Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Welcome to the new IC thread. Previous parts:

 Toes In the Water IC .   IC II .
 Knee Deep IC III .   Knee Deep IC IV .
 IC V Against the Current 
 
Athedia
 "Wait! Stormy seas?"  Mithril reached out to try to stop Avaralynn, but stumbled forward instead as the woman disappeared.  She ran a hand through her hair, trying to figure out what to do.  So much news had reached her in this day, but she understood the last message.  She was to go to the dwarves.

She found a quiet spot to study her spells, meditating on the words to help herself calm and focus.
Admiral
Shiny sighs slowly as Natalia finishes her speech, and takes a long pause. When he finally speaks, he speaks as though he is changing the subject.

 "The Battle of the Early Dusk... I do like to think that's what the bards will call it. I always liked the bards, especially the singers; they can make anything sound romantic. When you hear a lutist sing of a great battle, you don't imagine the sweat and blood and loud, messy death... a good bard can make a battle sound like a harvest festival." 

Shiny looks down at his hands.  "You know I've never killed anyone myself,"  he says suddenly. His face doesn't betray any lie, but then it never does.  "Sometimes I wonder what it would be like. The only thing I know is that it wouldn't be like the stories. The warriors in the stories always sound grand and proud... and I don't think I'd like it at all." 
 "But that's the thing about stories,"  Shiny says, his fingers idly scratching at the stone he's sitting on.  "They don't exist to hide the truth, they exist to create it from scratch. How many men went off to battle because of the stories they heard sung? Perhaps because they'd heard how grand battle was, they even came to enjoy it themselves." 

Shiny turns to Natalia.  "There's no doubt that they'll sing about the salvation of Soshima. They won't know you by name, but they'll call you a hero. They won't talk about what it was like to hear the screams and cries of orcs as they burned alive, and they won't blame you for the Crusaders marching in."

"Isn't that what Shiro said, that by now he prefers the stories to the truth? Maybe the easiest path for you is to do the same: just start believing the stories. Sometimes the truth isn't good enough." 

He sees Kurt coming along the riverside path, and nods to Natalia for them both to stand up. As he does, he sighs a quiet mantra in Gnome, one that Natalia barely catches.

 "&lt;Gnome&gt;It's not your fault.&lt;/Gnome&gt;" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Stories...Henry died for stories. Pretty stories, but...don't see editing underneath, only final draft. Pretty stories, no screams, no swart, no blood no Nuts or fire. No failures, only gains. And all so simple." 

She shakes her head; Shiny's words helped her a bit, but there's yet another thing on her mind, doubly clear as Kurt approaches.  "Died for me. Died because me. How...how to protect, how to save?"  wheb I have these doubts.   
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
Reposting this here.
 


Just as Shiny and Natalia's heart to heart comes to a close, Kurt comes into view, looking relieved to find the two of them sitting together.  "Shiny, Natalia, I need your help! I have to go and decide on whether some people are trustworthy or not and I am...well, bad at it. Can you spare some time? It's ah...to do with deciding what to do with the slavers we captured." 
CoffeeIncluded
Truth is harsh, but truth is true. It's real and it needs to be shown, because she knows deception, and deception doesn't help anyone. Deception isn't helping Soshima, deception nearly got them killed, and just what is Soshima hiding with the Crusaders? What is Shiny hiding, what truth could he be running from?

Natalia looks up when Kurt comes over and says,  "Honest. Trust, true...yes. Help." 

She scrambles to her feet.  "Help what I can...As much as I can." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows Kurt to wherever he's leading them. She asks quietly, playing her spindly fingers against each other,  "Kurt, can you...forgive? Against ogres? Where..."

 Where I was selfish and didn't care for you, only my own hide when you needed me more? Where I failed to protect you? Where Shiny died for me and you died  because  of me?  
Cavelcade
Kurt looks over at Natalia in surprise at that.  "Forgive you for what? You did fine, I thought?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia slowly shakes her head, and the plea is clear in her voice.  "No. Didn't. How fine, when failed you? When...when...died...because me." 
Cavelcade
Kurt stops then, turning to her with a frown on his normally happy face.  "Natalia, no. My death was because of what I did. I decided to chase down the last ogre, not you. I won't have you taking blame for what I did when it had nothing to do with you. It was my choice, not yours." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But could have helped,"  Natalia says, hanging her head--and it's clear that the guilt's been eating at her for sometime, gnawing through the back of her mind to the front.  "Could have shot, could have stabbed, instead...drank potion didn't need. You needed more." 
 
 Spoiler 
Honestly I feel a little guilty about it too; I feel I could have gotten in a couple shots against it, but didn't.

Cavelcade, do you want to do full conversations or just summaries if it's too much for Admiral to do? I'm cool with just summaries but honestly I'm eager to get going.

Oh, and Achinca's coming back today!
 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
I'm going to wait and see what Admiral does - he's been busy, so I'm going to leave it up to him.
 


