Zman
 Mary 

Looking mournful,  "He chose me for a life on the road, but Hulburg was fated to be my destination.  It is here He chose me to bear his child, a child of the Cudgel and his divine grace." 
 
 Spoiler 

Yay! Second IC thread!
 
achinca
Miriam looks at Mary with a confused look on her face. "  Wait sister. Are you telling that St. Cuthbert himself was your teacher and he left you with child? Your son is a demigod? I am a little confused because I was told that the Gods do not mix with the mortal races and procreate. Did you really meet The Cudgel himself?  '

Miriam's eyes are wide open as she is trying to make sense of the story that Mary is telling her.
Zman
 Mary 

She pauses for a second, choosing her words carefully,  "It was the will of Saint Cuthbert that i was with child.  Though I traveled with a saint of a man, he was just a simple man, pure as a mere man could be.  He was Calric, rescuer of the Mace that Never Forgets,  lost Relic of the Church. Maybe you've heard of him....I hope he yet lves."  there is a look of fondness and loneliness in her eyes.
achinca
Miriam turns white as all the blood is drained from her face. She grabs on a horse's mane to prevent from falling. Her heart is beating really fast, she starts to sweat and has problem breathing.

She opens her mouth but no words come out. Instead, silent tears fall down her cheeks.

With a broken, barely audible voice she asks '  Did ... Did ... did you say his name was .... Ca .... Cal .... Calric?  

She stops as she faces another panic attack.

"  Ca... Cal .. Calric is the fa ... fa ... ther? What did he look like?  "

She looks around for a place to sit as she is about to pass out if she stays standing up.
Zman
 Mary 

Feeding off of the woman's despair, Mary speaks, barely audible,  "His...his...it was his will...Calric said it was his will. Calric knew, he always knew..." . Her voice grow more destraught as she speaks becoming quieter and quieter.

When Miriam asks what he looked like, the woman can't speak, she only offers the amulet from around her neck.  When opened there is a stong looking young man,  "Just like him..."  she barely squeaks out.

Mary helps Miriam sit on an old weathered bench, barely holding it together herself in the stunned silence of old memories.
Zman
 Moral's Armory 

The two young women, carrying armfuls of equipment enter the Armory of Moral. A stout Dwarf with a shaggy black beard streaked with grey stands behind the counter.  Looking at the mixed goods they are carrying and sighs,  "Salvage?." 

As you look around the shop, you can see many suits of armor, none of which are below the finest quality.  The centerpiece of the shot is a glistening suit of the lightest metal Chainmail.  It gleams with a tint that piques your arcane senses.
CoffeeIncluded
Wanting to be honest, Natalia quickly nods and says,  "Worth something...right?"  before stepping back and letting Mithril take over.
Athedia
Mithril placed the heavy armful down on the counter and sorted through it as she talked.   "My family deals in clothing and fabrics, I can tell you for sure that these are more than salvage.  Some are even the finest crafted orcish armor I have seen.  But let's make a deal, I think I have a skill that may benefit you.  Do you know all the magic that lies within the armor in store?"   While talking her brow furrowed as if she knew there was something she was forgetting.
CoffeeIncluded
Looking at Mithril more closely, Natalia notices something missing.  "Whiskers?"  she asks her friend quietly.
achinca
Miriam looks at the pendant and screms '  NOOOOOOOOOOOO  ".

She turns whiter than before and if it was not for the stable wall behind her she would have fallen down. She let Mary helps her to the bench as she puts her face into her hands and start sobbing. She cries and cries.

When the sobs finally subside, in a weak, low quiet voice, she asks '  Ca.. Cal .... He was my teacher too .... He always knew right..... He was so wise ... He always told hoe little I knew .... Tell me Mary, tell me about your quest for The Mace that Never Forgets .... tell me Mary .... how old were you when you met Calric? How did you meet him?'  . She looks at the ground motionless as she speaks.

The tone of a voice is monotone like anyone who has had their life gutted and losing all their reference framework to their life. Her mind is in whirlpool and she is not sure what is happening to her.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods in agreement with Valen's comment as he then gets to work on his axe.  "It is better than how they used to let us recover after the training halls. These little bruises will fade much more quickly." 
Zman
 Moral 

Looking distrust fly at the girls,  "Aye, salvage.  I can smell the blood.  Name your price, I'll see if they are worth it to me. . As the girls eye the armor,  "Don't get any ideas I know the magics on that there armor, and it's worth more than your life....which the wards are there to ensure. Don't get any ideas..." 
 
 Spoiler 

Using the appraise roll and the general rules I used befor, total the value and multiply it by 52% for how much he will give you.  You can describe the haggling if you wish.
 
Athedia
 "What's he doing this time?"  Mithril reached behind her to grab Whisker's by his scruff, but when her hand met empty air she froze.  Slowly turning and scanning the shop she examined the interior for signs of the weasel.  Figuring he must have stayed with Kurt and Shiny she started to turn back to the dwarf when a sudden wave of fear swept over her bringing her to her knees.  But as soon as she had hit the floor the fear was replaced with a calmness, a peace she had never felt before.

She felt all her troubles melt away, Linwood was safe, the orphanage was built, Miriam had found hope, Shiny had found his truth, Kurt and Valen where safe and old, and Natalia had a small workshop filled with inventions she hadd made.  She leaned against the counter these images playing in her head, this was pure peace.

Those who saw her only saw her give a small cry as she toppled and then lay against the counter smiling, eyes staring into the distance.

 
 Spoiler 
EDIT: I am playing empathic link up extremely in this one, just because of the situation.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril!"  Natalia's quick reflexes allow her to catch Mithril and gently lower her to the floor. Panicked, she waves a hand in front of her face.  "You okay? What happened? Poison, a spell?"  She'd been with her most of the day; she feels fine.

If Mithril doesn't respond, or if she's not lucid, Natalia gently brushes her loose auburn hair behind her ear. Then, about to cry, she turns to the dwarf and says,  "...Please! Help! Know what happened?"  The whole time, Natalia tries to snap Mithril out of it.
Athedia
Mithril started to come to, head still reeling from the experience.  She saw Natalia begging the dwarf for help, and managed to grab her arm. " Whiskers...something happened " 
Zman
 Mary 

Weeping, the woman does her best to tell her story.  She finishes healing the horses as she spoke, the routine spells acting as a comfort to her.
 "I was young, maybe 12...13 he found me...he saved me....he took me in...he taught me everything...I was pathetic...he made me something.  We traveled for a few years before word was given to him that a relic of Saint Cuthbert.  The Mace that Never Forgets...a glorious weapon.  Even Calric found himself too impure to hold it... We wrest it away from a dark Labyrinth to the north.  Vile creatures... Life into death.  A powerful sorceress lich..... I still have nightmares to this day....but Calric wasn't afraid.  I remember it clearly,I stood there with my mark of the Cudgel held aloft, pouring my heart and soul into it...but, but it wasn't enough.  Calric stood there with no fear, he turned the lich away long enough for me to grab the mace....I still remember the voice, it said I was not yet worthy... We survived with our life.  We traveled until we chose to rest here, in Hulburg for a time.  It was here I was...I was....  " . Her tears start to flow... "I was blessed by Saint Culbert.  It was then that I last say him, some 17 summers ago." 
 
 Spoiler 

She is curing a moderate, then light wounds on the horses.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns back and manages to ask,  "Okay? Where? Good or bad?"  She supports Mithril, helping her upright, ready to bolt out of the shop.
Zman
 Moral 
 "Miss, you alright? Do I need to call for a healer?"  as the dwarf comes hurrying over to check on Mithil.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Missing familiar,"  Natalia says to Moral in a rushed voice.  "Sense him where?"  she asks Mithril, kneeling next to her.
Zman
 Moral 

Standing upright at the mention of a familiar,  "Bah! mages.  Magic doesn't put coin in. U pocket." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stand up, the expression on her face suddenly going flat.  "Mages are...brilliant."  Helping Mithril stand upright, she takes the gear and says,  "Find Whiskers,"  as they leave the store.
Athedia
Mithril tried to focus.  If Whisker's where seperated from her he would head somewhere he recognized.  He never went into unfamiliar buildings without her, the last time he had there had been a dog inside and he had barely gotten away.  Her head was still foggy from his emotions, the shared feelings to strong to fully ignore.

On the other side of the square she saw the only familiar building.   "Boccob, we would go there to pray."   She braced herself on Natalia, the strength had started to return to her legs but the arm supporting her helped calm the panic that threatened to overtake her.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Find him,"  Natalia says as they enter the temple, trying to quell her friend's fear,  
"Promise." 
achinca
We traveled until we chose to rest here, in Hulburg for a time.  It was here I was...I was....  "[/B]. Her tears start to flow... "I was blessed by Saint Culbert.  It was then that I last say him, some 17 summers ago." 

As Mary starts to sobs, Miriam starts crying again, her voice full of pain and despair.
'  Mary, Calric was my teacher too. Our stories are similar. I was a young pathetic maid in a church of St. Cuthbert, abandoned by her own farming family. I knew nothing. He taught me every thing..... He told me about the search for the Mace That Never Forget. He told me the story about the sorceress lich. But he told me that the apprentice was a young man that perished. He never mentioned you. He said that was his biggest failure. He never mentioned fathering a child. He told me that I was his soul mate.  '

She stops as the pain is too strong. She takes deep breath to try to recompose herself but it results in more tears. Finally, after a lot of efforts, she says '  Where is your son? Can I see him? He looks just like him but younger.  '

She stops again and gathers what ever little strength and courage she has left. '  Mary, I need to ask you a very private question. Did he deflower you? If yes, how long before you ended up in Hulburg. He did deflower me. He was my first and only. I wanted to wait for our wedding night but he said it would be better if I had some experience. He knew everything as he kept reminding me that I am a simple farm girl who knows nothing. Not long after taking my maidenhood, he died.  '

She finally stops exhausted. Her life is unraveling in front of her eyes. could it be that Calric, the man she adored more than everything was not that he portrayed to be. He never mentioned Mary. He never mentioned his son. What is the truth she wonders?
Zman
 Mary 

With all of the information presented to her it appears to be more than Mary can process,  "Dead...dead....DEAD..."  she sobs.   "You??  But, Calric.....Calric would never...Ca...."   irratically jumping from topic to topic in an attempt to process what is happening around her,  "My son.... he is... is... off fighting.....the Ogres... I may never see him again..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Que another possible side quest?!
 
achinca
Miriam is taken back by Mary's reaction. "  Well, on his dying breath he told me to take his shield, his mace and his holy symbol and go do good in the realm. He told me to leave him there and I left him because he trained me to obey to him because he knew so much. I never looked back. I cried and cried. I trusted him with everything.  '

The whirlwind continues for Miriam. She has no idea what is true or not anymore. So many holes suddenly in her past, in her history. Has she been living a lie?

  What is your son name? I cannot promise for my group but once we secure Linwood, I will go find him and make him safe, if St. Cuth.....  '

She stops in mid-sentence as she suddenly asks herself the question ' Why would St. Cuthbert let her live that lie? Why would he allow Calric to abandon his son and mate? Why would he allow Calric to do such things? '

That crisis of faith suddenly hit her very hard in the stomach. PHysical pain is now adding to the emotional damages.
Zman
 Temple of Boccob 

As Mithril and Natalia enter the temple of Boccob they are met by a woman of advancing years.  She has raven black hair and is advancing in years.  Garbed in navy silken robes she posses a beauty and power of presence rarely seen, let alone on someone past their prime and no bigger than a child.  Atop her left shoulda sits a wall rodent...Whiskers, his fur the purest white.

As she opens her mouth a sound comparable to first birdsong of spring escapes,  "Greetings and welcome, I am Theurge Avaralynn, High Priestess of Boccob in Hulburg." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia only partially hears the priestess' statement, focusing at the mustelid perched on her shoulder. Relief quickly gives way to a flash of frustrated anger.

 "Whiskers?!" 

Natalia does not intend to offend Avaralynn, and she quickly steps aside to let Mithril get Whiskers and chew him out.
Zman
 Mary 

Barely able to speak, all Mary could get out was,  "Calric...I named him Calric...after his father..." . The rest is lost to weeping.
Athedia
Mithril paid little heed to the priestess, scooping Whiskers off her shoulder and collapsing onto the ground with him in her arms.  Curled up so she cuddled him whispering  "Boccob bless, you're safe. Boccob bless, Boccob bless." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thought you...were hurt! Something happened to Mithril!"  Natalia shouts at Whiskers.  "Why here? Alone?!" 
achinca
Miriam finds the strength to go kneel next to Mary, hug her and cry with her.

She barely has the strength to say '  I am so sorry .... I did not want to reopn these old wounds ... what reason did he give you when he left you?  '

She thinks to herself ' I wonder if I should thanks that old maid at the temple who taught me how to brew moon tea. I remember her words. If you lose your maidenhood before marriage, drink this after each deed. I never told Calric. What that a blessing? '

She tries to comfort Mary '  At least you got a beautiful son. There might have been some lies and untruth but you were blessed with a great child.  "

She thinks " Was she blessed? Or cursed? '
Zman
 Mary 

The woman continues to sob,  "He was called...called by Saint Cuthbert to return the Mace...for safe keeping." 

At the mention of her son her weeping intensifies,  "My son...now I'll be alone...all alone!" 
achinca
Miriam keeps hugging tight Mary, caressing her head as she sobs. She does not have even the energy to get angry. She is exhausted emotionally. She is thinking, ' if he did this to me and Mary, how many other simple farm girls who know nothing did he play that game to? How can St. Cuthbert let it happen? '

She whispers '  He never went for the Mace. He told me that was his biggest failure. I am afraid he abandoned you. He must have gotten what he wanted.  '

She stops knowing she is destroying that woman's past and life the was her past has been destroyed. ' Why does it hurt so much to live a lie? '

When Mary mentions her son again, she whispers '  Listen, I am with a group of good people. We are in the process of helping Linwood survive. Once this is accomplish, I will try to convince them to help Hulburg with the Ogres issues and see if we can bring back your son. If not I will go alone and hired some sellswords.  '

She tries to comfort Mary '  Listen Mary, you are a good person. You can, no you should move on. We will find your son. Remember, you now have a friend in me. I will be here for you.  

She says too herself ' Why is it so easy for me to say it to her but impossible to believe it about me? '
Zman
 Mary 
 "But, he left with the Mace...he had it...we saved it." 

When Miriam promises to search for her son, the woman seems relieved for a moment before her ters resume their course.  "Thank you."   she wails.
achinca
Miriam is surprised at Mary's statement '  But ..but .. he told me he failed in his quest .... I guess that was not the first lie he told me ....  '

She caresses the woman's hair as she adds while looking at her own mace '  What marking did the mace have? And what special power did that relic have?  '

She continues to soothe the woman '  Do you want companioship until I need to leave for Linwood? I don't think it is good for either of us to be alone right now.  '

As she comforts Mary, she realizes that she is doing to numb yourself, as much as it is to help her. ' If I take care of others, I will not have to think about me and what it means .... '
Zman
 Mary 

Realization dawning upon her,  "The Mace never returned?!"  Looking almost paniced,  "Saint Cuthbert watch over us..." 

She describes the  Mace that Never Forgets  in the best detail she can.

When asked about the Cudge's power,  "I'm merely an orphan and know little of such things besides what He has granted to me, Its a relic of some power and importance...and I swear on my Oath's to Saint Cuthbert that it spoke to me." 

She seems to melt when Miriam offers to stay,  "Thank you." 
achinca
Miriam listens to the description, making mental notes if she can.

"  It is OK, Sister. It is not your fault. He never had it with him when he was with me. Not sure what has happened to it. But right now it is none of your concerns.  '

She stops as she noticed something in Mary's speech pattern. "  Can I ask you a question. You keep saying "I am an orphan who known little of those things. Is this what Calric kept telling you. Because he kept telling me every time I disagree with him or did not want to do something that I was a simple farm girl who knows nothing and he is an wiser elder and must obey his orders and wishes. I always gave in and now I say it a lot as I ended up believing it.  '

As the horses are healed, Miriam suggests to Mary that they go back to her place. On the way out of the stabbles, she will ask a squire. "  Good Kind Squire, can I ask you a favor in the name of St. Cuthbert? Can you tell the group of adventurers that just arrived in town and own these horses that they have been healed and if they are looking for me Miriam, I will be with Lady Mary. Thank you.  "
Athedia
Mithril finally calmed down enough to process the changes in Whisker's appearance.  Turning to the priestess she bowed her head and said  "High Priestess, thank you for returning him to me.  But can you tell me what happened, all I felt was fear and peace, I thought he had died." 
Zman
Valen sits in the Hogs Head next to Kurt.  It's a rough little inn, but left to their own devices the two Barbarians weren't too picky, and this inn let them have their weapons out.

  "Where'd that damned little gnome go?  I thought he was following you?"  

Valen chuckles,   "Well just listen for the lynch mob..."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, she's relaxed a bit.  "Why here...why white?" 
Zman
 Temple of Boccob 

The Raven haired woman remained silent, watching the two young woman intently.  When asked about Whiskers directly she answers with a simple and definitive,  "I restored him." . After answering she again is quiet, as if her response was more than sufficient.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia peers closely at Whiskers; his muzzle seems to be wet. No way... She looks up at the priestess.  "...Drank holy water?" 
Zman
 Mary 

Walking with Miriam,  "I was only an Orphan...and he was so wise..." . She continues crying, most of what she says is unintelligible.

The squires affirms Miriam's request before tending to the Horses needs.
achinca
Miriam holds Mary by the arm "  You are an orphan but that does not mean you don't know anything. And his wisdom might have been great but he used it to lie and manipulate.  '

Again she does not believe a word she says applies to himself. She has numbed herself because she is afraid of the pain she will feel when she start drawing the consequences of what she just learned.
Cavelcade
Kurt just shrugs.  "If he needs us, we'll know about it."  He pauses, looking up with a slight frown from his axe.  "...maybe we should keep our weapons out?" 
Athedia
Mithril listens to her words and looks back at Whiskers wide-eyed.  Kneeling down she promised the priestess  "I will bring Boccob back any knowledge I gain on my journeys for this favor.  I am in your debt."   Standing back up she turned to Natalia, and noticed for the first time the armful of gear she was holding.   "I wouldn't wonder if the shopkeeper thinks me mad now.  Maybe we will have better luck at Victor's."  

Whiskers just snuggled into his normal spot behind her neck, the afternoon's activities having drained him of energy.  He wished he could talk to Mithril, and tell her not to worry about him, but settled for calm, sleepiness instead.

As Mithril felt the well known feeling she relaxed, Whisker's only felt like that when he was safe.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "Not Moral, find friend of mages,"  as they leave the temple and go back to the three stores.
Zman
 Avaralynn 
 "Boccob will hold you to such a promise made in his holy temple." 
 Victor's Armaments 

As the two young woman walk into the weapons shop, they are greeted by a jovial half elf who's scarred face and body clashes with his warm demeanor.

 "Welcome ladies, you surprise me with an armful of Orc weapons."  a wry smile on his face.
The establishment is full of weapons of all sort, some of varying metals.
Zman
 Mary 

Mary has barely the energy to respond to Miriam,  "But, but, ....I love him..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Forgot I didn't respond to this, my apologies.

Maybe a fade to black with Mary?
 
Athedia
After selling the supplies and picking out a tiny brown leather collar for Whiskers, Mithril started to head back to the other's with Natalia.   "Go ahead, I have some business I must take care of."   With this she went back to the temple.  She approached the first priestess she saw with a request,  "Priestess, may I take some of Boccob's knowledge from the books in exchange for updates on events I have seen.  My friends and I must leave soon and I wish to be of more help to them."   Whiskers, resplendent in his new collar, stood proudly on her shoulder, attempting to give more power to her request.

 
 Spoiler 
Takes the opportunity to copy Detect Thoughts and Acid Arrow.  And honestly I got the collar so I can cast a light spell on it.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia responds with a smile in turn and says,  "Better used...by you."  Victor seems like a nice man, nicer than the dwarf who rebuffed them after learning Mithril was a wizard.

After the sale, Natalia says to Mithril,  "...Okay." 
achinca
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Mary 

Mary has barely the energy to respond to Miriam,  "But, but, ....I love him..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Forgot I didn't respond to this, my apologies.

Maybe a fade to black with Mary?
 
 
 

Miriam does not respond to Mary. The air in tense between the two women as so much has been learned. She takes the woman's and sit there in silence, starting the slow and painful healing process .....
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia would have spoken to Victor, but she's still not too great at talking to strangers, especially without a friend by her side. So instead she offers Victor a smile and then goes to the general store to spend her share of the money. On the way there, Natalia sighs. Mithril left her behind here. She hopes it was just to speed up the shopping so they could get back to Linwood sooner. But still...

  Face it Natalia, this isn't just because she's a wizard. Mithril's smart, kind, mostly able to understand you, a wizard, and she's pretty good looking too. Nuts, are you nuts for Mithril?  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia puts the thought out of her head for the time being and goes to the next shop, the general store. It's tempting to spend all the money here on miscellaneous stuff, but she promised the rest of the group she'd share. So Natalia heads over to the specialized items in the back.
Zman
 Hogs Head 

A couple of hours had passed since the group had parted, it was now early evening and all six of them had made it back tot he Hogs Head.  They were all sitting there eating a hearty stew telling a brisk stoy of their afternoon before settling in for the night.

 
 Spoiler 
Go ahead and tell your afternoon story, then well get them to bed and let them wake up and get them back on the road to Linwood.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia passes around everyone's share of money, saying,  "Tempting, but I resisted,"  as she does so. She also hands Valen the two vials of Alchemist's fire and the tanglefoot bag she bought at the general store and says,  "...Bit heavy for me,"  with a somewhat embarrassed look. She's sitting next to Mithril, and the now pure-white weasel between them is staining his paws with a chunk of meat.

Miriam seems rather...off. Or is that just her?
Cavelcade
Kurt nods his thanks to natalia, sipping his brew.  "It's okay, Natalia, I'd just have had to break your legs if you kept it."  Nodding a bit, looking perfectly serious as he takes his next gulp of beer.
achinca
Miriam is totally absent minded as she collect the gold, not even mentioning her intended use for it.

She looks tired and sad and her eyes are really red. She kept starring at her food, without touching it or the drink brought to her.

Any questions asked to her would have to be repeated twice and she seems lost in another place. She will give a force smile and a very curt answer before getting lost back in her thoughts.

If asked about her mood, she will put a sad smile and barely say '  Church business. Not always pleasant  '.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't really buy it.  "Look like...About to cry,"  she says as Miriam stares at her food. She's been getting worse and worse all day.
achinca
Miriam puts her hand over her eyes to prevent tears from coming out. After a few deep breath, she looks at Natalia. '  Nothing really. Just some emotional business. Nothing to worry about.  '
Athedia
Mithril watched the conversation going on and smiled, the group was back together.  No-one had left in the last few hours and, she thought as she snuggled Whiskers closer to her, no-one had died.  Whiskers struggled indignantly, all this squeezing was not doing wonders for his image.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gives Miriam a significant look but says nothing about that. Instead, she says,  "Maybe...For Hilsfar...Food and family more than gold. Find a place for all kinds."  She doubts that distraction will work for whatever's bothering her though.

As Whiskers struggles, Natalia scratches him on his now-white head.
Zman
Taking the gold and potions from Natalia,   "Thank you, I'll hold these for you...but don't ,AKE a habit of it..."  
 
 Spoiler 
Just record what you've given to Valen to hold, I won't record it as he has a ton of unused carrying capacity.
 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head as if trying to empty it of the thoughts she is holding.

She gets up and speaks in a lowly monotone voice. She puts on a fake smile that even someone with a wisdom lower than Shiny would notice as fake.

'  I will retire to bed. Let's make sure that by tomorrow, when every one wakes up, they are fully healed.   

She approaches Valen and Kurt, who were the only one hurt in the squirmish with the ogres. She makes sure that all the wounds are cleaned up and changes the bandages if needed.

For the deeper wounds, she channels the power of St. Cuthbert. When she feels that both warriors will be a full strength by morning she stops and wave the group goodbye.

 
 Spoiler 
Anyone doing a listen check will hear Miriam crying herself to sleep
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

For roleplay purposes only (you'll see what I mean):
Disguise (including Disguise Self):  (1d20+19)[ 28 ] 
Bluff:  (1d20+19)[ 24 ] 

ETA: The bluff was meant to be a +9, not a +19, so 14 total
 


Just as Miriam is about to leave for bed, the door bursts open and a halfling stranger somersaults in. He quickly regains his balance and shuts the door, sliding his back against it and panting while looking around wildly.

Once he sees the warriors start to react to the intrusion, the halfling cowers.  "Ahhhh, wait, wait!! It's me, Shiny Shapeshifter, master of disguise and silver speculator!" 

Upon looking closer, the party can see that the "halfling" is in fact a cleverly disguised gnome, and a familar one at that. He's somehow hidden his beard and changed his skin tone, probably using a magical illusion, but there's no mistaking Shiny.
achinca
Miriam reacts to the perceived intruder with fierce anger. She raises shield and mace and seems ready to hit as if she could use the violence as therapy.

Once she realizes it is Shiny, she drops down her shield and mace and looks empty again. '  Good night Shiny Storyteller  ' and she goes to her room.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just stares blankly at Shiny and shakes her head.  "...Not even asking." 

In their room, Natalia looks over at Miriam, who's staring blankly at the wall.  "...Lying,"  she says.  "More than that."  It's probably got something to do with this poison in her. But...  "...Tell when ready." 
Athedia
Mithril raised an eyebrow at Shiny's entrance, but decided to process it tomorrow.  She was to tired to think about it now.  As the group went to sleep, Whiskers slipped out of her now relaxed arms and curled up near Miriam's head.  He had done so when Mithril's eyes had leaked and it had helped her.
achinca
Miriam feels the fury thing next to her head and she opens her red eyes. Sensing that Mithril's familiar is showing empathy, Miriam caresses his fur, whispering ' Thank you ..... '

She keeps petting the white weasel until he falls asleep.

She thinks ' remember, these are good people. Not everyone is like Him .... '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia curls up under the blankets that she would kick off halfway through the night. She has the distinct feeling that when Miriam finally lets loose, it's not going to be pretty. Somewhat uneasily, Natalia eventually drifts off to sleep.

 Spun straw gold bending in the breeze broken by stringy black

"Natalia...I..."

 "...Wait...I..." 

"Natalia...Nuts."

 "..." 

alone 

Natalia rolls over, her arm falling off the mattress, her fingertips just scraping the floor.
achinca
Exhausted, Miriam finally falls asleep .....

  She is standing alone in a circular room, just wearing her under garments. Sitting on a high chair is Calric, holding a powerful mace in his hand. Mary is chained at the bottom of the chair, breast feeding a child.

' So simple farm girl who knows nothing, what did you expect? You always been to dense to understand anything. I tried to teach you but you would never listen. You were my worst one. You could not even give me a son and let's not talk about your bedroom performance.. Now Mary, she was something .... '

' But ... but .. '

' But What? Listen, you are a simple farm girl who knows nothing and will obey me, your elder who knows. Understood?' 

At that moment, Calric moves the powerful looking mace and a bunch of pint-sized Calric appear and point at her, mocking her and calling her names.

 'So simple farm girl who knows nothing, do you understand? 
 'Yes Master' 
 'That's better. Now you feed that reject of mine to the ogre .'

The mini-Calrics rip her son from Mary and brings him to Miriam as a giant bloody Ogre head appears.

" FEED IT " 

Miriam wakes up screaming '  NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO  '.

She is all covered sweat, shaking violently breathing loudly and with difficulty.

She looks around at her friends '  Sorry .... bad .. dream ....  '

Mirima rolls into the blanket and curls into a fetus position. She keeps repeating ' I will not do it. I will save him. I will not do it. I will save him. I will not do it. I will save him ... "
Zman
As Shiny burst through the door, Valen looks at him crossly, then turns and slugs Kurt on his good shoulder...  "Told you it'd be a lynch mob."  

Valen thanks Miriam for her kind hand,  Watching Miriam go up to bed, Valen felt for her. Through his tough exterior he did not like to see anyone hurt, especially a woman....    Poor thing...hurting so...    his sentiment is redoubled when she wakes from her night terror.
Admiral
Once Shiny calms down, and spends a couple of minutes staring out the window, he finally flops onto a bed and goes to sleep.

To all external appearances, his sleep is perfectly peaceful and untroubled, free of the guilt or torment that afflicts the others in his party. But when it comes to Shiny, appearances can be deceiving.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia responds to Miriam's night terror by rolling over, and dragging half the blanket with her.
Cavelcade
Kurt just shrugs and flicks a copper to Valen.  "Sometimes, you lose."  The dwarf take a long hard look at Miriam, but the words get jumbled together in his throat and almost choke him when he tries to speak up. He gives her shoulder a light squeeze as he steps past her to go to bed.
achinca
Miriam tries to fall back asleep but she cannot.

Natalia has stolen more than her share of the blanket so she decides to get up and pray.

She goes into a corner and kneels. ' St. Cuthbert, I humbly asks you to give me a sign. I have learned horrible things done by one of your priests. I need to know why you allowed it and why you did not stop it. I feel empty inside. I need to feel your love St. Cuthbert. I need to know that you will not stand for chaos and injustice. Give me a sign. Talk to me. Please, I beg you. I am becoming a lost sheep.  

After that she goes through her usual set of prayers, holding her holy symbol tighter than usual.

When she is done with her prayers, she looks at her sleeping friends:
- Natalia, so smart and yet so unsecure about what she can do
- Mithril, so naïve and so serene at the same time, a breath of goodness
- Kurt, the quiet dwarf with the gruff outside and the heart of gold
- Shiny, the mysterious gnome whose life is much more complicated than he pretend it is.
- Valen, the mysterious warrior and sorcerer who does not share his thoughts and does not seem to care but has always been there when needed.

 Yes, I am indeed lucky. These are good people. When ready, they will listen.  

When Kurt wakes up, she approaches him and give him the same gentle squeeze he gave her and with an honest smile, simply says   thank you kind Sir Dwarf.  
Cavelcade
He smiles and gives her hand a squeeze, nodding at her as he shakes the sleep out of his eyes.  "That's the expression I like to see, Miriam." 
achinca
She nods back thinking ' Yes, these are good folks .... '
Athedia
Mithril hears Miriam's night terrors as part of a dream.
    She is entering Linwood, weary and missing her companions.  All she can see are the burnt husks of the buildings and bloody remains of the former villagers.  The scream echoes in voices of the not yet dead.
    Then a nicer dream takes over,  Whiskers glows, lighting the path through a dungeon.  When a skeleton comes to life to try to attack the group, he charges and bites at it, crumbling the bones to dust. 


The next morning Mithril awoke, the dreams already fading into memory.  She moved carefully so as to not disturb Natalia, and noticed Miriam talking to Kurt.  Trying to be silent she picked up her spellbook and went to study in a corner.    Which of my new spells should I pick?  I don't want to run into ogres unprepared again  
 
 Spoiler 
Level 0:
Light
Flare
Flare
Mage Hand

Level 1:
Mage Armor
Magic Missile
Magic Missile

Level 2:
Melf's Acid Arrow
Melf's Acid Arrow
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia yawns and stretches awake. Pulling on her armor and checking to make sure that all her weapons are in good condition, she rubs the sleep from her eyes and walks over to Mithril, looking over her shoulder as she prepares the spells.  "...New ones?"  she eventually asks, noticing that the writing in the spellbook is fresh and different.

Natalia looks over at Miriam, who seems tired and weary.  "...Okay...for the day?"  she asks, not sure if even that could be entirely true.
Admiral
Shiny awakens into a stretch, and immediately rolls off his bed. As usual for the morning, he is overflowing with energy.

 "City to save- let's get moving!" 
 
 Spoiler 

Shiny is still interested in carrying out the warmongering plan, even though they don't have the official backing of Hulburg.
 
achinca
Miriam gives a tired smile to Natalia '  Yeah ..... I am fine .... being on the road will do me some good .... Let's go back to Linwood ....  '

Her face looks aged as if she is carrying the weight of the world.
Athedia
 "Let us hope we took care of the last of the ogres."  Mithril looked at Miriam who didn't seem to have slept well.  Mistaking her expression for worrying about Linwood, she tried to reassure her  "Don't worry Miriam, we will make it back in time."   Gathering up her things, and reattaching Whisker's collar she waited by the door to the room, eager to head out.
achinca
Miriam forces another smile for Mithril, each smile costing more energy.

She pulls out a piece of dried meat that she offers to Whiskers. '  You have a good familiar.  '

She pets the weasel '  Thanks for last night. I needed it.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Looking at Shiny, Natalia says,  "Fewer soldiers, more stealth." 

Miriam doesn't look any better. Natalia walks over and hugs her from behind, burying her face in her shoulder.  "Just...Drain brewing poison inside...let...let it out,"  she says.
achinca
Miriam closes her eyes as she feels the empathy that Natalia is given her. She makes no effort to break the hug, enjoying each single precious seconds.

When Natalia lets her go, she turns around and smiles '  Thank you. I will. I will talk.... One day..... Just not now....  '

She looks at the rest of the group: "  To Linwood?  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and collects her weapons.  "When ready." 
Cavelcade
Kurt just nods, already having prepared himself to hit the road early.  "As Shiny says, we've got work to do." 
Zman
  "Agreed, we should move out.  There is no reason to delay."  


The party gathers their gear and moves to the stables to fetch their horses.

 
 Spoiler 
Last chance to do something in Hulburg before leaving.
 
CoffeeIncluded
After double-checking to make sure she has everything, Natalia goes to the stables. She asks Valen,  "Allies coming, right?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I think we're good. Is there anything we forgot about?
 
achinca
Miriam climbs on her horse ready to go.

 
 Spoiler 
She cannot wait to get the hell out of Dodge
 
Cavelcade
Kurt climbs up and this time pulls Shiny up beside him.  "This time, I'm in charge of the horse." 
Zman
As the group prepares to depart they look off towards the barracks and see Lt Arnot inspecting the dozen men that Hulburg is answering the calls of Linwood with.  Only the Seargent has a horse, though all of the men look capable and well armed.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Slow up, keep up,"  she says to Valen.  "If he says." 
achinca
Miriam looks at the forces assembled and volunteers in a weak voice '  Let's bring this force to Linwood in one peace and see what the situation is there before we plan our next move ....  '

She will go at the pace of the soldiers.
Zman
  "Agreed, it may be in everyone's best interest if we arrive in advance of the Hulburg...forces..."   Valen winces at calling a palty dozen men a force.

  Pathetic... they send us for aid and we bring what? A dozen men...  
 
 Spoiler 
Advancing us to the road by th end of the night.  If there any objections or other plans please speak now or forever hold your peace.
 
achinca
Miriam's eyes empty after she speaks and when Valen announces a different plan, she nods '  Great plan. Let's go!  '

She will ride in silence, lost in her thoughts, sometimes biting her lower lip to avoid crying.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks over the lieutenant and soldiers, to see what they're equipped with.  "...Thanks,"  she says.
Zman
The soldiers of Hulburg, the ,  are all dressed on matching garb that puts the pitiful militia of Linwood to shame.  Each man carries a used, but well cared for set of chain shirts over a faded red tunic, a large metal shield with the red crest of the Hulmasters on it.  Each carries either a long sword, mace, or flail at their hip.  Half carry long bows on their backs.  The Seargent and leaders gear is better tended and of higher quality and he has earned the addition of a worn half cloak over his left shoulder.

Lt. Arnot is wearing his polished half plate of the same theme.
CoffeeIncluded
Heh, there's a pretty big difference between the polished soldiers and the motley crew to which she belongs. Heck, Valen's near-naked like always. But then again, she supposes efficiency and ability trump appearance. These men are obviously capable, much better at fighting than her. If only Shiny had made a better impression with the captain...But she can't blame him too much; if he did that badly, then anyone else trying would have had catastrophic results.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods to himself as he and Shiny set off together. These really are fighting men - and hopefully they can help shape the more shoddy militia into fighting men. Give them that and some good walls and they might have a chance.
Zman
With a nod from Lt. Arnot the group sets off easily outpacing the footslogging fighting men of Hulburg.  It's a crisp morning, slightly colder than the warm stretch of weather that they had seen before.  If they hurry they can make it back by the fourth day.  The soldiers won't make it to Linwood till the fifth evening after the Orc raid.

 
 Spoiler 

Are you splitting off and going ahead of the soldiers?

You will reach Linwood a half day earlier, a full day if you push the horses.
 
achinca
Miriam asks to no one in particular, with that monotonous voice she has had since last night '  Shall we go ahead and reach Linwood before the forces to tell them the good news? I can heal the horses while in Linwood...  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "Time to plan." 
Zman
The group sets off, moving ahead of the soldiers and attempting to make it to Linwood in haste...

 As the  group makes their way Mithril, then Valen notice more Ogres.  There are five Ogres, all wearing armor and led by a particularly fierce looking Ogre.  They closely rse,ble the Ogres from the previous day, thick forms with mangled hair and squat noses.  They are barely 150' away and seemingly unaware aware of the group.  It looks as if they were planning am ambush of the road.

Natalia can hear something off in the distance, which is the same direction as Valen and Mithril are looking.  It sounded like a crash and a grunt.

 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler 
 
 Spoiler 
 (d100)[ 24 ] 
 

 

Spot check
Miriam (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 1 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ -1 ] 
Natalia (d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Valen (d20+2)[ 17 ] 

Listen check
Miriam (d20+5)[ 20 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 3 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 18 ] 
Natalia (d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Valen (d20+2)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia whips her head around the moment she heads the noise.  "See what?"  she whispers to Mithril and Valen, who are staring at the same location.
achinca
Miriam does not hear nor see anything. She sees Mithril and Valen looking towards a direction. She says '  What is going on?  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Crash, probably ogres,"  she whispers, making sure her crossbows are both loaded.
achinca
Miriam's concentration suddenly increases and a focus look appears on her face. Silently, she loads her crossbow. It seems that for the first time she is looking forward to the fight.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches the cleric with a concerned look on her face. What happened to the gentle Miriam? This Miriam looks like she wants to make something hurt.
achinca
Miriam's is getting more ferocious as she suddenly speaks '  Before we engage them, let me bring you the blessing of St. Cuthbert. It will make your aim more true.   Also, she looks at Valen and Kurt, with an wicked smile on her face,   I can make one of you a huge monster. I can enlarge your size and give you the strength of a bull. With your barbaric rage, you will cut these monsters to pieces in no time.  '

She smiles at the thought before adding '  They deserve it. For Mary's son!  '
Athedia
Mithril gulped, at the moment she was unsure if she was more afraid of the ogres or Miriam.   "Mary's son?"  She shrugged it off, maybe it was some part of the St. Cuthbert followers beliefs, so many gods had stories of offspring it was hard to tell them apart at times.   "It is ogres, four like the ones from before and one that looks meaner than the rest.  I can hit one from here, but it would alert the others to our presence."   She reached behind her to put Whisker's on her shoulder, his white fur in stark contrast against her hair.
Cavelcade
Kurt blinks, coming back to reality from the visions of the walls and towers and plans for the town that had been circling in his head while he rode, controlling the horse without much consideration until the Ogres are brought to his attention.

 "We should attack, then the soldiers can join in if there's any left."  He loads his crossbow, while getting his axe ready to be drawn quickly.  "Could we all shoot at the same one? and then Miriam make one of us big."  He grins at Valen.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Miriam with alarm.  "You...Want them to hurt...Because you want them to hurt?!"  What the hell happened to her overnight?!

 "...Mary's son?" 
achinca
Miriam takes a deep breath and looks at Mithril and Natalia '  They are Chaos and Evil. St. Cuthbert is against Chaos and Evil.  '

She takes a deep breath, as she pushing away opposite thoughts going through her head.

'  Mary's son? Will talk later after Linwood if needed.  '

She looks at Kurt and Valen '  Which one will be the Mace of St. Cuthbert?  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Attack to defend...Not...Not to see them hurt. No...No better than them!"  Natalia says quietly as she shakes her head. This is starting to scare her; Miriam isn't acting like herself at all. Unless...

She moves her arms and crossbow up in a defensive gesture.  "Under a spell?"  Natalia looks to Shiny; he would be able to tell; he puts everyone under spells.
Cavelcade
Kurt edges his mount over to Natalia, leaning down to speak.  "She is hurting Natalia but uh..."  He glances down the road,  "Right this minute is not the best time, I think..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods but glances sideways at Miriam the whole time.  "Could be hurting other...like she's hurt, but..."  Yesterday the poison made her bitter and hateful to herself, not others.  "Maybe...Spreading infection."  Regardless, Natalia has more than a few questions to ask Miriam.
achinca
Miriam laughs a cynical laugh. "  Under a spell? I wish I could just dispel it. No worry. It is the wish of the gods. And St. Cuthbert .... well whatever! The ogres die and we move on!  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "What...do you...want dead?"  Natalia asks, still unconvinced that she's not under some sort of magical compulsion.
Zman
Valen sits atop his steed, looking at the Ogres in the distence.  He crosses his arms and mutters in Draconic as he renews his arcane protections which he continues strengthening them to their fullest.

He answers Miriam cooly while returning the smile of the Dwarf,   "Make the dwarf bigger, I've heard enough about their small stature..."  
 
 Spoiler 
Cast Mage Armor, then next round Shield
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia swallows and says,  "...Group aiming first, then...Big dwarf...Heh, big dwarf."  But that doesn't do much to dispel her nervousness. Turning to Valen and Kurt, she asks,  "Retreat if dangerous? So many..." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Valen and Kurt. "  I could make myself big and help you flank them and give them a target to hit ..... and send them to the hell where they belong.  '

There is no sign of worry or sense of danger in her eyes.
CoffeeIncluded
 "And the smashing?"  Natalia asks, remembering the sickening crunch of their bones.

Miriam's so...so full of hate. What's going to happen after the ogres are dead? Who will she turn on next?
Athedia
Mithril shifted nervously  "Do you want me to send a spell their way?  While you enlarge Kurt that is.  I mean it will still take them some time to reach us and the spell will hit."   She tried not to look Miriam in the eye.  The woman seemed almost hysterical with hate and Mithril did not want to direct the anger toward herself.
Cavelcade
Kurt slides off his horse, nodding at Valen and Miriam.  "We all aim at the big mean one, shoot and then you can make me big, Miriam. I'll take the hits."  He plants his axe in the earth before him, taking aim then.  "If it's to be done, we'd better do it now, before they see us." 
Cavelcade
Kurt grins a little then, as he sees one of the Ogres spot them.

 "Too late to turn back."  With that, he shoots the first bolt from his crossbow, aiming at the big ugly looking one, quickly leaning over to reload then.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  Attack  16 
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  Crit 26
 (1d10+2)[ 12 ]  Damage

Edit: Sigh, and it would have hit for max damage AND had a chance for critical if only attack and crit were reversed. As it is, I think it's going to miss. :( Unless flat-footedness catches them!
 
Zman
As the first Ogre turned to notice the party, Kurt l
Squeezes his hair trigger, sending a bolt of death off at just the fight second, catching the Orge Leader squarely in the ribs, a loud road before it turns and begins quickly moving towards the party sounding a stampede from the Other Ogres.

 
 Spoiler 

You picked the only Ogre in Leather Armor since he is a ranger and isn't wearing Medium armor.

And with Bless, its a moot point.

Map in Signature

Valen Shields himself.
 



Valen slips off his horse, slapping it's haunches with his Greatsword as he draws it, sending the beast to safety.  He then reinforces his arcane protections as he steps forward to help stem the oncoming tide.
CoffeeIncluded
With a nervous swallow, Natalia aims her crossbow at the charging ogre...

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 
 


Of course it missed. Why should she have expected anything else? Natalia gets off the horse and draws her weapons, though she keeps it close for when they inevitably have to run for their lives. Assuming they aren't killed first.
achinca
Miriam jump off her horse and puts her hand on Kurt.   St. Cuthbert, give me the power to make this Dwarf an agent of you, a Mace of the gods!  '

Holding her holy symbol, her hand shines has Kurt significantly increases in size.

 
 Spoiler 
Bless: Round 2/30
Enlarge Kurt: Round 1/30
 
Cavelcade
Kurt drops his loaded crossbow on the ground grabbing hold of his axe as he enlarges, roaring at the approaching Ogres as he grows to practically match their size.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen and she steps back as Kurt doubles or triples in size. There's so much rage in her...
Zman
Valen looks at the giant Dwarf,   "That'll do, that'll do."  
Admiral
The ogres are still out of range of any enchantment, so Shiny draws his crossbow and fires.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (not including range increment):  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Confirm crit:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 


The bolt flops off of Shiny's crossbow in a pathetic misfire, and lands two feet on the ground in front of him.

Shiny puts his hand above his eyes as shade.  "Did I hit 'em?" 
Zman
 Ogres 

The horde of Ogres advance cautiously, each have drawn their huge javelins as they advance.  The sheer bulk of the Ogres works against them as they are forced to move around each other to attack their smaller foes.  Though that same bulk and size is what gives them a deadly reach.

 
 Spoiler 
They have all double moved.  Remember the reach of the Ogres.

The Leader has his Club already out, the other four have their Javelins as they could not capitalize on the same speed as their leader and plan on throwing their ranged weapon before drawing their massive clubs.

At least Kurt gets to fight on equal footing!
 
Zman
Valen stares at the the advancing Ogres... holding his blade strong, not wanting to advance into certain death he bides his time for the opportunity to strike...

   Engines of death...   
 
 Spoiler 
Valen Delays unil the Ogre leader acts, joining the other Initiative group.  Looking for a 5' step and attack, instead of a charge and AoO into certain death.
 
achinca
Miriam puts her hand on Valen's naked back. "  St. Cuthbert, fill that warrior of the strength of justice and goodness and the end of chaos. Create another Mace of the gods.  '

Her hand shines again and Valen suddenly feels stronger than he ever felt without raging.

 
 Spoiler 
Round 3:
Bull Strength Valen: 1/30
Bless All: Round 3/30
Enlarge Kurt: Round 2/30
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia makes an odd high-pitched groaning noise as the ogres approach and Shiny's bolt misses as well.
Athedia
Mithril slid down from her horse and turned around in time to see the ogre's leader charging.  Hurriedly she cast one of her new spells at the creature, watching a green bolt exit her palm and fly toward the ogre.

 
 Spoiler 
Ranged touch attack but I don't know their touch AC.  The SRD says it is 8 so I will use that.

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (2d4)[ 6 ] 

Acid will last 1 more turn, doing 2d4 damage again.
 


Seeing the acid hit, she brightened.  Maybe they would be able to kill these ogres.
Cavelcade
Kurt settles himself a bit, laughing and beckoning to the Ogre Leader, hefting his axe threateningly.

 
 Spoiler 

Readies an action to attack as soon as one comes in range.
 
Zman
 Ogre Leader 

The massive brute falls for the now large Dwarf's taunts, their natural hatred coming through as he drops his javeling and pulls out his massive greatclub as he charges the readied Dwarf.... As the Giant nears Kurts axe hits true, catching the Giant just above the knee as even enlarged, the Dwarf is barely taller than an average man.  As the greatclub comes down, Kurt's natural skill against Giants saves his hide...

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt AoO
AoO (d20+8)[ 16 ]  vs AC 13
Damage (3d6+7)[ 17 ] 

If he is still on his feet
Charge! (d20+11)[ 14 ]  vs AC 19 Seriously, a 3!
Damage (2d8+7)[ 21 ] 
 
Zman
  Valen  

Valen steps forward and attempts to finish the Ogre off, taking advantage of its traded blows with Kurt... Valen brings his blade in a grand upward sweep, splitting the giant from stem to sternum...

 
 Spoiler 

5' step
Attack  (d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Damage (2d6+4)[ 11 ] 
 

  Miriam   steps up behind Valen to bolster his strength as she mutters a prayer to Saint Cuthbert.
CoffeeIncluded
Bolstered by how quickly Kurt, Mithril, and Valen killed the first ogre (though more than a bit squicked by the gore of Valen's killing blow), Natalia reloads and shoots her crossbow, attempting to contribute to the fight however she can.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 16 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 5 ] 
 


The crossbow bolt slams into the ogre's shoulder, though unfortunately not deep enough to significantly hinder its movements.
Athedia
Mithril slightly cursed the fact the ogre leader had gone down so fast.  She hadn't been able to see the full effects of her spell.  Then she remembered what they where facing and hurriedly sent off another bolt at the farthest ogre.  Maybe this time she would see what the text had meant by "lingering effects".

 
 Spoiler 
Casts at Ogre 4 (within range)
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  vs AC 8
Damage  (2d4)[ 6 ] 

next turn 2d4 more damage done to ogre 4 (if this hits)
 


Her hand shook as she sent the bolt off and it wobbled a little in it's path, almost veering off.  But the bolt managed to right itself and to Mithril's relief it sped into the side of the ogre in the back of the group.
Admiral
Shiny winds up and casts  sleep , aimed right at the ogre in the front of the advancing gang. Perhaps if he dropped, he would be in the way of the others charging.

 
 Spoiler 

Will save DC 15:  (1d20+1)[ 7 ] 

Even if he makes the save, he'll be Unsettling Enchanted: -2 to attacks and AC for one round.
 
Zman
 Ogres 

Two of the Ogres throw their Javelins, one at Kurt, the other at Miriam before moving up at drawing their great clubs, preparing for a devastating charge... one inbeds itself at Miriam's feet, but the other hits Kurts enlarged form right through the guts inflicting an impressive amount of damage as the point of the javelin can be seen protruding from his behind his floating ribs, a deep scarlet begins to stream to the ground...

The third moves up, smacking the sleeping Ogre in the head and waking him as he draws his own club opting to wake his unconscious brethren instead of throwing his Javelin...

The Sleeping Ogre wakes in time to stand up and throw a javelin at Shiny in response to his arcane gestures... but thinks surprisingly clearly as he instead whips it at the naked Valen... but Valen is nimble enough on his feet to avoid the blow the javeling glancing off of the arcane protections around him harmlessly...

 
 Spoiler 

Attacks made with a -2 Range Increment included
Vs Kurt AC:19  (d20+6)[ 25 ] 
Damage (d8+5)[ 13 ] 

Vs Miriam AC:17  (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage (d8+5)[ 11 ] 

Vs Valen AC:20  (d20+6)[ 15 ] 
Damage (d8+5)[ 13 ] 

Nice sleep spell, had that not worked this round could have been very very ugly.

And look at those damage rolls!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as the javelin pieces Kurt nearly a foot deep. Frantically, she looks towards Miriam, wondering if the shadow over her has descended too far to help Kurt...

She also calculates to see if she can reach one of the ogres in melee in the next couple of seconds.
achinca
Miriam wants to go and hurt the ogre but she sees the crimson pool at the feet of Kurt. ' Keep the maces of the gods alive ...... ' is a voice she hears in head. " The kills will come .... '

Reluctantly, she puts her hand on Kurt while clinging to her holy symbol '  St. Cuthbert, let your divine magic infuse your Mace of the gods with heal to help it to continue your work.  '

 
 Spoiler 
Drop hold person (useless L2 spell against monsters" for a CMW on Kurt

 (2d8+3)[ 8 ][ 4 ](15) 
 


Miriam smiles as Kurt's enlarged body heals perfectly and rejects the protruding javelin but her eyes are still looking for blood.
CoffeeIncluded
As the ogres come closer, Natalia reloads her crossbow and shoots at the nearest one, hoping to soften them up slightly so Kurt and Valen can go in for the kill. There's still a bit too far away and a bit too large for Natalia to want to take them on without any magical enhancement like Miriam gave to the two barbarians.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+6)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 

Yes! It hit the first ogre because of Unsettling Enchantment, which combined with the +4 AC from cover makes the ogre's AC 18.
 


The bolt shoots past Kurt and cuts deeply into the first ogre's face.
Cavelcade
Kurt grins, then, a booming laugh echoing from him as he advances to the Ogre in the lead on the road, not able to get a good charge up with those people around him. Still, as he advances he feels the rage building, right before he strikes the first ogre he lets out a roar of pure rage, pulling down in a vicious overhanded strike.

 
 Spoiler 

Rage:
Power attack: -1 + 2
 (1d20+8)[ 19 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  Crit
 (3d6+10)[ 18 ]  Damage Should have another +2 from power attack, so: Damage=20
 
Zman
Seeing the now massive Kurt trading blows with the Ogre, Valen begins moving in a reckless pace powered by Miriam's divine energies...

  Valen   skirts around Kurt's melee to enter into his own dance of death with another Ogre.... Dodging one blow Valen deftly brings his blade deeply into the Ogre's side, nearly felling it in one blow.

 
 Spoiler 


Ogre AoO
AoO vs AC:22  (d20+8)[ 19 ]  Close!
Damage (2d8+7)[ 19 ] 

Whirling Frenzy 1/5 Bull's Strength 1/30
Once in range(Assuming not Crit and Instant death)
Power Attack(-2/+4) (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Damage (2d6+14)[ 24 ] 
 

  Miriam   follows behind Kurt, protecting the Juggernaught of Saint Cuthburt.
 
 Spoiler 
Miriam moved along to maintain initiative order.
 
Admiral
Shiny darts forward when he sees the warriors in battle with the pair of ogres. The ogres are injured, but it's time to take one out of the picture.

He splays his hand forward and casts a wave of colors over the ogre in front of Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

I think I can get this one without getting Kurt, yeah?

DC 15 Will save:  (1d20+1)[ 3 ] 
 
Zman
  Mithril  

Seeing the battle turning in their favor, Mirthril reaches out her had, finers splayed as she mutters an incantation, her words flow perfectly from years of practice.  Though with that practice came the ability to infuse her words with more arcane energy than she had ever before...  Two brilliant white projectiles of pure force fly out and crash into the wounded Ogre toppling it...

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril Casts Magic Missile at O2
Damage (2d4+2)[ 7 ] 

I changed her requested action to something more effective given the turn of events.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia cheers as Shiny perfectly aims his spell to cripple the ogre and Mithril rippling words manifest into two small deadly spheres of energy that strike the other ogre between the eyes.

Natalia flips the shortsword's hilt in her hand, ready to leap into the fray. They can do this.
Zman
 Ogres 

The two standing Ogres let out their bellowing roars as they engage the Fray...

The first steps up and around his fallen comrade to bring his gread club down upon the enlarged Kurt.... a thunder sounds of club breaking ribs can be heard as the Ogre's mighty blow hits home...

The Other pulls out his Great club with a smile as he eyes the mind trickster, a hated little gnome...  as the massive weapons smashes the ground it does not find its mark...only the gnomes racial instincts regarding giants kept Shiny from being nothing but smashed corpse filling a hole in the ground...

 
 Spoiler 

Both Ogres move up, neither can charge, neither provoke an AoO.

VS Kurt AC19  (d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage (2d8+7)[ 16 ] 

VS Shiny AC21  (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage (2d8+7)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing and hearing Kurt so badly hurt, and seeing Mithril's magic, Natalia rushes into the fray, bringing her two blades down upon the ogre Shiny crippled with his magic, hoping to bring it down before the spell wears off.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 2 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 5 ] 

...Holy ****. Critical hit. Max damage. Talk about overkill!

I don't know if I can do the second attack in this round, but I don't think it really matters at this point.
 


Natalia leaps up in the air, then strikes with all her might. As she falls upon the ogre, her fluttering hair and coattails and the outstretched shining blades give the impression of a swift and deadly falcon, diving in for the kill. The analogy is an apt one, as her rapier finds its mark and sinks in deep into the ogre's flesh, easily piercing its heart. Natalia lands on the ground with her blades in hand as the ogre topples over behind her.
Zman
As the nimble human girls moves to attack the fallen Ogre, one of its brethren whips its massive club at her trying to prevent her strike... the club connects with its target, but does not prefent Natalia from slitting the throat of the downed Ogre...

 
 Spoiler 

AoO From O2 Vs Natalia AC18
Attack (d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage (2d8+7)[ 12 ] 
Natalia takes 12 Damage

Also, since you are moving, you can only attack with one weapon, not both.  Only get all of your attacks on a full attack which includes two weapon fighting.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Though the ogre's club knocks Natalia into the air, and  hurts  (Natalia can't remember if she'd ever been hurt so badly before), she is able to recover. In fact, the ogre actually sent the rogue flying in the direction of the its stunned ally, and she uses that...unwanted boost to add momentum to her attack.
Zman
  Valen   whips his blade around in a vicious and quick mannor after he sees the huge club launch the tiny Natalia into the air... it was a fatal mistake, turning its head to attack Natalia allowed Valen in his divine powered Strength and Frenzy to sever it painting the ground red...

 
 Spoiler 

Whirling Frenzy 2/5 Bull's Strength 2/30
Power Attack(-2/+4) (d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Damage (2d6+14)[ 25 ] 

Power Attack(-2/+4) (d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Damage (2d6+14)[ 18 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes off the effects of the blow, laughing at the pain as he returns the favour.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  Attack Forgot about bless so that's actually 14 - and a hit, I think?
 (1d20+9)[ 22 ]  Crit
 (3d6+10)[ 22 ]  Damage
 
Zman
Kurt swing but his great axe meets only air....

 
 Spoiler 
He is AC 16
 
Athedia
Mithril grinned.  Her teacher's had been right, practice did improve ones magic.  Liking the effect the last missile had upon encountering the ogre she decided to send another.  Twin orbs burst forward yet again, racing and striking the last ogre, barely visible from her vantage point.

 
 Spoiler 
Hehe she is so way behind the group right now, but within 130ft of the ogre.

Damage  (2d4+2)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Panting for breath as the ogre's blow catches up with her, Natalia sees a quick flash of light as two more of Mithril's magic missiles strike the ogre. She turns back and flashes her friend a grin that she hopefully spots from that far away.

  Did she see my strike? I still can't believe I managed to pull that off. I hope she saw me...  
Zman
The Ogre engaged with Kurt takes an opportunity to strike at the young rogue.... his attack missing its mark...

