MikelaC1
In the years gone by, The Park Avenue Inn was a small but very romantic dining spot in Wilverton with a long clientele list and even longer waiting list. That was before Lord Mouton and his thugs overthrew the government, harassing and taxing any sort of prosperous business and forcing the management to cut service and quality to the point where it became just another adventurer's dive, where groups formed and reformed, always looking for the next big score, to either pay off the loansharks or get ahead in the game.
Your group is one of 4 in the Inn right now, studiously avoiding eye contact with each other lest it be seen as challenge. Separate from all, with his chair tilted against a post is an "Imperial Guardsman", a half-orc, which marked him as the lowest tier and thereby most corrupt. Mouton had no humans in his guardsman ranks, it was all half-orcs, orcs, half-ogres, ogres...and rumours of even worse inside the castle walls. For now, your group has not attracted any sort of extra attention from him, or the others, unless they are hiding it well.
At the moment, Garrett Greyholm, ranger and leader of the group, has a "treasure map" spread out on the table, arranged in such a way that no one else in the bar can see it. The ranger came across the map in the ruins of one of the temples ransacked and destroyed in the riots five years ago. The map details a treasure trove including gold and gems and a few other assorted items, also mentioning what appeared to be a very well made short sword which really caught his attention, given his specialization with that sort of weapon. The map also mentions a puzzle that the original maker was not able to solve in order to gain the treasure.
spectralphoenix
Felix sits with his back against the wall, trying to keep an eye on anyone in the tavern who gets too close while seeming calm and unconcerned. And mostly failing at the latter task. Fortunately, there are enough cagey adventurers in the place that he fits right in.

 Well, let's have a look then. No doubt we're going to be spending the next fortnight lost in some dreadful swamp? 

Finally redirecting his attention to the map, he does his best to commit it to memory. While Garrett's wilderness skills were far superior to his own, Felix could at least ensure he remembers as much as possible in case the map was lost or stolen.
animorte
William is acting as a body-block to the table and map, but otherwise seems mostly at ease in the environment. He's experienced many faces and times, though admittedly better than what the present circumstances offer. He is able to maintain a smile despite absent-mindedly tending to the smudges on various pieces of worn tableware.


 
 Originally Posted by spectralphoenix 
  Well, let's have a look then. No doubt we're going to be spending the next fortnight lost in some dreadful swamp?  
 

William grimaces at the thought, but lends out another one of his classic "morale boosters":

 If that's the case we better enjoy this... lovely  spot while we're here, but then that swamp is sure to be worth it! 

He gestures to the treasure again, but otherwise maintains his position blocking line of sight. He's also attempting to stay between their table and the rest of the residents in order to de-escalate any hostility should the need arise.
Metastachydium
Torta, quick as ever, has made sure she occupies the farthest chair from the door, with adequate line of sight to both the entryway and the  noble  guardsman  diligently  laboring to ensure that law and order are maintained. Though the loose clothes conceal it just fine, all her muscles are tense, ready to explode into movement at a moment's notice. She'd really rather be elsewhere, truth be told. A dirty swamp with fewer  friendly  faces, perhaps. Just the six of them and the muck or whatever it is this time.   Can't not be.   she nods, all terse, to William. The air, at least, has to be less dense once the road is hit.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Mostly for my own amusement of dubious quality, Torta will try to pick up some snippets of conversation and assorted noises from around the room with Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 37 ] 
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett seems largely unaware of his surroundings, being intensely focused on the map spread before him.  He toys absentmindedly with the end of the long black braid falling over one shoulder as he speaks.
 
"Swamp or no, my greatest concern is that puzzle."    He cracks a slight smile.  "Swamps aren't that hard to deal with."

"Anyhow, before we begin, I think it's best we set some expectations. I think we should split the spoils evenly, but that shortsword is mine. Its value will come out of my portion.

I know some groups think that splitting the spoils based on contribution encourages harder work, but I've found it just encourages backstabbing." 

He spits the last word a bit wryly, and glances up, his eyes darting from face to face, gauging trust. And, while he was at it, flickering to the rest of the room as well, to see if anyone else was a little too interested in his map.

 
 Spoiler: roll spot 

I may as well roll a spot here, to see if we have.... Competition.  (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 
 
MikelaC1
At the moment, no one seems too interested in your group, with 6 members you outnumber any other group and have a sort of battle hardened look that some of the others lack. The strong devour the weak in Wilverton and the weak are not willing to challenge since the law will not protect them if they fail. Torta has an amazing pair of ears (not to mention a natural 20) and hears quite a few snippets, but your group is not the subject of any of them, mostly talk of quality whores at the Golden Rose, good but oh so pricy alcohol at the Kings Quay bar and how the dealers are all on the take at the Sapphire Nugget casino.
As conversation continues, the half-orc straightens up and walks to the bar. Without even waiting for the barkeep to serve him, he draws himself a full mug of frothy ale and takes a swig directly from the whiskey bottle sitting on the bar...without bothering to drop even a copper, and returns to his chair. Of all the guards, the half-orcs in service have the best noses for gold and the biggest appetites for graft. They enjoy bullying their orc underlings but in turn have to steer clear of the bugbears and ogres who for the most part outrank them.
animorte
William gives a nod of reassurance to Garrett.

 Agreed. I've never had... particularly prominent puzzle prowess.  He smiles briefly at each one in turn, proud of his alliteration.  Do we have any details on the context of this puzzle? 

He is generally self aware enough and tends to defer to the younger and sharper minds of his trusted friends. Otherwise he just thinks of himself as a peace-keeper.
Metastachydium
  And fine by me.   Torta joins William, nodding calmly at Garrett and meeting his gaze, still on the edge of her seat but pleased to learn that the other patrons' mminds are more preoccupied with  worldly  concerns than her companions' plans.   The puzzle, though.   she adds quickly motioning towards William with a flick of her shoulder to acknowledge his point, if not his skill with language.   What's that about? Missed the details, frankly.  
spectralphoenix
Felix restrains himself from further disparagement of the terrain, realizing that he was coming perilously close to whining.

  I suppose I knew what I signed up for when I chose to follow a ranger   he thinks.

 Hmm. Looks awfully scant on details. I don't suppose you have any idea who wrote this in the first place? If not, we'll just have to go in blind and hope for the best. 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy drinks ale slowly, " what sort of dangers do you think we will find at the treasure? No one hides gold and swords without putting some sort of trouble in the way." 

" I'm fine with you getting the sword if we must, you the boss, but any magic scrolls I'd like to see, though I guess Felix will want some too."  
spectralphoenix
Distracted from the map by the mention of his name, Felix responds

 I agree with Garrett, of course. We split the take evenly, and he gets the sword as part of his share. Anything else, we'll have to decide after we've seen it. We'll be here all night if we start bargaining over trinkets that may not even exist. 
animorte
William addresses Sonamy first, making a show as if to whisper (though barely making an effort to lower his voice), and with an exaggerated wink:  "With any luck, just more orcs." 

And then follows up on the valuable remark by Felix:  That's the truth! I don't ask for much but I'm sure something is bound to catch my eye... Anyway, unless somebody has a clue about what lies beyond I suggest we ask around or at least get a move on while we have plenty of daylight left." 

William then takes a long hard look, squinting at the map as if some new obscure detail might reveal itself.  "What distance are we expecting to travel anyway?" 
 
 Spoiler: Survival roll? 

 (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 
 
Chimaera
Urag is busy eating and feasting on everhthings his hands range. He look with few interest in the map, much more dedicated on eating a particularly juicy chicken wing.

" I leave the decision on the path we take to you, Garret. And you can get dibs on the fancy sword, but if we find any magic axes I'll call dibs on them ".

He shugs a mugful of beer and let out a loud burp, spilling some saliva and chicken bits on whoever was on the other side of the table and some of the map.

" So when do we leave? I'll just need to take a quick **** and I'm ready to go ".
Metastachydium
  You're  gross , Urag. Did you know that?   Torta inquires, her face showing little in the way of emotions as she wipes, well,  something  off of her face, making a mental note not to claim anything the man touches  if  they really end up finding much of value, before shooting an almost pleading look in Garrett's direction.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

T.'s good to go!
 
Chimaera
" Thanks ", the large man says with a mouthful smile, " There still some bit there in your hair ", he says waving a greased seven-digit hand too close to Torta's face.

He looks to Garret and to the map, " Ready whenever you are, Garret ".
spectralphoenix
Realizing the danger of getting caught in the crossfire, verbal or culinary, Felix claps his hands and comes to his feet.

 Right. Whatever's out there, waiting won't make it any easier. Time to move. 

He starts to make his way to the exit and his horse outside, giving the drunken guardsman a wide berth.
animorte
William shakes his head in silent disapproval while checking his clothes for any residue.

 Felix is right. Let's go do what we're best at. Improvising!" 

He turns the rest of his drink up then gently places the dirty glass back on the table as if it's still hoping for better days. He gives Garrett a quick pat on the shoulder then follows closely behind Felix, still brushing his sleeves for good measure.
Starbuck_II
 "Well, I'm ready , " Sonomy said with a drink as he  places his drink down.

 "Urag, I've always wondered why the extra finger, does it come in handy?"  Sonomy says as he prepares to leave to get his horse.
Metastachydium
Torta likewise stands, and perhaps a bit faster than absolutely neccessary, reflexivelt reaching up to the indicated spot to try and separate her mess of a hair from whatever mess Urag's decoreated it with. She then looks at Garrett once more, electing to patiently wait for the brave leader to gather up his belongings before she'd join the others. She doesn't really want to leave him and that map of his alone inside with that half-orc.
MikelaC1
Deciding against further conversation, the group gathers up the gear and leaves, the other groups in the bar paying them no mind and half-orc guardsman busy chugging the flagon of ale he poured for himself.
Using their knowledge of the local area and geography, the group finds their way to the spot indicated by the map as the starting point and begin to follow it. After about 10 minutes of walking, they are about to enter a more densely forested area, that will force those on horseback to dismount and walk. Just as they are doing so, Torta hears a noise and looks up to see a group of 5 orcs that were clearly planning some sort of ambush, but couldnt contain their patience long enough. The orcs are spread out in a semicircle 50 feet away from the party, there is one to the left, 3 in the center and one to the right of the group. Seeing as the group was just walking without any sort of tight military formation, they are all more or less in the same position, facing down the orcs.
One of the orcs steps forward and in his heavily accented common says  Just hand over the map, turn yourselves around and no one gets hurt 

Initiative
animorte
William smirks because he knows this map will find the possession of nobody else, especially not to some ill-intent orcs.   "Should have stayed hidden from my friends here"   he thinks to himself.

 Initiative:   (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 

William is going to prepare his group as they've been accustomed to many times before with the  Bless  spell:  (+1 to all attack rolls and savings throws vs fear, 50 ft. burst, 5 minutes). 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm going to safely assume that since we have been called to initiative, my diplomacy will do no good here. That group looks aggressive already!
 
Chimaera
" What's the fun if none get hurt? ", the towering man says spitting in the ground, too close to Torta's footwear, and draw his massive axe, " I suggest you to go back to whatever holes you live by and rethink your life choices... Or come closer and have some FUN ".

He steps to get between the orcs in front of them and the less muscular party members, eager to bring down the axe on whoever get close enough.

 
 Spoiler: Init and action 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 

Moving to the front to block anyone trying to hit the casters and readying to chop their upper halfs if they come closer.

PA 2, Greataxe  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Dmg  (1d12+11)[ 23 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
 Let's see if combustion can improve your manners. 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Casts Lesser Orb of Fire on the closest orc he has a clear shot at.

Ranged Touch Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  +1 if bless has gone off already
Damage:  (4d8)[ 23 ] 

If he's in melee, he takes a 5ft step back before casting, otherwise, he tries to move to put the burlier party members between himself and the orcs afterwards.
 
Metastachydium
With threats flying back and forth anyhow, Torta finds it easier to simply show some good old fashioned contempt through not bothering to even address their assailants. Instead, she merely flings an annoyed   Was that on  purpose?  It  better  wasn't.   at Urag as she swiftly removes her foot from anywhere near the spittle and draws her club, muttering some strange old phrase as she taps the weapon with her thumb.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Move action draw club;
standard action cast Shillelagh on club (+1 enhancement to hit and damage; damage dice go up to 2d6);
free action ignore orcs;
free action chastise Urag;
free action Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 33 ]  and Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 31 ]  in case she missed something the first time.
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett draws his shortswords in response to the orc's challenge.  ]"No, thanks."   He says simply, in a similar tone of voice as if he were refusing a particularly pushy salesman.

 
 Spoiler: actions  

Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 

Free action: be flippant

Move action: keep pace with Urag, flanking if possible

Attack action:  (1d20+11)[ 16 ]  (+2 if flanking, +1 if bless)

Damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  piercing, +1 acid

(Damage is rolled assuming the orcs are actually orcs.)
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy draws his rapier as he moves to flank with Garrett or Urag if possible. Doing his best to skewer the foe., " Have at ye, beast" 
 
 Spoiler 

Status: Bless (+1 morale hit, +1 vs fear)

 AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft

Init:  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 16 ]  (+2 if flanking, +1 if bless)
Dam:  (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
If Sneak Attk:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
MikelaC1
Actions explode almost immediately. Once again, Torta's ears pick up something from behind and when she turns to see what is going on, she sees the guardsman from the bar coming up from behind in an attempt to ambush them, which has unfortunately been screwed. The party universally goes before the orcs, Urag absolutely demolishes the orc he is facing, while Felix turns one into charred ash. Garrett scores a hit but the orc survives the shot, Sonamy also scores a hit on his orc, but not enough to kill it. The orc fighting Garrett scores a hit that almost hits a major artery but at the last moment he twists enough to keep it only a normal hit for  8  points. The half orc coming from behind is able to attack William for  13  points but fortunately the alert warning from Torta keeps it from being a sneak attack.

Round two
Urag engaged on second orc
Garrett and Sonomy engaged on first orcs they struck
William engaged on sneaky half orc, right beside Torta
Felix not actually engaged
Metastachydium
Torta offers but a look of annoyed recognition to the half-orc assaulting William.   Oh, it's you.   she says with unbroken calm.   Pay good attention, now.   Keeping her eyes locked on the glorified thug, she vanishes from sight to reappear behind the creature swinging her club at its neck.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative (if I understand the procedure correctly):  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Swift action use Ghost Step to turn invisible (Su; does not provoke);
move action move to maybe flank with William;
standard action emerge suddenly from invisibility, trying to club the half-orc (attacking flat-footed AC):  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  for  (2d6+1)[ 11 ]  magical bludgeoning and  (1d6)[ 4 ]  sudden strike. To-hit is +7 if flanking.
 
spectralphoenix
 We should really find a better class of tavern for our scheming  Felix mutters as he starts calling up another blast of mystic flame.  There must be SOMEWHERE Urag hasn't been barred from yet. 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 

Felix uses Fiery Blast, dealing  (3d6)[ 9 ]  damage in a 5ft radius burst (Reflex 18 half). Avoiding friendlies, if he can hit multiple orcs he does so, otherwise he targets the one that appears most wounded.
 
aReallyGreatAxe
" It seemed like a fine enough tavern,"   Garrett complains, inwardly lamenting his lack of social perception. Then he focuses on the matter at hand, swinging his twin blades at the opponent in a posthaste arc.

 
 Spoiler: actions 

Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 

Free action: Lamentations of the low charisma score :P

Full round action: attack the orc, five foot stepping to flank if possible. Please correct me if I am wrong, I have never used twf before, it's a -2 to both attacks and 1/2 str bonus on the off hand?

Main hand attack:
 (1d20+9)[ 18 ] 

Main hand damage:  (1d6+9)[ 11 ]  +1 acid

Off hand attack:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 

Off hand damage:  (1d6+6)[ 10 ] 

(Attacks again made assuming the orcs are orcs.)
 
Chimaera
Urag smirks at Torta and reply shortly, " Maybe? ". But combat make it hard to chit-chat, so he takes a step to better flank the next orc in front of him, swinging his axe as to bring this one down as well and end this attempted assault quickly as to not hinder their progress to what really matters: getting their hands on magical and ancient riches.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative and Actions 
Let's roll Initiative for this round:  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 

He will swing the greataxe at the one in front of him with his standart action:
PA 2, Greataxe  (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  dmg  (1d12+11)[ 15 ] 

If he can flank, add +2 on the attack roll.
 


Seeing the orc they saw before in the tavern joining the battle, he grins wide, " Here! Join the FUN! It's a real party out here! "

 
 Spoiler: Status 
HP 64/64 ; AC 18
Buffs: Bless
 
animorte
William shrugs off the attack and taunts the half-orc that landed the blow,   "Ha, you call that sneaky?"   but thinks quickly to himself,   "Whew, I'll remember to thank Torta!"  

He circles however necessary to maintain the flank with Torta, shield raised and Mace comfortably within his grasp.

 
 Spoiler: Status/Initiative/Actions 

HP: 37/50
AC: 19 (T - 13, FF - 16)
Saves: (F- 6, R - 4, W - 8)

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 

Free action: scoff at half-orc
Standard action: Aid Another (attack vs 10 AC):  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
 Torta receives additional +2 attack OR +2 dodge AC on next turn. 

 

William also stands at the ready should anybody attempt to pass by him on the way to Felix (if near their path).

IF an attack of opportunity presents itself for whatever reason... attack:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  (+2 if flanking), damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
 You should surrender while you still have blood left!  Sonamy says as he twirls his blade and pierces again.
 
 Spoiler 

Move if need to maintain flanking
Status: Bless (+1 morale hit, +1 vs fear)

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
 touch: 14, ff: 16,
 Saves: +3/+8 /+5
 Speed: 30 ft

 Init:  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 
 Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]  (+2 if flanking, +1 if bless)
 Dam:  (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
 If Sneak Attk:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
MikelaC1
This time, only Torta and Felix act before the orcs, Torta scoring a hit on the half orc and Felix incinerating the ones menacing Garrett and Sonomy. The orc on Urag scores a hit for  9  points of damage (narrowly avoiding a critical) while the half orc fails to connect with William. Urag proceeds to bisect the last remaining orc while William further buffs the combat skills of Torta

Round 3
Only the half-orc remains, fighting with Torta and William
Chimaera
" Hah! ", Urag exclaims when he get hit, almost happy with being in battle, " If there was still justice in this kingdom I would consider letting this one live and pay for his crimes, but since the king was dethroned I dont think there is much justice left anymore 'round these parts ".

Urag moves to flank the last standing combatent and bring down his axe one more time.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative and Actions 
Initiative for this round  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 

PA 1, Greataxe,  (1d20+12)[ 13 ]  dmg  (1d12+9)[ 17 ] 
 
Metastachydium
Torta takes in the carnage with one quick glance, before lazily swinging again to try and mop up the remaining resistence.   Oh, and Urag: no.   she turns her head ever so slightly towards the barbarian enjoying himself all too much, as if she just remembered somethging, her tone nothing if not conversational.    I  hate you more.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ]  (+1 bless, +1 enhancement, +2 flanking, +2 aid) for  (2d6+1)[ 8 ]  magical bludgeoning.
 
spectralphoenix
Sensing victory at hand, Felix stops bantering and focuses on bringing down the last threat.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Fiery Blast again, targeted above the half-orc's head to avoid hitting allies.  (3d6)[ 14 ]  fire damage, DC 18 reflex save for half.
 
animorte
Trusting in the valor of his allies, William maintains his position as a threat to wall in the sole remaining opponent, foolish enough to get involved. He looks around at all the mess, his eyes wide in response to the efficiency depicted.  Never gets old. Thanks for the warm-up." 
 
 Spoiler 

HP: 37/50
AC: 19 (T - 13, FF - 16)
Saves: (F- 6, R - 4, W - 8)

 Initiative:   (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 

Full-round action: Sacred Healing (expend one turn undead use) - Self and allies within 60 ft. gain  fast healing 3  for 4 rounds = 12 HP.

If concentration check is necessary to succeed:  (1d20+14)[ 25 ] 
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett turns toward the last remaining opponent and glances over the guard 's figure. He thinks about how dreadful it was that one whose position was to defend the people was here attempting to kill them instead, but Garrett has no more words for the soon to be dead man. The fight was already over, whether he dealt the killing blow or not. But he may as well try for it.

 
 Spoiler: actions 


I don't think I'll bring out the viper, as there isn't really a good space for Viper William to attack from, based on my mental map of the situation.

Free action: elevator eyes
Move action: get adjacent to the guard
Attack action:
 (1d20+11)[ 20 ] 

Damage:  (1d6+9)[ 15 ]  +1 acid.
 
Starbuck_II
 "Time to finish this"  Sonamy says as he moves over to skewer the foe.

 
 Spoiler 

 Status: Bless (+1 morale hit, +1 vs fear)

 AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft

Init:  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 19 ]  (+2 if flanking)
Dam:  (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
If Sneak Attk:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
MikelaC1
The half orc is not able to react before Garrett, Felix, Torta and Sonomy all land blows on him, finishing him off before Urag even gets chance. At the same time Williams divine healing magic washes over the group, curing  12  points in the space of a few moments
spectralphoenix
Felix lets out a long, slow exhalation as he feels the tension of the fight leave his body. While he had avoided any close combat, he had enough bad memories of brutish orcs and their cruel, curved swords to last a lifetime.

After a few moments Felix collects himself and moves to more practical matters.

 If we're lucky, our friend from the bar and these thugs are the only ones who knew our plans. If the army was after us, I'd expect them to send more than a few scrubs. All the same, we should check the bodies and try to find out if anyone else is involved. 

Pulling a pair of heavy gloves from his belt, Felix moves to search the nearest corpse.
animorte
  You know, I wouldn't be surprised if that one somehow knew about it before-hand. I would suggest somebody with better eyes stay wary. Speaking of which...   He brushes off his clothing around the already healing wound he received, knowing it could have been much worse. Then gives an exaggerated nod of appreciation in Torta's direction.

William then proceeds to inspect some of the corpses for any obvious valuables, making sure to avoid the one entirely in two parts.   "Urag, did I ever mention I'm glad you're on our side?"  
Chimaera
Urag watch as the others dispatch the last standing assailant.

" Meh, didnt even break a sweat ", he says and swing the greataxe lazily in the air, disappointed he didnt got the last hit, " Anyone see more of these thugs? We better check out before keeping moving into the ruin location ".

He then looks to Felix, " It wasnt my fault the other tavernkeeper was so sensible about breaking her mugs and plates: why open a tavern if you dont want your things to get broken. And the loud burp? Was just complimenting the food! There are no more tavernkeepers like before! "

Cleaning up his axe with a dirty piece of cloth he looks to Torta seriously, " And what with this hate talk? That's just rude. What there is to hate someone as nice as me? ", he says while focused on sticking his finger up his nose, " See? William is glad I'm his buddy ".

Walking to his horse, he takes a shovel from the saddlebags, " And someone better begin digging these thugs some shallow grave while me and Garret look for more of them ".

 
 Spoiler: Survival 
Urag would like to check for footprints and stuff, make sure they're alone and find a good place to bury the corpses so as to not attract any travelerd's attention.

Survival  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
 
MikelaC1
Searching the corpses, the group finds 100 silver between them all, and 25 gold. More impressive however is the fact that all the orc leather armor is of +1 quality as is the half orc's armor and weapon.
The group also finds a makeshift badge and some paperwork on the half orc identifying him as a Kings guardsman who goes by the name of Rocco. There are no other tracks around and burying the bodies is short work...in fact, the bursts of fire from Felix reduced several of them to ash anyway.
Chimaera
Urag is curious on the weapons, but he was never a fan of fancy curved swords and his armor was more of his tastes: despise what Torta would complain about, these orcs armors smelled way worser than Urag's.

" Well, I'll take my part of all that in coin once we sell it all. Do we burn these papers or keep it though? ", by now Urag is done picking his nose.