Kurt shakes his head and starts going.  "And I could have hit harder, or cleaner. Or better yet, not risked our lives at all! Ifs and buts will eat you up, what's done is done. I learned something important, then, and I hope you did too, leave it at that. You cannot know you would have done anything - maybe you would have died, maybe we'd both have died. We don't know and we can't know...only the gods might have any idea." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows. Kurt's words ease her, though not as much as she'd like.  "You...different Kurt. Calmer Kurt.

You...right. Can't know. But can do more. I...want to protect you." 
Cavelcade
 "I don't think so - I've just found a focus for myself."  Kurt shrugs again and grins.  "I don't blame you Natalia. We all want to do more, I hope. That's what we're off to find out." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  Natalia says.  "And...yes. More. Chance to help, chance to show selves...strong. Hope strong to help, protect." 

She then asks,  "Why change from axe to sword?" 
 
 Spoiler 
i can't recall, does Natalia know about Kurt's past?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt doesn't respond for a few seconds as he considers the question.  "Because the sword is the weapon of my god."  He says this casually, as if that should explain everything, summing up all the subtleties he doesn't like to express.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just tilts her head, confused by Kurt's choice of words.  "Miriam's lessons?"  Kurt never struck her as particularly religious.  Unless he had something happen when he died?
Admiral
Kurt, Natalia and Shiny walk over to the town's jail. To their mild surprise, the jail is built into the side of the stadium where they had been competing a few days earlier and where the Shiro School was hosted- most likely because it is the only large stone structure in a town structured mostly of bamboo and ricepaper.

The magistrate greets them at the front desk- an elderly, pale dwarf wearing a red belt. As he stands they see that his white beard does not cover all of his face: his left cheek bears an old burn that reaches back to his ear.  "General Roper sent word of your intentions with the prisoners. Our cells are small and crowded; if you seek to speak to each of them in private you'll have to take them outside."

He glances down at the parchment in front of him. "The names they gave me upon their arrival were Hilton, Axel, Rocky and Karn. They've done little of consequence since they got here, though the skinny one- Axel- keeps trying to get my attention. Which do you want to speak to first?" 
 
 Spoiler 
FYI, Hilton and Axel are rogues, Rocky and Karn are rangers.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks to Shiny and Kurt.  "Axel jumps line...oblige?" 

She winces when she sees the burn and wonders how he got it.

 
 Spoiler 
is he the one who "seemed" most eager for Kurt's ideas? And I'm curious to see how they'll receive us.
 
Cavelcade
 "We'll go in that order I guess, Hilton first, then Axel, Rocky and last Karn."  Each one he takes out to where Natalia and Shiny are waiting. He lets them go first, and keeps his hands off his sword hilt.

As each one comes out, he says the same thing to them, to start off with, before he lets them have their say.

 "Okay, I promised I'd speak on your behalf when we got here, and I did. I've...convinced them to give you a chance, and this is what it is. We are riding to the aid of the dwarven mine of Deldon, and you are going to ride with us. When we get there, we're going to be aiming to break through the orcs to deliver supplies, and then help the dwarves break the siege completely. Until we get there, you will ride with us, and camp with us, but you won't be given weapons or armour...until we ready to attack. Then you'll be given weapons and armour to help us. If you betray us - my life and freedom are forfeit. I have given my sworn word on this, and I won't break it...so you must convince me that you will be true to yours, for whatever reasons you hold dear. If I'm convinced, you'll come with us, otherwise...the samurai of Soshima will give you their justice. They think you aren't going to be helpful in this - but I think you deserve the chance to prove them wrong." 
Admiral
Hilton is the man who had earlier, under Shiny's enchantment, given up the information about the slavers' camp. He speaks with a coarse accent Kurt can't trace, but that reminds him for some reason of a sailor.

 "So say I go with you to this dwarven mine, and I fight with you, and let's say I survive,"  he says carefully.  "What happens next? I lose my head there instead of here? I keep followin' you around like a loyal hound until I die in some other battle?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "We'll go in that order I guess, Hilton first, then Axel, Rocky and last Karn."  Each one he takes out to where Natalia and Shiny are waiting. He lets them go first, and keeps his hands off his sword hilt.

As each one comes out, he says the same thing to them, to start off with, before he lets them have their say.

 "If you betray us - my life and freedom are forfeit. I have given my sworn word on this, and I won't break it...so you must convince me that you will be true to yours, for whatever reasons you hold dear."  
 

Natalia looks to Kurt in alarm as he says this. What the?! She shakes her head and says to the slavers.  "Kurt's life, but not mine. No word from me, and here for my friends."  who would have thought shed be playing the bad cop here?

