Scene: Battle at the Shrine

Introduction

The HFH have arrived at the shrine where Sister Renzie and Sister Othizia have been working at. There's a camp, but no sign of anybody...

The setup

A sign points to a pathway that leads to a clearing with a large sized shrine with camping supplies for two set up around it. However, Renzie and Othizia aren't actually here and are captive a little further in the woods. There are several goblins hiding in the trees though, waiting for an opportunistic mark to come investigate the unguarded campsite.
With a (DC 15 perception) check of the area, the players can see fresh tracks leading into the brush. Then with another (DC 17) check, they can spot one of the goblins hiding behind a tree, ready to strike. However, if the players enter the clearing without checking, the goblins will surprise attack, starting combat.
After most of the goblins are slain, or are reduced to half health or more, they will flee towards their camp (BA disengage, dash), alerting the reserve and the Goblin boss.

Goblin camp

If pursuing the goblins, combat continues. If sneaking towards the camp, the goblins are now alerted, with the original ambush group near the prisoners, and the remaining reserves covering the boss. Goblins wont attack their hostages
Tied up and muzzled near the boss goblin is Renzie and Othizia, with Othizia's glaive stuck in the ground about 10 feet from her (too large for the goblins to use). If combat is active, they will try to slowly wiggle away from the boss. Either can be untied with a (DC 10 slight of hand) or cut free. When one of them is freed, they will immediatly try to free the other one. Then Othizia will grab her glaive and attack, and Renzie will hide behind her (or her rescuers) providing healing when needed.
If the Boss is defeated, the injured goblins will scatter into the woods. Any goblin below half health will flee if they are >20 feet from the boss goblin.

Victory

Once all the goblins have been dealt with, Renzie and Othizia give their thanks. Dead goblins have scimitars and short bows, and the boss has a scimitar and javelins. Other than disgusting bedrolls, the boss had about 10gp in gold on him.

Post Script

On the way back to the Shrine, roll a d100, on 1-10, Vaessetertath lets out a "growl" to sound like a bear nearby. On 90+, Vaessetertath, falls out of a tree ~60 feet away from the party. She then dash-flies back into the forest at canopy height before anybody can talk to her.
Completion Date
13 Flamerule (24 June 2023)
Plot type
Scene
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Cover image: by IRPGuardian