 I'm no big fan of papers ", he states the obvious.
Metastachydium
Torta pokes the dead half-orc with her club; they overdid this one, somewhat, but at least the chances are now slim anyone will ever recognize the "guard", should the body be found. Letting Urag's jab slide for once (fighting back the urge to point out that she also likes to have the big man by the cleric's side, as long as it's his  other  side), she repays Will's nod with one of her own, and of the "I have your back" sort at that before resuming watch while the marginally more capable deal with taking stock and disappearing the bodies.

When Urag comes back, waving Rocco's papers, she gives those and the loot a quick glance; it's not a bad load, if of little interest to her, personally. They are going to need the gold, the weapons or both, eventually. The papers, on the other hand…   I can tell,  buddy .   she replies to Urag in a merciless deadpan.   But the weird thing? I tend to agree.   the killoren concedes.   We better burn those. Leaves fewer loose ends.  
Metastachydium
 
 Spoiler: OOC, before I forget again. 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 24 ] 
Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 34 ] 
 
MikelaC1
Torta does not hear anything or spot anything potentially hostile. The armor, while of good quality, does not contain any markings that would identify it as belonging to a guardsman.
spectralphoenix
 No reason to leave anything behind. Garret, Urag - if you can handle the lifting, I can provide the fire. 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Assuming no objections from the rest of the group, we load the loot onto the horses, drag the bodies into a out-of-the-way place, Felix uses Fiery Blast once or twice to burn them and any identifying items, and we scrape some dirt over the whole thing.
 

 Good show, everyone. And that's enough time lost on this. Let's keep moving. 
animorte
Will confirms the good decisions by Felix.   Sounds good to me. I've always admired your hands-off approach. Did anybody get a name from that paper in case we need to trace it back?   He tied a small share of the loot to Nina's saddlebags, then proceeds to clean up any excess dirt and grime he might have accumulated on his clothes.
Metastachydium
  "Rocco", it'd seem.   Torta answers off-handedly, her eyes still scanning the brush as she follows Will's example in fastening some captured ware to Fat Deer's saddle.   Shouldn't matter much. The less we know…  
aReallyGreatAxe
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   "Rocco", it'd seem.   Torta answers off-handedly, her eyes still scanning the brush as she follows Will's example in fastening some captured ware to Fat Deer's saddle.   Shouldn't matter much. The less we know…   
 

 "The less we know, the more it could come back to bite us later,"   Garrett opines, making sure his shortswords are fully clean before finally stowing them properly.

 We should keep watch for that name in the future."   he ties some loot to his saddlebags, waking up viper William who had somehow managed to slumber through the entire escapade.
MikelaC1
The carcasses of the orcs and half-orc are dealt with and the party is able to resume their journey. The map leads them to the abandoned building known as Frontiere. Frontiere was built several generations ago by an ambitious former king of Wilverton when mineral deposits were found in the area. The idea was to have Frontiere serve as housing for the miners right above the mine, thus minimizing travel and allowing for better living conditions for the miners. The mine soon unearthed underground caverns and while it made for large areas to be easily exploited, it was clear that the area had already been mined extensively by either the duergar or deep dwarves (no one figured out which one) and the mine quickly lost viability. The mine and building were left and fell into ruin, not to mention extensive forest infestation and is now almost indistinguishable from forest.
Exploring the building would probably be a two day operation but the map leads the group quickly to the shaft down to the mine. The only problem is that the shaft is currently guarded by three bugbears. They are not aware of the party, yet.
aReallyGreatAxe
 Looks like we're not the first ones here,   Garrett mutters, having backed away enough that his voice would not carry to the bugbears.

 "any bright ideas? We could go in swinging, but if anyone has a good idea to get them away from the mouth of the shaft so we don't risk getting shoved in, could be helpful"  

He absentmindedly pets the head of Viper William, who is coiled around his arm, as he ponders the situation.

 "Perhaps we could make something tempting for them to investigate?" 
spectralphoenix
 As much as I enjoy the old 'scream and leap', it could be useful to draw them away from any potential reinforcements  Felix concurs.

 My cousin took me boar hunting in these woods once, in... better times. I hated every minute of it. Still, these bugbears don't look too disciplined to turn down the chance at some extra meat. Garrett, do you think you can use your ranger tricks to convince a nice fat boar to show itself and lead them off into an ambush? Or maybe Sonamy could use that cantrip of his to fake the sound of one off in the woods? 
Metastachydium
  Could gauge their numbers? Maybe there's more.   Torta offers somewhat cautiously.   Or eavesdrop a little. Could do that easily.   the fey woman adds before looking pointedly at Felix, making sure the mage knows she's acknowledging his reasoning.   Then summon stuff  afterwards . I have a scroll.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Torta has a +8 to Hide and Move Silently, plus Winged Watcher retrieved and the Listen to This skill trick.
She also has a scroll of SNA2.
 
Chimaera
Urag listen to everyone's ideas and mock Torta.
" Oh! beware! She has a scroll! ", he laughs and hopes the bugbears wont listen them this far away.

Other than spiting Torta, Urag didnt add much to the planning: he's good to walk in there and beat these guys if they prove troublesome, but the others seems content in deciding how to approach the goblinoids and he's glad he don't need to overthink on things like plans. Kinda hoping it end with a brawl.
animorte
  I agree it would be beneficial to gather more information, if there is any to be had. Then I'm up for whatever. Though, make note I've never been any good at hiding.   William takes a few paces to the side, at least blocking line of sight from the bugbears. He trails off muttering about the time that Orc chieftain laughed from behind him.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

By the way, if any one person will be taking steps ahead to scout out (for traps, eaves-dropping, what-have-you), I have a standard action to take first.

Protective Ward: for 1 hour, target gains +5 bonus on next saving throw.
 
spectralphoenix
 A powerful and expensive item  Felix responds, ignoring Urag's sarcasm with noble bearing and poise.  I'd prefer you save it if we can accomplish our end through easier means. 
 Still, you're right about finding out who they are and who's with them. We seem to be meeting an awful lot of people on our way to this 'lost' treasure. William's right too, though. I say we have one person sneak up and scout, while the rest of us hang back and prepare to rush in if there's trouble.

If there's no one else around, it may be easier to simply ambush them where they are. 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

MikelaC1, is finding a boar and getting it to lead them into an ambush within the bounds of Wild Empathy as far as you're concerned?
 
Starbuck_II
 "I can fake a sound with a spell...

I could also cast grease to maybe make them fall down?"  Sonamy said.
Chimaera
" I know that cantrip as well! Listen ", Urag keep messing with the spellcasters, letting out a powerful and loud fart, " As for Grease, I think I can work something out... Hehehehe ".
Metastachydium
  That's no cantrip. More like, inhaled poison.   Torta jabs back.   Hits the brains, apparently. The closest affected first.   she adds, while turning to face the mine's direction even as she addresses those not called Urag, with a polite nod.   May I proceed, then? All scouting, no scrolls.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 18 ]  and
Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 23 ] .
I mean, maybe it  was  a really loud fart.
 
animorte
  Haha- oof!   William begins chuckling at Urag, but on the inhale, he receives an unfortunate waft of the poison cloud Torta mentions. He quickly covers his face, attempting to breathe through the scarf instead while muffling his cough.

  You got that right. Go on ahead Torta, it's probably safer up there anyway at this point.   He then dares an amused elbow at Urag's arm, still covering his face.

  Anyway, best make a move while we're still at an advantage.  
MikelaC1
Torta is able to get close enough to hear the bugbears talking but unfortunately, they are speaking in goblin, a language that she does not understand. She does hear the name  Rocco  being dropped, and right after the one finishes a statement, they both laugh and do a fist pump to each other.
aReallyGreatAxe
 "Reconnaissance sounds like a good plan. we could really use an idea of the numbers. See if our boar plan is even feasible. " 

While the others finish discussing, Garrett takes stock of his inventory, trying to think of what would be the easiest way to bait a boar. They seem to like sweet things....

 
 Spoiler: how to bait a boar 

If the boar plan is to proceed, Garrett will track one down and bait it with the sweetest part of his rations, like maybe jelly or something. Might be a good way to flavor it, since wild hogs can be baited with jello in real life.

If this is ruled as wild empathy, it is plus five, if it is ruled as handle animal, it is plus eight.

 (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 
Metastachydium
By the time Garrett figures out what to bait the hog with, Torta already begins to slink back towards the group, although not before she'd spend a couple more moments staring intently from her advanced position to make sure there's no more hostile presence than it is immediately apparent. As she moves to break away, however, she's way too busy committing the exact sequence of sounds she intercepted to memory (one of the wizards must know the language; Sonamy mentioned something like that before, she figures) to be sufficiently careful – and graceful as she  should  be, she  slips .

Freezing, she pulls herself up into a tense crouch, ready to jump, but hoping she won't have to. That could…  Complicate  things.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Another Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 30 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 31 ]   before  that atrocious attempt at stealth (to see if there's more hostile presence than the three bugbears) and
 (1d20+17)[ 37 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ]  for T. to see if she was noticed (assuming the gobs take some more sneaky approach to reacting than a screaming charge).
 
MikelaC1
Hoping to pull back from the bugbears and remain unseen and unheard, as well as keep what sounds she heard the bugbears speaking, Torta has too many things on her plate and twigs snap under her feet. The bugbears are dull but they arent that dull, their weapons are out and they start advancing towards where they heard Torta.

Round one
Bugbears are 40 feet from Torta, they dont know exactly where she is because of her second set of hide rolls, but they know someone is there
Rest of the party is 100 feet from the bugbears.
Initiative and actions.
spectralphoenix
 I suppose I wasn't really looking forward to wrangling a wild boar anyway  Felix whispers wryly to himself.  Let's do this! 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 

Felix delays until after the bugbears have moved.

He moves forward 30 feet and takes cover behind a sturdy tree if one is nearby. If the enemy is within 40 feet casts Scorching Ray. He gets two rays* and splits them between two bugbears, favoring any already injured. Otherwise, he readies an action to cast if two or more bugbears get within range.

Ranged Touch:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  Damage:  (4d6)[ 20 ] 
Ranged Touch:  (1d20+5)[ 13 ]  Damage  (4d6)[ 9 ] 

*Caster level is 7 due to Fiery Blast feat
 
Chimaera
Seeing that the bugbears got startled, Urag stop laughing amd dashes forward, greataxe in hands and not even caring on being stealthy.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 

Actions: full round to dash 60ft closer to the bugbears.
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett drops his sweet boar treat to the ground as things begin to hit the fan.  "you wouldn't have had to do the wrangling,"  Garrett observes to Felix, before dashing forward and arcing his primary shortsword at the nearest bugbear.

Viper William follows suit, arcing across the ground like a deadly ribbon.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 


Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 

Actions: hold turn until after the bugbears have moved closer

Move action: run up to a bugbear

Attack action: slice and dice
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  piercing + 1 acid

 Viper William only has a 20' movement, so he will hold his turn until Garret moves, then simply double move to chase Garrett.

Viper William Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy draws his bow while moving and fires at one of the Bugbears hoping he can get a sneaky arrow off.

 
 Spoiler 

Too far for sneak attack (30 ft)). Moving 30 ft with while drawing bow and firing 70 ft away (just within 1st ranged increment happily)

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
 touch: 14, ff: 16,
 Saves: +3/+8 /+5
 Speed: 30 ft

Init:  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
 Dam:  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
 
animorte
  Oh, that's not good.   William was sincerely hoping on bringing the n for an ambush, but the numbers are in their favor... For now.

  The quicker we can dispatch them, the better. No telling what else is in there.   That thought urges him to the front of the rest of the group.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 

Move action: Move the full 30 feet closer.

Standard action: cast Shield Other on Garrett. (+1 AC, +1 saves, half his damage damage taken instead goes to me, 5 hours)

 rings have been accounted for, as he is the leader 
 
Metastachydium
Groaning, albeit only internally, Torta makes a few quick, cold calculations. She could wait for the bugbears to close and hit them hard when they least expect it; but she cannot take all three: indeed, downing even one would be a fluke. So she must move. But which way? Maybe if she bolted into the brush, away from the others the brutes would follow. She can shake them. But she knows her companions all  too  well. She's not a boar, perhaps not even to  Urag . They wouldn't let that be. And should the bugbears fail to take the bait… The others would be a pair of arms short. Hers, specifically.

Hissing an indistinct curse, the lanky fae springs up and bolts forward, swirling around a good thirty feet further away, drawing bow and arrow. She locks eyes with a bugbear, the closest. And she  looses .

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Move action break cover and move 30' back towards the crew as requested, drawing shortbow;
free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 25 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 26 ]  to take a measure of the battlefield (see where everyone is, check for threats T. wasn't aware of yet &amp;c.);
standard action attack a bugbear (70' away, so just outside the first increment):  (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6)[ 2 ]  piercing.
 
MikelaC1
(Garrett and Urag do not get attack actions as they had to close distance, bugbears also moving as well, next round full attack options)

Torta attempts to sprint back to the party to lure the bugbears into following her, she also turns and fires a bow at one, piercing its furry hide. Sonomy also fires at the same bugbear, dealing him a bit more damage, at which point the  scorching rays  connect. The bugbear who had been hit by two arrows is dropped immediately, while the one closing with Garrett takes a major hit but not enough to drop him. William shield Garrett with a spell, while Garrett, Urag and the bugbears move into melee range

Round two
One bugbear down
Garrett engaged with extremely damaged bugbear, Urag engaged with undamaged bugbear
(if bow or ranged spell casters fire, they are firing into melee)
spectralphoenix
 Yeah, that's what you said about the dire rat nest. I had to throw that cloak out, you know. 

Redirecting his attention to the task at hand, Felix lightens up a little.  Still, we seem to have gotten our ambush after all. Let's finish this up, shall we? 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Fiery Blast, 5ft radius burst
If I can hit both bugbears without hitting the party I do so, otherwise I go for the most wounded enemy still on its feet.
Fire Damage:  (3d6)[ 10 ]  reflex DC 18 half
 
Chimaera
" Urag to the rescue! ", the barbarian yells as he swing his axe in the bugbear's torso, hoping to taking him down in a single swing.

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Actions 
He'll 5ft step to flank if possible and power attack with his greataxe:
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
PA 4  (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  (add +2 to attack if he ca get into flanking position)
dmg  (1d12+15)[ 27 ] 
 
Metastachydium
As the actual warriors charge into the fray, Torta assumes a more relaxed posture and lowers her bow. She extends her free arm towards Garrett and utters a single, garbled syllable. That should do more than brandishing a club could; she's been sufficiently inefficient as it is.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
T. takes a 5' step if needed to not be withiin any hostile's melee reach;
standard action casts Snake's Swiftness, granting Garrett an extra melee attack on her initiative count;
free action maintains vigilance through Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ] .
 
animorte
  Yeah, we need to get you another cloak.   William then readies his mace and shield while closing in the remaining distance, taking his place on the front line.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 

Free action: holds breath when passing by Urag and the lingering trail of flatulence.

Move: up to 30 feet, attempting to flank the unharmed enemy with Urag, if possible.

Standard: attack  (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  (+2 if flanking), damage  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy moves 30 ft closer and fires again to damaged bugbear

 
 Spoiler 

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft


 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  Includes -4 from hitting into melee
 (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett feels the rush of the spell, flicking his blade out with renewed vigor at the bugbear. But he doesn't acknowledge Torta's effort- not just yet, he's a little busy with the bugbear in his face.

Once the burst of adrenaline fades, he attacks with the caution he is used to.
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

On initiative count 23 thanks to the amazing Torta:

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  piercing +1 acid

On initiative count  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
-- Viper william will double move to flank.

On initiative count  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Attack 2:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
(Both +2 if Viper William is providing flanking)

Damage1:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  piercing +1 acid
Damage 2:  (1d6+4)[ 5 ]  Piercing
 
MikelaC1
bugbear init
 (1d20+1)[ 10 ] 
MikelaC1
The lack of speed for the bugbears proves to be their undoing, the flank position of William gives Urag the opening he needs to hit and he cleaves the bugbear, while the combined strikes of Sonomy and Garrett take down the wounded one. Given that the shots went off before Felix had even began his casting motions, he is able to hold his spell and not waste the power.
Chimaera
" Any more threats, Torta? ", Urag says as he begins (poorly) cleaning up his magic axe, " If all opposition is gone, where should we head next, Garret? "

The barbarian looks at the dead bugbears and begin to help checking them for any useful thing that could be later sold.
animorte
William also makes it a point to check for anything worth keeping, still pretty glad about not really having gotten his hands dirty just yet. He puts away his mace, still keeping his shield at the ready as they prepare to move forward.

  Nicely done. I suggest we use our momentum wisely. And Garrett, keep close by.   He rubs at the ring on his own hand.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

By the way, these two benefits are still in effect. I will periodically check in to see when the time has run out.

Torta:

 Protective Ward: for 1 hour, target gains +5 bonus on next saving throw. 

Garrett:

 Standard action: cast Shield Other on Garrett. (+1 AC, +1 saves, half his damage damage taken instead goes to me, 5 hours) 
 
Metastachydium
  Nothing else, I believe.   Torta shakes her head slightly, in response to Urag's surprisingly relevant question.   That being said, however.   she reminds, first of all, herself.   Sonamy, you speak Goblin? Or is that you?   she flicks a quick, green glance each at the two arcanists, motioning to them to come closer.   The bugbears, they talked. Now, listen to this.   she explains, her face stiffening with concentration before she'd repeat the conversation she overheard, sound by sound, the meaning hidden from her.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen to This! T. memorized the gobs' talking and with this handy skill trick, she recounts it with uncanny precision!
Also, Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 19 ] .
 
MikelaC1
In contrast to the orcs who had some masterwork items, the bugbears have no such items, but do have 150 silver and 75 gold between them all. The map clearly indicates a descent into the mine tunnels underneath the rotting structure of Frontiere.
Torta relays the words she heard the bugbears speaking and Sonomy, who speaks goblin provides a rough translation. One of the bugbears is griping about sharing some of this treasure with the half orc Rocco (whom they refer to as half breed as well as several other unpleasant terms) but the other bugbear says that  Slagh , an unidentified being, is going to back stab Rocco and cut him out of the deal, which is the point where the bugbears laughed and did the fist bump.
spectralphoenix
 Well, sounds like we haven't brought down the army's attention, at least  Felix muses.  I suppose we can handle a little unfriendly competition. Nice work, Torta! 

Felix carefully commits the map to memory.

 Well, the faster we move in, the better chance we have of taking them by surprise. Shall we? 
aReallyGreatAxe
 
 Originally Posted by MikelaC1 
 In contrast to the orcs who had some masterwork items, the bugbears have no such items, but do have 150 silver and 75 gold between them all. The map clearly indicates a descent into the mine tunnels underneath the rotting structure of Frontiere.
Torta relays the words she heard the bugbears speaking and Sonomy, who speaks goblin provides a rough translation. One of the bugbears is griping about sharing some of this treasure with the half orc Rocco (whom they refer to as half breed as well as several other unpleasant terms) but the other bugbear says that  Slagh , an unidentified being, is going to back stab Rocco and cut him out of the deal, which is the point where the bugbears laughed and did the fist bump. 
 

 Well, we'd best be on the lookout for this 'Slagh' then. I wonder what kind of creature they have for a leader,   he muses, bringing to mind the rumors of ogres and worse within the castle walls.



 
 Originally Posted by spectralphoenix 
  Well, sounds like we haven't brought down the army's attention, at least  Felix muses.  I suppose we can handle a little unfriendly competition. Nice work, Torta! 

Felix carefully commits the map to memory.

 Well, the faster we move in, the better chance we have of taking them by surprise. Shall we?  
 

Given the many questions posed to him, Garrett finally nods to Felix.  We should get going. 

He takes a look at the mineshaft, curious as to how the bugbears were getting up and down the perilous descent.


 
 Spoiler: ooc 


Barring any objections, I think everyone is right and we should proceed!
 
Chimaera
" So should we leave a trail of corpses or ashes? ", Urag asks grimly, ready to pile the corpses or hide them in another hall in the ruined building, " I don't think the missing sentinels will go unnoticed should any of them check here ".

 
 Spoiler: Hobgoblins' Fate 
He's good to go and wont mind leaving, hiding or incinerating the corpses.
 
aReallyGreatAxe
 
 Originally Posted by Chimaera 
 " So should we leave a trail of corpses or ashes? ", Urag asks grimly, ready to pile the corpses or hide them in another hall in the ruined building, " I don't think the missing sentinels will go unnoticed should any of them check here ".

 
 Spoiler: Hobgoblins' Fate 
He's good to go and wont mind leaving, hiding or incinerating the corpses.
 
 
 

 I think bringing them to another hall would be sufficient. Their absence alone will probably alert anyone, but hiding the bodies could buy us some time.  And the scent of burning might attract unwanted attention.  
Garrett matches Urag's grim tone, not looking forward to the gory task.
Metastachydium
  Need help with that?   Torta asks evenly as she slips her bow back into its sheath.   Will stand watch otherwise.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

More Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 37 ] 
 
animorte
William moves to help lift one of the corpses and looks to the others for direction.   Where are we going with these?  

When that is situated he prepares with the others to head down the mine shaft.   And how are we planning to get down there?  
Chimaera
Urag pick half a bugbear by the hand and the other half with the other hand. He did exagerated in the last axe swing.

Quietly he drags the corpse to another room and drop the dead there before returning.

" So we are going down? "
MikelaC1
There are rungs leading down the shaft
Metastachydium
Torta stalks closer to the shaft and lowers herself to a crouch beside it, leaning forward to gauge its depth.   It'd seem so.   she tells the barbarian, hoping her posture alone will tell William that descending doesn't appear to present a particularly serious issue.   Urag and me first?   she then looks up at Garrett. That would be their standard procedure; but Garrett and his map know more about this place  than she does.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 24 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 23 ] , naturally.
 
MikelaC1
Torta does not hear anything of note, but when she looks down into the mineshaft, she sees a few tufts of hair on several of the rungs. She figures the shaft goes about 15-20 feet before it comes into a horizontal tunnel.
Chimaera
Taking the front, Urag begins to climb down the rungs and deeper into the mine.

 
 Spoiler: Climbing down 
If a Climb check is needed, Urag's climb check is:

 (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
 


" Sure is dark here... ", he complains as he descends.
aReallyGreatAxe
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 Torta stalks closer to the shaft and lowers herself to a crouch beside it, leaning forward to gauge its depth.   It'd seem so.   she tells the barbarian, hoping her posture alone will tell William that descending doesn't appear to present a particularly serious issue.   Urag and me first?   she then looks up at Garrett. That would be their standard procedure; but Garrett and his map know more about this place  than she does.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20-1)[ 7 ]  and Spot: [roll1], naturally.
 
 
 

Garrett nods.  "I'll come after,"  he says, then looks critically down into the darkness.  "William, come here,"  he orders to his viper, and the snake coils his way up and around Garrett's shoulders so that it isn't in the way during the descent.

 
 Spoiler: climb check 


If such a check is necessary, Garrett's is  (1d20-1)[ 7 ] 
 
Metastachydium
  Expect some 20 feet. Should be no deeper.   Torta remarks with a nod at Garrett as she follows Urag down the shaft.   And something hairy, too.   she adds from below, turning around and touching the little charm hanging from her neck to inspect the tunnel in the light that radiates forth from it.   It used the ladder.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Climb:  (1d20)[ 8 ]  if neccessary.
Once down, T. casts Light on her chronocharm; it will shed light as a torch for 40 minutes or until dismissed. Note that T. has low-light vision as well.
Oh, and Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 26 ]  plus Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 22 ] , as usual.
 
MikelaC1
(climb checks are not needed, everyone who has posted about going down has succeeded)
Torta does not spot anything, as the light spell does not penetrate the darkness any further than usual. The map indicates going to the left.
spectralphoenix
Felix goes next, pulling on his gloves before mounting the ladder.

