E3 — The Open Meadow

E3 · The Open Meadow

The trees pull back here, leaving a level meadow crossed by old tracks and scattered ash-colored stones. There is enough room for a fight, but little cover beyond the low grass and the forest edge.

Encounter: Five Netherworld Sprigjacks patrol the meadow. Use the existing 5× Netherworld Sprigjack monster block attached to this encounter. They emerge from the tree line when the party disturbs the stones, damages the old trail markers, or makes a loud approach.

Tactics: The sprigjacks try to drive intruders toward the eastern path rather than pursue them into the water. If two are defeated, the survivors retreat toward the northern pools and leave soot-dark marks on the route to E5.