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia is now in a square that had to have provoked an AoO from O3, I don't know how she moved over....

AoO vs Natalia AC19 (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Damage (2d8+7)[ 15 ] 
 
Zman
  Miriam  

Seeing her friends wounded, Miriam raises her mace and brings her vengeance down upon the Ogre...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Damage (d8+1)[ 5 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Still trying to catch her breath, Natalia watches as Miriam runs up and smashes her mace into the ogre's calf.

 "What...Happened to healer Miriam?"  she can't help but ask, though it's a somewhat selfish thought.
Admiral
Shiny leans back into another windup before twisting his hands in his usual arcane gestures, pointing this spell at the last standing ogre.

 
 Spoiler 

Casting  sleep  so it hits only O3, the last one standing.

Will save DC 15:  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 


The ogre succumbs to the spell and falls to the ground, fast asleep.

As soon as the ogre falls, Shiny holds up his hand.  "Don't kill him!"  he says in a harsh voice that's still low enough not to wake the sleeping giant.  "This is our chance for deception." 
Zman
Trying to calm himself out of his frenzy, Valen grits his teeth a look of utter clarity,   "What if he deserves it?"  
   Filthy creatures...it'd be much safer if they were simply gone....   

It takes a few moments, but the look of determination fades from Valens face,   "Haha..maybe you are right, he may be more useful that way."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Shiny and asks,  "And...Communication?" 
Her side is hurting worse; the ogre's attack must have torn something internal. She clutches her solar plexus with a whimper.
CoffeeIncluded
Still wincing every few steps (something's almost certainly bleeding inside; she'd never been hurt so badly before. And Miriam's right there...what happened to her?), Natalia thoroughly searches the sleeping ogre, trying to plug her nose at the stench, then ties him up. After that, she goes to search the other ogres.

She holds up what she finds, gold, gems, and two healing potions, along with their clubs and armor, with a smile.
Athedia
Once Mithril saw the last ogre fall she jogged up to the rest of the group.   "We actually did it again!  The soldiers will definitely listen to us now!"   Seeing Natalia's injury she tried to convince her to sit down so someone could look and make sure no ribs were broken.  To afraid to ask Miriam she quietly tried to check herself.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal Check  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 


She quickly stopped when she realized that she could not remember what a normal rib should feel like, or where they ended.  Instead she settled for trying to distract Natalia from the pain.   "Hey Natalia, I know you like flying.  But next time you want to attack like that, could you jump from a tree?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt hefts his axe upwards for a moment as the Ogre falls, prepared to disconnect his neck from his body before he realises everyone else has stopped. Then he relaxes instead, leaning on his enlarged axe and panting a little, shaking his head a bit as he still sees starts from the blow of the ogre.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Mithril, and then starts giggling. It doesn't hurt much more than it already did, so her ribs are probably okay.  "An unasked boost,"  she says with a grin on her face.
Admiral
Shiny scratches his head while looking at the gently sleeping ogre.  "Someone should probably tie this one up." 

He then starts mumbling to himself in an unusually guttural voice. Anyone who listens closely might notice he is practicing verb conjugations in Giant.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Already done,"  Natalia says as she finishes the last knots. She then looks at Miram.
achinca
Miriam hits the ogre but her frustration does not go down.

She sees it falls asleep due to Shiny's spell.

She stops and looks around. Kurt and Natalia are hurt but not in immediate danger. The ogres are dead except for one. '  Let's correct that  ' she says out loud.

She raises her mace, ready to crush the heard of the sleeping ogre. When it is time to pull it down, she hesitates ' You never killed anything and your first would be a defenseless sleeping monster? Are you that far gone? '

She hesitates, the mace vacillating as she breathes loudly, fighting an inner war.

She finally throws away her mace and her shield and screams "  AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH, you are so freaking useless ........  " She throws away her shield and her helmet before going to sit by a tree, burying her face in her hands as she starts sobbing uncontrollably.
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing Miriam's tortured scream, Natalia scrambles over to the cleric. Gingerly embracing her, trying not to put too much pressure on her injury, Natalia says,  "Not useless. Saved us...Fight the poison before...before it kills you." 
Athedia
Mithril was shaken by what had just happened.  She didn't know who Miriam was addressing but she had an idea that the normally peaceful cleric was angry at herself.  Leaving Natalia with her rope tying she walked over to where Miriam sat and just sat silently next to her, unsure what to say.  After a few moments of silence she awkwardly put her arms around the woman, holding her as she cried.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Anger and rage...Shout down kindness, but not fully...brought yourself back,"  Natalia says.  "...What happened?" 
achinca
Still crying with her face buried in her hands, she spat words '  Lie .... a lie .... my life is a lie .... my God ... Good? ... Evil? ... Why? WHY? Why? .. Why did He let it happen? .....  '

She is not reacting to Natalia and Mithril kind hearted and empathetic hugs.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes Miriam.  "What happened?"  she asks.
CoffeeIncluded
Realizing that Miriam isn't going to do anything except cry, Natalia looks over at Mithril and asks,  "Hear anything?" 
Admiral
Shiny looks around urgently, his eyes whirring with the formation of a plan.

 "When this ogre wakes up... It'll need to think we're collecting heads for a bounty set by the orcs. We'll pretend not to notice it for a moment and then we will. I'll taunt it a bit to drive in the message. Understood? 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia withdraws slightly. Taunting the ogre, this was a bit more malicious than Shiny usually was. When had everyone around her gotten so cold? Was she any different? She'd killed four creatures now. Conscious creatures, not animals for food, even if it was in self-defense, even if they were brutes. Orcs couldn't be entirely brutish; that half-orc child back in Hilsfar was no savage...And she's the trapsmith. And here, she'll be using her snares and spikes to kill.

Natalia goes quiet.
Zman
  "We could simply ask it where the rest of its clan or group are and bring the same justice to them?"    Valen says with a sigh, obviously fatigued from the battle and not in the mood to dally with the Gnome's plans of misinformations.

The massive brute is now tied up with Natalia's skillful rope work as the group stands around discussing their upcoming plans.  The soldiers are still the better part of an hour behind them.
CoffeeIncluded
 "...That's suicide!"  Natalia says sharply. They may have managed this fight, but only because there were six of them. And besides, hunting was different.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
   "We could simply ask it where the rest of its clan or group are and bring the same justice to them?"    Valen says with a sigh, obviously fatigued from the battle and not in the mood to dally with the Gnome's plans of misinformations. 
 

 "Ah, but did I mention you get the best part?"  says Shiny, ever the consummate salesman.  "You get to chop off the heads of this ogre's comrades in front of his eyes!" 

Shiny suddenly turns to Kurt, as though he just remembered him.  "Oh... you can cut some heads off too if you want,"  as though the dwarf had just asked for the privilege.

The gnome spins on his heel and turns to the three women, fully prepared to explain their part in the charade. Seeing Miriam wiping away tears, Mithril painfully trying to comfort her, and Natalia growing squeamish with the entire plan, he slowly deflates.  "Well..., we can handle this one on our own. Kurt, Valen, places. Only start chopping once the giant awakens. Your cue is 'The orc chieftain said we'd get sixty a head'." 

He pauses and waits for the ogre to awake, only a single eye watching while he pretends to look in another direction.
CoffeeIncluded
Staring at Shiny's gleeful though of violence and shaking, Natalia turns to Mithril and asks, almost frantically,  "Unnatural anger? You or me too? Different thoughts, shadow red blood claw make them hurt thoughts?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks at Shiny, then frowns and shakes his head.  "You take care of this. These are beaten."  He goes over to Miriam, then, very carefully sitting beside her and resting his enlarged axe across his knees.  "Without you, I would be dead. Dead more than once, probably." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Team mom,"  Natalia adds quietly.
Athedia
Mithril continued holding Miriam in her arms.   "Remember those lizardmen, you made it  so their javelin didn't even leave a scar."   She was tired from the events of the day, and this exhaustion made it harder to understand Natalia's concerns.   "The ogres are dead, we aren't.  I am glad of that.  I think Shiny is just trying to prevent more death, of everyone in the long run." 
achinca
Miriam sobs '  I can't .... I thought killing it would help but I could not .... I can't  '

Still holding Mithril tight, she buries herself against the enlarged dwarf like a kitten would do to a human.
CoffeeIncluded
Somewhat nervously, Natalia pats Miriam's shoulder and says,  "Can't kill feelings...Better to drain infections." 
Zman
Looking at Shiny, no amusement in his eyes,   "If you believe I enjoy dismembering corpses, you are sorely mistaken..."  

Valen moves off to recover his and the others horses, tieing them to a nearby tree.

 
 Spoiler 

Take 10 Ride for a 14.  Shouldn't take long.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up and asks,  "Wait for lieutenant?" 
Zman
Two minutes have passed.  Valen and Kurt look as if they are refreshed after expending so much energy in so short a time.  Miriam is sobbing and distraught, but remembers the pain her companions are in summoning just enough faith in Saint Cuthbert to mend their wounds, most of her energy spent.  Shiny is quickly refreshing his lines and preparing the stage for his performance.  Mithril and Natalia are busy giving emotional support to the cracking Miriam.

 
 Spoiler 

Last chance for a bit of IC before advancing things.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stretches a bit as the wound heals, and whatever the ogre split open knits together.  "Thank you. Good is true deep down,"  she says.

Some time during the two minutes Natalia did reload her light crossbow. Though she figures it's not necessary, what with the ogres dead and with Valen and Kurt still under Miriam's magical protection (how long does that last for anyway?) she does it anyway. After all, Natalia's rather cautious and thorough, as anyone working with traps learns to be.
Cavelcade
Eventually Kurt sighs and stands again.  "I don't like it, Shiny, but I'll help you."  He picks up his axe and goes to stand over the Ogre Leader, his hands resting on the butt of his axe as he waits for the Ogre to awaken, his expression disturbingly blank for now.
Zman
The group is scattered and debating the merits of Sinys plan when a loud crash of more Ogres can be heard coming from the North.  Only four this time, but their leader looks even scarier than the last as he wields a large weapon in each hand.  The other three are equipped like the other grunts you've encountered before.

Their eyes are alight with fire and hatred as they close on the group.  Will our hearty adventurers summon the spirit to wade into battle yet again?

 
 Spoiler 

They had surprise, and all used their actions to move up.  The entire party won initiative, see OoC for Initiative order.
 
achinca
Miriam's sobs finally stops. She gives big strong hug to Mithril and whispers in her ear "  Thank you Sister  ".

She gets up and plant a big kiss on Kurt's forehead, even if that mean she has t  get on her tippie toes '  Thank you Sir Kurt  '.

She approaches Natalia and rubs her hair in a friendly way. "  I am sorry for losing it. I just learned some news ... well, not very good .... anyway, I am really sorry ....  '

She touches Natalia while lifting her holy symbol to heal her.

 
 Spoiler 
Drop Bless water  for CLW  (1d8+5)[ 8 ]  - forgot augmented healing last time
 


After that she goes toward the huge dwarf and smile '  healing time Sir  " and touches his wounds to heal them.

 
 Spoiler 
Drop summon monster II for CMW  (2d8+7)[ 9 ] 
 


After that, she stands away for the ogre and Shiny, afraid that her emotional instability would hurt the gnome far fetched plan.
achinca
Miriam sees the ogres coming and her blood freezes in her veins. ' So St. Cuthbert, is this the way it is? You give on one hand and take on the others? Do you want my life because I know you covert a perverted sick old man going around taking naive young girl maidenhood in your name? ' she hears an angry voice in herher.

She shakes her head trying to push away the thoughts 'N  ot now please .....  " she says out loud to herself. She lowers her head and when she raises it, the kind loud that had returned after the tears has been replaced by a cold expressions.

'  We cannot out run them. Even if we do with the horses, they might take down Linwood support forces. Let's see if Shiny can put some asleep. I can try to stun some. I wish you did not waste your precious spell, you stupid girl  " she says to herself.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and smiles as Miriam heals her, but it's wiped from her face as she hears the ogres.

 "Oh ****." 

Her mind is made up; without Miriam's spells they can't win this fight. She stands up and says,  "Double tap and run!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt takes a five foot step to the left and then settles in place, readying his weapons not just to protect but also to keep himself safe.

 "Everyone get behind me and shoot!" 
 
 Spoiler 

He starts fighting defensively: -4 to attack rolls, +2 to AC.
 
Admiral
Shiny reacts to the newcomers by sprinting away from the bound orc and behind the massive bulk of Kurt. His face shows neither fear nor calm- only the frenzied fury of  action .

He aims his crossbow between the oversized dwarf's legs and shoots.

 
 Spoiler 

Looking to have cover behind Kurt. Aims shot at OL.

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Confirm crit:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Damage:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stares in disbelief as the group decides to stay and fight.  "...Joking, right? Please, say it's...a joke."  She sighs. As much as she wants to run for it, she's not going to leave them to die...

Natalia shoots the crossbow bolt at the nastiest ogre, then ducks behind Kurt, knowing that the bolt will miss like it usually does.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 2 ] 
 


The bolt hits, but it doesn't do more than a scratch...
achinca
Miriam pulls out a little bit of silver from her pouch and makes a circle around Kurt. '  Now St. Cuthbert grants this warrior more protection against the evil that is threatening us!  '

 
 Spoiler 
Cast protection from evil on Kurt
 


After that, she will pull up her wand and hit the back of Kurt with it.

 
 Spoiler 
Wand of CLW:  (1d8+5)[ 7 ] 
Charges left: 49
 


She yells at Natalia '  Sharpshooter! My crossbow is loaded. Bury the bolt down that creature throat!  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia almost glares at Miriam.  "No...Offense to Kurt, but...But..I needed that more!" 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia. The harsh look in her eyes disappears for a second before reappearing. '  Just don't engage. Shoot from afar. Let me heal. Wait for one of the spells to disable them. Just don't get yourself killed.  

The kind look reappears and with a begging voice, Miriam concludes '  Please? I really need you, all of you right now .....  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and says,  "Still say we run. Foolish to be here." 

She also takes the items she gave to Valen from him and hands them over to Mithril, saying,  "Fire jugs and sticky good. Valen slashes, you hinder." 
achinca
Miriam kind look disappears again '  Run if you must girl! I will not abandon the others and fails that test  !'

She yells '  Valen! Kurt! how about we smash the sleeping one? No need to have him wake up and hurt us?  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not leaving you!"  Natalia shouts.  "All together, but not a test, just survival!" 
achinca
Miriam replies with an insane (EVIL DM) laughs "  What is survival anything else but a test?  "
Zman
As the Ogres approach the party begins to scramble into action.  Both Shiny and Natalia let loose bolts from their crossbows managing to strike home on the massive Ogre.  Miriam calls on Saint. Cuthbert to protect Kurt from evil enhancing the now Divine Juggernaut.

Mithril casts a quick spell before making sure that her light crossbow is loading, preparing to loose a bolt at her first opportunity.

Valen moves off, faster than most people could on foot as he now stands out in front of the two furthest Ogres, seemingly taunting them to attack him over the rest of the party,   &lt;Draconic&gt;"Filthy Stupid Idiots!"&lt;Draconic&gt;   Valen bellows, seemingly unafraid.

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt is delaying a defensive strike.

I let Shiny shoot before moving, it depends on where he was if the Ogre would have cover, if no only partial and Shiny should have hit anyway.

Good threat Natalia!  Every little bit helps.

Miriam buffed Kurt even more, should be long enough to handle the first Ogres.

Mithril cast Mage Armor and loaded her crossbow.

Valen is trying to draw them off.
 
Athedia
Mithril cast one of her few remaining spells to protect herself, hoping it didn't have to be used.     Why, why, why... Everything was going so well.  I don't want to die, not here not now    Hands shaking, she turned to the her last resort, pulling out her crossbow and praying as she loaded it.    Boccob, I have so much to learn yet.  Don't let me end here.  I still owe you my journey, my stories.  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia places the two flasks of alchemists' fire and the tanglefoot bag in Mithril's trembling hands and says,  "Fire jugs, sticky goo. If you need it." 

Her hands linger on Mithril's a bit longer than is strictly necessary.
Athedia
Mithril stared at the ogres as Natalia slipped the supplies into her hands.  As the girl did so Mithril grabbed her hand  "Don't die, please don't die." 
Zman
 Ogres 

With their range the Ogres do little but advance, being careful not to expose themselves as the move forward.  The trees and forest making it impossible for them to charge...

 
 Spoiler 

All Ogres double move.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt grins and steps forward then, going straight for the leader, trusting in Miriam for his defense.

 
 Spoiler 

5' step forward
Power attack: -1 +2
 (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 15 ]  Crit
 (3d6+9)[ 15 ]  Damage
 


He grimaces angrily as the Ogre avoids his attack, just.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  forgot bless +1
Crit  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage  (1d8)[ 5 ] 

By the way, since I didn't get to specify because Zman ran my action for me. I wanted to share Mage Armor with Whiskers, is that okay?
 


Mithril twitched and her bolt spun off into the ogre.  When she saw the small spurt of blood she grimaced.  It didn't look like the bolt had done much damage.  She quickly reloaded her crossbow and prepared to shoot again.
Zman
Mithril steps to the side and lets loose another bolt, the quarrel finding its mark followed by hurriedly reloading her spend crossbow...

 
 Spoiler 

Moved Mithril a 5' step on the map, otherwise she would have been granting the Ogre cover.  Simple fix, nice shot!
 
Zman
  Miriam   keeps close to Kurt and pulls out a slender wooden rod, touching the back of Kurts legs and knitting the remainder of his wounds..
Zman
  Valen continues to run away from his friends and allies letting the huge behemoths give chase...  
 
 Spoiler 

More movement, we'll see if they can catch me and hit me when they do!  At least I bought a solid two rounds for us.
 
Admiral
Shiny looks over the violent tableau, his keen eyes running through options. The dual-wielding beast is too big and beefy to put to sleep, but he might just be able to stun it for a moment...

He dashes over past Natalia, splays out his palm, and unleashes a rainbow of colors over the ogre leader.

 
 Spoiler 

Casting  color spray  so it hits OL. If it works, he'll be stunned for a round, have a total of -4 to AC (Unsettling Enchantment!), and will be flat-footed, making this the perfect chance for a full round pair of sneak attacks from Natalia, while also stopping him from killing any of us with that pair of deadly weapons.

I do not know his will save but will pretend it is +1, ZMan can add to it as necessary:

 (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 
Zman
Shiny steps out and whips up his hand in a scintilating spray of colors, the Ogre Brute reels, unable to shield its eyes with its two maces as Kurt's axe strikes home.
Zman
  Natalia   steps up and attemps to deliver two lethal blows....

 
 Spoiler 

Holding a spot, will post the Ogre rounds to keep things moving.  Waiting on Coffee.....who thought?!
 
Zman
 Ogres 

The two Ogres chasing Valen close in, the closes dropping his Javelin in favor of his greatclub to bash in the quick Human's skull... The other keeps his Javelins at the ready as he has yet to close the gap, but covers the route back to his allies...


Another Ogre steps past its stunned leader pulling out its huge club and attempts to pancake Shiny....

 
 Spoiler 

Attack! vs Shiny AC21  (d20+9)[ 16 ] (+9, the SRD doesn't include their Weapon Focus, I've been underplaying Ogres this whole time by a +1)
Damage (2d8+7)[ 16 ] 
 
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
post copied from the OOC thread to confirm the roll
 


Miriam puts her hand on Natalia's face and with a motherly smile touches her with the wand '  Here you go little sister. As good as new!  '

 
 Spoiler 
(1d8+5)[ 12 ]

Charges left: 48
 
CoffeeIncluded
Seizing on Shiny's opening, Natalia leaps forward with both weapons to attack the brute.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 3 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 4 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 2 ] 
 


Without the aerial momentum, Natalia's attack doesn't do nearly as much damage as she would have hoped.
Cavelcade
Kurt grins as the weapons drop from the Ogre's hand and brings his axe up in a wicked arc.

 
 Spoiler 

power attack: -1 +2
 (1d20+8)[ 18 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 15 ]  Crit
 (3d6+9)[ 17 ]  Damage
 


He manages to drive the edge in under the Ogre's armour and thick hide, pushing it deep into the beast's gut before it almost sticks and he has to withdraw it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't help but grin a bit as Kurt fells the lead ogre. Maybe they can get out of this after all.
Zman
  Valen  . Darts back down the road attempting to evade the swings of the Ogres as he leaves them in the dust.... But is impaled completely through the leg by a javelin as he runs by barely staying on his feet.

 
 Spoiler 

Run to Z15 Can someone please move him with 70' of movement to spare!

AoO
Attack (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Damage (2d8+7)[ 18 ] 

AoO
Attack (d20+5)[ 25 ] Improvised Weapon-Javelin
Damage (d8+5)[ 12 ] 


This could be bad.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 (Assuming that Shiny hit the other nearby ogre with a color spray; if not I'll probably revise this if that's allowed. Natalia's not going to attack the ogre in melee if the color spray misses)

Natalia runs forward and strikes the other ogre with her shortsword.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 4 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 1 ] 
 


Aaaand she misses. Badly. 
CoffeeIncluded
  If Shiny's Color Spray misses or he doesn't use it 

Not wanting to get too close to the ogre, Natalia steps back quickly, then reloads and fires her light crossbow.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ] 
 
 
Athedia
Mithril took a step forward while she lifted her crossbow and shot once more.
 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  remembered bless this time
Crit  (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Damage  (1d8)[ 5 ] 
5 foot step to AF 17
 


The bolt flew true, striking the ogre straight in the arm.  Mithril did not spend anytime cheering, instead reloading her crossbow as fast as she could.
Admiral
After narrowly dodging the ogre's club, Shiny hops right into the fray. He takes a step into the middle of the two ogres, and begins to work his magic.

 
 Spoiler 
Attempt to cast defensively to avoid O1's AoO:  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny easily performs the gymnastics necessary to cast his spell without allowing the ogre to attack, and he releases a stream of colors over both.

 
 Spoiler 

Ogre Leader Will save:  (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
Ogre 1 Will save:  (1d20+1)[ 3 ] 
 
Zman
  "Miss me?!"   Valen shouts as he comes running in, wounded with two Angry Ogres at his heels.

 
 Spoiler 

Ogres double move and they have their clubs out.
 
Admiral
His spell having succeeded, but hoping to save his last spell for the most effective moment, Shiny loads his crossbow, aims it at the closer oncoming ogre, and fires.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (including -2 range):  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Confirm crit:  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 


He's still jittery with excitement over his latest spell, and the bolt goes flying off into the trees.
Athedia
Mithril shot her crossbow at the advancing ogre's and stepped backward.
 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
Crit  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Damage  (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 


She stumbled over a rock as she shot, and barely caught herself.  Loading another bolt into her crossbow she cursed her bad luck.
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing the sounds of Valen and the two ogres hot on his heels, Natalia springs forward with both blades, hoping for better luck this time.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 2 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing the sounds of Valen and the two ogres hot on his heels, Natalia springs forward with both blades, hoping for better luck this time.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 2 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 4 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 2 ] 
 


(Sorry, forum ate my post)
Zman
  Miriam   moves quickly debating between her mace and her wand... her wand eventually winning out as she heals Valen's wounds...

 
 Spoiler 

Heal (d8+5)[ 8 ]  Charges:47
 
Zman
  Valen   basks in the healing energies of Miriam's magic and attempts to deliver a deathblow to the stunned Ogre... his blade slicing cleanly through the Ogres back severing the spine...  "Stop wasting time, there are yet more."   a grin on his face...


   Should battle be this enjoyable?...   
 
 Spoiler 

Power Attack (-2/+4) (d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Damage (2d6+11)[ 23 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia manages to duck as Valen is showered with the ogre's blood; she just barely avoids getting drenched herself. Their raw physical might is...Terrifying. So is the primal grin on his face, so natural on his yet so foreign on Miriam's.
Zman
Kurt moves to a forward positions readying his axe to defend his allies...

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt moves, readies a defensive strike
 
Zman
 Ogres 

As their final compainion is felled the Ogres let out a battle charge as the charge the barbarians... but not before Kurt brings down his axe... the two behemoths trade tremendous blows that would fell lesser warriors....the second misses Valen as he nimbly steps to the side preparing to return the favor...

 
 Spoiler 

Readied Defensive Strike Vs AC14  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Damage  (d12+6)[ 18 ] 

Charge Vs Kurt AC21  (d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Damage  (2d8+7)[ 18 ] 

Charge Vs Valen AC20  (d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (2d8+7)[ 16 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril aimed and shot at the ogre attacking Kurt  "Stay up Kurt, they look weaker already." .  She felt bolstered by her own words as the bolt flew true, and struck the ogre.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Crit  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Damage  (1d8)[ 6 ] 

Reloading and 5 foot step backwards.
 
achinca
As Miriam touches Valen's bloodied back, a lust for hurt takes over her. She thinks she wants to feel what it is like to take a life. So much has been taken from her and nothing has been given. She has given her all life and never taken anything.

That lust for violence is very visible but her training as a healer is still primordial.

She looks around at the injured fighters, Kurt, Natalia and Valen and assesses the one the closest to death.

She is about to use the healing wand when suddenly she sees a flash and time seems to stop around her. She hears a voice in her head ' Miriam, You are my Chosen One '.

Her holy symbol starts to shine and suddenly the mace that she is holding start looking like the Mace That Never Forgets as Mary described her.

The voice continues ' That Relic is your destiny as it is to stop HIM '

She realizes it is St. Cuthbert talking to her. He has heard her prayers and is aware of the situation. But there is no time to think about it. Time restarts and the ogres are about to kill her friends.

She moves forward yielding her mace and strike the healthiest ogre she can reach without getting it. The mace looks normal to other but to her, she is carrying The Mace That Never Forgets. She strikes the ogre hard, feeling the added power provided by her god.
 
 Spoiler 

 Not sure who needs it most
 (1d8+5)[ 7 ] 
Charges LefT: 46 
From OOC Thread
Hit:  26 
Damages: 11 
Demoralized:  16  without modifier.
 


She howls as she makes contact and sees her mace return to her normal shape. "  I HEARD YOU ST. CUTHBERT. WE HAVE MORE TO TALK ABOUT BUT I HEARD YOU.  '

Her howl is violent and guttural but instead of being a howl of anger and despair, it is an howl of freedom and strength. She has still violence in her eyes but it is not desperate violence but instead justice.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Proving me wrong!"  Natalia says with confidence as she prepares to strike, waiting to see what Shiny does.
Admiral
Upon studying the scene for an instant, and realizing the dangerous state of Kurt's health, Shiny realizes what he has to do.

He darts forward ten feet, well within the range of the closer ogre's greatclub. He intentionally doesn't try to avoid the attack- he needs to get it out of the way to do what he's trying to do.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny needs to make his last spell count, so he's allowing one attack of opportunity when he moves into the range of the ogre. That way, the ogre won't be ready to do another attack of opportunity when Shiny casts his  color spray  over both ogres.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Upon better judgment: tumble check:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 

Failed anyway so AoO away!
 
Cavelcade
Kurt stumbles a little from the weight of the blow he receives in response, then blinks a little as he finds himself suddenly looking up at the ogres, the enlarge person wearing off. He laughs and grins and moves in for more anyway, stepping in to try and finish his opponent.

 
 Spoiler 

5' step, so no AOO from the ogres. Moving to AC17 from AD18, assuming that's where I shrunk to.

 (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 16 ]  Crit
 (1d12+6)[ 11 ]  Damage
 
Admiral
After the ogre's attack, Shiny finishes his sprint forward, splays out his hand, and releases a cone of colors over both their adversaries.

 
 Spoiler 

Like Coffee suggested, finishing instead of waiting for the AoO (since the AoO is almost certain not to kill him).

Ogre 2 Will save:  (1d20+1)[ 10 ] 
Ogre 3 Will save:  (1d20+1)[ 15 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wh--?"  Natalia manages to say as she sees Miriam spring forward and smash the ogre with her mace. Something odd happens as she does so, but Natalia isn't quite sure what happened for a few moments.
CoffeeIncluded
As the ogre staggers from Mithril's blow and Shiny's spell, Natalia springs forward, ready to finish this.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 2 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 3 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 1 ] 
 


Both blades sink into the ogre's thigh.
Zman
Shiny darts forward making a quite dramatic and awkward roll and is nearly smashed by the Ogres huge club.  He is able to nimble throw up his hand and unleash the last of his arcane energies for the day, making it count.  As shiny is disorientating the enemy Miriam strides forward with a purpose of movement on battle never seen before.  She lets out a cry so primal, so pure, so just that she moves forward and strikes dead the Ogre that wounded her friend and ally Kurt.  For a few seconds Miriam was an instrument of divine retribution.  Her cry and purpose of movement is enough to give everyone pause and would have chilled you to the bone had she not been your ally.

Kurt proceeds to sink his axe into the final standing Ogre, followed immediately by Natalia's swift blades, the thick skin limiting the damage to the Ogres vital areas.

 
 Spoiler 

AoO on Shiny
Attack (d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Damage[roll][2d8+7/roll]

Refluffing what happened for RP purposes.  Stay tuned.
 
Zman
  Valen   moves forward to finish the Ogre, attempting to repay it for his wounded thigh... As he severs the thick muscled leg...the arteries pumping out the Ogres lifeblood in a mere couple of seconds...

 
 Spoiler 


Power Attack(-2+4) (d20+8)[ 25 ] 
Damage (2d6+11)[ 16 ] 
 


For a moment there is only silence as all the party members are still standing and alive...
Cavelcade
Kurt pants for a few moments, catching his breath, then looks over at Miriam, impressed.  "That was quite the killing strike, Miriam. Shiny, do you still want to do this?" 
Athedia
Mithril listened to the silence, pausing then softly asking,  "Is everyone alive?" .  Whiskers rubbed against her face, comforting her.
achinca
Miriam is breathing really loud as she slowly calm herself down. She has taken for the first time the life of a sentient creature.

She has confused feeling about having killed for the first time. She says to herself ' I was an instrument of St. Cuthbert. I was a chosen one. ' Still, the words ring hollow in her head.

She looks at Valen "  Does it get ... easier? Does that awful taste in my mouth will disappear?  '

Although she knew the ogres were evil monsters, it was hard for Miriam to reconcile that she was now a killer. She had ended a life. Her innocence was lost. She mentally correct herself ' I lost my innocence when I listened to golden and sugary words of the old pervert and open my legs and much more. '

Still her discomfort is quite visible. She is still adjusting to the fact that she killed. She looks around and notice the wounded warriors, Kurt and Valen.

'  Sir Kurt and Valen, let me mend your wounds. After all, I am a chosen of St. Cuthbert.  '

As she taps them with the wand, she thinks ' Did it really happen? Did St. Cuthbert give me a sign? Was meeting Mary not an accident? Should I go and quest for the Mace? What about Calric? '

 
 Spoiler 
Kurt healing:  (1d8+5)[ 8 ] 
Valen healing:  (1d8+5)[ 12 ] 
Charges left: 45
 


She tells the rest of group. "  I will fully heal everybody with what is left of my spells once we decide to stop. I might be a simple farm girl but as a cleric of St. Cuthbert, I will not make that mistake twice the same day.  '

Finally, she looks at Valen and Shiny '  When you interrogate the ogre in giant speak, I need you to find out if he has seen a certain person as a prisoner.  '
Zman
Valen looks at Miriam, his eyes distant and blank,   "Yes.... Be concerned when it does..."  

After Miriam heals him, he offers silent thanks in the firm of a nod.
Admiral
Shiny is the only one not catching his breath- between his boundless enthusiasm and his gnome constitution, he seems to have an endless supply.

 "We'll play it just the same way, only better. He's up any second now. Let's start collecting heads." 
Athedia
 "Natalia, do you want help searching the bodies?"   Mithril walked over to the girl and sat next to her, exhaustion ringing her eyes.
achinca
'  Would a pile of ogres' head help in your incomprehensible play Shiny? Also, can you ask him if he has encountered or captured a young man of about 16 looking like ....  "

Miriam goes on describing young Calric un much details as she can.

'  He is the son of Mary and for some personal reasons, his well being is critical to me. He was last seen with the Hulburg troops going after ogres. I would like to find out if he is alive or not, and if captured, I promised to free him.  '

She stops. She has said way too much. Hopefully, they will be to busy to cut head or scare the ogre to really pay attention.

Still, the awful taste in her mouth is still there.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods to Miriam in thanks again when she heals him, then goes to take care of the grisly business that needs doing, though he'd rather not have to take off the heads at all. He forces himself to just do it, hewing one head after another, helping them make a pile.
Athedia
Mithril looked over the bodies, trying to find anything useful on them.

 
 Spoiler 
Search  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Miriam quietly and says,  "Don't let it. Keep the numbers."  Offering the cleric a hug, she says,  "Them or us, why we slash them. Doesn't make it easier." 

Natalia smiles at Mithrils offer.  "All alive and okay, like we said. Sharpshooter and spellcaster. Wonderful." 
 
 Spoiler 
Take 20 on search for a 30.
 
achinca
Miriam hugs Natalia back and then steps away. She let the rogue and the wizard loot the bodies. She still cannot get herself to do this.

She watches Kurt makes the pile of heads and appreciate the dwarf willingness to do such and unpleasant job.

She leans against a tree, trying to control her breathing and fighting back all the thoughts going through her mind at the moment. She is glad no one is asking questions.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hears Miriam struggling to get her breath back. But she can't think of much to say. She didn't sleep too well the first night in Linwood either.
Zman
Mithril and Natalia loot the corpses and search for anything useful finding coins, gems, and the Ogre Leaders weapons and armor.

 
 Spoiler 

Loot Monkey
 (50d10)[ 234 ]  coins
 (50d10)[ 275 ]  gems

A finely crafted heavy mace
A finely crafted light mace
A finely crafted set of leather armor
All large.
 
Admiral
Shiny keeps an eye on the sleeping ogre, waiting for him to wake up.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not bad,"  Natalia says to Mithril with a smile.

Miriam...She doesn't really know if the shadow over the cleric has lifted or not. But there are too many questions that need answering.
achinca
Miriam, leaning against the tree is away from the group, lost in her thoughts while getting her breathing under control.
Cavelcade
Kurt waits by the last dead ogre, waiting for signs of the live one stirring before he hews the head from this body. The blood from the others has stained his hand and his axe, his eyes are unhappy with having to do this. If anything, that makes the methodical way he took the heads off the others even worse.
Zman
The Ogres breathing changes ever so subtly, it's calm vanishes as it begins to awaken in seconds furious at the ease of its imprisonment.
Athedia
 "I don't want to watch this."   Mithril was glad her expertise was not needed in this case.  Instead she walked over to the edge of where the ogres had come from, just north of the group and pulled out her waterskin, pouring a little into her hand for Whiskers to drink.  He stared into her eyes trying to comprehend the feels of exhaustion and fear slowing ebbing off of her.  At her insistence he drank a little of the water, nose wrinkling, before lying in her lap.

Fearful of more ogres approaching she listened and watched for signs of approaching enemies.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
The moment Shiny notices the ogre coming to, he starts to speak in common, all without looking at the prisoner.  "Make sure we get them all. The orc chieftain said he'd pay sixty gold for every ogre head."  He doesn't know if the ogre speaks anything but Giant, but it's worth a shot, and he might recognize the word  orc . The interrogation would start soon, and that is when the real lies would have to come out.
Zman
Upon Shinys dialog, the Ogre immediately begins to struggle against the rope, staining its giant form.  He yells something about your mother and a goat in Giant.

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20)[ 11 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Don't see why, don't want to either,"  Natalia says as she stands by Mithril. The whole plan is leaving a bad taste in her mouth, which she supposes is somewhat hypocritical but her opinion's not about to change.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Listen:  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
 

 "Good morning...to you too,"  she says in a slightly sardonic tone as she hears the ogre waking behind her.
Admiral
Shiny turns to the giant, smiles, and starts speaking in the ogre's native tongue. Those who understand Giant notice that his speech is more stilted than his usual effortless dialect, though he seems to relish the chance to practice the new language.

 "Ah, so you are awake. And you see how we have killed your allies- no one is coming to save you."

"Now is the time for questions. What do you know of the orc's war against the ogres?"
 
Cavelcade
As soon as Shiny speaks up, Kurt nods. With a vicious overhanded swing he disconnects the head from the neck, picking it up and adding it to the pile.  "That's the last of them. Except our friend, over there. Will the orcs want him alive?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia flinches. There's a difference between self defense and this kind of trickery. She asks Mithril,  "Walk and talk?" 
Athedia
 "Please."  Mithril had gone paler than usual at the conversation behind her.
CoffeeIncluded
Taking Mithril's hand, Natalia walks over to the other side of the area, where Miriam is. She thinks about asking the cleric if she wants to come to, but is afraid of making things worse.
 "Violence before, but different violence,"  she says.  "Thanks...Whiskers, okay too?" 
Athedia
 "I think he is, he doesn't seem to like the water much, but maybe that's because it is old.  I don't quite know what happened to him in Hulburg, and that and all this"  she gestured to the events behind them "scares me.  Kurt almost died, we all almost died.  She looked at Natalia, fear reflecting in her eyes  "Thank you for not...just thank you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Holy water for a holy weasel?"  Natalia jokes. But it doesn't break the tension much. So instead, Natalia tries to say,  "But still breathing, not bleeding...I...I don't like this either. Violence making more violence, and a dark...shadow over us all. Even Miriam."  But then again, she always had that poison brewing underneath. Mithril doesn't have that.  "Won't let it get you,"  she promises.  "Let Mithril stay Mithril." 

She thinks she knows what Mithril is thanking her for, but isn't quite sure.
achinca
Miriam is looking at Shiny with empty eyes. She flinched a little when Kurt decapitated the ogre she killed before shaking it off.

She looks at the ogre, expressionless, having no understanding of what Shiny is saying.

She pays no attention to the rogue and the wizard moving away.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stands silently by Mithril for what seems like days, wondering if there's anything she can say that wouldn't screw things up. They're going so well...
Cavelcade
Kurt frowns a little at the pair walking off, then shakes his head and directs the frown at the Ogre instead. They can take care of themselves and if not...they have voices.
Athedia
Mithril spoke out of the long silence  "You think he is holy?     She pulled Whiskers off her shoulder and looked at him cradled in her arms.  His newly  white fur  stood in stark contrast to the surrounding woods.   "As for a dark shadow, I think I have the least risk.  My past is happy, and I freely chose this way of life." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Ask for Holy Water,"  Natalia replies.  "Winter weasel, holy weasel." 

She folds her arms.  "Still choose? Choose again and change? Or...Stay the same?" 
  Would I change?  
Zman
As Mithril and Natalia walk off away from the Giant, Natalia can spot the soldiers from Hulburg off in the distance, at least two score minutes away...


As Shiny talks to the Ogre, the Ogre is furious, responding with venom in his voice.... &lt;Giant&gt;"Filthy Gnome, I spit on you!"&lt;Giant&gt;   The ropes burst despite being expertly applied as the large Ogre gets to his feet.

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20)[ 17 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Tapping Mithril's shoulder, Natalia points at the figures far down the road.  "Reinforcements, later than needed. Not for...Linwood though,"  she says. Mithril's warm against the brisk spring air. It's quiet here, and helps Natalia calm down. Mithril seems more at ease too.

 "...Hey...M-Mithril..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (d20+7)[ 16 ] 
 


The serene atmosphere of the woods is broken, along with whatever Natalia was going to say, as she faintly hears the ogre shouting and something tearing behind her, where everyone else is.

 "...Oh no...Burst ropes?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt readies his axe and steps forward, ready to cut down the Ogre if he goes to attack, despite the weariness on his arms from the last battle.
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing the commotion behind her, and having the moment ruined, Natalia draws her shortsword, takes Mithril by the hand, and runs back to the others, shouting,  "Torn rope, don't tear any others!"  She hopes they can stop this fight before someone gets hurt, again.
Cavelcade
Kurt walks to just outside the Ogre's reach, grinning viciously as he brandishes his axe a little.

 "Come and attack me, then! Avenge your puny friends!"  He laughs and spits suddenly.  "The orcs pay well for stupid ogre heads like yours!" 
Athedia
Mithril ran towards the group, casting one of her few remaining spells as soon as she was close enough  &lt;Draconic&gt;  "Flare!"  &lt;/Draconic&gt; .  A bright light flashes in front of the ogre.

 
 Spoiler 
Ogre Fortitude  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  vs 13 DC to negate
 
Admiral
Shiny takes a brisk jog backwards once the ogre's ropes break.  "Save your vengeance!"  he snarls.  "You'll need it once the orcs invade! Who do you think paid the bounty for your friends' heads?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Ogre is still flatfooted so no need for a Tumble check. Walked back to a few feet behind Kurt.
 
Zman
  Valen   pulls out his thick now and readies an arrow as he moves to get between the Ogre and the young girls.

 
 Spoiler 

Move
Readied action to shoot on hostile action.
 

  Miriam   stands up and readies her mace and shield almost annoyed yet releived with the distraction from her downtrodden thoughts.
Zman
 Ogre 

In answer to the Dwarf's taunt th Ogre steps up and attempts to wring the Dwarf's neck... But is struck with an arrow as he raches for the dwarf, Kurt hurrying his ack deep in the Ogres arm, barely escaping the Ogres grasp... The Ogre is nearly struck down in an instant...

 
 Spoiler 

Readied Action(Valen)  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Damage (d6+3)[ 8 ] 

No readied attack from Kurt as the Ogre has reach, but....
AoO from Kurt vs AC16 (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Damage   (d20+6)[ 9 ]   11 

If Miss Ogre Grapple Touch vs AC16(Go Dwarven Dodge)  (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Grapple (d20+12)[ 30 ]  vs  (d20+7)[ 26 ] 

Ogre is at -2 and is dieing
 
CoffeeIncluded
The skirmish ends with the ogre dying in the ground by the time Natalia catches up to the rest of the group. Sighing at the lost opportunity she pokes the ogre's head with her toe and says,  "...So we...?" 

She walks over to where the ogre broke free and mournfully picks up the shreds of her silk rope.
Athedia
 "I guess your plan failed, unless we can save the ogre."   Mithril looked ruefully at the fallen ogre.
Admiral
Shiny looks over at Miriam and says simply,  "I haven't asked him about the boy yet. If it's in your power to keep him alive..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Boy?"  Natalia asks Miriam.  "Thought you...then...Snuck past the moon tea?"  She shakes her head the moment the words leave her mouth. No, that can't be it.
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia without understanding until it hits her. She finally put a smile on her face. "  No, not my son. My moon tea works. I have proof of that. He is Mary's son and he matters A LOT to me.  '

Sadness returns when she finishes her sentences.

She looks at Shiny and nods her head. "  I hate to use St. Cuthbert gift on these monster but I promised Mary.  

She drops the cantrip 'read magic' and touches the dying ogre to stabilize him and bring him back to consciousness.

 
 Spoiler 
I assume he is awake at -1. If not, she will drop another cantrip to put him to 0
 
Zman
Even reluctantly, Saint Cuthberts mercy stabilizes and heals the Ogre jut enough to save his life.

As the massive brute lays on the ground, barely able to move, he groans and acts if he can't decide what to do.  He slowly begins to stands, limping almost backwards intent on fleeing with no real hope of success.
Cavelcade
Kurt grunts a little as that happens.  "I think this one's got to die..." 
Admiral
 "Don't kill him, but get around him with your axe- don't let him leave,"  says Shiny, knowing there's little point in tying him up.

Shiny then turns to the ogre and speaks in his own tongue.  &lt;Giant&gt;"Now hold on there. We're not through talking. First- what do you know of the orcs' invasion of the ogres' land?"&lt;/Giant&gt; 
Zman
The Giant is obviously uncomfortable when Kurt moves behind him,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Puny Orcs...no threat to Mighty Ogres...Ogres smash Orcs!"&lt;Giant&gt;  he finishes with gritted teeth, obviously in pain from the exertion.
Zman
  Valen   circles around, keeping his distance, another arrow knocked and ready.

    Filthy dumb creature...    
Cavelcade
Kurt pauses, then warily starts circling around the wounded Ogre. His axe twirls continuously in his hands, he lets his feet guide the way as his eyes never leave the brute.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
 The Giant is obviously uncomfortable when Kurt moves behind him,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Puny Orcs...no threat to Mighty Ogres...Ogres smash Orcs!"&lt;Giant&gt;  he finishes with gritted teeth, obviously in pain from the exertion. 
 

 &lt;Giant&gt;"Oh... you mean you don't know?"&lt;/Giant&gt;  Shiny asks with a smirk.

 &lt;Giant&gt;"The orcs have already started their advance. They kill small gangs of ogres, and they pay us gold to kill others. They know that ogres are too stupid to attack the orcs until it is too late."&lt;/Giant&gt;  Shiny thinks for a moment, before recalling a special term he'd worked hard to learn in Hulburg.  &lt;Giant&gt;"What the orc said was- the &lt;Orc&gt;dogmen&lt;/Orc&gt; are too stupid to attack us."&lt;/Giant&gt; 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Bluff check:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
 
Zman
The Ogre seems perplexed, the amount of thinking requested of him is obviously taxing his mental faculties,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Then ittle pigs are stew pid, Ogres stong!  Too strong for Orcs!  Ogres are many...lots o Ogres to smash little pigs and Uumans. Lots of blood!"  The ogre appears to believe what Shiny says, but is unconcerned, his boast about the Ogres strength is disconcerting... but lacks the neccessary impact as the Ogre is nigh helpless and surrounded.

 
 Spoiler 

Intimidate (d20)[ 2 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam stays there, looking at the ogre with a cold, calculated look in her face. "  Valen, Shiny, find out about Mary' son. and then put it out of his misery.  '
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
 The Ogre seems perplexed, the amount of thinking requested of him is obviously taxing his mental faculties,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Then ittle pigs are stew pid, Ogres stong!  Too strong for Orcs!  Ogres are many...lots o Ogres to smash little pigs and Uumans. Lots of blood!"  
 

Shiny frowns for a split second. He's usually good at tuning his lies for his audience, but in this case clearly has to tone down the subtlety.

 &lt;Giant&gt;"So you will smash orcs? Go tell other ogres to kill orcs before they try to kill you!"&lt;/Giant&gt; 
Zman
 Ogre 

Looking quizzically at Shiny,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Why odders kills me? I no Orc. Why I listen to you...little ugly Gnome?!" 
 
 Spoiler 

I'm trying to RP a 6int humanoid as best I can.
 
Admiral
Shiny squints a moment as he tries to dumb his lies down even farther.

 &lt;Giant&gt;"Orcs told me ogres were stupid and ugly. Orcs told me ogres too weak to kill orcs."&lt;/Giant&gt; 
Zman
 Ogre 

The Ogre lets out a hearty laugh, which causes him to cough up a little blood,  &lt;Giant&gt;"You funny little ugly man.  Orcs Weak, Orcs die easy.  Orcs Squishy, make funny screaming sounds when squished." 
Zman
  Valen   watches intensely, having no understanding of the Orge's language.

   This is a disconcerting turn of evens...    Valen thinks to himself as he watches Shiny talk to the Ogre, making odd fronting sounds and gestures.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Ogre 

The Ogre lets out a hearty laugh, which causes him to cough up a little blood,  &lt;Giant&gt;"You funny little ugly man.  Orcs Weak, Orcs die easy.  Orcs Squishy, make funny screaming sounds when squished."  
 

 &lt;Giant&gt;"If ogres can squish orcs, and orcs call ogres stupid, why orcs still alive?"&lt;/Giant&gt;  Shiny asks, silently praying that logic won't be beyond his grasp.
Zman
 Ogre 

A confused look passes through the Ogre's face, which is consequently about the size of the Gnome's torso,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Orcs not scary!  the Ogre says it louder, as if the volume could aid in understanding,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Umans scarier that pig faces....and closer.  Orcs annoying.!   ....  Why you talking no killing?" 
achinca
Miriam is turning impatient at Shiny as she does not understand anything and the turn of event seems to go against them. '  Shiny! What about Mary's son? What did it say?  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia responds to Miriam's smile with one in turn, then becomes quiet as Shiny tries to interrogate the ogre.

 "...Wow."  Natalia eventually says after several minutes of watching the exchange in silence. She couldn't understand the words, but it seems like Shiny's silver tongue has finally been tied. By a complete moron.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Ogre 

A confused look passes through the Ogre's face, which is consequently about the size of the Gnome's torso,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Orcs not scary!  the Ogre says it louder, as if the volume could aid in understanding,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Umans scarier that pig faces....and closer.  Orcs annoying.!   ....  Why you talking no killing?"  
 

Shiny takes a deep breath before continuing, with just the slightest hint of exasperation.  &lt;Giant&gt;"Because we need to know something. Where do the ogres keep their human prisoners? If you tell me, we will not kill you."&lt;/Giant&gt; 
 
 Spoiler 

At this point, Shiny hasn't necessarily decided if that's a lie. Bluff check:  (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
 
Zman
 Ogre 

Looking at the small Gnome,  "Ogres not take prisoners, Ogres heard and keep cattle at tribe home." . A sinister and manevolent grin crosses his face showing large misshapen teeth, the odor released is quite repugnant.
Admiral
 &lt;Giant&gt;"Where is the tribe home?"&lt;/Giant&gt;  Shiny asks.
Zman
 Ogre 

The Ogre temper is growing hot,  &lt;Giant&gt;"Umans know! Umans come here to kill, but we kill them!" 
Admiral
Shiny knows there's nothing he can get from this ogre about the prisoner Miriam was asking about, and he knows that even if he convinced the giant that orcs were invading, there is no way anyone would listen to him.

He turns away from the giant with a sigh.  "He knows nothing,"  he says to his party, reverting to the common tongue.
Cavelcade
Kurt's getting sick of the yelling, it's making his ears ring in his helmet.  "Shiny, do we kill him, track him, or let him go?!" 
Admiral
 "Do we indeed..."  muses Shiny, having apparently lost interest.
CoffeeIncluded
 "...How stupid?"  Natalia asks in disbelief.
Admiral
 "Actually, he was quite sharp for an ogre."  Shiny says sincerely.  "I was teaching him to speak gnome- he just got confused when we reached the conjugation of the pluperfect tense." 
achinca
Miriam looks angrily at Shiny "  It does not know ANYTHING? Then let's stop it from hurting more innocent people. I will not have it survived thanks to St. Cuthbert and hurt good people. Who will do the honor?  "

She raises her mace giving a last chance for Shiny to save him "  He speaks, he lives  ".
Athedia
Mithril averted her eyes from the scene.  This ogre may not be willing to help but Miriam's response scared her.
Admiral
For Miriam's sake, Shiny tries one more time.  &lt;Giant&gt;"Have you seen a captive human-"&lt;/Giant&gt;  he then repeats the description Miriam gave earlier.
Zman
 Ogre 
 &lt;Giant&gt;"I've seen hots of Umans, some like that, but they all look the same kind of.  If he's there, he's with the rest."  The Ogre doesn't seem to understand why you'd be so concerned with a particular human.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia quickly steps in front of Miriam.  "Thought you...didn't want your hands...Now you do?" 
Admiral
Shiny shrugs.  "Doesn't know anything useful." 
achinca
Miriam's frustration grows '  Does it know if they have prisoners? Where would they keep them? I want to know if he is alive or not.  '

She looks towards Natalia. '  The ogre brings chaos and evil which St. Cuthbert does not stand for. I should finish him  '

However the tone is her voice is very unsure.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Don't force, can't force, never force. Evil, but helpless, an idiot. Kill a helpless idiot, even...even if disgusting? More Valen than Miriam, more...fighter than healer."  The words are heavy at the end, as if collecting her thoughts is a physical exertion.
achinca
Miriam shakes her head in anger. '  If it is useless about providing us information, them let's give it to the soldiers' justice. After all, it is theirs and their loved one lives threatened by the ogres attack.  '

She drops her mace and goes back to lean on a tree but does not shut down. Instead she seems hyper alert.
Athedia
 "Not to the soldiers justice, but we should ask the Lieutenant if he wants to perform the execution.  He may want to question the ogre on his own."   Mithril looked at the ogre, staying a good distance away from the large creature.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs.  "But not...Not for a present,"  she says.
achinca
Miriam takes a deep breath and adds '  If I need to be the one carrying St. Cuthbert's justice, I will do it.  "

She looks at the others as she says that, her face showing signs of high level stress.
CoffeeIncluded
Again, Natalia places herself between Miriam and the ogre.  "Smash him, smash yourself." 
achinca
With a heavy heart and a weak voice, Miriam replies  to Natalia: '  If not me, then whom? It has to be done.  "

Her hand is starting to shake a little.
Zman
 Ogre 

Seeing the chance, the Ogre begins an attempt to run after being temporarily bolstered by a bit of healing he ends up turning and falling flat on his face, nearly falling on Kurt. The strenuous effort bursting his words open again as he starts to bleed out again.

 
 Spoiler 
Now losing HP again, may just die on his own.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Looking down at the dying ogre, Natalia says,  "Leave him?" 
achinca
Miriam grabs her own face, bites her finger and walks away. '  St. Cuthbert has spoken. Let him die.  "

The hyper-awareness has disappeared and she seemed to be going back to her reflective state.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows Miriam.  "Why the anger...rage? What...What opened infection, deep inside?" 
Zman
  Valen   speaks up,   "We may want to wait for the Soldiers, gain some assurance or proof or our deeds."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Live for half an hour?"  Natalia says, skeptical.
Zman
Kurt takes the initiative and proceeds to separate the final Ogre head from its shoulders.  By the time the soldiers are nearing all of the heads have been stacked on a gruesome pile.

All 12 men approach, ony the Sergeant is mounted.  Though, even such a small group they are till impressive especially when compared to the militia they are relieving.
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing the soldiers, Natalia turns and gives them a small wave. She doesn't really like the look of the scene, and kind of hopes the lieutenant will tell them to bury the bodies or something.
Admiral
Shiny steps out towards the oncoming soldiers.  "Greetings again. As you can see, we ran into some ogre trouble, but it was nothing we couldn't handle."  He seems to have caught himself on the verge of giving one of his usual dubious introductions.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at the soldiers as they approach, just as he's settling the last head onto the pile.  "I think they were waiting for us...or you." 
achinca
Miriam stands there, watching, thinking. The current scene is blurry for her as the adrenaline is leaving her blood stream and she is facing the reality that St. Cuthbert gave her a sign. Unless it was a feverish sign from her mind.

She thinks about her past with Calric and all the kind moments are now tasting foul because she imagines young Mary going through them as well as multiples young naive farm girls and Calric coercing into giving him everything he wanted.

She wants to scream, she wants to cry but all she does is stare. Each passing moment increases the impact of her realization that her life was a lie and a scam.

Her Holy Symbol feels heavy around her neck, knowning that Calric carried a similar one. Yet at the same time she senses St. Cuthbert presence flowing through it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's been waving her hand in front of Miriam's face after the lack of a response. Again, the rogue is beginning to get concerned once more about magical compulsions.
achinca
Miriam stares in front of her seeing nothing, as if her internal systems had crashed without a threat to activate them.
Zman
The Sergeant walks forward, looking the group and bodies up and down.  "Indeed.  I suppose you'll want your just reward upon return to Hulburg." 

He proceeds to pull out a piece of paper writing in a short, curt script.  He then seals it with a signet ring, which appears to seal the letter with wax, though none was used.

Handing the letter reluctantly to Shiny,  "Give this to Lt. Arnot upon your return and you will be given your due in service to Hulburg in her time of need.  if you wish to engage in further activities on behalf of Hulburg, speak to the Captain." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says.  "Hunting in packs...Stay guarded, defend in packs."  Looking back at Miriam (she gave up trying to snap the cleric out of it after several minutes) she asks in addition,  "...Ogre prisoners?" 
Zman
The Sergent looks at Ntalia quizzically, like one would a wirery dog,  "The Ogres don't take prisoners, the store food."  in a matter of fact tone.
achinca
Still in her shock mode, Miriam does not connect what the Lieutenant is saying. She is lost in her tortured thoughts.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia whips her head around when she hears what the sergeant says; thankfully, it doesn't seem to have registered with Miriam.

 "For...How long? Before...dinner time?"  she says, growing faintly green at the thought.
Zman
Almost annoyed at Natalia,  "How many times a day you eat.  Each Ogre camp has dozens of the brutes." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia wonders if the sergeant can feel the tension; she can only imagine how Miriam will react when it finally sinks in. With trepidation, she asks.  "And..."  She tilts her hand back and forth.  "Turnover? Time to rescue?" 
Zman
 Sergeant 

Answering Natalia gravely,  "I hope to never find out." 

Meanwhile the soles separate and check over the bodies, checking for anything missed but finding nothing.  Most look at the group with a begrudged respect that wasn't present hours earlier.
CoffeeIncluded
Still nothing from Miriam. Cautiously, Natalia asks,  "How many...Many of yours?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at the group like she is just in the middle of a dream or drugged out "  Going? Where? Now?  " as if her brain was totally fogged up and she can't  clear it up.

She looks around at the group and the soldiers as she was a stranger in a strange land.
Cavelcade
Kurt walks to Miriam slowly, speaking quietly.  "We need to go on. We need to go and save that town." 
CoffeeIncluded
Looking to Kurt, Natalia places a finger to her lips and accompanies the gesture with a quizzical, questioning look. She makes sure to see that Miriam can't see her poor attempt at charades first.
achinca
Miriam looks at Kurt and starts to focus a little. "  Yes, you are right Sir Dwarf.  "

She starts moving toward her horse where Valen tied them before the 2nd wave of ogres attack.
Zman
 Sergeant
"Then don't let us slow you down.  We shall be there in two days time." . A look of purpose crowing his face,  "Tell the people of Linwood that the Shieldsworn march to their aid, tell them to stay stong and be ready.  Fortune favors those who help themselves." . He nods as he motions for his men to begin their march again.