 I say we follow the map, whoever is already here has probably already scouted the tunnels  he whispers to the others when they're all at the bottom.
animorte
It's a little trick William learned in time. If things need to be seen, his eyes have never been the best for it, but counting on friends to go first helps to show the way. The looks and actions of the others gave him comfort in bringing up the rear, and descending into what would be complete darkness.   Oh, thanks for the light.   He was just about to cast the same exact spell, and is still considering doing so.
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett pulls out the map and brings it a bit closer to Torta's light to get a better look.  "Seems like we should go this way,"  he whispers after a moment of contemplation, and gently bats away Viper William's attempt to slither towards the light.

The snake, dejected, wraps himself back around Garrett's shoulders like the scaly version of a feather boa.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Assuming the map is easily read, I believe we should follow that to the left.  This campaign is, after all, named after it! 😁
 
MikelaC1
The whole group makes its way down the rungs and proceeds down the worked tunnels, avoiding any of the dead ends from the map info. They eventually come to a slightly larger chamber, on the other side of it, an ogre and 10 orcs are working to clear a collapsed tunnel. Most of the work is being done by the orcs with the ogre badgering them to work harder
Chimaera
Seeing the many orcs and ogres, Urag's eye widen and his heart begins to beat faster: an ogre, a barbarian and ten orcs walks into a bar.

Urag take a step ahead Torta and get his axe ready, but does not play around this time. He tries his best to be like his totem spirite a lion and stalk these prey, but he's also trying to protect them from the possible incoming green avalanche.

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Instincts 
He'll stealthly take a 5ft step and hope their working sounds baffle any Listen. He'll move to block as much line charges as possible while still not just walking.

Move Silently
[Roll]1d20+3/roll]

And he'll ready to attack the first enemy to get close enough for a good swing.

Greataxe  (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  dmg  (1d12+7)[ 10 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
Seeing the crowded room, Felix knows the time has come to act swiftly and decisively. With a quick warning to the others to keep clear, he draws upon his most powerful spell...

 
 Spoiler 

 FIREBALL! 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 

20 foot radius spread, hitting as many enemies as possible
 (7d6)[ 24 ]  fire damage, DC 20 reflex for half
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy readies a glitterdust (DC 16 will save Negate) after the fireball, to blind any that survive.

 
 Spoiler 


 AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
 touch: 14, ff: 16,
 Saves: +3/+8 /+5
 Speed: 30 ft
Glitterdust centered on edge of Ogre so hits a orc or two 10-ft.-radius spread
  spellfailure  - (1d100)[ 88 ] , anything above a 10 works.
 
animorte
William doesn't dare move any further out speak a word. He knows that stealth isn't his strength and he doesn't wish to give away their position. He will wait until after the proper action has been taken to do anything. They're outnumbered and the enemy is grouped up.   I know the drill!   His thoughts shine right through the smirk on his face, not that anybody can see it.

 
 Spoiler: actions 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 

He is going to pull out his crossbow and aim directly at the Ogre leader and  ready  the attack for immediately after Glidderdust has been cast.

Still in the back line, so here's a Spot check in case something tries to sneak up:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  (if it does, drop crossbow and pull out shield immediately.) Otherwise:

5-foot step for line of sight if necessary.
Attack Ogre:  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Torta and Garrett 

By the way, these two benefits are still in effect. While it may have been an hour, I'm sure it hasn't been five yet.

Torta:

 Protective Ward: for 1 hour, target gains +5 bonus on next saving throw. 

Garrett:

 Shield Other on Garrett: (+1 AC, +1 saves, half his damage damage taken instead goes to me, 5 hours) 
 

 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett pulls out his shortswords, seeing the mass of foes. He holds until after the conflagration, waiting to pick off any survivors. Viper William slithers quietly off of his shoulders, a ribbon of shadow in the dark.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Garrett will hold his action until an orc or ogre comes close enough to hit. I'm hoping they will make to attack once they realize they've been fireballed.

Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 22 ]  EDIT: +2 if Viper William is flanking
Damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  +1 acid +4 if an orc

Viper william will hold an action to slither behind to provide flanking.
Viper William Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
STATUS: Garrett currently has +1 AC
 
Metastachydium
Torta looks at the assembled opposition impassively. She knows, just as well as the others that this is Felix's time to  shine , a time for blazing, cruel,  clean  efficacy. Flicking her gaze left and right, mostly out of habit, she silently draws her bow again and nocks an arrow.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Free action Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 28 ]  and Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 18 ]  (to notice anything amiss, foes not yet seen &amp;c.);
move action draw shortbow;
standard action ready a shot at anything that survives, preferably an orc:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6)[ 1 ]  piercing;
free action be  really  quite until after the boom.
 
MikelaC1
 (1d20+18)[ 34 ]  attack &amp;  (2d8+15)[ 24 ]  damage
MikelaC1
The party steps into the room, the light causing all of the opponents to look up but before they can even think to act, Felix intones his most powerful spell, a booming  fireball.  The entire host of orcs are blown away and the ogre is badly burned. Roaring with rage (Urag can tell that the ogre has entered a barbarian rage state), the ogre and Urag charge into each other with a crashing bang, the barbarian missing but the ogre scoring a hit for  24  points of damage...Urags retaliation strike goes wide of the target. Sonomy's attempt to use  glitterdust  to blind the ogre does not seem to work, but Torta's arrow finds ogre hide, while Garret moving up in tandem with Urag for a flank position also scores a hit on the beast.

Round two
Urag and Garrett engaged on ogre. There is room for one other person to engage the brute, normally moving into position to attack would provoke an AoO but since he is dually engaged, he will not get that chance. However since you would have to move to engage, you would only have time for a standard attack, i.e. one swing. If you fire into melee, use normal penalties for firing into battle.
Your best guess is that the ogre has taken about half his total.
Chimaera
Finally some action! Urag feels the blow from the ogre's atgack and let out a howl of both pain and joy.

Flanking the ogre, he make sure to retribute the favor in the form of a powerful axe swjng aimed at the giant's knees.

 
 Spoiler: Flanked PA Swing 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 

Greataxe (PA 4):  (1d20+8)[ 10 ]  dmg  (1d12+15)[ 26 ] 
 
Metastachydium
The battle  plan worked – for the most part. That ogre, however remains way more alive than it is entirely healthy and it seems to have retained its ability to draw blood, in quantities. Maneuvering closer with grace, Torta pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs. It will take damage, and that's Urag's thing; it needs doing, so she'll do it. Extending a slender arm, she motions towards the big man.   It's yours, Urag.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
T. move action closes so that she's in range but far outside the ogre's reach;
standard action casts Snake's Swiftness, granting Urag an immediate action attack on her initiative count;
free action isn't happy about it; and
free action scans the environs with Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 32 ]  &amp; Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 19 ] .
 
Chimaera
With magical grace and speed, Urag swing once again at the ogre, hoping to this time connect and bring down the giant.

 
 Spoiler: Snake Swiftness Bonus Attack 
Still PA of 4
Greataxe:  (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  dmg  (1d12+15)[ 22 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
As the smoke clears, Felix settles his sights on the last remaining enemy.  Looks like someone wants another. 
 
 Spoiler 

Felix uses his Fiery Burst feat on the ogre.

5 foot radius burst, entirely within the ogre's space.
 (3d6)[ 12 ]  fire damage, Reflex DC 18 half
 
animorte
  What a show!   William exclaims in awe of all the exploding. But he notices the angry Ogre still moving at full speed.   Why don't you take seat, buddy.  
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative: [roll0]

Standard Action: Cast Command on the Ogre,   "SIT!"   (prone, 15 will save negates, -4 to melee AC and attack rolls, +4 AC vs ranged)
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy decides to move close and attack hoping to sneak an attack under its tough skin (sneak attack)
 "To Arms!" 
 
 Spoiler 

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft

  attack  - (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  add +2 if counts as Flanking
  dam  - (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
Sneak Attk  (1d6)[ 5 ]  if Flanking
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett strikes again, cursing softly under his breath as Urag takes a mighty blow.

 
 Spoiler: actions 

Initiative  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 

Attack 1:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 
Damage 1:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  +1 acid

Attack 2:  (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Damage 2:  (1d6+4)[ 9 ] 
 
MikelaC1
Urag connects on the swift attack granted by Torta, but its not enough to kill the ogre. The beast retaliates, dealing  22  points of damage to the barbarian but his second attack fails to connect. Felix continues to try and turn him into a living torch and then Garrett moves in at that point, scoring 2 hits including one critical, and with a low moan, the ogre topples over, dead.
spectralphoenix
 Well, that was a little harder than I thought it would be  Felix mutters as the ogre finally dies. With a glance at Urag to make sure the big man's injuries were not immediately life-threatening, he goes to check the bodies for gold, supplies, or information.
animorte
William looks across at all the incinerated corpses.   "Yeah, just the one. Urag, how you feeling? Like that adrenaline?"   He moves over to his bulky friend to inspect the recent wounds. He then rests his hand near enough one of them, other hand on his holy symbol.

Cure Serious Wounds:  (3d8+5)[ 18 ] 
  Anybody want to check the room for valuables? Any point in trying to hide all them guys?   He cautiously begins moving to inspect the bodies himself.
Chimaera
Urag spits lots of blood and accept the healing touch of his friend, " Very fun, a shame our blasty friend exploded the orcs too quickly ".

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Scars 
He is at 36 out of 64 hp.
 


" Hiding them? If there are more they surely heard that fireball. But I wonder what they were trying to mine here: they did knew about the treasure map ".
spectralphoenix
 I agree  Felix replies.  If they sent a squad of orcs here to dig, and the orcs vanish but the room is all charred, they won't need a master inquisitive to guess what happened. Best we keep moving. 

He pauses searching to contribute some of his own stash of magic towards healing the barbarian.

 
 Spoiler 

Felix uses a charge from his Healing Belt on Urag, healing  (2d8)[ 9 ]  damage.
 

 Hmm. We know there's supposed to be some sort of riddle here. Perhaps they couldn't solve it and are trying to dig their way in through brute force? 
MikelaC1
The map indicates that you have to go through a tunnel that is now blocked by the rockslide that the orcs and ogre were digging at. They had actually done a fair bit of the work, so the group is able to finish the job fairly quickly, after all, they only have to make a human size hole, instead of one big enough to accommodate an ogre. Pushing past the rock slide, the group goes about 30 feet down the tunnel until it opens into a large chamber. Inside the chamber, the group sees a curious site.  Ahead of the group is a large box-like structure, the top of it has what appears to be a glass case, inside of which is a pile of coins, gems and a sword. On the front of the box are 10 levers, each of which can be pushed into a forward notch or to either side. Right now, all the levers are set to no position.

To the right of the machine is a table filled with gems, from where you stand, you can see 10 of them, a diamond, an emerald, a sapphire, a ruby, an amethyst, an opal, a moonstone, a topaz, a garnet and a turquoise.

On the left hand side is another table, this one is filled with a random set of items, there is a crown, a scepter, an amulet, a ring, a necklace, a sword, a belt, a tiara, a bracelet and a brooch. From where you are standing, you can see that all the items are bejeweled, however at least one or two of them (from what you can see at this distance) are missing a gem, judging by the hole in it.

Finally, on the middle of the floor is a rolled up scroll.

From the visual examinations, you can tell that each and every item is missing one gem from it, judging by the hole that you see in each design. Not all the holes are the same size, the same with the gems, so there is a certain amount of matching that could be done there, for instance, there is no way the garnet could fit into the spot in the Crown (too small), no way the diamond could fit into the bracelet (too big) and so on. There are no monsters present in the room.
spectralphoenix
 Well, this must be our puzzle  Felix muses.  Perhaps the scroll holds a riddle of some sort? Still, there are formalities that must be maintained.
 
 
 Spoiler 

Felix casts Detect Magic and begins scanning the area.
 

 Sonamy, would you mind checking for any mechanical workings in the area? 
Starbuck_II
 "Sure, I'll do my best, I have to say I am stumped on the puzzle tho. Guess we can try randomly checking which gems fit which items?

Or failing that we break glass?" 
Sonamy moves hands slowly over the ground and walls looking for anything out of ordinary.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+16)[ 35 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
 I doubt whoever built this went through all the trouble just for us to smash our way in with a crowbar. Let's try reading the scroll before we touch anything else. 
MikelaC1
The pedestal radiates magic but nothing else does; and Sonomy finds no traps or anything out of the ordinary on the floor.
Felix unrolls the scroll, it is written in common

 Straight ahead of you, you see the  riddle that holds your prize. On your right, you will see a large table filled with gems, while on your left, you will see items that can be bejeweled. Your task is to match all the gems to the items they fit, and then use that item to move the lever into position. Match them up right, and you will release the treasure. Dont get them right, and you will be left empty handed. The simple answer would be a straight match of the items that have holes in them, but whether that is right or not is something only time will answer. And on the subject of time, you will have no idea of how much time you have left, because there are other challengers in this dungeon, and they will be right on your tail. And even if they are not ready to pounce on you, if you delay too much and bore me, I might just release some horrible beast to slaughter you like the fodder that you are. Dont think for a moment that I dont have the power to kill you, because believe me, I do.  
Metastachydium
Torta reads the scroll over Felix's shoulder with a slight frown. So that's how there was so much competition amassed at a presumably secret location, and their party is to expect more to come, including…   Who's this "I"?   she wonders aloud, scanning the room again somewhat nervously.   And what's next? I'm no jeweller.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 28 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 29 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
 Well, that's more... threatening than I anticipated. 

Felix looks over the trinkets speculatively.

 Perhaps we need to arrange the items in order of worth, from the noble crown and precious diamond to the humble turquoise and belt? Or perhaps in alphabetical order, from the amulet and amethyst to the turquoise and tiara? 

Putting the scroll down, he moves to examine the levers.

 And the levers - they appear to have multiple positions - how to tell which is correct? 
Chimaera
" Bah! Papers and words ", Urag scoffs at the threats in the riddle, " So what think it might be? I guess we cant be just guessing the combinations, but maybe someone could loom better and see what fits what? "

"[B]I'll let you figure it out and will stand watch should any beast are unleashed here", the barbarian stands ready waiting for any threats to show up.

Turnjng to Garret, he asks ojtnof curiosity, " And where did you got this map again, boss? "
animorte
William is curious at the absence of traps and quite sure anybody before them just gave up after a few tries for fear of facing unknown threats.   "Well, I suppose if there were direct consequences for failure, this "I" would see no reason to leave threats.   He begins to inspect all of the pieces of the riddle before them as best he can, hoping to see any obvious shaped slots.   It may be easier to find where the items fit at the levers.   He looks to Felix, the one that always seems to have the best ideas.
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett rolls his eyes at Urag's comment.  "Where I got the map hardly matters. I'm more concerned about these 'other challengers'." 

He then peers closer at the levers  "Do you think it matters whether they go left or right into position?"  
Chimaera
" The instructions says the words right, left and up. It might be some wordplay or fancy metaphor. Nerdy stuff ", the barbarian suggests, " Maybe Rocco and the ogre were some other party of challengers. Might be more of those looking for this prize ".

"[B]It does mentions 'Match them up right' and 'you'll be left empty handed'."

The barbarian says his thoughts  and then get back on picking his nose, " Or maybe Torta can become a tiny little mousr and get a better look at each hole and jewel. See which futs were ".
Metastachydium
  Not good at mouse.   Torta shakes her head slowly, shifting closer to the tables. Strangely enough, Urag had a point there. She  should , perhaps, take a closer look.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

A good Spot on each table and the levers:  (1d20+17)[ 20 ]  on gems;  (1d20+17)[ 27 ]  on holes&amp;items;  (1d20+17)[ 20 ]  on box/levers.
T. then activates Detect Spirits and looks around; if there are incorporeal undead, fey creatures, elementals or anything with the spirit subtype within 60', she should detect them.
 
spectralphoenix
 
 Originally Posted by Chimaera 
 " The instructions says the words right, left and up. It might be some wordplay or fancy metaphor. Nerdy stuff ", the barbarian suggests, " Maybe Rocco and the ogre were some other party of challengers. Might be more of those looking for this prize ".

"[B]It does mentions 'Match them up right' and 'you'll be left empty handed'."

The barbarian says his thoughts  and then get back on picking his nose, " Or maybe Torta can become a tiny little mousr and get a better look at each hole and jewel. See which futs were ". 
 

 You're right  Felix exclaims.  Straight, Right, Left, Right, Right, Left, Straight, Right, Left, Right. Sounds like a good try to me. 

Felix moves to examine the items.

 A straight match... 
 
 Spoiler 

If Torta doesn't find anything noteworthy, Felix checks to see if he can match the items as follows, in alphabetical order -

amulet - amethyst
belt - diamond
bracelet - emerald
brooch - garnet
crown - moonstone
necklace - opal
ring - ruby
scepter - sapphire
sword - topaz
tiara - turquoise

If any of them don't fit, he carefully returns them to their original positions on the table.
 
MikelaC1
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   Not good at mouse.   Torta shakes her head slowly, shifting closer to the tables. Strangely enough, Urag had a point there. She  should , perhaps, take a closer look.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

A good Spot on each table and the levers: [roll0] on gems; [roll1] on holes&amp;items; [roll2] on box/levers.
T. then activates Detect Spirits and looks around; if there are incorporeal undead, fey creatures, elementals or anything with the spirit subtype within 60', she should detect them.
 
 
 

A good look at the gems reveals they are just colored glass...nice enough looking and cut properly but completely worthless. When examining the items, she the same thing, cheap glass and plastic. There are no spirits present.


 
 Originally Posted by spectralphoenix 
  You're right  Felix exclaims.  Straight, Right, Left, Right, Right, Left, Straight, Right, Left, Right. Sounds like a good try to me. 

Felix moves to examine the items.

 A straight match... 
 
 Spoiler 

If Torta doesn't find anything noteworthy, Felix checks to see if he can match the items as follows, in alphabetical order -

amulet - amethyst
belt - diamond
bracelet - emerald
brooch - garnet
crown - moonstone
necklace - opal
ring - ruby
scepter - sapphire
sword - topaz
tiara - turquoise

If any of them don't fit, he carefully returns them to their original positions on the table.
 
 
 

The gems dont fit in the items as outlined
Starbuck_II
Sonamy tries:

amulet - sapphire
 belt - opal
 bracelet - Ruby
 brooch - Moonstone
 crown - Diamond
 necklace - turquoise
 ring - amethyst
 scepter - Topaz
 sword - Garnet
 tiara - Emerald

 
 Spoiler 

Might as well try this:
S, O, Y, M, D, T (), A (A for amethyst), A (A from Topaz), A (a from Garnet, D (D from Emerald)
 
Metastachydium
  This is all  trash .   Torta remarks bemused, lifting and tapping a few items the others are not currently busy handling to find a match for it. Still, she endeavours to give them another look, trying to notice a pattern.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

What colour are the opal and the diamond?
 
Chimaera
" Maybe the smallest gem, the garnet, goes to the smallest item? I guess it would be the ring. And the biggest would go to the bigger item? The sword maybe? "

Urag frowns as he make an effort to think, and by the look of his face he doesnt  seem happy about it.

" Or maybe the beasts whoever unleashes on us to slaughter us when time is gone by comes with a hint? "
spectralphoenix
 Well, I was hoping to dazzle you all with a stroke of my brilliance, but no such stroke seems to be forthcoming.

Still, let's see if the gems and items were meant to fit at all. 
 
 Spoiler 

Felix takes the garnet and tries it against each of the ten items. Even if he finds a fit, he keeps going to see if it fits more than one socket.
 
MikelaC1
After about 10 minutes of playing matchmaker, Felix is able to match a gem to each item needing one
animorte
  "There's that. Now maybe we slot them in alphabetical order? Wonder how we're doing on  time. "   William exaggerates the last word. He had been checking to see if there were any obvious slots on the levers where something might fit, if anything stands out.
MikelaC1
The levers are smooth, with no slots
animorte
  "I don't see any obvious slots actually on the levers. Anybody else want to check the perimeter of this room? I'm going to keep looking around these tables."  

William gestures around the machine then points to the edges of the room, and to each table.

Here's a  spot  check if needed:  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
Chimaera
" Cant we just smash the glass with a big rock? ", the barbarian complains, bored of the puzzle.

He does get a bit excited once Felix manage ro get the right combination.

" So what was the right combination? Maybe it can give us some idea on how the puzzle work ".
spectralphoenix
 Well, let's try an experiment. 
 
 Spoiler 

Felix uses the scepter to push the first lever into the straight forward position. If nothing happens, he goes on to push the remaining levers as follows, stopping if anything changes:
Right, Left, Right, Right, Left, Straight, Right, Left, Right
 
Metastachydium
Torta acknowledges the barbarians  alternative  plan with a cautious   Sonamy found  no  traps…   before shaking her head and pressing a hand against her own temple.   Stop making sense, Urag. You get me worried.   she dismisses her inchoate enthusiasm, offering Felix an encouraging nod – but keeping a very keen eye open, should something go wrong.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 18 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 28 ] .
 
MikelaC1
As soon as the levers are pushed into position as planned by Felix, the glass around the treasure disappears and the pedestal lowers down to waist height.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The gems and items were just to serve as props for the left, right and straight words
 
spectralphoenix
 Well it took a little more guesswork and a few more insights from a barbarian than my tutors would have approved of, but...  Felix mutters before turning and flourishing with his cloak  My fellow adventurers, may I present the lost treasure of Frontiere! 
 Now let's get out of here before anyone shows up. 
Chimaera
" Let's take this treasure and get out then, before more challengers come around ".

The barbarian begins to collect the treasure and stash into a bag, " Here's the sword you came here for, boss ", he says handing Garret the sword, " Is it even magic? Or any of the treasure actually, or just a bunch of jewelry for us to sell? ", he asks none in particular.

With the treasure safely stored, Urag is ready to leave and go back to town, glad they found some nice trinkets to trade for beer and fun.
Metastachydium
  Your intellect  is  dazzling.   Torta lays a light, reassuring hand on Felix's shoulder with an almost-smile.   But I do agree. We better start moving. Are we done, Garrett?   she asks their leader even as she shifts forward and towards the tunnel to peer into it, lest they end up jumped.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 24 ]  and Spot:  (1d2017)[ 867 ] .
 
animorte
  "Well done, as always! Taking chances is always a valid option."   Of course, William assists in clearing up all the valuables, though not particularly worried about his share.   "We can count out all this when we get to a safer spot. I think we leave the same way we came in, eyes peeled. Same order?"  

He goes over to Urag just before they begin to head out.   "Hey buddy, have some more of this."  

Cure Moderate Wounds:  (2d8+5)[ 16 ] 
Chimaera
Urag gives a nod to William, " Thanks for your blessings. Feeling better already ".

He takes a moment to admire the scar left after the healjng before taking the frontline of the group, " Whenever you're ready to go, just let me know and we'll be on out way to the tavern. Just need to find one I'm not banned yet ".
animorte
William chuckles at the memory of some of their interesting encounters.   "I think we can figure something out with some of my well-mannered  diplomacy ."  
aReallyGreatAxe
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   Your intellect  is  dazzling.   Torta lays a light, reassuring hand on Felix's shoulder with an almost-smile.   But I do agree. We better start moving. Are we done, Garrett?   she asks their leader even as she shifts forward and towards the tunnel to peer into it, lest they end up jumped.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen: [roll0] and Spot: [roll1].
 
 
 

 "Done as we'll ever be,"  Garret says. smiling as he looks at the lowered glass.   "Thank you all for your brilliance,"  he says, though he quirks an eyebrow as he realizes that this statement surprisingly includes Urag, and bends down and extends an arm to Viper William, who coils his way up to his customary place.
 
"Now, best we'd be getting back to town, before we run into any other treasure-seekers."  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 


Assuming no objections, Garrett will lead the others back towards town, in the previously established marching order for safety, at least while in the tunnels.
 
