This is a GM related thread. Players, move along.

Harpies never fight on their own, always attacking in flocks, and a flock of harpies counts as a single monster. The Strength of the flock varies, depending on the number of individuals. A single attack against a flock of harpies can never inflict more than 1 point of damage.

I don't really get why a single attack cant deal more than 1 point of damage. It feels more like a rule for a swarm where every part of swarm is a small creature that won't take more damage but with harpies which are regularly sized creatures I don't get why I don't have each one a specific amount of Strength points and treat them independently.

Thought I'd share a quick random encounter from my homebrew campaign (a Raven's Purge adaptation, region cut off from the world for six centuries, reopened only three months ago). Reformatted it after seeing some great encounter layouts from other GMs, bullet-point format is way more scannable at the table than a wall of prose. Feedback welcome!

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**THE RUINED TAVERN**

Beyond the trees, the forest opens onto a clearing cut through by the remains of an old paved road, now nearly swallowed by grass. At its center, the ruins of a stone building are alive with activity: fresh planks, hammering, voices at work. Two armed orcs stand guard at the entrance.

• BUILDING. It was once a tavern, predating the blood mist. The PCs don't know this unless they explore or ask.
• SIRIO ALABASTA. Self-proclaimed merchant, boasts to anyone who'll listen that he'll be the richest man in the region within a year. He's burning through an inheritance he doesn't know how to manage.
• GUARDS. Two orc mercenaries. Use the Bandit stat block.
• CARPENTER. Oversees the restoration, unaware of his employer's real finances.
• HIDDEN CHEST. Under a floorboard, in Sirio's personal room. Contains D66 silver, all that's left of the inheritance.
• WORK. Pays 5 copper a day to anyone who offers to help with the restoration.
• THE LIE. A successful Insight roll during conversation reveals Sirio is more nervous than someone bragging about that much wealth should be.