  "Stay safe, soldiers of Hulburg."  . Moving over towards Miriam Valen lays his hand on her back for a moment, before moving to untie the rest of the horses.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Watch for ogres,"  Natalia says.
CoffeeIncluded
At some point on the road to Linwood, Natalia rides up to Valen and asks,  "Miriam's walking coma?" 
Zman
The group takes their leave of the good sergeant and his men, each climbing into their horses nd making haste for Linwood.  As the day passes and night approaches the group must decide if they will cintinues I to the night, or proceed in the morning.

Valen responds to Natalia as they ride,   "Some people break, others change.  Who will she be?"  
 
 Spoiler 

The group can push the horses for four hours into the night, or can rest and finish the trip in the morning.
 
Admiral
 "Why wait? Let's get where we're going!"  says Shiny enthusiastically, as he bounces behind Kurt on the horse.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head. That wasn't just the only reason.  "Already broken, smashed by something. Who...was the hammer?" 
Zman
  "Little One, that is far too complicated of a question for me to answer and not for me to tell."   Valen evades mettling in Miriam's affairs.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't feel much better either, and she doesn't like intervening in Miriam's affairs, but she's at a loss.  "Heard something, saw something?" 
achinca
Miriam closes the march, her horse following the others more than her guiding it. She is still in a daze as she wrestles with the demons in her head.

 She relives her times with Calric looking for signs she missed as a naive farm girl compared with what she learned from Mary. She remembers as she saw him as a Knight in a shining armor when he took her away from the St. Cuthbert church and put her under his wings as his apprentice. She remembers how much she loves the white hair, the refined eloquence, the nobility like mannerism, how he became the sunshine of her life. She also notices now how she wanted to keep herself innocent for her wedding night and how he insisted he wanted her before that. He remembers how satisfied he was after her first time, as if he had notched another trophy for his cabinet. She thinks of Mary and things become clearer. She also understands better why he kept wondering about her lack of pregnancy. Yes Mary has helped her understands a lot, even if it meant realizing that her life was a scam and a lie.

Her thoughts move to St. Cuthbert as she is not sure why He let it happen in His name but she known one thing: during the fight, she felt His power, His touch. He is aware of what Calric has done or at least of Miriam's pain. She just need to find out more why He let it happen, why didn't He stop him.

She relives the last time she saw Calric and starts to wonder if he is really dead. That thought brings a chill down her spine. She needs to find out. Could he have faked his death in order to get another trophy? Was she that bad of a bed companion that he had to dump her? What about the Mace that Never Forgets? Mary gave it to him. What did he do with it? 

As the group progresses, she is totally cut from her environment as she is trying, without any success, to answer these questions.
Cavelcade
Kurt chuckles a bit.  "Give the horses time to warm up again, Shiny. They have to get over the fight, too." 
Zman
Twilight comes and goes and the adventurers push on.  Roughly four hours after dusk the group completes their unnervingly quiet trip back to Linwood, seeing the almost sleepy looking town off in the distance.  Only the lights from the Inn were visible as the group crested the gentle hill to the East of Linwood...
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks around nervously, seeing if she can spot any signs of activity. Nobody could have been following them for four hours; her hearing and eyesight are keen enough to have picked up anything in that time.
Athedia
 "It looks like the village is still safe."   Mithril broke the silence.  She had been thinking about the last few days, and the great responsibility she and her friends had taken on their shoulders.  This village was their village to protect now, and the idea terrified her.
Cavelcade
Kurt examines it more critically, checking for signs that the suggestions made are being implemented. He's relaxing, a little, though. The run-in with the Ogres had made him paranoid; if one ambush could be set up, so could another, and they would not have been able to handle it.

 "Well, it's still standing at least." 
Zman
  "Safe.  Almost too quiet."   Valen mentions, but his fears are quickly put to rest as the near the first manned guard post, the only one on the East end of town.

As the group enters the now sleepy town, they can see that work has indeed been done.  Some small fortifications around the lumbermill and granary have been started.  It will take much more work to finish them.  A couple of small segments of palisade have been started to the north of the granary and lumbermill.  Also, digging has commenced to limit the direction an attack could come from, at let attacks coming from the North.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Good work,"  Natalia says, approving at how quickly they started. She waves to the guards at the top of the watchtower. Like Mithril, she's nervous of the responsibility they've been given.
achinca
Miriam is a little bit more alert as they enter the town. She gets no sense of how well or badly the preparations are going. She says to herself ' I just want to crawl into a hole and sleep and pray ... '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tries to think. What could have happened to Miriam? She had started acting strangely last night, but the bitterness at Henry was different than her dull emptiness right now.

She always called herself a farm girl who knows nothing, she let Morton call her those...things. It's got to be related to that somehow, but Natalia can't possibly figure out what happened over the past couple of days.
Cavelcade
Kurt glances back at Miriam and frowns, then sighs.  "Let's just get to the end and get some sleep. Maybe it'll be better in the morning." 
Zman
The guards on duty simply raise their hands to their heads in a gesture of respect as the group of heroes pass.

The horses, fatigued as they are are stabled, Miriam shakes herself out long enough to expend the rest of her healing on the poor beasts of burden.

They make their way to the inn, finding it far more crowded than before.  Most of them men were armed, in some capacity...the off duty militia.  The rest were covered in dirt and had some simple weapons near at hand.

As the group receives silence, as the entire inn becomes quiet with their arrival...except for max,  "Well met, looking a little worse for wear?"  as he eyes the blood and dirt covered cloths the party is wearing, especially th long gashes in Kurt's clothing, showing bear hairy flesh with fresh faint white scars newly formed thanks to Miriam's healing powers.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and flops into the chair.  "Ogre road,"  she says.  "Only brains for smashing." 
achinca
Miriam feels a little more in tune with her environment as she heals the horses. She does it in silence, thinking that she did that, she was with Mary. Once again, her throat tightens up but this time, she refuses to cry.

She goes to the Inn and orders an ale, saying she has no appetite. She drinks very little, looking into her pint unless she finally raises her head and asks the group but no one in particular "  How do you know your life is not a lie and a scam? What would you do if every thing you believed in, if every thing your life was based on ended being not true?  "

Before anyone can answer she gets up and goes to her room.

If anyone is sharing the room, they can see her in a feotus position, totally covered by a blanket and listen check would reveal crying.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches in disbelief as Miriam breaks her silence, then flees.
Cavelcade
 "Ogres on the road, orcs in the wood. I am glad to see you've made progress on the defences." 

As Miriam makes her pronouncement to the group, Kurt just frowns, grinding his teeth as he sees her rush off and can't say a word to help.
Zman
 Max 

Max clears off a table near the bar for the group and has his serving wench being, ale, hot drink, and a warm meal for the party.   "What's this talk about Ogres?"  The surrounding people begin talking again, though much quieter than previously; their eavesdropping is obvious.



Valen takes a seat and begins eating heartily.  He remains quiet through two helpings of stew and a loaf of bread before he finds his tongue loosened, content to listen to his companions.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hulburg's ogres,"  Natalia says. The ale is bitter and she can barely finish the glass.  "Spared some for us...Hulburg spared some of theirs too." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia glances over at Shiny, who's been oddly silent. She'd have expected him to have started spinning a yarn about how they fearlessly defeated a horde of two-headed ogres riding dire bears by siccing a dragon on them or something by now. Or maybe say that Whiskers was an angel in disguise and use his divine power to save them before changing back into a weasel--though now he was white. Or anything, really.

  He's even more unpredictable than the words I say,   Natalia thinks while chewing a loaf of bread and letting the villagers digest the news of nearby ogres.
Cavelcade
 "We got some aid for you from Hulburg. On the way back we ran into some Ogre's. It's not a big thing...they aren't interested in you." 

Kurt sits down and asks for a beer which he then leaves in front of him after a sip, sitting and pondering in his own manner as he looks at the blood on his armour.
Zman
 Max 
 "Glad to hear, don't know if these poor people can handle more trouble.  They've been working hard since you've left.  It'll settle some of their minds knowing that Hulburg has sent their salvation." 
Cavelcade
Kurt coughs a little and just nods at that statement.  "Yes, that is what they told us to tell you as well." 

Doing his very best to convince his beer that that's what he believes as well, before he takes another gulp of it.

 
 Spoiler 

Bluffin':  (1d20-2)[ 1 ] 
 


Frowning at the beer which seems to doubt him he finishes the offending drink off in one long gulp and then stands.

 "I am going to go and clean and prepare for tomorrow." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Help who's here,"  Natalia adds before heading upstairs.

When she gets to the girls' room, she stops short at the sound of muffled sobbing inside.
Zman
 Max 

While taking to Kurt, Max's emotion drains away and he is quite, studying Kurt for several moments before,  "Aye....our salvation..."   Max moves away, to keep the ale flowing to the men.  You can here him tellling them to,  "Drink up, they've got alot of work to do, lest the soldiers from Hulburg think they are lazy slobs who can't help themselves."   Unfortunately, he is only a little more convincing than Kurt, even his years of being a bartender and his skill he doesn't believe his own words, they are hollow like the Hope in Linwood.

 
 Spoiler 
Max Bluff (d20)[ 1 ] 
 


After finishing his second helping of food and drink, Valen turns to Kurt,   "You may not believe it, buts it is critical that these people to do.  Despair and fear a cancer, Hope is their salvation."  
Cavelcade
Kurt looks around a little and nods, then, going to Max and reaching across to pat him on the shoulder, having to stretch a lot to manage it!

 "No! You are your own salvation. They are only coming to be shown your worth." 

This time his voice does ring with conviction, he really does believe they can save themselves. It just would have been easier with more troops.
Athedia
Mithril looked up from where she was feeding Whiskers.  "A people determined to save their home and families can do much more than you might think."   Gathering a chunk of the bread left she bid the rest of the people goodnight and started to walk up the stairs. Seeing Natalia standing outside the room, she decided to let them talk, while she instead went to sit outside for a little.

 Looking at the stars she reveled in the peacefulness of the night, when so much chaos had happened.   "The same stars from our home, Whiskers.  I wonder if will ever earn a place in them." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stands at the entrance to the room for a while, listening to Miriam curled under her blanket sobbing. Twice she reaches out a hand and takes a step forward, and twice she hesitates. Her words are muddled at the best of times, and now? When she doesn't know what's going on, much less what to say? She'd only make things worse.

Feeling absolutely helpless, Natalia heads outside and sits next to Mithril, who is looking up at the stars. In response to her musings, she asks the wizard,  "Your heroes, pinned to the night?" 
Athedia
 "According to stories I read, all the great heroes from history are immortalized in the stars."   Mithril looked at Natalia's face, she seemed to be worried about something.   "No luck with Miriam?  I am worried about her.  She has never been that violent before." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Crying and she won't stop...More than ogres. Angry wounds, old wounds." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up at the starry night sky.  "All fighters? All heroes...of battle?" 
Zman
The tired adventurers made the night short, taking Max's invitation to clean themselves and prepare for a full nights rest.

The Inn was somber, despite Kurt's attempt at reassured, even Shiny was unusually quiet, his stories never gaining enough traction.  The people drank deeply, attempting to drown their fears for the days to come.

Kurt wandered to bed after twice as much ale as it'd take to kill a normal man.  He stumbled up the stairs, barley keeping his feet.  A mumble about how being short can keep a dwarf upright can be beards as he makes his way to bed.

Shiny told a few stories, some showed his usually spark.  He told of the days events, without a hint of embellishment to one who knows the truth, yet it'd be as hard to believe as any other story the rabscallion gnome has ever told.

Miriam spent the night curled up in the fetal position, equal part prayer and despair.

Mithril and Natalia spnt the first part of the warm night outside contemplating the stars before making their way inside.

Valen disappeared to wash at invitation of the serving wench, neither being seen again till morning.

As the sun crests the horizon, Linwood again comes to life.  There is work to do, and the group takes their morning meal at Max's invitation.  Miriam's eyes are still red as she sits in silent prayer, Kurt is holding his head, Shiny is busy talking about how he sent two years studying the culinary arts among masters, Valen is clean, his cloths fully mended without a hint of repair, Mithril's had her head in her spellbook whilst Ntalia simple watches the Wizardess prepare he daily spells.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Two days for soldiers, time to prepare,"  Natalia says out of nowhere as she watches Mithril run her hands over her spellbook. She wonders what it feels like, if the magic in the paper gives it a different color to the touch.
Cavelcade
Kurt groans, his headache starting to lose its edge as he tucks into the food. As he does, he looks blearily up at Max, croaking out a question.  "Max, what time will the men start digging?" 
Zman
 Max 

Max moves around, quickly keeping tabs on the place.  He looks at Kurt,  "Some probably already have. Will you be staying and helping, or will you be taking the fight to the Orcs?"  Max asks almost hopefully.  He has obviously been mulling over Kurt's comments fom the night before.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up and asks,  "What Henry saw?" 
Zman
 Max 

Looking at the socially awkward Natalia,  " The ony sent scouting...he hasn't been back yet.  Though, he was supposed to come back once he had something to report."  Max get somber for a second,  "Though, if he finds too much, he may not make it back." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "When?"  she asks, instantly alert. Oh, no, what could have happened?
Zman
 Max

"If I had to guess, bout ten to twelve hours befoe the Orcs."  there was decisively less humor than Max intended in his expression.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes his statement seriously.  "More orcs yesterday?!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods a little.  "We haven't decided yet...we'll help you hold out until the soldiers get here at least. And while I'm here I might as well work and help you prepare. After all, I suggested it." 
Athedia
Mithril whispered in Natalia's ear "I think he means Henry left around that time, we would know if the orcs came again.  The town wouldn't look like this if they had."   Speaking out loud she asked Max  "I prepared a few spells that may work to help build defenses.  One will help move lighter objects, I could lift supplies up to builders.  I also prepared a spell that will add armor to people so they may scout the area, and a few attacks, just in case the orcs arrive early." 
 
 Spoiler 
4 Mage Hand
3 Mage Armor
2 Acid Arrow
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Oh,"  Natalia says, slightly pink.  "...Thanks." 

She looks at Max.  "Second scout, more area...to cover. Or traps to make."  Either one she can do.
Admiral
 "Bring the fight to them, indeed!"  says Shiny as he gobbles down his breakfast.  "It's time the orcs learned what it's like to be terrorized themselves."  The morning has brought new vigor to Shiny's attitude, as previous mornings have- no traces of the previous night's solemnity remain.

 "It's time to head out, find an orc raiding party, and begin our deception. We'll need to head in the same direction as those scouts who haven't returned..."  Shiny thinks for a moment, and then grabs a piece of charcoal and starts scribbling patterns and symbols on the table, as though preparing a complex and sophisticated strategy. Only someone who speaks Gnome would notice that he's actually just constructing a new dirty joke.
achinca
Miriam tries hard but has trouble finding sleep. Too many confusing and depressing thoughts. Finally, in the middle of the night, she gets up and looks at her mace. ' Did i imagine it turned into the Mace that Never Forgets or was it a sign from St. Cuthbert? What about the extra divine power she felt? Was it adrenaline or was St. Cuthbert giving me a sign? '

She looks deep down decides that St. Cuthbert gave her a sign. She still has numerous questions for Him to answer but she feels that her God cares about her. That will not erase the use and abuse she took from Calric in  St. Cuthbert name but she gets the sense that may be, St Cuthbert is trying to accomplish something through her. She feels somehow chosen.

' St, Cuthbert, I will wait for more signs but I have renewed my faith. I cannot right all the wrongs Calric did but I can do all I can to help Mary be reunited with her son as a start. I also need to retrieve the relic of St. Cuthbert. It does not belong in the hand of someone like Calric. I will do what ever else you ask me to do. '

She looks at the moon through the window of the room and suddenly realizes something that scares her immensely ' Meeting Mary was not an accident. St. Cuthbert guided me to Hulburg and exposed the lie and scam of my past. He also sent the ogres to force me to decide if I wanted to continue to live or not. I need to start living my life in the present and hope for the future. '

That thought makes cold sweat run down her spine. ' Hope. Hope is scary. '

As her friends wake up, she is already deep into silent prayers and meditation. She join them in silence for breakfast. She looks older and tired but it looks like she is actually paying attention to the conversation around her. When everyone is done talking she said ' I believe the Gnome has spoken the true course of action.  '.

She pulls out a flask and pours some water on a tiny plate.  ]]Mithril, I have remembered that celestial touched creatures do have a taste for Holy Water. I decided to make some earlier today. I believe Whiskers will like it.  
CoffeeIncluded
Against her better judgment, Natalia looks at Shiny's scribbles, mentally sounding out and translating the words in her head. About two-thirds of the way through she stops short and her eyes seem to cross when she realizes just what he's writing.

 "Glrrk!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt winces a little at the scraping and the loud noises around him.  "Shouldn't we wait until the militia arrives to head out? The town might need us before then..." 

He's start checking his weapon and armour for dings or nicks he needs to take out, though he has to stop every minute or so to stop his hands shaking, thinking to himself (as always)   'Ugh, never that much again. Never never never. It's not worth it.'  
Zman
  "I agree, an offensive against the Orcs may be our best defense. The soldiers are on their way, what help can we offer besides holding some villagers hands as the wield shovel and axe?"   Valen contributes to the conversation, always in favor of overt action.  He pays little heed to Shiny's scribblings.

   I hate to say it, but the gnome is making sense....   
 Max 
 Taking in all of their suggestions, "Well, I'm sure we could use you, but it may be in our best interest if the fighting is kept away from the town as long as possible.  There are few predators that will ignore attacks to their flanks."  As Max speaks, you get the sense he's done more than tend bar in his life, there may lie the sole of a soldier or adventurer behind his grilled exterior.
achinca
Miriam sits there, hoping that Whiskers will go try her Holy water. She does not speak gnome so she has no idea what Shiny is writing.

She has spoken her peace and now wait for the group to decides. She nods in silence as Valen speaks.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia says,  "Strategy, not a...blind charge. Why we lived, ogres died." 

She feels that there's little the group can do here now, but she doesn't want to just rush into the orc camp and be overwhelmed. Besides, what's the point of attacking them if they're not attacking first? There's a difference between aggression and defense.
Athedia
 "Celestially touched?  Well, it can't hurt to try."   Mithril pulled Whiskers off her shoulder where he was attempting to continue his sleep.  He grumbled a little before spotting the water Miriam had poured out.  What could only be described as a grin spread across his face as he started to lap the water down.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks.  "Holy weasel..."  It was just a little joke!
achinca
A smile forms on Miriam's tired face as she sees Whiskers lap the Holy Water. She pets him as he laps and adds more water when he is finished.

She looks at Mithril '  Your familiar has definitively a touch of celestial in him. You are a good woman. This kind of creature only associates with very good people.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Smote your nightmares?"  Natalia asks quietly. Miriam looks better, as if her fever broke. But Natalia' seen people get infections from harvesting accidents, a slipped sickle or misplaced nail...The infection could come back any time.
achinca
Miriam's smiles disappears from her face. "  Nightmare means that they stop when you wake up.  " she says cryptically.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs. Of course she had to press it. She wants to get to the bottom of this, but not in public. She's afraid of what might spill out.  "...Later?" 
achinca
Miriam nods. "  Later is fine. I have my entire life to deal with it.  "

She goes back petting Whiskers and then she feels bad. She gives the holy water flask to Mithril "  He should be getting this from you, not from a stranger like me.  "

She pushes the small bowl in front of Mithril and whatever joy Whiskers had brought disappears from her face to be replace by the stern look of someone carrying a lot of responsibilities.
Athedia
 "You are no stranger, he knows and trusts you.  But thank you for the water."   She stroked Whiskers as she placed the flask in her pack, carefully placing soft items around it to protect it.
achinca
Miriam forces her smile but she is sad inside. For a few seconds she had felt a connection, as if someone loved her, even if it was just because of the water. But she knew she did the right decision. Whiskers belonged to Mithril and she should be the source of the Holy water. But making the right decision made feelt even emptier inside.
CoffeeIncluded
Why was she separating herself from everybody else?  "Team, not strangers." 
achinca
Miriam nods at Natalia. "  Yes team.  '

But she thinks " Yes like I was the sunshine of his life. How he had finally found true love he had be waiting for. How he took these vows of chastity. People are not who they are. Regardless of how close we think we are, we are all strangers to each other. "

She continues, hiding her thoughts "  It is just that Whiskers connection is with Mithril. Not with me.  "
Athedia
 "His connection with you is less stressful."   Mithril picked up Whiskers and stared into his eyes, his back feet indignantly kicking at the air.   "Sometimes it is like having a little sibling that is constantly in your head." 
achinca
She forces a smile "  His connection with me is through Holy water. I think that he would go to anyone with Holy water.  " She stops before continuing "  It must be nice knowing that someone is always there for you, loves you conditionally and would die for you.  "

She bites her lips and shakes her head as if she does not want to cry. She gets up "  I think we should be moving. Time is not moving in our favor ....  "
Zman
 Max 

Ignoring the rodent on his table, Max keeps the conversation going,  "Men of Hulberg are on foot ye say..hmm... Makes their arrival around nightfall tonight." . He looks inquisitively at the group, almost like he doesn't want to know,  "How many did you say were coming?" 

Max seems lost in thought.  "I know where those Orcs lay, it's at least a days hard march through rough terrain.  Those Mt. Caves can be treacherous, you're likely to find more than one enterence to the cave systems if you look hard enough.  You'd best leave today if you are to arrive before the fifth day." 

Max adds almost reluctantly,  "Word of warning, if you see that one eyed bastard, kill him.  Dont hesitate.  And don't get lost in those caves, there are scarier things than Orcs there." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Max "  To the mount Caves it is. What ever scary things are out there cannot be as dark and as evil as the human soul. And if we find the evil priest of Gruumsh, and it is St. Cuthbert will that we prevail, I will gladly bring you his head .. or his eye ....  "

Still very solemn, she looks at the always eye candy barbarian mage "  Valen, can you track?  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Baker's dozen, extra as lead,"  Natalia replies to Max.

Hearing the time pressure, she shakes her head.  "If we're needed here? Can't...just vanish." 
Cavelcade
Kurt glances at Miriam and frowns again.  "A soul can be dark as hell or bright as heaven. You will guides it."  He rubs the sleep out of his eyes.  "Before we leave I'm going to go and look around the defences. If the big one can't track, my eyes are closer to the ground." 
Zman
Responding to Miriam and Kurt,   "Aye, I can...but I'd prefer to keep my eyes out for trouble, the dwarf can barely see over a stump."  
   Better off with the dwarf in the lead...   
achinca
Miriam nods and in a passionless voice replies to Valen. "  OK. I will close the rear. I can take a hit if attacked by behind. St. Cthbert knows I can take a hit due to treachery.  "

Her eyes wanders and she sees Mithril petting Whiskers. Coldness returns in her eyes. She nods at Max and moves out of the Inn.
CoffeeIncluded
Once they leave the inn, Natalia taps Miriam on the shoulder.  "Past days...Smashed?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia with a confused look not sure what the rogue means. "  Darkness is always there, even in the daylight. Like the evil of the human soul, you cannot see it but it does not mean it is not there.  '
CoffeeIncluded
It's hard to restrain the urge to slap Miriam out of it. Instead Natalia says, a bit louder than necessary,  "Doom and darkness now? Why?!" 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia with an annoyed look '  ... because infinite sadness is the death of the soul ... and because darkness and evil is why we fight ... but don't waste your time with me ..... go see Shiny ... his world is all sunshine .... his life is not a lie and a scam ....  "

She shakes her head and moves towards where the horses she healed last night are.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grabs Miriam's shoulder and turns her around. She all but yells in her face,  "Dark in your eyes...Something blinded you...Know...Want to know because we care!" 
achinca
Miriam is taken back by Natalia's action. She looks at the rogue with an incredulous look on her face. Anger starts appearing in her eyes but she shakes it away.

  'Care? You really care?  " She bites her lower lip again and lower her eyes. "  Of course you care.  "

Incapable of looking at Natalia in the eyes, she has barely the strength to say "  My life ... my past.... a lie ... a scam .... I was just a notch on a trophy belt   ".

After that she turns around, looking even more exhausted than she did.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks, processing the statement. When she realizes what Miriam's talking about she pales.  "...Calric?"  she finally asks.

Just who was this guy, anyway? According to Miriam he was her fiance and died, but now there's much more to that. Much more unpleasant things. Wait a minute... "...Mary's son?" 
achinca
Miriam turns around when she hears Natalia pronounces Calric's name "  He .... Cal ... he ....  " she puts her hand through her hair and says in a tired voice "  he ... well ... a scam .... a lie ...  " Words cannot come out. They hurt too much.

She starts to move away and Natalia continues her questioning. That stops Miriam dead in her tracks. She looks at Natalia and takes a series of deep breath "  ... yes ... he .... was ... the father .....  "

Miriam turns really really pale and puts her hand against the building to avoid falling.
Cavelcade
Kurt comes over and grabs her hand in his, radiating stretch through the rage she feels in his body.  "It is lucky for him that he's already dead, Miriam, to have treated you that badly...you sweet girl."  He starts muttering in in the dwarfen tongue, then, the tone is enough to let them know what sort of language he's using to describe Caldric.
achinca
The rough dwarf kindness is too much for Miriam and she cannot prevent herself from crying. Holding Kurt's hand she can only say "  thank you .... thank you ...  "

It is clear that she is genuinely touched by how much her friends care for her.

She has barely the strength to say "  I was so stupid and naive..... we were just toys ..... just trophies ....  "

She breaks down and kneels and starts crying on Kurt's shoulder in an awkward situation for the stout barbarian.

Finally, after a long crying session, Miriam raised her head and with red and teary eye plant on big kiss on Kurt's forehead. "  Thank you. Thank you for being so kind.  "

She gets up and looks at Natalia "   Where do I go from here? I am so scared.... I am afraid to hope .... hope is scary ...  "
Cavelcade
Kurt very, very awkwardly pats her on the back as she cries, the rest of his body taut, more stress in him at that moment than in any of their battles. A soft choking noise is all he can articulate, trying to thank her for her words and comfort her at once.

When she stands, he just nods at her words.  "So is fighting Ogres...but you faced that." 
achinca
She looks at Kurt and sincerely smiles at him "  But Sir Kurt. I had you and Natalia and the others by my side when we fought the ogres. My past, the lies, I have to face it alone  ."

She shivers and kneels to give another long hug to Kurt who does not even has the time to protest against it.
Cavelcade
He pats her back again, his cheeks red as he resigns himself to his fate.  "We only face death alone. Life, you have your friends for." 
achinca
Miriam gives Kurt another kiss on the forehead "  Thank you, thank you Sir Kurt.  "

As she gets up, she adds "  Death does not scare me. It is living which frightens me right now.  "
Athedia
Mithril walked out of the inn, craddling Whiskers, in time to see Natalia confront Miriam, shocked she stood back and watched the events unfold.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is quiet for a while. How could she respond to something like that? She can't even begin to contemplate having something like that happen to her.

Well...Actually...

Natalia sits by Miriam and says,  "Don't know, can't know your feelings but...Do, sort of. I..."  She takes a moment to collect her thoughts from a year and a half ago. She's accepted it, but it still hurts.  "...Lisk. Not a trophy, not like that, but...Trial run...Test rehearsal, to see if...she...felt like me." 

The last part is nearly impossible to catch; there's sadness in her voice but little resentment. Natalia throws her arms around Miriam shoulders and says,  "Different for each, but...find truth, learn it. Know anger, but don't...don't be it. Leave for clear sky minds, not cloudy and murky." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia and does not get the jest of the rogue words. "  How do you move forward when your past is a lie? Anger is so easy. It keeps the pain at bay. But you are right. It bring darkness to the soul.  "

She stops and finally thinks she understood Natalia "  So that Lisk was your first one? Did he hurt you? Took you against your will?  "

She stays seated, looked at the dirt on the street, her eyes lost as she speaks.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia starts, taken aback.  "He...Made you?!" 

She shakes her head.  "No. Didn't make her, never made her...Never made me either."  They didn't do as much as Miriam seems to think they did either, but...
achinca
Miriam continues talking, her stare lost in the dirt of the road "  I wanted to wait for our wedding night. But he said I should not. And he said I should let him do what he wanted and me do what he requested. I did not know better. I ....  "

She stops and suddenly looks at Natalia with big shocked eyes "  She? She? SHE!....  "

She smiles and gives a huge hug to Natalia "  I am so sorry. I had no idea. Do the others know? Do you want them to know?  "

Moving the conversation toward Natalia felt good.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia squirms uncomfortable, her face heating up.  "Sorry for what? Can't change that...Can't change speech, all part of Nuts."  Thinking about what Miriam said about Calric, she replies,  "No...sorries from you either. Not your fault either." 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head "   NO I am sorry for not getting it and making these comments about Valen ....  "

When Natalia mentions Calric, her smiles slowly fades "  I was so naive and stupid. I am at fault for acting like a simple farm girl who knew nothing instead of a cleric of St. Cuthbert.  "

The bitterness and anger returns to her mouth but not the despair.

She looks at Natalia and in a solemn voice says "  Your path will not be easy. Some in the realms will hate you for what you are. But please know that I will always there for you.  "

Once again moving the conversion toward Natalia helped.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not your fault, never your fault,"  Natalia replies. A difference in her word choice catches the rogues attention.  "Good...More than a farm girl." 

She falls silent when Miriam points out that people will have yet another reason to dislike her.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at Natalia's comment about how Miriam is more than just a 'simple farm girl', but remains silent, trying to sort himself out so much that the significance of the other remarks flies right over his head for now.
CoffeeIncluded
Eager to change the subject, Natalia turns to the others and asks,  "Timeline?"
 
achinca
Miriam also welcome the change of topic.   "Let's leave now and find Henry.  "
CoffeeIncluded
 "And if too far...Back for the soldiers?"  A growing fear creeps in the back of her mind.  "If they found more ogres?" 
achinca
Miriam hesitates and then speaks "  It is their jobs to serve and protect. If they cannot defeat a couple of ogres, what would their chances be against a tribe of charging orcs?  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods. Of course, she's right on that one. But still,  "Tell where we've gone?" 
achinca
Miriam thinks for a second and replies "  Good idea! Let's tell the mayor where we are going in case they need to send a rescue party.  "
CoffeeIncluded
 "Or head back...ourselves,"  says Natalia. Then another potential problem strikes her.  "Silent sneaking?" 
achinca
Miriam smiles a sad smile "  If it is silence that you want, you will need to leave me here. The steel I wear announces my presence will in advance.  "
Zman
Catching up to the group, missing all that had transpired, Valen comments,   "If we are to stay here, we'd best waste are talents on a shovel or axe, no offense to anyone who wields an axe."   he glances down at Kurt.


The group decides that they'd best leave and take measure f the Orc threat for themselves.  Henrey had left a few days prior and was to return with warming.  Him not retuning is indicative of either his demise, or a lack of information on the Orc movements.  You have a day and a half journey to the Orc caves. The group sets out on foot, as the terrain is too rough for horses to maneuver well on some of the mountainous terrain.

It s barely late morning, the sun climbing in he sky as the party leaves the small town to keep readying ther own defense, believing that information and harassment of the enemy is more important than sitting and waiting to be attacked, if an attack. Is coming or not.  As the grou leaves, Max and the Mayor see the group off, having little to contribute except their thanks.

 
 Spoiler 

Each person has a bit of time they could have helped with the defenses, done something, etc before th group would have left.  Assume that nothing terribly important will have happened before you leave.
 
Zman
Valen adds,   "And Kurt is far from quiet Little Oe.  Worry about stealth once we are near the enemy."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia goes to Max and the Mayor and tells them to let the Hulburg soldiers know where they've gone and why. As best she can, she tells them about the best traps she knows that can be set up quickly and with a dearth of raw materials.

 
 Spoiler 
Let's hope someone goes with Natalia as a translator of sorts. Also, Zman, use your imagination for the traps she told them--snares, pits, stuff like that; Natalia knows it better than I do.
 
Athedia
As Miriam and Natalia started to look happier, Mithril approached them.  Overhearing the concerns about being able to sneak around, she approached Miriam  "If we are heading out to the woods I have a spell prepared that may help you.  You may have seen me use it before, I know Valen casts it on himself before battle.  It gives an invisible weightless armor.  The only thing is you can't wear you own armor when it is cast on you.  Would that help?  You would be able to stay with us."   She tried to explain the spell as best she could, she didn't know much about the type of spells clerics used so she didn't want to take chances.
CoffeeIncluded
 "But still quiet enough?"  Natalia pipes up. She's the lithest of them all, though Shiny comes close.
Cavelcade
Kurt just shrugs a little.  "I'll do what the group thinks is best...for now, I better go help them dig."  He glanes up at Valen, and punches his leg lightly.  "Good defences save more lives. You shouldn't look down on us, even if we are shorter."  He grins, to show it's a joke. That's probably what it means, anyway.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Look at...Where teeth are...level with,"  Natalia smirks, though it twists into a bit of a grin at the dirty joke.
achinca
Miriam shakes her head at Mithril. "  I think you should use your magic to provide offense. Sneakiness is for people like Natalia. I am more of a front runner like Sir Kurt.  "
Zman
The group makes themselves ready and set off towards the norther border of the Galena Mts, where they will be able to locate the Orc stronghold.  Their intent, to find the young Henry as well as gather information and harass the Orcs there...


Kurt labors away helping the men of the village dig a deep trench to the north of the lumbermill and granary.  Valen aids in felling trees to the north to give Linwood a further view to the North as well as supply additional lumber for a Pallasaide.  Shiny spends his time keeping the people's spirits up with good stories...though after a score of minutes he's left surrounded by most of the towns children.  Natalia attempts o explain her grand scheme and mechanations to the townsfolk with mixed understanding.  Mithril and Miriam finah their arcane and divine preparations, readying themselves for the days to come.

When the sun reaches its apex, the unlikely band of adventurers sets forth, north towards the unknown...

 
 Spoiler 

On foot, as most terrain is not conducive to riding a horse.  No set trail, best guess as to Henry's path...maybe give me a survival check.
 
Athedia
Mithril shivered, this was really happening.  Looking around her she tried to spot signs of someones path, Whiskers looking and smelling for similar information.

 
 Spoiler 
Survival Check   (1d20+1)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches as Mithril and Whiskers work in tandem to find the path that Henry has gone down, in awe at the synergy between them as Whiskers hops off his master's ground to sniff the ground before racing back up her shoulders to place his paws on her face and point in one direction or the other.

 
 Spoiler 
Survival:  (d20+1)[ 15 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia can also use Search to find tracks:

Search:  (d20+9)[ 26 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia soon finds yet another flaw in their plan as she finds herself unable to distinguish one broken branch from another set of bent grasses in terms of potential trails.

 "...Any trained trackers?"  she asks the group.
achinca
Miriam shakes her head at Natalia's question "  Another failure of my training  " she says in a sarcastic tone.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes narrow before she realizes Miriam's being sarcastic. Still, she says,  "No trackers...He'll find us first." 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods, walking comfortably in the front of the march, axe resting against his shoulder for the most part, his crossbow strapped to his back.  "All we have to is keep ourselves alive and an eye out for any trouble." 
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 10 ]  Listen
 (1d20)[ 5 ]  Spot
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  Survival
 
Athedia
Mithril sighed, at least they were heading in the right direction.  Hearing Natalia's question she grinned ruefully  "Spent a little to much time studying for that I am afraid." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "And food, at least,"  Natalia says with a smile as she plucks a handful of raspberries off a nearby bush, giving about half of them to Mithril.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "...Any trained trackers?"  she asks the group. 
 

Shiny laughs.  "Don't you know you're traveling with Shiny Scentsniffer, master tracker and repeat organ donor?" 

Shiny drops down and crawls along the path, carefully examining every inch with every appearance of expertise.  "Having studied the path, it appears..."  he says after some deliberation,  "...to be made of dirt." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Find the...kidney harvester here,"  Natalia replies.

Kicking up a few pebbles, she adds as an addendum,  "And made of rocks." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Shiny but says nothing " How can he be so insouciant and care free and why do I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders? "
Zman
The party walks through the dense forest, the rolling hills, and the ever more frequents rock precipices and rock outcroppings.  Though a difficult trail, the group led by Kurt's expert hand believes their course to be true.

As the party nears the northern edge of the woods, darkness begins to fall, Kurt believes that they are only a couple of hours travel from where the Orcs lair should be.  Only a handful of miles separates them from the Orcs they seek.  There has yet to be any sign of the bests, though they are not far.

 
 Spoiler 
Camping, or walking into the night?  Plan to proceed?
 
achinca
Miriam sits on rock as she feels tired. "  Orcs are nocturnal monsters. Let's spend the night and pay them a visit in the morning. We should have watch to ensure we catch and thin out any raiding band.  "
Athedia
 "I will take the first watch.  I don't want to wander into the orcs when they have a clear advantage."   Mithril moved her hands as she spoke, an invisible force surrounding her.

 
 Spoiler 
Mage Armor for the next 3 hours, I meant this 3 but for some reason put the wrong number down.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I'll...Take second,"  Natalia says immediately after.  "Keen ears whether by light or dark." 
Zman
   "I will take third."   

After making camp, Valen will Renew his arcane protections before and after his first bit of sleep.

 
 Spoiler 
Mage Armor, lasts for 3hrs.
 
Cavelcade
 "Then rest well. Call me if I'm needed for a watch."  Kurt doesn't set up a tent, instead just takes off his armour and sleeps with one hand on his axe, wrapped in his blanket and cloak.
achinca
  I'll take fourth.   Miriam gets ready to go to bed hoping for a dreamless night but St. Cuthbert does not listen to her and the demons of her private life invade her dreams again.
Zman
The stars shown brightly on the warm early summer night.  The group of adventurers made camp near the northernmost edge of the thick woods.  Each diligent in their watch and each watch going off without a hitch.

Dawn approaches as the sun crests over the hills.  The party begins to awake, later than they should have to find Shiny still asleep.  Shiny is snoring, a rhythmic Gnomsh tune.  He's laying face down, two small arrows located firmly in his posterior.

 
 Spoiler 

DC5 Listen to jar the snoring
DC15 Knowledge Local to identify the Tnomish tune
DC 10 Spot to notice the two small hand made arrows sticking out of Shinys rear end.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stretches and rubs the sleep from her eyes before looking around.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 

 "...What."  Upon seeing the arrows, Natalia instantly jerks upright, drawing her weapons as she looks around and listens intently, on the brink of shouting a warning.
CoffeeIncluded
Listening intently, Natalia tries to identify the arrows.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Nature):  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
 


There aren't many creatures that could sneak up on them and fire such tiny arrows.  "Fey!"  she shouts, jostling everyone in order to wake them up.

Natalia's never encountered fey before, but she's heard stories. They're tricksters, but if she remembers correctly (and she hopes she does) some are more mischievous than malicious. They might be able to talk them down.
achinca
"  faes?  " Miriam is surprised. She has never met any nor studied anything about them. All she knew about it was that they are mischievous beings.
She looks at Natalia "  We might have invaded their territory. I wonder why they decided to attack Shiny.  "
Cavelcade
 "Maybe he sold them some fey gold once, and they wanted revenge."  Yawning, Kurt stands and shakes the sleep off him, quickly buckling on his armour and picking his axe back up, though he doesn't seem overly worried. They had their chance to kill them.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Make him...One of them?"  Natalia jests, though her stance and tone are still guarded.
achinca
Miriam stops and looks at her teammates "  Why did we all oversleep? What time is it? What if fey magic is this?  "
Cavelcade
 "Then we must beware."  He frowns, then.  "And check our things."  He starts checking his items to try and ensure they're real.
achinca
Miriam follows Kurt suggestion and checks to make sure nothing feels strange or different.
Zman
The group gets up and questions their oversleeping all discussing it among themselves as Shiny still slumbered away, none taking the time to wake the exhausted gnome.

As the party looks around, attempting to see if any threat is near they are greeted with nothing but the sounds of songbirds and summer fare.

 
 Spoiler 

DC 20 Knowledge Nature to know that they are Pixie sleep arrows, and some must have been passing through the area when Shiny was on watch opting to knock the gnome out while he was on guard duty.


Shiny can wake up as soon as Admiral is around.
 
Zman
Valen gets up quickly, trying to discern what is going on around him.  As he spots the tiny arrows protruding from shiny he laughs a little, unfortunately know knowing enough about them.


 
 Spoiler 

The arrows do no damage,Mao Shiny is fine to clarify.
 
achinca
As Miriam has never studied nature, she has no clue about the nature of the arrow and how they ended up there.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
 Knowledge (Nature):  (d20+4)[ 20 ]  
 


Natalia runs over to Shiny, to see if he's been seriously injured. As she inspects the arrows, she notices there's no blood around them and the gnome wasn't woken by her shouts. In fact, if he had been awake to be attacked, he would have woken them up--he must have been unconscious before being shot--or maybe the arrows themselves knocked him out? Natalia really isn't sure about that one. Remembering the effects of Shiny's sleep spells in battle, the rogue surmises that some passing fey must have decided to beat the gnome with his own enchantments. Nothing seems out of place so the fey's probably long gone. Still, Natalia keeps on guard, with her eyes open and her ears pricked.

Wanting to see how he'll spin this tale, Natalia smacks Shiny upside the head to wake him up.
Athedia
Mithril woke up to the fuss around here and sat up dazed.  Looking around she tried to figure out what Natalia was so concerned about.
  
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Nature  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Until you say more I am going with what Natalia knows, if Mithril knows more just tell me.
 


Her eyes immediately focused on the two arrows sticking out of Shiny.  Sighing she recognized the makers of the arrows as fey.   "Somehow I find it fitting that Shiny was the one who got stuck with the arrows.  A trickster hit by a tricksters game." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Best admirer of their work,"  Natalia jokes back.
Cavelcade
Kurt grins at the two of them, then stands, more stoic-faced.  "Come on...we've a lot of ground to cover." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pokes the snoring Shiny again, then yanks the two arrows from his rear. If he refuses to wake up after this, she lifts him up and dumps him in Kurt's arms.  "As...awkward as possible,"  she suggests to him with a grin on her face.
Athedia
Mithril took the two arrows from Natalia.  Examining the markmanship she started laughing.

 
 Spoiler 
Spellcraft  (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Just need 21 to recognize the sleep spell
EDIT: darn it
 

 "Pixecraft." 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Nature  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
To see how much I know about Pixies.
 

 "They are nothing to worry about, as long as we don't disturb them or their home we should be fine."   Mithril put the arrows into her pack, carefully laying them at the bottom.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Not...Not looking to harm,"  she calls out to the air, in case the pixie is nearby and just out of sight. After a moment's thought she adds,  "Know...Know of orcs? 
Zman
Nothing but the sound of silence interrupted by the sounds of the forest greets Natalias query...
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Wanting to see how he'll spin this tale, Natalia smacks Shiny upside the head to wake him up. 
 

Shiny is difficult to wake up, and he starts to mumble in his sleep.  "Yes, I'm Shiny Sleepypants, pathological liar and arrow victim..." 

On the second slap Shiny finally snaps into consciousness, regaining his usual energy almost immediately, and is surprised to see everyone looking at him intently. He raises one eyebrow.  "What's happening right now?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia almost jerks back a bit.  "Told the truth!"  she all but shouts.
Admiral
Once someone explains and shows Shiny the arrows, the gnome chuckles, without missing a beat.  "Oh, I have a perfectly good explanation for that."

"Long ago, I was exploring the western coast when I came across a most unusual civilization:  tiny people , each hardly bigger than the head of a pin. They worshipped at my feet (quite literally), calling me Shiny Skyblocker, giant and supreme emperor. For a couple of years I ruled over them as the most generous of kings- just by shaking an apple tree I could get them enough food to last three winters, and I successfully defended them against the scourge of snails that threatened to invade and overtake their kingdom."

"But all good things must come to an end- one day I spit carelessly without looking and nearly drowned an entire fiefdom. That was when I learned that the city's military had prepared for the scenario when I would turn on them- they had, in secret, been constructing an enormous weapon capable of damaging even me. Over the years they had constructed a gigantic crossbow, one where a dozen villagers could stand just on the arrowhead alone. Before I could explain myself or apologize, their army tore back the roof of their gladiator stadium to reveal the secret weapon and shot a pair of the arrows into my face. My feelings hurt more than my flesh, I ran away from the civilization an outcast, but have always kept the tiny bolts in my back pocket as a reminder and a memento of my time as a giant. I suppose that while I was sleeping, I must have rolled over and been pricked by the arrows again."
 
achinca
Miriam sights as Shiny talks. " Why is every thing a joke with him? What can't he understand how much weight one has to carry in this realm? " she thinks to herself.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia spends several moments in stunned silence at how effortlessly he spun the embarrassment into a completely ludicrous yet entertaining tale.
 "A...born bard,"  she says, shaking her head.  "If you're...Skyblocker, then what are we? And Valen, tallest?" 
Admiral
Shiny shrugs.  "I'm shorter than you now, but I used to be taller. It's a little known fact among humans that gnomes grow backwards. If we travel together much longer I'll need to ride in one of your pockets." 
Zman
Listening to the gnome spin his tales, Valen just frowns,   "Little man, you have such a colorful history. Next time keep your eyes open when on watch."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Shiny Talltale, beat by pixies,"  Natalia says as she packs her bags.  "Go before we fight...twice today." 
Athedia
Mithril sat near the edge of the camp with her spellbook, carefully choosing spells that may help the group in their search for Henry and if it came down to it stopping the orcs.

 
 Spoiler 
Level 0:
Flare
Flare
Dancing Lights
Detect Magic

Level 1:
Mage Armor
Magic Missile
Magic Missile

Level 2:
Detect Thoughts
Acid Arrow
 
CoffeeIncluded
After several days of watching her friend prepare her spells, Natalia's able to recognize many of them, even if she can't completely understand the concepts. But one seems new. She points to that one and asks,  "That spell?" 
Zman
Seeing Mithril studying her spells, Valen speaks up,   "We should be moving as soon as you are done studying and Miriam is finished with her mor ng prayers."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and slings her full pack over her shoulder in response. When Miriam finishes her prayers, Natalia goes over to her and asks,  "Better rest?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt spends the time practicing with his axe, exercising lightly and warming up, erasing the last effects of the sleep from his body as he waits for the others to finish their own preparations.
Admiral
Shiny stretches, seeming well rested. He's eager to get moving.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doublechecks to make sure she has everything, then asks,  "When to return?" 
Zman
As the party considers the information that they have about the upcoming terrain and Orc camp, they realize that they have no easy task in front of them.  They are but a couple of miles away from where they believe the Orc Caves to be, but the  entire area  is apparently littered with such caves and it may be difficult to find the entrance without being spotted.  Though, there may be other entrances to the Cave network which could be used to ambush the Orcs.

Of course, somewhere out here is the young Henry...How will our adventurers proceed?

They were told of the great bird stone which is used as a landmark by the Orcs, each looks into the distance to see if they can see it.  Kurt see something that he believe could be it whilst Natalia is positive that she can see the great rock far off into the distance.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot Checks
Miriam (d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 20 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 4 ] 
Natalia (d20+6)[ 25 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Valen  (d20)[ 3 ] 

Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 15 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 6 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 1 ] 
Natalia (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt is completely enthralled in the search, he doesn't pay attention too much to what else is going on around him. Eventually he points with his axe at what he thinks might be it.

 "My eyes aren't as sharp as some...but I think that could be what we're looking for? 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia points far off in the same direction as Kurt. She says,  "Great bird rock, nested in stone." 
Zman
Valen squints again, trying to make it out...  "I will have you trust your keen eyes, mine fail."  
 
 Spoiler 
Valen  (d20)[ 11 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Camouflaged by granite, see by broken borders. Same as traps...see leaves broken by wire, not...not wire itself." 
CoffeeIncluded
Licking her lips, Natalia looks around at all the caves. She says,  "Ants in a nest...Where to find Henry, the orcs?" 
Athedia
 "I hope he hasn't decided to explore all those caves." 
Mithril tried to count the caves and failed.  She couldn't remember where she had started as they were all starting to look the same.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not exploring all...Can't explore all,"  Natalia says, keeping an eye trained on the bird rock. Once you let something cryptic with its surroundings out of your sight, you'd have trouble finding it again.
Cavelcade
 "We can't find him, he'll have to find us...so let's find the orcs."  He keeps his eyes on the rock as well, frowning slightly, that's the only sign of worry on his face.
achinca
Her spells replenished, Miriam forces a smile to Natalia. "  Yeah Better.  "

She thinks to herself " I guess this is what a white lie looks like. I do not feel any better, quite the opposite but I cannot show it. The fact that my life is a lie and a scam is my problem, not theirs. "

She nods when Kurt mentions going after the orcs. " We need to save Linwood as soon as we to allow me to convince them to go save Mary's son. "
Zman
The group is standing looking off a tall outcropping which marks the border to the more mountainous terrain.  They stand on a tall hill line d with jagged racks.  They can clearely see other such hills and rock up shoots, the small valleys below are thick with small trees and shrubs.  What the cannot see, the heart knows, these hills and rocky terrain is littered with cave networks.

Being so close to the Orc caves means that any entrance will likely bring you there, or could lead to some horribly monsters cave, or lead so some devastating cave in...

 
 Spoiler 

Looking for a plan of attack.  Maybe some knowledge rolls or other information gathering, scouting etc.

Be creative, I'm not scrimping your adventure.

That being said, it is possible to do this adventure and take on the Orcs without dieing.  Don't expect to be rushed by 60 Orcs,  same token, don't expect to face two at a time or dumb Orcs.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at the valley and up at the mountains and out at the underground maze that stretches before them. Shrubs cling to the sides of cliffs and the rogue can see the pointed outline of a falcon diving after some unfortunate bird. She gulps.

Before doing anything, Natalia double-checks that her chalk, pencil, and paper are still in her pack. She turns to the others and says,  "A two-way trip...Need to find our way back." 
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Local):  (d20+5)[ 11 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny peers out towards the rocks.  "...We should wait to ambush them outside one of their caves. We can't go in- they'll have the advantage and we could come across too many of them. But will they ever leave their caves in the daytime?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Night eyes, night life. Like owls."  She pauses.  "Unless they must." 
Admiral
Shiny frowns.  "We could smoke them out of the caves- throw in some brands. But then we might get more orcs than we can handle. We could lure them out with bait- an illusion, perhaps. Or I could enchant a guard to do the luring for us." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, they all sound like good ideas. "Like...Ogres?"  she asks.  "Plan you wanted?" 
Admiral
Shiny scratches his head.  "Well... better than that,"  he says vaguely.
achinca
Miriam stands there waiting for the group to move. She has not taste for Shiny or Natalia plans but she is too self preoccupied at the moment to express her thoughts or to come up with her own plan.

She will follow, regardless of her opinion on the plan.
Zman
  "I don't think w have enough information to formulate a plan as yet, it may be best for us to take advantage of the daylight and scout out the area.  If we know where the entrenches are, we may be able to avoid getting ourselves ambushed."   Valen eyes the area, wanting to just charge in and let skill and mettle determine the victor.  He retains himself, showing surprising restraint.

His stance is uncomfortable, preferring open, even if uncertain battle, to skulking and trickery.
Cavelcade
Kurt frowns, turning his gaze to the caves.  "I think we should go in. Not far, just...explore the caves near the surface until we find a small group of orcs. Fight them, then get back outside. Always keep near the surface and back away if we're in trouble." 
CoffeeIncluded
Ambush would work well too.  "Remember that...dwarven stone home, but we...live above. Your domain, not ours." 
Zman
  "Where is your Ames of adventure and daring Little One?"   Valen adds heartidly, liking the proposition of entering the caves.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs.  "Careful quiet sneaking then."  She looks around at the myriad entrances.  "Trap the doors?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia. "  We have your back.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and gives Miriam a smile. She then says,  "Look for doors?" 
Athedia
Mithril looked around nervously, it was still morning so they had time to follow any plans.   "If there is an entrance that looks to dangerous to enter, but you think there may be orcs down there I can help.  The temple of Boccob taught me a spell that allows me to sense and sometimes read minds, not deeply mind you.  But I could get an idea if there were orcs and if they had heard us."   She was excited to try her new spell, and the words spilled out of her mouth in a hurry.   "The only downside is that I have to be rather close.  Within 60 feet for detection." 
Cavelcade
 "We should go to the statue and the entrance it marks. We can trap that one...but we'd have to be careful coming back out. Will we march?" 

Kurt seems quite determined, now, wanting more than ever to be active and helping out.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gives a sideways look to Shiny when Mithril describes the spell; he'd probably be salivating at the idea.

 "Hidden in--no, not dark, behind stones. Then hidden speech, silent speech. But...Not me,"  she says, trying and failing to keep a poker face at what Mithril might find.
Zman
  "Beware who you turn such a spell on, you may not like what you find..."   Valen adds in reference to Mithril's spell.
Athedia
Mithril opened her mouth, horrified.   "Why would I do that?  I trust this group, anything you wish me to know you would tell me.  Wouldn't you?  One does not treat friends like enemies." 
Zman
The group of stalwart adventurers sets out towards the great bird stone....

 
 Spoiler 
Will you take the high road or the low road, basically will you be going low through the valleys, or up along the ridges.

You have a higher chance of being detected on th ridges, but you also have greater sight and will have room.

Down in the valley you will be stealthier, bu it will be more difficult to orienteer, and won't have as much advanced warning about enemies.
 
Zman
  "The only thing more dangerous than an enemy, is a trusted friend."  . Valens face is distant, obviously hiding pain from his past.

  "Take care.  With such powers come great responsibility. Magic is powerful..."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia chews on her lip, worried about what might come out. There are definitely thoughts in her mind that she doesn't want Mithril to find out spontaneously. So she says,  "...Jumbled speech, a more jumbled mind? Thorny twisty vines to grasp yours."  Which is a second legitimate concern.

She looks at Valen curiously. That's a new emotion from him.

Natalia looks up at the thin ridges that jut off the mountainsides. They'll have a great view of the valley but will be easily spotted themselves. Conversely, they can forgo the scouting position for better cover.  "Sight or sneak?"  she asks the others.
achinca
In a solemn and wise tone, Miriam speaks to the wizard "  Mithril, Valen is right. Sometimes, your friends are not who they say they are. Some have secrets who would scare you. But be careful, you could loose a true friend by peaking into a mind unauthorized. Magic is not a toy ....  "

Miriam looks at Natalia "  I don't know. I am a simple farm girl .....  " She stopped and grinds her teeth in anger. "  I was born on a farm so I know little about strategy but wisdom tell me that if your number goal is stealth, then take the road which will provide you most cover. Otherwise, take the road that provide you an attacking advantage if needed.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia steps forward and places a hand on Mithril's shoulder.  "Am what I say,"  she says. Though truth be told, she is still hiding something. What would Mithril say if she saw the more than idle thoughts that ran through her friend's mind?

She smiles as Miriam catches herself, willing herself to be more than Calric told her. Natalia then says,  "Stealth if myself, but...walking with others who crunch and clank." 
Zman
  "Then scout ahead, don't poke fun at those who struggle with stealth."   Valen jests at Natalia.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hesitates.  "By...Myself?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt frowns a little, looking at the deep valley with its high trees and the rocky ridges, then shrugs.  "We want to draw them out anyway but...maybe you can go ahead Natalia, but stay in range to call out?" 
achinca
Miriam opens her backpack and offers Natalia a potion "  I have a potion of healing (CLW) if you get into trouble.  "
Athedia
Mithril checked her pockets  "You should still have the one I gave you when you chased after Mortin." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at the valley, then up at the ridges above. If she called out, would they be able to get to her or her to them in time? She frowns and says,  "If time to warn." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Room for...Two way walking on ledges?"  Natalia asks, peering out around the ledges.
Zman
Valen chuckles as he looks at the nervous Natalia,   "Little one is nervous, we will take the ridges and keep our eyes open."  

Valen helps by taking the lead, comfortable in his surroundings...he moves easily, blending quietly into the terrain, occasionally stopping to grab a few wild berries as he moves...

 
 Spoiler 


Valen will lead the group by about 15-20'
Survival (d20+1)[ 12 ] 
Hide (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Move Silently (d20+2)[ 19 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam will wait until the rest of the group has started to move and she closes the march.

 
 Spoiler 
Hide (1d20-4)[ 14 ](10) 
Move Silently (1d20-4)[ 12 ](8) 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt takes the lead of the rest of the group, then, going forward but also trying to keep an eye out.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 20 ] Spot
 (1d20)[ 19 ] Listen

 (1d20+5)[ 23 ] Survival

 (1d20-2)[ 17 ] Hide
 (1d20-2)[ 13 ] Move Silently
 


Despite his heavy armour, his careful attention to detail helps him blend in and avoid making too much noise.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Sorry,"  Natalia says, suddenly ashamed how she's holding up the group. She creeps along just behind Valen.

 
 Spoiler 
Watch as I roll a 1 on hide and move silently even though I've got the highest modifier and humiliate myself.

Survival:  (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Listen:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Hide:  (d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Move Silently:  (d20+9)[ 14 ] 

Goddammit, those rolls ****ing suck.
 


Somehow Natalia trips and falls while climbing the ledge.

 "Wah!" 

She isn't really injured, but the nasty bruise on her leg slows her gait and makes her louder. Figures.
Athedia
Mithril turned from where she was looking at the valley and realized the group was starting to leave.  Jogging she caught up with them.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Survival  (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  (+1 ability, +2 Knowledge Nature)
Hide  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Move Silently  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
 


She focused on the ground in front of her, willing herself not to trip.  When she caught up with the group she slipped behind Natalia, face bright red in embarrassment.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns around to catch Mithril, grabbing her before she slams her shin into the same rock that bruised Natalia. Helping the wizard up, the rogue asks,  "You okay?" 
Zman
 Along the Ridges 

As the group sneaks along the the ridges an eerie feeling passes over the group... But I is Miriam's keen eyes which notice the odd shadow a split second before Kurt does... There is an absolutely massive bird like shadow approaching the group, and it is Shiny who is prancing about ten feet away in the wide open, and he is also humming an odd tune...

The group is up on a sparse ridge, about 20' below them is an uneven wooded terrain.  Their current location offers little besides shrubs and sparse grass for cover.