When Hilton speaks, she shakes her head but doesn't elaborate. It's Kurt's plan and she doesn't trust herself to say it.
Cavelcade
 "No, at that point you've earned your freedom. I won't tell the dwarves anything except that you chose to come and fight to save them."  He frowns for a moment, then shrugs.  "If you decide...that what you want, is to return to the slavers...I won't even stop you then. Or I can ask the samurai to take you back, and you can join the defense here if you want. I think you deserve a chance to help them, but it's up to you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Now Natalia looks at Kurt in utter shock. Just let the slavers return to being slavers? Turning their life around is one thing, but just up and letting then return to harm others because of their greed? When they can stop it?
Admiral
The prisoner breathes in a bit when Kurt mentions gaining back his freedom, but his eyes dart to Natalia.  "Doesn't look like your friend likes your plan,"  he says slowly.  "Can't say I much expected to get any mercy. Even pretending I trusted you to keep her word, how do I know she'll keep it too?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Here Natalia speaks.  "I keep word...unless you break yours. Know trust, know loyalty, know second chances.  Live free with given word. Go own path, but not back to slavers." 

She can't help it, to be slightly hurt by the fear she instills. That implication that she's a weapon to be let off her chain. Then again, she is the bad cop here. Heh...
Cavelcade
 "I can't stop her, anymore than I can stop you from going back to the slavers, if that's what you want. If I ever saw you again as a slaver, I wouldn't have mercy a second time - and Natalia knows that about me, too. I believe in letting people make their own choices, even if I think they're wrong - and I'll make mine." 

Kurt stares at him, chewing his tongue for a moment as he tries to think of what to say to convince him.  "What do you want out of life? What would you want out of a second chance like this?" 
Admiral
The prisoner breathes out slowly as he thinks.  "Didn't think you got second chances for being caught in the trade,"  he says in an almost thoughtful tone.  "I reckon I never made any such plans." 

He looks back to Kurt.  "I wouldn't head back to Cutler's gang, not after what I told y'all back on the trail. I know what they do to failures and snitches. No interest having the Firm hear about me and snatch me up either, so I don't think I'd stay here. I guess I'd catch a smuggler's ship out of the western coast and travel to another continent- one Cutler doesn't have his hooks in. Don't reckon I could go back to the trade even if I wanted to." 
 "As for what I want-"  he looks Kurt dead in the eye-  "there's them that can make their own way in life, and there's them that are only good for takin' it from others. And I know which I am." 
Cavelcade
 "Then I hope you live long enough to do that. You can come with us - stay here and be quiet while I talk with the others, please. But remember this mercy when you're deciding what to do there."  Kurt shakes his hand firmly, leaving him with Natalia and Shiny as he goes inside.

He nods at the red belted magistrate to bring out the next one, thanking him as he does.


As each one comes out, he says the same thing to them, to start off with, before he lets them have their say. He takes Axel outside and repeats the offer he made Hilton.
 
 Spoiler 


I'll put it here, for clarity.
 "Okay, I promised I'd speak on your behalf when we got here, and I did. I've...convinced them to give you a chance, and this is what it is. We are riding to the aid of the dwarven mine of Deldon, and you are going to ride with us. When we get there, we're going to be aiming to break through the orcs to deliver supplies, and then help the dwarves break the siege completely. Until we get there, you will ride with us, and camp with us, but you won't be given weapons or armour...until we ready to attack. Then you'll be given weapons and armour to help us. If you betray us - my life and freedom are forfeit. I have given my sworn word on this, and I won't break it...so you must convince me that you will be true to yours, for whatever reasons you hold dear. If I'm convinced, you'll come with us, otherwise...the samurai of Soshima will give you their justice. They think you aren't going to be helpful in this - but I think you deserve the chance to prove them wrong." 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Now Natalia gives Kurt a smile. That's almost exactly what she was thinking.

 "Second chance. More than most. Use or waste?"

 kurt is right. He and Shiny got a second chance. So did Miriam and I, in a way. Still, I'm not sure if what they did can be forgiven. Not all things can be forgiven, can they?  

She listens closely to whatever Hilton says next.

 
 Spoiler 
just tell me when to make the rolls.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens closely to his words. She looks at Shiny, then Hilton.

 
 Spoiler 
sorry, I was on my phone in the middle of the post when my mom called

Sense motive:  (d20+6)[ 15 ] .
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Let's handle the conversation while I'm on a roll with it, and the Sense Motive checks for all four afterwards when Natalia, Shiny and Kurt are discussing things.

I'm going to assume that in light of the first conversation, Kurt adds something about how they can go free afterwards (otherwise that would be the first question they all ask, just like Hilton).
 


Axel is a skinny man with pale skin and small black eyes- when they captured him he had been bearing a net and a shortbow. He smiles with relief as Kurt makes his offer.