MikelaC1
The tunnels and the trip back into town are free of opponents and the group is able to get back without incident. Away from prying eyes, the group is able to count their spoils, which amount to 7250 GP (in assorted gold, silver and platinum). There are also 4 items of interest which Sonomy is able to  identify , they are a short sword +3, a periapt of Wisdom +2, a great axe +2, a potion of Cats Grace +4, and a potion of Haste.
Chimaera
Urag is very happy in counting the gold and admiring the magical greataxe, which is superior than his old one.

" Dibs on the axe ", be says laying his seven fingered hand on it, " Have my old axe to add to the spoils and pay off some of the price difference. And if none mind, I would like to keep that potion of speed ".
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett swings the shortsword around experimentally, the blade looping in lazy arcs.  "This is even better than I'd hoped... You can divide the coin among yourself, this is more than worth my while. "  he grins and sheathes the new weapon, its scabbard taking the place of pride to his right, while the old "good sword" is relegated to the left.
MikelaC1
The sword seems somewhat familiar to Garrett and evokes a memory which is gone before he can process it.
MikelaC1
As the party moves into the town, they also notice several WANTED posters, for the murder of palace guardsman Rocco and his squad of orcs. The poster does not have any details, but advises it must have been a large well-equipped party seeing as Rocco was such a powerful guard. Any information which leads to the apprehension of the miscreants carries a 1000 gold piece reward.
Metastachydium
Torta picks up the freshly identified periapt for a moment and lets it dance between her long fingers. She could find uses for that one. Those wouldn't neccessarily be the best use, on the other hand. More solemnly than it is, perhaps, called for, she extends her arm towards William and offers the trinket to the priest.   This should be yours.  
 ♣ 
Back in town, the killoren is quick to notice the posters. How on earth did news travel so fast, she wonders. And how do they even know Rocco and the rest are dead? They cleaned up well enough after the fights. That there's no mention of the bugbears and the ogre is mildly comforting on the other hand.   Quite the sum there.   she contemplates one of the pieces of paper as they pass by.   Well worth collecting, surely.  That's too bad.    she goes on, lowering her voice.    And bugging me, too. How do they know?   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ]  to make sure the party's not observed too closely.
 
spectralphoenix
 I wonder how that Slagh fellow fits into this?  Felix asks quietly.  He had some relationship with Rocco that was destined to end poorly. If Rocco left and never came back, someone who knew of his side hustle might suspect that gang. I don't see how else they could assume he's dead without knowing anything else. 
 Either way, maybe we should lay low for a bit. 
animorte
William is quite interested in the idea that some additional information was clearly available to someone. He wouldn't have thought they were gone quite that long. He takes a look at the trinket offered him by Torta and accepts graciously.   "You're sure? I quite appreciate the gesture."   He feels a noticeably more aware and enlightened as it firmly sits in his grasp.

He nods along in agreement to the information, then chuckles in Urag's direction.   "Ah yes, staying out of trouble. No telling how many friends Rocco has though... had. And how much they know."  
Chimaera
Back to town, Urag read the wanted posters and listen to the others fears of getting caught.

" I'm okay with us returning to explore the whole ruins. Maybe we can just restock and buy some food and drink for a week of camping. Definitly a barrel of beer or two. Maybe even some scrolls of fabulous power for Torta or a magical wand for William ".

He scratches his chin with many fingers and lower his voice, " The armor and weapons we got to sell have no identification of their former owners, right? Cause if they do we might need to sell it somewhere else... "
spectralphoenix
 Well, I was looking forward to the decadence and luxury of my room in the slums, but that does sound like the best option  Felix agrees.

 Let's conclude our business here, than leave town and set up camp a few miles into the woods. We can hit Frontiere again when we're fresh. 
aReallyGreatAxe
 
 Originally Posted by spectralphoenix 
  Well, I was looking forward to the decadence and luxury of my room in the slums, but that does sound like the best option  Felix agrees.

 Let's conclude our business here, than leave town and set up camp a few miles into the woods. We can hit Frontiere again when we're fresh.  
 


Garrett nods  "A good plan. I'd also second going to explore those ruins for a while, let this blow over." 
animorte
  "A  respected  individual himself into some shady business. We can't trust any of them."   William emphasizes the word, guessing their ranking means little to nothing. He is giving Nina (horse) some attention, brushing her mane and the like. He's ready to move in whatever direction when everybody else is ready to go.
Starbuck_II
 "I'm not looking happy with idea of camping, "  Sonamy says as he brushes his mule, Saddie.

 "But I guess it is safer." 
Metastachydium
Torta takes in the arguments evenly, without a word. Once a consensus seems to be reached, she nods simply, once.   I'm with you.   she states solemnly, her gae flicking back and forth to encompass the entire party.   Wherever you should go.  
animorte
William honestly looks forward to a few peaceful nights in the woods. He appreciates the opportunity to slow down these days.  "Let's get that ale and get a move on. I'm interested in what campfire stories we've got to pass the time." 

He begins packing up whatever he needs to get ready and looks over his equipment again. He lingers on the loot, trying to weigh the possibilities with what good the extra weight will do.  "You know, these weapons point clearly in one direction. Even if we lay low a couple weeks, that's no small bounty. We should probably get rid of them or stash them someplace. You can take it out of my share, I just don't want to take any chances." 

He waits to gauge the rest of the group, hoping his concern shows a wisdom of his years, instead of a fear creeping through.
Metastachydium
  I don't know.   Torta tilts her head in thought.   That'd cut deep. Not selling  all  that.   she goes on, hesitantly. William is making a good point of course, a little too good a point, even, but that doesn't make her like the prospect of throwing away half the loot too much. [COLOR="#440500"] What say you, Garrett? [/QUOTE]

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Just the usual Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 32 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 30 ] .
 
spectralphoenix
Felix considers the problem, no stranger to paranoia himself.  We could always bury it when we make camp. Get it off our hands. If we feel it's safe later, we can dig it up and sell it.  
aReallyGreatAxe
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   I don't know.   Torta tilts her head in thought.   That'd cut deep. Not selling  all  that.   she goes on, hesitantly. William is making a good point of course, a little too good a point, even, but that doesn't make her like the prospect of throwing away half the loot too much. [COLOR="#440500"] What say you, Garrett?  
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Just the usual Listen: [roll0] and Spot: [roll1].
 
[/QUOTE]

 "William is probably right,"  Garrett says after a moment of deep thought.  "but it is, after all, not my share. That decision should lie with those who aren't in debt,  he jokes, a smile snatching at the corner of his mouth as he pets Viper William, who had responded to Garrett's saying his name.
MikelaC1
The party divvys up the loot, buys a few supplies (including kegs) and heads back into the woods. They set up camp about half an hour from Frontiere and build a decent enough campfire. Urag immediately kicks off the kegger, pouring himself a frothy mug and downing quickly. The rest of the group joins in, although at a slower pace.
Urag has just about to start drinking his third mug (the rest of the group being in the middle of their second) when there is a disturbance in the forest. Suddenly a woman stumbles into the camp area, her clothes, once clearly fine are now in tatters, and she is covered in mud and blood. Her eyes are glazed in terror, but she manages to make her way to William.

 Are you adventurers? Can you help me? My family's merchant caravan was attacked. They were shambling goblinoid beasts but their leader was some sort of green skinned monster, with long wicked claws. He laughed like a maniac in battle and any wounds caused by our gaurds seemed to heal almost instantly.  
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett leaps to his feet, then immediately regrets his actions as the buzz makes the world bob slightly.  "Where? How far?"   he barks out, adrenaline recovering sobriety. He grabs his swords and stows them quickly, ready for action.
animorte
Naturally, William is alarmed at the sudden appearance, but he recognizes the urgency in the woman. He always tries to provide a comforting presence and his look portrays that.   "Are you hurt? Which direction?"   He observes her briefly for any wounds, and offers a gesture of healing, provided he notices anything obvious.

He then readies his shield and confirms the mace upon his waist, following in Garrett's lead without hesitation.   "Healing their wounds, you say?"   His concern escapes with a minor hint of amusement.
Metastachydium
Torta scowls as the woman emerges from the brush, but mostly just on account of being somewhat angry with herself for not detecting her approach earlier, even though she made sure not to drink more of Urag's stuff than absolutely neccessary. The woman's words, on the other hand do seem to ring a bell for her.   Sounds like a troll.   she remarks with no particular hint of emotion in her tone as she stands, far less hastily than Garrett.   We might need fire. That or acid, Felix.   she glances at the most likely source of both.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I went ahead and assumed a 22 is enough to tell that this sounds a lot like a troll and how a troll basically operates. Do correct me as needed.
 
Metastachydium
 
 Spoiler: Oh, and 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 23 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
 Yes, fire! I've got fire!  Felix replies enthusiastically, the ale having lightened his worldview by a few shades.

Remembering himself, he nods at the party and stands.  I'm with Garrett. We should move quickly to save whatever survivors we can find. 
Metastachydium
   There might be none.    Torta mouths at Felix, trying to keep the panicked woman out of the loop.    Trolls do quick work.   
Chimaera
Urag is glad to have some time to appreciate his beer. Sure. It was a few seconds for each mug as he drank like a man that spent months on a desert.

He eyes the woman who breaks in their camp and wait for his mug to finish before getting up and letting out a powerful burp, " Have a drink and watch over this barrel while we check for survivors ".

" What about axes? ", he asks Torta, " Does axes help against trolls? ". He doesnt wait an answer as he happily dash to follow the others, hoping to get into a brawl just after driks. It was almost like an open air tavern, but with less idiots.
spectralphoenix
Felix meets Torta's eyes, his cheer fading.  We'll go and we'll rescue who we can,  he says, trusting her to recognize the significance of his last three words.

After the party moves out of earshot, Felix gives voice to his more cynical side  But keep an ear out. She certainly LOOKED like the real deal, but there are plenty of bandits who aren't above the old 'fake damsel in distress' bit. 
Starbuck_II
" I can cast cantrips of acid... so we can handle one  troll … maybe not two or three , " Sonamy said confidently. With spells swapped out, Sonamy replaced caltrop with extra acid splash cantrips.
MikelaC1
Its not difficult to follow the girls path back through the woods as she was no ranger or druid and the group makes progress with Daphne trailing hopefully behind her rescuers. They soon come upon the grim sight. Three wagons have been smashed and overturned and its clear there are no survivors. Several chests are cracked open, the contents strewn around. In the clearing there are 3 bugbears (the party able to identify what Daphne could not), gnawing on the bones of the guards. When the party approaches, they toss aside their bones and draw morning stars.

Initiative. Bugbears at a distance of 60 ft.
Metastachydium
Torta purses her lips, annoyed. This doesn't look any good. And where's the troll (if it  is  a troll, anyhow)? She drifts closer to the currently visible enemies, drawing her club and, expecting Urag to do what Urag does, gets ready to cast.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 26 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 31 ]  to detect any further hostiles, especially those vaguely troll-shaped;
move action move 20' closer to the bugbears;
standard action ready a Snake's Swiftness for the first allied martial who gets within melee reach of the b-bears (preferably Urag).
 
Chimaera
Urag never stops running towards the scene and upon seeing the assailants, his bowels cant hide his excitment as he turbo rushes towards the bugbears, as a lion pouncing on a surprised zebra.

 
 Spoiler: Charge 
Initiative   (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 

Power Attack 4 Charge on a bugbear:
 (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  dmg  (1d12+16)[ 19 ] 

If he get the Snake Swiftness, here it goes:
 (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  dmg  (1d12+16)[ 27 ] 
 
animorte
Closing in on the scene, William's concern gets much more serious. There's nothing fitting her description of a green-skinned, long-clawed monster.   "Where's the  leader ?"   He makes it a point to stay within earshot Torta, who has the best chance of spotting any surprises. He tries to keep eyes on Felix and Sonamy, hoping they don't become the target.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative: [roll0]

Movement: hold position near Felix and Sonamy.

Ready action: cast Hold Person (provided it's humanoid) against possible surprise attacker.  Will save 17  (paralyzed, up to 5 rounds)
 
spectralphoenix
 Damn  Felix whispers to himself. It had probably been too much to hope for survivors. All he could do now was avenge them.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative: [/roll]1d20+7[/roll]
If Felix is engaged he takes a 5ft step out of reach, otherwise he moves to within 40 feet of the bugbears, taking cover behind a wagon or other obstacle if he can.

Lesser Orb of Fire: Ranged Touch  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  Damage  (4d8)[ 12 ]  fire
He targets an unengaged bugbear if he can, otherwise whichever one appears the most wounded.
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett joins Felix in a few choice expletives as it becomes clear there are no survivors. He draws his shortswords with a clear sound of unsheathing metal. It was time for this new weapon to taste its first blood at his hands.

 
 Spoiler: actions 

I initiative: (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 

Actions:

Move action to accompany Urag to the nearest bugbear and attempt to flank.

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 32 ]  (+2 if flanking with Urag)
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 13 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy decides to try a summoning out. He waves his arms but his spell fizzles.

 
 Spoiler 

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft

  Initiative  - (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 (1d100)[ 7 ]  need 11 or better to cast successfully
If successful, at end of turn, summon a Fiendish Spider (or celestial if option) close enough to web the enemy.
 
MikelaC1
The bugbears on one side and Urag and Garrett on the party side both charge into the fray, meeting in the middle with a tremendous crash. Felix actually attempts to draw first blood by casting an  orb of fire  at one of the bugbears but given all the battle confusion he misses the target completely. Urag gets first blow on a bugbear and splits him almost stem to stern but he manages (barely to keep standing). The snake's swiftness takes effect and he strikes at a second bugbear, finishing it off in one blow this time. William attempts to freeze one in place with a hold, but its not the day for magic as the beast resists the spell. The bugbears finally get a chance to retaliate, two on Urag and one one on Garrett, but their ineffectiveness is almost comical, they look they might even drop their weapons. Torta keeps an eye out for anyone sneaking up on them and then Sonomy proves it is really not magic's day and his summoning fizzles out. Garret ends the first bugbear with another skillful stroke.

Round 2
Tactical: 1 bugbear up,  on Garrett.
spectralphoenix
Was he still a bit tipsy or did the bugbear simply make a lucky dodge? Felix refocuses and conjures another blast of fire, this one too big to miss with.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 

Fiery Burst, 5ft radius burst. Avoiding friends, hit multiple enemies if possible, favor the most injured target.
Damage:  (3d6)[ 14 ]  fire, Reflex DC 18 half
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett hefts his new sword and slices down at the remaining bugbear, the blade that had been his prized possession before slipping in to join the fray in his off hand.

 
 Spoiler: actions 


Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 

Viper William will not participate, as his flanking seems to be unnecessary at the moment. He's sulking that Garrett wouldn't let him have any ale. 😁

Attack 1:  (1d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Damage 1:  (1d6+7)[ 13 ] 

Attack 2:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
Damage 2:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  +1 acid
 
Metastachydium
Seeing that the bugbears are taken good care of, Torta, ever more concerned, focuses on what she still does  not  see. The troll might still be close; but it didn't jump them when they split up and engaged its allies. In a manner slow and measured, she begins to circle around to get a better peek at what might be hidden behind the upturned wagons. With all the beer in most of the crew, they don't need a nasty surprise right now.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Move action, um, move;
Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 32 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ] 
 
animorte
William also shows little concern for the remaining bugbears, and attempts to check in with the damsel in distress. Following Torta's example, he keeps his shield at the ready (and pulls the mace up in his hand) in case of any further encounter.   "Let's stay aware, folks."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

If I still need it, Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 

Move: 30 feet toward the lady (if she's still present).

Ready action: Fighting Defensively (-4 attack accounted for in the roll, gain +2 AC), Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 21 ] 
 
Chimaera
Urag roars at the last bugbear standing, ever excited with adrenaline. Sadly it will be over soon, the dash here proved to make him sweat more than fighting these ruffians.

Sidestepping to get in flanking position with Garret and to make any attempt of dashing more difficult, he swjngs his axe possibly for the last time in this combat.

 
 Spoiler: Uraaaaaargh! 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 

PA 4, Greataxe (flanking)
 (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  dmg  (1d12+16)[ 26 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy is sad his spell fizzled, he moves closer, then he tries an acid splash

 
 Spoiler 

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
 touch: 14, ff: 16,
 Saves: +3/+8 /+5
 Speed: 30 ft

  initiative  - (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
  acidsplashTouchAC  - (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
  acid  - (1d3)[ 1 ] 
 
MikelaC1
Flames roar out under Felix's command, burning away bugbear fur. The beast attempts to retaliate against Garrett but misses his target and thats the last thing he will ever do as both Garrett and Urag's weapons finish him off. Meanwhile, Torta and William scout around the wreck of the wagon, looking for the leader troll who was supposedly in on the attack. While they dont find the troll, they do see some tracks leading away (not in the direction the woman would have let in), but not being rangers, they cannot identify them properly and would probably lose them soon enough in the forest
Chimaera
After the killing blow finished off the bugbear, the barbarian give the dead bodies a grim look.

" We should find that troll before it get into a village or find more caravans to assault. Also, someone should call the at woman back to determine the fate of the bodies of her friends: burning them would be faster, but we might as well give them proper burial and also she would be able to tell if any was taken alive if there is missing ones ".

After a moment looking at the dead bugbears, he loom to the others, " We could even use this mess to get rid of the falchion and blame the bugbears ".

Taking a look around, he see the tracks and calls Garret.
" Can you track the troll? 
Metastachydium
Torta, bent down to a position just short of kneeling, considers the tracks at length, paying little heed to the fate of the last bugbear.   Should pick this up.   she notes, mostly to herself as Urag asks the obvious question.   Tracking things, I mean.   she clarifies, standing suddenly to sniff the air and stare into the woods ahead where the troll went. It shouldn't be hard for the ranger. That thing is big, bigger than Urag. Uglier, too. She'll do what  she  can, in the meantime: keep an eye out and let their leader lead.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 23 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 21 ] 
 
aReallyGreatAxe
 "Shouldn't be too hard,"  Garrett opines in response to the questions.  "a troll's a big target." 

He looks to the ground, trying to pick out the footsteps against the undisturbed ground of the forest.

 "while I'm picking up the trail, someone... Follow Urag's suggestion about the woman,  he says, with a little surprise, but less than before. It seemed that the barbarian was a great deal smarter than his manners would suggest.

 "Torta, if you were serious about wanting to learn, there's no better way than by doing. Come here, I'll show you what to look for.  
 
 Spoiler: actions 

I do think that calls for a survival check!

 (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
 
Chimaera
" Actually, I guess I'll go back to the camp and bring her back here. Need to take a leak and I'm worried she might drink all my beer ", he pauses for a moment, " Might as well take a quick ****. Try not to run into the troll before I get back: dont want to miss all the fun ".

He then split from the party and dashes back to the camp to look for the damsel in distress and check if she didnt drink all his barrel.
animorte
Realizing he will be of little use in tracking, William shakes his head disapprovingly as Urag starts to run off by himself. He acknowledges Garret's advice.   "First rule of travel. Never go alone. The man takes his ale seriously!"   He abandons the hunt to sprint off after Urag.
spectralphoenix
While the others look after the woman and the signs of the remaining bandits, Felix quietly investigates the caravan and the bodies of the bugbears.

 
 Spoiler 

Any distinguishing features of the bugbears?
Number/id of slain caravan members?
Any surprising wounds on the dead caravanners?
 
MikelaC1
With the bugbears defeated, Daphne proceeds to inspect the wreckage of the wagon. Many of the goods are just strewn around, not much is actually missing, apart from the fabric which is soiled through several layers and will be reduced in value correspondingly. However there are two things of note that are gone. One is a strongbox which Daphne tells the group contains the profits of the last sales; the other thing is the two draft horses which pulled the wagon, one carcass is still at the site which is the one the bugbears were gnawing on and the other one was presumably carted off by the troll.
Garrett inspects the tracks, teaching Torta in the process, and confirms that they are indeed troll footprints, intermingled with some horse blood. There are also some more bugbear tracks, and perhaps a couple of orcs as well.
Starbuck_II
 "Just like one troll though? I think we can handle this. How far do the tracks travel?
Bugbears...too many might be a struggle." 
Chimaera
Once done with his business, Urag gets back and put his large hand on Daphne's shoulder.

" I'm sorry for the loss of your friends and family. We'll track down and hunt this troll and the bandits who brought you so much misery ".

Turning to the mages, he asks, " Can your magic repair the damage done to the fabric? Maybe its not beyond salvation ", and then back to Daphne, " You should stay close by as there might be some more bandits wandering these area. Once we are done slaying the troll we can escort you back safely to town ".
spectralphoenix
With an abashed cough, Felix replies  I believe William may have the spell prepared. 
 With that, we should get moving. They can't be too far ahead of us if we found their friends still picking over the place. 
animorte
  "I certainly do. Always ready to keep things presentable."   William is more anxious to catch up with the ambushers, but doesn't mind taking moment to restore order.

  "Well said, Urag. We best get after that group. And you, stay close."   He urges Daphne to stay by him as he begins following the others. He doesn't know how far the bandits have gotten, but he knows she would still be in danger should they walk into a trap.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Definitely cast Mending on the fabric before heading out, fully expecting to return to the wagons later.
 
Metastachydium
Torta offers two quick, grateful nods to Garrett and does her best to pay attention to the lesson and the woods around them at the same time. The fate of the fabric is of comparatively little interest to her and Daphne… She could try and challenge the wisdom of the others regarding the best place the girl could be, with a troll and more cohorts attached to it on the loose, but if William believes he can keep her safe, she will not contest that. That's a William thing, protecting others. She might as well focus on Torta things.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

The obligatory free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 19 ]  an Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 30 ] .
 
MikelaC1
The trail is not too difficult to follow, the troll was making no effort to hiding his passage and his footprints were deep and clear, he was likely carrying the carcass of the horse, giving him that much extra weight on his tread. The group follows for about an hour, before coming to a hilly area. The forest thins around the base of the hill and the party can see a cave in the hills beyond the clearing. In front of the cave are 3 bugbears and an ogre. The monsters are, sort of, acting as guards, but the ogre is just sitting in a chair made for him and is barking orders at the bugbears who are doing their best to ignore him. The clearing is about 60 feet wide.
spectralphoenix
 Looks like we found our quarry. Nicely done, Garret. 

While surprise is on the party's side, Felix prepares his very warmest welcome...

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 

If he can hit all enemies without hitting friendlies, Felix casts Fireball
20 ft radius burst, damage:  (7d6)[ 19 ]  fire, reflex DC20 half

Otherwise, he casts Scorching Ray, split between two targets favoring unengaged targets, then ones already wounded.
Ray 1:  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  ranged touch,  (4d6)[ 14 ]  fire damage
Ray 2:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ]  ranged touch,  (4d6)[ 17 ]  fire damage
 
Chimaera
Urag watch the glee in Felix's eyes and know the drill.

He waits for the evoker to do his business and pounces at the ogre after the fireball explodes their lines.

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Charge 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 

He'll wait for after Felix and PA 4 charge the ogre.
 (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  dmg [roll]1d12+1d12+16[/roll]
 
Metastachydium
Scanning the area once more, to be sure that no further forces are arranged against them, still in hiding beyond what the cave might contain, Torta shifts a step away from Garrett to have a clear path towards the enemy, ready to bolt forward and release the energy building up in her right – once she has reason to believe it will matter.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  (but in any case, she'll delay until after Felix and either Garrett or Urag has gone).
And then the usual:
T. free action double-checks the scene with Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 18 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 26 ] ;
move action moves 25' forward towards the cave; and
standard action casts Snake's Swiftness on Garrett or Urag (whoever still has undropped foes within reach, really).
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy delays till after fireball then releases an arrow at Ogre but first moving 30 feet closer so he can sneak attack

 
 Spoiler 

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
 touch: 14, ff: 16,
 Saves: +3/+8 /+5
 Speed: 30 ft

  Initiative  - (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
  hit  - (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
  Dam  - (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
If Sneak Attk applies (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett readies his blades, nodding in acknowledgement of the compliment.

