Editing Module One (section)

====5) Into the Woods (Combat encounter)====

Talking to the lumberjacks led by Hendrik Vaast (NG, Human Male)). Hendrik insists that something unnatural has taken root in the woods and offers to guide the party to a location where they saw a zombie.

Location

The forest outside of Barrenford is dense with mist, filled with ancient, gnarled trees. The lumberjacks lead the PCs down a winding path through thick foliage and muddy terrain until they reach a remote clearing.

As the group moves deeper into the forest, a low moan echoes from the trees, and soon the PCs find themselves surrounded by a small group of undead.

Encounter Details

The clearing is littered with broken logs and stumps from the lumberjack operations. The ground is uneven, and thick fog rolls in, obscuring vision beyond 20 feet.

Zombies (8-10) CR 1/4
HP: 22 (3d8+9)
AC: 8
Speed: 20 ft
Attacks:
*Slam: +3 to hit, 1d6+1 bludgeoning damage
Undead Fortitude: If damage reduces the zombie to 0 HP, it must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 5 + the damage taken) unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the zombie drops to 1 HP instead of dying.

Features of the Clearing

*Fog: The thick fog heavily obscures vision, limiting line of sight to 20 feet.
*Uneven Ground: The terrain is rough, requiring a DC 12 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to avoid tripping when moving quickly.
*Fallen Logs: Logs and stumps can provide partial cover (+2 AC) if used tactically.

Optional Encounter Twist

As the battle unfolds, one of the zombies bursts from the underbrush, dragging a half-buried corpse still wearing a merchant’s tattered clothes. A successful Investigation (DC 14) after the fight reveals the remains to be Yorick, Lady Elenora’s missing cousin.

Conclusion of Scene:
After defeating the zombies, Hendrik nervously suggests returning to town before more undead appear. The PCs now have evidence of the necromantic influence in the forest and a clue that could link the undead to Lady Elenora’s missing cousin.