 "I didn't think anyone would have this kind of mercy on me, or I would have escaped months ago."  he says.  "The fact is, I've been living with fear since I got to this continent. One of Cutler's underlings hired me for some mercenary work when I was broke in Falcor- just some bribery, courier work, and the like. I won't lie, I figured it might be a smuggling operation- but I had  no idea  it was slave trading- not until they sent me to Eldgar." 
 "Imagine my shock when I arrived in the Port of Ashford and saw the carts of people in collars, being stuck onto boats... it was awful, but by that point I thought there was no turning back. Even if I could have escaped the rest of the operation, I was stuck in the southern wastelands of an unfamiliar continent, without a guildmark- I never would have made it out. And besides, I'd been doing minor errands for Culter's operation for months- in the eyes of the continent I was already guilty. I know it's no excuse for the terrible things I've done- I was a coward, I know that. But imagine what it's like to be alone in that...  community ..." 

He nods to Kurt with a serious expression.  "You already saved me from that life. If you can also give me a chance at redemption for the evil I've done, I'll be forever grateful." 
Cavelcade
Kurt listens to Axel tell his tale without interrupting, listening to the tale of how he felt trapped. It's unclear from his face how he feels about it - because he himself is uncertain about the feeling.  "How long did you work for Cutler? And why didn't you get a guildmark when you arrived?" 
Admiral
 "I worked for him in Inman, the desert continent south of Falcor, and the surrounding islands, for about three months,"  Axel explains.  "My job was to acquire ships, weapons and information about the local governments. I didn't know that I was covering for their operation of shipping slaves through and around the continent, to Haldon, whose plantations make heavy and legal use of slaves, and to Dimir, where the warlords brainwash them into soldiers to fuel their unceasing conflict. I think most of the operatives like me never knew they were working for a slaving operation- that made it impossible for us to betray it, even if we were arrested. That's just the sly way Culter works..." 
 "I was reassigned to Eldgar two months ago- some damnable recruiter learned that I was a fisherman's son, and so figured that I had a deft hand with a net."  He shudders even in the warm air.  "As for why I never got a guildmark- while most slavers avoided it so that they didn't leave a paper trail, in our case it was a necessity. You saw the con we were running, pretending to be barbarians (another of Cutler's blasted brainwaves, I hear)- a guildmark woulda given away the game." 
Cavelcade
 "But why didn't you get it straight away? You came here from some other continent - or did he recruit you there and bring you here?"  Kurt is genuinely uncertain of the sequence of events, for now, making him suspicious.
Admiral
 "He recruited me in Falcor, and I was working in Inman for the three months after that,"  Axel explained again.  "When they brought me to Eldgar two months ago, I landed on the Port of Ashford, where slavers and those friendly to them run the docks. No one was there to mark me even if I wanted to. Heck, I still haven't seen a single city in Eldgar." 
 
 Spoiler 
Note that Falcor and Inman are countries outside Eldgar (as are Haldon and Dimir)- perhaps I could have made it clearer.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods slowly, looking at the man curiously.  "Well, you say you want the chance and you'll get it. But what will you do afterwards?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens in at the door with a frown. She's disgusted by his cowardice...and honestly, a little ashamed too.
Admiral
 "I'd go home,"  he says simply,  "back to Falcor. I'm not sure how- maybe there's more help I can give you, and in exchange you could give me enough to catch a ship out of here- but I don't want any part of this land anymore." 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia's there - it's been done outside.
 

 "Go stand over there, with Hilton, then. You can come with us, if my companions agree. We'll see what you can do after that." 

Kurt turns away from him, troubled - for some reason that discussion unsettled him more than Axel's blunt honesty. But he can't put a finger on why...so for now he thinks he's free. He goes and gets Rocky then, leading him out to the others.

After telling him the offer - along with the possibility of freedom, he stares at him hard, trying to judge his reaction as he asks the next question.

 "So, what do you think? And what would you do? 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Thanks. Also playing a video game, so sorry about the short responses.
 


Natalia glares hard at Axel. She got a slimy feel off of him, though she's not quite sure if it's just her imagination.
Admiral
Rocky listens to every word of Kurt's speech without moving a muscle or making the slightest expression. When Kurt finishes, he blinks once, learns forward, and then spits directly into Kurt's left eye- after which he closes his mouth and returns to complete silence once more.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia snarls, but resists the impulse to draw her blades and cut him down there. Leave him there, for Soshima to deal with. She's...she's better than that.

 
 Spoiler 
Ha! And I'll take that as a firm and resounding no.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt wipes it calmly from his face, his muscles very relaxed - but his pose is dangerous.  "Why did you do that?" 
Admiral
The prisoner stays completely silent, his eyes watching Kurt without any reaction. Kurt gets the distinct sense the man has more stubbornness than self-preservation.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Forget...it,"  Natalia says.  "Wants silence, denies chance...no forcing. Would spit back anyway." 
Cavelcade
 "I'm not going to force him, but I don't want to give up either. Not without a better reason than some spittle. What could Cutler have done to gain this loyalty?"  Though the way his hands clench into fists behind his back indicate other thoughts are going through his mind. For a long time he stands and waits, to see if there'll be any other communication from Rocky, feeling his own frustration growing.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia puts a hand on Kurt's back.  "Maybe...likes it. Kurt, you okay? Need to...talk later?" 
Admiral
Rocky doesn't say another word. He's been waiting in the cell for days, and he doesn't seem to care about waiting longer.

