Encounter

Area W2

Combat

Area W2 — Wild Den Encounter

A quiet clearing off the main path shows signs of recent predator activity—scratched tree bark, churned earth, and gnawed bone fragments scattered near a shallow hollow. Depending on your campaign's environment and preferred flavor, the den belongs to either a Wolf Pack or a pair of aggressive Wild Boars.

Approach & Detection Check

As the party approaches within 60 feet of the den, the primary scout attempts a DC 19 Perception check or DC 18 Survival check to spot the animals before wandering into their territory. Modify the DC based on the party's approach:

  • Stealthy Approach (+2 Circumstance Bonus): The party moves quietly, uses cover, or actively Avoids Notice.
  • Loud / Careless Approach (-2 Circumstance Penalty): The party is carrying active torches, talking loudly, clanking in heavy armor without sneaking, or freshly engaged in loud activity.
Critical Success / Success:
The PCs spot the animals resting or feeding before being noticed. The party can choose to give the den a wide berth (bypassing the encounter completely), set up a surprise attack (gaining a +2 circumstance bonus to Initiative), or attempt a DC 20 Nature check to pass by without provoking an attack.
Failure / Critical Failure:
The party stumbles directly into the beasts' defensive perimeter. The animals react aggressively to protect their territory, initiating encounter mode immediately.

Choosing the Creature Option

Option 1 — Wolf Pack (Moderate 3 / 80 XP):

Features 3× Wolves (Creature 1). Best if you want a fast, mobile threat that utilizes flanking, tripping, and pack tactics.

Option 2 — Boar Wallow (Moderate 3 / 80 XP):

Features 2× Boars (Creature 2). Best if you want tough, brute-force enemies with Ferocity that charge down the frontline PCs.

GM Pacing & Difficulty Guidance

Adjust the threat level based on your party's current status and XP needs before entering the Ossuary:

  • To Make it Easier (Low Threat / 40–60 XP):
    • Wolves: Reduce the pack to 2 Wolves, or treat 1 as fleeing immediately after taking any damage.
    • Boars: Use 1 Boar accompanied by 2 non-combatant piglets that scatter when combat begins.
    • Non-Lethal Resolution: Allow a single action DC 18 Intimidation (Coerce) or DC 19 Nature (Command an Animal) check to scare the beasts off once one takes damage.
  • To Make it Harder (Severe Threat / 120 XP):
    • Wolves: Add a Dire Wolf (Creature 3) leading 2 standard Wolves.
    • Boars: Add a third Boar, or designate the den as a territorial breeding lair (increasing all Boars' Fortitude saves and attack rolls by +1).