Rangers of Shadow Deep: Animal Tragic

(Please note: this game was played virtually and as such I don’t have any photos to add just yet. Also, as I haven’t got time to write this up properly, this report consists largely of the notes taken by our faithful scribe, Rita.)

‘Holy’ Moses knelt, his prayers whispering through the trees. “

Assuage our hunger oh Gods. Grant us the will to suffer this thirst. Moreover, grant my companion Baldrick the strength to bear his unfortunate condition. With our faith we shall bear these trials and with our hearts we shall- “

Suddenly, a roar echoed through the clearing, causing rangers and their weary companions to spring to their feet.

Around them, high-pitched squealing and gibbering indicated that they were surrounded by Gnolls, whilst the roaring told of other creatures…

While Giles continued to work on his next homebrew mission, we took a look at another official supplement: The Menagerie; a two-scenario mission (entitled The Double Ambush) which starts off with Scenario 1: The Unintended Ambush. Over to you Rita…

The Rangers and Companions were returning home from an abortive mission and camped for the night in woodland. The party comprised Rangers Felton (Giles), Ethan Jugge (Alan), Bronwen, (Rita), and Holy Moses (Jon), with their respective companions Shelley (a Recruit), Hubert (Man-at-Arms), Yarra (Recruit) and Baldric (Recruit). The journey had been arduous so Hubert and Baldric were suffering from hunger and thirst, which reduced their health.

Yarra kept watch while the rest slept, when loud noises erupted from something crashing through the undergrowth, rousing the rangers except Ethan Jugge, who continued to sleep soundly. Darkness limited visibility so no enemies were immediately visible, but in the darkness a Bear chased by two Gnoll Beast Handlers had arrived in one corner, a Tiger in the opposite corner, and a Warden and two Temple Guardian Archers in the corner between them. The Gnoll Beast Handlers had lost track of the Bear and moved into sight as Shelley and Baldric woke up. Hubert emulated his ranger and snored on. A Gnoll Sergeant and a Gnoll Archer arrived following the Bear.

Ethan continued to sleep as Bronwen attempted to cast Fireball on the Beast Handlers, without success, but Holy Moses and Felton shot them down. The Gnoll Sergeant and Archer advanced towards Holy Moses, while the Warden and Temple Guardian Archers remained in one corner and the Tiger paced up and down along one side. The Bear moved out of the trees and spotted Bronwen. Hubert woke up and moved towards a clue marker. accompanied by Baldric and Shelley. Two more Gnoll Beast Handlers appeared near the Tiger.

Ethan finally woke up and followed the companions towards the Tiger. Bronwen fired at the Bear but missed.  Holy Moses killed the Gnoll Sergeant, while Felton wounded the Gnoll Archer, then finished him off when he attacked in turn. The Bear attacked Bronwen and Yarra and suffered severely. The Tiger and two Gnolls attacked the companions – Hubert and Shelley beat off the Gnolls but the Tiger killed Baldric. Yarra died fighting the Bear, and the Tiger killed Shelley and wounded Hubert. A Gnoll Sergeant and Archer arrived, while the Warden and Temple Guardians continued wandering around in the dark in one corner.

Felton joined Bronwen and killed the Bear as Holy Moses headed for the Tiger. Bronwen wounded a Gnoll with her bow, and Ethan unsuccessfully attempted to Fireball a Gnoll so moved to support Hubert. The Tiger was pushed back by Hubert, who was then killed by one Gnoll while the other wounded Ethan. The Temple Guardians and Warden remained lost in the darkness, but a Boar arrived near them, and the clue disappeared.

Holy Moses used Magic Bolt to kill the Tiger, while Bronwen pitched in and killed one Gnoll as Ethan killed the other. The Temple Guardians finally moved into view, with the archers failing to hit the Rangers. The Boar remained in the woods. A Gnoll arrived near the Boar.

Ethan used Eldritch Recall to Fireball the Temple Guardians, killing one, and Bronwen followed suit without success. Holy Moses fired at the Warden but missed, and Felton attacked and wounded him.

The remaining Temple Guardian Archer attacked Felton but was beaten back, and the Warden died under Felton’s sword. The Boar and newly arrived Gnoll advanced, as did the following pair of Gnolls. A choking ash cloud limited Ethan and Holy Moses to one action.

Holy Moses moved to support Felton. Ethan shot and grazed the Temple Guardian Archer, and Bronwen attacked and wounded him again. A Gnoll attacked Felton and suffered for it, the Boar attacked Holy Moses who killed it, and the Temple Guardian Archer died attacking Bronwen. Two more Gnolls attacked Felton who beat off one and wounded the other. Another Gnoll ran on.

Holy Moses, Bronwen and Ethan each killed a Gnoll, leaving only one survivor, who foolishly ran at the rangers. A Bear arrived.

Ethan and Bronwen fired at the Gnoll and missed, Holy Moses fired and hit. The Gnoll attacked Ethan who was wounded in killing the Gnoll. The Bear headed for the rangers. No events.

Bronwen used Magic Bolt to wound the Bear, Holy Moses and Felton fired and missed, Ethan cast heal on himself before supporting Holy Moses. The Bear attacked Ethan, who injured it. Bronwen attacked the Bear and killed it, ending the scenario.

Yarra survived, but Hubert suffered a crushed arm and Baldric died, which at least eliminated the possibility of his lycanthropy turning him into a werewolf.

The death of faithful Baldrick left Moses bereft of a companion for the next scenario of the mission. Will our heroes get their revenge on the Gnolls or will they fall prey to the deadly fauna of the menagerie?