A call comes from Axel, who is watching while chained next to Hilton.  "You won't get anything out of that one,"  he shouts in a helpful tone.  "I never heard him speak a word, not even on the trail." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just shakes her head. Forget it. He clearly doesn't want to be saved. It's...kinda pathetic, actually.
Admiral
Shiny leans over to Kurt.  "You know, I could make him a little friendlier." 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head after considering it from a moment, looking disgusted with himself afterwards.  "No, if this is who he is...fine." 

He takes him back inside to the cell, trying to take out his frustration on him and just about succeeding.  "You, Karn, wait a minute and I'll be back to talk."  He goes back outside then, over to Hilton and Axel.

 "Tell me about him."  His tone brooks no argument, he looks fed up with an attitude he just hadn't expected.
Admiral
 "He never spoke to me, and he only ever responded to orders with nods and grunts. There was only one person I ever saw him speaking to, and that's the one who's in there with him now."  He gestures to the jail.  "Karn. I didn't know either of them well, but I got the sense they had some kind of history." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Good history, or bad? Strength...compared to yours?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Were these two the rangers?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods in gratitude at that, pausing the door of the prison, taking deep breaths to settle himself before he goes inside to get Karn, taking him outside to repeat the conversations already had three times. After the offer is laid in front of him, Kurt glances at the prison.

 "And can you tell me about Rocky?" 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
He was telling you about Rocky. Do you mean Karn?
 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
Sorry - that last one was directed AT Karn. He'd gone in and gotten him from the cell to have the conversation with him.
 
Admiral
Karn listens to Kurt's proposal quietly as well as the question about Rocky, then seems to ponder it for a minute. For a moment the interrogators wonder whether he'll react the same way Rocky did. However, he finally speaks- and when he does, it is with an accent considerably thicker than that of the others.

 
 Spoiler 
For the sake of imagination, picture a Russian or Eastern European accent.
 

 "You are ordering me to fight for others,"  he says.  "You say, if I survive your battles, I can go free." 
 "You are not first to make such offer to me. When I was twelve years old, wearing chains, naked in a pit with all the others, the tall man with the whip came and made such offer. He tells us if we bring twenty scalps of the other tribe, we may go free." 
 "I had been a slave for five years, but I had not fully lost my soul as some others had. So I made a vow to myself. Twenty scalps was all- twenty scalps and then I would never wear a collar again."  He coughed, then he pulls up the sleeve of his undershirt- to reveal a series of crude tally marks carved into his skin.  "One by one I earned them until I bought my freedom." 
 "Not long after, the man came to me who said he worked for Josiah Cutler. He offered me the chance to be the one holding the whip instead of the one under it. For me the control of my own fate was all that mattered- but the chance to have control of others perhaps sounded sweet at the time." 

Shiny had been staring at the man's arm since he lifted the sleeve, as if transfixed.  "There are twenty-one slashes there,"  he suddenly interrupts.

A small smile comes to Karn's face.  "Yes,"  he says,  "perhaps I did not hold exactly to my promise. Before I left that land, I went back and collected one more scalp- that of the tall man with the whip." 
 
 Spoiler 
To be continued, going to train
 
Cavelcade
Kurt sighs softly in relief as the man starts speaking, then listens attentively to the story, missing only a few words to the accent, understanding the meaning of his words, at least.  "You are a dangerous fighter, then."  Said with an ounce of respect, though his eyes are doubtful - he reserves judgement until the story is done.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shudders at the brutality of the man's story. But...  "Then why stay? Why...pain others like yourself? Know hurt, so...why hurt others?" 

Her gaze hardens.  "Say you still have soul."  Then why did you stay and brutalize others?

Is this what you do to the people you capture?

And what other tribe?  
Admiral
Karn continues.  "Culter's Gang, they pay me for my skills. What happens to those we take is no worse than what happened to me. Until now you make me a slave again, and you offer freedom for blood." 

Karn looks up.  "So I say no. I will offer no scalps for my own freedom. If I am to fight, it will be as a free man- a free man who is paid for his assistance. Or I will be dead. Whatever I will be, I will never be a slave again." 

He beckons to the jail.  "And you want to understand Rocky? Take a look at his right arm as well." 
Cavelcade
Kurt frowns at the request, it bothers him more than he'd like to admit. Is that what he's doing to these men? Perhaps they are right to demand payment as well - it would be...fairer.