 
 Spoiler 

Spot check
Miriam (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
 Kurt (d20)[ 5 ]  
Shiny (d20-2)[ 15 ] 
 Natalia (d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 19 ]  
Valen (d20+2)[ 4 ] 

Something (d20)[ 3 ] 

Ok, Miriam and Kurt get a standard action in the surprise road, then I'll roll initiative.

Miriam and Kurt need a knowledge check.

DC 10: its a Giant Bird
DC15: It's a Roc
DC20: Take Cover
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shudders at the sudden malaise that the others seem to feel as well. Though she can't see anything, her hands immediately move to her blades.

Seeing Shiny prance about in front of them and making himself an easy target, Natalia glares at him and, with a quick jerk of her hand, motions for him to come over.  "Back here!"  she whispers in an annoyed hiss.
achinca
Miriam notices the shadow moving toward them.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge: (1d20)[ 7 ] 

EDIT: it is untrained so she does not know squat. I know I could take 20 but I like to gamble on dice.
 


She has no idea what it is but tells the group "  Something big flying is coming this way. No idea what it is but safety first!  "
Cavelcade
Kurt glances behind him as the feeling of being hunted settles on him.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 


He doesn't recognise anything about it, other than its general...bigness. Still, he  can't ignore the fact of its bigness, so he points it out at the same time Miriam does.  "Run? Ugh, Shiny! Take Cover!" 

He readies himself to either throw himself to the ground or try and scare it away, depending on which works best.
achinca
"  It is some sort of giant bird and my bet it is that it is hungry. Let's see if I can buy us time. I am going to enshroud us in a fog to decide what to do next.  "

Miriam raises her silver holy symbol, trying not to think that it was Calric's and calls on St. Cuthbert to bring an obscuring mist around them.

 
 Spoiler 
Obscuring Mist: Round 1/30
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Look, I know it's not the initiative order, but Natalia's action is going to be same regardless of what she rolls.

Also, Knowledge:  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
 


Looking up, Natalia blanches at the very large, very predatory bird headed straight towards them. This isn't like the ogres. Those talons must be the size of her arm and she already has a delightfully vivid mental image of how it would probably pierce all the way through their bodies. Natalia's verdict on this encounter is rather succinct.  "Raptor Roc! RUN!!!" 
Zman
  Kurt  

As the large bird begins to descend upon Shiny and Kurt yells his warning, Miriam can be heard in the background, is speaking a shaky prayer to Saint Cuthbert.  Kurt moves his almost Mithril light boots and tackles Shiny to the ground, hopefully moving him out of the Roc's deadly clutches.

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt Bull Rushes Shiny, Shiny voluntarily loses and is moved bad 5' out of the way.

Figured it was inline wih Kurt's declared action.
 


As Kurt and Shiny hit the dirt, a thick fog emvelopes the area blocking sight beyond 5'.
Zman
 Roc 

As Kurt knocks Shiny out of the way, a thick billowing mass of thick wet fog envelopes the area and the gigantic Roc passes with a whoosh, dispersing some strands of the heavy fog as it passes by, it's clutches empty...

 
 Spoiler 

Obscuring mist blocks sight, Roc attacks square where Shiny was and there is no longer anything in that space and the Roc continues past.

Mist blocks sight beyond 5' and will be dispersed in 4 rounds.

 ridge of mountainous terrain with woods below . Gnome the person.
 
CoffeeIncluded
For a moment Natalia is frozen as the giant raptor's talons rake dangerously close to where Shiny and Kurt are. With a breeze she gets a brief glimpse of them on the ground, safe and alive, before Miriam's fog seeps back in again. They have only seconds, but that's more than enough. Grabbing Mithril's hand, for she happens to be right next to her, Natalia screams at the top of her lungs,  "RUN!!! DOWN NOW, TREES AND GROUND AGAINST SKY!"  before jumping off the cliff, trying to roll into a ball and absorb the blow as best she can. Though she thinks about it, Natalia fights her impulse and doesn't drag Mithril off the cliff with her and instead lets her jump down herself. It would probably cause her less injury that way.

 
 Spoiler 
Tumble: [roll]d20+9[roll] (Got a 16, THANK YOU)
Non-lethal damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
 Lethal damage (which will hopefully be unnecessary but considering my luck today...)  (d6)[ 3 ]  
 


Natalia hits the ground and bangs the bruise on her knee even more, but she manages to roll with the blow and gets to her feet fairly easily. She shakes off the fall and runs to the nearest tree by the cliffside, standing under it as she shouts,  "I'm okay...Here! Now!" 
Athedia
Mithril caught a glimpse of the fierce bird hurtling towards the group, before the mist rolled over.  She reached the edge of the ridge before she even realized she was moving and jumping over the ledge, Whiskers clinging to her neck.  
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Nature  (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  just to see what she may know about rocs.
Tumble DC15   (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
Nonlethal  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
Lethal  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
Tumble DC10   (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Nonlethal  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
Tumble DC 5   (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Nonlethal  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 


Her fall was messy, crashing into branches the whole way down.  As she finally hit the ground she cursed, of all the places to land she had managed to fall into the only bramble patch for miles.  Stumbling to her feet she checked to make sure Whiskers was alright.  There was some blood dripping down the back of her neck from where his claws had pierced the skin, holding on for dear life.   "Rocs.  That bird would have had us for a snack.  We should be glad it isn't a mated pair."    She spat the words out, backing deeper into the forest toward Natalia.  She couldn't see any visible wounds on the girl.   "I see you fell nicely." 
achinca
Miriam listens to Natalia's suggestions and jumps with her shield and armor.

 
 Spoiler 
Jump:  (1d20-4)[ 18 ](14)  DC15

Nonlethal Damages:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 

Lethal damages if jump roll fails:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 


She would have made it one piece if it was not for that armor cutting her. " I hate that thing " she says to herself

She tries to tumble but she cannot because her armor is limited her speed of movement

 
 Spoiler 
Per SRD
 


She rolls a couple more time as she gets more damages from the fall.

 
 Spoiler 
[roll]1d6[/roll] - First tumble fail [ 4 ]

[roll]1d6[/roll] - Seond tumble fail [ 5 ]

Damages score from OOC roll
 


When she is done rolling she realizes that if the jump would have been twice as high, she could be unconscious now.

 
 Spoiler 
HP 13/24 including 10 in non-lethal
 
Zman
  Valen   is caught completely off guard by the flying creature.... A Roc, he recognized the descriptions from stories he had heard as a child.  His feet didn't want to move, and it was only the conjured mist of Miriam that saved his skin that day.  As soon as he gathered his wits he quickly lept off of the nearest ledge after the others, landing the steep drop with his powerfully strong legs and quickly rolled to a stop.

 
 Spoiler 

Knowledge Nature (d20+1)[ 11 ] 

Jump DC15  (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Lethal (d6)[ 3 ] 
Nonlethal (d6)[ 1 ] 
Jump DC10  (d20+6)[ 18 ] Tumble-4
NonLethal (d6)[ 4 ] 
Jump DC5  (d20+6)[ 17 ] Tumble -4
NonLethal (d6)[ 5 ] 

Only a jump could be substituted for the first.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Everyone...Everyone okay?"  Natalia asks? Her panicked expression shifts into one of concern when she sees the bloody scratches and bruises on Mithril's legs where the branches and brambles tore into her pants and whipped against her skin.  "How...How bad?"  she asks while offering an arm for support, wondering if she should call over Miriam and ask Mithril to remove her pants so they can inspect the potential damage better. Though Miriam seems dazed and a bit banged up as well.
Athedia
Mithril noticed Natalia's concern and tried to relieve some of it with a smile   "It looks worse than it is.  I mean compared to being eaten by a roc anything is better."   Noticing the state her clothes were in a flash of annoyance passed over her face.   "These will take a few spells to fix up." 
Admiral
After narrowly missing being killed by the enormous beast, Shiny goes racing off the edge with the others.

 
 Spoiler 

Tumble DC15  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
Nonlethal  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
Lethal  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
Tumble DC10  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Nonlethal  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Will always make DC 5.
 


Shiny hits the ground badly, his ankle twisting painfully before his head smacks the ground with a sickening sound. He luckily manages to turn the fall into a roll to slow himself without any further injury.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces as she sees the banged up state everyone is in, understanding that she caused it. But still...

 "Sorry...But...Yes...Better bruised than lunch..." 

She still feels a bit guilty.
achinca
Miriam gets up grimacing, holding her hip as she feels the pain the armor did to her body.   "I wonder sometimes if these things are worth the pain ....  "

She looks up up to ensure that the giant bird cannot reach them before asking.

  How did everyone fare? Do you need help?  

She looks around and taste a funny taste in a mouth. She spits it out. " Blood ".
Athedia
Mithril looks up blushing.   "I managed to fall into a patch of brambles.  If you think it is serious enough..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Worse pain later,"  Natalia says while motioning at Miriam's metal scale mail and her own flexible studded leather.  "Mine for moving, yours for defense." 

Natalia hands Mithril the first potion she finds in her pack.
achinca
Miriam stops Natalia. "  Let me use the wand on Mithril. Keep the potion for when I won't be able to heal you.  "

She takes the wand and gently touches Mithril leg with it, watching it heal.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d8+5)[ 3 ](8) 

44 charges left
 
Athedia
Mithril watched the cuts on her leg knit together.  She handed Natalia back her potion,  "Thank you for the offer, but you need this more than me.  I stay in the back away from danger, while you rush toward it.  Miriam, thank you for using your magic.  I feel much better." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia says  "Whenever you need,"  but puts the potion away regardless. She then adds,  "And safer...better." 
achinca
Miriam nods at Mithril "  I am just glad I could help.  "

As she wastches the obscuring mist disappear, she thinks " Did I really save Shiny's life? ..... Nah, he would have been fine without me . "
CoffeeIncluded
Right on cue to reinforce Miriam's thoughts, Natalia goes over to a groaning shiny and, more than exasperated at how his antics caused them all to flee like that and get hurt, all but shouts,  "Prancing mice get caught first, wary mice live! Miriam's clouds...covered your life!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt grunts a little in relief as he glances back to see the Roc flap over the ridge, right where Shiny had been.  "Shiny, jump."  He scrambles up and then hops off the cliff.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  DC 15 Jump check
 (1d6)[ 3 ]  Non-lethal damage.
 (1d6)[ 2 ]  Damage.

 (1d20-2)[ 13 ]  DC 10 tumble check.
 (1d6)[ 3 ]  Non-lethal damage.

 (1d20-2)[ 4 ]  DC 5 tumble check.
 (1d6)[ 5 ]  Non-lethal damage.
 


He almost makes the fall, even with his heavy armour, but he can't keep his balance as the dirt slips underneath him. He rolls head over feet, then manages to grab a tree root, stabilising himself before he goes to join the others, shrugging off most of it.

 "There...that was pretty okay."  His eyes are trained upwards for now.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Leave hunting grounds, until we're...hunters, not hunted,"  she pants, still glancing skyward every couple minutes.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods agreement.  "Let's go...and keep an eye upwards."  He lets the bigger barbarian take the lead, walking on his way behind him.

 
 Spoiler 

Should we keep the same rolls?
 
achinca
Miriam closes the march, holding her mace and shield each step reminds of the bruises she got from the fall.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia crouches low, blending in the the brush as best she can.
CoffeeIncluded
They're so quiet as they creep through the valley...But then again, best not to attract the attention of such a dangerous creature. Natalia idly wonders how it would fare against a dragon.
Zman
 Low Road 

He party moves, slowly, nursing their bumps and bruises after their encounter with the Roc, thankful to be alive.... Shiny is still humming tune, overtly oblivious to their previous peril...no one can detect a tracemofmthe great predator...

 
 Spoiler 

Spot
Miriam (d2+5)[ 7 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 15 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 12 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Valen (d20)[ 10 ] 

Listen
Miriam (d2+3)[ 5 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 6 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ -1 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Valen (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 (d100)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Unable to spot the great raptor, Natalia figures that it must have gone off in search of easier prey. Like a cow. Or a herd of deer. Shiny's still advertising their presence and she has half a mind to cuff him over the head to shut him up.
achinca
Miriam does not see nor hear anything. She is thinking how close they came with the roc. " St. Cuthbert is watching and testing me. "

However the malaise is still there. She thinks " I need to do something. I cannot go on like this. Something must change. I cannot live in the past as it was a scam and a lie. Yet I cannot move forward the way I am now. "

As she walks, she looks at her holy symbol and out of the blue asks "  Do any of you carve wood for a hobby?  "
Athedia
 "Wood? No, why?"  Mithril watched the road carefully, she could not see as far as on the ridge, but the idea that others could not see her was reasuring.
Cavelcade
Kurt blinks and glances away from the skies to look back at her, then shakes his head, as he glances over to the side as well, keeping an eye out for any sign of other dangers.
CoffeeIncluded
 "No,"  Natalia says cautiously.  "Bender, not shaper of wood." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 As she walks, she looks at her holy symbol and out of the blue asks "  Do any of you carve wood for a hobby?  " 
 

Shiny smiles.  "As a hobby? No! As a profession, of course. Didn't you know you were traveling with Shiny Oakshaper, wood carver and parole officer?" 

He scans the sky for the raptor again.  "Plan hasn't changed... let's keep moving." 
Zman
After walking for over an hour and fumbling through the terrain, the party finds itself skirting along a natural stone formation among the deep woods as they travel towards the great bird stone...

@Miriam 
 Spoiler 
Something is amiss about the stone wall where you are... 
 Spoiler 
No Peaking, for Miriam! 😏 
 Spoiler 
It doesn't feel real.
 

 

 

 
 Spoiler 

I'm trying to be better about what some characters know that others do not.

 
 Spoiler 
 (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
 (d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 (d20+1)[ 10 ] 
 (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
 (d20+4)[ 9 ] 
 

 
achinca
Miriam continues "  Well, I was hoping one of you could carve me a new wooden holy silver. I have grown tired of the one I am wearing. It is not really .... me and it reminds me .... well, let's just say I would like something less flashy.  "

As the group moves toward and along the wall, Miriam suddenly stops. She raises her shield and mace and says. "  the wall .... something is not right ... it does not feel ..... real.  "
Zman
As Miriam points out her concerns, the party examines the area more closely...

@Mithril 
 Spoiler 
At second glance, there is something odd with the stone.  You are entitled to a Spellcraft check.
 


@Kurt 
 Spoiler 
Your Dwarven senses tell you that this stone is odd, not true.
 


@Ntalia, Shiny, Valen 
 Spoiler 
You cannot detect anything odd about the stone.  At all, it feels completely real to all of your senses.
 

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
 (d20+1)[ 19 ] 
 (d20+1)[ 10 ] 
 (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
 (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam picks up a stone and throws it at the wall that was not there.
Zman
The stone bounces off of the  wall , making a loud crack as it skips off the wall...

@Mithril 
 Spoiler 
The stones sound didn't correspond exactly to what you witnessed.
 


@Everyone Else 
 Spoiler 
The stone bounced and sounded as it should.
 

 
 Spoiler 

Listen
Miriam (d2+3)[ 4 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 9 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 2 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Valen (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
 
Zman
Valen watches on, perplexed,   "What are you on about woman?"  
   What does she know that I do not?....   
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head in confusion; now Kurt and Mithril can both see what Miriam does and she, Valen, and Shiny cannot. Embarrassed over her complete lack of perception anyway, Natalia offers,  "Search for traps? Trip over...What I can't see, may still...stumble on?"  She looks to her friends and adds,  "Tell...Where to start...please." 

Spurred on by her comrades' awareness, Natalia begins searching the area for anything definitively out of place.

 
 Spoiler 
Bet I'm going to continue rolling horribly. *Sigh*
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Search:  (d20+10)[ 28 ]  plus Take 20 for  30  around the immediate suspicious area and anywhere that Kurt, Mithril, or Miriam tell her specifically to check.
 
Admiral
 "Hmmmm..."  says Shiny thoughtfully, before something suddenly clicks in his mind.  "This wall reminds me of something- I think I may know what it is." 
 "You see, I was once exploring the countryside around my home village when I came across a farm. And on that farm was an old gnome tending to his livestock, who when he saw me offered me a meal in exchange for some help mending a fence. I was about to decline when I saw his three daughters walking up behind him, each one prettier than the last- and I saw fit to accept his offer. I'm sure you can imagine how that evening went, except this one had a twist- turns out the old gnome farmer was a retired warmage. So needless to say, at the crack of dawn I found myself sprinting off the property, dodging fireballs and lightning, as naked as the day I was born." 

Shiny contemplates for another moment.  "You know what, never mind, I suppose that's  not  really related to this situation." 
Zman
After thorough searching and immense concentration, Natalia finds nothing but a rough rock wall.

 
 Spoiler 
That was funny Admiral!  Gotta love Shiny.
 
achinca
Miriam looks at Shiny and feels outraged at the gnome joking abut such grave things "  Do you really think that joking about stealing a woman maidenhood is funny, gnome?  "

Then seriousness returns to her face and she addresses the group "  The wall is not real. I think it is hiding something else, a different barrier. Why and what are questions to be answered but what worries me is that this kind of magic and planning is usually above the typical orc raiding tribe.  "

Having said that she spends a lot of time looking at the wall, especially in the zone that does not feel right to her. She will poke various areas that look not real.

Little by little, she expands her search and spot area trying to a find a proof to convince her friends that the wall is not real.

 
 Spoiler 
take 20 on spot and search
 
Zman
Valen, still skeptical feels the stone and looks closely,   "It looks and feels real."  
 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 

  "If it is a spell, it is far beyond my understanding.  Wizardess, this is more your expertise?"  
Zman
As Miriam begins to search the wall, its her sense of feeling that most clearly detects the illusion, for if looks back it takes her just a second to realize that what she can see, smell, touch and feel is not truly there.  Most of what she searches is pretty close to what she sees, but after a few minutes of searching the large area of wall she finds a place that clearly is being covered.  Its an opening, a 3'  crevice  running obliquely into the rock face.

Even if powerful magics weren't being used to mask this entrance, it would have been difficult to detect...

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam Spellcraft (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Miriam is at a loss for what kinds of magics could have done this beyond some powerful forms of illusion.
 
Athedia
Mithril had been sitting back observing Miriam's experiments.  She walked up to the odd wall and placed her hands on it.   "What are you?"  
 Spoiler 
Spellcraft  (1d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Also casting Detect Magic with a Spellcraft roll to determine school of magic
Spellcraft  (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 
 
Zman
@ Mithril 
 Spoiler 
As you open your Wizardess'sight, you are bombarded by the largest and strongest aura you've yet encountered.  It's a swirling mass of strong illusion...with sensory response.  It's well beyond your abilities, and you also detect another spll permeating the first, holding it together, withstanding the ravages of time.  Both spells are of at least the 5th circle of magic.
 

 
 Spoiler 

This is a Permanent Mirage Arcana
 
Athedia
Mithril staggered backwards, eyes wide  "This is more powerful than anything I have seen before.  A wizard of some power created must have created it.  There are two spells involved, some sort of illusion and one that has allowed it to last this long."   She shook her head in disbelief  "It is a false image, designed to make our senses believe the opposite.  I fear the power of the one who cast it." 
Zman
Following Mithril's lead, Valens eyes glow as he peers at the stone in front of him...

  "It is powerful, but I can decent little about it."  
 
 Spoiler 

Spellcradt (d20+5)[ 14 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by athedia 
  "This is more powerful than anything I have seen before.  A wizard of some power created must have created it.  There are two spells involved, some sort of illusion and one that has allowed it to last this long."  
 

Shiny nods as he stares intently at the stone, mimicking her concentration.  "Yes, definitely two spells. It could even be three, but probably not four, and certainly more than one. Five is right out." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns, worried. Whoever did this was  good.  Normally she would have expected to find an oddly repeating pattern, an imaginary growth of lichen in the wrong place,  something  not right.

 "...Too much to handle?"  she asks. Whoever did this must be extremely strong, especially to make Mithril stagger like that.
Athedia
 "It is a little overwhelming, seeing magic that powerful.  I can not hope to reach those levels for a while."   Mithril walked back toward the wall  "Is there anyone behind here?  How thick do you think this wall is?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia mulls it over, and then comes up with a thought as to who the caster could be.  "Faker, trickster...Hooded half-orc? Or...Puppetmaster? Control with magic and words...Like Shiny?" 

It bothers her. She knows it's fake now, she trusts Mithril and Miriam and Kurt, but she can't make the fakery vanish from her vision.
Athedia
Mithril looked at the illusion and shrugged  Well it can't hurt the situation 

She raised her hand and knocked three times,  "Hello? If anyone is in there I would like to talk.  I mean no harm, I am just curious as to who you are and how you did this."   She felt a little foolish talking to a wall,  I hope no-one thinks me mad 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses as another thought strikes her.  "If...Made to last...Last from when?"  Thinking hard about any powerful mages in the area that she's heard of, Natalia is suddenly stricken by the memory of a long-dead staff displayed on a tavern wall.

 "Hidden haven of...Max's blood?" 
CoffeeIncluded
As Miriam slips her hand into the gap, Natalia mentally staggers for a moment as her subconscious is finally convinced this isn't real. Now the illusion looks strange--it's still there, but almost as though it's an image overlaid onto the landscape. Cautiously Natalia reaches up to touch it. Not only does her hand pass through the image, but the part that she touches fades out more than the rest of the powerful spell. And there's something else too--she can't feel the colors of the rough stone like the real cliff face around it. What powerful magic, to confuse even her miswired senses.

 "Woah,"  she says as she finally sees the small gap it was hiding.

 
 Spoiler 
Zman, is this okay?
 
Zman
Mithril doesn't receive a response from he wall...


 
 Spoiler 
Coffee, that was fine.
 
CoffeeIncluded
While waiting for the others to examine the wall, Natalia quickly marks the bottom of the rock face, right by the edge of the illusion, with a line of chalk  which the tall grass quickly covers. You'd have to be looking for the line to find it. She then quickly sketches what the area looks like while saying,  "Hidden...Orc path? Or...No...Old magic...Monuments from people long gone..."  She trails off, trying to remember the name.  "Max's...Alabastor! Alabastor's Grotto?" 

She peers inside cautiously; feeling a slight rippling somewhere as her head passes through the illusion. Or maybe it's just her imagination.
Athedia
Mithril stared at the wall.   "Shiny, it's like your tricks."   Nervously she pushed at the wall,  No not a wall, an illusion  to see if she could pass through.  Muttering a prayer to Boccob she attempted to step through.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stops Mithril before she can go too far inside the cavern.  "Tricky guards for a tricky place. Foresight runs...deep down as at does long...in time." 
Zman
As Mithril walks through the Illusion into the Pitch black of the cave entrance, Natalia attempts to warn her to be careful, the concern is touching... She makes it a few steps, her hand on the wall before she feels the opening widening, still pitch black, the light and her companions behind her.....


 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+11)[ 29 ]  vs AC 15
Damage (d4+5)[ 6 ] 
Grapple  (d20+11)[ 29 ]  vs  (d20+1)[ 13 ] 
 
Zman
Mithril disappears into the black....

@Those with Darkvision 
 Spoiler 
You can see something wrapped around Mithril's neck, constricting her, and pulling her to the left.
 


@Natalia  
 Spoiler 
You hear a sudden exhalation as Mithril steps into the black...but you aren't fast enough to be able to act...
 


@Mithril 
 Spoiler 
As you step into the dark you feel a sudden thick constricting on your neck... Just as suddenly the constricting tightens and you are ripped further into the dark and drug along the rocky bottom.... 
 Spoiler 
You have taken 12 damage and cannot speak
 

 

 ??? 
 
 Spoiler 

Opposed Grapple(Move) (d20+11)[ 28 ]  vs  (d20+1)[ 15 ] 
Constrict (d4+5)[ 6 ] 
 


Mithril can be heard struggling as she is drug into the dark....

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative
Thing
Valen
Miriam, Natalia, Kurt
Shiny, Mithril

We are on Valen's initiative...
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "MITHRIL!!!"  Natalia screams as she throws caution aside, draws her blades, and runs in.  "Guys! Light! Help! NOW!!!" 

EDIT:
 
 Spoiler 
I'll probably have to wait until tomorrow to post this, but assuming that someone else runs in ahead of Natalia on the initiative order with some light, Natalia will attack. Violently. Thank goodness grappling someone makes you lose your dex bonus.
 
Athedia
Mithril summoned her will together and tried to shout, casting one of her spells at the same time.  Her hands grabbed at her neck trying to free herself. The priestess had told her that magic users could occasionally use great magic to cast spells without moving or speaking but she hadn't realized she could.  A flare flew up before her, hoping to light the area for enough time to shock whatever was attacking her.  For the first time in her life Mithril felt completely powerless, even her friends did not know what was happening.   I am going to die, I don't want to die 
 
 Spoiler 
Cast flare, can I try to grapple to escape?  Flare is an instant action but I really don't understand grapple rules.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The moment there's a light source Natalia charges the monster with an almost reckless abandon that one would expect from Kurt or Valen, but not cautious Natalia (though it's not quite the thoughtless rage of the barbarians; she still waited for a light source and attacks the most vulnerable part of the creature strangling Mithril.)

As she tears into the cavern and plunges her blade into the creature, Natalia howls,  "AAAAAAHHHHH! NOW DIE!!!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Readied action for some source of light, I don't care what, into the cavern so she can see.

Charge against the monster grappling Mithril (+2 attack, -2 AC until next turn)
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 26 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+8)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 6 ] 
Just missed a critical hit, but I think I hit. And for a nice chunk of damage too! 😁
 
achinca
Miriam is not sure what is going on but she assumes that Mithril is in danger. She takes a few steos (to J20) and seeing only darkness, she decides to illuminate the room.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Light on I15
 
Zman
  Valen   quickly enters the dark cave as Miriam brings illumination to the room.  He quickly notices the creature that has its tentacles wrapped around Mithril as he moves up and attempts to slice them off.

   What in the nine hells is that?!   
 
 Spoiler 
Move to G18 and attack
Attack (d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Damage (2d6+4)[ 14 ] 

Knowldege Dungeoneering(Max 10) (d20+1)[ 3 ] 

DC10 Knowledge Dungeoneering 
 Spoiler 
It is likely a Choker, they are known for choking the air out of a victim with wicked tentecles.
 

DC15 
 Spoiler 
This appears to be a large Choker, they are aberrations that live underground.
 

DC20 
 Spoiler 
Most of what is in the MM
 

 


As Miriam's light leaps forth Natalia and Valen leap to the aid of Mithril.  They are confronted with a lanky, long armed horror with tentecles as long as its body.  Its the size of a tall dwarf and one of its wicked spiked tentacles is wrapped around Mithril's throat.  The tentacled horror hisses as Natalia drives a her rapier deep into its belly, and Valen brings his mighty sword down into the beast's side.

Though wounded, the beast is not out of the fight.

Mithril does her best to throw up a spell but is rendered unconscious before she is able... as she falls limp, the life crushed out of her the beast lets her go and turns to its newest foes...

 
 Spoiler 

Forgot constrict Damage, Mithril is at -8.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Choker chokes its last!"  Natalia growls in response to Valen as she twists the shortsword before leaping back.  "Mithril, here for you!" 

She can't get the image of the choker strangling Mithril, who's desperately scrabbling at the spiked tentacles and ground, out of her mind. Natalia snarls. It is going to regret this.
CoffeeIncluded
 "MITHRIL!!!"  Natalia screams again as she falls limply to the ground, her eyes speckled with red from burst capillaries and her face a horrible blue.  "Miriam! Now! Please!" 

Natalia's horror is slightly tinged with relief when she sees the wizard's chest rising and falling--but only just. She draws both blades and screams,  "DIE!!!!"  as she rushes the choker again.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia's attacking next round, preferably full attack, but I'll wait for everyone else to go first. The combat may be over by then for all we know!
 
Athedia
Darkness surrounded Mithril's mind,  I am sorry, I failed.   She crumpled to the ground, unaware of her surrounding.  Whiskers sat on her chest nuzzling her face, trying to bring her back to consciousnesses.  His eyes flashed with anger and he leaped at the choker, biting with all his might.  A flash of pure light glowed around his bite for a second, as he attached himself to the create.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack roll  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Attached, +3 because of celestial smite evil attack (if it applies)
Damage  (1d3-1)[ 0 ]  (at least 1 damage)
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Whiskers launches himself at the choker, Mithril's breathing gets noticeably weaker. Natalia's torn--finish off the monster now or help Mithril any way she can (and what kind of question is that)? Can Miriam even get to her in time?

 "Please! Miriam, healing magic!"  she pleads, her voice hoarse as tears well up in her eyes.

 
 Spoiler 
Shiny, Kurt, Valen, and the choker all go before Natalia--waiting to see how the rolls turn out before posting. Though I think I'm now leaning towards the potion. Saving Mithril now is more important and it's much more in character for Natalia anyway. Natalia's healing Mithril with a potion regardless; the question is the order of actions.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Actually, I've made my decision in combat. Override whatever's necessary if the monster attacks, but this is what Natalia's doing next round.
 


Save Mithril now, or slay the beast now and potentially not have a Mithril to save later? There isn't even a question to answer. Grabbing Mithril and dragging her a couple feet out of the way, Natalia grabs the first potion she can find and pours its contents down her throat. Mithril's mouth is already open and it doesn't take much for gravity to do the work that she should have been able to do herself.

Not enough, not fast enough. Mithril's heart still beats, but she can barely hear her breathe anymore, and her throat is already deepening violet with bruises. Her eyes are still wide open, and seeing that ethereal silver marred with specks of blood makes it even more disturbing. Leaning over her, Natalia takes a deep breath, then places her mouth over Mithril's and gives her her air. Were it any other time, in any other place, Natalia would be ecstatic; she'd been playing this over in her mind for a while now. But there's nothing sexy about this, nothing arousing about the crunching of a crushed trachea reinflating under pressure, nothing erotic about still blue lips that won't kiss back.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia uses a 5 foot step to drag Mithril 5 feet away from the action, if that's allowed. Regardless, she uses a healing potion on Mithril no matter what Miriam does.

CLW Potion:  (d8+1)[ 6 ] 
 
Zman
A solid   "Arpph!"   escapes Kurt's mouth as he springs into action, drawing his greataxe as he moves into position to take down the beast...


 Aged Choker 

After letting go of Mithril, the beast concentrates its focus on its new attackers... One tentacle wrapping firmly around Valen's neck, squeezing the life out of him...

 
 Spoiler 

Full Attack
Vs Valen
Attack  (d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Damage  (d4+5)[ 7 ] 
If Hit Grapple  (d20+11)[ 28 ]  vs  (d20+6)[ 9 ] 
If Grappled, Constrict
Damage  (d4+5)[ 8 ] 
15 Damage to Valen

Vs Natalia
Attack  (d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Damage  (d4+5)[ 8 ] 
If Hit Grapple  (d20+11)[ 15 ]  vs  (d20+2)[ 8 ] 
If Grappled, Constrict
Damage  (d4+5)[ 8 ] 
 
Zman
 Aged Choker 

After missing with one Tentacle, the large Choker whips another Tentacle at Natalia... Again missing the Dextrous girl...

 
 Spoiler 


Using Quickness for additional Standard Action

Attack  (d20+10)[ 16 ] 
Damage  (d4+5)[ 7 ] 
If Hit Grapple  (d20+11)[ 15 ]  vs  (d20+6)[ 20 ] 
If Grappled, Constrict
Damage  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 
 
Zman
  Sniny  

The gnome gets out his crossbow and quickly loads the deadly device, moving up and shooting around the corner at the abberation... Shiny trips sending the bold skipping off a rockface and into the beasts leg, the rock arresting most of the bolt's momentum...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 1 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia barely pays the choker any attention, easily ducking under its flailing tentacles. She does however give it an upturned middle finger before returning to resuscitating Mithril. When she hears Valen, she cries,  "One life at...a time! Sorry!" 
Zman
As the creature squeezes the life out of   Valen   he reaches for his boot dagger in an attempt to strike at the foe before he loses all strength... but Valen is unable to draw his weapon, his strength failing....

 
 Spoiler 

Move Opposed Grapple Rolls to Draw Light Weapon
 (d20+11)[ 19 ]  vs  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 

If successful,
Attack  (d20+1)[ 19 ] 
Damage (d4+3)[ 5 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny takes a step forward to glare straight at the hideous, darkdwelling beast, splays his hand out towards it, and with a few familiar words lets loose a dazzling rainbow of colors.

 
 Spoiler 

Casting  color spray , DC 14 Will save, and directing it towards the wall so it hits only the choker. I don't know if or how it affects Mithril since she is already unconscious. If it hits Valen since they're in a grapple, so be it (what's the worst it can do to him?)
 
Cavelcade
The sight of his friends being felled one by one more than enough for Kurt to feel his rage take over.  "DIE, BEAST!"  Immediately heaves up his axe, seeking to bury it in the creature's maw.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack: -1+2

 (1d20+9)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (1d20+9)[ 18 ]  Crit
 (1d12+11)[ 22 ]  Damage
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia panics as she sees even the powerful Valen choked nearly to to submission, but her heart lifts as Kurt slams his axe into the creature, tearing it nearly in half and splattering its insides over the cavern wall. Good riddance, she hopes it hurt.

She turns back to Mithril. Is the potion working? Is her air saving her?
Zman
As Shiny splays his hand and engulfs both Valen and the Grappled Monster in is spray. Kurt takes the opportunity to bring his axe down with devastating effect as he fells the creature.  It's gurgle breathing can be heard as its chest heaves up and down...

Rubbing his eyes, Valen looks to the small gnome,   "Useful trick...you have my thanks."  . Valen stands tall, rubbing his neck his picks up his great blade from where it fell.


 
 Spoiler 

MonstervWill Save (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Valen Will Save (d20+4)[ 14 ] 

It's in the negatives, though not dead yet.
 
Zman
Natalia rushes to Mithril's side and forces a healing draught down her throat, even as Miriam approaches with her silver symbol of the Cdgel in hand...
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches with hope as the burst capillaries in Mithril's eyes knit together and the red spatter begins to fade. Propping her up and still breathing for her, the rogue turns to the other and says in an unusually harsh tone,  "...Make it calamari." 
Cavelcade
Kurt slice the beast up not stopping until every tentacle has been severed, only then does he let the rage suffusing his body subside.

 "Are you okay?!"  Rushing back over to the downed Mithril, after seeing Valen standing up again.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Don't know!"  Natalia cries as she double checks the potion, making sure that every last drop makes its way down her throat, through the ugly swelling bruise all around her neck. She should have grabbed her instead of just warning her, she should have run instead of waiting for light...
Zman
As the last few drops of the potion drain down Mithril's throat her eyes flutter.... She lets out a weak cough as she opens her eyes, still too weak to do more than get up...
Athedia
Whiskers let go of the creature and scurried back to Mithril.  He nuzzled her face, relief plain even on his feature.  Mithril coughed, sputtering back into life.  Trying to thank everyone she started coughing again  how am I alive? they saved me 
Cavelcade
Kurt pats her shoulder and stands again, nodding in satisfaction.  "Atta girl. Now don't go putting your head in strange holes anymore. Leave the one who doesn't need light to see by do that."  He starts looking around then, curious about this cave.
Zman
As Miriam came up she is holding a slender piece of aged wood in her hands, she gently uses it to heal the wounds if easy, whispering a quiet spell to Saint Cuthbert as she works...



 
 Spoiler 

CLW (d8+3)[ 11 ] 
CLW (d8+3)[ 11 ] 
CLW (d8+3)[ 7 ] 
CLW (d8+3)[ 9 ] 
In order, as needed. 40 charges left.

Both Mithril and Valen are fully healed, though each has faint bruises left around their necks.

Kurt, need a Search check.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels Mithril stir beneath her, feels her cough into her mouth.  "Mithril!"  Natalia cries as she wakes, pulling her up and into an embrace, supporting the older larger wizard with her weight. She starts to cry, almost uncontrollably,  "Don't...Don't..." 

Even if she could get the words out, she wouldn't be able to here.

 "Thank you,"  she almost sobs to Miriam as the cleric heals Mithril and Valen.
CoffeeIncluded
At some point Natalia does look around the cave before the light fades, though she doesn't let go of Mithril.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Search: [roll[d20+10[/roll]  19 
 
Zman
Kurt, Natalia, and Shiny look around as Miriam tends to Valen and Mithril.  For their efforts the find a scattering of coins, the remnants of a coin purse, among the remnants of what was once a leather pack, 5 vials of a yellowish green substance, 4 vials of an orangish substance, and a remarkably preserved cloak.  As you pull the cloak from the debris, a handful of bones are scattered with it.  A few feet away, half burried is a stout longbow, it's string discintegrated over time.

 
 Spoiler 

38gp
5 Acid Flasks
4 Alchmists Fire
Mighty(+1) Masterwork Composite Longbow
Cloak
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stays close to Mithril, but comes over when Kurt and Valen find something. She gasps when she first sees the bow, then sighs in relief as its large and thick frame and withed string tell her it's not Henry's. She easily recognizes the four orange flasks and says,  "Bottled flame." 

She winces at the bone shards that fall from the cloak, then scrabbles at her eyes, trying to scrape the horrible fleeting image of Mithril like that from her mind. Shaking it off, she finally says,  "...A long time. Longer...Longer than orcs...Must be Alabastor's cave."  Looking to Valen, she asks,  "...Magic, right?" 

Natalia calls Mithril over, saying,  "Magic items...found through time."  She stands close to her.
Athedia
 "Thank you, thank you thank you."   Mithril hugged Natalia, clinging onto her as she sobbed into her shoulder.  Trying to stand she leaned on the girl for support.  She rubbed her neck, where she could feel light bruising.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just holds her and holds her. She touches her long fingers to the bruises on Mithril's neck, as if she can will away that awful ring. She gently runs the soft pads of her fingertips around her neck, pausing at the now-intact bands ringing her trachea, staying still to let the now-strong rush of blood through her carotid arteries pulse beneath her. With a shudder, Natalia holds Mithril closer.

At some point, Natalia shows Mithril the cloak and says,  "Old, though...Looks new. From...Unlucky ones,"  then adds,  "Magic...I think, like this cavern. Old, forgotten, meant to be...Alabastor's cave...I know it."  She tries to give Mithril a smile, though there's still fear behind it. What else could be deeper in? They'll have to be careful to explore further.
Zman
Valens eyes flash as uses his still present arcane sight to look upon the item.

  "It possesses enchantment, yes, weak abjurative in nature."  
 
 Spoiler 
Spellcraft (d20+5)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Like yours?"  Natalia asks. Without any hesitation she drapes the cloak over Mithril's shoulders, all the while nonverbally asking permission from the others to give this to her. Maybe this would offer her better protection.

 
 Spoiler 
Kurt should get the longbow, no question--he got shorted last time. Who should get the items and who should get the cloak?
 


What does the entering cavern look like? Natalia tries to get a good idea before the light fades. She asks,  "Timetable?" 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head. "  Just making sure everyone stays alive. No big deal  ".

She takes a step toward Mithril and gently brushes her hair. "  Now, you stop running into black hole, you silly girl.  "

She looks at Valen "  How about you put some armor to protect that nice specimen of human male anatomy the gods gifted you with?  "

Finally, when Natalia mentions exploring more, she shakes her head. "  We can come back later after finding out more about MAx's ancestor. Right now we got to save the orcs.  " and she adds in her head " And after that Mary's son "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Prepare for this...Old magic, traps, ambushes, could run deep."  She's excited about the prospect of finding and studying magical traps, but knows that it won't be an easy task, especially with such a close deadline before them.
achinca
As the group is looting the remains of the choker lunch, Miriam shakes her head in disgust.

"  Do you have to do that? Can't you respect it as a tomb? Is nothing sacred? Greed! Greed is all you care about.  "

She walks out of the cave and wait for the group to restart their journey.
CoffeeIncluded
Once they leave the cave, Natalia replies,  "Choker...Saw meals, not tombs. And..."  she looks around,  "Odd for a tomb. What if...Hidden, left for kin?"  Pointing to the cloak, Natalia adds,  "Useless here, waste if...If a shroud, no more. Living items for living, not dead. 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia explores the cavern as far as she can see, with Mithril close to her if she wants to as well. Both her weapons are drawn and ready.
achinca
Miriam from outside the cave replies to Natalia "  Someone died here as the chocker got him. We should respect that. I do not believe in looting the dead. It is wrong. It is just greed talking.  "

She shakes her head in anger and looks at all her equipment " I wish I did not need all of this to do good ..... "
Athedia
Walking outside the tomb Mithril tried to explain her reasoning for wearing the dead man's cloak.   "He died trying to explore, the most honor we can do is to survive to explore what he was curious about.  When we return we can give him a proper burial, and maybe find his descendants." 
Cavelcade
Kurt glances at Miriam, shaking his head a little at her words.  "If I die, I hope someday people will be able to use what I am wearing to help defend people. The dead are dead. It's not greed to accept that." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia also adds,  "Wills and inheritance...The same. Just, here, no writing, no contract. Scavenged inheritance."  She does think they should bury what's left though.

She also gives the heavy longbow to Kurt, saying,  "Equal to yours? Or better?" 
Zman
Valen frowns at Miriam's comment,   "The dead have little use for such thing, we do."   Valen states, rather matter of factly.

Watching Natalia move down the cavern way,   "Be careful little one, let those who see in such places explore."  
Admiral
Shiny walks outside the cave, obstensibly to get some fresh air, but he keeps his eyes on Miriam.

 "You seem upset, holywoman. Is something the matter?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt picks it up, running his hand along the wood.  "It's a longbow. It's different...but good, I think. If no-one has a use for it but me, I'll take it." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "Banish the dark." 

As the light starts to fade, she offers Mithril her arm and leaves the cavern for another day.
achinca
Miriam shakes her head at the group "  you can justify the way you want but you are still looting dead people to use their equipment or sell their equipment to buy new thing. To me it is greed in its purest form. Pure and simple.  "

She steps away and looks at her equipment.   I really hope no one will loot my body if I fall. Actually, I wish I could do good and serve St. Cuthbert without having to wear all that stuff. I am just not strong enough to do it. But I would give a lot to be able to help protect people while not having to be owned by all that stuff.  "

When Shiny addresses her, she does not take him seriously. "  Nothing Shiny Talemaster and Halfling Lawyer. Everything is fine.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia disagrees.  "Calling...Survival, recycling, inheritance greed. Greedy if...Money, items willed to you?"  It would all go to waste otherwise.

The rest of what Miriam says is slightly worrisome, but Natalia ignores it at the time.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

While I normally wouldn't roll opposed rolls against PCs, this is the kind of thing Shiny may or may not notice, so I'll do it for roleplaying sake:

Sense Motive:  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 
 


Shiny nods before wandering back into the cave.  "Glad to hear it." 
 
 Spoiler 
Another time.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stops Shiny as he wanders back into the cave.  "No time to...be a snack!"  She tosses him a couple of the acid flasks and alchemist fires.  "If...No room for magic." 

Almost immediately she regrets it, and the look of   What have I just wrought?   is rather plain on her face.
achinca
Miriam patiently wait until the group is ready to resume its march.
Zman
As the sun climbs higher and higher into the sky, the group of stalwart warriors continues on their way to the great bird stone.  Knowing that they are nearing their intended destination the group slows down and begins moving carefully trying to avoid any notice if their enemies would be watching...


 
 Spoiler 
Moving out, Taking 10 on Move silently and Hide with the -5 penalty(Shiny Only) for actually making descent time.  Taking 10 on move silently too.  Makes the 30 minute journey take 1hr.  2hr if you would rather be full stealth mode(no penalty), 10 hrs if you would like ludicrous stealth mode(taking 20 on both).

Spot Checks
Miriam (d20+5)[ 23 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 9 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 15 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Valen  (d20)[ 10 ] 

Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 10 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 10 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As before, Natalia is nearly silent in the undergrowth and her black hair and brown coat blend in with the jagged rocks around them, but Shiny and Kurt aren't nearly so stealthy.
CoffeeIncluded
Not wanting the orcs to be aware of everyone's presence, Natalia whispers to the others,  "Shadow before you, sneak and scout."  before slipping off a bit ahead, making sure to remain within eyeshot of Miriam. She doesn't stray more than 20 or 30 feet away from the others, making sure to keep an eye and ear out for them as well as the orcs. She won't let another choker happen.
Zman
Miriam's keen eyesight catches sight of an opening about a 150 yards away though the thick of the valley undergrowth.  The land around this section of mountainous terrains appears to have been cleared away by someone or something.  Its also quite near to the Great Bird stone which can be seen to the west along the skyline, though no one can see the opening to the Orc caves, if these are indeed them.  The terrain to the north rises steeply becoming more mountainous.
achinca
Miriam stops and points to an opening   "Over there. Someone or something made a clearing. Not sure if it is the orcs cave but it is an access next to the Bird Stone  ".

She points the opening until everyone can see it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doubles back to the rest of the group when she hears Miriam; she wasn't too far away. Looking at the clearing, she says,  "For many to move?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Something else comes to the rogue and she frowns.  "Clearing for...Sight? Attack from above, better hunting in fields than forests."  She looks up at the mountains above. It's always advantageous to attack from the high ground.
Athedia
 "If this is there home than we have no advantage. If there is a cave there I can check for thoughts this time.  I learned my lesson."   Mithril rubbed the bruises on her neck, grimacing at the dull pain still radiating from it.
Zman
As the party sends watching the clearing... A stick lands at Miram's feet...

If you look around you can see Henry perched up in a tree to the south, the sun blinds you to look in his direction as it would any Orc lookout while the sun was still in the sky if they looked from this direction.

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes immediately flit up, following the arc of the stick. Squinting her eyes--her black bangs only provide some relief--Natalia takes a moment to spot Henry perched in the tree. He chose well; though the leaves hadn't yet come into full bloom the branches were thick and sturdy and any orc would be blinded looking at him anyway.

Natalia waves to him, a quick flash of the hand, then says to the others,  "Like a bird. Found him." 
achinca
Miriam sights "  I am glad he is alive. We should debrief him to learn what he found out.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia waves him down, careful not to shout out his presence and potentially alert someone.
Cavelcade
Kurt glances up, then curses and looks back away from the sun, cursing softly and rubbing his eyes. If they say he's there, he must be, the clearing doesn't quite look natural.

 
 Spoiler 

Just a quick post before I head off. May or may not be on, keep on posting for Kurt as required.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "High point for him too." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia and points to Henry. "  Did he go there on his on or was he chased by some animal? Better not stand under him. We never know when fear might make him lose control of his bladder.  "
Zman
 Henry 

Henry carefully climbed down from his perch, carefully picking his way through the undergrowth towards the party.  As he approaches he stays crouched and quiet, in a whisper,  "Surprised to see you here...well not really, you've certainly made enough noise on your way.  Be lucky the Orcs didn't.  They only rarely come out in the day and it isn't hard to avoid detection, but come night, I make sure to watch from as far as I can." . He points to a ridge behind you where there would be a good vantage point.

The young man looks to be more in his element outside in the wild.  He looks at home crawling though the woods.
achinca
Miriam hates it but Henry looks different than the young man who soiled his pants a few days ago. He might not be totally useless after all. She asks him "  So what have your learned? What kind of forces are we talking about? What is their pattern? What are the entrances of the caves? What other nastiness have you seen?  "

Her tone is very matter of fact like.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is forced to acknowledge that Henry is essentially her equal in stealth. Maybe she should scout a bit ahead from the others from now on, so at least she can stay hidden. She says,  "Little rabbit, now with teeth...Maybe I should...Run ahead like wind too. Spot the foxes?" 
Zman
 Henry 

Looking up at Miriam with a scowl,  "There are at least two entrances, the main entrence is a couple hundred yards north and east, the other has to be up higher in the ridges." . Henry points out both general directions.  "I haven't dared to sneak that far out.  They haven't been amassing forces like we thought, at least that I can see." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Henry. " I guess he has changed. That is what war and violence does. Change us. "

"  Well Done Young Henry. Now have you seem more orcs coming in than coming out? Have then been sending raiding parties? Have you seen any leaders? No other monsters or evil race?  "
Zman
 Henry 

Replying to Miriam,  "I can't tell, I haven't seen much outside of a few hunters bringing in some animals.  No leaders either." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses.  "Hives...Hives don't miss squished ants. Same here?"  It would be absolutely humiliating if they brought soldiers to an attack that would never happen. She asks him,  "Anything...Strange?" 
Athedia
 "The ridge?  Last time we went on a ridge a Roc attacked."   Mithril shuddered at the memory.  It seemed like her whole day had been near-death attacks from creatures everywhere.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia places a hand on Mithril's shoulder and adds,  "Secrets in the stones. Danger too." 
CoffeeIncluded
Cautiously, Natalia asks,  "Farthest in the den?"  She also adds,  "...Brought aid,"  to try to break Henry's scowling at Miriam.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods a bit, chuckling.  "Henry is much...quieter than us." 
Zman
 Henry 

Responding to Mithril,  "You survived the Roc?!"  Henry's face is surprised,  "I saw the great winged brute this morning." 

Looking at Natalia like she is slow,  "Why would I be foolish enough to explore the caves?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Knowledge Nature (d20)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Took a tumble,"  Natalia replies in response to Henry's shock.  "Shrubs and earth defend against sky." 

Natalia mostly brushes off Henry's attitude; she's long used to people seeing her as Nuts and nothing more. Their group is a welcome change. She does, however, ask Henry,  "Nothing now...Nothing later today? So what...should we do?"  Was the threat of attack so empty? How are they going to explain this to Linwood?

Completely at random, she looks around at the jagged cliffs and rough peaks, and can't help but wonder how one would build something into the stone.
Athedia
Mithril smiled grimly  "Well we didn't fight it, and I managed to land in a bramble bush while jumping off the ridge.  But we survived."   She scratched Whiskers under the chin while looking at the surroundings.   "I would rather not check out the caves.  Even if there are just orcs, caves are not designed for most of us, Kurt being the exception." 
CoffeeIncluded
Shuddering at just how close Mithril was to death, Natalia nods. She says to Henry,  "Return and report?"  She'd much prefer to face the orcs in the woods than the caves, on neutral territory than their turf.
achinca
Miriam takes a step toward the cave. "  Henri, what is the best way to get to the entrance without being seen? Do they have sentries posted?  "

She looks at the rest of the group with a look saying " Who is coming? "
CoffeeIncluded
Looking over at the scared Mithril, Natalia asks Miriam,  "And light? Danger like..." 
Zman
 Henry 

Henry answers Miriam,  "He easiest way to the main cave ntrance is to follow this valley around, it curves and is the most direct route, otherwise., you can skirt around the edge of these ridges.  You are in the cleared land but under the shadow of the mountains for most of it." . Henry pauses and thinks about the sentries,  "Their patrols and guards have been sporadic and unpredictable.  Some must come from the secondary entrance in the ridges." 


Listening to Henry and Miriam discuss their plans, Valen speaks up,   "I'd prefer to find the back entrence.  Either way we should move and use the last light of day to cover a retreat if needed."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia asks Henry,  "Sneak attack from rear...with us?"  They could use another hand, especially one as stealthy as her.
Zman
 Henry 

Henry looks excited at the proposition before he collects himself,  "That isn't why I am here.  I am here to scout, not attack." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Scouting within,"  Natalia adds, pausing to reduce her Nutspeak as much as possible.  "Traps and hide, eavesdrop and sabotage. Then return. Scout, but fight to defend...Your weapons?"  she asks. He'll need something good for close-range combat.
Zman
 Henry 

Getting a little frustrated with Natalia,  "Going in there,"  he points emphatically, still keeping his voice to a whisper,  "is not why I am here.  I was told specifically not to.  You can do what you wish." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Explore,"  she says,  "Reconnaissance."  Henry's tracking skills would be extremely useful.  "Not far, can't go deep. Hourglass runs no matter what." 

She's not looking to kill orcs, she's looking to get more info...
CoffeeIncluded
Henry's probably not going to follow them in. Looking to mollify him, Natalia asks,  "Scout...Together, but separate? You watch, we search?"  But only as far as they're comfortable, or have time, to search.
achinca
Miriam thanks Henry for the information and nods at Valen. "  Let go through the back entrance. Let's moves.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia has to ask Miriam,  "Looking for...Information, or heads?" 
achinca
She looks at Natalia "  Both. We save Linwood. Then we go save ...  "  She does not finish the sentence ....
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses. That's not right, that doesn't seem right at all.  "But if...If doing nothing, then why...Not a hunt, a slaughter. Not right, no...No justification, no reason." 

If the orcs weren't doing anything, and instead they went into their caves, their homes, and killed everyone, then they were no better than them.
Zman
  "They've already sealed their fate, and I have no quams about collecting their due on behalf of the corpses in Linwood."  . Valen adds Grimly,   "Besides, we took on a contract."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "But...But  all? "  Natalia protests. She speaks as clearly as she can.  "What...gives us right more?" 
achinca
Miriam shakes and her and a cold look reappears in her eyes. "  Natalia, if you want to stay on the lookout with Henry, it is fine. You do not have to come into the caves.  "

She turns toward Mithril "  This is valid for the rest of you. Right now Valen and I are going in. If you have problems with the idea, you are welcome to go back to town and let them know that you found the entrance of the cave.  "
CoffeeIncluded
 "Miriam..."  She would have expected such bloodlust from Valen, but her?  "Don't...Let Calric...Kill your mercy too." 

Natalia hangs her head. A place for all kinds...Her side would have just a hard time with it as theirs. She glares at Miriam again.  "Them all? Judge...Them all? Even those...Too young to read, fight, understand? To live?" 
Zman
  "Spare the children if you wish, I wont kill a child unless it raises a weapon against me, they would not show your child the same curtesy."   Valen grits his teeth at Natalie's misguided innocence to the world.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Then leave for the rocs?"  Natalia shakes her head.  "I...Want peace, Linwood safe too, but...Not by writing peace in blood! Blood makes more blood, need to clot it instead!" 

Her voice cracks, a whimper at the end.  "Find...Find a place...Place for all kinds..." 
Zman
  "You cannot deny the nature of our existence, There is blood on your hands already, don't you forget.  And it is blood on good men's hands which keeps civilization standing."   Valen is obviously confused by Natalia's love for the Orcs.
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia confused "  I never said I will take a child life. If they surrender and give away their weapons and agree to start destroying the farm and killing people from Linwood, I will show them mercy and will not touch a hair from their head. But somehow I doubt that the fighter will give up.  "

She stops and kicks a stone "  What about the choker Natalia? You were vicious about not only killing it but cooking it and eating it. All it did was defend its lair from an intruder. Would it takes your love to be attacked and raped for you to move?  "

"  I am a priestess of St. Cuthbert. I provide justice and fight evil and chaos. I was chosen. It is my duty and unless the orc fighters surrender, I will do all I can to stop them.  "
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
What? Natalia never cooked and ate the choker She asked Kurt to chop it up but that's because she wanted to make very sure it was dead.
 

 "Shut up!"  Natalia snaps at Miriam when she suggests what it would take to make her kill the orcs.

She sits down.  "Just...Don't see why...Violent, but born that or made? Makes...Makes no sense."  They couldn't all be like the ones who fought them.

 "I'll go, but...Not looking to fight...If possible."  After several minutes of silence, Natalia gives up. She can barely gather the thoughts in her head; how can she ever even come close to expressing them?

 "...Misunderstood...Sorry..." 
Athedia
Mithril clutched Whiskers, shaking in distress.   "Stop, just stop.  Natalia and I will wait outside.  Don't blame her for attacking the choker.  It is my fault.  I angered it.  Don't fight now. We are friends here."   Aren't we?  Before the caves we got along.  Why is it so hard to make these decisions.   She bit her lip in frustration and went to stand near Henry.  Tears welled in her eyes,  "I grew to trust Shiny, even with his mindbending.  Can't you believe in each other?  Please?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not...Not your fault,"  Natalia tries to say as she goes over to Mithril. She turns back to the others.  "Please...Friends...Stay together. I...Misunderstood."  She tries to mollify the group, and is also trying not to cry.
achinca
Miriam puts her smile on her face "  We are friends. We don't force each other. We do not trick each other. We are open about what we are and what we do. I believe Linwood only chance for survival is us. So I will go in the caves. But no one is forced to follow. Look into your heart and do what you think is right.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks to Miriam and says,  "We...Putting off problem...Should...Find new land for them too."  She sniffs and wipes her eyes with the back of her hand.  "Angry now, angry and vengeful later." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia adds,  "Here to scout and save, not...not kill."  Even her traps are for defense. She gets up, but honestly doesn't know what to do. But they have to save Linwood.
CoffeeIncluded
Another thing comes to mind. She goes to Miriam and says,  "Maybe...Ogres before magic...Stop meals now, search caves later?" 
achinca
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Another thing comes to mind. She goes to Miriam and says,  "Maybe...Ogres before magic...Stop meals now, search caves later?"  
 

Miriam looks confused.   what meals? Listenwe agree to go after the orcs before the ogres. We are at the entrance of the orcs caves. Let's finish what we came here for. And as I said no one is forced to do something they don't want to do.  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Just...Thinking ahead,"  Natalia says, shaking her head. She says,  "...Thank you...I...Search, but not hunt. Not hunt, but defend. Searching first, knowledge over battle. Unless I must."  If only she could articulate it better...

Natalia looks back to Mithril,  "You...Your choice? I promise...I'll protect you. No more chokers." 
Cavelcade
Kurt listens to the exchange in silence, brooding over all that is being said as the group almost splits itself in two for a moment before Natalia swallows her misgivings and agrees to go in. He goes to her and nods at her.  "You're right, Natalia. We can't just kill them all and say that's justice...but they attacked first. You heard the orc warrior. If we don't at least find out what's going on, the innocents in the town will be in great danger, that we swore to help them avoid. A contract mightn't matter a menknurlan but their lives and our word...they're important." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods; Kurt's right after all.
Zman
  "We d what we must."   Valen fingers the hilt of his heavy sword.