Viper William slithers to the ground, ready to provide a menacing backup as Garrett heads forward, after the conflagration has commenced. Best to end these miscreants before the troll arrives.

 
 Spoiler: actions 

Viper William Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 

Viper William will hold until after Garrett goes, then will move to flank for next turn.

Garrett initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 

Garrett attack:  (1d20+13)[ 18 ] 
Garrett damage:  (1d6+7)[ 10 ] 
 
animorte
(Assuming she is with us still... He will keep himself placed between Daphne and the battle.)

William gives a nod of understanding to Felix and keeps himself at a distance. He will keep his shield at the ready and prepares the usual.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 

Hold his position. Cast Bless (+1 for all attack rolls and saves vs fear) 5 minutes.
 
MikelaC1
The "guards" are completely unprepared for the party attack, and in particular the fireball of Felix. While none of them are outright killed by the blast, its clear that all of them take heavy damage. The bugbears charge to attack, while the bluberous ogre struggles to get to his feet and enter the fight. William blesses the party while Urag charges a bugbear (he cannot reach the ogre) and his axe cleaves the bugbear completely. The bugbears retaliate, one on Urag who misses, but the one on Garrett connects for  7  damage. Sonomy skirmishes and hits the ogre with an arrow, making his day that much worse, but not finishing him off. Garrett rounds out the first round by cleaving the bugbear who hit him.

Round 2
Tactical: one bugbear alive, engaged with Urag. Ogre charging into the fray, will attack Garrett.
Chimaera
Urag flies into battle with his greataxe and is happily surprised a buvbear managed to survive Felix's blast and thus focus on bring him down so the others can focus on the menacing ogre.

 
 Spoiler: Greataxes are fun 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 

If he can flank, he'll do so (else take -2 from the attack):
PA 4, bless and flank

 (1d20+10)[ 20 ]  dmg  (1d12+16)[ 26 ] 

If he get a Snake Swiftness, he'll use it to attack the ogre:
 (1d20+10)[ 14 ]  dmg  (1d12+16)[ 21 ] 
 
aReallyGreatAxe
Garrett cleaves the bugbear with satisfaction, then looks up. His eyes widen slightly as the Ogre begins its' dreadful charge. His blades come up in readiness... But can one ever truly be ready for an ogre?

 
 Spoiler: actions 

Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 

If Garrett goes before the ogre, he will run in and slash at it, taking this attack roll:

 (1d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+9)[ 11 ] 

If the ogre goes first and Garrett is still standing, he will take a full attack at the beastie, using these attack rolls:

Attack 1:  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
Damag 1:  (1d6+9)[ 10 ] 

Attack 2:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Damage 2:  (1d6+7)[ 11 ]  +1 acid
 
Metastachydium
Torta shifts her weight somewhat displeased. That ogre still looksfar too alive for her liking, and it still isn't quite alone. This might take a bit more slashing and stabbing. She draws her club swiftly and with a sweeping motion of her left, releases a wave of magic to try and fuel the onslaught of her allies.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
T. move action draws club;
standard action casts  Mass  Snake's Swiftness to cover both Garrett and Urag (waiting, as needed until the ogre's within reach of the former); and
free action keeps an eye out for trouble: Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ] , Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 33 ] .
 
spectralphoenix
Seeing the lumbering brute getting up, Felix prepares to put him back down.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 

If he can get a shot at an unengaged square of the ogre, Felix uses Lesser Orb of Fire
Ranged Touch:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ]  Damage:  (4d8)[ 12 ]  fire

Otherwise, he uses Fiery Burst on the ogre
Damage:  (3d6)[ 7 ]  fire, reflex DC 18 half
 
MikelaC1
 
 Originally Posted by spectralphoenix 
 Seeing the lumbering brute getting up, Felix prepares to put him back down.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative: [roll0]

If he can get a shot at an unengaged square of the ogre, Felix uses Lesser Orb of Fire
Ranged Touch: [roll1] Damage: [roll2] fire

Otherwise, he uses Fiery Burst on the ogre
Damage: [roll3] fire, reflex DC 18 half
 
 
 

Fortunately for you, Im going to rule that you do not have LOS to the ogre with him headed towards Garrett, Urag and the bugbears
animorte
William doesn't like the look in the eyes of that Ogre, no doubt furious by this point. He is going to move closer, to the front line and release another enchantment upon their leader.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 

Move within 30 feet of Garrett.

Standard action: Cast Shield Other on Garrett (+1 AC, +1 saves, half his damage received goes to me instead, 5 hour duration).
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy tried another arrow at the ogre

 
 Spoiler 

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft

  Init  - (1d20+4)[ 11 ] 
  hit  - (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
  dam  - (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
 
MikelaC1
Still holding the initiative, Felix burns the ogre with a firey burst, the beast is not looking good at all. Torta gives extra attacks to Garrett and Urag, which should serve them well. Sonomy contnues with his long range barrage, but this time is not as lucky, the tough hide of the ogre is not pierced. by the arrows. Urag cleaves the remaining bugbear and sets himself for the ogre, while William arranges a defense strategy with Garrett, taking half his damage. Garrett plows the ogre but not quite enough to drop him and its a good thing that the cleric did what he did as the ogre slugs Garrett in retaliation for  18  points, 9 each for Garrett and William. Urags extra attack does not breach the ogre defenses but Garrett does, finishing off the ogre who falls with a low moan
Chimaera
 
 Spoiler: Ignore this was posted without reading the edit on DM's last post 


Seeing the ogre's defenses are beter than the enemies he'd been fighting so far, Urag attack again, but this time putting more precision than his usual brutality.

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Attack 
 Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Sidesteping to flank the ogre.

PA 1 greataxe:
 (1d20+13)[ 26 ]  dmg  (1d12+10)[ 21 ] 
 

 


With the ogre dead, Urag smile to Garret.
" Nice finish ", he praises his leader, " But yet no troll. Maybe he's deep inside the cavern and didnt hear the fireball?  ".
spectralphoenix
 There's no telling how deep that cave could be. We need to be ready for anything going forward.

Let's check the bodies and tend our wounds before venturing in. 

Suiting action to words, Felix pulls on his gloves and moves to search the nearest body.

 
 Spoiler 

Felix also uses his Pearl of Power to recover the Lesser Orb of Fire he used in the first battle.
 
animorte
  "We've got a good start, but let's keep it safe. Same order as usual?"  

William isn't quite as concerned with checking the bodies. Just ready to get a move on and catch out anything else before it comes up on them. He still feels the pain from that last hit, quite glad of his timing.

  "What about her?"   He gestures to Daphne, provided she is still with them, requesting from her and the others what the best course of action should be.

 
 Spoiler 

Sacred Healing to everyone (just him and Garrett took damage?) for 12 healing each (which should leave G at 4 under max).

Just before they head into the cave, he will do the same as last time and give Torta (if she's in front) the Protective Ward (+5 to next save for 1 hour).
 
Metastachydium
  That has me worried.   Torta nods, flicking her eyes at Urag and Felix in acknowledgement of their concerns regarding the troll.   And there's more. Garrett saw orc tracks.   she continues, cautiously approaching the cavern entrance.   We  should  be careful.   she nods at William before closing the rest of the distance and leaning in slightly to size up the cave with eyes and ears.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

T. activates Detect Spirits;
free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 36 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
As Felix works, he casts an eye over Daphne. How was she reacting to these latest events? Now that the initial panic had worn down, did she still have the nerve to follow?
Chimaera
Seeing the others afraid of Daphne's fate, Urag give her a ugly smile.

" She might as well decide for herself: it's damgerous outside as there seems to be many of these bandits around these areas and you would be alone. Or yoh can come along and we'll do our best to protect you and later take you to the city ", hempauses a moment, " It's your choice, but choose quickly "
MikelaC1
The girl quickly nods her head yes, while the party is heading into danger, she sees her family fortune being close to recovery. She does, however, take a position to rear of the group by about 10 to 15 feet. Progress into the cave is consistent, and after only a few minutes, the group comes upon a rather gruesome sight. A large troll is standing over two locked strongboxes which are being worked on by what looks to be a locksmith. One of the boxes is clearly marked with the same sort of symbol that was on the wrecked wagon. As the group enters, the troll menaces his locksmith with a great axe held easily in one hand
 If you cant open that thing, I'll get someone who can and feed you to the bugbears 
Also in the room are two bugbears (presumably the ones who will be eating an unsuccessful rogue) and 6 orcs who are busily munching on the bony remains of a horse (the troll and bugbears probably got first choice of cuts). As the group enters, the monsters look up and start to react, while the rogue takes the chance to scuttle to the rear of the cavern, as far away from the oversized troll as possible
spectralphoenix
In another life, Felix had been trained by some of the finest magical tutors the city had to offer. They had explained the subtle, complex ways of magic. They had expounded upon the sublime strategies a mage might employ to prepare for any situation.

In this life, Felix mostly just blew stuff up.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Felix uses Alacritous Cogitation to cast Fireball with his free slot, hitting as many enemies as possible.

Damage:  (7d6)[ 26 ]  fire, DC 20 reflex half
 
animorte
William barely even perceives the entire scene before he feels the heat emanating from Felix. He prepares to rush to the front line as the smoke clears, shield raised before him. As much as he hates to admit it, things could get messy.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 

Move up 30 feet to the Troll, flanking with Garrett or Urag if possible.

(If in melee range): Cast Bestow Curse on Troll. Will save 18 - (50% chance to act normally, otherwise take no action, permanent duration)

- Concentration check (DC 18) casting defensively:  (1d20+14)[ 32 ] 

(If not in melee with Troll): Cast Bless (+1 to attack rolls and saves vs fear)


 

Still active on Garrett: Shield Other (+1 AC, +1 saves, half his damage received goes to me instead, 5 hour duration).
 
Metastachydium
Torta presses her lips tightly together. There's no mistaking it: that  is  the troll. And it's awful big. Flashing a quick glance left and right, she leans forward, ready to back up the warriors with another burst of sudden speed, only spouting a quick reminder in advance:   Garrett, acid will stick!  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] , but delaying until after Garrett and Urag are within melee reach of something.
T. free action reminds her boss that he should stab the troll;
free action scans the room as usual, via Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 22 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 22 ] ;
move action advances 30', drawing the club;
standard action casts Mass Snake's Swiftness.
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy sees a fearsome troll and moves 50 ft closer then casting to hit as many enemies as possible (troll if possible)
 
 Spoiler 


 AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft

  Init  - (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 
  Spellfail  - (1d00)[ 1 ]  anything above 11 works.

Glitterdust is DC 16, Will save Negate, regardless everyone sparkles like a rainbow
If fail save, blinds them
 
Chimaera
Finally finding the troll and the remaining bandits, Urag question aloud, " With such strength why bother picking lock whrn you could easily break the chest?   but he wont wait for the troll to think on an answer as he flies into battle, his greataxe thirsty for green blood. In dact he wont think much anymore as he begging to froath

 
 Spoiler: Enraged charge 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 

He will wait for the fireball to go in before charging the troll.
Free action to enter barbarian rage.

Considering +1 from bless and +2 from charge only.
PA 4 Greataxe  (1d20+10)[ 27 ]  dmg  (1d12+19)[ 25 ] 

Extra attack from Snake's Swiftness on the troll.
PA 4 Greataxe  (1d20+10)[ 27 ]  dmg  (1d12+19)[ 29 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
 Garrett 

Not losing a beat, Garrett jumps into action chargin in with his battleaxe two handed and then drawing his shortsword on a defensive posture.


 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Full round Charge attack with PA -2  (1d20+14)[ 15 ] (5 BAB, 4Str, 2 Charge, 1 Magic, 4 Favored enemy bonus, -2 PA)  Damage  (1d8+15)[ 18 ]  +1 Acid
Free action draw short sword
 
MikelaC1
The fireball from Felix blasts into the trolls and the bugbears. The troll does not fall, but two of the bugbears are completely incinerated, the third one suffers massive burns. Garrett does not connect with his swing, but the troll connects once on him for  19  points (half of which goes to William instead) and once on Urag for  20 . Torta grants an extra attack to Urag while William attempts to curse the troll (success unknown). Sonomy blinds the orcs who were rushing forward and then Urags axe connects twice with the troll, putting him down temporarily, his axe wounds already beginning to close. The bugbear misses Garrett.

Round two
Garrett engaged with bugbear. Everyone has one blinded orc on them, troll is down
spectralphoenix
Felix barely has time to blink the smoke out of his eyes before the orc charges him. Falling back on his defensive training, he slips out of reach while dividing his attention between the literal blind savagery of the orc and the still dangerous troll.

 Think I'm afraid of a little hand to hand? I brought enough fire to burn down every last one of you! 
 
 Spoiler 

Felix takes a 5ft step out of reach and casts Scorching Ray. First ray targets the orc in front of him. The second targets the troll. If either target is already dead, he targets another enemy instead.

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 

Ray 1: Ranged Touch:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ]  Damage:  (4d6)[ 15 ] 

Ray 2: Ranged Touch:  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  Damage:  (4d6)[ 20 ] 
 
Metastachydium
Torta looks up and down the blind orc stumbling towards her. It would be very easy to just club that face in with her club; but not very efficient.   Not this time, sorry.   she tells the big bundle of muscles as she goes on to try and roll out of reach. Whether that works out or not, she knows what needs doing.   Stay on the troll!   she urges her friends, drawing a quick arc in the air.   It's not dead!  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Move action Tumble 15' away from the orc:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] ;
standard action cast Mass Snake's Swiftness;
free action play Captain Obvious;
free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 18 ]  and Spot:  (1d2017)[ 98 ]  to make sure no enemy reinforcements are approaching and to check on Daphne and the locksmith.
 
Auranghzeb
Garrett tries to finish off the Bugbear to fully focus on the Troll



 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 

Full round attack, two weapon fighting: Axe attack  (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  damage  (1d8+7)[ 11 ] +1 Acid
Sword attack  (1d20+10)[ 11 ]  Damage  (1d6+5)[ 8 ] 
 
animorte
As chaos ensues, William maintains his composure and draws the mace from his side. He recognizes the blinded condition of the orcs as they seem to flail without finesse. As such, his concern is still on the troll, just as Torta exclaims.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 

Free action: wield mace
Move: just to make sure he can hit something
Attack troll:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  (+2 if flanking), Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 

Attack troll on Torta's initiative:  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  (+2 if flanking), Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 If the troll is already slain, he will attack the nearest Orc instead. 
 
Chimaera
Seeing their hulking leader was down, Urag decide to focus his anger in the blinded orc close by him, swinging his greataxe at the bandit's torso.

 
 Spoiler: Enraged Urag 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 

PA 4 Greataxe  (1d20+10)[ 23 ]  (add +2 if flanking)
Damage  (1d12+19)[ 22 ] 

If the orc goes down, he'll move to flank the bugbear with Garret and will swing against him (due Mass Snake's Swiftness). If the orc survives, he'll use the extra attack on the orc.

Pa 4 Greataxe  (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  (add +2 if flanking)
Damage  (1d12+19)[ 30 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
Sonomy drops his bow, draws his rapier, and strikes.

 
 Spoiler 

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
 touch: 14, ff: 16,
 Saves: +3/+8 /+5
 Speed: 30 ft

  hit  - (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
  dam  - (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
If sneak attk applies   sneak attk  - (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
Extra Snake attk
  hit  - (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
  dam  - (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
Sneak Attk if  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
MikelaC1
The first  scorching ray  from Felix misses the orc completely but the companion ray scores a dead hit on the still wiggling troll and for now, the wiggling stops. It very well might have reached its limit on fire damage. Urag splits one of the orcs in half, while Garret polishes off the last of the bugbears, however the extra attack granted by Torta is unsuccessful on the orc. William bisects a second orc while Sonomy takes advantage of the snake spell to finish off the orc on strike #2. The orc striking at Felix is not able to connect, given his blind state while the orc that had been menacing Torta stumbles blindly after the fey, swinging wildly. Of all the orcs, only the one on Garrett gets lucky for a hit dealing  4  points, half going to William.
Torta notices the locksmith/rogue trying to skirt around the battle and make a run for the cave exit

ROUND THREE
Felix, Garrett still engaged, one blind orc looking for a dance partner, locksmith trying to book it
Auranghzeb
Garret hates orcs and knows everything about their weak points, everything chink of standard orc armor. His eyes narrow while he expertly cut at the Orc with both axe and sword.


 
 Spoiler: OoC 
initiative  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
full attack Solitary hunter offsets the two-weapon fighting penalty  (1d20+10)[ 30 ]  damage  (1d8+7)[ 14 ]  and sword   (1d20+11)[ 18 ]  damage   (1d6+7)[ 13 ] 

If flanking add +2 to attacks
 
Chimaera
Still enraged in blood fury, Urag moves to take down the one on Felix.

He pounces like a lion, bringing down his axe with violence.

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Pounce 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 

Charge PA 4 Greataxe  (1d20+12)[ 28 ] 
Damage  (1d12+19)[ 28 ] 
 
Metastachydium
  Care to make sure?   Torta points a nonchalant thumb in the troll's direction, her gaze fixed on Felix as she leisurely steps back beside the orc whose blow she's just dodged to bash the thing's head with her club, her magic clearly unneeded to help with the cleanup.
  Oh, and you there.   she then calls after the locksmith, still quite noncommittally.   Why the rush, now? This is mostly over.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 

Free action give Felix and the locksmith unsolicited advice;
move action step back beside the orc;
standard action club it on the head:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  against FF (if still blinded) for  (1d6)[ 2 ]  bludgeoning and  (1d6)[ 5 ]  sudden strike.
 
spectralphoenix
 I'm a little busy over here!  Felix calls over to Torta.

 Stop  dodging ! My grandfather would have you flogged for that! 

Having thus announced his position, Felix quietly slips off to the side and leaves the orc blindly swinging at the air.

 
 Spoiler 

After loudly talking as a free action, Felix uses Fiery Burst on the troll and then quietly moves half his speed (15 ft) to one side of the orc.

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Fiery Burst: 5ft radius burst on the troll Damage:  (3d6)[ 14 ]  fire, reflex DC 18 half
Move Silently:  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  - maybe a penalty to Listen checks due to the ongoing battle/distractions?
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy charges orc
 
 Spoiler 

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft

  Charge  - (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
  dam  - (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
If sneak attk  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
animorte
William will put his mace away and start toward the cave exit himself in an attempt to reason with the Rogue that wishes to escape.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 

Move 30 feet toward cave exit.

Action: Cast Hold Person on the Rogue. Will save DC = 17 (5 round duration).


 

 In the nearest future, can also cast Command if needed. Definitely planning to use Sacred Healing as well (for 12 HP to everybody per use.)

Considering the possibility of a Diplomacy check:   (1d20+13)[ 17 ] 
 
MikelaC1
Sonomy bisects a blinded orc, finishing him off. The orcs fighting Garrett and Urag do manage to get swings off but between blindness and superior armor of both people, they do not connect. Both warriors dont have the same problem and the orc threat is finished. Felix drops more flame on the troll and while he is not an expert, he figures the troll is finished for good.
Meanwhile, William casts a hold person on the locksmith attempting to flee and he fails his save in midstep, causing him to fall as well.
spectralphoenix
With the rest of the monsters slain, Felix takes stock of the noncombatants. How has Daphne reacted to this latest battle? Does she recognize the man with the troll? Felix moves a bit closer to keep an eye on him as well.
Chimaera
Urag is still foaming from his rage as he look every enemy dead and the locksmith paralyzed in the ground.

He approach the locksmith still holding the greataxe with both hands and stop by his side. With the back of his hand he cleans his mouth and proceed to help him back to his feet.

" So the troll held you hostage for you to open the chest or did you work for them from the start? Are there more of them around? ", he turns to Daphne, " Do you recognize this man from the assault? "
MikelaC1
Daphne heads to the chest marked with her family's crest and checks the outside of it for a moment.  He wasnt able to open it, we have more than enough trouble with thieves and spent good coin on anti lockpick measures.  She produces a key from under her robe and with a quick click, the lock opens and the party can see a sheath of documents (likely contracts) as well as a pile of platinum. She rifles through the papers quickly... all here. 
Still paralyzed from the hold spell, the man is not able to answer Urag's questions, but by the look in his eyes, you figure he thinks he has just jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
Metastachydium
  I can answer  that .   Torta nods once, quickly, at Urag's second question for the locksmith.   I  should  be able.   she clarifies tentatively, focusing eye and ear on their surroundings.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 26 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 22 ]  to detect any wayward movement or sound, not originating from someone we know about.
 
spectralphoenix
With Urag watching the locksmith, Felix goes looks over the rest of the cave. He doesn't say anything, but he's curious if anything establishes who the locksmith is or whether his involvement is part of something larger than a handful of monstrous bandits.
MikelaC1
The hold spell slowly wears off on the locksmith.  M-m-my n-n-name is Deel, the t-t-troll captured me and bought me here...s-s-s-aid he would feed me to the bugbears if I could not open both safes. I-i-i hadnt even tried the other one, ladies safe was too complicated for me. I know nothing else, I swear. Please dont eat me.  

(hes not stuttering, hes just scared)
Auranghzeb
Garrett walks around the cave looking for more tracks or indication of activity outside the Troll and the orcs. It's a mess to search after a battle, but that way he orders his thoughts.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Survival fort tracks (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
 



The documents attract his attention.

 What are those? Let me take a look. 
Metastachydium
Torta continues to amble about impassively, in the meantime, still on alert, only stopping to poke the troll's body with her club and the sole of her sandals. One can never be sure enough, after all.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 25 ] , naturally.
 
Chimaera
" What other safe? There are two? Amd worry not, I'm not going to eat you. Maybe Torta would take a bite... ", Urag eyes to Torta poking tbe troll with her sandals and then back to him, " But I guess she's more interesged in the green charred meat of the troll, so you're safe and sound. We will escort you two back to town since the surroundings seems to be crawling with bandits and monsters, just need to investigate a bit to make sure those who attacked Daphne's caravan are all gone ".

He stops for a moment qnd repeat his earlier question, " Where is this other safe? Did these bandits said any particular name in the meantime you're held hostage? "
Metastachydium
  Yes, I eat people.   Torta flashes her large, pupilless green eyes at the two humans over her shoulder with barely a hint of annoyance in her voice.
MikelaC1
The other safe is sitting right beside the one that belongs to Daphne, she is going to need help to bring hers back home. So far, the second safe, which presumably contains your spoils has not been opened yet, but from where he stands, Urag can tell that the greataxe of the troll looks really, really nice
Chimaera
Urag meets the fey's gaze and grins. " I knew it ", he thinks to himself.

" I call dibs on the axe. And there's the other chest that I believe belong to us now. Do you think you can handle that troll's chest lock? And don't worry. Torta wont eat you, she's just being mean ".

He begin to tap his many fingers, eager to count the spoils from their victory but he doeant take the eye oout of the axe.

" Is that one magical, Felix? It does look magic for me ".
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Chimaera 
 Urag meets the fey's gaze and grins. " I knew it ", he thinks to himself.

" I call dibs on the axe. And there's the other chest that I believe belong to us now. Do you think you can handle that troll's chest lock? And don't worry. Torta wont eat you, she's just being mean ". 
 

   Yes,  I'm  mean.    Torta grumbles in the background, as she goes on circling the cave.


 He begin to tap his many fingers, eager to count the spoils from their victory but he doeant take the eye oout of the axe.

" Is that one magical, Felix? It does look magic for me ". 

   Like you could tell.    the killoren jabs at Urag, just loud enough for the hulking warrior's ears to  definitely  pick it up.
spectralphoenix
 Well, let's have a look, shall we? 
 