 "What would you do afterwards, would you return to Cutler now? Or would you do something else - if I do choose to pay you?" 
Admiral
Karn shrugs.  "What manner of work I find matters little to me, as long as it is my own choice. I would not return to Cutler- I do not think any of us are foolish enough to do so- so I would find something else to do on this continent."  he nods to Kurt.  "If you want to hire me, you can hire me." 
Cavelcade
Kurt sits back, puffing his cheeks a little, then nods, making his decision. This feels better to him - better than what he'd originally planned, even.  "Would Rocky come with you, if I hire you and him? I will offer each of you, including Axel and Hilton, 100gp now, and another 100gp to each survivor  - if I live, of course." 
Admiral
The prisoner sits and takes a minute to think on it.  "For a week's work?"  he thinks, and finally nods.  "This price, this is fair. I cannot speak for the others but I will take it." 

Upon getting the chance to speak to Rocky, he speaks to him in a low tone, in an exotic language none of the travelers recognize.  "Rocky will make the same bargain,"  he says,  "But he shares the same condition as I do: that we travel armed. We give you our word we will see the job through." 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks at them and then at Shiny and Natalia and holds up a finger.  "I must talk with my team before I agree to that. But I will argue for it, as needed." 

He then beckons Shiny and Natalia over to where they'll be too far away from the prisoners to hear them and looks from one to the other anxiously.  "Well, what do you think? It's...crazy, I know, but...I want to give them a chance." 
 
 Spoiler 

Sense motive by 4 - in order they were talked to.

 (1d20)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20)[ 18 ] 
 (1d20)[ 2 ] 
 (1d20)[ 2 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks guiltily at the last two.  "Past builds present, but... Doesn't make all present."  it was a trusted sense of honor that drove them? She doesn't know for sure.  "Spared kobolds, aid for freedom, but even there no weapons."  she mulls it over. She doesn't want to lost her compassion. And some of this is self loathing as well. A different path, a different choice, people not there to help...

But no. She wouldn't have done that, would she?

Even so, the payment...they're better than Cutler! They're giving them a chance at redemption! Not forcing them into chains for amusement and coin!

 
 Spoiler 
i rolled a 15 for the first one, I don't want to refill unless you say you want me to. In order:

 (d20+6)[ 16 ] 
 (d20+6)[ 21 ] 
 (d20+6)[ 23 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril finished studying her spells.  Setting the book aside she spoke to Whiskers, curled up in her lap.   "She was the one who saved you wasn't she, Avaralynn I mean.  Did she tell you anything, explain why she did that?"   She sighed, not really expecting the weasel to answer.  He had seemed to have gotten bored of his ability to communicate with her.

The events from the meeting still ran through her head, the secret she was keeping.  The many secrets.  She never used to keep secrets, especially not of this caliber.

 
 Spoiler 
I felt like I hadn't posted in ages.
Mithril Spell List:
Level 0 (4):
Read Magic
Detect Magic
Mending
Prestidigitation
Level 1 (4):
Alarm
Mage Armor
Unseen Servant
Magic Missile
Level 2 (4):
Web
Detect Thoughts
Detect Thoughts
Acid Arrow
Level 3 (3):
Telepathic Bond
Tongues
Haste
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Shiny sense motives:

 (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
 (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
 (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 
Admiral
Kurt, Natalia and Shiny all get the  very  distinct sense that Axel is lying about his past- he seems too eager to please, and his story of his being tricked into the trade sounds rehearsed. Shiny more than anyone is quite certain of Axel's treachery.

None of them are quite sure how to feel about Hilton: his blunt nature seems somewhat refreshing, and it sounds like he doesn't want to screw up his chance at freedom, but he is clearly a scoundrel nonetheless. It's hard to get any impression from Rocky given the few words he shares, though he seems to listen to Karn, but Natalia and especially Shiny truly get the sense that Karn is a man of his word. He seems honestly too proud to fight for his freedom, but it sounds as though that same pride would lead him not to betray the party if hired.

When they speak afterwards, Shiny shakes his head.  "I can always tell a liar,"  he says,  "because my cousin was just the  biggest  liar there was. This one time he swore he'd caught a faerie, when it was just a halfling with an eating disorder- but what was I saying... right. That Axel- he's lying through his teeth."

"As for the others..."  a mischievous smile comes over his face.  "You told me not to read their minds or enchant them. You didn't tell me not to  listen  to them. I stayed out here when those two stubborn foreigners were chatting, but thanks to a quick pair of spells, I heard and understand every word." 
 
 Spoiler 
Clairaudience and Tonuges.
 


Shiny continues.  " 'Nos votka mitzin codra.'  'We work for them now.' Karn was telling the truth about what he said, and about what Rocky replied, when he had no way of knowing I was listening."  He shrugs.  "If this is what you want to do... maybe it'll work." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, she agrees with Shiny's assessment.  "Hilton...Scoundrel, blunt, looking for best...for self. Follow as long as own skin safe. Probably...leave for better deal. Though doubt...find any now, and debt may be worth something. Bring, but keep close. Keep in grabbing range." 

She shakes her head.  "Axel liar. Slimy feel from talk, practiced speech for soft ears. Easy lying, easy like talking."  She doesn't say out loud what she thinks both Shiny and Kurt also feel--that Axel's easy lies (and why they were so easy to see) remind them of a more malicious Shiny.