   It certainly feels right...   
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing that Mithril isn't going to come along, but rather stay with Henry, Natalia hesitates. For a moment she feels a surge of jealousy, then remembers that Mithril's probably uncomfortable going into caves right now.

She goes over and hugs her friend, burrowing her head into the crook of her shoulder (it's not hard; they're the right heights).  "Stay safe,"  she says, handing Mithril another potion.
Athedia
 "I don't plan to stand in front in the horde."   She hugged Natalia back.  "But you return the favor." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Back at night...Promise,"  Natalia says, still reluctant to leave her behind.
CoffeeIncluded
Somewhat reluctantly, Natalia leaves Mithril and Henry behind and follows the rest up the slopes to the winding rocky switchbacks above. Once they being to leave the balley Natalia's movements become more purposeful; her steps become quieter and she clings to the shade.

 
 Spoiler 
Take 10 on Hide and Move Silently for 19 in each.
If possible, Take 10 on Spot and Listen for 17 in each. If that's not possible, then:
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Listen:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Please let me take 10 in spot and listen.
Survival:  (d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Knowledge (Nature):  (d20+2)[ 6 ]  (8 actually, but that doesn't matter.

Hooray for extremely ****ty rolls. 🫤
 
Cavelcade
Kurt follows close behind Natalia, after glancing curiously at Mithril, wondering why she chose to stay here when there was work to be done.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20-2)[ 11 ]  Hide
 (1d20-2)[ 11 ]  Move Silently
 (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  Survival
 (1d20)[ 9 ]  Listen
 (1d20)[ 4 ]  Spot
 


He moves with purpose, keeping his eyes low to the ground and focusing mostly on undergrowth as he looks for tracks.
Zman
Valen follows closely, blade in hand as he follows behind the dwarf as Lurt moves with a purpose.


 
 Spoiler 

Take 10 for a Stealth of 12

Listen (d20+3)[ 22 ] 
Spot (d20)[ 7 ] 
 



It doesn't take Kirt long to find a well used path, it should b simple for the Dwarf to take the path into the Ridges.  He'd expect to find the cave quickly...
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows Kurt almost silently down the narrow bath, trusting his instinctive knowledge of mountains and stone.
Cavelcade
Kurt quickly guides them along the narrow path, sensing as much as seeing the way it runs.  "Not far now..." 
Zman
 Henry 

Blushing as he and Mithril are left alone,  "We should find a place to hide...don't want any Orcs to find us here." 
 
 Spoiler 

Checks and actions from Mithril.  Will need a spot as well.
 
Zman
 Along the Trail 

The group follows Kurt's lead, knowing that the Dwarf with his beard to the ground was on the right trail began to near a likely entrance location....

The terrain is rocky, uneven, and sight is limited by terrain.  You are roughly one hundred feet higher in elevation than you left Henry and Mithril.

 
 Spoiler 

Anyone with a Spot or Listen check higher than DC 20 is aware of at least one Orc in the rocks above the likely entrence.
 
Athedia
Mithril watched the rest of the group walk toward the caves.   Hide?  Oh yes, um... you were up a tree earlier?  Do you think that would work for me?"   She looked around for any trees with decent cover that she could climb.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot Check  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny follows the others towards the cave.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot/Listen can't be more than 20, but still worth a roll I suppose:

Hide  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Move Silently  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Spot  (1d20-2)[ 5 ] 
Listen  (1d20-2)[ 13 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam follows the others towards the cave, closing the march.

 
 Spoiler 

Hide  (1d20-4)[ 13 ] 
Move Silently  (1d20-4)[ 4 ] 
Spot  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
 
Zman
Mithril indeed spots a  tree  that would work.  It's nestled in a thicket of trees and it's trunk splits into three about 15' off of the ground.

As she attempts to climb into position Henry offers his hand to help... "Here let me help you." 
 
 Spoiler 

Henry Aids another on a Climb check.

DC15 to climb the tree.
 

 Secondary Cave Entrence 

As the group is walking, Valen quickly holds up his hand letting the group know that he has heard something above the cave entrence... Valen quickly switches his Great Sword for his bow, knocking an arrow... The Orc, now visible attempts to climb down the rock face before he can be noticed to the entrence to the cave... He quickly slides down, keeping his balance as he goes...

 
 Spoiler 

Surprise Round, Valen and the Orc get a single action, then Initiative...

Cave is about 100' away...

Initiative
Miriam (d2+1)[ 3 ] 
Kurt (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Shiny (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Mithril (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Valen (d20+2)[ 6 ] 

Orc (d20)[ 4 ] 

Orc Climb (d20)[ 20 ] 

Everyone beats the Orc Initiative, it will have partial cover+4 AC due to terrain.  Try and stick to block initiative.
 
Athedia
Mithril grasped his hand.   "Thanks, I haven't done much tree climbing in my life." 
 
 Spoiler 
To beat DC 15  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]   Accepting aid +2, climb rank +2
 


Mithril scrambled into the tree managing to climb farther than she thought she could.   "Wow, that is actually rather fun!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Saw us?"  Natalia whispers.
Admiral
Shiny smiles, winds up, and with a flick of the wrist casts a burst of arcane magic at the fleeing Orc.

 
 Spoiler 
Usual drill-  sleep , Will save DC 15 (assuming he has 4HD or fewer)
 
Zman
The beguiler flicks his wrist and utters a quick incantation... The Orc takes two drunken slowing steps before finally collapsing to Shiny's enchantment...


 
 Spoiler 

Will Save (d20)[ 13 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt hurries along then, but hesitates beside the creature, uncertain about killing them in cold blood.
CoffeeIncluded
They don't have too much time before he wakes up. Natalia looks to the others and asks,  "Get him?"  relieved that Shiny defaulted to his nonlethal enchantments like always.

 
 Spoiler 
How far away is the orc and what's the terrain like?
 
Admiral
Shiny nods.  "Let's tie him up- we can wake him and try charming him. We'll learn how many orcs are within these caves. Maybe if we're lucky we'll learn more." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Shiny Wordsmith, gnome...interpreter and...Uh...silver talker,"  she finishes lamely.
Admiral
 "Shiny Wordsmith is my godfather, I was just named after him. Perhaps you should be the one to tie him up?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods. That at least she's good at.
CoffeeIncluded
If nobody else does it, then Natalia takes the orc, ties him up, drags him back to the group, and rechecks the rope to make sure they're tight (take 20 for a 30 on Use Rope if I can).
Cavelcade
Kurt stands guard over the prone orc while Natalia ties him up, his axe resting in his hands. At least he didn't have to use it yet, though beheading a tied up orc will be even worse, if it comes to that.
Zman
Natalia spends a full two minutes tieing the Orc up, she does this near the orc cave and the Orc is already regaining consciousness before they attempt to move him.

Before he wakes Valen takes a strip of rope and forcefully gags the Orc with it,   "Just in case Shiny's enchantment doesn't take hold."  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Actually Natalia was going to check the ropes again once they dragged him away, doing the longer job once he was away from the cave, but whatever.
 


Natalia nods as Valen shoves the gag in the orc's mouth.
achinca
Miriam follows the group, staying alert and waiting for Shiny to tell her what he learns from the orc.
Zman
After binding the Orc he begins to awaken as you try and drag him... struggling, but unable to break himself free.  He also attempts to shout, but the rough gag stops him for more than grunting.

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20+3)[ 16 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt grunts as he struggles with the weight of the orc.  "Okay Shiny...go ahead." 
Admiral
Shiny walks up from behind the orc, points a few fingers at him, and utters his charming enchantment.

 
 Spoiler 
Is the orc denied his Dex bonus against Shiny right now for the purposes of Surprise Casting? (I think it makes sense since he's tied up, especially if Shiny's coming up behind him, and he would obviously be denied it if Shiny were trying an attack).

In that case, this is a DC Will save 16 (15 if he isn't denied his Dex bonus). I assume he gets a +5.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches the orc struggle against the enchantment again, hoping that this one takes hold as well.
Zman
The gnome launches his mental subject action...

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20)[ 2 ]  Yes,meh is denied his Dex and you get surprise casting.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs in relief as the orc stops struggling, and his hateful expression changes to one of blank befuddlement. It's probably a good thing that Mithril's not here now, as much as she hates to admit it.

 
 Spoiler 
If the orc didn't make the will save with a 13, he's definitely not making it with a 2. Wish me luck; orgo's going to be the death of me tonight!
 
achinca
Miriam gives the nod to Shiny as she thinks the enchantment worked.
CoffeeIncluded
(Playing for Shiny, please tell me if I'm doing a good job. Admiral, feel free to overwrite any of my actions!)

Shiny sighs in relief as the orc stops struggling; the spell has taken hold. He removes the orc's gag and, before anyone has the chance to speak, smiles and says in Orcish,  "Hey there, it's me, Shiny Strongedge! You probably don't remember, but I helped clear out some of the pathways to your home--very scenic trails, by the way." 

Shiny reaches over to loosen Natalia's ropes; it takes a while as she did a very thorough job. As he undoes the bindings, he says to the orc,  "Sorry about this, by the way. You're so big, we thought for a moment you were an ogre trying to attack! They're hunting all over the place, you know, and aren't exactly picky about what they eat."  The shudder he gives there isn't entirely fabricated.

 
 Spoiler 
I think our plan should be to convince the orc that the ogres are planning to attack their dens, and should do this in a way so the doubts stick with him even after the spell. We ask the orc for information about their dens and plans for Linwood, as well as whatever they're doing with the ogres and gnolls and giants. Then we send him on a snipe hunt and have him run off in the opposite direction from us and Mithril and Henry; by the time the spell wears off and he comes charging back we should be long gone.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't understand what Shiny's saying, but she figures it's working.
Zman
 Orc Friend 

The Orc has a puzzled look, &lt;Orc&gt; "Why did you need to tie Grunt up?! Grunt no hurt little Gnome-Friend" .  The large slab of young Orc is obviously far from docile, but  completely comfortable.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Orc Friend 

The Orc has a puzzled look,  "Why did you need to tie Grunt up?! Grunt no hurt little Gnome-Friend" .  The large slab of young Orc is obviously far from docile, but  completely comfortable. 
 

Shiny taps his own head as an "of course" gesture. &lt;Orc&gt; "How silly of me!" &lt;/Orc&gt; he says in a friendly voice, as though tying a friend tied up was similar to forgetting his birthday. &lt;Orc&gt; "Let's get you out of there." &lt;/Orc&gt;

He leans down and unties the ropes around the Orc. &lt;Orc&gt; "Ogres are pretty dangerous around here," &lt;/Orc&gt; he says as he does so. &lt;Orc&gt; "I hope you can withstand an attack from them. How many guards are in these caves?"&lt;/Orc&gt; 
 
 Spoiler 
If Shiny can't untie the rope (there's no hurry for him to do so, I guess he can take 20 if he needs to) he'll ask Natalia to do so.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hangs back; if Shiny has trouble untying the knots she goes over to help him.
Zman
 Orc-Friend 

Orc "Thank You Gnome-Friend...Ogres no problem, they squashing shiny Umons,"  As Natalia moves near to the Orc,  "I no like Umons."  as he eyes the group warily...

 
 Spoiler 

Only Shiny is "Friendly" with the Orc.  The only reason the Orc tolerates anyone else is because you are with Shiny.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia holds up her hands to show she's unarmed, and points to the rope before making an untying motion with her hands. Still, she doesn't move any closer unless Shiny asks her to.
Cavelcade
Kurt grinds his teeth slightly as the orc is untied, feeling highly uncomfortable with this turn in the situation, even though it does make sense.  He knows what he's doing...relax, Kurt. 

He sighs a little at that thought, shaking out the knots of tension, his hands resting on the haft of his axe, ready to cleave the orc in twain if he turns violent.
Athedia
Mithril looked through the branches nervously.  Turning to Henry she attempted to make small talk while they waited for the others to return.   "So... see any other creatures?"   Whiskers was batting at the smaller branches around them as the moved in the wind, apparently thinking they were taunting him.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny raises his eyebrows. &lt;Orc&gt; "Ogres no problem? You didn't hear about the orc party that was  eaten  by a gang of roving ogres?" &lt;/Orc&gt;
Zman
 Tree 

Henry turns to answer Mithril,  "Nothing besides the shadow of that Roc..."  his account of the Roc is interrupted by a distant grunt and thud.  It's likely your party members.
Zman
 Orc 

The Orc looks at Shiny inquisitively, &lt;Orc&gt; "No Ogres near Orc Home, Big Orcs say so. Hooded one knows, hooded one tells Big Orcs." 
Admiral
Shiny puts his hand on the orc's shoulder in surprise. &lt;Orc&gt; "You didn't know? The hooded one is a liar. He's working with the ogres to kill the orcs. You do know he's..." &lt;/Orc&gt; he shoots a slightly contemptuous look at his own companions-  "...half human, right?" 
Zman
 Orc 

With genuine fear in his eyes,  "Hooded one killed last Orc that said that... Big Orcs trust Hooded One, we must follow Big Orcs." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Orc 

With genuine fear in his eyes,  "Hooded one killed last Orc that said that... Big Orcs trust Hooded One, we must follow Big Orcs."  
 

Shiny looks the orc deep in the eyes.  "You're saying you and your friends are afraid of a scheming half-human? I thought you were an orc. No orc I know would be afraid of someone like that." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia, hearing ogre again and again (though understanding nothing else) whispers to Shiny in Draconic,  "Show our spoils?" 
Zman
 Orc 

The Orc answers honestly,  "Orcs respect strength, Hooded one strong, scare Orcs, scary magics, tear Orcs apart with hands. Orcs not dumb." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Shiny quizically.
Admiral
Shiny tries a different tack for a bit.  "So, what's it like inside that cave? Are you part of a large squad?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia paces around a bit, wondering if Shiny's getting useful information out of the orc.
Zman
 Orc-Friend 

Looking at Shiny with warmth in his eyes,  "Big tunnels, house whole clan.  Show you?  Meet clan brothers? They like Gnome-friend, I like gnome friend.  May eat uuman friends..." 
Admiral
Shiny smiles at the suggestiOn.  "Perhaps! How many orcs are in your clan? 
Zman
 Orc-Imformant 
 Our clan is over 100 strong. Almost three score warriors...We had more, but they were too weak to challenge humans of 'Inwood." 
Admiral
&lt;Orc&gt; "Oh, just one quick question. Do you speak any of the common tongue?" &lt;/Orc&gt;

If the orc responds in the negative, he nods. &lt;Orc&gt; "In that case, friend, let me translate what you said to these humans." &lt;/Orc&gt;

Shiny turns to the group and reiterates the conversation in brief to the rest of the party, this time in Common. At the end he adds,  "I'm not sure we'll be able to use this orc to spread resentment, but we might still be able to get intelligence out of him, and possibly also set an ambush. Getting a manageable number of out during in the day is our best shot. And perhaps we can set up some kind of trap for them." 
 
 Spoiler 
I think the odds of the orc speaking common are almost nil, but I didn't want to take any chances. If he does speak common we'll step out of the way.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, then adds (if the orc can understand Common, then she says this in Draconic),  "Kick anthills where none before...Could get swarmed. Ambush of Linwood?" 
Zman
The Orc does not speak the Commin tongue, but is more than happy to wait patiently while you relay the information to the other.





 Tree 

After some time Henry taps Mithril on the shoulder, his young face serious.  He points out three Orcs moving towards the upper path where your allies currently are.  You are about 200' away.
Athedia
Mithril watched the orcs approach the area she had seen her friends head toward.  She considered attacking them from the relative safety of the tree.  Gesturing to Henry she mimed drawing and shooting a bow at the orcs, shrugging questioningly afterward.
Zman
 Henry 

Seeing Mithril's question, he made a gesture that could be interpreted her friends being blind to the danger, he returned her question letting Mithril decide their course of action.
Athedia
Mithril nodded in acknowledgement and pointed to them and then the orcs, doing the bow drawing motion again.  She offered up a short prayer to Boccob before saying the incantation for her arrow spell, aiming it at the orc who seemed the most open.  She hoped Henry didn't mind her blowing their hiding spot, but she couldn't risk the orcs attacking her friends.  At least they were already perched in a tree, mostly out of harms way.

 
 Spoiler 
Ranged Touch attack  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Damage  (2d4)[ 6 ]  and lasts one more round if it hits
 
Zman
 Outside the Main Entrance 

As Mithril let's loose a magical arrow with a brief incantation and gesture, the arrow flies true, catching the Orc in the shoulder and spinning him, but not bringing him down.  The Orc lets out a brief howl of surprise and pain.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative
Mithril (d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Henry (d20)[ 2 ] 

Orcs (d20)[ 2 ] 

Mithril, Henry, then the Orcs.

Since Mithril got to go first, her additional damage goes since she cast her spell in the surprise round.
 


Moments later the persistent corrosive magics continue to eat through the Orcs flesh, finally reaching his nervous system as he falls.
Athedia
Mithril gestured again, this time coating her body in a protective forcefield.  She was surprised how the spell had been, she hadn't seen its full effects when she had used it one the ogres.
 
 Spoiler 
Mage Armor, 3 hr
 
Zman
 Henry 

Henry quickly slips out of the tree, drawing his bow as he gets to the ground,  "Stay Safe." 

Henry moves off about 15' and takes cover behind a tree.

 Orcs 

As the first of their group falls the two other Orcs turn to engage.  Both move forward quickly, drawing worn looking bows off of their backs.  The first moves a short distance and also draws a small horn from his belt and let's out three long bursts from the horn.  The second moves up, knocking an arrow and looses it at Mithril... It's arrow dropping fast and sticks with a loud thud into the base of the tree.

 
 Spoiler 

No Dex for Mithril, but she gets cover.

Attack (d20)[ 6 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 5 ] 

The rest of the group can finish their interogation before the horn sounds.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns to Shiny and adds to her previous concerns,  "Maybe...Snipe hunt? Have him...chase after shadows?" 
Athedia
Mithril cursed as the horn alerted the area to there presence. Now more orcs would come.  Seeing the orc that had shot at her had come within distance of her magic she fired off two arcane orbs straight at it.  They speed straight toward the orc ignoring all attempts to avoid them.

 
 Spoiler 
Magic Missile Both aimed at closest orc.  This is all assuming that the orcs moved at most 130ft from me (assumed because it is said that the one fired on me.)
Damage 1  (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 
Damage 2  (1d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 
Zman
 Henry 

After the two orbs of force struck the Orc, Henry fires off an arrow of his own...
It catches the Orc in the guts and it falls quickly... Trying to crawl away.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20)[ 11 ] 
Damage (d6+2)[ 7 ] 

Dropped it to 0
 
Zman
 Orcs 

As Henry's skilled shot fell the second Orc, the third began falling back towards hat can only be the secondary entrance.  The Orc, stuck by Henry's arrow slowly crawls away, an arrow in his guts...
Athedia
Mithril couldn't risk letting the last orc escape.  Hurriedly she cast her last spell watching the identical orbs streak through the air toward it.
   
 Spoiler 
Damages  (1d4+1)[ 4 ]   (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 
Zman
 Henry 

Henry lofts an arrow attempting to bring down th last Orc... But the arrow misses wide and the wounded Orc scampers away.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20)[ 2 ] 
Damage (d6+2)[ 6 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia nods, then adds (if the orc can understand Common, then she says this in Draconic),  "Kick anthills where none before...Could get swarmed. Ambush of Linwood?"  
 

Shiny nods briskly.  "Good question, Natalia Nutnoodle."  He turns back to the orc. &lt;Orc&gt; "Have you heard anything of an attack on Linwood happening soon?" &lt;/Orc&gt;

Once he hears the answer, he asks another question. &lt;Orc&gt; "Imagine you sounded the alarm out here. How many orcs would come out?" &lt;/Orc&gt;

 
 Spoiler 
This isn't related to the horn blowing- right now he's interested in setting off an ambush. OOC, with Mithril out of spells, Shiny down two L1s, and the alarm just sounded, it might soon be time to retreat, perhaps fighting along the way.
 
Zman
 Orc Bean Spiller 

The charmed Orc is more than happy to share what he knows,  "Plan yes, but Hooded One tell Big Leader to wait...wait till Shiny Shields from big city leave." 
 "Alarm, warrior check out problem, warriors protect female orcs, move like bees nest.  Maybe two groups come out and check, five six each. Maybe even Big Leaders come after that?" 
Admiral
 "Did you hear anything about an orc who was captured in Linwood but then escaped?" 
Zman
 Orc 

And the Orc keeps divulging his secrets to Gnome-Friend,  "He came wounded, and exhausted.  Made claims about Hooded one...Hooded one old him he had been altered...that he was weak and killed him with a flick of his wrist....Big Leader and Holy One were not Hap....." 

Three horn bursts are heard in the distance.

 "Good, that is the alarm I mentioned.  now I can introduce you to my clan." 
Admiral
Shiny ignores the horn for a second.  "Did anyone believe him? Any other orcs? Are there those who do not trust the Hooded One?" 
Athedia
Mithril prepared her crossbow, aiming to shoot any orcs that came within range.  "Henry get back up here, more orcs will be coming soon."   She prayed that the rest of the group was alright as she braced herself for the reinforcements.
Zman
 Henry 

Looking a bit shocked at Mithril's suggestion,  "That's how me and pa used to hunt ****, we treed them.  We'd be better to ring your companions, strength in numbers." 
Zman
 Orcs 
 "Most that defy the Hooded one or Big !eader don't live to talk about it." 
Athedia
 "If you are sure."  Mithril climbed down, trusting in Henry's knowledge of the outdoors.  "I only know the woods from books.  I can identify a plant or creature, but not how to avoid trouble."   She lost her concentration while climbing down, crashing to the ground as she spoke.   "On second thought, maybe the raccoon's just wanted to avoid the ground." 
 
 Spoiler 
I don't know if I need to roll to climb down but here it is
Climb  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
 
Zman
Mithril begins to climb down, but a branch gives way... Mithril fall, but only a short distance smashing her suing painfully I to the roots of the tree.  Only minor damage and a scraped shin.


 
 Spoiler 

Tumble (d20+2)[ 8 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt ***** his head at the horn, then winces and gestures with his axe from behind the orc towards his neck. To kill an unarmed foe would make him sick, but they'll have to kill him now or later, when the fighting starts he'll have to see through the charm.
Admiral
 "That's great that your clan is on their way! Let me just tell my friends who's coming." 

Shiny looks up at Kurt, his friendly smile not changing one iota.  "If he lives, he'll be able to tell the Hooded One too much about us. Now's the time." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces, realizing what Kurt's about to do. She doesn't like it one bit, but it's not like they have much of a choice now. She hopes Mithril and Henry are okay.
achinca
Miriam looks at Shiny when she realizes what will happen "  Shiny Storyteller, Official Liar and Enchanter Extraordinaire, this is the price to pay for your trickery. You are turning us into murderers  ."

She steps away, knowing that has to be done must be done. But she would rather see it done in the heat of battle, not against a charmed defenseless being.
Zman
  Valen   watches on, not knowing what the gnome is discussing with the enchanted Orc.  Once Shiny says what must be done, Valen simply readies himself for the inevitable upcoming conflict.  A few muttered incantations in Draconic, Valen crosses his arms and wraps arcane protections around himself.

 
 Spoiler 
Mage Armor
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia plays her hands over the hilts of her blades, scanning the area.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Listen:  (d20+7)[ 8 ] 

...You have got to be ****ing kidding me.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt raises his axe then, bringing it down quickly on the skull of the orc.

 
 Spoiler 

Would this count as coup-de-gras? Here are my rolls anyway.

Power Attack -1 + 2
 (1d20+7)[ 20 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  Crit
 (1d12+8)[ 14 ]  Damage
 
Zman
 Orc 

The Orces eyes flash with clarity for a second before Kirts axe is brought down and they roll back into the creatures skull.

 
 Spoiler 
It was enough damage to drop him negative.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt spits angrily, slamming his axe into the ground.  "That was disgusting. I don't know if I'll ever get used to killing that way, Shiny."  He sighs, then, cleaning his axe before nodding at the others.  "Well? Let's go find Heny and Mithril!"  He immediately turns and sets off towards them, his face grim.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head and looks at Shiny.  "...Do your own work...Next time,"  she nearly spits out, as disgusted as Kurt is. She knows it's a bit hypocritical coming from her, who sticks to the shadows, but there's a difference between different kinds of sneak attacks.
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head at that.  "His work is to get information. To charm and control. Mine is to kill. I don't have to like it but he can't be blamed for me raising my axe."  Still, he trudges on with his shoulder down.
achinca
Miriam looks at Kurt and shakes her head. "  I do not buy it Sir Dwarf. You are more honorable than being just an executioner. Killing a monster who has been tricked in believing you are his friend is murder. But that is what war does. It corrupts and forces you to do things you never thought you could do. And trust me, I know a thing or two about being tricked.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Smiling trickster, as deadly as axes."  She doesn't like this at all.
achinca
Miriam stops at Natalia's comment " Could it be that Shiny is feeling less? Could he be so warped that he would send someone to his death smiling? "

She looks at the gnome with a sudden different look, before answering to Natalia. "  It was murder. Plain and simple. We are all tainted by it.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia goes quiet. She should have protested more. She really should have spoken up.  "No more murder. Snipe hunts instead."  She looks to Shiny and says,  "Next time...Finish own work." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam stops at Natalia's comment " Could it be that Shiny is feeling less? Could he be so warped that he would send someone to his death smiling? "

She looks at the gnome with a sudden different look, before answering to Natalia. "  It was murder. Plain and simple. We are all tainted by it.  " 
 

 "I've never killed a creature in my life,"  says Shiny as he straightens up and dusts off his hands. His expression doesn't betray any lie, but then it never does.

He turns towards the direction of the horn.  "We may have limited time. What do we do?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Moving on from the moral dilemma. Should we run? Prepare to fight? Check on Mithril? Note that the spellcasters are a little low on spells (Mithril almost out, Shiny halfway, I know Miriam's used at least one CMW) so this may not be the place to make our stand.
 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head at Shiny "  You just did. But you can trick yourself in believing the opposite. You are good at that  "

"  Let's wait to see what come to the response of the horn. Thinning out warriors will help Linwood  "

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam still has a lot of spells and the wand. Let's see what is coming out and we can decide
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Indirectly, but still killed,"  Natalia agrees, though she wants Shiny to deal the blow himself for once. Maybe then he'll be more cautious. She shakes her head.  "He said what?" 

If they're going to be attacked they should fend them off. The group needs more information to see what's going on though.
Cavelcade
 "The options were to kill it, or let it go free. It can't be allowed to go free, it must die. Call it what you will, Mithril needs our help."  With that, the debate is over for Kurt, he starts running back to where Mithril is.
achinca
Miriam replies on her head "  .. or we could have tied and gagged him ...  " but says nothing. The debate is over.
Zman
Valen attempts to add his opinion but is cut off in the moral dilemma when Kurt decisively bolts off in the direction of the Horn and Mithril... Valen decides to follow and quickly catches up to the stout dwarf, his great sword in hand...

Roughly 30s into the run the Dwarf can see a wounded Orc running at him, constantly looking over its shoulder it fails to the see the Dwarf coming right at him.

 
 Spoiler 
You are about 60' apart.

DC 15 Spot will see Mithril and Henry 100' behind the Orc.  The Orc is currently unaware.

Since it is only one Orc, I'll give all players initiative over him to keep it simple.
 
achinca
Miriam waits to see if the range fighter in her group can take the orc down.
Admiral
Shiny goes jogging after Kurt, though his legs are too short to keep up.
Athedia
Mithril stood up, crossbow in hand.   "Okay, today has been rather rotten."   Eyes narrowing she fired of her bolt at the orc, even though it was a little far away.

 
 Spoiler 
 Attack  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Crit  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Damage (1d8)[ 2 ] 
EDIT: Wow it actually crit, I don't know if it was confirmed though.
EDIT 2: I think that 15 is a confirm.  So 4 damage? not bad.  I think he was nearly down anyway.
 


The bolt shoot out of the arrow striking the retreating orc in the back.  Mithril rubbed her back as she looked around.  Whiskers was glaring at her from a branch of the tree where he had jumped to avoid being dragged down with her.
Zman
Before any of the fighters can react, a thud is heard as the Orc face plants a quarrel sticking out the back of his head.  Mithril can be seen in the background, a scowl on her face...it's not the day to mess with Mithril.

A few moments later Henry appears, a bloody dagger in his hand.  The look on his face is enough to let Mithril know that he must have finished off the other wounded Orc.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks, then lets out a low whistle.  "Mithril Sureshot,"  she says with a bit of a grin.
Cavelcade
Kurt skids to a halt, then glances at Henry.  "What now?" 
Athedia
Mithril raised her hand to let Whiskers climb down her arm to her shoulder.  Crossbow still in hand she looked at Kurt.   "We leave.  I doubt any of us could handle more fighting today." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back at the caves.  "No attack unless...Something..."  She trails off.  "But if..More now?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at Mithril's words.  "The horn didn't sound to let  us  know you were here...I think Mithril's right. We should get out of her." 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head. "  What was the point of coming here? Killing 3 orcs? We need to help Linwood. We need to see who come after the alarm and see how many we can take down. We have a job to do.  "

She shakes her head and think to herself " They as afraid of getting hurt as Calric was afraid of the truth. Death brings you to the plane of your god. They should be afraid of it. "

"  I'll stay but no one as to stay with me.  "
Zman
  "Endless waves of enemies? I would miss it."   Valen laughs wholeheartedly.  Though the enemies are surely coming, Valen smiles.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the others nervously and says,  "Trees against flood...How long before snapped?" 
Zman
 Henry 

Quietly indicates that they have killed two other Orcs besides this one.

  Valen  

Looking at the batty Natslia,   "You act as if we are going to stand here and get killed?  Four Orcs is hardly worth the trip.  Younaremwhole of body and proven against the foe, why such cowardice?"  . The last comment gets directed at the dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

You guys want to run away?  Its Orcs in the Daylight!
 
achinca
Miriam scowls turns into a smile as Valen speaks as she thinks " At least, he has the true soul of a hero "

"  Valen, they have to see in their hearts and in their soul what is more important to them. We are here to get info and think out the tribe. We have done neither.   "
CoffeeIncluded
 "As long as...Four, not forty."  Natalia sighs and makes sure her crossbows are loaded.
Cavelcade
As they're staying, Kurt takes the time to load his crossbow, setting his axe so he can grab it in a second.

 "Very well, then." 
Zman
As the group stands over the dead Orc in the woods, seconds tick past after the alarm was sounded.  Currently the group is equidistant to the two entrances, maybe 150-200 yards from each.  Neither entrance is visible fRom this location.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up at the ledge above.  "High ground?"  she asks.
Cavelcade
Kurt glances from side to side, to where the entrances are.  "Or go to meet one group." 
Admiral
 "Let's go back to watch the entrance we started at. We'll stay a few hundred feet back from the cave: let them come to us so we'll have the advantage. No ledges: if more soliders come we'll get trapped up there. Stay in the trees so we can retreat if necessary" 

With that, Shiny starts walking towards the tree without waiting for the rest of the group's opinion.

 
 Spoiler 
No more discussion. Let's get ready to rumble!
 
Cavelcade
 "Shiny! Ack!"  Kurt quickly stuffs his axe into his bed, running to get ahead of the more breakable gnome.
Athedia
Mithril joined Shiny as he walked over to the grove of trees.   "Good choice Trickster.  I had a thought, I might be able to read any captives minds, but I don't know if they would think in the languages I know.  If I hear anything could I attempt to repeat it to you to get an idea what they are thinking?" 
Zman
When the Gnome begins moving, Valen just smiles,   "Little guy grows on ya."  


The party begins to move towards the main cave entrance....edging their way through the woods they approach the clearing...

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks.

I'm busy right now, but should have some kind of update this  evening.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows cautiously, sticking close to Mithril. She's not sure she agrees with Valen's statement.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Listen:  (d20+7)[ 26 ] 

Heheh, nice. 😏
 
Cavelcade
Now in front of Shiny, Kurt keeps his ears open, trusting them more than his eyes in the woods.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 7 ]  Listen
 (1d20)[ 17 ]  Spot
 
Athedia
Whiskers sniffed the air as Mithril walked alongside Shiny.  The wizards gait seemed stronger than it had earlier that day, less timid.  Her fingers nervously ran along the edge of her crossbow as she walked keeping an eye out for more orcs.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
 
Zman
  Miriam  
 
 Spoiler 

Listen (d20+3)[ 8 ] 
Spot (d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 

  Shiny  
 
 Spoiler 

Listen (d20-2)[ -1 ] 
Spot (d20-2)[ 10 ] 
 

  Valen  

Valen quickly moves with the group, his Shortbow in hand with a knocked arrow.  His eyes ever moving...

 
 Spoiler 

Listen (d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Spot (d20)[ 5 ] 
 



@Everyone
 
 Spoiler 

DC15 Listen
 
 Spoiler 
You can hear a group of Orcs ahead outside of the cave entrance.
 


DC20 Listen 
 Spoiler 
You hear 6 Orcs outside of the Cave, the are speaking Orc, you cannot make it out.
 


DC25 Listen 
 Spoiler 
You also hear some noise from the ridge above the cave entrance.  This is not the same area as the secondary entrance.
 


DC10 Spot 
 Spoiler 
You see the cave entranc about 200' away.
 


DC15 Spot 
 Spoiler 
You see six Orcs outside the cave.
 


DC20 Spot 
 Spoiler 
One Orc in front appears to be the leader, he is vicious looking and wields a nasty Falchion and Chainmail over his scarred body.  Two other Veteren Orcs are wielding Greataxes and Hide armor, three orcs look much younger an less scarred have spears and Shortbows.
 

 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hols out a hand to stop the group. She points at the cave entrance and whispers,  "Six,"  then points to the ledge above and says,  "Noise." 

Peering closely at the orcs, she then says to the group,  "Three for distance...two like Kurt, axes and skin on skin...One...Strong leader, chain metal...not hide on skin. Scars through battles. Careful." 
Cavelcade
Kurt takes aim with his crossbow at one of the veterans, waiting for the others to arrive before he'll take the shot.
CoffeeIncluded
Taking out her crossbow, Natalia whispers to Miriam,  "Magic...Like with ogres." 
achinca
Miriam nods. She moves next to Valen and puts her hand on his skin.

"  May the power of St. Cuthbert give you the strength of a charging bull  "

She looks at Kurt "  How do you feel about getting big, Sir Dwarf?  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia passes her flasks of alchemists' fire and acid to Mithril, and motions for Valen and Shiny to do the same. She also takes out a bag of caltrops, seeing if she can scatter them before being noticed.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at her question.  "Like I'll be useful. Do it as soon as I shoot." 

He waits for everyone to ready themselves, then fires at the orc with the greataxe and hide armour furthest to the left.

 
 Spoiler 

Can't describe much better than that, just wanted to be specific with who I'm attacking.
 (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  Crit
 (1d10+2)[ 6 ]  Damage
 
Admiral
Right after Kurt takes his shot, Shiny fires at the same orc with his light crossbow.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20)[ 5 ]  (including -4 range)
Confirm Crit:  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns to Mithril and Henry and says,  "Big ones for last...Mithril, fire bottles, acid flasks. Could hurt...more than bolts." 

She looks at the terrain around them...
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia's either going to throw a bag of caltrops to slow up the orcs or fire her crossbow, but I need to see the map first. And why didn't you fire at the least armored ones first? We should take them out before they have the chance to hit us. And Cavelcade, did you use the mighty bow?
 
Zman
 Outside the Orc Cave 

As the group prepares to ambush the Orcs they begin their last minute preparations.  Kurt and Shiny stand with their Crossbows at the ready as Natalia spends her time spreading Caltrops in front of them.  As Miriam casts her spells three of the Orcs pick up their heads as if they heard something....at that instant Kurt and Shiny loose their quarrels, Kurts striking home on the closest of the Veterans, wounding its shoulder while Shiny's quarrel doesn't make it out of the thickets of the wood.

 
 Spoiler 

Preinit
Natalia spread Caltrops, Miriam casts Bull's Strength, Kurt and Shiny fire their Crossbows.

Initiative Action(Blocks)
Natalia
Orcs
Miriam, Kurt, Valen
Mithril, Shiny, Henry

See map in signature for updates.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Unable to decide between the two, firing her crossbow or throwing the caltrops, Natalia decides to do both. She aims the caltrops towards where the orcs are likely to run.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia can fire her crossbow 1-handed for a -2 penalty, while throwing the caltrop bag on a certain square, DC 5. Probably won't with the crossbow, but it's worth a shot.

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
 
 

Natalia scatters the caltrops on the ground before her. (Seriously, just ignore everything else; I posted right after you and didn't have the time to change it until now)
Zman
 Orcs 

As Natalia's Quarrel flies errant, the Orcs begin to mobilize far more quickly than they had in the past.  The two Veteran Orcs in Hide and their Leader in Chainmail waste no time, quickly running towards the treeline, their Greataxes and Falchions in hand.

Two of the three Orcs move up and loose arrows at the party while the third moves forward and lets loose three blasts from a small horn directed at the cave entrance.

An arrow can be hear heavily smacking into a tree infront of Kurt whilst the second can be hears skittering through the underbrush in front of Natalia...

 
 Spoiler 

One Orc shoots at Kurt with no cover
Attack (d20)[ 2 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 5 ] 

The 2nd shoots at( (d2)[ 1 ] ) either Natalia(1) or Valen(2) in cover...
Attack (d20)[ 13 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 2 ] 

Looks like we will be on Kurt, Miriam, Valen for Initiative
 
Zman
  Valen  
   Damn!  Why am I so unprepared....   

Valen quickly abandons his bow for his Greatsword as he skirts past Kurt and Natalia and moves to engage the Orc Leader, reinforcing his arcane protections as he is bolstered by Miriams Divine power...

 
 Spoiler 

Move action.
Swap weapons.
Cast Shield.
Hope for the Best.

Remember, underbrush counts as difficult terrain, half movement, no charging or running through it.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Uh, Natalia hasn't fired her crossbow in the regular order yet. Also, how long would it take for Natalia to apply a vial of poison to her shortsword? Or could she get someone to do it for her?
 

 "****!"  Natalia shouts as she hears the horn blast.  "Behind spikes!"  she shouts to the rest as she fires her crossbow at the one that Kurt hit.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 

Sorry about the surprise round confusion. This is Natalia's action in the first round.
 

 "Henry, help,"  she says to the youth.
Zman
Natalia's aim is true, unfortunately her quarrel skips off a branch on its way through the woods and misses its target.

 
 Spoiler 
-4 for cover, -2 for range.  Sorry Coffee.  Where Kurt was he actually didn't grant cover to the Veteran he shot at.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt puts his crossbow down and takes out his axe, taking a five foot step forward and wiating for them to come.

 
 Spoiler 

When Miriam embiggens him, he'll now not be forced to stand on the caltrop, I think.
 
Zman
  Miriam  

With a whispered prayer Miriam touches Kurt, the dwarf immediately beings growing in stature until he towers over even Valen...

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril, Shiny, and Henry are now up.
 
Zman
 Henry 

The young man draws back his bow and steps to his left, and takes a shot over Valen's shoulder...

 "Bring them down!" 

But in his youthful exuberance his arrow misses its mark...

 
 Spoiler 

Fires at Orc Leader...
Attack (d20+1)[ 6 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 5 ] 

Ok, Shiny and Mithril are up.
 
Athedia
Mithril groaned at the sight of the orcs charging.   "Can this day get any worse?"   Firing her crossbow at the leader she was glad the rest of the group had decided to rejoin her.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Crit  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Damage  (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 


As the words exited her mouth the fates must have decided to be kind as the arrow streaked straight into the orc leader.  Mithril stared in shock, she did not have much experience with the crossbow and yet she had hit so well with this one.   Maybe you deserve a name 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's jaw drops at Mithril's second hit.  "Mithril Sureshot!"  she cheers, holding up her hand for a high-five.

She also says to Mithril,  "Bad day, but you...Make it better." 
Admiral
Shiny loads another bolt into his crossbow and fires it at the same orc that Kurt had hit.

 
 Spoiler 

I think there's no range penalty for this one, although there might be cover (which I haven't added)
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Heartened by her friends' successes, Natalia reloads her crossbow, steps out from under the cover, and fires at the orc veteran.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 5 ] 
 
Zman
 Orcs 

As the Orcs advance, both Natalia and Shiny fire extremely well aimed shots into the advancing hide clad Orc staggering him, but not stopping him.  He comes forward with his mighty Axe Raised.

Throughout all of the commotion Mithril takes steady aim at the leader, loosing her quarrel and striking right at the heart, but the thick chain is enough to stop the bolt from proving fatal.

The Orcs armed with bows and spears take up position closer and let loose their arrows... one of them finds it mark in the calf of the massive dwarf...

The two Veterans and Leader work themselves in a foaming frenzy as the two veterans charge the now giant Dwarf attempting mad leaps into the air... as they take mighty leaps Kurt deftly cuts one down with a mighty swing, taking the Orc out of the air before it manages to land its vicious looking greataxe.  While the mighty Dwarf's back is turned the second veteran manages to open Kurt's side...

The Leader is unable to charge but leaps into the woods and attemps a powerful swing against Valen.... its deadly falchion ripping through the meager arcane protections surrounding the man...

 
 Spoiler 

OV1, OV2, OL Enter Rage.

Shooting
O1 vs Natalia(Cover)
Attack (d20)[ 7 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 1 ] 

O2 vs Kurt(No Cover)
Attack (d20)[ 4 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 5 ] 

O3 vs Kurt(No Cover)
Attack (d20)[ 18 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 4 ] 

OV1 Jump vs DC15
Jump (d20)[ 14 ] 

Kurt AoO(Melee Cover)
Attack (d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Damage (d12+6)[ 15 ] 
 Charge vs Kurt
Attack (d20)[ 13 ] 
Damage (d12)[ 8 ]  

OV2 Jump vs DC10
Jump (d20)[ 9 ] 

Charge vs Kurt
Attack (d20)[ 14 ] 
Damage (d12)[ 12 ] 

OL Jump vs DC?
Jump (d20)[ 15 ] 

Attack Vs Valen(Assuming meets Jump DC)
Full Power Attack (d20)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (d12)[ 3 ]   20Damage

Miriam, Kurt, and Valen are up
then Mithril, Shiny, and Henry
 
Zman
  Valen  

As the Orc leaps and catches Valen off guard and bloodying him, Valen quickly snaps back in a fury with his great blade....

  "Pig faced bastard spawn!"   Valen lets out through clenched teeth.

Valen lands one mighty blow, but it does little to slow down the beast....

 
 Spoiler 

Enter Whirling Frenzy and hope for the best!

Attack 1
Attack (d20+10)[ 27 ] 
Damage (2d6+10)[ 17 ] 

Attack (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Damage (2d6+10)[ 17 ] 

Darn, Valen could have used both of those.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Valen, badly wounded, and wonders if she should run off and help him. But the orc who charged at Kurt is close to the caltrops; if she can get his attention and have him step on them...Perhaps she could move to Valen and draw him off Kurt at the same time.
Zman
  Miriam  

Her lips moving with a strong and practiced prayer to Saint Cuthbert, Miriam lays her hand on Kurt pouring her divine energies into him, the pain vanishing, the wounds knitting themselves back together...

 
 Spoiler 

Dropping Summon Monster II for CMW
 (2d8+7)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs as Kurt's wounds begin to heal. But Valen's still left on his own, even if he's the one who ran off in the first place.
Zman
  Kurt  
  "My thanks Miriam."  

After nearly splitting the first Orc in two, Kurt continues the momentum of his Greataxe back at the one that just wounded him... But Kurt can't bring his swing to fruition.

 
 Spoiler 

Full Power Attack (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Damage (d12+13)[ 22 ] 
 
Zman
 Henry 

Henry discards his bow in favor of his shortsword as he enters melee with the Orc Leader deftly trying to connect a deadly blow... His blade deflecting off of the thick Chainmail of the Orc.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20)[ 8 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing Henry run into close combat with the orc leader, Natalia shouts,  "What are you doing!?"

 I should have given him Morton's sword, if he dies it's going to be my fault...  
Admiral
Shiny nimbly steps past Natalia, splays out his hand, and lets forth a familiar  color spray .

 
 Spoiler 
DC 14. Can someone move me on the map?
 
Athedia
Mithril backed up until she could get a clear shot of the orc leader.  She prayed that she would get another lucky hit with the crossbow.
 
 Spoiler 
T38 please.
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Crit Confirm   (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Damage   (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 
Zman
The Orc takes the burst of illusion magic to th face... stunning and blinding the creature effectively disabling it.
 
 Spoiler 

Will (d20)[ 12 ] 
 


The Nimble Mage precisely squeezes a shot past the shoulder of Valen and strikes true... Dealing another wound to the foaming rager...


As the battle commences Miriam and Natalia's keen eyes catch sight of at least a half dozen figures above the cave entrance.  The appear as if out of thin air, a  Robed Figure  dwarfed by at least a half dozen larger forms, Four Ogres dressed in chain, and two other  Ogres , larger than the rest with blueish tinted skin carrying massive swords.

 
 Spoiler 

If your spot bat DC15 you see the figure but can't make them out.

Natalia sees clear enough to attempt a knowledge check on them.

Natalia is up.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes go wide and she goes nearly sheet-white when she sees the hooded figure surrounded by ogres. Nearly hyperventilating, she screams, "Orcs and ogres! Hooded one! Grab and go!"  Passing up the easy target before her, Natalia runs to Valen's side and attempts to attack that orc as well.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


Of course in her panic the wild swing goes wide. And she just left herself open. This is going to hurt...
Zman
 Orcs 

Then three Orcs with bows continue to advance and pepper the area with their Arrows picking the largest and easiest target... one of the arrows pierces Kurts neck but doesn't nick any arteries.

The remaining Orc Veteran is too stunned and blinded to fight effectively, he drops his weapon.


The Orc Leader attempts to put Valen down for the count as he swings his nasty looking curved blade... Missing the human's throat by a hair's breath...


 
 Spoiler 

Vs Kurt (d20)[ 12 ] 
Damage  (d6)[ 6 ] 

Vs Kurt (d20)[ 20 ] 
Damage  (d6)[ 1 ] 

Vs Kurt (d20)[ 2 ] 
Damage  (d6)[ 6 ] 

OL vs Valen
Attack (d20)[ 9 ] 
Damage  (2d4)[ 4 ] 

Initiative
Kurt, Miriam, Valen
Mithril, shiny, Henry
 
Zman
  Valen  

Valen retaliates by gritting his teeth, seething at the vile creature before him as he whips his mighty blade around in two vicious strokes... One across the thigh, the other taking the Orcs head as it collapses.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage (2d6+10)[ 14 ] 

Attack  (d20+8)[ 17 ]   Crit threat!  Too bad it didn't matter!
Damage (2d6+10)[ 19 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt attacks the orc right in front of him then, growling a little.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  Attack
 (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  Crit
 (3d6+7)[ 13 ]  Damage
 


He slices into it but doesn't drop it, and glances at the others.  "Fall back in order?" 
Zman
As Kurt begs the question of falling back,   Valen   looks at him, unable to concentrate and think clearly....
achinca
Miriam pulls out the wand and touches Valen, healing the wounded warrior.

"  Let's take down the last veteran and pull away. If anything to scary come close, I have a sound burst and a hold person left. Shiny, may be it is time to expose the treacherous game the hooded is doing on the ogres and the orcs...  "

 
 Spoiler 
Wand: 43 charges left

 (1d8+5)[ 13 ] 
 
Zman
 Henry 

Moves swiftly to put his blade in the stunned Orc... Henry manages to wound the orc, but does little damage through its thick hide armor...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20)[ 7 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 1 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen as she recognizes the ogres surrounding the hooded figure. She shouts above the din, panicked,  "Ogre mages, lonely malevolence, mighty magic! Kill and RUN!!!" 
 
 Spoiler 
I say we kill this ogre, grab what we can off their bodies, and run for it. If they give chase then Mithril should mind read them. Would that provide a will save if they're an illusion?
 
Admiral
Hearing of the danger, a hundred thoughts seem to rush through Shiny's mind. After a moment he comes to a decision.

Shiny clasps his hands together, utters an incantation, and makes a throwing motion towards the ground. His spell explodes in a burst of thick mist around him and his companions.

 "If we want to run, now's our chance." 
CoffeeIncluded
As the fog billows over them, Natalia shouts,  "Disarm and run! Kurt, finish! Henry...Take axe, so with us, not against us! Valen, falchion?" 
 
 Spoiler 
If Valen doesn't take it or Kurt kills the orc, Natalia will take the falchion. I do want to take the weapons with us.
 
Zman
As the small gnome calls forth a fast and billowing fog which hides nigh the entire treeline from view.

Mithril loads another quarrel as she begins to withdraw...

Natalia quickly snatches up the fallen Orc's Falschion....

The remaining Orcs pepper the fog with arrows... but their arrows do not find their mark.

 
 Spoiler 


Attack (d20)[ 12 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 4 ] 
Concealment (d100)[ 12 ] 

Attack (d20)[ 12 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 6 ] 
Concealment (d100)[ 39 ] 

Attack (d20)[ 16 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 6 ] 
Concealment (d100)[ 4 ] 
 


Kurt raises his axe one final time to finish the disabled Orc.... bringing the great axe down with a heavy thwack.  He quickly grabs the two Axes and begins falling back..

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+8)[ 26 ] 
Damage (3d6+7)[ 17 ] 
Concealment (d100)[ 47 ] 

Only a 5' step
 


Valen and Miriam begin to fall back whilst Shiny and Henry join them... Valen grabs the small Gnome by the back, picking him up and carrying him along,   "Thank you for the fog."   Valen add.

 
 Spoiler 

That puts everyone falling back...
 



As the party makes their way beyond the fog they can hear Orc shouting coming from the other side of the fog.

Valen, still carrying the shortlegged Gnome quickly and quietly calls to Kurt,   "Stay hidden behind the fog, lest your unsightly backside be seen by our enemy."  
Cavelcade
Kurt just nods.  "You don't have to warn me." 
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia snatches up the falchion and runs for it, hearing Kurt kill the last orc behind them, she calls out,  "Mithril! Miriam, Valen, Shiny, Kurt, Henry! ...All okay?" 
Zman
  "Girl.  Keep your voice down unless you want them to track you by it."   Valen scolds, just audible.

After a couple hundred feat, Valen waits for the rest to catch up, setting the Gnome down,   "We can elude them for a while, they won't be too keen on chasing us in the Light....but we've only a few hours till dark and they will make better time than us."  
Cavelcade
Kurt doesn't stop as he catches up.  "Then let's keep running." 
CoffeeIncluded
Panting, Natalia says,  "Back to Linwood. Kicked embers, see where fire goes."  She holds up the falchion she took off the dead orc and adds,  "Took...Took some tinder." 
Zman
  "We need rest, and I'm not a fan of giving up so easily."    Valen as no problem keeping up.    "What about the cave, it should provide a perfect hiding spot.  We may even be about to ambush a few more Orcs?"  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Kicked embers...If land on tinder of Linwood? We should be...There to put them out." 
Zman
  "We've attacked their home, even Orcs wouldn't abandon it so readily.  The more we attack and weaken them, the longer we buy Linwood."   Valen states Matter of Factly.

He also tries to recall what he can about Ogre Mages 
 Spoiler 
KnowledgeUntrained (d20+1)[ 20 ]  Capped at 10, darn.

Valen reognizes that they were Ogre Mages, but knows little about them that is more than rumor.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia replies,  "We...Need to rest too. And if they go...To Linwood?"  She looks to Mithril and asks gently,  "...Okay with caves?" 

Turning to Henry, she also asks him,  "After us?" 
Zman
Valen responds to Natalia,   "Then we make whoever they leave behind pay for their mistakes.  Running back to Linwood with our tails between our legs is the surest way to lead angry Orcs there."  
 Henry 

Responding to Natalia,  "I am still well rested and unhurt.  I will push on to Linwood and let them know what has transpired.  I doubt they will be able to track me and I will not make it easy."   The young man's eyes are alight knowing that he can make a difference.  He seems much older and more sure of himself than he did barely a week or two ago on the boat across the Moonsea.


 
 Spoiler 

Knowldege Nature (d20)[ 11 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns. Valen has a point. She asks everyone,  "Go to caves, decide there? If followed or chased, know for sure there?"  She still doesn't think hiding out in a dark cave where Mithril was almost killed is the best idea. She wants to go back to Linwood to rest and help defend the place--as long as they're not being tracked.

Henry's not the same kid who wet himself on the boat a week ago.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods as Henry leaves, then tries to keep an eye out as best he can for any people following.  "If we wanted to attack them again tomorrow, the cave we were in before was never found by them...it might be a good place to do it from." 
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 3 ]  Listen
 (1d20)[ 10 ]  Spot
 (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  Survival
 
Athedia
Mithril caught up with the group, doubling over in exhausting.  Between breathes she managed get a few words in.  "Ogre mages...very nasty...very smart...only fire, acid... hurt normally...rules other ogres."   Whiskers had retreated to his normal spot inside her pack for the bumpy ride.


As the group tried to decided where to go next her straighted up. Finally catching her breath she intervened with the group  "I would rather face possible death in the caves, than certain death out here. 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks to Mithril, and helps support her and keep her upright. If she's okay with returning to that cave, then...It seems like the group's spoken. She swallows her misgivings and says,  "Together to caves, see if they follow?" 
achinca
Miriam at Valen and nods "  This is actually a great idea. We know there is a cave but the illusion is likely too hard for the orcs to see. So we could rest and watch from there.  "

As Henry leaves, She does an honorary nod "  Bring them the news, Henry and make sure they know what they are facing.  "

As Mithril shares her knowledge of the ogre mages, Miriam looks perplex "  Why would a ogre leader go work with orcs? The Hooded One might be the puppet master but it is from the shadows. The orc leader and the cleric are the official head of the tribe. Why would ogre mages go work with the orcs? Unless it is a trade for orc clerics. May be this is how the hooded one crafted the peace.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns.  "And...Gnolls and giants? Another puppetmaster, but where?" 

She'd really want Henry to stay with them until they get to the caves.
Zman
Kurt, you know that if you want to make it more difficult to be tracked you should get to the harder ground and ridges which is where the cave is.

 Henry 

After your quick discussion, Henry speaks up,  "I will go back to Linwood, I'll travel though the night and hopefully lead the Orcs off your trail, or at least confuse them.  But I cannot waste time." .

If no one stops him, Henry will leave quickly with only a longing glance at Mithril,  "Be careful." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia chews on her lower lip for a moment; he doesn't seem like he's going to wait. She tells him,  "Tell soldiers, mayor...Their presence is...probably orcbane. Be there soon." 

In response to his longing gaze, Natalia presses her lips together in a thin-lined frown; her expression becomes cooler for a second.
Cavelcade
Kurt, taking the time to look around and think, considers the options slowly, as the others discuss what to say and who to go.

 "There are too many of the rest of us to hide our tracks...we need to go someplace we won't leave any. The orcs never found the cave we did...I think we should go back there. The terrain is rockier, we'll leave less tracks. Natalia, you're lightfooted...you can go last, and try and disguise any tracks we do. Then we can go as far into the cave as we can manage, and well...see what tomorrow brings." 
Zman
In response to Kurt,   "I'll take Vanguard, I should be able to kwep up and do my best to hide our tracks."  
 
 Spoiler 

Survival (d20+1)[ 11 ] 
 



After about 20 minutes of hiking through the woods and nervous glances backwards the group enters the rough area that the cave entrance was hidden.  Running her hands along the stone wall Miriam s able o find the entrence again.  The darkness spreads ahead and the sickly smell of the dismembered aberration hangs in the air...
CoffeeIncluded
Squinting in the darkness, retching at the stench of the creature, Natalia looks to the others and asks,  "Light?"  She wants this done with quickly.
Zman
Valen takes some initiativ and strikes his two Torches and lights then, illuminating the familiar cavern in a faint, but usable light.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes one of the torches and holds it out, squinting around the cavern...
Zman
The cavern looks much the same it did before, there still is only one tunnel heading deeper into the mountain.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the others and asks,  "In order?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia will be near the front, searching for traps alongside either Valen or Kurt.
 
Athedia
 "I would rather not go first this time."   Anyone looking back at Mithril could see her looking paler than normal as she entered the cave.  Whiskers climbed out of the bag to nuzzle her face in an attempt to stop the feeling of anxiety that where passing from wizardess to familiar.  As soon as she felt his face, she scooped him up in her arms and hugged him close, like a child with a doll.
CoffeeIncluded
Though she's several inches shorter, Natalia reaches up to Mithril's shoulders and pulls her down to her level in a tight embrace.  "Protect you. I promise,"  she says, pressing her face into the dip of the wizard's collarbone, where she can most easily reach.
Zman
Before they begin moving,   "Should we wait here and rest?  Maybe an Orc will stumble upon this cave, or do we press into th mountain?"  
CoffeeIncluded
Her voice still muffled, Natalia says,  "I...Waterfall, not empty cup. You all?" 
achinca
Miriam pitches in "  LEt's wait a few minutes to see if we were followed. If not we go inside the cave. But I would suggest that who ever closes the march keep an eye on their back in case something follows us by accident.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia asks,  "Set a trap?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia with admiration "  Not a bad idea, trapmaster  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia detaches herself from Mithril and looks through her gear and at the entrance. She says to the group,  "Tripwire, alarm, crash and bang before weapons drop. Your thoughts?"  She calls Mithril over. "Saw your work...Want to see mine?" 
Zman
Valen returns,   "An alarm is a very good idea."  
achinca
Miriam adds "  Yes. An Alarm. An alarm we can hear but they cannot.  "
Athedia
 "I think both will hear it, I have no alarm spells today and at least we will know what we are hearing.  The trap should be triggered from inside the cave, once someone steps inside." 
Cavelcade
Kurt glances behind, then moves to the edge of the torchlight to let his darkvision help him look. Not looking back at the two hugging, he says in general.  "We should leave something that will make a lot of noise if they do find it too, so we know. Natalia, do you have anything for that?" 
Admiral
 "I have only one spell left to cast today. I would have four, but a mile back I accidentally wasted a few spells putting a den of rabbits to sleep. (Don't blame me- I was on edge, I didn't get a good look, and so I mistook them for hares). 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at her gear, then finally settles on her copper wire, hand crossbow, and a vial of spider venom.  "Poisoned bolt trap,"  she says.