 Spoiler 

Felix casts Detect Magic and takes a look at the axe. Then he scans the rest of the room while the spell is up
 
MikelaC1
The axe is magic but nothing else registers
spectralphoenix
 That axe is definitely interesting. You should take it along and we'll examine it back in camp. Sonamy, do you want first crack at this safe or will we let our new friend do the honors? 
MikelaC1
 Ive already tried and failed....thats why I almost became bugbear kibble 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy rubs his hands,  "Let's take a crack at it." 
  openlock  - (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
MikelaC1
Sonomy's skill proves to be superior to the locksmith and the padlock springs open to his tools. Taking a moment to make sure there are no nasty surprises hidden in the chest he opens it further to find a mixture of gold and platinum coins (15,000 gp worth). Deep in the chest, he also finds a ring and an amulet.
Auranghzeb
Garrett is glad the team has found loot that will keep them happy.

He approaches the documents and starts going through them, trying to find out if everything they needed is here.
Metastachydium
Torta glances into the troll's chest over Sonamy's shoulder with obvious interest (followed by a pleased nod) herself.   Can you check these? Might be magic, too?   she calls out to Felix (forgetting, for a moment, that Sonamy is a wizard himself), reaching past the elf to raise the two pieces of jewellry high enough for the human mage to see.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Oh, and free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ] 
 
MikelaC1
 
 Originally Posted by Auranghzeb 
 Garrett is glad the team has found loot that will keep them happy.

He approaches the documents and starts going through them, trying to find out if everything they needed is here. 
 


Those documents belong to Daphne, and Garrett probably would not be able to make much of them anyway, being contracts and fabric quality standards.
spectralphoenix
Felix moves to examine the jewelry as well.

 I think we should load everything on the horses and get moving. Daphne, can we escort you somewhere? 
Chimaera
Urag is happy to treasure the troll's axe and to help Daphne with her chest.

" Let's go back to the camp and then we take Daphne and Deel back to town. Still have plenty of beer left unguarded there and some mules to help drag this sfuff back to town ",
MikelaC1
The ring is a ring of protection +1 and the amulet is health +2.
Daphne and Deel are more than ready to get back to Wilverton (now thats a rarity) and her family's fortune and the party's loot are loaded onto whatever carrying cartages the group has. They make their way back to the city (such as it is), where Daphne immediately heads to her family's establishment and Deel heads to the nearest bar, hoping to drink himself into forgetting this ever happened to him. The group retreats back to base camp to finish off the beer from last night.

(Before leaving the city, Spot checks, please)
Metastachydium
Torta is pleased to be rid of the civilians in a way that's landed both in  relative  safety, and unlike the two D-s, she's even more glad to be rid of the town itself, as their little company departs from it. This place makes her jumpy. And worse yet, not without a good reason. Last time they tried to actually  talk  about something here, they found themselves with half a dozen orcs on their trail. This, in turn, prompts her to scan their surroundings once more as city limits are reached and breached. One can never be sure enough.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 34 ]  and Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 34 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy was happy with the loot, this adventure was pretty profitable finally.
Hope the civilians are healthy, he didn't mind the company, but he has been around warriors more than regular people. Fitting in was not his favorite trick.
Getting back to base and dividing the loot sounds like a dream

 
 Spoiler 

  Spot  - (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Garrett is pleased with another quest completed. His party has loot and beer, life is good. He kisses Daphne's hand chivalrously and reminds her that they'll be at her disposal.

Before leaving the city, he makes sure to buy a rack of ribs and a gallon of ale to share with his comrades. Once outside town, he reverts to his instincts and scouts the horizon attentively.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 

Spot  (1d20+10)[ 17 ] 
 
Chimaera
Urag walks back and out of town with little worries: had a bunch of fights and have a barrel of beer and ot one, but two new axes.

Once rid of Daphne, they drop Deel in a bar for him to drink his worries away, " Here, have some coin to drink ", he hands the man a small bag with eight golden coins, " It wont last all week, but you can definitly drink enough for today's problem ".

Once out of town, Urag make a sudden pause and look to Torta, " Heard that? " he asks the fey and once she look or frown at him, he let out a loud fart, " Was holding it up all the way back due having that lady around ".

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
Spot  (1d20+1)[ 16 ] 
Listen  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
 
animorte
William took the time to heal his comrades (and himself) to full somewhere near the beginning of their trek.   "Friends, remember the name, Chrestos. Should the need arise, I'm sure someone can find me."   He quite enjoyed the company of their brief guests. Even so, nothing beats the safety and comfort of his peers.

As they're heading out of the city, he offers the scenery a grand gesture of departure by tossing his arm out to the side and lowering his head into a bow.

 
 Spoiler 

Not sure how many resources I'd have used for healing. Maybe 2-3 turn undead for sacred healing.

Spot:  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
Felix mostly remains quiet, not entirely trusting the party's new acquaintances. His mood lightens as they depart the city and head back to their campsite to examine the loot in more detail.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (1d20+1)[ 21 ]  Listen  (1d20+1)[ 4 ] 
 
MikelaC1
The party is able to come and leave without incident however even though no one else sees it, Torta notices that a rather unsavory wererat from her past, "Twitches" Weregen, took a good long look at their activities.
Metastachydium
Torta narrows her eyes and raises both hands in evident frustration at the big human with way too many fingers.   Urag, I swear I…   before suddenly changing her mind and with a couple cautious side glances, lowering her voice.    Keep moving, act natural. We might be watched.    she says quickly.    We were, in there. A wererat I know.    she goes on.    A shady one, too. Might serve the Usurper.    She shifts closer to Garrett.    How about a detour? See if anyone follows?   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 23 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 20 ]  to see if company's still around.
 
Chimaera
Urag laughter and hear Torta's whispers.  Act natural. 

" You're no fun ", he says to her and keep moving following Garret and the others to whatever detour they plan on taking or not. He trust Torta's perceptions, but worry a bit that she might be just messing with him to make him stop talking and joking around.
Auranghzeb
Garrett would chuckle at Urag's tasteless sense of humor if only by how it upsets the Torta. But he reads Torta's concern.

 Sure, if we are being followed, we could set up a small ambush ourselves. Act naturally. Urag! Help me out with this barrel of ale, will you? Nice Axe you got!   

Then whispering to Torta  We need to move naturally but fast, pick a spot on our way to our camp and set up a welcome party 
Metastachydium
  Whereas you really are.   Torta snipes back at Urag.    That's good thinking. He's a nuisance. And a coward, too. But he likes money. And sneaks quite well.    she adds in a low whisper, eyes and ears focused on detecting any rodent skittering in an odd direction.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 36 ]  and Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 28 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
Knowing that Torta's senses far surpass his own, Felix keeps walking and rubs at a nonexistent stain on his sleeve.

  Do we ignore him, confront him, or fight him?   he whispers.   We need somewhere quiet for the last two.  
Metastachydium
   Confront,  if  he follows?    Torta suggests, her hard-to-catch side glance asking for Garrett's confirmation.    He wants no fight. I know that much.   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Just the usual Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 32 ]  and Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 24 ] 
 
MikelaC1
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
    Confront,  if  he follows?    Torta suggests, her hard-to-catch side glance asking for Garrett's confirmation.    He wants no fight. I know that much.   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Just the usual Spot: [roll0] and Listen: [roll1]
 
 
 

Now that she knows what and who she is looking for, Torta is able to just barely keep an eye on Twitches who is clearly following them. Theres no doubt hes good at that, only knowing what she is exactly looking for has saved her more than once. As far as she can tell, Twitches doesnt seem like he knows he has been "made".
animorte
William moves to put an arm around his equally tall friend.   "Urag, you've been uncharacteristically civil on this day."   He glances to Torta and then to each of the others with a nod of acknowledgement.    "On your signal."   
  "You know that means we're running low on ale!"   as he pats his own gut in an exaggerated flourish.
Chimaera
" Civil? Bah! ", Urag exclaim at William's comment, " I think Torta disagree with you ".

"  but yes, we should have bought another two barrels: feeling thirsty tonight ", the adds and glance at the elf wizard, " You dont happen to have some bottle of wine under you cloak, do you? The night didnt even start yet and we are already low on beer ".
MikelaC1
As the party leaves the city and begins to enter the forest, it becomes harder and harder for Torta to keep an eye on Twitches, and then about halfway to the camp she loses track of him completely.
spectralphoenix
 What now? Do we find a place with good sightlines and lay in wait? This sort of cat-and-mouse isn't really my specialty. 
Auranghzeb
  No, we go back to the camp. Let him follow us, eventually, he'll fall right into our arms. Torta, what's with this acquaintance of yours?  
Metastachydium
Torta awkwardly presses a palm against her nape as she leans on a tree trunk. Twitches might be more slippery yet than she remembered.    Not a good idea.    she comments on Garrett's plan, keeping her voice low. The damn rat might still be near, after all.    He won't attack. He's no warrior. You let him be? He prefers that, really. Not above stealing, sure. But not from us. That's too big. He's nosing, now. Maybe to sell news. Don't disturb him? He wins, all free.    she explains, uncomfortably glancing left and right. Did they lose him? That's not like Twitches. Not unless he gets scared. She has a bad feeling about this.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 28 ]  and Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 34 ] 
 
MikelaC1
Torta thinks she might have heard a twig snap, but by the time she looks to the spot, there is nothing there. Unless it was a small animal....
spectralphoenix
 Enough of this. Next time you think you hear him, give me the position, as close as you can manage.  Felix adopts a measured calm as he waits for the moment to act.

 
 Spoiler 

Felix readies an action to cast Glitterdust where Torta tells him (within the 160ft range,) a 10 ft radius burst that inflicts anyone within the area with blindness (DC 17 will negates) reveals invisibility, and inflicts a -40 penalty to hide checks (no save.)
 
Chimaera
" I have to agree with Torta ", Urag says seriously and look to a bush closer-by, " Also need to take a leak ".

 
 Spoiler: Urag 
Urag will keep moving with the group. If the group halted, he'll go to said bush to relieve himself and try to get another angle from the scene.

Spot  (1d20+1)[ 19 ] 
Listen  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
 
Metastachydium
As she pushes away from her temporary tree-trunk-of-leaning-on, Torta almost falls over in surprise, vigilant as she might be, such is her surprise as Urag states, with as straight a face as his could look with that gross, big beard.   Am I going  crazy ?   she follows the barbarian's departing back with wide eyes, only to right herself in the next moment and offer Felix a slight, understanding nod. It's tiime to smoke the rat.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 22 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 34 ] ;
free action shake off the after-effects of Urag acting off;
whatever action it takes get ready to point fingers if Twitches (or anything that could be Twitches) is detected.
 
MikelaC1
 Twitches 

 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
  Spot:  34  
 

 There!  shouts Torta, followed by a streak of glitter that would do a 10 year old girl's birthday party proud from Felix. Twitches squeals in mock pain as he lights up like a Christmas tree and goes blind to boot. Instinctively he transforms into a rat and tries to scurry away but he is still blind and doesnt have any sense of direction left, at one point running into a tree
Chimaera
With the stalker revealed and glowing, Urag dashes to capture the little rat before it can manage to escape.

" Don't let the damn rat escape! ", he shouts as he charges forward.


 
 Spoiler 
Initiative?
If yes,  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 

if the wererat is within charge distance, Urag will charge, else he'll run x4 to make sure to corner and block his way out.

Greataxe PA 4  (1d20+11)[ 24 ] 
dmg  (1d12+18)[ 29 ] 
 
Metastachydium
  Don't kill him.   Torta calls after Urag with precious little worry apparent in her voice. She seems to be in no hurry to join the clumsy chase either.
animorte
William takes a moment to acknowledge Torta's concern, or lack thereof.   "You say this isn't really a threat, just an informant?"  

He takes a few steps closer to the spy, more out of curiosity than aggression. While he shows no particular sign of worry, he understands that information can be quite dangerous.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative if necessary:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 

Move just enough to make sure he's within clear eyesight.

Cast Command on whom they assume to be Twitches (STOP!). DC 16, will negates.
 
MikelaC1
The powerful command word from William puts the brakes on the rat almost immediately and Urag easily picks him up by the tail. Twitches instinctively transforms again into his human form, but is cowering in front of the powerful barbarian
Chimaera
" Alright, fella. Stay still and answer my friend's answers. I'm sure they have many on their heads ", Urag says putting down the axe and putting his many fingered hand over Twitches' shoulder, holding it tight to the point of discomfort. For the wererat.

" And try not to escape ", he adds and look into the wererat's eyes, " That would make me angry ".

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Talk 
Intimidate  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 

He'll grapple him if he tries to escape.
Grapple if needed  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
 
Metastachydium
  It's "questions", Urag.   Torta comments as she strolls closer to drop down in a comfortable, cross-legged position a pace away from the pair and start staring unblinkingly at the wererat.   How's life, Twitches?   she asks almost pleasantly.   Long time, no  see .  
animorte
William would also like to influence the attitude of their new  friend  in hopes to be on a more agreeable understanding.   "We're all friends here. It's so nice of you to join us, Twitches, is it? Or do you have a preferred moniker?"  
 
 Spoiler 

Playing good cop/bad cop with Urag and their catch.

Diplomacy:  (1d20+13)[ 14 ] 
 
MikelaC1
 I didnt say nothing, nothing, I swear. I didnt see anything either. You let me go, I forget I ever saw you. I dont need no part of no reward, not for this.  
Auranghzeb
  No, you are not going anywhere until you tell us who sent you and why.   
Metastachydium
Torta nods at Garrett's words.   Oh, and until then…   she then addresses the wererat again.   "No reward for  this ." What's  this , Twitches?  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sense Motive:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  plus
free action Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 36 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 32 ] , just in case.
 
MikelaC1
 No one sent me, I was on the mission for myself. Only myself. Theyve priced even beer out of the range of an honest man. I saw you with money and not paying any sort of guild tax and figured maybe I sell your location to a guardsman for coin. Then theres the reward for Rocco and his underlings and I thought maybe I could pin that on you, thats what the "this" is.  
Starbuck_II
 So you would sell out your 'old' friend?
That don't seem right.
What you know about Rocco? 
MikelaC1
 Who said Torta and I were friends? She would cut me as fast as I would her
I know Rocco and his posse are dead and the Lord and his cronies dont know who did it and dont want people getting ideas they can get away with it 
animorte
  "And yet she stated several times  while you thought you were being sneaky  that we shouldn't kill you."  

William holds his arms out and looks around at all the rest of his group as a sort of presentation to their overall lack of aggression.
MikelaC1
 If you really meant me no harm, you wouldnt have enspelled me nor having some 7 ft 500 pound mass of muscle still holding me 
spectralphoenix
 
 Originally Posted by MikelaC1 
  No one sent me, I was on the mission for myself. Only myself. Theyve priced even beer out of the range of an honest man. I saw you with money and not paying any sort of guild tax and figured maybe I sell your location to a guardsman for coin. Then theres the reward for Rocco and his underlings and I thought maybe I could pin that on you, thats what the "this" is.   
 

 Sell our location?  Felix had been lurking in the background until now, but he perks up at this tidbit.  Who's buying, exactly? And what do they want? 
Chimaera
" Keep insulting me and not even my friends here will stop me to make a quick work on you ", the big brute threatens, " You were planning on pin a crime on us, maybe I should pin my axe to your neck, rat ".

He turns his attention to Torta and Garret, " What we do with this fellow? "
Metastachydium
William gets a faint smile from Torta, and Felix, a nod. She's, however, already in motion in the meantime, bolting forward to stop only short of Urag and his prisoner, staring into the wererat's face from mere inches away. The smell of the ground under fir trees after rain follows her all the way; a sensitive nose like that of Twitches should be able to sense it fine, even through Urag's stronger miasma.   The guard, you say?   she latches onto Felix's inquiries.   Now, listen here, Twitches. You go to them? You're all lost. We know a thing. A thing or two. This Rocco of yours? They knew he died. They already knew it. When we came back? Posters were all around. Could we kill him? And quite that fast?   she pauses to let Twitches consider the words.   We  could  do it. Just look at us. But if we did? They'd already know. So you go there. You point at us. But without any proof. Don't you see?   she pauses again.   What if they know? Know what happened, exactly? Whereas you don't? You lied to them. And they caught you. You might not die. But there you are. Caught and in debt. You have them hanging. Right over your head. The Usurper's very own. They eat you alive.   The killoren steps back, tilting her head to a side.   Do you want that?  
MikelaC1
 
 Originally Posted by spectralphoenix 
  Sell our location?  Felix had been lurking in the background until now, but he perks up at this tidbit.  Who's buying, exactly? And what do they want?  
 

 Everyone's always looking for good intel 

 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 William gets a faint smile from Torta, and Felix, a nod. She's, however, already in motion in the meantime, bolting forward to stop only short of Urag and his prisoner, staring into the wererat's face from mere inches away. The smell of the ground under fir trees after rain follows her all the way; a sensitive nose like that of Twitches should be able to sense it fine, even through Urag's stronger miasma.   The guard, you say?   she latches onto Felix's inquiries.   Now, listen here, Twitches. You go to them? You're all lost. We know a thing. A thing or two. This Rocco of yours? They knew he died. They already knew it. When we came back? Posters were all around. Could we kill him? And quite that fast?   she pauses to let Twitches consider the words.   We  could  do it. Just look at us. But if we did? They'd already know. So you go there. You point at us. But without any proof. Don't you see?   she pauses again.   What if they know? Know what happened, exactly? Whereas you don't? You lied to them. And they caught you. You might not die. But there you are. Caught and in debt. You have them hanging. Right over your head. The Usurper's very own. They eat you alive.   The killoren steps back, tilting her head to a side.   Do you want that?   
 

Twitches does not respond, he still looks defiant, but its a bit more sullen and subdued now
Chimaera
" So we leave him go now? ", Urag questions Garret and then look at Torta, " Or you'd rather eat this one? "
Metastachydium
  Urag, I don't…   Torta starts, but so as to preserve as much of her sanity as possible, she stops just as abruptly to pinch the bridge of her nose and sigh straight into the wererat's face.   No, I'll pass. Just this one time.   she says instead.   What do you say?   the killoren glances back at Garrett. He's the boss, after all.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+17)[ 19 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+17)[ 20 ]  because why not.
 
MikelaC1
 Let Twitches go. Twitches knows something, knows where there is a good treasure. Twitches not strong enough to get it, but you could. Twitches will trade location for freedom and not go to guard either.  
spectralphoenix
Felix sighs. While he had no intention of trusting the rat, they were getting nowhere.

 All right. I think we can make a deal. But this deal is good ONCE. If we catch you again, I'm going to let my friend here solve this problem permanently. No questions asked. 

He glances over at the rest of the party for confirmation.
Starbuck_II
 
 Originally Posted by MikelaC1 
  Let Twitches go. Twitches knows something, knows where there is a good treasure. Twitches not strong enough to get it, but you could. Twitches will trade location for freedom and not go to guard either.   
 

" Will Twitches promise to be good if we let him go for this treasure? But you have my attention, what sort of treasure?
" 
MikelaC1
Twitches bobs his head in eager agreement, waiting for confirmation from the rest of the party
Chimaera
Urag relax the grip on Twitches' shoulder and slap him in the back of his head, " Spit it out ". He still looks menacingly to the wererat and the slap isnt  that  strong, but nothing lethal.

That's Urag showing he's okay with this agreement.
animorte
  "See, I told you we could all get along!"  

William presents agreement while remaining his friendly self, but none of the arrangements calm his suspicion in the slightest.
Metastachydium
Torta finally pulls back somewhat and  seems  to roll her eyes (it's hard to tell when the whole eyeball is of uniform colour and texture).   There is no treasure.   she opines.   I'm fairly certain. But he keeps quiet? He'll stay alive. I won't mind that.   she tilts her head to the right again.    If  Garrett doesn't.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sense Motive on Twitches:  (1d205)[ 103 ] 
 
MikelaC1
 No, no, the treasure is real. A weretiger and some werewolves took over the last rest inn on the Kings Highway. They let enough caravans through that no one knows what they are up to but if they see a valuable one, they meet with an "accident". The weretiger, hes got one of each type of buff item and he carries a shield like your rangers, but all shiny with the rampant lion and crossed swords underneath. Gold and jewels too.  
animorte
William takes in the information, noticeably surprised by the description, and sets his drink down. He looks around at the rest of his peers.

  "He's - uh - he's not lying... That sounds very familiar actually. I mean, I'm not sure of the present status, but I definitely remember some of those details."  

He moves toward their  captive  friend and takes a seat to make his figure less imposing as he has practiced many times before.

  "Tell you what, you make sure we get through  with no problems  and I'll talk to my companions here about returning a bit of the favor."  
 
 Spoiler 

William is attempting to make sure that Twitches is going to be on their side, not leading them into unnecessary trouble.

Diplomacy check:  (1d20+14)[ 25 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Garrett

Having been a silent expectator for most of the talk, Garrett moves closer to the wererat.

“How do we know you are not guiding us to an ambush with those of your kind? And why do you think we would call Treasure to what obviously are stolen items, obtained with violence by those lycanthropes? I don’t trust you at all, rat, but it is our duty to seek justice and capture those lycanthropes”
Metastachydium
Torta sits back down and eyes Twitches suspiciously. Still, she trusts William and will stick with Garrett, no matter what. She slowly nods to each in turn, placing the affair fully into their hands.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 27 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 26 ] , mostly to try the newly improved modifiers.
 
MikelaC1
Assuming the group has agreed to this deal, Twitches steps back from Urag and gathers up whatever items he dropped when the spell hit him.


 
 Originally Posted by Auranghzeb 
 And why do you think we would call Treasure to what obviously are stolen items, obtained with violence by those lycanthropes? I don’t trust you at all, rat, but it is our duty to seek justice and capture those lycanthropes” 
 

 What of all your other items obtained by violence? Did the former owner of that Axe just hand it over to Urag willingly? Or your shiny new sword? 

Unless someone says something, he leads the way
spectralphoenix
 Let's just get on with this.  Unwilling to invite a moral argument with a thief, Felix shoulders his backpack and starts moving.  If nothing else, maybe we'll learn who our enemies are. 
Metastachydium
Though fairly convinced she knows  exactly  who their  actual  enemies are and where,  exactly , they reside (a far fancier place than the lair of some werebeasts) Torta springs back onto her feet with simple grace and doesn't even bother to glower at Twitches. Felix is probably right in that regard; arguing with the rat any further is a waste of their collective time – and it'd make picking up sounds that don't belong slightly more difficult anyhow.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 20 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 30 ] .
 
Chimaera
" Heh ", Urag says and spit in the grass as an answer tj Twitches' provocation.

He's done with the wererat and more worried in returning to his barrrel of ale than bickering with the thief.
Auranghzeb
Garrett simply scoffs at the wererat silly attempt at a retort.

  "Well furry friend, you will take us to these band of merry philanthropists were-furr and claws and we will be done with them. And if you cross us, I think my friend Urag here may want to use you as a nice latrine cushion."   
Metastachydium
Torta actually shudders at the thought.   Not something you want.   she informs Twitches, perhaps somewhat redundantly.
MikelaC1
Travelling to the inn takes the better part of the day, the Inns are spaced out at a distance of one days of travel by design. The group stops at some range from the structure and observes. As it is late in the afternoon, turning to evening actually there are a number of caravans pulling in for the night and there are porters and hotel staff running around, making arrangements for stabling and rooms, while the caravan staff and owners head inside for food and drink.
 Not all of the staff are were-beasts, some of them dont even know about the weres and some have just chosen to turn a blind eye to it, seeing as they are still getting paid for doing their job.  
Metastachydium
Torta nods slowly, showing little outwardly perceptible concern one way or the other.   Who  are  the werebeasts? If we could tell…   she she explains evenly.   That could help immensely. Tiger sorts are tough.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 21 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 35 ] 
Also, Sense Motive on Twitches:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 
animorte
  "People have done worse for coin. Wouldn't be surprised if each of these loads are being sized up as we speak."   William looks to his comrades for a sort of confirmation on his thought. Then he begins to wonder if this  were-society  has any ties with the the increasing Orc employment, a concern he'll save for later.
spectralphoenix
 Well, I can't pick out were-beasts, but I can at least look for magic. If they're as well-equipped as we've heard, that should identify the leaders at least. 
MikelaC1
After about 5 minutes of watching, another man comes out from the Inn, wearing slightly finer clothes than the other workers, but otherwise appearing to be quite normal. However Twitches points him out... thats Uthgar, he's one of them. He's responsible for seeing which caravans are worth hitting. 
Chimaera
" Maybe Daphne could help us provide a bait ", Urag says to Garret, " She never paid us for our help after all and I'm sure she would profit with safer roads ".

