after this his first successful fight without Varnak and Fuifui. 

(Bounty:   20 gold for its damaged pelt. 100xp)

Fuifui stumbled into the Grove, her exhaustion visible as she clambered up the rope ladder into the massive tree. The warm light and inviting aroma of the inn were a welcome contrast to the cold and relentless fight she’d just endured. She approached the innkeeper, who handed her a small package left by Cor.

With a grateful nod, Fuifui accepted the deposit and reached into her pouch, placing ten coins on the counter. “For my room for the past three days and the next seven,” she said, her voice weary but sincere.

After a restorative night's rest, Fuifui awoke refreshed and ready for the day ahead. She hoped to find Cor at breakfast to thank him personally, but she knew her time was limited. Determined, she gathered her gear and set off early toward the Darkwood Demon Cave.

By midday, she approached the ominous crag of jagged rocks that marked the entrance to the Demon Cave. She moved with careful stealth, her senses alert to any signs of danger. The eerie silence of the area was broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant animal calls. Fuifui crouched low, her eyes scanning for any signs of movement or traps as she neared the cave entrance.

Fuifui felt the reassuring weight of two healing potions on her belt. Stealthily approaching the Demon Cave, she spotted two imps by the entrance. Crouching behind a tree, preparing for a swift attack.

As the imps bickered, she moved silently and lunged at the nearest one, aiming for a quick, decisive strike before they could react.

Fuifui's kicks struck true, landing two solid hits on one of the imps. Despite the damage, it continued to flit about, its resilience unnerving. Before she could strike again, both imps turned invisible, leaving Fuifui at a disadvantage.

Her senses were on high alert as she scanned the area, listening intently for any sign of movement. Her heart raced as she prepared to dodge, her eyes darting around the dim surroundings.

Suddenly, the imps reappeared, attacking in concert. They swooped down with razor-sharp claws and fiery breath, their sudden assault catching Fuifui off guard. She threw herself into evasive maneuvers, twisting and ducking to avoid their strikes, while her mind raced to find an opening for a counterattack.

As Fuifui dodged the imps’ assault, one of them managed to sting her with its poisonous tail, sending a sharp pain through her side. The other imp's attack missed, thanks to her swift reflexes. The imps seemed limited to either turning invisible or attacking, leaving her a crucial opening.

Grimacing against the pain, Fuifui focused on the injured imp. She took a deep breath and lunged, her fists flashing as she struck the wounded creature. She hammered the imp with precise, relentless blows—two strikes, then a third if necessary. Her movements were fueled by a mix of pain and determination, aiming to bring the injured imp down before it could evade her again.

Fuifui’s strikes proved effective; the injured imp fell to the ground, incapacitated. She managed a light blow on the second imp before shoving it away, creating enough space for a brief retreat. Breathing heavily, she fell back 40 feet, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of her remaining foe.

The second imp hissed and vanished, but Fuifui heard its faint, fluttering flight behind her. With no time to waste, she quickly uncorked a healing potion and gulped it down (+7hp, 12/17), feeling its soothing effects almost immediately.

Just as she prepared to dodge, the imp reappeared, attacking with renewed ferocity.

Fuifui's dodge was not enough—she felt a sharp sting as the imp’s claws found their mark. The poison coursed through her veins, quickly sapping her strength and causing her vision to blur. Her movements became sluggish, and she struggled to stay on her feet. She leaned against a nearby tree for support, her breath coming in labored gasps as she prepared for the imp’s next attack.

The poison's effects were swift and relentless. Fuifui’s strength ebbed away, and her vision darkened. Despite her efforts to stay conscious, the poison overwhelmed her. With a final, weak gasp, she slumped to the ground, her body going limp as she lost consciousness.

Having been gone for four days using up his torches and rations, Jackoby happily collects his bounty.  Then heads to….  
Location The Silvery Forest table 101 2 SK.  
Stealthy approach 17 vs 14 perception, Surprise.  
Initiative J 8 SKs 19

Surprise round.  
Jackoby rages throws his handaxe 11 miss

Round 1.   
SKs are ready however and pivot and shoot their dusty bows. Both arrows whoosh past.  
Jackoby draws his sickle leaping at SK1 17 slashing 8.  SK1 5/13hp.  
Round 2.  
Sk1 drops its bow drawing a ragged scimitar missing.  
SK2 fires an arrow missing.  
Jackoby’s sickle flashes missing.  
Round 3.  
Scimitar hits for 4 damage.  
Shortbow misses.  
Jackoby’s sickle slices finally ending SK1.  
He then rushes at SK2.  
Round 4.  
switching to scimitar SK2 swings missing.  
Jackoby cuts a beautiful Crit dealing 8 slashing.  
Round 5.  
Scimitar hits for 4 damage.  
Sickle just misses.  
Round 6.  
2 more damage from the clattery SK2’s sword.  
J swishes for 8 more damage ending the boneheads threat.