When they mention an alarm, Natalia adds,  "Nothing over distance, but..."  she looks at Mithril and Whiskers.  "Maybe...Mental link?" 
CoffeeIncluded
While waiting for Mithril to think on her response, Natalia immediately gets to work. It's clear she's in her element as she feels around the walls of the cave, muttering to herself as she makes strange hand movements over certain features. Finally she climbs up a few feet on the side of the cave, attaches a piece of chalk to the loaded bolt on her hand crossbow, and fires it repeatedly at the wall at different angles, marking the angle of fire each time. The chalk marks the exact spots where the bolt hits.

Finally, Natalia nods, satisfied with her work. She perches the crossbow on a small ledge inside the cavern, at the exact angle  and secures it. Tying one end of her copper wire to the trigger, she leads the other end across the cave entrance. Anyone who enters the face will trip the rope and make the crossbow fire. Before pulling the wire taut, she rubs dirt and mud over it to conceal its appearance. The last step is to pop open one of the vials, and carefully pour the spider venom on the crossbow bolt.

All finished, Natalia stands back with her hands on her hips.  "Crude, but works,"  she says.  "Still...Need alarm." 
 
 Spoiler 
Zman, did I jump the gun here? If I did, I can just delete it.
 
achinca
Miriam watches Natalia do her stuff and she is truly impressed by the rogue knowledge of traps. "  I think having Whiskers on the look out makes the most sense.  "
Athedia
 "If I feel his fear it may from be a false alarm.  He fears a hawk more than an orc.  For no orc would go out of it's way for a snack, but a hawk would for a meal." 
Cavelcade
 "Maybe, but a hawk is less likely to come in here than an orc. He's your companion, though."  That's about all of Kurt's rather lame commentary on what to do.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia says as she calibrates the angle of the crossbow,  "Hawks in here? And...How complex to feel?"  Though if Mithril really doesn't want to send out Whiskers, she won't force her.
achinca
Miriam evaluates the situation "  We cannot afford a false alarm. If Whiskers cannot differentiate from a fake threat to us like a orc and a real threat like an ogre mage, we cannot entrust the watch to him. We need another solution.  "
CoffeeIncluded
 "Alarm spells? But no magic for Nuts..."  She still thinks Whiskers is intelligent enough to know a real threat.
Zman
Valen interjects,   "If anything finds us here, it defeats the purpose of hiding.  I'd be content with knowledge of any threat,  so we may act accordingly."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia adds,  "Can't...dive deep anyway. Almost out of spells." 
achinca
Miriam weights the options before siding with Valen "  If they find the cave and the holy weasel does not tell us about them, it will dangerous. But it is a risk worth taking. May be.  "
Athedia
 "He is afraid of ogres, no worry.  He saw them hurt me and I felt his fear."   She set him down and stroked his head.   "Be safe now, hide away." 
achinca
Miriam smiles at Mithril. "  Tell him that if he does a good job, I will make more holy water for him.  "
Zman
With the door trap set the group has a decision to make.  Stay where they are or delve down the darkened Cooridor?
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Stay safe,"  Natalia says, scratching his head.

Assuming the party decides to delve deeper into the cave, she says,  "Mine added to...What's here. Search, make only mine left. I hope. Keep us safe."  As they walk down the corridor, Natalia begins carefully looking for traps.
Admiral
Shiny follows at the back of the party, looking over his shoulder regularly as they progress.
Zman
As the group, led by Natalia move around the first bend they at greeted by a straight dark tunnel lit only by he torchlight.  Our and Shiny can "see" the general direction beyond the light, but nothing useful.

After maybe twenty or thirty feet down the tunnel Natalia, her eyes out for traps, feels a sticky substance cross her brow as she become entangled in a thin yet strong webbing.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot
Miriam (d2+5)[ 6 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 9 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 16 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Valen (d20)[ 18 ] 


Natalia is stuck in a web.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Nnnrrr!"  Natalia grunts as she tries to force herself loose, but to no avail. Calming down a bit, she asks the others,  "Spiders?"  as she tries to slip her way out of the web instead of using brute force.

 
 Spoiler 
Strength check:  (d20)[ 16 ] 
Escape Artist:  (d20+5)[ 19 ] 

Only making either one on a natural 20 if it's the spell...
 


If she can't break free, Natalia asks the others,  "Help?" 
Zman
Natalia can't quite struggle free, but once she calms down and picks her way out of the sticky stong web she is able to free herself.
CoffeeIncluded
Brushing off the remainders of cobwebs from her clothes, Natalia pulls some of the thin white strands until they snap. She levels her crossbow and looks up and around the area, whispering,  "Spider, thinks we're flies...Kill trap with fire, make us fire flies?" 
Admiral
As Natalia struggles in vain, Shiny nods knowingly and whispers,  "You're lucky I'm around - Shiny Tanglenot, cobweb expert and pipe connoisseur. I've seen these webs before- they come from the Octavian Octorazor, the only spider that digests its prey outside of its body. The spider has enough webbing to circle the continent three times, is so fast that it can be dropped off a cliff and weave a parachute on the way down, and the only things that can kill it are are loud noises and boredom." 

Once Natalia removes the web on her own, Shiny nods again with a satisfied smirk.  "Looks like my work here is done." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just shakes her head and says,  "If killed by boredom...You're a feast...But loud noise, so poisoned feast." 
Athedia
Mithril had been walking silently, a tense expression covering her face.  She did not being split from Whiskers and could feel waves of loneliness being traded back and forth.  That and the act of adventuring into the cave. She almost bumped into the rest of the group as Natalia got caught and freed herself from the web.  Quietly she offered a suggestion.  "We can probably burn the webs down, it may annoy the residents but we would clear the path and make it safer."   She had done so in her parents cellar once, admittedly on a smaller scale but it had worked either way.
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing Mithril so tense, Natalia walks over to the wizard with a smile and her torch. Placing a comforting hand on her arm, the rogue says,  "Watch weasel, smart weasel. Keep us safe,"  then hands her the torch and asks,  "Burn dark and fear and grasping threads. You...Do the honors?" 
Zman
It is unlikely that setting fire to the web would do much more than Natalia's' struggling already had.  As far as you can tell the entire tunnel is not filled with webs, though there will likely be more as well as the denizen of this tunnel.
achinca
Miriam swallows hard. " Spiders? Why always spiders? " She imagines the eight legs and the fangs of a giant arachnid and shivers.

"  Let's burn the web as we progress but I would advise that a warrior takes the lead. If one of these eight-legged freak is waiting for us, Natalia would likely have no chance.  "

She stops and sights as she breaks the news "  And bad news. I am no anti-poison spell prepared ....  "
Cavelcade
Kurt chuckles heartily, then, stepping in front of Natalia.  "Then I'll go first. We dwarves have a famous strength to resist such poisons." 
Zman
Kurt takes the lead, as they move down the winding tunnel Kurt runs into and manages to easily free himself form to more spiderwebs while moving around a third.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Nature on the Spiderweb
DC10 tells you that they don't feel quite right.
DC15 tells you they are old
 
CoffeeIncluded
In a poor attempt to make Miriam feel better, Natalia says,  "Poison weakens strength...I use grace...hurts me less."  Of course Mithril and Shiny have less to lose from this kind of poison as they don't use blades at all, but rather she get poisoned than them.

She stays close to Kurt, searching for traps as he disentangles himself from the webs. They burn them as they go.
achinca
Miriam looks at the web and something bothers her. She finally says "  I might be a simple stupid farm girl with no knowledge of nature but don't these web look ..... old?  "

She stops and gets angry at herself "  Let me rephrase. I might just a simple cleric of St. Cuthbert .....  ."

She ends the sentence in her head "  ... and I hate you Calric for what you did to Mary and me and probably others ..... "

 
 Spoiler 
No skill in knowledge so she takes 10, the max for basic knowledge
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the webs again.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Nature):  (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
 


She nods, remembering how easily they snapped in her hands.  "Old like cave, owners died too?"  she says with a hopeful note in her voice.
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia and says "  I never mentioned it but you did a really good job out there at the entrance of the cave. You set up the trap real well and save me from using a spell. You definitively earned the Trapmaster nickname. Nuts is dead. Long live Trapmaster!  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blushes and scuffs the ground with a boot.  "It was...Heh, simple...Haven't earned name, not yet." 
Athedia
Mithril let her fingers brush the wall, catching some of the web in her fingers.  Puzzled she took a little more, rubbing it between her palms to examine the texture. "This does not feel like normal spider threads.  It feels off somehow." 

As Natalia denied the compliment, Mithril put a hand on her shoulder.   "If I, with my few tricks, can share the title of wizard with the greats of history, you can share the name of Trapmaster.  Eventually we will live up to the names, until then we have something to live up too." 
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Nature  (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Old,"  Natalia says. She should know, she was the one so thoroughly stuck in them.  "Old and withered, everything here old. Find good in the old?" 

Natalia squeaks, then smiles.  "...Right, yes. Earn the names. Maybe...Magic traps. Teach us both."  Some day she'd be equal with Torin and Karik. Mithril was so smart.
Athedia
 "A little, it feels safer with the rest of you here." 
Mithril looked at the webs again.   "There is probably not much food in here, unless animals stumble into the caves by mistake.  The owners of these webs might have left for better hunting grounds." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "No creatures, but traps..Constructs?"  She'd heard the word a few times. The air was certainly dank, and she shivers a bit.  "Still...Keep guard up. Could live deeper down." 
 "Glad you're...Safer. Safe with us, promise." 
CoffeeIncluded
Now that Natalia knows that the webs are old, she feels safer going in front of Kurt and searching for traps, though she's still keeping her guard up. She's fairly confident that the traps will outlast spiders and so pose more of a threat. If the others ask, she says,  "Traps...age better." 
Zman
The fearless party, led by Natalia, moves down the dark tunnel, their torches held aloft.  They move slowly, Natalia scouring the ground and walls for any concealed traps.  As Natalia is walking, suddenly her foot doesn't meet the ground she sees... Natalia is able to deftly twist as she falls and catches the ledge avoiding a 30' plummet to a spiky bottom.  If she looks closely she can see bones surrounding the stone spikes at the bottom of the pit.

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia Reflex Save (d20+6)[ 11 ]  Exactly Hit!

DC 20 Spot will show the desiccated carcass of a giant spider.
 


As you walk behind the crafty rogue, trusting her to guide the way, you see her suddenly disappear into the floor, only her hands showing above the edge of a pit.  The pit is a shaft, 5'x5' covered by a simple illusion.
achinca
Miriam screams "  Kurt! Grab Natalia now and save her!  "

If able and needed, she will help pull the young rogue back to the surface.

Once Natalia is on safe ground, Miriam says "  Well done, Trapmaster. Now we know what happened to the maker of these webs ...  "
Zman
As she fell her Torch left her hand and tumbled down the shaft illuminating the bottom...

 
 Spoiler 

Spot
Miriam (d2+5)[ 7 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 9 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 14 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Valen (d20)[ 15 ] 

DC15 To see the Spider carcas at the bottom
 
Athedia
Mithril jumped forward grabbing for Natalia's hands as she fell. As she tried to help the young woman she looked into the pit.   "I see you found the spider." 
Zman
Valen, too far away to catch the girl, can do little as she tumbles into the pit, catching herself.    "Careful little one."   Valen says once she is safely out of the pit.

Once they begin moving again, Valen easily jumps over the pit and continues down the tunnel.
Cavelcade
Kurt helps her up, with help from Mithril.  "Hm. I suppose illusions makes sense here..." 
 
 Spoiler 

Hm, I suppose Kurt should have a general search check ready for whenever he comes near unusual stonework. I'll roll 3, so if we come near another trap like that use the first one first, then the second for the next one, etc...just in case Natalia fails but he might succeed, even thought that does seem unlikely.

From srd:

Stonecunning: This ability grants a dwarf a +2 racial bonus on Search checks to notice unusual stonework, such as sliding walls, stonework traps, new construction (even when built to match the old), unsafe stone surfaces, shaky stone ceilings, and the like. Something that isn’t stone but that is disguised as stone also counts as unusual stonework. A dwarf who merely comes within 10 feet of unusual stonework can make a Search check as if he were actively searching, and a dwarf can use the Search skill to find stonework traps as a rogue can. A dwarf can also intuit depth, sensing his approximate depth underground as naturally as a human can sense which way is up.

 (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
 (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
 (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
 
Zman
Kurt's innate understanding of Stonework gives him a bit of insight into the trap.  He notices that every line is perfect, there isn't a single tool mark to be seen, and the entire shaft is perfectly smooth as if the stone melted away.  Also, the spikes at the bottom if the Pit are made of stone as if they dripped like an icicle upwards.

The only comparable stonework Kurt can remember is that done by the great tunesmiths and stone shapers of his clas.  Of course, their work makes this look amateurish, but effective.

 
 Spoiler 

Figured you'd study this trap for a couple of minutes before crossing it.
 
Cavelcade
After peering into the hole below to get a deeper understanding of what was done here, Kurt stands back up, nodding slowly and stroking his beard.  "If a human did this, they were practically a master of the craft! The stone is smooth and the stone spikes sharp. A dwarf who dedicated their life to such skills would maybe be ashamed if they made it but if it was a human...hm. Well! 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia yelps as she barely manages to hold onto the ledge and pull herself back up, grasping to Mithril and Miriam's hands for dear life. Looking back into the pit, she shudders and barely manages to suppress her hyperventilation.  "Yep, found spider...And unlucky ones."  She cracks a smile at Mithril's sarcastic quip.

Natalia follows Kurt's gaze as she inspects the trap from the safety of solid ground, but she's more at home with metal and gears and connecting parts than worked stone. Still, she can tell how smooth it is and says,  "Melted by magic?" 
CoffeeIncluded
At some point, Natalia carefully makes her way to the other side of the corridor, offering a hand to anyone who needs it.
Zman
Valen ponders the use of spellcraft in the trapmaking.... but Valen cannot recall any particular spell that could do this.

 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft (d20+5)[ 10 ] 

Darn, can't come up with Stone Shape, for the spell that shapes stone...
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Let's figure out that a spell did this with good old inductive reasoning! Zman, am I overstepping my bounds here?
 


Natalia frowns in thought for a moment, then says, much more slowly than she thinks it,  "If master for human, but average for dwarf...Alabastor's cave...Shares blood with Max...Max, human...Alabastor, human mage...Master for human, but master of magic, not stone...Unless magic stone."  She nods.  "Hewn with magic, not chisel, unless master of...Many. So stone shaper spell." 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at Natalia's statement.  "Yes, magic is how it's done...I don't know much more than that, though. Very impressive." 
Zman
  "Impressive as it may be, we are standing around looking at a hole in the earth.  Lead on Little One."    Valen gestures down the tunnel.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Spellcraft  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
 

 "I have no idea what this is.  Magic or not, maybe the answers lie beyond?"   Mithril felt slightly annoyed, it wasn't normal that she hadn't seen a spell before or at least read about it.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Know spell, not name,"  Natalia says as she picks her way around the trap.  "Placeholder?" 
Admiral
 "I know the spell,"  says Shiny as he climbs over the trapdoor, with the help of his companions.  "It's called Rock Carve." 
 
 Spoiler 
let's keep moving!
 
Zman
The magical pit trap passed, the party begins moving again down the tunnel.  It takes them deeper into to the mountain.

Kurt doesn't believe that they are delving too deep, though they are following a gradual downward slope.

After another 20 minutes of careful searching and wandering Kurt notices something odd about the stone around them.  The gradient has leveled out completely, and the tunnel is becoming symmetrical.  The same magics were employed here as in the pit.  After another twenty paces or so the tunnel becomes almost a hallway, with perfect lines and a smooth rounded ceiling.

After a few more steps an archway can faintly be seen at the end of the tunnel.  The tunnel widens and a simple, but elegant archway is seen.  The archway is much taller and wider than the tunnel you've been passing through.  The entire appraoch to the archway widens the tunnel almost imperceptibly, except to Kurt of course.

Mithril and Natalia can see that above the  archway there is an inscription , but you cannot make out the writing in the dim torchlight.

Kurt and Shiny cannot see past the archway with their darkvision.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot Checks
Miriam (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 11 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 5 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Valen  (d20)[ 12 ] 

Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 15 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 17 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 15 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hm?"  Natalia asks Kurt when she gazes back for a moment; he seems to be staring at the walls intently.

When they get to the archway, Natalia stops and says,  "By the belly,"  Squinting at the lettering alongside Mithril, she mutters to herself,  "Wish...Had elf's eyes." 
CoffeeIncluded
Still looking for traps, Natalia cautiously makes her way over to the archway until she can read what's written above.
Zman
Natalia moves up slowly and catiously, a torch in hand.  As she moves up the inscription becomes clear...and appears to be written in every language that she can speak.

  If you are a friend, have no fear and enter the abode of Alabaster, Mage of the Sixth Circle of Magic.  If you be an enemy, turn back at once.  

As you complete reading the inscription a mystical snake springs into being and snaps at you from the center of the inscription.... Natalia is unable to dodge the spells effect and is struck.  A shimmering amber field surrounds her immobilizing her.  Her eyes are still open, held in a look of shock and the realization that she would not be able to dodge the effect...

 
 Spoiler 

Reflex Save (d20+6)[ 11 ] 

Mithril, Miriam, and Valen can take a spellcraft check to identify the spell.
 
Zman
Watching the Rogue read the inscription and seeing the conjuration take effect, Valen can only let out a   "Little One!"  .  It takes a force of will for him to look away from the inscription, tempted to follow suit and read it...

 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft vs DC18 (d20+5)[ 14 ] 

Success reveals  Sepia Snake Sigil 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is barely able to finish reading the inscription before she's held immobile by a powerful magical force. Panic seizes her as well.   Oh ****!  

Frantically, before everything around her closes off, she thinks as loud as she can,   Friend and aid to Max, your kin!  

And then everything around her shuts off.
Athedia
Natalia had read the inscription before Mithril could see it clearly.  Seeing her  surrounded by an amber light Mithril screamed shaking her shoulders. "NO! Natalia, come back, wake up." 
 
 Spoiler 
Spellcraft  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
 


Realizing what spell this is Mithril collapsed, covering her eyes.  "Don't read the inscription, it's the Snake.  It traps all who read the words attached for days on end.  I have heard of it lasting from two days to a month depending on how strong the mage who cast it was.  I can't fix it, only time or the original caster can.  Why did you have to read it Natalia, let me take magic risks.  Why?"   Mithril broke down crying, the whole day had been one near death experience after another and now,  now my closest friend is trapped and I can't help 
Zman
Mithril recognizes the spell by description.  She had read about it in a dusty tome, the spell immobilizes someone after they read the hidden rune for many days until the spells effects wear off, or until the creator of the spell releases those held.
CoffeeIncluded
Having been frozen just as she had begun to leap out of the way, Natalia, off-balance, tips over and lands sideways on the ground like a statue knocked down. She still doesn't move.
Zman
Valen, silent, simply walks forward and places his hand on Mithril's back.
achinca
Miriam waits until Valen explains the situation. She has been totally out of it in the cave. Calric is again on her mind and it is clouding her judgement.

"  There is nothing I can do to the rogue. A dispel magic is the best solution but I am too weak a cleric to do it. If only there was someone we could pay to perform the spell.  "
Admiral
Shiny stares blankly at the fallen rogue. For once, words seem to fail him utterly.
Zman
  "Silent Trickster, no levity for this situation?"   Valen takes some of his frustration over Natalia's situation out on the Gnome.

Looking to the rest of them,   "What should we do?"    Valen's gaze moves to the swirling mass of fog but ten feet in from of them.
CoffeeIncluded
At this point Natalia would suggest that they leave and look for someone capable of breaking the enchantment, but she is completely unaware of her surroundings; her mind is shunted off somewhere else. She doesn't even know that she fell over.
Zman
Whiskers is agitated and extremely restless.  He keeps moving around, out of his pocket to being perched on your shoulder, and he is sending excitement through your epathic link, more than you've felt before.  His little eyes are fixated upon the swirling foggy mass ahead of you.

What is even more alarming is that you left the small white weasel at he cave entrance and do not remember him stowing away in your pocket.  It flt so natural for him to scurry up your shoulder it took a second to register.
Athedia
 "Whiskers?"  Mithril plucked the weasel off her shoulder and stared at him in confusion.   "But I told you to watch the entrance."  Looking at the frozen body of Natalia lying on the ground her eyes widened.   "If her trap went off, we won't know.  There may be orcs in here right now!"   Whiskers squirmed, still excited by the swirling fog.  Placing him back on her shoulder Mithril struggled to move Natalia to a more stable position.   "I don't know why he is here now, but Whiskers seems to want to know what is inside there.  If there is a chance that it could help Natalia I will take that.  If not, well it should be safer back there." 
Cavelcade
Kurt stares as the young rogue falls freezes and then falls over, his face a grim mask of shock which transforms slowly into anger. Grumbling darkly in dwarvish, he stares at the darkness ahead of them.  "Maybe the next room can heal her? We are no enemies of his...we must free her from this prison as soon as possible!" 

With that, and without waiting for the others to follow, Kurt moves forward into the darkness, his focus honed with his anger as he goes under the archway.
Zman
As Kurt plumges through the Archway, Valen, his Greatsword in hand merely lets out an exhilarion and plunges through the fog after him it hour a moments notice...


 
 Spoiler 
Kurt, a man of action!
 
Zman
Kurt and Valem plunge through the Archway, the most surprising sensation is a lack of anything harmful and the light that greets you through the dark fog.  The fog doesn't impede you and you find yourself in a large circular room with smooth stone floors and a tall rounded archway.  8 torches are buning along the walls keeping the room brightly lit.  There is another archway with a stairs opposite you, the stairs are vaguely blurred as if peering through poorly wrought glass.

The distortion is the same when you look back through the Archway you've just entered, your companions have a look of shock and you can hear their gasps and objections as clear as if you were right next to them.  When you call to them they cannot hear you as if the barrier you passed blocks all sound and sight.

As you look around the room the most notable features are a large workbench littered with items including a few rods, spellbook, and parchments; a large chair, almost a throne with the desiccated skeleton of a man with a long white beard sitting on it; a table, and a wardrobe and bed.

 
 Spoiler 
The barrier was a Mages Private Sanctum, OOC of course.
 


Calling back to his companions,   "Tis safe, bring her across."   But they do not hear...
CoffeeIncluded
If the others were to leave Natalia on the ground alone, she wouldn't know it. Of course, if they were to carry her through the arch, she wouldn't know it either.
achinca
Miriam sees the warriors get through the arch and decides to follow them through the arch.
Zman
Miriam crosses th threshold and encounters the same room Kurt and Valen did, though her more attuned senses tell her that this was his home, and that he was just a man, an old man that liked his privacy and just wanted to work...but, he was still a Wizard and could flex some serious arcane might if he so chose. And like many Wizards he did not want to give up what he had lightly...
CoffeeIncluded
If Natalia were conscious, she would have paid the man his respects, then started scouring the room for any potential traps.
Cavelcade
After a few moments blinking in the rather queer light, Kurt shrugs and goes back out to the others.  "Looks like the dead man's back there. It's safe for us to cross the threshold."  Squatting, he quickly picks Natalia up in a fireman lift and carries her into the room.
achinca
Miriam looks around the room and tries to infuse some wisdom in the group "  I am just a simple cleric of St. Cuthbert so powerful arcane magic is a mystery to me. However, ever a stupid farm girl would know that someone who decides to set up residence in the hills and put up so many elaborate defenses enjoys his privacy and has probably a few tricks to prevent noisy visitors from finding too much. Our trap monkey is in a statue like condition right now so I would advise every one to be very careful when going over stuff in here and touching stuff. Our first goal would be to find if there is something we can do to help Natalia. Next, we should bring back what we find back to Max, if we can establish the skeleton is of his ancestor. I also would not mind if we could put some gold aside to help the citizens of Linwood and the orphans I promised to help.  "
Admiral
 "Natalia wasn't the only one who knew how to find and disable traps,"  says Shiny quietly, having followed Miriam into the room. For some reason he doesn't elaborate on the history and professions of some 'Shiny Snaresetter.'  "She was simply the best at it. Don't touch anything until I've checked it first." 

He looks over at the table covered in scrolls and rods.  "That could have the magic we need to release her."  He steps over carefully, checking each tile for traps, until he reaches the table. Once there, he sees whether anything on the table is rigged such that he cannot remove it safely.

 
 Spoiler 

Would I be able to take 20 on checking the table for traps? I remember you mentioned that it would take a few minutes (can't remember how long), but we have time.

If not, you can roll secretly.
 
achinca
Miriam chuckles "  Wisdom coming out of Shiny's mouth. This cave is truly magical....  "
Athedia
Mithril watched the rest of the group enter the fog.   "Wait!  I promised..."  But they were gone.  Realizing that if she wanted to keep her promise to Natalia she would need to bring her along she linked her hands underneath the girls arms.  Good thing she is so small  Walking backwards through the mist she dragged the rogue with her.
Zman
Shiny changes for a moment, behind his wry smile there is a look of seriousness as the charismatic Gnome puts forth a level of work and concentration that he had never exhibited before.  Careful not to touch anything he scours the surface for traps over the course of a couple of minutes, not finding any....but Shiny knows that his skill only goes so far and that magical traps are particularily dangerous and difficult to detect.

Shiny finds one Open spellbook, worn but very well constructed, four rods, a bunch if papers which have nearly been discintegrated by time and couldn't be read if he had wanted to.  There are remnant of mystical diagrams and scribblings, but it would take someone skilled to decider even what they were.  Set neatly together on discintegrated velvet cloth are two crystals, both distinct and unique from each other.

With a stroke of luck, Shiny had he been any taller he would have complety  missed the slender piece of wood that had fallen behind the workbench.

The most obvious thing Shiny found was an extremely Ornate Dagger balanced on its tip as if suspended in the air.  Upon close inspection, it is indeed balancing on its tip.

 
 Spoiler 

Knowledge Arcana on the two Crystals
Knowledge Arcan DC5 on the stick, surprise, it's a wand.
 
Zman
As Kurt helps Mithril through the fog with the slender Rogue, Mithril sees the room differently than her companions.  She sees a mystical workshop, complete with everything the aged Artificer would need for his craft.
Zman
Valen, offers a few words in Draconic before his eyes glow and he slowly scans the room, looking at everything in turn, careful not to read any written inscriptions.

 
 Spoiler 

Knowledge Arcana (d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Knowledge Arcana (d20+6)[ 25 ] 

Spellcraft(+6) (10d20)[ 10 ][ 16 ][ 11 ][ 16 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 3 ][ 17 ](106) 
 
Athedia
Propping Natalia against a wall, Mithril looked around in awe.   "This was his secret, his workshop.  He must have spent years down here fiddling."   Going over to the skeleton she knelt down  "Boccob bless you.  We are only here to help your ancestors, not to harm your work or use it for evil." 
Zman
Whiskers is apparently undaunted in this room and scurries off of Mithril and begins exploring the room on his tiny little legs.

As Mithril goes to the skeleton and offers her words, nothing happens.
Admiral
Shiny points out the items on the table, especially the crystals, then picks up the stick carefully. He turns to Valen and Mithril and shows them the stick.  "Thoughts?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Perhaps Shiny should pick up some Knowledge Arcana later, along with UMD. He's got plenty of points but a lot of skills (bluff, diplomacy, sense motive) to max out.
 


He also points to the dagger.  "That bother anyone else?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Want to see if arcane sight reveals anything. If not, will try to throw something from across the room to see if it can be knocked over.
 
achinca
Miriam has no knowledge of arcana but knows a thing ortwo about spellcraft so she looks around the room to see if anything becomes clearer.

"  Would a detect magic spell help?  " asks the cleric.

 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft skill check
rolled a few if separate are needed or use the first one
 (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
 (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
 
Zman
When Shiny looks at the Dagger with his Arcane Sight he sees a powerful, yet chaotic aura which means little to the Gnome.

Valen, still staring at the Dagger,   "It's aura is powerful, chaotic when it should be steady, similar to the staff, yet orders of magnitude more powerful.  This must be a creation of his."  . Looking at the Crystals,   "Those crystals are interesting, I can't be sure about the first, but the second...it's an Artificer's crystal, used to identify items."  

Valen continues his gaze, staring at each item in turn.  He also focuses on the skeleton of Alabaster.    "There are many Auras coming fom his skeleton, his ankle, two rings, his head, and his right hand."  . Th corpse is wearing a circlet, a glove only on one hand, two rings, and a metal bracelet around his ankle.

 
 Spoiler 
Artificers Crystal: Essentiall an Artificerss Monacle, but takes an hour to work, not a minute.  Also valued at 5k.  Because I think a Minacle is stupid, and is underpriced.
 
Admiral
 "Do you know how to use such a crystal? We should use it on all the items here." 
 
 Spoiler 
Luckily we have all day
 
Zman
@Miriam
 
 Spoiler 

The wand emits a faint Abjuration aura.

One Ring emits a faint conjugation aura.

The second Crystal is a Prism of Arcane Sight.  If you stare through it and make a DC15 Concentrate Check you effectively see using Detect Magic.
 
Zman
  "I believe I can.  Where should I start?"   Valen glances between the magical auras.
achinca
"  Is it like a using a magic device? I could try to see if I can get it to work  " says the cleric.

She also senses the excitement about the potential magical items "  Listen, this is his tomb. None of his artifacts belong to us. At best they belong to Max, assuming he is really related to him. I think we should see if we can find something to help Natalia and use this as a base. But we should stop acting as tomb robbers.  "
Zman
  "Tomb robbers?  Max had the same intentions."   Valen counters Miriam.    "Our reality is one of need."  
Admiral
 "Stick first... then balanced blade, then gifts of bone-"  Shiny's response is oddly stuttered. He suddenly blinks and taps his head, then goes back to speaking normally.

 "Sorry, don't know what that was... Check the wand, then the dagger, then the items on the skeleton. I'll spend the time looking for traps on the body." 

As Valen starts studying the wand, Shiny slowly and carefully approaches the skeleton, and takes a very long time looking for traps around and on the body.
achinca
"  Well Valen, I really hope that when I go meet St. Cuthbert, I am buring with nothing but a plain brown robe and a pair of sandals. I would not happy seeing other loot my armor and weapons.  "

Miriam stops and looks around "  This is a tomb. Call it however you like.  "

She shivers before looking at her holy symbol "  I took that mace, that armor and that symbol from a dying man. Since then, it has been a weight on my body and mind. Ah, I wish I was strong enough not to need this  ."

She stops and takes a deep breath "  I will not argue with nor try to convince you other wise. I see all of you blinded with greed and coming up with excuse. These belongs to Max, assuming he is a real kin of the decease. Anything that could help Natalia or Linwood should be used. But otherwise, I want nothing to do with anything we find it here unless it goes to help the poor and the disaffected.  "
Zman
Valen sits down, his legs crossed and studies the wand with the crystal, nigh unmoving...
 
 Spoiler 

This could be a while...
 



Shiny is unable to find anything traps on or around the skeleton.  Alabaster must have been old, judging by the remnants of his silver beard.  He had been dressed in a simple robe, long ravaged by the sands of time.  Though, he finds a hole in one pocket and sees a small silver bird figuring laying on th ground.  Valens vision of it must have been obscured it resonates with faint magic.
Admiral
Shiny reports on the skeleton and his findings, speaking normally. Suddenly his eyes open wide.  "Weasel! If here, who... Not safe!"  he stammers.
achinca
Miriam gets of her soap box when Shiny starts to talk funny.

"  Shiny Storyteller, Halfling Lawyer and Apprentice Horse Whisperer, are you trying to pretend that you are Natalia Trapmaster, Loot Expert and Organ ripper?  '

She shakes her head.  The cave is really magical .... 
Zman
Mithril swears that she can hear voices...as she listens she can no longer hear them.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen
Miriam (d2+3)[ 5 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 1 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 5 ] 
 Natalia (d20+7)[ 12 ]  
Mithril (d20+3)[ 22 ] 
 Valen (d20+3)[ 20 ]  
 
Athedia
Mithril stood up, bowing again to the dead body.  Turning her head she looked around for the source of the voices.  Hearing nothing she kept an ear out for more sounds.  Realizing Whiskers had snuck off yet again she went in search of him, it would not do any good for them to be careful and then have a weasel set off a trap.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen and Spot Checks (without the bonus from Whiskers since he is running around.

Listen  (1d20+1)[ 19 ] 
Spot  (1d20+1)[ 4 ] 
 
Zman
Whiskers is spending a lot of time near a section of wall, which he settled on after circling the room twice.

You thought you hard the voices fom the far doorway with the stairs up, through the familiar fog.
Athedia
 "We may have visitors."   Mithril pointed at the fog where she heard the voices,  "I am not sure, but I think I hear someone, just be prepared."   With that she headed over to Whiskers.   "What is it?  Did you find something?"   She knelt down next to the small weasel and looked at the wall.

 
 Spoiler 
Search/Spot/Listen (with the alertness modifier now)
Search  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
 
Zman
Mithril doesn't find anything but an empty piece of wall, completely continuous and smooth.

 
 Spoiler 
Maybe a Dwarf's expertise would be helpful...
 
Athedia
 "Kurt, you showed some knowledge of stoneworking at the pit. Could you tell me what this is? Whiskers will not leave the wall alone."   Mithril glanced toward the entryway, nerves playing havoc on her imagination.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Architecture/Engineering  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
 
achinca
"  Did you hear noise coming from upstairs  " asks the cleric.
Zman
Even busy by the wall Mithril can't help put peer into the darkness, almost seeing two shapes in the distance, but she can't be sure with the darkness...

 Kurt , his axe and hand comes over after peering into the distance...

 
 Spoiler 
Had to give you something for a 20.

Also, you know that it possible for stone to hide a compartment, especially with a Mage capable of molding stone.

Spot (d20)[ 9 ] 
Listen (d20)[ 2 ] 

Take 20 on a Stonecunning Search
 
Athedia
 "I thought I did, but I may have been imagining it.  Does anyone else see figures out there?"   Mithril shook her head, the stress of the day must be getting to her.  It was just like when she was a child and saw monsters on her walls.
Cavelcade
 "Hmmm..."  Kurt gives his attention to the stonework, feeling the rock almost alive under his fingers as he'd been taught before he'd turned towards breaking necks rather than rocks.  "There...might be something here. A compartment, maybe.  He frowns over at Miriam, a little irked by her tone, judging from how his beard bristles.  "I would rather my axe kept being used to slice heads and my armour to protect than go with me to the ground. I too would rather be buried in a robe and sandals, if I fall I hope you or some other good folk put my arms and armour to good use." 
Admiral
Shiny looks around.  "If killers coming... be ready? Grab what we can?"  His eyes light onto the dagger.

From a distance of 15 feet, he picks up a rock, aims it carefully-  "stand back" , and throws it straight at the dagger to see if he can topple it over.

 
 Spoiler 
Can Shiny find a rock or something similar to throw? Should he make attack rolls to hit the dagger? Just want to see what happens if the balanced dagger is knocked over, in case there's a magical trap.
 
Zman
Shiny grabs the first rocklike thing he can see, which happens to be a silver bird figurine.  He steps back and tossed the stone at the dagger, covering his head and looking away.  He hits the dagger squarely, almost as if the figuring aimed itself.  It nicks the dagger off of the bench, the dagger falls to the floor and it's glistening blackened blade imbeds itself in the stone floor deep enough to stop the blade from falling flat.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny walks over very carefully, studies the dagger for anything suspicious, and finally, if nothing seems wrong, reaches out and picks it up.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods as he stands, going to position himself beside the door with his axe.  "Yes, I definitely think there's something behind that rock. Give me time and I'll see if I can break it open...I might need more tools, though. For now though, let's see about these voices and ghosts." 
Zman
Shiny even picks of some of the mannerisms of Natalia and he studies the dagger in a hyper attentive way, eventually he touches it seven times before picking the blade up.  It litterally humms in his hand as if holding it too long would put your hand to sleep.

The blade is incredibly sharp and seems to scratch the stone with only the effort needed to pick it up.
Zman
Kurt readies his axe and moves to the very edge of the illusion and sanctum peering with his eyes into the dark, blotting out all light.  He can see that the illusion is part of a rocky wall about 20' above a deep deep chasm.  About 30' across and above the crack  in the earth Kurt can see the other side, evidence of tools and habitation are evident.  As he watches an Orc drags a carcass of an animal and tosses it into the pit as a home for their waste, you can't hear it strike bottom.

As the Dwarf thinks about his connection to the earth and his
position, his innate senses tell him it's possible theis cave is connected to the western most part of the Orc caverns.
Admiral
 "Humming blade, very sharp..."  Shiny says to the others. It looks like just the kind of blade that would be deadly in Natalia's hand.

Still carefully carrying the blade, he walks over towards the skeleton.  "Stealing from a corpse... more dangerous. Wait for nimbler fingers."  He looks back at the rogue's frozen body.
Cavelcade
Kurt retreats slowly from the edge of the illusion, looking at the others for a moment, before glancing back out and suddenly laughing softly.

 "We're back at the orc caves. This leads up to the Western end of them...the perfect staging point."  He glances over at the old skeleton.  "I wonder was it on purpose." 
Admiral
Shiny's eyes widen.  "Sneak around, slash from behind." 

He looks back down at the weasel.  "Should get back to guarding? Orcs follow footprints, we sneaked ourselves." 
 
 Spoiler 
Shiny wants to wait an hour for Valen to finish studying the wand, though perhaps someone should bring Whiskers back to the front to stay on guard.
 
Zman
Valen rubs his eyes, focusing on the world around him again.    "It's a wand of Disoel Magic, though it has precious few charges left."  . With a flick of his wrist, Valen points the wand in Natalia's direction and utters the command word....

With a broad and truly genuine smile,   "Welcome back to the land of the living Little One."   as Ntalia slumps to the floor having to idea how she got their and no balance to remain upright.

 
 Spoiler 

Caster Level Check (d20+5)[ 24 ]  vs 23
5 Charges Remaining

Booya!  Call that the DM special!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Friend and aid to Max, your kin!"  Natalia shouts into the floor before picking herself upright. Shaking her head, she looks at the others with pure gratitude and, while falling into the nearest person's arms, mutters,  "Where...How...? You...Thank you...How lo--"  but trails off the moment she takes stock in her surroundings.

 "...Alabaster's..."  She shakes her head.  "Left to rot. No, better use here."  Very, very carefully, she scours the bed, table, dagger, items, spellbook, and skeleton, paying her respects to the mage with a,  "Thank you...Life work, relit. Longer than bones." 
 
 Spoiler 
Take 20 on search for either 30 or 31, depending on whether or not you'll give me the extra skill point. I'm finding damn near everything.
 


When Kurt mentions where these caves are headed, Natalia stares at him, eyes wide.  "Back attack. Stop even ogres. But...why here? Hole to watch, but no action? Were orcs...always here? Alabaster or orcs, who first in caves?"  It's still clear from her trembling legs how much this has shaken her, and she's asking so many questions in an attempt to get the snake sigil trap off the front of her mind.

If the spellbook is safe, then Natalia calls Mithril over and asks,  "Copy the magic?" 
Admiral
Shiny jogs up to Natalia shortly after she awakens, and holds out his hand welcomingly.  "Hey there! I don't know if you remember me: Shiny Cavedelver, spelunker and security guard."  For the moment, he's back to normal.

Once Natalia's taken stock of her surroundings, he holds out the magic knife carefully.  "Got a present for you. I won it in a card game against a roving gang of lizardfolk. The trick is to watch their tails- when they twitch, you know they're bluffing." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia offers him a wan smile.  "I remember Shiny...Mirror...pool? Changing reflector, stone skipper."  How did he react when she...uh...was out? Did he joke and change identities as easily as clothes as if nothing happened?

Natalia takes the knife gingerly.  "Made sure...No more bluffs?"  She inspects it along with everything else.
Athedia
At Natalia's re-emergence into life, Mithril dashed across the room and hugged her.  Burying her face on the top of Natalia head, she spoke in a muffled voice, relief flowing through her words.  "Stop scaring me like that.  I was afraid it would last forever." 

Composing herself she attempted to fill the rogue in on everything that had happened while she was out.   "This place is unnoticeable from the outside, so we should be safe in here." 
CoffeeIncluded
At this, Natalia breaks down and starts to cry softly.  "Won't leave,"  she sniffles.  "Promise I'll stay..." 
 "Would be...Mage's den,"  she says, wiping away a few tears.  "Though...You'd prefer light." 
Zman
The Spellbook is most certainly trapped.  Every page Natalia looks at at first glance is trapped by at least one spell.

Natalia doesn't find any other traps in the room, except above each doorway there are a set of trapped symbols the move up to the ceiling.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gulps, then carefully backs away from the book as if it contained the most vile acid. Which it would probably exude if she messed with it.  "Trapped, every word here,"  she says, motioning to the archways as well as the spellbook. With enough time and a bit of luck she'd probably be able to remove most of the traps on the pages, but...

...No, not now. Some other time.
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing that the other items in the room are safe (and Natalia's fairly certain; having an...extremely intimate experience with Alabaster's magic traps gave her a very good feel for them), she inspects them carefully, trying to gain a sense of their function. What does she find with the ring, the dagger, the bird, the rods, anything else interesting?
Zman
Natalia stares at the items decernimg absolutely no additional information about them.

Valen offers more help, as Mithril and Kurt are fascinated by a blank patch of wall,   "I can keep divining their function, Mithril could as well.  I will require rest before the night is through."  

Unless someone wants something else examined, Valen begins to examine the Dagger.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Bird after dagger, please?"  Carefully, she puts the aged spellbook someplace safe, unless it will set off traps. She then goes over to Mithril and says,  "Help Valen, speed up job?" 

She follows Kurt's explanation as to what he saw, and begins thinking up a possible plan of attack.
Zman
As the unseen afternoon sun begins to sink and twilight covers the landscape, Valen continues to work with the crystal.  Mithril eventually takes over and finishes the task.

 
 Spoiler 

Figure that while Valen works Mithril will try and figure a way into the stone compartment.

Items are...

Crystal of Detecting 
 Spoiler 
Detect Magic Crystal Valued at 1k
 

Artificers Crystal 
 Spoiler 
Similar to Atrificers Minacle(MIC) with one hour to identify.  Valued at 5k.
 

Wand of Dispel Magic 
 Spoiler 
5 Charges Remaining. Value ~2k
 

Alabasters Atheme 
 Spoiler 
+3 Anarchic Adamantine Dagger.  Unstable Enchantment* Undetermined Value
 

Silver Raven Figurine 
 Spoiler 
Lets you create an animal messenger. SRD. 3.8k
 

Circlet of Mages 
 Spoiler 
MIC, let's you recover spent spells. Valued at 5k
 

Lesser Rod of Extend Spell 
 Spoiler 
SRD 3k
 

Lesser Rod of Enlarge Spell 
 Spoiler 
SRD 3k
 

Lesser Rod of Empower Spell 
 Spoiler 
SRD 9k
 

Lesser Rod of Silent Spell 
 Spoiler 
SRD 3k
 

Glove of Storing 
 Spoiler 
SRD 10k
 

Ring of Wizardry I 
 Spoiler 
SRD 20k
 

Ring of Sustenance 
 Spoiler 
SRD 2.5k
 

Anklet of Translocation 
 Spoiler 
MIC 1.5K
 

 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nearly has to grip the stone table as they go over the items. If nobody protests, she points to the dagger and says,  "Mine, best use."  So many of these items are perfect for Mithril, which would be expected.

Looking at the bird, Natalia asks the others,  "Message to Linwood?" 
Athedia
Mithril examined the objects trying to discover how they worked.  Looking at the compartment she tried to figure out how to open it.

 
 Spoiler 
Making a boatload of checks that you can apply to the items in the order listed.  Knowledge Arcana:
 (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 13 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 

Spellcraft:
 (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Curious as to how exactly it works, she picks up the anklet and fiddles with it a bit. She must have done something right because she teleports ten feet back from where she just was! Landing on one foot, she takes a second to shake off the disorientation, then laughs.  "Heh, perfect sneaking. Faster...than shadow." 

Walking back to the rest of the group, she begins writing something down, explaining,  "Raven caws for Linwood." 
CoffeeIncluded
Also, while the magic items were being identified, Natalia had spent those hours scouring the room for anything and everything of interest.

 
 Spoiler 
Take 20 for 30 or 31 on search. This was done during the fast forward.
 


She also tries to remember if she had heard anything about Alabaster before Max told his tale...But no, that was the first time she'd heard of him.
Zman
As Mithril examines the hidden compartment more closely, Whiskers continues to sit idly by his Master.  Mithril determines that this area was stone shaped and that there isnt anyway it can be opened without breaking the stone.

As Natalia scours the room she does not find anything out of the ordinary.
CoffeeIncluded
With a yawn, Natalia fights back the sleepiness a bit longer and begins writing something on a sheet of paper, explaining,  "Message to Linwood?" 

...Actually, it might be best if they put that off until the morning. Is it even the morning? Natalia's so tired she's starting to have trouble seeing straight.
Cavelcade
Kurt chews his lip, then stands.  "Does anyone have anything blunt?" 
Zman
Being selfless,   Miriam   offers the mace from her side to the Dwarf.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes a look down at the crack that opens up to the orc cavern again and asks Mithril,  "Too far...To see into heads?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods gratefully to her.  "Thank you, Miriam." 

He gets Mithril and Miriam to step back, then feels for the place he feels is weakest and then slams the mace onto it.

 
 Spoiler 

Hm. Well, I'll do an attack and a strength check. You decide which is right!

 (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Damage


 (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  Strength Check.
 
Athedia
Mithril put up a hand to block the flying rock as Kurt went to work on the stone.  Backing away to the exit to what she presumed where the orcish caves she squinted trying to get a view of any passers.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shuffles over to give Mithril a better view.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Listen:  (d20+7)[ 24 ] 

Add +1 to both checks if applicable.

Damn, those are some nice rolls! 😁
 


She whispers to Mithril,  "You'll share his spells, once...Traps unwoven?" 
Athedia
 "I'll share what I can recover."   Mithril yawned, the events of the day had caught up with her, she wasn't even sure how long it had been since she had slept.   "Can I proceed tomorrow?"   She asked exhaustedly as she lay down to sleep.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and promises,  "I'll...Let you recover it. Every page trapped, but not for long,"  letting a note of confidence slip through. She knows how the spells feel, the texture of the threads in his traps. Now the challenge will be how to pull those threads without setting the whole thing off.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Bed's safe,"  she tells Mithril.  "Sleep there?" 
 
 Spoiler 
The bed is safe, right? Natalia did search there.
 
Athedia
Mithril had been so tired she had fallen asleep on the floor, using her pack as a pillow.  She might have moved if she had been conscious, but exhaustion had taken its toll and swiftly carried her off.  Whiskers crept over to her and carefully snuggled inside one of her arms.  The young wizardess hugged him tight in her sleep, as a child hugs a doll.

Her dreams were varied, filled with fanastic images from the books she had read and stories she had heard.  But soon they turned darker, images of chokers separating her from her friends and as she ran, her falling into a dark pit.  Unable to find handholds she pounded at the walls looking for an exit.

Mithril woke up in terror clutching Whiskers.  She felt sweat covering her, and could feel Whiskers companion fear.  Shaken she looked around at her sleeping companions and tried to calm down.   It's alright, everyone is safe.  No worries.  Just breathe.  She lay back down on the ground and drifted back into softer, kinder dreams.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia studies the crack leading to the orc caverns for a while, picking up whatever her keen eyes and ears can detect before dropping off to sleep as well. Funny how being petrified can be somewhat exhausting as well.

 
 Spoiler 
Yeah, use the 27 spot and 24 listen from before, then I think Natalia's cool for tomorrow.
 


Natalia also has nightmares, where she sees Mithril's eyes bug out and her face turn blue as the choker once again squeezes the life out of her, where the orc splits Valen open and his insides spill out onto the ground, and as she tries to run and help them a giant ethereal serpent coils around her and freezes her as stone. When Natalia wakes up, she can't move and spends a few moments silently screaming in terror before her muscles slacken.

It takes a while for her to fall back asleep.
Zman
Kurt takes a solid swing at the stone and some dust and small bits of rock fly off, barely a scratch.  Kurt takes another mightier swing, gripping Miriam's Mace in both hands and leaning everything into the mighty swings... Taking chunk after chunk out of the rock.  Taking his time and breathing heavily, Kurt carefully takes havy measured swings until Kurt takes one mighty final blow which opens the hole, the head if Miriam's Mace bounces along.  As he turns to Mithril t show her, the poor young Mage is already asleep.

Kurt removes a bag of coins, a bag of fine diamonds, and a fantastic and ornate spellbook with golden pages clasped closed with with a symbol of an eye on it.  As Natalia carefully examines the book she cannot find a single trap on it.  All attempts to undo the clasp and open the book fail.

 
 Spoiler 

A bag of gold and platinum worth 1.5k, and a bag of fine diamonds and ground diamnd dust worth 3k.  Almost enough for an orphanage for Miriam.
 

 
 Spoiler 
A DC10 Religion check will yield that it is the symbol of Boccob.  If you hit DC 20 I'll give you more.
 


Natalia stands in the doorway peering into the pitch black cave unable to see anything moving or not despite her immense effort.

Valen chuckles at her,  "Learning to see in the dark Little One?"  as he doses off, his sleep restless after a couple of hours.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia makes some strangled noise in the back of her throat when she sees all that money. But no, Miriam said they should use it to build an orphanage for the children of Hillsfar, and Natalia agrees. Fervently. This is almost enough...

Natalia can't understand why she can't open the book, even if it's not trapped. Maybe only wizards can open it?

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Religion):  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 

Sweet. Let's hope this continues for Disable Device...
 


She blinks.  "Boccob's book!"  No wonder she couldn't open it...
Zman
Natalia recognizes the ancient symbol of Boccob, and the description of the book matches the description of the Tome of Ancient Lore, allegedly penned by Boccob himself.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is completely lost for words. She turns to shout Mithril awake, but the mage is already asleep. Instead, she sputters out,  "This--this--it! Tome of Ancient Lore...In Boccob's own pen!"  What the hell was it doing here?!

What did she hear about it?  "Every...Spell...Ever..."  The room seems to swirl around Natalia; she needs to lie down. Soon after she does, she falls asleep (and cue nightmares and sleep paralysis).
Cavelcade
Kurt smiles a little as the wall crumbles under his assault, then hands the mace back to Miriam.  "Thank you. This will be useful for your plans, I think."  Stepping aside so she can see the money gathered there. He yawns, then, going to find a nice flat piece of ground to lay out on. He quickly falls into a deep slumber - if his dreams are disturbed, he gives no sign of it through the night.
CoffeeIncluded
The next morning, assuming an uneventful night, when Mithril has a moment (probably the moment she wakes up), Natalia goes over to her and practically shoves the book into her hands while babbling,  "Boccob's book! Every...Spell...Ever!"  A nightmare-fueled night did absolutely nothing to quell the rogue's shock and excitement.
Athedia
Mithril sat up and felt around for Whiskers.  The night had been long and harrowing, but now she was feeling better.  As she moved, Natalia jumped over to her and showed her what the group had found.   "What?..."   Her mind still blurry she was having trouble comprehending what the significance of the find was.  She fetched out her spellbook and dropped it abruptly.   "Wait!  His book?"   Grabbing the book from Natalia's hands she turned it over carefully, examining Boccobs symbol adorning the front.
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Religion  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Also making an Arcana check because it may fall under ancient mysteries/magical traditions
Knowledge Arcana  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Tome of Ancient Lore!"  Natalia says, scrambling beside Mithril to read over her shoulder.  "Every...spell ever...Hidden here!"  But why?
Zman
When Kurt returns the broken Mace to Miriam, she frowns for a second before setting it aside,   "It belonged to..him...it's right to set it aside."  . Miriam proceeds to strip off her armor and shield and set them aside as she curls up and sleeps.

Hours later...

Mithril instinctively knows what she holds is indeed attuned to Boccob, it practically makes her body humm.  Mithril is unable to open the book a s if it was held shut by the force of a mountain.  Whiskers scurries up her are and perches himself near the Tome.  When the young Wizardess sees Whiskers she is reminded of the beautiful human high priestess of Boccob and her promise to bring back any lost knowledge to the temple. The white Weasel simply licks the Tome and nusles closer to Mithril.
Athedia
Mithril stroked Whiskers, as he rested next to her.  The white of his coat would be a constant reminder of her debt to Boccob.  "I promised to return with any knowledge I held.  And now I hold all knowledge."   She laughed a little sadly.   "I thought this was just a legend." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Why so sad?"  Natalia asks.  "Legends...Start with truth. And...Don't know everything."  She lets a note of pride slip into her voice.  "Magic...coupled with machines. Spells and swords together too." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by athedia 
   "I promised to return with any knowledge I held.  And now I hold all knowledge."  
 

Surprisingly enough from Natalia, she quickly agrees, saying,  "Of course. Knowledge...Useless if locked away, best when shared!" 

While the casters prepare their spells for the day, Natalia begins writing a note to attach to the raven to send to Linwood. As she can revise ink, her writing holds much more clarity than her speech, though it still contains several metaphors and odd sentence structures. She passes the first person who finishes their meditation or studying the note as she asks,  "Thoughts?" 

The note reads:  To Henry, Max, Mayor, people of Linwood:

Found Alabaster's abode, carved out long ago. A treasure trove of powerful magic was tucked away, as was a secret passage. We can sneak attack from behind, and return to Linwood then.

Orcs work with ogres, powerful mages collaborate. Hulburg's guards hold the orcs at bay--once they leave, the orcs will come. One told us himself.

Keep the bird for us, defend yourselves. We'll attack from the shade, step into the sun at dawn.

Natalia, Valen, Mithril, Miriam, Shiny, and Kurt 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia revises the note to read:

 To people of Linwood,

We stumbled on solution of Max's mystery kin. We hindered orcs, pulled some of their fangs. They're allied with ogres, but kept at bay by Hulburg soldiers, and Hulburg soldiers only. We'll stay, further weaken them. This raven flies ahead of us, gives hope of our swift flight back as well.

Friends of Linwood.
 
Athedia
Coming out of her meditation, Mithril read the note.  Nodding that she approved of the message she gathered up the items they had found.
CoffeeIncluded
 "With me, to...See it off?"  she asks. Whether or not Mithril agrees, Natalia takes a torch, carefully makes her way to the entrance of the cave, easily bypasses her own trap (and shows Mithril where to step if she comes along), then ties the note to the raven's leg. She whispers,  "To Linwood, Max's pub,"  conjures a strong mental image of the outside of the pub and its direction from here, then lets the bird go.
Admiral
Shiny wakes up, stands, and stretches while waiting for the others to finish preparing their spells. He rubs his hands together, relishing the feel of the ring newly worn on his left hand.

 "So... today we go on the attack?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Learn and plan, then strike?"  Natalia asks, fiddling with her new dagger and making the final revisions to the note. She looks over at Miriam with concern; the cleric had been acting especially strangely since last night but didn't say much when asked.

 
 Spoiler 
This is before sending the note to Linwood.
 
Admiral
 "If you want to learn what we're up against... I've got a new spell I'm just itching to try. It'll let me walk right into the orc camp without anyone even seeing me." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks.  "What?"  A spell like that...She shudders at the havoc an invisible Shiny could wreak. And what about the havoc an invisible Natalia, who's already all but invisible, could wreak?
Zman
Valen wakes up and watches the young Wizardess examine the Tome.  It took him a while, but he was far less hungry than normal and his sleep broken.  The affects of the worn ring would begin to take hold over the next few days.

Looking to the young rogue and devious gnome,   "I'm not opposed to attacking th Orcs.  We have a chance to take the head of the serpent whilst it sleeps."  

Valen grips the two foot solid steel rod and channels his arcane protections through it.

 
 Spoiler 

Extended Mage Armor
 
Zman
It takes Natalia around an hour and a half to make the first cave entrence, avoiding the pit trap narrowly, making her way to the original entrence where she speaks the sim and word, and calls the raven by its name.  A glistening metallic bird takes form and comes to life, taking the message it begins flying southwest towards Linwood.

Natalia returns without incidence.
Zman
A short while after the rogue leaves to set the Raven off towards Linwood.  Miriam and Mithril hear some faint sounds through the second entrence, unfortunately neither of them can see what has made it.



 
 Spoiler 

It's late morning.  Natalia is still off to Snd the Raven.

Listen
Miriam (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 7 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 9 ] 
 Natalia (d20+7)[ 19 ]  
Mithril (d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Valen (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt yawns as he stands up from his prayers, a silent meditation to free his spirit of doubt and worry, then starts stretching and relaxing himself before he breaks his fast.

 "I doubt it sleeps anymore. Not that that should hold us back."  He quickly loads his crossbow, then, slipping on the glove of holding he focuses, making the crossbow shrink into the glove, nodding in pleasure.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Done,"  Natalia says as she makes her way back.

 
 Spoiler 
The crossbow trap was undisturbed, right?
 
Zman
Miriam, finishing her prayers turns her head sharply towards the second entrance, she gets up and gens the nearest weapon, and old walking stick Alabaster must have used a century ago.

  "I believe an Orc has returned. We should proceed carefully..."  
 
 Spoiler 
I hope Achnca is ok with my RPing of Miriam.
 
Cavelcade
 "Hm?"  Kurt grabs his axe and swiftly goes to the exit looking out on the orc's side, peering through while being careful to stay behind the illusion.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 5 ] Spot.
 