The barbarian makes sure to put a few silver coins in a separate coinpurse.

" Should we go in and drink a bit? "
Metastachydium
A veritable deluge of reasons why this strikes her as the very worst of ideas floods Torta's mind, but she goes with the most obvious.   They'll recognize Twitches. Or so I fear.   she shakes her head slightly.   It's the smell. Much like with you.  
animorte
  "Yes, if we had access to a caravan of our own, we'd likely blend in much better. They won't be leaving until tomorrow anyway, so if we know which way they're headed, we have something to work with."   William's gaze moves to Twitches, and he expects more information. He does not like the idea of being found out too soon either.
Auranghzeb
  Torta and William are right. But we could also try and gather some intelligence inside the inn.  
spectralphoenix
 I don't think we should drag Daphne into this. Even if we did, could we even track her down and recruit her quickly? 

Felix purses his lips and considers the problem.

 All of these caravans hire guards, don't they? We could stroll in, present ourselves as mercenaries, and look around for a juicy target to attach ourselves to. It's not that far off the truth, after all. 
animorte
William isn't fond of stepping into the WereLion's den, as it were. This could just make Twitches more comfortable, no telling what kind of shenanigans he could get up to.

But he knows Garrett and Felix are right. He gives the others a nod, an especially careful glance toward Torta, trusting that she's still keeping a  very  close eye on the rat.

 "Let's go make some more  friends,  shall we?" 
Metastachydium
Torta catches William's gaze, but says nothing at first, taking her time to process Garrett's opinion and Felix's plan. She shakes her head again, more lightly, in the end.   We could split up.   she offers, very cautiously.   Urag gets his drink. You can look around. I chat up Twitches.  
spectralphoenix
 Well, unless anyone has a better one, I think we have our plan.  Felix takes one last look at the party, preparing himself to walk into danger again.
MikelaC1
Walking into the Inn, the group is struck by the "normalness" of the operation. There is a big common room and smells of the roasting meat are enough to make the mouth water. There are quite a few customers in the guest hall, and everything appears to be well cleaned and welcoming. The bar seems to be well stocked (although Urag thinks he could make a dent in it) and the barkeop/innkeeper is busy at work. Looking at him a little longer, you can see that he is sleekly muscular, taller than average, and seems to be very agile, at least in the way he works with serving. The man that Twitches identified as a werewolf comes in after a few minutes and speaks quietly to the barkeepr before heading back into the kitchen. Unlike any bar or establishment in Wilverton there are none of the orc/half-orc "guardsmen", and the whole release of the atmosphere from that is a welcome change. There are plenty of caravans at all times and there is no need for the Inn to gouge prices while watering down their fare and if the whole thing were not being run by lycanthrops, it would be a relaxing place to stay.
Twitches appears to be behaving himself, staying close to Torta, while the rest of the group is free to head to whatever spot they want. For now, the leader of the were family is not paying any attention to you, other than taking any drink orders or requests for a room.
Auranghzeb
  Lovely place you have here.  

Garrett says as he scoops a stool at the bar

  I'd like something for me and my friends here, we got dusty throats after a day of travel. Whatever this buys, and keep them coming.  

He places four gold coins on the counter and looks around to see if there's a jar of boiled eggs or any other food.

  Give my friend Utgar something strong, please.   

He sits on the stool with his elbows on the bar and takes a long look at the patrons, nonchalantly.

  William, reckon any of these are fellow churchgoers of your faith?  
Chimaera
" Strong is good. Double strong is better, specially if followed with some meat and bread ", the barbarian says to the waiter and get a place for him to seat.

For once he's happy that things turned out okay and mead and food is on the way.

" Today was a good day ", he says more to himself and smile when he see his drink coming.
Metastachydium
For all the comfort (and especially for a place apparently free of harassment from the Usurper's posse), the inn puts Torta at no more ease than Park Avenue did. She finds herself sitting on the edge of her seat once more, away from the counter and the doors, but with a good view of them, huddled closer to Twitches than she normally would, hoping that her own earthy smell can mask some of his. As she cautiously scans the room with eye and ear, she mentally goes through a thousand scenarios where something goes wrong (Urag starts a barroom brawl; the barkeep will catch Garrett having called the barbarian Utgar, the name of some were-cohort, by accident; Twitches rats them out; Twitches rats  himself  out, by accident; she trusts the others too little and  herself  too much – and the list goes on). Still, for now, she manages to sit tight and no amount of internal anguish will manage to keep her from staying alert. That much, at least, she knows.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 26 ]  and Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 24 ]  to identify threats, suspiciosu folks and overhear stuff, especially conversations between the werebeasts.
 
MikelaC1
A tall tankard of mead soon finds its way in front of each member of the group, the mead being served to Urag noticeably darker in color. In short order, the roast, along with a generous helping of potatoes and gravy follows, for a group that has been living on the scraps and low grade fare of Wilverton, its almost like heaven. Maybe in the days of King George II, Wilverton would put this Inn to shame, but under Lord Mouton, theres no comparison. Some of the groups take notice of the newcomers, but its not the deadly suspicion of Park Avenue, just casual curiosity. Twitches taps Totra on the hand every time one of the were beasts appears in the room for whatever reason, if his intel is correct, there are at least 3 werewolves and the one weretiger boss.
spectralphoenix
 So how do they usually pick their targets? We can't just start a war in here. We need to figure out who they're going after, go along with them, and ambush the ambushers. Any idea how far they let the caravan get before striking? 

After speaking, Felix uses the cover of the conversation to discretely scan for magic in the area.

 
 Spoiler 

Felix casts Detect Magic and scans the room. Unless interrupted, he keeps it up for the maximum duration (seven minutes) paying careful attention to anyone who appears to be carrying magic items. Range is 60 feet and should pass through most of the walls, assuming they're not lined with lead.
 
Starbuck_II
 "Now, this is a nice feast, why don't we do this more often? Oh, right we aren't always rich enough ." Sonamy digs in to some potatoes.

 "This is a feast of the gods, Boccob would be in love if he were here."  He takes a swig of his drink.
animorte
For a brief moment, William looks around in awe at how different the place is. While he's often suspicious, even now, he greatly appreciates the cleanliness and organization. Of course, he knows why. For several reasons,  virtuous or not,  the establishment is able to maintain its standards. He attempts to take his mind off the operation just long enough to enjoy a few bites. In his years he's learned to appreciate the moments when they present themselves.

He speaks to nobody in general, but just loud enough that a passing employee should catch on.  "Wish I could give my compliments to the owner of this establishment. Far cry from recent experiences." 
Auranghzeb
Garrett nodded on William's compliment and pigged back on it, talking to William, but loudly enough to be heard by anyone eavesdropping-

  Such a well garnished tavern is the tell of well-off patrons my friend. It speaks of a well ordered and thriving community. With steady income, a good place to settle or to come looking for work.  

He took a deep drink of his mug and poked some steaming vegetables from the stew.
Chimaera
With a mouth full of mashed potatoes, Urag begins to talk back to the others, but its pretty much incompreensible what he's trying to say.

Eventually some bits of potatoes fly from his mouth and into Torta's forehead and some on Garret's drink as well.

Seeing none understood him he drink the whole drink to wash his mouth and clean his mouth with his sleeve, " If we are to keep staying at good places like this, we should look for someone to hire us. There seems to be many caravans around, maybe one of them need might need strong guards ".

He raises his empty glass and signals for one of the werebeasts to come a fill it back and get closer for the table.

" Good stuff you got here, keep it coming ".
Metastachydium
As she wipes away the half-masticated food from her head, Torta puts on an expression as miserable as her facial muscles will allow (which is to say, moderately miserable).   For the love of…  Please  grow some  manners .   she pleads with the big man in a rather hushed tone that is more resigned than angry, her attention largely elsewhere.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 20 ]  to overhear conversations, especially between werebeasts and Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 31 ] , because hey, it's a free action for her.
 
MikelaC1
The unsubtle hints the party is dropping all seem to pay off. One of the waitresses comes by and drops a note on the table beside Garret, the note says

 My caravan suffered some unfortunate losses in a last encounter before we arrived here. My caravan is the largest currently in dock here and I can certainly afford to pay you. Come to see me at Dock7 in an hour. 

The group does remember a caravan pulling in that had several very large wagons in it that did show signs of battle.


Several minutes after this delivery, the barkeep/inkeep (that Twitches identified as a weretiger) approaches the table.

 I heard that you were interested in paying your respects to the owner of this Inn. That would be me and while I cannot take claim for the flavor of the stew, thats the work of my head chef and his "secret ingredients" I can take claim for much of the rest.  
animorte
William had been mostly focusing on his food, his tankard largely untouched. As the owner makes the introduction, William makes sure to give his undivided attention. He then stands up slowly and holds his mead, arm outstretched in a toast.  "To the best inn for miles!" 

He takes a long draw, emptying the mug, then setting it gently on the table before lowering his voice to directly address the innkeeper.  "Just like your chef and his secret ingredient, there's a secret to every success."  He presents a natural wink to punctuate the concept of a secret.  "I know you couldn't share it with me, but it's enough to leave one curious, and no doubt in admiration!" 

While he has the attention of the innkeeper, he's hoping an ally picks up on some other details.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Perhaps the innkeeper feels inclined to share a bit more. For what it's worth...

Diplomacy:  (1d20+14)[ 20 ] 

Maybe, I also just like rolling it. 🙂
 
Metastachydium
The curious phrase "secret ingredients" makes Torta doubt that she really  wants  to eat any more of the food, Urag's strange notions of her dietary needs notwithstanding. But that hardly tops the list of her worries. Presently, she leans forward to put her upper half between the tiger and their own rat and turning to the former, makes a serious, but pleasant face.   Give him our compliments.   she joins in on the flattery. After a fashion, the cook  does  deserve that.   And  aye  to that!   she adds, to William's toast, reaching for her own mug to sip it, all ladylike. Her eyes and ears, nonetheless, reach out past the owner, to scan the room once more.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 26 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 29 ]  as above; and
a quick Sense Motive to see if the cat sniffed something out:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
 Cheers!  Felix matches William's toast with his own.  Who doesn't love a brisk round of exercise followed by a tasty meal? I'm sure this is the start of a beautiful friendship! 
 
 Spoiler 

Aid Another for William's Diplomacy check
 (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Garret put the note in his pocket and almost inadvertenly reached out for his mug of ale noticing just in time the floating piece of food from Utgar's  mouthful...

Resigned, he put the mug back on the counter. Doubly concerned about the "special ingredients" comment... he was pretty sure of the implied cannibalism and his face turned green in disgust... better not discuss this with faithful William.

He put on his best poker face when the weretiger approached.

  Lovely place indeed. May abundance always bless you! and he tipped his head  

Taking out the floating food from his glass, he took a sip.

  As you may have overheard, we are a group of traveling adventurers and we could use some employment.  
MikelaC1
 
 Originally Posted by animorte 
 William had been mostly focusing on his food, his tankard largely untouched. As the owner makes the introduction, William makes sure to give his undivided attention. He then stands up slowly and holds his mead, arm outstretched in a toast.  "To the best inn for miles!" 

He takes a long draw, emptying the mug, then setting it gently on the table before lowering his voice to directly address the innkeeper.  "Just like your chef and his secret ingredient, there's a secret to every success."  He presents a natural wink to punctuate the concept of a secret.  "I know you couldn't share it with me, but it's enough to leave one curious, and no doubt in admiration!" 

While he has the attention of the innkeeper, he's hoping an ally picks up on some other details.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Perhaps the innkeeper feels inclined to share a bit more. For what it's worth...

Diplomacy: [roll0]

Maybe, I also just like rolling it. 🙂
 
 
 

 Its not really a secret, its all location location. I am positioned exactly one days caravan drive from Wilverton. Those who wish to have one last good meal and drink, given the "quality" that the current administration have imposed and dont want to push their drivers stay here. Those who have lived in the crap of the city for even a few days ae more than eager to get out of it and we are also at the road divide to Keltor and Thonardas which helps in traffic even more.  

 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 The curious phrase "secret ingredients" makes Torta doubt that she really  wants  to eat any more of the food, Urag's strange notions of her dietary needs notwithstanding. But that hardly tops the list of her worries. Presently, she leans forward to put her upper half between the tiger and their own rat and turning to the former, makes a serious, but pleasant face.   Give him our compliments.   she joins in on the flattery. After a fashion, the cook  does  deserve that.   And  aye  to that!   she adds, to William's toast, reaching for her own mug to sip it, all ladylike. Her eyes and ears, nonetheless, reach out past the owner, to scan the room once more.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Listen: [roll0] and Spot: [roll1] as above; and
a quick Sense Motive to see if the cat sniffed something out: [roll2]
 
 
 

 I will make sure to pass your appreciation along to him, everyone likes a good compliment now and then 

 
 Originally Posted by spectralphoenix 
  Cheers!  Felix matches William's toast with his own.  Who doesn't love a brisk round of exercise followed by a tasty meal? I'm sure this is the start of a beautiful friendship! 
 
 Spoiler 

Aid Another for William's Diplomacy check
[roll0]
 
 
 

 While as much as I care for exercise, this is one of my busier times of the night and cant join you.  

 
 Originally Posted by Auranghzeb 
 Garret put the note in his pocket and almost inadvertenly reached out for his mug of ale noticing just in time the floating piece of food from Utgar's  mouthful...

Resigned, he put the mug back on the counter. Doubly concerned about the "special ingredients" comment... he was pretty sure of the implied cannibalism and his face turned green in disgust... better not discuss this with faithful William.

He put on his best poker face when the weretiger approached.

  Lovely place indeed. May abundance always bless you! and he tipped his head  

Taking out the floating food from his glass, he took a sip.

  As you may have overheard, we are a group of traveling adventurers and we could use some employment.   
 

 Well, there are lots of caravans here but I dont know if anyone is hiring. The Wilson caravan appeared to have had a bad run in with some ogres that they survived but their ranks got thinned out. They might be looking for someone  
spectralphoenix
 Well, then, we should have a word with this Wilson caravan. Sitting around drinking is all well and good, but we should see about bringing in some money in too! 

Excusing himself, Felix moves to find the caravan master to set up the next stage of their trap.
Chimaera
Urag is busy eating and seems to not care what this secret ingredient or just didnt realize what it might be. He's happy for a wrll deserved break and really enjoyed the beer

" Ogres are up in these areas a lot recently ", he comments and proceeds to steal the untouched meat from Garret's plate, " And it is Urag, Gary ".

" Another beer for Urag! "
animorte
William takes in all the information and can't help but think to himself, it's a shame if they really are causing trouble. He then gathers his things and prepares to head out with Felix, as he waves a hand casually in Urag's direction.  "Perhaps my friend here would like a keg for the road. You'll definitely be seeing us again!" 
Metastachydium
Torta can hardly wait for the weretiger to leave, so that she can give her own food to Urag as well. She'd gladly leave with Felix and William, but she'd rather not leave Twitches unattended, for his own safety and theirs. So, instead, she faintly smiles at the ringleader and bows her head.   You must be busy.   she tells the tiger.   Thank you again, Sir. Have an easy night! Or a fast one. Whichever you'd prefer.    she tells the man, keeping the smile on, before using William's polite (in all their ambiguity) words as a springboard once more.   May we meet again! The sooner, the better.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 20 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 35 ] , as before.
 
Auranghzeb
Garrett does not want to split the party, but there's information to be gained by going to the dock.

  Let us go.
Urag, Torta, keep safe.  
MikelaC1
Garrett, William and Felix head off to the loading docks in the barn. The docks are quiet now, the Inn clearly has rules that you have to be in by a certain time and the only action now is the munching of oats and knickering of the horses as they settle for the night. The group walks along to Dock7, as was described the wagon clearly had seen some sort of action as there are huge weapon gashes in the side, scraping of paint and symbols and a few fire stains. There does not appear to be any people around the wagon, although the group does hear rustling from inside the wagon. Calling out for anyone, the group gets a bit closer and suddenly 3 forms come out of the wagon, looking like something a cross between a wolf and a human. Clearly werewolves if someone were to make a guess, but they are not one of the ones that was working in the restaurant part of the Inn. They seem intent on either making a meal of the party, or infecting the members with lycanthropy or both.

Roll initiative.
spectralphoenix
 Looks like there are more than we thought  Felix says, wondering if he had let his guard down too far.  I was hoping we could negotiate getting paid for this part. 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
If Felix is in melee he takes a 5ft step back.
Felix casts Scorching Ray, both rays at one target, favoring an unengaged enemy at full health.
If Felix didn't take a 5ft step, he moves to put the armored party members between himself and the werewolves.

Scorching Ray:
Ranged Touch 1:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  Damage:  (4d6)[ 15 ]  fire
Ranged Touch 2:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  Damage:  (4d6)[ 15 ]  fire
 
animorte
William takes the briefest possible moment to roll his eyes before jumping straight into action.  "Not  quite  what we were looking for. Figures." 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 

Free action: Family Domain power = William and allies (up to 3 total) within 10 feet gain  +2 AC  for 6 rounds.

Move just close enough to be in melee range (naturally blocking their path to Felix) while drawing mace and shield.

Attack nearest enemy:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
 "Urag, bet I can drink you under the table. Twitches, what you drinking?"  Sonamy says with a wink.

If he is going watch Twitches, might as well buzzed.
Chimaera
" I dont think you can compete with me at drinking, Sonamy ", he says and order a new round for their table and begin taking the leftover of food on the other plates, " But I would like to see you try ".
Auranghzeb
Garrett does not like the panorama. These guys can give you nasty diseases.


  Careful! their mouths are filthier than Urag's tootbrush!  

He charges against the closest of the two, swinging his axe powerfully and then activates his chronocharm to fall back into a defensive wall with William.


 
 Spoiler: OoC 
STANDARD: Power attack Charge (2PA offset by the charge +2):  (1D20+11)[ 18 ]  DAMAGE  (1D8+9)[ 17 ] 
SWIFT: Chronocharm of the Horizon Walker to move 15' back and draw my shortsword
 
Metastachydium
Torta lets loose a tired sigh. She positively envies every single member of the group's other half now. They get some fresh air, secure some more coin… Whereas here she is, stuck minding a wererat and a drinking contest. With  Urag  involved.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 29 ]  and Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 21 ]  to pass the time.
 
MikelaC1
Even surprised, the party does well against an opponent they did not see coming. Felix connects with one of his rays of fire, burning the werewolf badly while Garrett connects with one blow of his sword. William does not connect but his protection tips the scales and none of the lycanthropes hit.

Round two. Two wolves badly damaged, each party member engaged by wolf
spectralphoenix
Felix backpedals as the filthy whirlwind of claws and fangs comes for him. Serious measures were going to be needed to protect his life, his humanity, and especially his wardrobe!

 Right, time for a little more cleansing fire! 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 

Felix takes a 5ft step out of reach.

If all three werewolves are still up and he can hit all three, he casts Explosive Cascade. This creates a connected path of eight 5ft squares that can be arranged at will, dealing  (8d6)[ 34 ]  fire damage (Reflex DC 21 half)

Otherwise, he casts another Scorching Ray, the first ray at his opponent, the other at another target if available.
Touch Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  Damage  (4d6)[ 11 ]  fire
Touch Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  Damage  (4d6)[ 16 ]  fire
 
Auranghzeb
Garrret knows their skin is sturdy and resistant. But he can chop their heads!
He swings his battle axe with power!
 what big eyes you got! Puppy! 
 
 Spoiler 
move 5’ to a flanking position power attack 2  (1d20+9)[ 19 ]  (+11 if flanking)
Damage  (1d8+11)[ 17 ] 
 
MikelaC1
As the battle continues outside, the group inside is approached by a clearly well to do merchant, judging by his clothes and manners.  Good evening to you, fine sirs. My name is Count Wilson, owner of the Wilson Commercial. My caravan suffered an ogre attack on on our last day of travel and I could use a few more guards, just to be safe when I enter Wilverton. Some of the city guards are always looking for a weak target.  
Chimaera
" Well met, count. I'm Urag and if you hire me I'm sure none will see your guards as a weak target. Or leader is out now doing some business, but once he's back I'm sure you can get into payment details and stuff like that. But yeah, seems lots of ogres are being seen in those areas ".

" Could use some details: when you're planning to go to Welverton? ", he asks the noble before adding, " Just to know if I should keep drinking much longer or not ".
Metastachydium
Torta's eyes narrow for a moment, a look of confusion flickering through her narrow face.    That's not possible…    she mutters to herself; but then, she realizes appearing inexplicably rude hardly serves their best interests and no will it let them see more clearly.   Excuse my manners, Sir.   she speaks up suddenly, shaking her head ever so slightly, as if to drive some thought away.   I'm slightly surprised.   she explains, smiling faintly at Urag – a courtesy the man certainly earned, salvaging the talks like that.   Urag, here, is correct. Our leader just left. Straight for Dock 7.   the killoren slowly slides forward onto the very edge of her seat.   To meet you, Sir. You missed each other?  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sense Motive on Wilson:  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 
animorte
William doesn't have much to say, but somewhat finds himself focused on what they'll be explaining to the others upon return.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 

5-foot step to flank with G if possible.

He'll take another (probably wide) swing at the one he's engaged with 😉

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]  (+2 if flanking)

Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 
MikelaC1
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 Torta's eyes narrow for a moment, a look of confusion flickering through her narrow face.    That's not possible…    she mutters to herself; but then, she realizes appearing inexplicably rude hardly serves their best interests and no will it let them see more clearly.   Excuse my manners, Sir.   she speaks up suddenly, shaking her head ever so slightly, as if to drive some thought away.   I'm slightly surprised.   she explains, smiling faintly at Urag – a courtesy the man certainly earned, salvaging the talks like that.   Urag, here, is correct. Our leader just left. Straight for Dock 7.   the killoren slowly slides forward onto the very edge of her seat.   To meet you, Sir. You missed each other?  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sense Motive on Wilson: [roll0]
 
 
 

Now it is the Count's turn to look confused.  It is true that I am located in Dock7 but he would have no way to know that or any reason to check me out. I made no effort to meet him? 
 
 Spoiler 
not lying
 

 Im hoping to leave in the morning... theres something about this place that gives me the creeps  
Metastachydium
Torta goes as pale as a killoren gets short of switching to the white aspect.   He got a note. Please excuse us, Sir.   she springs to her feet, motioning to the others, Twitches included, even as she begins to hustle towards the door.   Come on, you three!  
Starbuck_II
Best laid plans and all that, thought Sonamy, he empties his mug, wipes his mouth, and jumps out his chair.

 "So, who knows our leader close enough to trick him? Maybe we should have a secret passcode to be sure it is really from our clients next time?" 

He helps Twitches to the door.
Chimaera
Urag stands up, a bit slowly and drain whats left of his mug. He really didnt want to leave the table and the beverages, but experienced proved Torta instintcs were mostly right, so if she said duck be would.


" Well, I'm sure my boss is hoping to close a deal with you. Reason he left to meet your caravan. We'll be staying the night here so we'll surely run into each other again, maybe on breakfast. Anyway, need to go now with Torta. She... ", he looks at her at the door already, " ... is a hurry ".

He moves to the door, " See you soon, count ".