Jackoby collects his spoils and heads back for his pay.  XP 100 GP 40 level 3

Quote from cyreon >>

Death Save: 1 (two failures)

The poison's effects were swift and relentless. Fuifui’s strength ebbed away, and her vision darkened. Despite her efforts to stay conscious, the poison overwhelmed her. With a final, weak gasp, she slumped to the ground, her body going limp as she lost consciousness.

Ever since coming here, Yuno has been fighting bandits and goblinkind up in the valley. So today, she decides its time for a change of scenery. She heads back into the Demon Cave.

The Cave is deep and expansive. She hopes to find some Demons or ruins in there. Instead though, she finds an unconscious Fuifui with two imps surrounding her. Yuno wasn't sure why she had bought a Healer Kit (5 GP) before coming here but she was thankful that she did. "This is interesting" Yuno says before approaching the imps

Intiative:
Yuno: 16
Imp: 18

The imps quickly turn invisible, as they prepare for the fight. This however, gives Yuno a chance to move over to Fuifui and stabilize her with the Healer Kit.

Round 2:

Imp Sting: 7 (Adv: 21) Dmg:4 Piercing + 7 Posion
Imp2 Sting:7 (Adv: NAT20): 9 Piercing + 17 Poison

The invisible imps fly around Yuno while she does succeed in stabilizing Fuffui it might have been a trap. The Imps suddenly appear and sting Yuno. One gets her in the back while the other injects her in the neck. The poison overpowers Yuno. Her eyes roll up and she collapses.

Death Save: 13

Dak refreshed heads out to the same spot.  Seems like a bunch of undead there possibly and they need to be set to right.

Encounter table selection 1  1=101 and 2=102

Encounter check 38 If it looks too tough I'll select one of the encounters.

21-90: 2x Skeleton(100 XP, bounty 20 gp)

Dak Survival:  6

Dak Stealth:  17

Dak Perception:  14

Monster Perception check: 19

 Default Distance 30ft.

Dak Initiative: 13  AC 16 passive 13

Sk1 Initiative: 21  AC 13 passive 9

Sk2 Initiative: 9  AC 13 passive 9

Everyone sees everyone at 30ft.

Init order Rnd 1.

SK2 init 6: 13/13 HP AC 13

Sk1 init 4: 13/13 HP AC 13 Dex is better than Daks so it goes first.

Dak init 4: 13/13 HP AC 16 

Atk type 1=Rng 2=Melee 2 unless forced to melee

SK2 Attack: 20 Damage: 7 (piercing)

Atk type 1=Rng 2=Melee 1 unless forced to melee

SK1 Attack: 6 Damage: 8 (piercing)

 Dak uses is Relentless trait, if needed to stay at 1 hp.

MOVE: Dak stays in melee with both Skeletons: (spending 30 feet of movement; first diagonal costs 5 ft. of movement, second costs 10 ft., third costs 5 ft., etc.)
BONUS: 
ACTION: Attack with the Maul SK2: 11 Damage: 11 (Bludgeoning)

Reaction: Any available

Sk2 hits Dak with 7 piercing damage.

Daks moved to melee the skeletons.  Dak hits SK2 for 24pts of bludgeoning damage and drops it.

Init order Rnd 2.

SK2 init 6: 0/13 HP AC 13 Dead

Sk1 init 4: 13/13 HP AC 13 Dex is better than Daks so it goes first.

Dak init 4: 15/22 HP AC 16 

Melee now:

SK1 Attack: 18 Damage: 9 (piercing)

Dak uses is Relentless trait, if needed to stay at 1 hp.

MOVE: Dak stays in melee with sk1: (spending 30 feet of movement; first diagonal costs 5 ft. of movement, second costs 10 ft., third costs 5 ft., etc.)
BONUS: Second wind 9
ACTION: Attack with the Maul SK2: 10 Damage: 10 (Bludgeoning)

Reaction: Any available

SK1 hits Dak with 4 dmg and Dak's second wind gains him 3 hp so a -1 to his hp as he winds up the maul and smashes the skeleton for 20 dmg bludgeoning.

Dak returns to Evergreen Hollow proud and happy. He locates the job giver, an grumpy old wizard who lives in a tall tree house, who pays him 20 gp for 2x skeleton skulls.

Then he heads over to Evelyn's Magic Shop to sell the monster gear. 2x shortbows sell for 25 gp and 2x shortswords sell for 10 gp. Evelyn won't buy arrows or other ammunition, so Dak keeps them for another day.

He returns to his modest room at the inn, which is paid for through the week (3 more nights)

Rewards
20 gp
25 gp
10 gp
100 XP