Athedia
Mithril stood up.  Putting her books back into her pack she looked toward the second entrance.   "Kurt can you peek through that doorway? I can't see anything, but I think someone is there." 
Cavelcade
He shakes his head at that, frowning.  "Maybe...I don't see anything moving out there." 
Zman
Kurt manages to see with his Darkvision, a robed humanoid just across the chasm, but is unable o make out any details.
Cavelcade
He's just about to turn away from the opening when he spots the robes moving, then freezes, staring hard for a moment before gesturing for Shiny to come over if he's awake, or tellign someone to go wake him.  "We might have the robed one right out there."  He seems excited, almost, though nervous as well.
Admiral
Shiny steps over and looks for himself.

 
 Spoiler 


Still avoiding ranks in spot, which I think is actually reasonable in character:

Spot:  (1d20-2)[ 12 ] 
 
Zman
As Shiny peers out into the darkness he too sees the robed figure, about 40' away, which may be the half orc.  The humanoid is facing the abyss with one hand near his throat in a pensive pose.
Cavelcade
Kurt beckons the others over.  "No-one has a spell that would just push him over the edge, I guess?"  He actually is looking rather hopeful, it'd be such a simple solution to the half orc if they did.
Zman
  Valen   let's out a hearty laugh at the Dwarf's comment, apparently confident that the. Magical barrier would block out all sound.

  "I have no such powers Dwarf?"   Unfortunately, Valen shares Kurt's sentiment.
Admiral
Something clicks in Shiny's eyes.  "At this distance... I might be able to read his thoughts." 
Zman
  "Do you believe that wise Shine Thoughtsripper?  Even our enemy's mind?"   Miriam, after being quite quite interjects, still dressed in her traveling cloths and holding the aged walking stick.
Athedia
Mithril thought carefully as she looked out across the chasm.  Fumbling around in her pack she pulled out one of the rods they had found the day before.   "Try this.  I think it will let you reach that far with the spell and still stay behind the veil." 
Admiral
Shiny turns to the group.  "There's a chance someone as powerful as he could get suspicious when I try to search his mind. But the chance to see into his mind is far too valuable. Let's get ready for a battle if we need to, and get your valuables together . Load your bows." 

Shiny loads his own light crossbow and holds it in one hand, just in case it becomes necessary. He makes sure Kurt, Mithril, Valen, and Miriam are all ready with their weapons in case it comes to combat. Then he raises one hand towards the hooded figure and utters his incantation.

 
 Spoiler 
 I want to make sure everyone is ready (bows etc) before it happens, just thought that it's about time to do it.

Since the hooded figure is 40' away, and  detect thoughts  has a 60' range, he doesn't need any rod (which is good, since Enlarge Spell wouldn't work on a spell with a cone range).

The figure (assuming, of course, he's not an illusion) gets a DC 16 will save. I don't see anything in the rules about him being alerted on a successful save, but of course ZMan can play it however he likes.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs back as fast as she can, mindful of where the traps from last night are.
Athedia
Mithril fiddled nervously with her crossbow.  She tried to take deep breaths as she aimed it at where she believed the orcish figure to be.
Zman
Valen takes out his bow, and knocks his arrow waiting for Shiny to cast his spell.

 
 Spoiler 

Give it a go Shiny,  roll a blank will save too if you want. 
 


Kurt instant swaps his Axe for his crossbow as he takes aim, one of the two to actually see the enemy.
Zman
Shiny wiggles his nose for a second holding his hands to each side of his head as he stares intently into the darkness.... A quick frown passes his face as his divination fails him... And then it turns to a grin...

Shiny detects the presence of two minds, the one in front of him is of an above average intelligence while the mind it is connected to is vastly more powerful.  As Shiny continues to concentrate he picks up the serf ace thoughs of the creature, but fails to understand them.  It's as if the creature is thinking in a language that Shiny cannot understand.


 
 Spoiler 

Hooded one has Int13
Connected Mind is at least Int 22

Give me a Knowledge Check to see if you can at least identify the language.

Will Save (d20)[ 10 ] 
 
Zman
The figure continues to stand there, engaged in an internal dialog.

 
 Spoiler 

 He had an exact success.
 
Initiative
Miriam (d20+1)[ 10 ] 
Kurt (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Shiny (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Mithril (d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Valen (d20+2)[ 6 ] 

Hooded (d20)[ 12 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril shifted from side to side, trying to see into the darkness.   "Did it work?  I can't tell."  She whispered to Kurt,  realizing that if it had then Shiny would need to focus, and if it hadn't she would probably get a long winded story as to why.
Admiral
Shiny frowns again.  "Something's strange... The hooded one is not that powerful, but his mind is somehow connected to someone with incredible intelligence... I... I can't understand their language..."  his face contorts with effort and concentration...

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny has 1 rank of knowledge local and arcana, not sure if this is either. I'll roll it raw with Shiny's int, add +1 if appropriate

 (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
 
Zman
Shiny tries to examine the language he can "hear".  The second mind appears to be very careful in its thoughts, as if his language is not its native language.  The Hooded one is fluent.  Shiny recognizes a couple of sounds, though he doesn't recognize the meaning, the language is likely Undercommon.

 
 Spoiler 

Remember, the Hooded one has been described as a Sorcerer.
 
Admiral
 "I think it's undercommon,"
  says Shiny carefully.  "But that's all I can tell." 

Shiny continues to listen to the thoughts for the full four minutes that his spell runs, trying with all his concentration to pick up any references to names or places that remain the same in the unfamiliar language.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia easily picks her way around the pit trap; she'll hopefully be back soon.
Zman
After a portion of the spells duration finishes, Shiny gets one clear command.  Upon the mental utterance the hooded one removed his hand from his neck and the second mind disappeared.

Moments later a young Orc comes bustling in chasm room, he is visibly shaking.

 
 Spoiler 
DC 10 Listen 
 Spoiler 
In Orc "Sir...Runners see shiny bird, sky high south." 
 

If shiny listens to the Orcs thoughts, they confirm his fear and are fixated on accurate relaying the information lest he get torn to sheds, or something worse.

And Yes, Natalia is almost back.
 
Zman
Valen begins a few utterances in Draconic, his eyes glow golden and he stares intently into the the dark, shakng his head and looking away.

  "Damn, the magics surrounding this place are blinding my sight."  . Valen rubs his eyes.

 
 Spoiler 
Hard to Detect Magic through three high level spells.
 
Zman
 Hooded HalfOrc 

The Hooded HalfOrc immediately begins walking towards the exit,  &lt;Orc&gt;"Tell them I'll lead two groups out myself, I'm sick of incompetence."  His speech is more formal and precise than most Orcs.
Cavelcade
Kurt looks over at the Gnome anxiously as the two orcs start leaving.  "Why are they leaving?" 
Admiral
Shiny turns to his party.  "They spotted the silver bird from the cave entrance. The hooded guy's taking two groups out to take a look." 

He peers down into the cave.  "This could be our chance to attack." 
Zman
Valen is intrigued by Shiny's idea,   "Well bring a blade from inside the belly of the beast.  They won't know how to react."  . A broad smile crosses Valens face, intrigued by the prospects of open battle in the deep caves.
Zman
In the meantime the Hooded HalfOrc and the Orc leave the range of Shinys spell and his sight, it's again eerily quiet coming from the vast chasm.

The sound of Natalia can be heard coming from the corridor.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs back in, careful not to read the trapped words, and says,  "Done, note took flight." 

Seeing everyone crowded around the arch, she asks,  "I missed...What?" 
Admiral
Shiny bounds forward, eager to be the one who shares the story.

 "You should have seen it! We saw the hooded half-orc from that ledge- so close we could have thrown a stone at him. I managed to read his thoughts and learned he was having some kind of telepathic conversation with someone even more powerful, in the Undercommon language! I, of course, know the Undercommon language from my many liasons with the Drow-Gnome Cooperation, so I learned the true identity of the puppetmaster- it turns out it was the lieutenant from Hulburg, the one who gave us the bounty! What a twist! Anyway, after that we all attacked the hooded orc, and after catching him by surprise we managed to push him over the ledge, sending him screaming to his doom. And when he died, somehow by magic all the orcs and ogres that he had allied with died as well! We were about to head out to drinks to celebrate. I guess you can come if you want." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks, then turns to anybody else.  "Found what?"   she asks in a deadpan voice. She knows most of it is lies and doesn't even bother with picking them out.

 
 Spoiler 
Shiny, that really is funny.
 
Zman
Valen, his face serious,   "Tis true Little One, Kurt took his head whilst I battled the Orc Chieften and Miriam pitted prayers against their vile cleric.  See for yourself."   Valen motions out to the expanse.
Athedia
Mithril rolled her eyes. She was fine with Shiny's stories, but didn't see the point in encouraging them.  "Actually, an orc sentry spotted the bird you sent.  The Hooded One is leading two squads out to look for us.  It may be our best chance to strike, while the strongest member is away. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What?!"  Natalia flushes with shame; she just put them all in danger. But Mithril is right...

She walks over to the crevasse and asks,  "You say...Jump into the belly, fight our way out?"  It's a wide drop though...Hm...

Natalia takes the rope out of her bag and asks,  "Can magic...Move this?" 
Zman
  "Yes, magic can move it, but how will we tie to anything when we cannot see?"  . Valen looks at Natalia,   "You are a skilled climber Little Ne, No?"  
Admiral
 "Not as good as I am. I could get that rope across- it would be easy for Shiny Spiderlimbs, rock climber and limbo champion." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns.  "Not like you, strength in fingers, not arms."  She looks at the rope.  "But tie here, swing or slide down, then...Tug loose? Don't leave, like..."  She trails off; her wrist feels somewhat naked without the copper wire, and she doesn't know when they'll get it back.

 "Check this cave later, see...sprung traps? Retrieve...Crossbow, wire, check spider and snake?" 
Zman
  "We are about to span a split in the earth while planning to stir a hornets nest, and you are worried about a bobble?"   Valen notices her want to return here.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the ground, then back up at Valen.  "Gift from Mithril, gift from teachers--Torin and Karik. Mean...Mean a lot to me. Come back later...I know that. But later, not never? Can...Check the snake too..." 
Zman
  "No one can stop you from retrieving such things, we do have priorities and it may be foolish to return if this danger is not eliminated."  . Valen doesn't understand her attachment to such simple things as bits of metal and a worn crossbow.

Looking to Mithril,   "Will you attempt to move the rope? Either way, we will need conjured light to succeed."  
Athedia
 "I would attempt to move it, if I had the power.  I did not think to prepare that spell this morning, and as is such have no access to it.  I know the route of it, but the power will not form." 
Zman
Valen, nodding his head,   "I may have limited access, but it is at my call whenever I need.   I never forget.  If you lend me your implement and create light, I will transport the rope over."  

Looking to the young,   "Little One, please make a noose that you'll trust your life to."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Then return when safe. But returning,"  Natalia insists.

With a nod, she takes her silk rope and fastens it to the nearest study stone object, like the feet of the bed if they're close by, making sure to tie it tightly, but in a way she can undo it without much trouble. So many ways to cast spells...Maybe she can find her own way.

 
 Spoiler 
Take 20 for 30 on Use Rope. That's not coming lose easily. Tying a special knot, like one that will come loose when pulled from a safety catch and tugged from a certain angle is DC 15
 
Admiral
Shiny makes an indignant grumble.  "I told you I can climb it, and no one seems to care! It's almost as though you don't believe me." 

He steps over to the cave wall, reaches out his hands, and steps up. To everyone's surprise, he sticks right to the wall without falling. A moment later he skitters 20 feet around thr, just as fast as he would walk horizontally. His limbs seem to twist strangely as he goes.

He twists his head around to look at the party. "See?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Had cast spider climb when no one was looking. The surprise was so important to him that he used up one of the rod's silent spells to do it without anyone noticing.
 
Zman
Valen, is caught by surprise as Shiny makes a boast and simply walks to the wall and sticks to it without any difficulty, easily traversing the gap along the walls, a feat even the most skilled climber would have had difficulty with.  Valen offers a quiet compliment,   "Well played, you are not a liar, but a teller of halftruths."  

It takes only a few breaths before Shiny is able to cross the gap with the rope Natalia had prepared.  As Shiny moves to loop it around a sharp jutting rock, Kurt coughs, and motions Shiny over to a large boulder.  Once the rope is in place it only takes a swift pull to tighten the rope.

Valen pulls the rope tight, letting Natalia knot it in such a way as she could retrieve the rope.

  "Your eyes and axe are needed their first."   Valen states to Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 
DC10 Climb check required, you can take 10.  Kurt makes it, less than gracefully without taking off his armor.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt can't help but wince as the Gnome steps off the ledge, then again at how his arms and legs twist in the darkness - not that anyone else can see that. He laughs as the blighter makes it across.  "I do. Truly amazing!" 

He then grabs the Rope and starts pulling himself across slowly, his armour clinking as he looks steadfastly ahead of himself. Only a slight gasp escapes his lips as his hand slips once, leaving him to finish the climb staring at the ceiling, as he slips beneath the rope.

Once he's across he calls to the others.  "Beware. When we're across, we'll light a torch for the rest, but I should go in front and Shiny behind, to keep a close eye out" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia goes last, crossing the chasm with little trouble. She looks back sadly at the direction of the entrance where her crossbow and wire lie in wait of an orc, then slides down the rope and pulls it, as everyone has crossed before her. At some point during this she gave her excess gear weighing her down to Miriam, who for some reason stripped herself of nearly all her possessions. Natalia is extremely concerned about the cleric's mental state, but she'll hold off the rant for later. It's likely to be...loud, and loud is the last thing they want to be right now.
Athedia
Mithril carefully climbed across the rope, Whiskers scampering along behind her.  She had left her quarterstaff and bedroll behind in the room, hoping the group would be able to come back for them.  The weight of them would have made the trip harder than she thought was practical.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
I thought Miriam took Mithril's quarterstaff for combat?
 


While the others slid down the rope, aided by Shiny's spell (She's still surprised that he was telling the truth for once and is eager to try out the spell for herself) Natalia keeps watch and tries to rearrange the room to mask signs of life and their recent disturbance as best she can.
Zman
Valen is the second down the rope after Kurt.  Once safely on the other side he quickly takes out his Greatsword, carefully listening as it is still too dark for him to see.

Before crossing, Valen takes and stores all but one of the Everburning Torches from around Alabaster's abode.

 
 Spoiler 

Listen (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens intently as she descends, then looks into the gloom when the torch is lit...

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Listen:  (d20+8)[ 15 ] 
 


Her eyes aren't fully adjusted to the dim light, however, and the caves' acoustics make it difficult to pinpoint sounds...
Cavelcade
Kurt moves as quietly as he can to the edge of the cave, where the half-orc left and listens and keeps an eye out there. The acoustics of the large room throw off his hearing, but he moves quietly and stands quite still beside the opening, peering through.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20-2)[ 12 ]  Move Silently
 (1d20-2)[ 13 ]  Hide
 (1d20)[ 7 ]  Listen
 (1d20)[ 17 ]  Spot
 
Zman
As Kurt sneaks to the entrance to the cave room, he keeps his senses open.  Though he cant hear him, he sees  a smaller Orc dragging an animal carcass towards the pit cave.  The tunnel Vs up ahead and the Orc is coming from the right, he appears to be busy dragging the carcass and hasn't noticed you yet...

Shiny, if he is paying attention also sees him.


 
 Spoiler 

Map should be updated.  This will be growing map and it may take me a while to keep it updated.

Currently there is light in the Cave and it, I won't be denoting light distance as that will take too much work.  Currently Natalia has a Torch.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Retrieving and storing the rope, Natalia passes the torch to Mithril, Shiny, or Miriam; they can cast spells one-handed while she needs both hands free to be most effective in combat. And they'll be doing a lot of it.

 "Spot in the dark?"  she whispers to Shiny and Kurt.
Cavelcade
Kurt motions to Shiny and puts a finger to his lips indicating quiet and watches the orc, checking for any sign of weapons or armour.

 
 Spoiler 

If yes, he waits for the orc to come into the room and tries to kill him. If no, he tries to do enough non-lethal to knock him out.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
I don't think ZMan asked for a spot check from Shiny to see the approaching orc, but just in case:

 (1d20-2)[ 16 ] 
 


Shiny spots the oncoming orc and gives a nod to Kurt. He gives a wave to Natalia to cover her torch as best as best she can, to delay the orc seeing the light. He then readies himself- if the orc spots the party and tries to run before Kurt can get to him, Shiny will cast  sleep .
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia helps the girl she passed the torch to cover it up.
Zman
Kurt notices that the Orc indeed has a wicked long knife on him.  He has the build of an Orc warrior but this deep inside his home he isn't dressed for battle...

After motioning for the Light to be extinguished, Kurt readies his axe.  As the Orc rounds the final corner, he turns his head surprised by the sources of heat just as Kurt's axe falls... Landed squarely in the Orcs back, bringing it to the ground in a grunt of fear...

 
 Spoiler 

Readied Attack (d20+9)[ 13 ] 
Damage (d12+6)[ 10 ] 

It's at -5
 
Athedia
Mithril just heard the thwack of the axe and jumped a little.  She couldn't see what had happened in the dark.
Admiral
Shiny steps over and takes a look at the body.  "Don't worry, everyone. Kurt killed it- it was just a really, really big rat. Actually, upon getting a closer look it might have been a really, really small cow." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Fighting orc?"  Natalia whispers, slowly approaching as she motions for her friends with the torch to follow her. Her hands grip her shortsword and dagger; their reach is a bit less than she's used to but they're well-made and wickedly sharp. She doesn't think she'll have much trouble fighting like this.
Zman
After Kurt kills the Orc Valen whispers,   "Here, take these, they shed their light and can be quelled with a simple command."   as Valen passes an Everburning Torch to everyone except Miriam.    "These would do little good shedding light for eternity in Alabaster's tomb."  
 
 Spoiler 

Everyone, minus Miriam has an Everburning torch.  Heartless, but sheds light upon command.  Posted Valen taking all but one from Alabaster's.  Figured they do us some good.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "See light, not mold. Share light on living, not old bones."  She gives Miriam a pointed look as she says this and ties the torch to her waist. The magic in it is slightly warm against her skin, but does not catch fire and does not burn. Good, now she can keep her hands free.
CoffeeIncluded
As they approach, if they have time, Natalia quickly pats down the orc; she doubts there's a map or anything on him, but you never know what you could find...

 
 Spoiler 
Search:  (d20+11)[ 22 ]  Mostly I just want to make sure he's disarmed. Again, Natalia only does this if they have time.
 


She shakes her head.  "...In deep,"  she mutters.
Athedia
Mithril shifted the torch to her right hand and peered into the darkness ahead.  Noticing Miriam no longer wearing her armor she whispered  "Do you want to use my magic armor on you?  I understand you want to stay quiet."  She assumed that the cleric had left her armor behind in an attempt to go unnoticed by the orcs, and she had seen the damaged mace discarded in a corner when she had woken up.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Miriam and whispers,  "Didn't...Need quiet, though...I'd..."  She trails off. Why did Miriam do that? Looking at Mithril, she asks,  "Enough armor for you too?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Kurt's carrying Miriam's masterwork scale armor to sell later, right?

Also, Athedia, we have a new OOC thread.
 
Zman
Miriam responds to Natalia,   "Have no fear child, my faith is more than enough to protect me, armor would merely weigh my soul down."  . Miriam is oddly at piece as she grasps the old walking stick with some fresh crude carvings.
Athedia
 "I think so, I have heard of these circlets before.  It should let me save my magic, and I can make it longer once a day."  She raised her hand with a questioning look in her face, as an offer to Miriam to give her some protection.
Zman
Ntalia quickly pats the Orc down, finding nothing but a rusty block caked knife on his belt.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Worship Gond, but still...Hide behind blast glass in experiments,"  Natalia says, taking the dagger and throwing it aside, into the pit. If someone comes running from behind she'd rather not that they have another weapon.

With a smile, she tells Mithril,  "Protect us all." 
Zman
Miriam dismisses Mithrils hand,   "Protect yourself, I am protected."   looking to Natalia,   "But you lack trust."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Trust myself, trust my strength. Know my strength best, because it's mine,"  Natalia whispers, somewhat terse. She's not going to continue this here and end up springing an ambush. Once they get outside though...
Admiral
Shiny leans over the orc's corpse, along with the animal carcass it was dragging.  "Someone should push this into the chasm, if anyone finds it they'll raise the alarm." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Shiny and shakes her head. She's not strong enough to do it quickly, and they need to hurry.
Zman
Valen sets his blade down for an instance and drags the Orc body to the chasm, sending it over as Kurt drabs the carcass along with him, cleaning his axe off on the Orcs clothing first.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hurry,"  Natalia says, her eyes flitting back and forth in the darkness.
achinca
 a few hours before ....... 

Miriam looks as the entire group goes greed crazy looking at the items they are finding in Alabaster's tomb. She tried to stop them or shame them but they dismissed her wisdom. She did not blame them. After all, she was wearing a dead man armor, mace, shield and holy symbol.

However, that armor was weighting heavier and heavier on her and the sight of her friends taking the goods from the dead left her with an awful taste in her mouth. But she did not say anything. She knew she was not a good moral compass for them.

She felt better when she gave her mace to Kurt and when he broke it, exposing the gold and diamond powder which would help her get closer to the orphanage in Hillsfar, she felt relieved. She pocketed the coins and the diamond power, thanking St. Cuthbert for his generosity.

Valen used the wand to depetrify Natalia and she understood that some good could come from using things find in tombs but the greed of her teammates really disturbed it. Natalia, now awake went crazy looking for stuff and she decides to go to sleep or pretend to do so. She did not want any of to know how she really felt, how disgusted and repulsed she was by the entire situation. Their greed was sickening to her but she knew she had failed to provide guidance and wisdom.

She took her her armor and her shield and in a sudden decision, took also her holy symbol. It felt strange but she felt freer for some reason. She curled into a ball as the rest of the group spent their time and their energy identifying magic items and fighting over them.

To her surprise, she felt asleep immediately, as soon as she said her prayer to St, Cuthbert. The dream started, as usual. Claric was there, with a bunch of young Mary's delivering young Calrics. They all looked at her and asked why? why are you not pregant? Each question would become a chain over her body until she finally kneeled. She was getting more chains over her when St. Cuthbert appeared and chased all the Marys and all the Calrics. Suddenly she was near a beautiful pristine lake, with a sky blue azure of a total purity. St. Cuthbert smiled at him and a pair of white unicorns appear.
" Miriam, you can shed these chains if you want. You can chase your doubt and your discomfort. You can choose to be reborn. "
Miriam looked at the unicorns, not understanding what they were saying. "  But how?  "
" Material possessions weight you down. Possessions end up possessing you. Give it all away. You have always felt for the poor. Now walk in their shoes. Become one of them by choice and spend all your time and energy helping them. "
Miriam understood finally. The path became clear. One by one the chains broke. She stood up and took one step. St. Cuthbert appeared "    Understand my little Miriam, what I am asking you to do. You will own nothing. You will be limited to the magic I feel like granted you. You will need to beg and be mocked. As your friends will become wealthier and wealthier and will meet royalty, you will be the beggar they will stop at the door. People will throw stone at you. Your friend will think you have gone mad. All you will have will be a robe, a stick and sandals. But if you agree to live as a poor I will grant you power to help you in your quests. I am not asking you, my little Miriam to vow purity or innocence or chastity. I want extreme poverty. You will need to beg for food until I feel you won't need to eat. Do you understand?    "

Miriam smiled. It all became clear. She let her shield fall. She took off her armor and holy symbol. She shed all her clothes. Naked as a new born in front of her God, she smiles and started to walk in the lake. The unicorns followed and became dolphins. Miriam kept walking and went under water. She could breathes normally. She felt purified. All the touches, all the evil of Calric seemed to be washed away. She smiled and keep walking until she crossed the lake.

On the shore of a lake stood two white snowy owls. They smiled at her and flew away, revealing a dirty browm beaten robe, a pair of old sandal and a walking stick. Miriam put on the robe and the sandals and picked up the walking stick. She heard St. Cuthbert say "  You are ready my Little Miriam. Take you vow.  "

Miriam woke up and felt rested and more lucid than ever. She closed her eyes and said "  St. Cuthbert, on your name I take a vow of poverty. I swear that I will never own anything of value and any wealth I ever come in contact with will be given to the poor.  "

She waited and suddenly felt stronger and wiser. She took the quarterstaff that had belonged to Alabaster, picked up her dagger and tried to carve a holy symbol of St. Cuthbert. The carving was of poor quality and barely looked like the symbol of St. Cuthbert but Miriam felt its power. She took some water and using the symbol, turned it into holy water for Whiskers and smile. She gave a final look at her former armor, shield and holy silver and got up.

The group had woken up by now so Miriam approached Valen. She kneeled in f ront of the warrior and said "  Mightly Valen, I am begging you on my knees to please share some of your food with me.  "

The warrior smiled and lifted the cleric off her knees. "  You do not have to beg with me MyLady. I need less and less food so I am happy to share with you.  "

Miriam thanked Valen profusely.

As the group got ready to enter the orcs caves she said. "  Just be concerned about what you took from this resting place of Alabaster. Sometimes the dead play tricks. And remember what his staff did to Max .... I would be concerned, especially you, young Natalia.  "

She follows the group silently, wearing her sandals and traveller outfit, using the staff as a walking stick.
Cavelcade
Kurt beckons the others close until they reach the fork the orc came out of.  "He came out this one...so, I think we should go this way. I'll tell you if we start going deeper into the cave and we can turn back if needs be." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods,  "Let's not...Stumble on dining room."  She ignores Miriam's lectures for the time being.
Zman
Once the party is sheltered in Light again, the begin moving down the tunnel.  Shiny uncharacteristic ally leading the way, followed closely by Kurt and Natalia.  Miriam bring the middle and her magical Light followed by Mithril.  Valen takes the Rearguard position.

The reach the fork in the tunnel, theOrc had come from the right, Kurt believes both tunnels will bring them towards the surface, though the left may be deeper in the Mountain.  He also knows that as far as they have gone that may not be indicative of the fastest route out.
achinca
Miriam hold her staff with the light spell on, happy to help the group see. She feels serene but does not volunteer any opinion on which way to go. She does not seem to care one way or another.
Admiral
Shiny, in the lead, tramps on down the right corridor.

 
 Spoiler 

Just want to make a decision! I think if the orc is bringing animal carcasses from the right it actually means that's the faster way out.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt glances at the other one, then shrugs and follows Shiny - better to make a decision and stick with it than stand and bicker.

 
 Spoiler 

My thinking was to avoid the main area of the orcs, to avoid civilians as much as possible, but this is fine.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grabs Shiny and whispers,  "No, don't...Walk into dining room!" 
 
 Spoiler 
It should be self-explanatory why I think it's a bad idea to go on that route. 😛
 
Admiral
Shiny whispers back,  "Shiny Twotummy, shameless gourmand and epic poet, has never been afraid to go into a dining room in his life."  But he shrugs and leads the party down the left corridor instead.
Zman
As the Gnome starts down the right runnel a gasp can be heard form the Rogue, in a grand feint  the Gnome turns on a dime and actually begins walking down the left most corridor.  As they advance it doesn't take long before they encounter another fork in the tunnel.

Kurt is fairly positive that the left most fork is heading deeper into the mountain while the right fork is a shallower path.

Mithril's keen ears hear something from the left most tunnel, its sounds almost like a snort and a whine.  She also hears what sounds like the clank of metal from the right.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot Checks
Miriam (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 13 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 3 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Valen  (d20)[ 7 ] 

Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 13 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ -1 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 8 ] 

For Simplicity sake I'm assuming that all of you are taking 10 on your move Silently and Hide checks, will make things easier.
 
 Spoiler 
 Hide
Miriam (d20-4)[ 10 ] 
Kurt (d20-2)[ 5 ] 
Shiny (d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Natalia (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Mithril (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 16 ] 

Move Silently
Miriam (d20-4)[ -1 ] 
Kurt (d20-2)[ 11 ] 
Shiny (d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Natalia (d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Mithril (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 14 ]  
 

 
CoffeeIncluded
Again, the echoes in the cavern make it hard to pinpoint sounds, but somehow Natalia makes herself nearly silent and invisible.

 
 Spoiler 
Oof on the listen check. At least Mithril rolled well. Also, Miriam doesn't have an AC penalty to hide and move silently anymore.
 
Admiral
Shiny pauses and looks back at his party, somehow resisting the urge to explain Shiny Mazemaster's opinion about which path to take.
Athedia
Mithril whispered to those ahead of her  "Metal to the right, but animal sounds to the left.  Rather not face enemies, animals are easier to deal with." 
Admiral
 "Facing enemies is why we're here,"  says Shiny. But still he trudges down the left corridor.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Flesh over steel,"  she says. She whispers to Kurt,  "Surface soon?"  They may have to start heading into enemies, if that's the only way out...

If Kurt shares his knowledge that left heads deeper, Natalia asks,  "Risk combat for escape?" 
Zman
The Gnome Mazerunner again chooses the left most turn, lead one to wonder if he was just choosing the left most fork each time....

The room opens up in front of you to a large high ceiling cavern, though the torchlight doesn't see it, you can hear the snorting and whimpering Mithril hear, its a room full on young and female Orcs, a couple dozen in total.  The room expands beyond your darkvision and torchlight but appears to continue off to your right without going deeper into the larger cavern.

 
 Spoiler 

A Sleep spell would be able to sleep 3-4 "Civilian" Orcs per HD, to 12-16 Orcs per casting if you choose this route.  It'd take 4 castings to subdue the room.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gulps when she realizes where they wandered.  "Leave,"  she hisses to the group.

 
 Spoiler 
Are they awake?
 
Admiral
Shiny spins around on his heel.  "Wrong way, wouldn't you say? Unless..."  he takes a look at Kurt's axe, looks back at the room of civilians, and then shakes his head clear.  "Yes, let's go back." 
 
 Spoiler 
Have they noticed us yet? Even if they have, I say we turn around.
 
Zman
As the adventurers wonder into a room full of women and children they begin squeezing and screaming, the sound begins to echo...

The shadowy forms can be dimly seen in the cold firelight of the room.

 
 Spoiler 
You walked in with a bunch of torches.
 
Zman
Valen looks around the room,   "They are going to ruin any chance we have of stealth."  
CoffeeIncluded
  Up **** creek and about to lose the paddle... 

"Naptime,"  she whispers to Shiny.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia has a Color Spray Scroll in case Shiny runs out of 1st spells for combat later. How many does he have left?
 
Admiral
 "A nap right now?"  Shiny asks as he jogs past Natalia, back in the direction they came.  "I wouldn't recommend it, but if you're tired..." 

Shiny leads the party back where they came from, barely looking to make sure they're following him.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns and runs as fast as she can as well.

 
 Spoiler 
Too bad we don't have Mass Suggestion: Be quiet, go to sleep, don't tell anyone we were here yet.
 
achinca
Miriam has said nothing so far but as the party hopelessly fails to stay unannounced, she says "  Remember why we are here. If we cut the head of the snake, the snake dies. The screams will attract warriors protecting their families. May be we can convince them we are after the leadership.  "

She stops and for the first time raises her voice "  NO ONE TOUCHES A WOMAN OR A CHILD. And if they attack you, non lethal damages. Warriors and others are fair game.  "
Athedia
Mithril ran as fast as she could commanding the torch off and casting a spell on Whisker's collar as she did so.  She shoved the torch in her bag and grabbed one of the rods instead.   "I don't think they will take kindly to us killing their leader." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods grimly.  "Yes. Hurry right, leave." 
achinca
"  Probably not but they probably value their lives. A few will die but the rest might decide it is not a fight worth dying for ....  "
Cavelcade
Kurt turned back immediately, before Shiny had even spoke up - this was not a fight he wanted to get into.  "If a warrior approaches, he dies. That is what we chose when we decided to come through here instead of hiding. But I will not kill an untrained person, Miriam. Don't stop, or you'll fall behind!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "They'll follow shouts...Find us."  As they run, Natalia asks Shiny,  "Spells to mislead...Spells to disguise too? Look like orcs, fool the orcs?" 
Zman
As the women and children begin crying and screaming, Shiny leads the group at a run back the direction they came, taking the first turn towards the surface.  Valen let's the others pass while keeping a close eye behind them...

Miriam can hear gunts, some shouts, and the clank of metal ahead.  Mithril hears a shout from ahead.

Valen hears running and some shouting from a small group from behind, as well as the thread ahead.

  "Maybe a half dozen ahead, a few behind.  I'll hold the rear, but need light, we are fighting two fronts."   Valen slows and holds his ground just inside of the turn, just enough to force enemies to round the corner...

 
 Spoiler 

Probably can't update the map for a while, at work.

Listen
Miriam (d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 6 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 9 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Valen (d20+3)[ 23 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia groans as the orcs run to surround them.  "No light, only two hands,"  she tells Valen. Hopefully Shiny or Mithril will have one of the torches. Her crossbow is loaded and she's ready to fight if they have to...

 
 Spoiler 
I know you can't update the map, but did we get the chance to go down the right fork before being surrounded? Man, we screwed up there.
 
achinca
Miriam lifts her quarterstaff above her head to provide light for all and starts an incantation, making it easier for all to hit their enemies.

"  St. Cuthbert, by the magic you decided I was worthy off today, I am asking you to guide the hands of my comrades to help them bring order and justice to this land!  "

The staff shines brightly where the crude carving were made for a brief moment and all 6 heroes feel more accurate and powerful.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast bless on the group
 
Cavelcade
 "Valen, don't stop! We'll kill those ahead, then turn on those behind and crush them, but we need to keep moving! We still have surprise - let's use it!"  Kurt's axe is raised as he keeps going forward.
CoffeeIncluded
 "How far apart?"  Natalia asks. If they're far enough to run, then they can just take on one at a time...
Zman
Valen barks back at Kurt in the adrenaline fueled bliss,   "I'm not planning on staying, just defending our flank, you worry about what's ahead!"  

Valen is still moving with the group, but is staying a few paces behind to protect Miriam and Mithril.
Zman
As the group rounds the corner the encounter a large cavern without an Orc in sight... The rooms is littered with debris, some weapons are in sights, none appear of good quality...

Everyone but Mithril can hear the pounding footfalls coming from behind, while Valen, Miriam, Mithril, Natalia can hear a few grunts and heavy breathing inside of the room, it's not empty.

Miriam begins casting a spell...

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative
Miriam (d20+1)[ 12 ] 
Kurt (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Shiny (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Mithril (d20+2)[ 22 ] 
Valen (d20+2)[ 4 ] 

O3 (d20+2)[ 7 ] 
OW2 (d20)[ 14 ] 
Os (d20)[ 7 ] 

Block Initiative
Natalia, Mithril, Shiny
Orcs,
Kurt, Miriam,
More Orcs
Valen

Listen
Miriam (d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 19 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 16 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Valen (d20+3)[ 18 ] 

I have Miriam casting bless on her initiative.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not empty,"  Natalia whispers as she retrieves her crossbow.

 
 Spoiler 
About to go to dinner, sorry. Can Natalia see the orcs inside the room?
 
Admiral
Shiny waits to see if any orcs show themselves.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny would like to drop in the initiative order until right after the orcs. A shame since they won't be flatfooted, but can't sleep/spray what you can't see, eh?
 
Athedia
Mithril raised her hand preparing to cast one of her new spells at the first orc she saw.

 
 Spoiler 
Readying action, Dawn Burst (will use a charge to save spell)
2/3 left
Dawn Burst centered on first orc seen (10ft radius)


 A globe of brilliant radiance erupts silently, as though the light of dawn had arisen.
All creatures in the area glow with light equivalent to a torch for the duration of the spell, making hiding difficult and even revealing the location of invisible creatures.
(Invisible creatures are still considered to have concealment).
In addition, undead and creatures within the area that have light sensitivity or light blindness take 1d6 points of damage, +1 point of damage per caster level (maximum +5).
A successful Reflex save halves this damage. 
 
Zman
 Orcs 

As the fearless party enters the apparently empty cavern, two orcs spring from their hiding places, one from behind th southern support, one from the northern support.  Mithril lets loose her spell on the only Orc she can see, catching another hidden Orcmin her quick spell work.  Nstalia let's loose a bolt from her hand crossbow as soon as he appears...

 
 Spoiler 

Reflex (d20)[ 8 ] 
Damage (d6+4)[ 7 ] 

Reflex (d20)[ 15 ] 
Damage (d6+4)[ 7 ] 

Natalia Attack
Attack (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Damage (d4)[ 1 ] 
Concealment (d100)[ 99 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt waits and lets Miriam bless them, then roars and charges at the orc he can (probably the one who stepped out from the south), swinging his axe in a brutal arc.

 
 Spoiler 

+1 for bless
Power attack -2/+4
 (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 18 ]  Crit
 (1d12+10)[ 12 ]  Damage
 (1d12+10)[ 21 ]  Crit Damage

Forgot to add +2 for charging, so the attack is actually 16. Pity the second roll wasn't my damage. A 2 and an 11... :P
 
Zman
 Orcs 

After the Orc is hit by Miriam's spell and Natalia's quarrel flies high, it comes in and attempts to land a blow on Kurt... But swings and misses wildly having Taipei the near blinding light of Mihrils spell.

While the other swings at Shiny... Barely missing the agile gnome..

 
 Spoiler 

Sorry,mcouldnt finish their action, takes place before Kurt Smash.

Attack Kurt (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 9 ] 

Attack Shiny (d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 7 ] 
 
Zman
 [COLOR="Blue"][Miriam/COLOR]  chants to the Cudgel infusing the party with a divine blessing.

Kurt takes the momentum of the glowing Orc and lodges his Greataxe solidly through the leather armor covered chest and knocking the Orc to his back.

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt takes the One Mithril enLightened...lol.. Down, he's negative.

Currently, there is one in melee with Shiny.

Shiny is up,mother more orcs, then Valen :(
 
Admiral
Shiny splays out his palm towards the orc in front of him. He can't step back with his party behind him, so he tries to cast in a way that doesn't give the orc a chance to slash at him again.

 
 Spoiler 

Concentration DC 15:  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
 
Admiral
The deft gnome easily keeps the orc at bay as he unleashes his  color spray .

 
 Spoiler 

Gets a DC 15 Will Save. I'll roll the raw save (in case it's not close):

 (1d20)[ 13 ] 

...and I do not know if that passes! I guess it probably doesn't unless this orc is unusually wise or has a good number of class levels.
 
Zman
As the Gnome splays his hand the Orc is literally knocked on his back, unconscious.
Zman
 Orcs 

A second wave of slower orcs descends upon the party from their hiding spots, one nasty looking chain clad orc bellows in rage as he comes at Kurt with his wicked Falchion.  Four others, one already wounded by Mithril move out clad in nothing but Loin Cloths and wielding spears.

The chain clad leader takes a mighty swing a Kurt...bringing his vicious looking Falchion down upon Kurt obliquely through the shoulder nearly severing the Dwarfs head... The Dwarf is barely standing after such a powerful and deadly swing...

The other 4 release their spears, hoping that the melee in front of them doesn't disturb their aim too badly... but none of them come close to finding their marks...

Three others clad in Loin cloths and armed with wicked looking knives round a corner at the rear of the group prepared to flank...

 
 Spoiler 

O3 vs Kurt
Enters Rage
Power Attack(-3/+6) (d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Damage (2d4+15)[ 20 ] 

41 Damage to Kurt....That is painful...

Spear vs Shiny
Attack (d20-3)[ 12 ] 
Damage (d6+3)[ 6 ] 

Spear vs Natalia
Attack (d20-3)[ 2 ] 
Damage (d6+3)[ 9 ] 

Spear vs Miriam
Attack (d20-3)[ 1 ] 
Damage (d6+3)[ 8 ] 

Spear vs Mithril
Attack (d20-3)[ 8 ] 
Damage (d6+3)[ 9 ] 
 
Zman
  Valen   moves forward and quickly tries to deliver a deathblow to one of the flanking Orcs... Taking the Orc out at the waist.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage (2d6+4)[ 12 ] 

Ok, Initiative

Mithril, Natalia
Unconscious Orc(Skip)
Shiny, Miriam, Kurt
Orcs
Valen
 
CoffeeIncluded
There's no time...

  I am going to regret this so much...  

Though Natalia isn't quite able to draw her shortsword in time, she runs over to Shiny, then with a snap of her fingers vanishes and spins back into existence just behind the raging orc and attempts to use her momentum to ram the dagger into the orc's back.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 31 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 5 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (2d6)[ 4 ] 
  But for so little...
 


The dagger lands perfectly, but Natalia's still getting used to the shorter range and so it doesn't do nearly as much damage as she'd like...
Athedia
Mithril raised both her hands, one holding a metal rod the other repeating a gesture now well known to it.    Just behind him, be careful now and go  .  Behind the orc attacking Kurt another bloom of light appeared brilliant in majesty.

 
 Spoiler 
Empowered the spell, aimed it behind the O3 orc so it should hit O3, Oc, Od and Ob.  1/2 damage if they save against DC 15.  Took a charge off the circlet.

O3  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 
Oc  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 
Od  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 
Ob  (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 

6x1.5=9
10x1.5=15
6x1.5=9
5x1.5=7.5
 
Cavelcade
At the same moment Kurt growls, menacing the orc who dared to cut him so deeply. His body naturally enters the most threatening position he can, at the same time as he lets out a might roar and raises his axe high to try and cleave the offender in twain, seeking to strengthen himself at the same time.

 
 Spoiler 

+1 from bless.
+2/+3 from Rage
+1/+1 from steely resolve
+2 from flanking
-4/+8 from Power attack.
Use Stone Bones maneuver.

 (1d20+11)[ 31 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 25 ]  Crit
 (1d12+18)[ 21 ]  Damage
 (1d12+18)[ 26 ]  Crit
 
Cavelcade
 (1d12+18)[ 22 ]  The last crit multiplier.


With all his strength, and the anger from the pain withheld from the attack, Kurt smashes aside the defence of the orc. With one swipe he cuts the orc's legs out from under it, bringing his head in the perfect range from a blow of such savagery it cleaves straight through the helmet, the skull, down deep into the orc's chest, spraying blood and brains and shards of bone across the room.

Putting his foot on the corpse, he quickly drags his axe out, bellowing at the other orcs, even as he feels the wounds from the last hit fully, a fact that only serves to increase his rage.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia somehow manages to avoid being splattered by the undoubtedly dead orc, though the ones behind her aren't so lucky. At the display of Kurt's overwhelming strength, she looks down at her small magical dagger, which now seems almost dinky in comparison. Still, she fights with stealth and speed, not overwhelming might. Give her time...

 
 Spoiler 
I think anybody would be...shall we say...humbled by this.
 
Admiral
Shiny's eyes are still focused on the three orc soldiers coming up behind. He performs his usual windup gesture and lobs another spell towards them, his  sleep  spell bursting right in the middle of the three.

 
 Spoiler 

I worked it out and there's no way that I can hit all three orcs and not get Natalia included in the radius. If any of them fails their Will save she won't have to roll. The chance of all three making their Will saves and Natalia not making hers is very small- about 1 in 200 if my assumptions about their Will saves are correct. But if it does happen, Natalia is basically guaranteed to end up dead (coup de grace).

One in 200 chance... heck, let's roll the dice and find out! All three Will saves:

 (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20)[ 5 ] 

No worries after all! It was a DC 16 Will save (thanks to my spell focus) so I'm guessing (unless one of them's sporting a +2 Will) it's lights out for up to 4 HD of them.
 
Zman
As Kurt sprays the ground with blood, Mithril releases a burst of light and Shiny casts a magical slumber...

Only one Orc remains on his feet to put slumped by the Gnomes magic.

 
 Spoiler 

Reflex (d20)[ 8 ] 
Reflex (d20)[ 9 ] 
Reflex (d20)[ 17 ] 
Reflex (d20)[ 14 ] 

Will (d20)[ 17 ] 
Will (d20)[ 2 ] 
Will (d20)[ 17 ] 
Will (d20)[ 8 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam steps behind Kurt and touches the bloody wound with her hand.

"S  t. Cuthbert, please allow your humble servant to heal that mighty warrior to ensure that we keep bringing justice and order to this land.  "

The cleric is able to repairs half of the damages the dwarf suffered.

 
 Spoiler 
Drop Darkness for instantaneous casting of CMW.
 (2d8+7)[ 6 ][ 7 ](20) 

No idea where anyone is so I assume that she can go and touch Kurt
 
Zman
 Orcs 

Seeing the flashes of blinding light and the gore of one of their veterans slaughtered, the remaining two Orcs which were flanking the party turn tail and run back deeper into the cave system.
Admiral
When Shiny turns and sees Kurt with some wounds still fresh after Miriam's healing Shiny gives a very unusually warm smile.  "Don't worry, my son,"  he says in a comforting tone.

He lays his hands on the dwarf, closes his eyes, and says solemnly:  "Olidammara, this is your humble servant, Shiny Woundmender, newly ordained cleric and clown college instructor. Heal this brave dwarf of his wounds." 
 
 Spoiler 

Shiny is doing his best to palm the wand, which he hadn't told anyone he has for the sake of the gag.

UMD DC 20:  (1d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Sleight of Hand to see if he can hide the wand from sight (just for RP purposes, and since I've never used Sleight of Hand yet):  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
 


Utterly nothing happens. Shiny stomps his foot and looks up at the ceiling.  "Olidammara, is this about the other night? That deity meant  nothing  to me!" 
Zman
Valen moves back towards the group, a thick metal rod in his hand.  Again he mutters in Draconic as he crosses his arms defensively before again taking out his great blade...

  "Trickster Priest of Gnomes!"   Valen bellows, finding Shiny's humor in such a situation priceless and lightening.
achinca
Miriam gives the potion of healing to Kurt.

"  Here you go Sir Kurt. This should help you.  "

When Shiny tries to use the wand and fails, Miriam looks at him insulted.

"  The gods are not fools to make fun of, Shiny Liarmaster. Be careful who you insult!  "

She turns around and starts moving toward an exit.
Admiral
 "Shiny Liarmaster is... well, it's actually my maiden name. Long story!" 

Shiny runs towards the center of the room, choosing between the south and east exits, before turning to Kurt.  "I'm 1/16 dwarf but my stone sense is on the fritz. Which way?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks at Shiny's antics and asks,  "You're sleeper, not healer--why?"  Speaking of that, she looks at the last unconscious orc and asks,  "When he wakes..." 

She doesn't understand Miriam's vow at all.
Zman
Valen moves towards the center of the room after Shiny his weapon at the ready...  "You'd best kill it now."   the word "it" isn't accidental.

Kurt, Natalia, and Miriam can hear orcs approaching from the south, while Natalia and Kurt believe the may have heard something from the eastern part of the room or in the corridor...

If Natalia moves to the center of the room she believes she can see shadows moving in the distance to the south.

 
 Spoiler 

For Fun 
 Spoiler 
Spot
Miriam (d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 8 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ -1 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Valen (d20)[ 14 ] 

Listen
Miriam (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 16 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 8 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Valen (d20+3)[ 5 ] 
 

 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head. She knows there's no real difference, that once he wakes up he'll be after them like the rest...But the others did flee, and he can't do anything to fight back. The line may not hold much meaning, but it means something to her.

She pales when she hears echoing footsteps and sees shadows flickering.  "Orcs south, something east. Coming now." 
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia got a higher listen check than Miriam; she should hear the eastern orcs too. How many rounds before they're on us? How long is Kurt raging for?
 
achinca
Miriam cringes at Valen's comment. "  Can we give it a chance to run away?  "

She will never be able to reconcile killing sleeping and charmed enemies. She would love to give them all a chance to redemption, even if she knows she cannot.
CoffeeIncluded
 "No time...for our flight,"  Natalia says, glancing nervously at the southern and eastern exits.
Zman
  "We have little time, do we make a stand here or  bring the fight to them?"   Valen stands, as ready as he can be.
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head, shaking off the rage, then sees the orc still breathing.  "Is that any fairer?"  With that he walks up to the orc and hews its head from the body, his mouth twisting as he does. He cleans his axe, glancing almost in shock at the deformed corpse of the leader. He doesn't even remember doing it, just the red rage and then...the red mist.

 "We should keep moving, I think. We have to get out before they wear us down."  He rubs his still pained side, for emphasis.
CoffeeIncluded
 "And if...Trapped in the burrow, foxes on both sides?"  Natalia asks.  "Better if open, room to move."  She closes her eyes at the sound of Kurt's axe.

 
 Spoiler 
About how far away are the orcs? I am not going down the corridor if it means we'll be surrounded in a tight corridor with no room to maneuver.
 
Zman
The Orcs are closing in from the South, maybe 200' away, they'll be upon you in mere moments.  In the Dim light it looks like the tunnel south opens into some kind of open area, though not likely as large or as high ceilings as this cavern.
Cavelcade
 "Better than trapped in the clearing, with wolves on all sides. This way!"  With that he downs the potion and hefts his axe, giving the headless body a last slow look before he turns and starts jogging out.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 


Most of the rest of his wounds heal, making his gait easier as he heads towards the next troop of orcs.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia licks her lips.  "If meeting south, then charge now. Meet at entrance, not halfway down burrow, attacked on both sides." 
achinca
Miriam bows her head and look away as Kurt kills the sleeping orc.

Pain is reflecting in her eyes but she says nothing because she knows that she did not have an alternative solution.

She goes with the group, repeating her mantra "  Remember, we are here to do as much damages to the snake as we can and cut off one or more of the three heads ...  "

She notices how much faster she is without her armor and shield and feel more confident in her vow of poverty.
Zman
Valen smiles,   "Aye, I haven't ever had this much fun!"   as he quickly matches pace with Kurt, abandons rearguard with the visible threat of Orcs ahead.

 
 Spoiler 
This is basically a precombat round.  Then well do an initiative!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Valen as though he's mad.  "What fun?"  How could seeing, hearing someone killed in front of you be fun?

Her blades drawn, Natalia sidles over to the mouth of the next tunnel and peers around the corner, occasionally glancing back at the eastern noise she heard...
Zman
Natalia peers around the corner but can no longer make out any of the shapes the saw, or at least thought she saw.  It appears as if the corridor widens about 60' ahead of the party... but only Kurt can see this.  The humans and gnome are limited to the shadowy illumination provided by the light spells up to 40'.

Miriam and Mithril hear at least another half dozen ahead of them while Natalia is sure that there are enemies ahead of them, she isn't able to discern any more information.

Mithril and Miriam can hear some distant shouts from the eastern tunnel, nothing too close.

 
 Spoiler 

I assumed the move action of those who didn't post their preinit action.  They still have their standard actions to post.

Currently, no one can see the enemy.  And in truth, I shouldn't have let Natalia see them before since she doesn't have Lowlight Vision and technically shouldn't have been able to see more than 60'.  Quick, someone become an Elf!

Some more fun 
 Spoiler 
Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 14 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 8 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 20 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 5 ] 
 

 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns. She could have sworn she saw some kind of movement. She can still hear them though.
Athedia
Mithril took the opportunity as they moved past the bloody mess to cast her armor on herself.  They had woken the sleeping beast, and she might as well make herself harder to kill.  She concentrated as she did so and felt relieved.  The protection should last longer than usual, a useful feat when stuck underground.

 
 Spoiler 
Mage Armor, plus Sudden Extend = 8hrs
 
CoffeeIncluded
As she walked by, Natalia had brushed the back of Mithril's hand and said,  "Out alive, see daylight. Promise." 
Zman
As you advance Orcan shouts can be hear ahead, maybe a hundred feet down the pitch black corridor, but its hard to tell with the echoing...

Shiny hears things like,  "Intruders! Kill! Raarh!" 
 
 Spoiler 

We are on initiative action.  If anyone missed an action last turn, I'm sorry.

Initiative
Miriam (d20+1)[ 9 ] 
Kurt (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Shiny (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Mithril (d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Valen  (d20+2)[ 7 ] 

O3 (d20+2)[ 22 ] 
OW2 (d20)[ 14 ] 
O (d20)[ 7 ] 

So Block Initiative is...
Orcs
Mithril
Orcs
Natalia
Orcs
Miriam, Kurt, Shiny, Valen

Remember, Only Kurt can see 60', the rest are limited to good sight to 20, dim to 40 which grants concealment to ranged attacks.  I'll fill in the area as you move.

If something is beyond our collective sight, it is currently not on the map, even though I may have outlined that area of the map.  If you have questions, post a move and I'll let you know what you see so you can adjust your actions.  A little less metaknowledge should make the fights feel more realistic.
 
CoffeeIncluded
It's so hard to see down the corridor...Natalia can't be as hasty as before, not in the near darkness.

 
 Spoiler 
Well, that initiative roll  sucked . Though Miriam should go with Natalia. You'd think with a +4 to Initiative checks I'd roll above 10 more often. I think I roll the worst initiative on average if you take my comparatively sky-high modifiers into account. Anyway, would Natalia be able to light and throw a regular torch in one round?
 
achinca
Miriam touches the back of Kurt.   "St. Cuthbert, in our quest to bring justice and order to this land, grant protection from evil to this valiant warrior.  "

The crudely carved part of the staff shines brighter and suddenly the dwarf feels less exposed to the evil doers weapons in the room.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Protection from Evil on Kurt - +2AC + 2Save - Protection against charms and other - protection against summoned creatures.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't see, but she can hear the orcs coming. She takes a flask of liquid fire from Miriam, moves closer to the enemy, and lobs it at the closest orc.

 
 Spoiler 
 Assuming the orcs don't make it to us in one round,  Natalia throws an alchemist fire flask at the nearest orc. I don't know how far away he is, but it's probably 20-40 feet; I haven't added in the range modifiers, or concealment because they might be visible at that point. Even if it misses, if it lands in the square it'll do 1 damage, which is better than nothing. And the fire might illuminate further for a couple of rounds.

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 

Hm, well it is a ranged touch attack, if the orc's only 20 feet away then that might have actually hit...Obviously Natalia's probably going to move a bit if it means the difference between hitting and missing.
 
Athedia
Mithril braced her feet, looked around and sighed.  In the dark most of her spells were of little use.  Shrugged she raised her hand and prepared to startle the next orc to cross her path.
 
 Spoiler 
Not doing the powerful spells since I need to be able to target an enemy for most of them.  Flare on the first orc Mithril sees.
 
Zman
As Mithril readies her spell, a faint fall of light centered in her hand and Natalia throws a flask of fire, the Orcs can be heard advancing, but are not yet in sight...

 
 Spoiler 

Ok, Now on Kurt, Valen, Miriam, and Shiny for Initiative.

Orcs still aren't in sight, but are getting close.

I thought we were advancing to meet them?! Lol.
 
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
Will Miriam buffing of Kurt count for this round or not?

If not, she will wait until she sees or someone tell her one of the head of the snake showed up.

In this case let's make Valen strong as a bull!
 
Cavelcade
Kurt moves forward with a grunt, swiftly walking to the next choke point - beckoning the others to join him.

 
 Spoiler 

Moves to BE 50
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
If Natalia's move action was to take a flask from Miriam, who I assume is next to her because she was buffing Kurt and Natalia's next to Kurt, then she takes a 5 foot step to BE 47. If she had used the move action to move forward and throw the flask because Miriam was next to her, then she moved to BH 49 and threw the flask from there.
 
Zman
Kurt sees the first Orc, a young one dressed in only Leather Armor and wielding a worn yet deadly Greataxe...

As the stout dwarf is moving up, Miriam moves to Valen and speaks a strong sermon to the Cudgel filling the warrior with divine strength.  Valen then moves up, quickly, his blade ready on the opposite side of the corridor...  "We need light!"  
 
 Spoiler 
Kurt has moved up, he can either ready an attack, or keep moving.

Either way, others may appreciate him letting them know he can see an Orc.

Valen moves up, readies an attack.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Shiny?"  Natalia asks the gnome. She should have run further, if Kurt takes another hit like before...But then again, what can someone like her do in comparison to that axe?
Zman
  Shiny   springs forward, apparently unphased by the dark cooridors and sounds of charging orcs.  He smiles broadly,   "Good thing that I, Shiny, Skilled Dancer and Lantern Maker could combine my crafts to such effect."   as he speaks he opens his hands and four flowing shers shoot out of his hand drunkenly, each speeding a bright light...

The bright lights spread out evenly in the center of the upcoming room revealing the presence of 6 Orcs.  Three are dressed in Leather Armor and are wielding Greataxes.  Two older looking Orcs are wielding Falchions and dressed in Hide armor.  Another, much older and hardened looking Orc is wearing a dull breastplate and wielding a wicked looking Double Axe...

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Dancing Lights, which move 100' forward shedding Torchlight equivelant Light.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the half dozen more orcs in the back room, and swallows roughly when she sees the largest one with the double axe. What armor is he wearing? Does he have both eyes?
Zman
 Orc 

The largest and meanest looking Orc moves up, his Blade at the ready... Its difficult to see him, hes only visible to Valen, Miriam, and Mithril in the Dim Light.

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril is up on the Initiative.
 
Athedia
Mithril moved up as close to the orc as she could and fired off two blasts of force.  They twined together heading straight toward the closest orc.

 
 Spoiler 
Magic Missile
Damage  (1d4+1)[ 4 ] 
Damage  (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 
Zman
Mithril sends her orbs streaking down the tunnel as they hit the well armored Orc squarely...

 Orcs 

The two Hide clad orcs move up, the first Charging Valen.  Valen attempts to cut the Orc down with his readied blade... and manages a lethal blow before the Orc's axe fell...

The second moves up and takes cover behind the wall...

 
 Spoiler 

Valen Readied Attack (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage (2d6+7)[ 13 ] 
If he doesn't fall...

Charge (d20+6)[ 9 ] 
Damage (d12+4)[ 15 ] 

Valen Initiative changes to right after Mithril next round.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Emboldened by Valen and Mithrils' success, chagrined by her earlier thoughtlessness, and determined not to let that very scary-looking orc chop Mithril in half in retaliation, Natalia runs forward and attempts to stab the hiding orc with the dagger, knowing it won't be enough to bring him down but hoping for Kurt to finish the job.