Once getting past the door, he look to Torta with curiosity.
" Why the rush? Need to take crap? ", he asks oblivious to what really is happening and not even questioning why would she need everyone if she needed a bathroom.
Metastachydium
Torta's focused enough on trotting forward not to even bother taking offense.    Something's very wrong. Remember your  other  friends? Someone lured them away. Straight into a trap. Or so I fear.    she explains, her voice hushed, hoping that the big man hasn't quite drunk enough not to connect the dots (that would take quite the drink!), while trying to pick up any sight or sound of trouble.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 36 ]  and Listen:  (1d20+18)[ 22 ] 
 
MikelaC1
The group from the Inn comes running up, just in time to see Felix explode one of the werewolves with fire. Meanwhile Garrett and William both connect with a wolf, its the second hit from Garrett and finishes it off while William scores his first and he receives a paw hit in return for  8  points.
At the same time, the head weretiger is coming in from the other direction, along with 4 of his werewolf cronies, the merchant and a couple of his guards came with the group from the Inn

Tactical: William engaged on werewolf, all other party members free
Opponents: one weretiger, five werewolfs (one damaged}
spectralphoenix
Felix scarcely has time to appreciate his newfound breathing room before catching sight of the newcomers.  Well, I was never much good at subtlety anyway. Time to bring out some  real  firepower! 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 

If engaged, Felix takes a 5ft step out of reach.

If Felix can hit at least three enemies without hitting allies, he casts a Fireball, dealing  (8d6)[ 31 ]  fire damage in a 20ft Spread (Reflex 20 half), hitting as many enemies as possible

Otherwise, he casts Explosive Cascade, creating a shapeable path of 8 5ft squares dealing  (8d6)[ 39 ]  fire damage (Reflex DC 21 half) to as many enemies as possible.

If he didn't take a 5ft step, he moves to put the melee fighters between himself and any unengaged enemies.
 
Metastachydium
Seeing all three of the party's missing members alive, up and fighting, Torta feels suddenly a lot lighter with relief.   Came as we could!   she informs the three rather apologetically.   Has anyone been bitten? I really hope not.   she then inquires, some concern creeping back into her voice, as she gets into position, ready to cast.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
T. readies a Mass Snake's Swiftness for whenever at least two of our melee heavy hitters are engaged with something hostile.
 
Chimaera
Seeing that his other friends were engaged in battle, Urag smiles.

" Cant blame me this time if we get kicked out of the tavern! ", he says to Torta and rushes into the fray, ready to chop down the lycantropes.

As he run, he let out a loud roar and pounce into a werewolf.
" Chaaaaarge! "

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Charge 
Free action to enter rage and then charging a werewolf.

Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 

PA 5 Charge
 (1d20+13)[ 27 ]  dmg  (1d12+23)[ 24 ] 

Extra attack Snake Swiftness:
 (1d20+11)[ 27 ]  dmg  (1d12+23)[ 33 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Garreth smiles at Torta and Urag as his magical axe cleaves the werewolf.


 Always a sight for tired eyes you too! 

He sidesteps to open the angle for his allies, always tactically aware of the best position and then put all his weight on a thunderous strike!

 
 Spoiler: OoC 

Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 


Power Attack 4!  (1D20+7)[ 13 ]  damage  (1d8+15)[ 17 ]  +2 to attack if flanking
If he drops the werewolf he moves towards the next closest enemy

Snake swiftness

Power Attack 4!  (1D20+7)[ 24 ]  damage  (1d8+15)[ 18 ]  +2 to attack if flanking
 
animorte
William notices all of the attention they're getting, some not very friendly... And thankfully, just in time, some allies as well!  "Great timing!"  He shouts off in their direction as Felix begins heating everything up as usual. He maintains the confrontation with his current enemy, glad he felt claw and not tooth.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 26 ]  (+2 if flanking)
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Edit: Snake's swiftness extra attack! 

Attack: [roll]1d20+6[/roll]
Damage: [roll]1d8+2[/roll]

Didn't work...
 
MikelaC1
The party is a bit slow to react, and the werewolves seize the initiative. Urag and Garrett both suffer claw hits for  10  points each. William however is not as lucky, the werewolf on him gets close enough and his teeth sink into one of Williams arms, he feels foul lycanthrope poison entering hs body, beginning the process of changing him. The two remaining werewolves go after the caravan guard and he is slowly being overwhelmed (but not yet bitten). The weretiger stands back from the fray and begins to cast upon himself.
When the party gets their feet back under them, their retaliation is swift and deadly. William kills his opponent, but knows it is too late, he is going to have to seek out of the lycanthropy cures. Urag and Garrrett make short work of their beasts and the air fills with the smell of burnt wolf flesh as Felix lights up the werewolf closest to him.

ROUND THREE
Tactical: 2 werewolves fighting one caravan guard, weretiger has just cast on himself.

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft DC16 
Mage Armor
 
Chimaera
Urag finish off his foe real quick and brutally.

He was about to turn to aid the caravan guard, but stops and change priorities as hehears the werelion begins to chant and cast spells.  Not good , he thinks to himself before darting toward this weregang's leader. Roaring.

 
 Spoiler: Boss Charge 
Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 

PA 5 Charge  (1d20+13)[ 15 ]  dmg  (1d12+23)[ 26 ] 
 


" I'll take their leader! Help the caravan guards! ".
Auranghzeb
Garrett
As the werewolf teeth sink in William's arm, Garrett lets go a scream of frustration

 By Klintina and the mayor gods!

But there's no time right now to lick wounds. 


Urag's got the right idea, the leader must fall.

Garrett joined the Barbarian's charge, dartign forward with his Battleaxe!


 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Charge! PA 3  (1d20+10)[ 13 ]  damage  (1d8+13)[ 15 ] 
 
spectralphoenix
As the fight erupts all around him, Felix tries to keep an eye on every crisis at once. Realizing William's injuries were a problem for after the battle and the party's fighters were taking the fight to the weretiger, he settles his attention on the endangered guard.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Fiery Burst on the werewolves attacking the guard. 5 ft radius burst dealing  (4d6)[ 12 ]  fire damage (Reflex 19 half), both targets if he can, the more wounded one otherwise.
 
Metastachydium
A rage, of sorts, surges up in Torta. It is unlike Urag's rage: worse, blinding, stifling; but a rage nonetheless. The meaning of the tiger's arcane gestures is entirely lost on her. They bit William. She wants to go up there. Bludgeon them herself, straight in the face. Blood for blood. Kill or die. She has so much less to lose! So much less to fear. The curse mixes poorly with her fey blood.

But then, the shouts are heard. Bodies fall, bodies move. There's fire, somewhere behind. Felix's, most likely. Torta squeezes her eyes shut for a moment. And it passes.   We can fix this!   she flashes a glance and a reassuring, if fleeting smile at the cleric. But they need to weather this first. All of them.   Just kill the tiger!   she calls after the men wielding the axes that glitter in the firelight, the air rippling before her hands as she extends them towards the two.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 

T. readies a Mass Snake's Swiftness for when both our melee people get to the tiger.
 
Chimaera
Feeling the mystic surge from Torta's magic, Urag give his greataxe another swing at the weretiger.

 
 Spoiler: Snake Swiftness 
Extra attack from Snake Swiftness.

PA 5 Greataxe  (1d20+11)[ 27 ]  dmg  (1d12+23)[ 29 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Garret follows with an upward swing of his battle axe!

 
 Spoiler: OoC 

Power attack 3  (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  damage  (1d8+13)[ 14 ] 
 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy decides what they can't see will hurt them, targeting Weretiger.
As he cast, he fades away from sight. A little now they see me, now they don't.

 
 Spoiler 

Sonamy cast Blinding Color surge
DC 16 Will Negate or blinded 1 rd; Regardless of save Sonamy turns invisible.

90% chance to cast:  (1d100)[ 57 ] 
 
animorte
The nasty bite catches William in the arm and it incites a brief fury in him he didn't know he had, using it to pummel the werewolf until it hits the dirt. He feels the pain beginning to sink deeper, but the guard in trouble catches his attention, and he attempts to suppress his concern for himself hoping that others should avoid the same fate.  "Get back!" 
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 

He runs to the werewolf and guard.

Aid another to give the guard +2 AC (vs DC 10):  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
 
MikelaC1
The first set of strikes from Urag and Garrett are ineffective but Torta's magic takes effect and the combined blows of the barbarian and ranger end the weretiger. He does get in a paw swipe at Garrett for  10  points but its more like an annoyance than a serious threat and does not carry the dangerous lycanthrope poison. Felix unleashes fire on the werewolves trying to attack the caravan guard and both of them go down to the magic, but unfortunately just before the flames hit him, he scores a bite on the guard, cursing him with the lycanthrope affliction. The battle is now over, but for William and the guard, the problem has just begun. The  caravan owner seems to be considering the situation as he sees it.
spectralphoenix
 That could've gone better.  Inwardly cursing himself for being just a second too slow, Felix tries to remember everything he can about the curse of lycanthropy.

 We need to get those treated, and quickly. Let's think about our options. 
 
 Spoiler 

Not sure what the best knowledge skill is for this - if Arcana or Dungeoneering can help, here's a roll, if it's nature or local, someone else will have to be the smart person today.

Knowledge:  (1d20+15)[ 27 ] 

Felix also casts Detect Magic and looks over the bodies for magical items.
 
Auranghzeb
As the Weretiger fell to the axe chops, Garreth does not even mind his injuries and walks back to William.

 We most do something...Wolfsbane is a remedy, the only one I could provide if there's any in these woods. Urag, will you come with me to the woods and cover me while I seek the flower? 
 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Knowledge Nature  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 

Survival to find Wolfsbane  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: OoC metagaming 
The shame is that it was the werewolf and not the weretiger, a weretiger cleric would have been a blast. But werewolves force you to become evil...
 
Metastachydium
Torta lowers her arms, relieved, but looking more than somewhat forlorn. Until, that is, Garrett puts two and two together. She steps closer to the ranger to touch his arm.   Let  me  do that. If there's more?   she points at the dead werebeasts   They'll be here. You two should stay.   she gives Urag a side glance.   I'll take Twitches. He knows the smell.   the killoren looks Garrett in the eye with utmost seriosity.   Twitches, where are you?   she raises her voice, breaking away from the others already, eager to go.   We need your nose.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Survival rolled in the OOC.
 
animorte
William moves address the guard, sharing a brief moment of genuine concern. He intends to provide comfort, just as much for himself as guard.  "Don't worry. We'll take care of this." 

His eyes meet with each of his comrades in turn, unintentionally allowing the slightest bit of worry to reveal itself. The shared gaze with Felix, along with the ongoing conversation, reminds him of the matters still at hand.  "For now, we've got business to attend to." 

As he moves around, taking a look at each of the bodies as he mutters quietly to himself,   "Why couldn't it just be more orcs. Klintina, give me the strength."  
 
 Spoiler 

He will cast Detect Magic, covering each of their enemies if he can, including the caravan if possible.
 
Chimaera
" Of course. I'll go where you point me to, but shouldnt someone keep watch on the afflicteds? ", he answers and asks Garret, giving William and the guard a glance, " And are you sure there is any wolfbane in these parts? Cause one thing I know is that there are ogres and trolls, so I better tag along with whoever goes flower picking ", Urag says and looks to Torta, " And if you're taking Twitches alone to the wilderness he might try to get funny or escape so you might need a strong arm to held him by the leash. And I know my way in the wilds as well ".

 Probably not more than the fey , he thinks to himself.

" And anyone know what moon is in the sky tonight? ", he asks and move closer to a window for a clear view of the sky.
MikelaC1
 
 Spoiler: @Felix 
On the weretiger, the shield that Twitches said, a headband, a periapt, a set of gloves, a belt and a ring
 


As the party discusses, the merchant approaches.  I think I might be able to provide a solution to yours and my problems. My trade mission also had the aim of bringing me here, I wished to purchase this operation from Danton there, not knowing he was a weretiger, of course. Now hes dead, but when the guardsmen come, we can tell them that I have purchased the Inn and the operation from Danton and I will even show him the deed and bill of sale, I have people who can "handle" things like that.  A word from you, or even saying you werent a part of any negotiations, along with one or two well placed bribes should smooth things over, after all we really dont want more lycanthropes taking things over, its pretty obvious why a lot more caravans have been meeting with issues a day or two away from here...and we certainly dont want to see whatever oligarch lackey Mouton has to be put in charge. Besides, he had to have known that there was something up with Danton and hes not going to want it to become general knowledge that he allowed a weretiger to run a supposedly "safe" trade base a day outside the city.
In exchange, I will have my personal cleric teleport to here tomorrow morning, hes a Klintinian by the way and he can cure your priest with guaranteed success. Wolfsbane, even if you can find it in time is a hit or miss thing and the only way to know if it worked is to wait until a full moon and see if he goes all wolf on you. Which is not something you want to see.
Do we have a deal? 
Auranghzeb
Garrett looked at William with concern, he was a good friend and an expedite solution to any trouble he may had was a sound course of action. Besides, the merchant's story made perfect sense. Then, why did all seem too convenient? They had arrived in the nick of time to help this guy achieve exactly what he wanted...

Garrett didn't like it, could he really trust him?


 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Sense Motive  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
 

 While your words make sense, I don't completely like that you offer a cure under conditions, we have helped you already. William's safety shouldn't be conditional to anything. 
spectralphoenix
Felix glanced over at the rest of the party. They needed a solution, and this sounded like an easy one. The thought of being party to some sort of shady deal rankled, but it probably didn't matter who owned the inn with the shapechangers gone. Still, the idea of a teleporting cleric popping in to fix everything seemed terribly convenient. Too convenient?  If the priest were here, William would recognize his own, Felix hoped.

Which left two questions. Would they be safe talking to the guardsmen? Probably. There had been no information about them available last time they were in town, and any trail could only have gotten colder since then. The other was a question of time - how long would they have to wait and take the chance of being ambushed, or running out of time to find belladonna themselves?

 I suppose we can talk business,  Felix says hesitantly.  How long will it take for the guardsmen to arrive and conclude our deal? 
Starbuck_II
Sonamy scratches his head and thinks, " Worse case scenario, we keep a leash on him till he turns back to his regular self." 
Chimaera
The big barbarian swing axe to clean it off the blood as the weretiger fell.

With all opposition done, he just watch his leader talk business with the noble. Garret make the deals, Urag see it done. But he cant avoid to worry on William's and the poor guardsman's fate.

He listens to Garret's and Felix's concerns and with nothing
much to add, just take a step closer to the talk.

" If you have a teleporting cleric why are you traveling these dangerous roads? ", Urags asks the noble, " And if you take on the inn, that means we get to eat and drink snd sleep for free, right? "

" In any case I think we might go look for those flowers. Just in case ".

He looks to Torta with all his seriousness, " Wanna go flowerpicking with me? ".

Looking around, be raises his eyebrow, " And where is Twitches? "
animorte
William listens to each of the others in turn, looking up to the moon in response to Urag's comment about it's cycle. The concern doesn't leave his face, but he's still able to maintain his composure.  "We appreciate your information. I think it best that we keep all options open until this is resolved." 

Eyeing this new owner of the impressive establishment, William then makes an attempt at humor despite the urgency of their current situation.  "You'll be able to maintain the same standards as your predecessors here, yes? 

Then his attention goes back to the newly available items, particularly that of the weretiger.  "Hey Garrett, this shield strikes me as a potential interest of yours, though I wouldn't go parading it about under the circumstances." 
Metastachydium
Sonamy's joke gets a glare, whereas Urag, surprising as he may find it, earns probably the most earnest and eager nod of appreciation from Torta since they've been working together.   Garret speaks for us.   she then tells Wilson hurriedly, her gaze snapping on the noble for a moment.   His decisions are ours. Whatever those may be.   she would really rather not strain her mind with figuring out whether this is just another trick anyhow.   But William is right. About cures and such. With all due respect…   she takes a few steps back.   We  can   do both.   The killoren spins on her heels and motions towards Urag.   We have an hour. The hour's passing. We better head out. If Twitches comes, good.   she looks around, hoping to spot the wererat.   If he doesn't… We'll do without.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Free action Spot:  (1d20+18)[ 29 ]  and Listen:  (1d2018)[ 1713 ]  to locate Twitches, if still present;
if I can use the OOC roll, T. has a 29 for Survival; otherwise she takes 10 for a 22, welocoming any Aid from Urag either way.
 
MikelaC1
 So do we have a deal? 

To William  I plan to try 

To Urag  Teleporting one person is one thing, teleporting a whole caravan is something else 
Chimaera
" Magic is stupid ", the big brute snarks at the noble, " It works because is magic, but it doesnt worke because it's magic. Makes no sense ".

" But cant speak nonsense now. We're in a hurry. Let's go, Torta ".

Urag is ready and eager to leave and look for these wolfbane. William is a friend and is a nice person to turn into a cursed werewolf.

He dashes to the stables to pick up Brisa Louca, his fast light warhorse, barbarian trained in the wilderness.

 
 Spoiler: Brisa Louca 
 
 


" Come, Torta, we'll move faster if we ride. Also, there might be more werewolfs in the surroundings, so be on the lookout ".

 
 Spoiler: Urag's Flowerpicking 
If possible, he'll try to aid Torta's Survival check to look for wolfbanes.

Survival  (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Untrained Nature  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Ride  (1d20+13)[ 16 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Garrett

 Yes, I suppose we have a deal. We need rest. 
 
 Spoiler: OoC 
I'd like to swap Garrett's Wild Companion, I'm not a big fan of the snake.
 
MikelaC1
Wilson holds out his hand to shake on the deal and the group returns to the common room. After some time, Urag and Torta return empty handed, they report finding no wolfsbane, there were a few spots where there might have been a different flora from the immediate area but they were burned out. It seems like the lycanthropes were careful about removing the plants that were their enemies. Wilson heads off to the offices of the Inn to find the papers he needs and the group is free to divide the magic they liberated from the weretiger.
The next day, true to his word, Wilson brings a cleric to see William, who recognizes him as one of the higher ranking members of his order in Wilverton and the appropriate cures are cast, freeing from the lycanthrope curse. He even throws in an  atonement  for good measure.
animorte
William drank a little bit more than he intended while waiting on Urag and Torta to return, subconsciously attempting to ease the mind. It did little good as they arrived empty-handed. At least, it helped him to sleep with less worry.

He addresses Wilson accordingly and introduces him to the rest of the party, making sure he's aware of just how close they are to him. During the atonement ritual, he is patient and afterwards offers a great deal of gratitude.  "Klintina continue to guide you, friend. Just as she spoke through you on this day." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

William would also have made an effort to learn some of the higher skill bestowed upon him, appreciative even more-so.
 
Metastachydium
Having returned from the unsuccesful foray into the wild with Urag quite jittery and positively crestfallen; having spent the night in William's close proximity trying to be a presence as comforting as possible nevertheless; and having only gotten any sleep on account of the fatigue, of the body and the mind, Torta is incredibly relieved to see the cleric arrive at last in the morning, with William confirming he knows the man and that he could feel the other priest's power cleanse his body and soul. Reserved as she might normally be, she goes so far as to give William a long, if cautious hug and even offer  Urag  a genuinely apologetic   Would hug you too. But you're gross.   For the first time in a while, in fact, she's upbeat enough not to scan the room for threats every heartbeat – and to dismiss, for the moment, Twitches as a  maybe  convern for another day.
Starbuck_II
 "Sorry, you couldn't find anything Torta". 

Seeing the Cleric cure William:
 "Darn, guess no buying a dog collar for William. But at least we won't have to worry about him having rabies and biting us."  Sonamy said.
Chimaera
Urag go to sleep a restless dream as he couldnt stop thinking in Werewilliam turning into a wolf in priest's clothes.

He wakes up with the sensation of rocks in his gut and for once he dont wolf down the breakfast, barely even touching his second serving.

The feeling however go away once the teleporting priest pops up and bless William, cleansing him from the licantropy curse.

He watches Torta show some affection and smiles and laughs at her comment on being gross.

" That's ok, Torta ", he says and pats her in the head, leaving some bread crumbs and butter in her hair, " That's ok ".
Auranghzeb
Seeing William being healed, Garrett approaches the merchant.

 what now? Do you have any leads for a groups like ours 
MikelaC1
The party believes they have achieved a equitable distribution of the items, however as William attempts to put the buckler in place on his arm, it begins to vibrate, quite rapidly. He is able to remove the buckler, proving it is not cursed (as cursed items cannot simply be "taken off") but even a second and third attempt fail. It seems clear that the buckler will not accept him as its new master.
Metastachydium
This development, in turn, leaves Torta thoroughly dumbfounded, so much so that she even forgets about that horrible piece of terrible grease she has, so far, failed to remolve from her hair, despite trying.   Should it do  that ?   she asks, hesitantly. Her solid, green eyes shift their hue as she leans closer to the thing, inspecting it with great care.   Maybe the werebeast curse…   she mutters, only to shake her head, albeit very slightly.   Can't be that. What with the Atonement.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

T. activates Detect Spirits; and
free action stares, via Spot:  (1d20+19)[ 33 ] , looking for visual oddities.
 
animorte
William continues to struggle with buckler, to no avail. Though he doesn't seem particularly surprised as he looks up at the others, noticing them looking a bit confused.  "I uh - I figured something like this might happen. Remember I confirmed Twitches' information about this thing?" 

He holds the buckler away from him, taking another good look at it, admiring the craftsmanship. Then reaches out, offering it to the rest of his friends.  "I'd heard about some items being especially...  picky  about their wielders. Anybody else want to give it a try?" 
Chimaera
Urag looks at the shield for a moment and to William.

" I'm not much of a shieldbearer myself, but I can give it a try... But shouldn't Felix identify it first? ", the barbarian is hesitant for a moment but take the shield and give it a try himself and, failing that, he'll offer it to Garret.

" So where are we going next? ", he asks his boss as he pass the shield.
spectralphoenix
 I'm afraid I lack divinations beyond what I've already used  Felix replies.  Still, it doesn't seem to be cursed, so let's pass it around and see who it chooses. 
Auranghzeb
Garrett tried the buckler.

 Urag, that's what I want to know, I hoped Whiskers had more clues about where to go next. 
spectralphoenix
 He said he's lead us to the lycanthropes at the inn, and he did. At this point, dragging him around is probably more of a liability than anything else. Let's just tell him to get lost. 

Felix's reasoning was based entirely on cold, hard logic, and not a desire to reduce the average fragrance of his fellow party members.
Metastachydium
  There's no need.   Torta comments, her gaze still fixed on the shield she's very determined  not  to touch.   Twitches figured that much. Vanished while we fought.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Which is not something  I  know, but rather the conclusion T. reached. She tried to spot him before running off with Urag to find flowers and came up empty.
 
MikelaC1
Note: Twitches did stay with you during the lycanthrope fight, probably because he assumed that the weretiger would identify him as the person who ID'd the werebeasts and thus needed to be eliminated.

The buckler gets passed around and gives the same reaction to everyone except to Garrett. As he dons the shield, he finds that it moves perfectly with him, its almost like the shield unlocks all the training his early ranger teachers tried (and failed) to drill into his head. Also when he first picks up the buckler, there is a momentary flash of memories, just like the time he first picked up the new sword, again too fast and short to make anything of it but this time it really did happen and not just the figment of an adrenaline rush wearing off.
Auranghzeb
Garret was trying out the gloves and feeling quicker and more agile when the buckler reached him, he immediately knew the buckler had accepted him, his hands felt lighter and more coordinated, even the weight of his sword felt more balanced and deadlier.

 well, this is a great loot overall.
Whiskers, should we trust this merchant? What were your motives to give up your fellow were-beast? 
Chimaera
" He's a rat, that's obvious ", Urag says his mind and look to the wererat, " But you did good and stayed by your word, so I take youre free to go. Those werebeasts were a menace to travelers in this region, good thing we got rid of them. But there are still ogres and trolls roaming these area, as well as bandits using guardsmen's uniforms and a tyrant in king's clothing ".

The barbarian paces around impacient, " You dont happen to know why there are being so much giants wandering around, do you? ", he asks both the noble and the wererat.