 "Rocky and Karn..."  She hangs her head, ashamed of herself, although not as much as she might have been in other circumstances.  "Rocky follows Karn...I think. And proud. Proud of strength, pride like our friendship. Friendship won't betray. Don't...think pride and coin will either. Think...they keep contract." 

She frowns a little and comes to a conclusion.   "Don't think...Axel will change. Axel might betray, flee, join slavers or worse. But others...maybe other chance. Maybe.

Worth chance. Second chance for us. Second chance for them,"  she says with a nod.

 
 Spoiler 
I think we bring everyone but Axel, and keep a close eye on all three.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt taps his chin as he ponders their advice. It seems to be about the same as what he was thinking himself, for the most part - Axel was a weasel, the others were...honest, in their own way. It would be so much easier if they could just take the trio, but he wanted to give even Axel a chance.

 "There...is a way to bring him, even. An enchantment that can be used, that if he does anything to betray us would make him violently ill. Or worse, maybe. They have two of them, but we only need one, I think. I don't like to use it but....the only other option is to leave him to die, and I like that less. I gave my word. The other three, they can go freely, I think, but him..." 
Admiral
 "You told him not to lie,"  Shiny says,  "and he did. He had his chance. There's too many people in this world to save without wasting your time on the liars."  He glances down at the ground for a moment.

Then he looks back up.  "I'm not sure I'm too excited about trusting Hilton, either. Can't we at least magic him up a bit?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia seems to bristle at Kurt's suggestion.  "Forced choice...like no choice. Dragged by leash, leash with barbs. And...what when spell runs out, when off leash? Chain rabid dog, but...what happens when chain broken?" 

She shakes her head.  "Though killing as other choice...no choice at all, both bad. Maybe chain, maybe learn to heel then. I...don't know. I'd hate chain, but that over death." 

EDIT:


 "You told him not to lie," Shiny says, "and he did. He had his chance. There's too many people in this world to save without wasting your time on the liars." He glances down at the ground for a moment. 

Natalia pauses, then puts her hand on Shiny's shoulder.  "I...trust you. Trust you, Shiny. Lie, but harmless lies. Could have betrayed us...thousands of times over. And always helped. Always listened...in own way. I...trust you." 

She chews her lips.  "Shiny...right though. About Axel. May not want...to change." 
Cavelcade
After a minute of thinking in silence, remembering the general's words this morning, Kurt sighs and nods at Shiny's words.  "You're right. The others...I'll take all three of them. He had his chance and he wasted it. I can't afford to risk you all by bringing him along." 
Admiral
Once the group has made their decision, they pass it on to the magistrate. He nods and goes to lock up Axel, whose begins to shout and flail even in his chains as he realizes he's being left behind. The dwarf has to physically push him into the cell, and once the door is slammed behind him he leaps up against it like a caged animal.  "NO!"  he screams-  "I didn't know! How can you do this to me!?!" 

The magistrate steps back over, and with a skeptical look he unlocks Hilton, Rocky and Karn from their arm and leg manacles. Hilton breathes a sigh of relief as they do, and even Karn smiles a bit as he is released. He looks to Kurt.  "Where now, boss?" 

As they walk away, Axel's shouts come from behind them, emerging from his cell.  "You're trusting  them  but leaving me to die? Do you know what I've seen them do?!? They're merciless killers! Don't listen to them!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces, but manages to hold herself together against his cries. In a way, this proves it, how easily he turned against them. Shiny may be an easy liar too, but he wouldn't do that. No way would be do that. No matter what Aicha may learn about Shiny, what she tells them, she trusts him. ...She has to.

She looks to him, and Kurt as well. How are Shiny and Kurt doing? They have to tell mithril and Miriam. If anything happened to them because of this...no. It won't happen. She won't let it happen.

Nothing to do now but trust in herself, her friends, and her blades.
Cavelcade
Kurt winces at the screaming, feeling sick for a moment before he presses forward, faster than before. He'd given them all a chance, it was the most he could do - he was already risking so much, more than just his own life with this...whatever this was.


When he gets back to the inn, he's both relieved and distressed to find both Miriam and Mithril there, as he now has to tell them the news - but at least he can get it out of the way.

 "Ah, I'm sorry to be telling you this at this stage of the day - three of the slavers will be travelling with us as mercenaries. I promised them I'd speak up in their favour if they'd agree to help us out with the defence we needed...so they will. They'll be armed, as they travel, because otherwise they'll not really be being given a second chance. One of them lied to us...he will be staying behind. The others aren't nice people, but they might be a help in what's ahead. I've taken responsibility for them...so I'll be the one who watches over them. I ah...mmm...well I thought I had made what I planned clear but then it changed, and I just got caught up, but I'm sorry, it wasn't that I meant to do this without asking but I just...even they deserve a second chance, and anything that happens is on my head." 