 
 Spoiler 
Taking cover into account:
Attack:  (d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 5 ] 
Not surprised by those rolls in the slightest. Please tell me that's just enough to hit.
 


Natalia shouts out,  "Kurt, backup!" 
achinca
Miriam whispers to Kurt "  Time to get big Sir Dwarf!  "

Holding her lighted quarterstaff, she touches the back of Kurt "  St. Cuthbert, once again your humble servant needs your help. In order to continue to bring justice and order to this land, grant my the power to enlarge the size of this warrior.  "

 
 Spoiler 
Cast enlarge person on Kurt
 
Zman
The deft rogue agiliy moves past Valen and delivers a quick stab the the thigh of the Orc...
Zman
 Orcs 

Two of the youngest orcs begin to charge in their Leather armor with their Greataxes held high at the young rogue... one managed to wound Natalia with its vicious axe...

The third simply runs up behind...

 
 Spoiler 

Charge Attack (d20+6)[ 21 ] 
 Damage  (d20+6)[ 25 ]   10 

Charge Attack (d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage  (d20+6)[ 25 ] 

Miriam's action is complete,  Valen , Kurt, and Shiny are up.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia manages to dodge the first axe, but not the second. She yells as the axe rips through her thigh, and whimpers as the hot blood spreads into her slacks...
Cavelcade
Kurt steps forward, then, his increased size filling the space next to Natalia and Valen. With a roar, he attacks the orc within his range, aiming to finish these off as quickly as possible.

 
 Spoiler 

Moves up and fills squares BE53, BE52, BD53 and BD52. Attacks OW2 with his 10' reach.

+1 - Bless

 (1d20+10)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (1d20+10)[ 28 ]  Crit
 (3d6+7)[ 16 ]  Damage
 (3d6+7)[ 13 ]  Crit

Not sure if he's dead but not bad! Wish I'd taken cleave, now, I might be retraining next level.
 


With his enlarged size, and the strength Miriam has lent him, he easily drives the axe into his opponent.
achinca
As her friends are using they magic she gave them with deadly precision, Miriam smiles. She is happy to give them the spotlight while she stays back.

She does not need the glory of the attention. She was born to help and that is what she does best.
CoffeeIncluded
A pained hiss escapes from Natalia's clenched teeth as she presses her hand on the gash, trying to stop the bleeding. She looks up and sees the orc she stabbed doing the same, before Kurt reaches over her head and easily smashes his head in with a sickeningly organic sound.

She closes her eyes.
Admiral
Shiny winds up and lobs another spell towards the orcs, aiming it right at the center of the combat.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny really wants to include the orc warrior in the range of this spell- getting him asleep would be too good- so I'm going to have to risk including Natalia in the range. I'm centering it so that it will hit four orcs (assuming none have &gt;4 HD) before it can reach her, so if any of them fail she's safe.

Rolling them raw, DC 16 Will save. I don't know their HD- it will hit the ones with the fewest first, and among ties those closer to the center (Ob and Oc). Orc warrior could easily have too many HD once the little ones are down, but then at least so will Natalia.

Ob:  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
Oc:  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Oa:  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
OW2:  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
 
Zman
With a loud, wet, thwack Kurt fells another Orc with his now massive axe...

With a flick of his wrist Shiny causes three of the smallest and youngest looking orcs collapse into a slumber...


 
 Spoiler 
Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 2 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 9 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
 
Zman
At the fighting continues the sounds of more approaching Orcs can be heard coming from the East entrence.

One Orc, smaller and more agile than the rest moves quickly wielding an Orc Double axe and Leather armor, he moves to the Eastern side of the tunnel...

A massive Orc with only his Right eye and wearing fine chain, The Left Eye of Gruumsch, moves quickly wielding a massive and scary looking Greataxe.  He moves forward and is on the Western side of the tunnel...

A female Orc, with her left eye hung around around neck and wearing a well kept breast plate, The Left Eye of Gruumsch, comes forward holding a heavy shield and heavy mace.

Three other younger Orcs wearing leather and wielding Falchions move forward as well, but none can keep up with the Double Axe wielder and the Right Eye of Grrumsch.

 
 Spoiler 

EDIT:  No one can actually see the C or the last OW2 yet.

They are after all the Orcs on the Initiative.

B is the Right Eye
C is the Left Eye
O4 is the Double Axe Wielder
OW2s are the three other Orcs
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia begins shaking in terror. There she was, headed after those orcs, and now Mithril and Miriam and Shiny are exposed for...

...oh Gond...

 "Back!"  she shouts, her voice high pitched, quavering with a petrified laugh.  "Eheh, found a head, Miriam!" 
Zman
 Orc 

Watching his lessor fall to slumber around him the large Orc lets out a bellow and moves into combat with the Giant Dwarf.... they trade mighty blows, the Orc taking far worse out of the bargain...

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt AoO
Attack (d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Damage (3d6+7)[ 22 ] 

He couldn't charge.
Attack (d20+11)[ 21 ] -2
Damage (d8+9)[ 10 ] 

New Initiative

Orc
Mithril, Valen, Natalia
Miriam, Kurt, Shiny,
Boss Fight Orcs
 
achinca
A sad smile goes over Miriam's face "We found the heads it seems ..... Time to end this menace and save Linwood for good!"

She will wait until she has the two heads in range and will invoke St. Cuthbert "  Listen to your humble servant, St. Cuthbert. It is time to show these evil doers that Justice and Order always triumph. Grant me the power to make less agile with their weapon than they are.  "

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam will cast bane on the two heads and try to get as many other orcs as she can.
Sorry for the vague description but I have no map.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril! BACK!"  Natalia shouts, seeing the strong orcs behind her. The pain in her leg suddenly isn't as important.  "There soon, promise!" 

She turns to Valen and says to him,  "Please...I'll finish here, catch up...Help Mithril, Miriam and Shiny too..." 
Athedia
Mithril turned around slowly, eyes widening as one eyed orc approached her.  Slowly backing up she prayed to Boccob that her hand would steady and cast her spell.  Her other hand tightened around the rod, willing another use out of the cold metal.

 
 Spoiler 
Acid Arrow
Ranged Touch  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Damage  (2d4)[ 5 ]  x 1.5
EDIT 5x1.5=7.5
If it hits the damage continues another round. Would that damage be empowered?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia attempts to finish off the orc before running over to the rest...

 
 Spoiler 
I think Natalia might be flanking with Kurt because of his reach; he threatens the entire square and a square beyond on both sides.

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 5 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (2d6)[ 7 ]  Why is it that whenever I miss, I roll a 20 on the crit confirm? Is it just spite? 🫤

On the off chance than Natalia actually manages to down the orc with her first attack, then she runs to BF43 to protect Mithril. If she doesn't, then she takes a 5foot step back to where Valen is now.
 
Zman
The rogu disappears and appears right behind the large arc, driving her enchanted dagger deep, just deep enough to fell the Orc...

 
 Spoiler 

It was necessary.

Yes, the Acid Arrow residual Damage is empowered.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bows her head as the orc falls, then staggers up to meet the others, trying to ignore the wound on her leg as best she can.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia uses her move action, since technically she never attacked with the shortsword, to run as far north as possible.

And at least that's good. Oh boy, Zman, since Cavelcade's gone you're in charge of the big guns. Good luck. 🙂
 
Zman
  Valen   entering a nigh frenzy of excitement runs and rushes the massive one eyed Orc, trying to land a decisive blow... The Orc Expertly defends against the blow making Valen's attack look childish...

 
 Spoiler 

Enter Whirling Frnzy
Move
Standard Power Attack (d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Damage (d20+10)[ 22 ] 

WHY!!!!!!! of WHY!!!!!!!!!!! must I roll a 1 to hit and max damage....😉
 
Zman
 Kurt  moves up and attempts to deliver a telling blow to the Right Eye of Gruumsch... Kurts blow lands solidly...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Damage (3d6+8)[ 18 ] 
 
Zman
The Cleric moves as far forward as she can to give Kurt room to pass and casts her debilitating divine energy catching all but one Orc in the power... but the spell is only powerful enough to instill doubts and fears into one of the Orcs...

 
 Spoiler 

Will Saves Unmodified
C (d20)[ 14 ] 
B (d20)[ 20 ] 
O4 (d20)[ 16 ] 
OW2a (d20)[ 9 ] 
OW2b (d20)[ 15 ] 
 
Admiral
In a flash, Shiny whips a fly wing out of his bag, points it at the Right Eye of Gruumsch, and utters a brief incantation. The spell takes only a moment to fire at him, and before anyone knows it he has already started his next spell. His clothing, skin and hair shine brightly before surging away from him, striking the same orc warrior in his one remaining eye. Once the colors have flown from him, he has himself vanished from sight.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast  distract assailant  (a swift action) and then  blinding color surge  on Orc B, which I believe is the Right Eye. Let's see if we can take him out right away.

Raw saves:

Save for Distract Assailant (DC 16):  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Save for Blinding Color Surge (DC 17 if he failed the previous save, otherwise DC 16):  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
 
Zman
 Orcs 

As the gnome disappears in a flash of color which seems to infuriate the massive one eyed orc, three of the smaller Orcs advance...

Two move up and attempt to strike Valen while the third attempts to break through Kurts defense to strike the Giant Dwarf... but Kurt smites the Orc with a simple backwards strike of his massive Axe before the Orc has a chance to strike...

Of the two Orcs that attempted to attack Valen with their vicious falchions, Valen easily dodges one but moves into the other taking a vicious strike...

 
 Spoiler 

Vs Valen
Attack (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 8 ] 

Vs Valen(Baned Orc)
Attack (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 9 ] 
Confirmed 18 Damage

Kurt AoO
Attack (d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Damage (3d6+8)[ 20 ] 

Vs Kurt after AoO
Attack (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 10 ] 
 
Zman
  Right Eye of Gruumsch  

The One Eyed Female Orc Cleric of Gruumsch moves forward, dressed in her shining breastplate.  She is as rather attractive for an Orc female and carries herself with a power, grace, and presence that strikes fear into the hearts of many...

As she advances she sets her single eye on Mithril and speaks in coarse Common,  "Fear me, for I will be the death of you!"  and as she speaks she puts the power of her vile god behind her words...

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Cause Fear
Mithrils Will Save (d20+6)[ 14 ]  Exact Success!
If Failed Run away for  (d4)[ 4 ]  rounds
If Succeed, Shaken for 1 round.
 
Zman
 Orc 

The agile looking Orc with nasty double bladed axe steps forward and takes two nasty swings at Miriam... The first attack hit Miriam piercing her unprotected skin, but the seconds simply misses as if Miriam's god was offering his assistance...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Damage (d8+3)[ 5 ] 

Attack (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Damage (d8+3)[ 11 ] 
Attack

I'm describing misses that miss by less than your armor bonus from VoP as divine intervention.  Seems fitting.

Good thing I forgot his rage.
 
Zman
  Left Eye of Gruumsc h 

The massive orc is infuriated by the use of Magic against him, lashing out at the easiest target in front of him as the Gnome vanished from sight...

 
 Spoiler 

Enter Rage
Power Attack(-6/+12) (d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Damage (d12+22)[ 25 ] 
Vicious (2d6)[ 5 ] 
Vicious (d6)[ 3 ] 

Power Attack(-6/+12) (d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Damage (d12+22)[ 27 ] 
Vicious (2d6)[ 10 ] 
Vicious (d6)[ 3 ] 

Kurt takes 40 Points of Damage...Wow, didn't realize quite how hard this guy would hit on average.  At least he is affected by unsettling enchantment.

Good thing Kurt has a delayed Damage Pool, otherwise this would have just knocked him Negative, now it won't until next turn.
 
Zman
  Valen  

Seeing his ally and newfound friend nearly cut down in front of him, Valen whips his blade around in two fell archs at his enemy... but again can't connect his blows against this foe... until his second swing comes around... and manages to deel a deep blow... but he cannot drop the massive Orc...

  "Vile Creature!"  
 
 Spoiler 

Whirling Frenzy 2/5
Power Attack(-3/+6) (d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Damage (2d6+16)[ 24 ] 

Power Attack(-3/+6) (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Damage (2d6+16)[ 21 ] 

And Coffee Bitches! 1,1,4 for my attack rolls...

Thank you Shiny and Miriam!!! Your unsettling enchantment dropped his AC by 2 to 13, his Rage dropped it to 11!  And he actually isn't within 10' of the Cleric!!!  Valen actually hit with a 4!

He is still standing.  This guy is a beast, hope we have something creative planned for this round...
 
Zman
Mithril's corrosive acid continues to eat away at the fless of the Left Eye of Gruumsch...

 
 Spoiler 

Acid Arrow Continueing Damage (3d4)[ 9 ] 

Nice, Kurt may take him down this Round.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hears Mithril's fear behind her; she's terrified too but says to the mage,  "We'll...Be fine. Live. They're...Already dead." 

She can't get to many of them easily...Natalia wants to see what Shiny will do, if his spells will make it easier for her to attack.
Admiral
Shiny is nowhere to be seen. But from behind the combatants comes a burst of shiny particles, covering two orc warriors and the Left Eye.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast it so it hits B, OW2a, and OW2b. Could get those or just B and the cleric (who will have a quite high Will save) and this seems the most practical. Each gets a DC 18 Will save or be blinded (at least none are within 10' of the cleric).

Shame about the illusion not working out.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing the silver dragon, Natalia leaps forward and tries to attack the orc behind the corner.

 
 Spoiler 
Wish me luck!
Attack:  (d20+8)[ 10 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 7 ] 
 
achinca
The orc weapon first swing cuts through her explorer outfit and her soft flesh. She bites her lips not so scream, feeling suddenly naked without her armor, wondering which she tok the vow of poverty.
When the second swing is about to cut her down, she suddenly feels a surge of divine power that diverts the blade.
Miriam smiles, St. Cuthbert is watching over her and her new resolve to help the poor and disenfranchised.

She gets ready to hit the orc back with she notices two things: Natalia is getting close to the cleric of Grummsh and Kurt just took a pounding. She yells at Natalia "  Be careful with that cleric. They channel damages the way I channel healing. Do not let her touch you!  "

She also notice that Kurt would is really really bad. He needs healing immediately. However, doing so would give a chance for the orc to hit her. She smiles as it does not matter to her. Saving Kurt's life is more important that her. She tells him "  coming to save you Sir Kurt  " as she walks past the hurting dwarf to go behind him.

She puts her hand on his face and says a silent prayer.

 
 Spoiler 
Drop delay poison - Spontaneous CMW
 (2d8+7)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and shouts back,  "You heal, she destroys!" 
Zman
As the glitter dust covers the Orcs.... Only ones seems to shake the spell.

 
 Spoiler 

Will Save B (d20)[ 3 ] 
Will Save a (d20)[ 4 ] 
Will Save b (d20)[ 18 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt is almost driven back by the ferocity of the attack, then he curses loudly in dwarvish and laughs as he feels his own death approaching, his body being held up only by his own mettle. As he raises his axe to land a last attack, he feels his flesh suddenly knit together again - he grins, thanking Miriam silently.

 
 Spoiler 

+1 Bless
+1/+1 Furious CounterStrike
-2/+4 Power attack
Vanguard Attack.

 (1d20+9)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (1d20+9)[ 11 ]  Crit
 (3d6+12)[ 18 ]  Damage
 (3d6+12)[ 26 ]  Crit
 (3d6+12)[ 26 ]  Crit
 


He responds in kind to his attack, driving his axe between his ribs. He grins, then feels the full brunt of the last attack almost drive him to his knees. He laughs again.
 "Thank you, Miriam! Or I would have fallen!" 

He then quickly shifts to defend those around him, threatening any around him with swift retribution.
Zman
As Miriam swiftly dodges an attack, putting her own life on the line to save grieviously wounded Kurt, she is able to heal the Dwarven Bulwark.  As a glittering cloud covers two of the Orcs, Natalia is able to step forward and fell the closest one with two precise attacks.

Kurt, barely standing lands a heavy blow on the great Orc, taking him down... Only 3 Orcs are left standing...

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril is up, Both blinded orcs dead or nearly dead.
The big guy is negative and will stay down unless he can be brought back Positive. Or his rage ends.

Good round.
 
Zman
Mithril, shaken by the the power of the Orc Priestess throws up her hand, the rod quivvering as she releases a blinding burst of light catching all of the Orcs in its radiance... The blast catches the Left and Right Eyes of Gruumsch while the lessor Orcs were able to shield themselves... Left Eye of Gruumsch Helpless and struggling for consciousness convulses into siezures and dies while the Right Eye of Gruumsch was infuriated...

 
 Spoiler 

Empowered Dawn Burst (d6)[ 2 ]  Empowered +4 for CL Damage

Reflex Saving Throws
C (d20)[ 2 ] 
B (d20)[ 1 ] 
O4 (d20)[ 13 ] 
OWb (d20)[ 19 ] 
 
Zman
 Orcs 

As the Orcs are struggling against the might of the adventuring pary the Double Axe wielding Orc attempts to Kurt the Massive Dwarf down while the other moves to attack the Dwarf as well, drawn in by the persistent glare of the Dwarf...

 
 Spoiler 

O4 Full Attack
Attack (d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Damage (d8+3)[ 11 ] 

Kurt takes 11 Damage

Attack (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Damage (d8+3)[ 6 ] 

OW
Attack (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 10 ] 
 
Zman
 Right Eye of Gruumsch 

Seeing that the battle is not going well, The Right Eye of Gruumsch quickly tosses a small bad down while uttering a incantation...she barely stand still to see its results before hurrying the way they had come...

Where she had thrown the bag three small vile looking vipers crawl out from the earth... springing up at Shiny, Miriam, Mithril, and Natalia's feet.

 
 Spoiler 

Summoning  (d4+1)[ 3 ]  Fiendish Small Vipers
 
Zman
 Fiendish Vipers 

As the vipers crawl forth from whence they were summoned, each hisses and snaps at the person nearest to them...

Shiny is bit.. but is able to stave off the effects of the Vipers Poison...

 
 Spoiler 


Smite Good Attack (d20+4)[ 18 ]  vs Shiny
Damage (d4)[ 4 ] 
Fort Save(RAW if necessary) (d20)[ 18 ] 

Smite Good Attack (d20+4)[ 15 ]  vs Mithril
Damage (d4)[ 1 ] 
Fort Save(RAW if necessary) (d20)[ 6 ]  Lucky the one flanking you wasn't the one who attacked you.

Smite Good Attack (d20+4)[ 13 ]  vs Natalia
Damage (d4)[ 3 ] 
Fort Save(RAW if necessary) (d20)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia quickly stabs the blinded orc, killing him almost instantly.

  Five now...  

As Kurt brings down the leader and the cleric turns tail, she hears ominous hissing behind her and turns around to see three small deadly vipers. She and Mithril manage to dodge, but Shiny isn't so lucky. She's got to take them down, and fast.
Zman
Valen continues his momementum and takes two swings at the Orc which is ignoring him, mostly out of spite!  With two swift chops he removes the Orc's legs and runs his blade through his throat.  Finally satisfied as his blade performs as he wished...

 
 Spoiler 


Whirling Frenzy 3/5
Attack (d20+12)[ 25 ] 
Damage (2d6+10)[ 17 ] 

Attack (d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Damage (2d6+10)[ 17 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny takes a hop back out of the range of the vipers, bothered by the fresh bite. He narrows his eyes and winds up, lobbing a sleep spell right at the center of the fiendish snakes.

 
 Spoiler 

The usual drill- all three of them will get a DC 16 Will save since they have lower HD than we do (no need for meta knowledge to figure that out), and as long as one fails none of us go to sleep.

I believe they have +1 Will saves but rolling raw just in case:

 (1d20)[ 13 ] 
 (1d20)[ 18 ] 
 (1d20)[ 17 ] 

Good rolls, but at least one of them failed, and all three have -2 attack and AC for a round. I hope the one that failed is the one close to me (makes sense if we're doing the saves in order away from Shiny) so that Natalia can kill the two she's flanking with.
 
Zman
As Shiny steps back and attempts to put the Vipers to sleep, surprisingly only one falls to slumber....
CoffeeIncluded
Even the viper that managed to fight off Shiny's spell still struggle from the effort. Natalia tries to take advantage of that.

 
 Spoiler 
If Natalia kills the first viper with the first attack, then the second attack's directed towards the second viper.

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (2d6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+10)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 5 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (2d6)[ 10 ] 

You know, every single time I've attacked in this combat, my crit confirm roll's higher than my attack roll. Maybe I should try switching the two around, see what happens. They both hit so it doesn't matter, but I still want to try it.
 


It's a lot easier than fighting orcs, especially since the summoned monsters vanished. Much less blood, much less stink. She looks up at the girls, who were surrounded, and asks,  "Okay?"  They'll give a more honest answer than Shiny would.
Zman
Natalia quickly and cleanly slices the vipers in half.
Admiral
Shiny follows his  sleep  spell with a second, exceptionally quick spell, this one aimed at the orc fighting Kurt...

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny didn't take a step straight back, he took a diagonal step, which gives him line of sight on O4.

Casting  distract assailant  at him, for the sake of at least making him Unsettled until my next turn (and thus a little less dangerous and easier to kill), and possibly making him flatfooted against Kurt's attack. That would also give Kurt the opportunity to attack him, then walk away without incurring an AoO.

Will save DC 16.
 
achinca
As the orc failed to hit when she moved to heal Kurt, Miriam felt that may be the tide was turning.

When she sees Natalia, Valen and Kurt cut down the orcs to pieces, help with Shiny incredible spells, she thinks that Victory might be at hand. She also knows that often, things can turn very very fast.

She gets ready to heal Kurt again when vipers appear and the Right Eye runs away. She realizes that she cannot avoid the vipers attack and there is not place safe to move.

She decides to try to cast a healing spell defensively.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+11)[ 29 ]  DC 17
 
achinca
She feels the help of St. Cuthbert helping her stay concentrated as she touches Kurt's wound. "  St. Cuthbert, help your servant heal this mighty warrior to continue our quest for justice and order!  "

 
 Spoiler 
Drop Hold Person - Cast CMW

[roll]2d8+7[/roll
 
]
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
Redo

 (2d8+7)[ 16 ] 
 (2d8+7)[ 16 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt raises his axe to attack the last orc standing, wanting as many dead before he leaves.

 
 Spoiler 


Same as last time

 (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  Attack
 (1d20+9)[ 15 ]  Crit
 (3d6+12)[ 21 ]  Damage
 (3d6+12)[ 21 ]  Crit
 (3d6+12)[ 24 ]  Crit
 


He brings it down in a crunching arc onto its head, using the huge axe and his own enlarged body to great effect.
Athedia
Mithril swung her backpack down shifting her dagger from her pack onto her belt.   "Let's get out of here.  I don't want to stick around for that woman to try to kill me again."  She touched her circlet, she had used the last charge during the battle.

The battle.... It had been bloody, but they were all still standing.  There was no time to dwell on it now, not until they were resting in safety.
Zman
 Orcs 

Though Dazed and unable to fight effectively, Kurt's massive blow does not drop the Orc.


The Cleric continues to move quickly away, disappearing down the dark Eastern entrance...

The last remaining Orc, though bloodied by Kurt simply withdraws quickly with astounding speed, nearly catching the Cleric.

 
 Spoiler 


Both Orc have withdrawn from combat.  Tim for some post combat.


  (d6+4)[ 8 ] 

Reflex Save (d20)[ 2 ]  
 
achinca
Seeing everyone around her bloody but standing helps Miriam breathes easier.

"  Let's get our of here. Let's get one head as a trophy and a reminder and find the surface as soon as we can. I have two spells left in case we encounter trouble: obscuring mist if we need to buy time and sound burst if the cleric comes back  ."

She stops and tells Shiny "  Shiny Storyteller and Bane for all Orcs, please let them know in a way that you only can that if we see or ear of any orc near linwood, we will come back and finish the job we started.  "
Zman
As soon as the two Orcs disengage from combat, Valen simply slumps leaning heavily on his sword.  Then he laughs, deep and heartily,   "We have lived to witness our foes vanquished before us. Tis a good day."  

He then mutters in Draconic and his eyes glow as he quickly scans the groud and the bodies.  After a few seconds he picks up the Left Eye of Gruumsch's Axe, his guantlets, and a potion from his belt.

  "We should not delay, we cannot stay pot for long."  
 
 Spoiler 
Takes two rounds, he is not encumbered thanks to Bulls Strength, must he currently is fatigued.
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Seeing everyone around her bloody but standing helps Miriam breathes easier.

"  Let's get our of here. Let's get one head as a trophy and a reminder and find the surface as soon as we can. I have two spells left in case we encounter trouble: obscuring mist if we need to buy time and sound burst if the cleric comes back  ." 
 

 "Save your mist, holywoman- I can do the same and I have more to spare."  Shiny's voice is once again deep and thoughtful.  "But now it is time for a different spell- one to heal our brother dwarf." 

He reaches out and presses his hand against Kurt.  "Garl Glittergold, it is your servant, Shiny Goldnugget, born-again cleric and gemcutter. Heal this brave dwarf of his wounds." 
 
 Spoiler 

Shiny is again hiding the wand up his sleeve as best he can.

Use Magic Device DC 20:  (1d20+10)[ 23 ] 
If successful, amount of healing:  (1d8+1)[ 8 ] 
 
Admiral
Miraculously, the dwarf's wounds begin to knit together in response to the gnome's touch. Shiny gives a quiet smile but doesn't let go of the dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

I don't know whether using a wand requires speaking aloud. If it does, Shiny wants to use the Rod of Silent Spell to quiet it. Basically, Shiny wants to make this second casting invisible so that if it fails, it won't be clear that he ever tried to do it, and thus won't give away the game immediately.

Use Magic Device DC 20:  (1d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Healing if successful:  (1d8+1)[ 6 ] 
 


After a moment's pause, the dwarf's wounds continue their magical healing.
CoffeeIncluded
 "And...Don't come back!"  Natalia shouts after the retreating orcs. Then she says to Mithril,  "Won't kill you, just scared...Fear because no strength, not like us." 

She looks at the sleeping orcs, then to Valen picking the items off the orc leader and says,  "Grab and go."  She helps Valen pull anything of use off the one-eyed orc.

 
 Spoiler 
Take 10 on Search for a 21
 


If she has time, Natalia takes any masterwork falchions and/or double axes off the orcs. If not, she asks one of the others to help.

She also limps over to Kurt and embraces him, then Miriam and Shiny saying,  "Saved us twice. Kept blood inside. Thank you." 
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia still needs 10 HP of healing.
 
Admiral
Having performed two healing spells on Kurt, Shiny walks right over to Natalia as she looks through the bodies, and reaches out his hand toward her.

 
 Spoiler 

Still hiding that wand.

Use Magic Device:  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] 
CLW Healing if successful:  (1d8+1)[ 3 ] 
 
Admiral
 "Thank you, Garl Glittergold, for these gifts of magic and life. Now let us finish healing this young rogue..." 
 
 Spoiler 

Use Magic Device:  (1d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Healing if successful:  (1d8+1)[ 8 ] 
 


Shiny finishes his streak of miracles by restoring Natalia to her full health. He finally steps back and looks at the group like nothing's unusual.  "Better get moving." 
CoffeeIncluded
It doesn't take long for her leg to stitch shut, the bloody tear on her pants the only sign of injury. When did Shiny learn to do that?

 "Thanks, Shiny...But...When a healer, not just trickster?"  Yeah, best to leave the nicknames to the master.
achinca
Miriam is relieved to see the last orc run away

"  Sir Kurt, can you separate the head of their leader from his body?  "

She approaches both Valen and touch his sweaty back slightly, and relieving him of his fatigue.

 
 Spoiler 
She spends a cantrip on each Valen, giving him one 1 HP and stopping the fatigue
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 It doesn't take long for her leg to stitch shut, the bloody tear on her pants the only sign of injury. When did Shiny learn to do that?

 "Thanks, Shiny...But...When a healer, not just trickster?"  Yeah, best to leave the nicknames to the master. 
 

 "Oh, I've been studying to be a cleric for a while now, I just didn't want to say anything in case it didn't work out. But we'll talk religion later. Time to move." 
achinca
Shiny gives a serious look at Shiny. "  Shiny Trickster, stop mocking the gods. The healing magic you use is their gifts.  "

She shakes her head like she just scolded a child.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Why not...Use own gifts, in wood?"  Natalia asks, noticing that Miriam hasn't used her wand yet. Never mind; that can wait for later. They've got to hurry and finish and leave.
Cavelcade
Kurt straightens up at the healing, looking at Shiny with startlement, then shakes his head and nods to Miriam. Going over he quickly takes the head off the orc, taking it with him and moving towards the exits.  "Let's not wait for them to return..." 
Zman
Natalia manags to grap the two Materworked Double Axes before they need to leave.

As Miriam heal him, taking away his fatigue and dulling the pain,   "My thanks, Lady of Ideals."  

Valen still bleeding from the vicious Falchion wound doesn't seem to mind as he is growing ever more impatient with th slowness of their actions.

 
 Spoiler 
Valen is only at 18 HP, and he's ok with it.

If Natalia searche more than the leader it will take her up to 10 rounds, I had her only go to the Double Axes.  She has spent 5 rounds, plus two being healed.
 
Admiral
 "Let's not, but let's also not make the mistake of running around with your guts hanging out again."  Shiny steps back to Kurt, laying his hands on the dwarf once more.

 
 Spoiler 

I think a 5th round is worth the wait- he's not fully healed yet, and that almost killed him last time.

Use Magic Device:  (1d20+10)[ 16 ] 
Healing:  (1d8+1)[ 3 ] 
 


Shiny glances down at his hands after the spell fails to take effect, then back at the dwarf.  "Have you perhaps done anything to upset Garl Glittergold in the last 12 seconds?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
 Natalia manags to grap the two Materworked Double Axes before they need to leave.

As Miriam heal him, taking away his fatigue and dulling the pain,   "My thanks, Lady of Ideals."  

Valen still bleeding from the vicious Falchion wound doesn't seem to mind as he is growing ever more impatient with th slowness of their actions.

 
 Spoiler 
Valen is only at 18 HP, and he's ok with it.

If Natalia searche more than the leader it will take her up to 10 rounds, I had her only go to the Double Axes.  She has spent 5 rounds, plus two being healed.
 
 
 

These axes are a lot heavier than Natalia thought, and their bulkiness doesn't help. She can't even carry one and remain at full speed, much less two.

 
 Spoiler 
I just saw that the axes weigh 15 pounds each, and Natalia's encumbered at 8.5 pounds more. Also, she only took the time to search the leader with Valen to speed that whole thing up. She just pulled the axes off the other orcs; there was only one search check. I'll carry anything that weighs 8 pounds or less to help out.

What did she take off the leader that Valen didn't?
 
Zman
Natalia found a small bar of "shinies", a collection of things and trophies the Orc found valuable.  Among other things were bits of metal, both precious and not, a few gems, some gold, some platinum.   
 Spoiler 
Value: 250gp)
 
Cavelcade
Kurt takes them both, shoving them and the head into his pack.  "I'll need a new one when we get back..."  Grunting in disgust as the inside is stained with orc-blood.
Zman
Before they leave, Miram stops and spends some of the extra time curing some of Valens wounds, much to his hidden thanks.

 
 Spoiler 
Drop Obscurring amidst for CLW
 (d8+6)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
As they're about to leave, Shiny looks over at the orcs that are still asleep from his spell.  "If we let them live, we'll just have to face them again on the battlefield. Or innocent women and children will." 
 
 Spoiler 
I think there are three orcs (the ones a bit lower than us on the map) who are still asleep from the battle.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt hesitates a moment, clearly not wanting to come back, even as he turns around and does.  "You're right, of course..."  With a more dour expression, he sets to work on the still living ones.
Admiral
While Kurt takes care of the remaining orcs, Shiny turns to Valen and lays his hands on him- he seems to enjoy the borrowed divine power.

 
 Spoiler 

I really do think we should heal as much as we can. If we don't heal, we're running for our lives, certain to die if we run into another battle. If we do heal, we're nearly as effective as we were at the start: Shiny still has 7 L1s left, and Mithril still has some of her deadliest spells. I do know there are consequences both in terms of nastier orcs being able to regroup and find us and the 4 minute long buffs like Bull's Strength and Enlarge Person possibly wearing off.

Use Magic Device:  (1d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Healing:  (1d8+1)[ 7 ] 
 


For the second time, Shiny's skills fail him. He looks up at the ceiling.  "Garl Glittergold the Sparkling Wit, if this happens again I just might try a new deity..." 
Zman
Valen, feeling better after Miriam's healing,   "Master Dwarf, Direction?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Kurt believes that South is likely the way to the surface while East appears to be the same depth.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia places a hand on Kurt's shoulder. She doesn't really know what to say to make him feel better.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks to the others and asks,  "Ready for daylight? Back to Linwood?"  She wants to be as far away from the caves as possible when the hooded one gets back.
Admiral
 "Let's go!"  Then, not knowing when to quit, Shiny tries another healing spell on Valen, even if it holds them up a moment.

 
 Spoiler 

UMD:  (1d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Healing:  (1d8+1)[ 5 ] 
 


Shiny dusts off his hands, confused.  "I thought I had it that time."  He quickly proceeds forward towards the direction Kurt thinks is the surface.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Heal if hear,"  Natalia says, then follows it with,  "Or drink healing." 

As they walk, Natalia asks the spellcasters,  "How drained?"  trying to keep her mind off the slaughter they left behind.
Athedia
Mithril followed Shiny putting her expended rod back into her pack and moving the magical torch to the hand that had held it.  The bloody ground made her feel ill to look at and she tried to step in the cleaner spots.  The idea of seeing the sky was more appealing to her now than it had been at any other point in her life.  She reached back to grab Natalia's hand as they walked through the dark caves, the trauma of the past few days would crack someone who was alone.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia inhales slightly when she feels Mithril take her hand. With a smile, she gives a little squeeze back.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Heal if hear,"  Natalia says, then follows it with,  "Or drink healing." 

As they walk, Natalia asks the spellcasters,  "How drained?"  trying to keep her mind off the slaughter they left behind. 
 

Shiny hustles up the corridor at the lead of the party as he whispers back,  "Let's see... I have 7 spells left: a  sleep , a  color spray , an illusion, one that can raise the recently dead, one that summons a hurricane, one that can freeze time, and one that determines whether food has gone bad." 

As he talks, he draws his two powerful healing potions, handing one to Valen and one to Kurt.  "Could be worth using." 
 
 Spoiler 
I can't remember who gave these to me but Natalia says I have them.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Still holding Mithril's hand, Natalia nods and ignores the last bit of what Shiny says. When he passes over the potions, she says in a low voice so Miriam won't overhear,  "Thank...Morton's gift..." 
 
 Spoiler 
When we distributed Morton's stuff, Shiny got two CSW potions, two vials of silversheen, and a packet of dust that basically acts like the glitterdust spell.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The thick clotting smell of blood hangs in the air, dense and cloying like the worst humidity. The sharp iron smell clings to Natalia's nose and seeps into her skin and is sticky on her boots and  will not leave.  She knows exactly what Mithril's feeling as she holds the wizard's hand and tries to reassure her silently, without using the words and language she'll never be quite able to say.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at the gnome, drinking it down quickly and sighing in relief, keeping going as fast as he can down the quickest route towards the surface.

 
 Spoiler 

 (3d8+1)[ 14 ] 
If the modifier is wrong, ZMan, you can tell me!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows the confident dwarf, still holding Mithril's hand.
Zman
Valen take the potion from the small gnome, surprised by his generosity,   "Unusual graciciousness.  My thanks."   and much to the surprise of those around him he doesn't drink it, but puts it in his belt and take forth one of his more dilute potions and drinks it down.

 
 Spoiler 

 (d8+1)[ 7 ]  That puts Valen at 34/35, I'm ok with that.

The modifier for a potion of CSW is 3d8+5, you get 4 more HP Kurt!
 
Zman
As the group ventures further down the southern tunnel it opens to a wide space, their entrance on of five possible routes out of the space.

Kurt believes the East and Western Directions are roughly the same depth, while heading further sound is deeper.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Which way?"  Natalia asks, looking around as best she can in the dark.
Admiral
Once Kurt shares his opinion on the directions, Shiny takes a sharp left turn to lead the party east.  "He who hesitates is lost,"  he says over his shoulder,  "and he who is lost should never hesitate!" 

Just before trudging forward, he quickly quaffs a weak potion he's had stashed in his belt.

 
 Spoiler 

Taking a CLW potion I bought back in the first city to fix the missing 4 HP.

Healing  (1d8+1)[ 6 ] 
 
Cavelcade
 "He who hesitates is lost - but he who goes first can get eaten by an orc! Stay behind me, Shiny, or I won't get the value from that potion you gave me!" 

Kurt runs to get ahead of Shiny, though he's glad the gnome is there to avoid even a hint of doubt.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shrugs and follows them.
Zman
As the group moves down the Eastern path it again begins to narrow into another tunnel before widening again into another crossroads...

Mithril is the first to notice sounds of movement in the darkness ahead...

 
 Spoiler 
Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 2 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 10 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 12 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt goes to each tunnel opening, pondering which will take them out the most efficiently.
Zman
Once akurt reaches the crossroads in the tunnel hell know that South distinctly leads to higher ground.
Cavelcade
Without even waiting to tell the others he turns in that direction, striding forward.  "Don't get left behind!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril, come! Wanted to see light?"  Natalia asks as she hurries along, trying to keep up with Kurt.
Admiral
Shiny jogs along behind, whispering  "And I was just starting to like it down here..." 
Athedia
 "I here something ahead, be careful Kurt."   Mithril was looking forward to leaving the caves.  As the group jogged out she was struck by a thought.  She whispered to Natalia  "I left my bedroll behind so I could carry the books, we can't go back to the hideout now..." 
Zman
A few Orc shouts can be heard coming from the more Eastern Southern fork.  It's difficult to understand what they are saying, even for Shiny.  But it sounds like they are mobilizing.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back at Mithril and says,  "Left my crossbow and wire too. If not now, when safe." 
 
 Spoiler 
She can always share! 😛
 


When Mithril says she hears something, and that something turns out of be orcs, Natalia's eyes go wide and she asks the others,  "Run or fight?" 
Athedia
 "Run, better to fight outside in possible daylight than in their home." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back anxiously at the noise and says,  "Hope we make it." 
CoffeeIncluded
Realizing that the orcs are in front of them, Natalia steps before Mithril and says,  "Before us, not behind. But not before the sun! Other way!" 
Athedia
Mithril paused for a second grabbing her dagger from her belt and tossing it in the air.   &lt;Draconic&gt;  "Multiply."   &lt;Draconic&gt;   The dagger shimmered and split, now appearing as multiple daggers floating in front of her body.   "Let's see who those sounds are."   Mithril continued with the group holding her torch high.  Whiskers chattered from her shoulder, both master and familiar wanted to leave the confined underground.

 
 Spoiler 
I can take a standard action (the spell) and a move action in the same turn. 4 rounds
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins as the knives circle around Mithril's head.  "Who says wizards...Can't wield steel?" 

She stays close to Mithril, both of her knives at the ready. As Whiskers chitters, she whispers,  "Call them to us? Almost there, promise."  Still, she knows how they both feel; the dark damp caves are growing more oppressive with the hope of daylight and open sky. Natalia's like the lightning, she needs to move, not be closed in.
Cavelcade
Kurt runs silently on, making sure to stay just ahead of Shiny and keep his axe ready. They're so close - but so are the orcs!
Admiral
Shiny runs forward with the group, his conjured lights illuminating the path.
CoffeeIncluded
 "At least...Not the cleric,"  Natalia says to the group in a quiet voice. If they can just make it to daylight...But even if they can't, she doesn't think they'll have much trouble with these orcs, they're not the cleric or the hooded guy.

 
 Spoiler 
So should Shiny suggest naming him Hoodsies?
 
Zman
As the group veers past the entrance of the tunnel, Shiny's conjured lights illuminating nearly a dozen shadowy figures, the keep moving as if their lives depended on it... The Orcs, still mobilizng and surprised by tue appearence of non Orcs from within the belly of their caves.  Now on a steady accent even the non dwarves could recognize.

As they move a dagger darts from Mithril into the shadowy gloom...a loud thwack can be Hurd followed by a surprised gurgle...

As the move as quick as they can, Orc shouting can be heard coming from behind...

 
 Spoiler 

Dagger (d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 6 ] 
Concealment (d100)[ 68 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gulps when she sees the shadowy figures, then lets out an inner cheer as one of Mithril's magical knives hits home.
Zman
Seeing that hey were moving slow, Vale looks to Shiny,   "Keep up, your short legs will damn us all!"  
 
 Spoiler 
Hint for a Shiny to consult his 1st level spell list..

Otherwise we won't be fast enough.
 
Zman
As the group rounds the corner, led by the still massive Kurt the see another split in the tunnel, though even the non dwarves know that the eastern path is the surface path as the right most fork is likely another side room...

As they plow forward its easy to hear the Orcs trailing behind, and for those with keen ears there are more orcs down the western fork...

Only Miriam hears the what she believes is a muffled scream from that western Fork...  "There my be someone in need of rescuing down there!"    The Cleric's natural inclination is to start running towards someone potentially in need...

 
 Spoiler 
Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 4 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 13 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 12 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt glances behind them, then laughs a bit.  "If they start coming too quickly I'll drop back and plug up the tunnel, I'm big enough!" 

He doesn't hesitate to examine the other room but quickly goes up the fastest route. He pauses at the exit, glancing back.  "Ach, is there time!?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head. She hates these damn caves; their echoing makes it nearly impossible for her to pinpoint any sounds.  "Sure it's human?"  she asks Miriam.  "Or another trap?" 
Athedia
 "You can't do much rescuing if you are dead!"   Mithril protested but knew in her heart that if Miriam felt that she must save someone she would die trying.
CoffeeIncluded
 "No stopping her,"  Natalia says, not even trying to bother.  "Beyond selfless...To self-destructive."  But she can't leave someone in need of rescuing to these orcs either; she remembers what happened to Max...

 "Won't die,"  she assures her.  "Won't die, leave with both eyes." 
Cavelcade
Kurt turns where he is, taking one more step to bottleneck them as much as possible.  "Go save them! I'll hold them here, to help the retreat! Go!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing that they're about to split off, and that Mithril is staying with Kurt, Natalia tells the ones staying behind,  "Helping rescue. Stay safe...please." 
Zman
As Kurt positions himself, and Miriam, Valen, and Natalia move ahead into the unknown dark...


 
 Spoiler 

Initiative
Miriam (d20+1)[ 13 ] 
Kurt (d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Shiny (d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Mithril (d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Valen  (d20+2)[ 13 ] 

Os (d20)[ 7 ] 

Perfect Blocks
Miriam, Valen, Natalia
Shiny, Mithril
Orcs,
Kurt
 
Athedia
 "You won't hold them alone. I didn't call these knives to look pretty you know."  With that Mithril spun and planted her feet, Whisker's collar glowed in the dark as she put her torch back in her belt, extinguishing the flame.   Good thing you ran away little pest .  Seeing Natalia going to help Miriam she smiled.  The cleric would protect the girl.  Turning back to the battle ahead she readied herself for the charging horde.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Heh, don't need them...for being pretty,"  Natalia says before running off.

Both of Natalia's blades are drawn as she stays close to Miriam and her light...If there's nobody to rescue here...
Zman
  Miriam  , armed with little more than her walking stick and wearing her torn, bloodied rags moves forward ahead of the rest, bringing light to the caves... There is a bound human man with sandy blonde hair in the back of the room...Miriam stops, holding her glowing staff high and shouts amid a prayer to Saint Cuthbert,   "Release him!"   as she brings the staff down a loud explosion of sound is heard... The blast manages to stun three of the Orcs...

Miriam looks at the man and shouts,   "Henry, you fool!"  

Natalia also recognizes their friend...

 
 Spoiler 

Cast Sound Burst
Damage (d8)[ 1 ] Darn, at least it stunned Three of them.

Fortitude (d20)[ 7 ] 
Fortitude (d20)[ 10 ] 
Fortitude (d20)[ 3 ] 

Miriam (d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Natalia (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Valen  (d20)[ 6 ] 
 
Zman
  Valen   moves quickly to cover Miriam, setting himself between her and the Orcs...

 
 Spoiler 
Double Move, exciting.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What? Henry?!"  Natalia shouts, loud enough for their allies holding the line to hear. How had he managed to get himself captured?

Thank goodness Miriam had managed to hear him, and they'd almost left him behind...

 
 Spoiler 
Is Natalia able to attack this turn? If not, she double moves as well.
 
Zman
As the mob of Orcs advance down the tunnel and are illuminated by Shiny's lights, most are younger orcs, like the Pups encountered outside of Linwood with only a few older and tested Orcs among them...
Zman
 Orcs 

Seeing Miriam come in a holy fury, the furthest back Orc screams in his guttural tongue,  "Jei Betql!"  as he steps back in a defensive posture, bringing his axe in an executioner's arc....Henry's head rolls and hits the ground with a sick, wet, thud...  The other Orc Charges Valen, his Falcion at the ready... but is unable to land a blow...

 
 Spoiler 

Charge (d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 11 ] 

The did a defensive Full attack used as a Coupe De Grace.  Poor Henry...
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's shock and horror echos through the room.

 "HENRY!!!" 

He'd looked up, his eyes full of hope of rescue, and then...

Natalia's hands are shaking. As Valen easily dodges the blow, Natalia prepares to drive her blades deep into the orc's torso...

 
 Spoiler 
If Valen 5-foot-steps, then she can sneak attack full attack the orc. Also, why did you do that?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt sees them advance, and strikes a grim expression as he sees their youth.  "Turn back, foolish pups! You'll only hurt yourselves - your right eye's head is already in my pack, don't let yours join it!"  He knows it's useless, but he feels the need to try at least and scare them off.

He takes advantage of their caution, holding his axe one handed he uses the glove to summon back the crossbow and fire it one handed, before making it disappear back into the glove and grasping the axe again.

 
 Spoiler 

The attack should have been +0 but I assume it hit, anyway.

 (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  Intimidate

 (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  Crit
 (2d8+1)[ 13 ]  Damage
 (2d8+1)[ 14 ]  Crit
 


Without changing expression, he directs the giant crossbow one handed as deftly as with two, the bolt taking the lead orc straight through the eye. Just as quickly, it vanishes again, and the dwarf stands there, grimly filling the passageway.
Zman
As the Massive dwarf stands in their way and impales the lead orc with a massive crossbow bolt, half of the Orcs falter in their advance, obviously shaken by the sight...
Athedia
Mithril sized up the approaching orcs sending out her last two balls of force at one of the largest orcs approaching Kurt.  As she did she heard what sounded like anguish coming from the direction the rest of the group had gone down.  Shaking her head she willed herself to focus on the horde ahead, they had to outlast them or their would be no-one to check on the others.

 
 Spoiler 
If I am right I have 1 round of Knives left?  And magic Missile at  OW2f  (1d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 
Zman
  Shiny    Seeing that Kurt had them scared, Shiny simply points to the front line of Orc and whispers in in his scariest Orcish,   "You will die."  

Three of the first couple of Orcs stop in their tracks, obviously afraid.  The entire mobs momentum and cohesion is crumbling.

 
 Spoiler 

Intimidate (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Sad that with the circumstantial modifiers, its enough.
 
Zman
  Miriam  , enraged by the sight in front of her wastes no time and summons the most powerful magics left to her,   "HOLD!"   Miriam commands as she holds up her hand.

As she does the Orc that just ended Henry simply freezes, trapped in his own unmoving tomb of a body.

 
 Spoiler 

Will Save (d20)[ 17 ]  Ha! He still fails.
 
Zman
  Valen   brings his blade around at the knees of the foolish Orc, currently unmoved about Henry's death... an manages to nearly kill the Orc.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Damage (2d6+7)[ 10 ]   Darn, not quite a lethal blow.

Natalia is up, they are no longer stunned, but they are currently unarmed.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia snarls,  "Die!"  as she tries to plunge her blades into the orc.

 
 Spoiler 
Including sneak attack in case Miriam moved, discount it if it doesn't apply.

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+8)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 2 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (2d6)[ 9 ] 


Attack:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 6 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (2d6)[ 11 ] 

EDIT: Thank you!
 


The shortsword misses, but Natalia rams Alabaster's black dagger into the orc's back. It nicks the edge of a rib but this does nothing to slow or chip the finely-crafted adamantine as it rips through the orc's lung. The escaping air makes a horrible half-whistling half-bubbling sound as the orc falls over.
Zman
Natalia steps forward and manages to fell the Orc... plunger her dagger deep into its back.
Zman
 Orcs 

As Kurt's roar and Shinys threat managed to turn many of the Orcs, a handful still had the nerve to charge... Charging the massive Dwarf... Kurt manages to twist his body bringing his Greataxe through the first Orc, nearly cutting him in two, but Kurt's mighty swing leaves him open for the two others, whose swings hit home wounded the already roughened Dwarf...

 
 Spoiler 

AoO
Attack (d20+11)[ 19 ] 
Damage (3d6+7)[ 18 ] 
vs
 Attack (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 9 ]  

Attack (d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Damage (d12+4)[ 8 ] 

Attack (d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage (d12+4)[ 10 ] 

18 Damage to Kurt
 
CoffeeIncluded
Still quaking with rage, Natalia screams,  "Took head of your eye too! So...Come and get it!" 

Minor injuries suddenly seem less important, so does fighting in her fluid yet cautious style. Is that what Valen and Kurt feel like all the time?
Zman
 Henry's Executioners 

The remaining Orcs shake the stunning power of Miriam's magics, picking up their weapons and grouping themselves defensively... their fourth is held in place by the furious Cleric.

 
 Spoiler 
Edit:  Ok, Kurt, Shiny, and Mithril are up.
 
Admiral
Shiny winds up and tosses a ball of arcane energy straight through the giant dwarf's legs, bursting behind the combatants.

 
 Spoiler 

Centered behind them so that the two orcs and OW2 get hit but Kurt doesn't. (I don't know how many HD they have, so they might not all have to roll). It's DC 16.  Raw Will saves:

O at BR90:  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
O at BT91:  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
OW2:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt sees the enemies fall to Shiny's magic, then takes a small step back, forcing the Gnome to move as well. This gives him enough room to take a calculated and vicious swing at the collapsed veteran.

 
 Spoiler 

Coup-de-grace on the OW. Auto-crit! -4/+8 Power attack, +1 from furious counterstrike.

This is gonna be ugly. I'm gonna roll intimidate as well, I think.
 (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 
 (3d6+16)[ 29 ] 
 (3d6+16)[ 27 ] 
 (3d6+16)[ 26 ] 
 


With an earth shaking roar, Kurt cleaves the orc's body in two on the ground, the huge axe driving the sides apart.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hears Kurt's roar and the sound of his axe slashing through flesh and bone before hitting earth all the way in the chamber. She leans forward and grins at the remaining orcs, though there's no happiness or joy behind it at all.
Zman
The small gnome emspells the three fighting Orcs and Kurt follows the adult down to the ground with his axe, removing his head....it just rolls a few feet away...

 
 Spoiler 
They are sleeping, you can finish them off at your leisure, or leave them.
 
Athedia
With all the orcs around them asleep or dead Mithril tore down the corridor to check on Natalia.  Reaching the scene she saw the remains of Henry lying bloody on the floor.  The eyes seemed to stare at her accusing her of his murder.   Maybe if I had insisted on his heading back to Linwood... he always listened to me  
 Spoiler 
Trading Standard action for another move action
 
Admiral
The moment Shiny sees his spell drop the three orc combatants, he turns and starts running down the tunnel, curious about the screams he heard from the others.

 
 Spoiler 
Moving 20 feet towards them on my action. I'll cast Expeditious Retreat next turn.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing Mithril tear down the corridor, Natalia breaks her gaze to whip her head around and shout,  "Mithril, don't--!" 

But it was too late. The empty shock in her eyes makes Natalia even angrier, and even more desirous to make the one who did all this pay.
CoffeeIncluded
Though one would expect such an action from Valen or Kurt instead, Natalia takes her dagger and charges at the orc closes to the frozen one, hoping to impale him on her blade, knowing she won't kill him but not really caring.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+3)[ 4 ] 

Forgot it was my turn for a moment, sorry.
 
Zman
As Natalia charges in the Orcs are ready for her, both take swings at her as she approaches trying to cut the young human down before she can bring her wicked weapons to bare... both attacks narrowly missing the careless human... but the two attacks were enough to slow the Rogue's attack down, limiting her impact...

Valen follows suit and charge the third Orc after Natalia... and trades blows with the Orc, plunging his blade Deep, to the hilt, through the Orc's chest... Killing the Orc instantly.

 
 Spoiler 

Readied Attack vs Natalia
Attack (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 9 ] 

Readied Attack vs Natalia
Attack (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Damage (d12+4)[ 16 ] Natalia got lucky there.

Readied Attack vs Valen
Attack (d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 11 ] 

Valen's Charge
Readied Attack vs Natalia
Attack (d20+11)[ 30 ] 
Damage (2d6+6)[ 9 ] +1
27 Damage, That had to hurt.
 
Zman
  Miriam  , nearly exhausted and empty, simply hefts her simple piece of wood and wades forward intent on bringing divine justice to the Orcs....

 
 Spoiler 

Miriam Charge (d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Damage (d6+4)[ 6 ] 
 
Zman
 Henry's Executioner 

Henry's executioner attempts to free himself from Miriam's hold.... but can only sit there an await justice...

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20)[ 1 ] 
 
Admiral
Midway through his jog down the tunnel, Shiny stops and casts a spell, whose motions involve kicking his knees up to his hands in quick succession. Then he starts running again, but this time faster than any normal gnome, or even human, could run, his legs a fiendish blur. He arrives at the room next to Mithril, and his eyes widen as he surveys the scene.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Expeditious Retreat (+30 to speed for four minutes) and then used a move action to move 50 feet.
 
Athedia
Coldly Mithril walked forward, raising her hand and casting a light into the middle of the fighting orcs and humans.  The light expanded hitting everyone and making them glow with a soft light.  "Let the truth shine." 
 
 Spoiler 
Sorry guys but you won't be able to hide for 4 rounds 😛
BC106 (Will hit all orcs)
Reflex saves (rolling 4 can't tell which orcs are alive)
The Save DC was 15 Half damage if saved.
OW2d  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
OW2a  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
OW2b  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
OW2c  (1d20)[ 10 ] 

Damage
OW2d  (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
OW2a  (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
OW2b  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 
OW2c  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 
 
Zman
The Wizardess, tired and nearly drained of her arcane energies attempted yet another spell, releasing a blast of light that manages to wound the remaining Orcs...


Kurt's axe can be heard in the distance separating another head..

 Orcs 

The Orcs Barely able to remain fighting attempt one last ditch attack... One manages to deal a vicious wound to the young human, the other misses and collapses from his wounds.



 
 Spoiler 
Tough Saves, Minor Damage to all, Drops B to 0.

Back on the Orcs Initiative.

Will for Held Orc
Will (d20)[ 4 ] 

Attack vs Natalia
Attack (d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 12 ] 
12 Damage to Natalia

Attack va Miriam
Attack (d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Damage (d12+4)[ 10 ] 
 
Zman
  Miriam   steps forward and attempts to defend Natalia...  "Natalia!"  
 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Damage (d8+4)[ 6 ] 
 

  Valen   steps forward and aids in the defense of Natalia...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+9)[ 18 ] 
Damage (2d6+7)[ 14 ] 
 


Their combined blows fell the Orc...
 
 Spoiler 
Enjoy finishing it Natalia
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hears Mithril's footsteps, followed by her too-cold voice. The warm glow that follows is pleasant to her, but anathema to the orcs. Henry's blood, more of it than she could have thought, is pooling by her feet and seeping into her boots and inhaled with every one of her breaths. She and Miriam had shouted for him and he'd looked at them and his terror started to be replaced with hope before that orc fixed both expressions on his severed head, ghastly pale and too still by her feet. She should have been more forceful in telling him to go with them, she should have persuaded him to not draw off their attention, she  promised... 

With a wordless howl, Natalia leaps onto the frozen orc, Henry's murderer, her coattails streaming behind her, a raptor diving in for the kill...

 
 Spoiler 
5-foot step, then Coup De Grace

Damage:  (d6+1)[ 7 ]   (d6+1)[ 5 ]   (2d6)[ 8 ] 

Damage:  (d4+3)[ 7 ]   (d4+3)[ 4 ]   (2d6)[ 5 ] 

Total: 36 damage
 


Her blades cut in deep; her dagger rips the orc's throat open while the other slices deep into his stomach and spills his intestines out onto the ground. As the red rage fades from her mind, Natalia finds her front splattered with blood, and even more of the stink hangs in the air. The sound of the orc's last breath escaping through his shredded trachea lodges into Natalia's mind. She's never going to make this battle leave.
Admiral
Shiny's eyes widen even further as Valen and Miriam fell the remaining orcs, and then the rogue slice another one apart in a raging fury. He opens his mouth to speak, pauses a fraction of a second, and then closes it and spins on his heels, disappearing back down the tunnel like a bolt of lightning.

 
 Spoiler 

Nothing to say here. Great post Coffee!

Shiny does a double move back to Kurt so that he can start healing him with the wand, while the others are back in the room. He would be uncomfortable dealing with Henry's murder.
 
Zman
As the last Orc falls, Miriam, Mithril, Natalia, and Valen stand over the lifeless body of Henry, the young man they few a few short weeks ago that felt like a lifetime.  The ground is covered in blood, their resources expended, and their friend dead.

Shiny makes his way back to the Giant dwarf as his massive axe takes the head from the final sleeping Orc.  As the Gnome approaches, Kurt begins shrinking back to his normal surly size.

And now the uncanny adventures have to continue on as they prepare to leave the Orc caves....

 
 Spoiler 
New IC thread.  See Signature for link.  5,000 bonus xp.
 
flat_footed
  The Fullmetal Mod   : Raise Thread 