He speaks haltingly, but then all at once, almost like Nutspeak.
Athedia
Mithril looked scared, was this what Avaralynn had meant when she said there were stormy seas ahead?  But no, Kurt had obviously been thinking of this for a while, and she trusted him.  If he said it should be okay....   "I don't like it, but if you say we should be safe I will trust you."   And verify, she thought to herself.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't help but break out into a grin as she sees Mithril and Miriam, though she then shrinks back, worried how Mithril will take it, wondering if Miriam will lace into her again.

She glances at Kurt, and then whispers in his ear,  "Don't need to watch alone. I...can watch with you. Friends, work together. More than one shoulder." 
Cavelcade
Kurt sighs and relaxes his shoulders at the words, wiping a drop of sweat from his brow.  "Thank you. Agh, I'm sorry, I should have thought about it before now. I just didn't see this as being the best option and then I was so focused on it..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles and pats him on the head, as it's the only part of his body she can reach without leaning over.  "It okay. Tunnels block out sides. I...same. Same right now. But...think friends dig through sides, let light in, break out tunnels into big rooms. Make windows. See other paths." 
achinca
Miriam still haunted by the battle and what war is really like is resting in the inn. She noticed Mithril seemed different but the wizard had always been a mystery and she did not expect that to change.

When Kurt tells her his deal, she shakes her head, covers it with her hand before getting up. " Sir Kurt, I will not judge your decision. Although I am supposed to gain wisdom as I serve St. Cuthbert, I feel more and more clueless as the days go by. I cannot judge your decision because two days ago, I fought side by side with the Crusaders whom beliefs I despise. May be a couple of months ago I would have lectured  you on the decision. But not now. I have no idea if your idea is of pure goodness or the dumbest decision we can make. I am sadly not wise enough and definitively not intelligent enough. "

She stops and sits down " I could pray for clarity but all my life, I have misunderstood or misinterpreted the signals. When you look at my life so far and my choices, you will see that I am in no position to lecture and judge any of us decision. So you want to bring slavers with us? It is fine with me. I fought back to back with Crusaders and probably owe them my life. So if the group is good with the idea, I am good with the idea. This strange land is changing all of us faster than we realize. "

She lowers her eyes and fixate on an imaginary spot on the floor.
Cavelcade
Kurt blinks at Natalia's words uncertainly, not grasping the meaning behind them but thankful that she offered comfort at least. When Miriam speaks, he shudders slightly at the thought of what might happen, but he answers her nonetheless.  "Miriam I...I don't want to be known just for killing, for cutting down those in my path. It's better to tend to them, to heal their spirit, than to cut it off, isn't it? Sometimes, maybe, deadwood needs to go, but we should always try to save as many as possible, otherwise...what are we?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns at her speech, but then nods along with what Kurt says.  "We...better than slavers, or horde, or crusaders. And this how. This why. Equal, and second chances. And...work together. Don't betray." 
achinca
Miriam nods at Kurt " This strange land is changing all of us. I wish I had the wisdom to know if it was for better or not. "

She puts her hand on his shoulder " I trust you, Sir Kurt. "

EDIT (to reply to Natalia): " Little One. I used to believe I was better than others. Fighting along the Crusaders taught me otherwise. I am just glad I am the only one of us with that curse. "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hangs her head.  "You still...better than them, Friends with Kurt, Shiny, right? So better, right there, even if nothing else. Still better than them. And you...more than friends with Shiny and Kurt. So better than them even more."  She looks back up.  "Before...what you said..."  Her voice goes soft and it's clear what Natalia is referring to.
Cavelcade
Kurt frowns at Natalia's words, shaking his head somewhat.  "The crusaders work together - and they trust each other completely I think. I don't think we're so different...just because we think we are...I'm sure they think the same thing." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "But we fight to protect. Not to slay." 
Cavelcade
 "Is that what we did at the ogre village?"  Kurt shakes his head, raising his hands palm out to show he doesn't want to discuss it anymore - for him, at least, the discussion is done.  "We should get ready to leave." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns again. She doesn't know what to make of that. They did it to save the soldiers from being eaten, but...

Instead she says,  "Yes...help dwarves." 

She shakes her head and asks Mithril,  "Can we...need to ask? Talk?"  as they pack and ready to leave.
achinca
Miriam shakes her head at Natalia " You are wrong Little One on this subject. Listen to Kurt. When I was fighting with the Crusaders, I hated the orcs. Not because they were evil but simply because they were orcs. And I thanked St. Cuthbert that they came. And when it was down to the last pups fighting, I made no effort to save them. No Natalia, I am not better than them. I know that and I do not know much but I know that. "

EDIT: " Good idea Kurt. Let's get moving and may be save a few lives. "

She grabs her staff and is ready to go.
Admiral
Upon finishing their conversation, the party heads to the eastern ridge of Soshima. On a hill there await the contingent of twenty four samurai that will join them on the journey, along with the three newly freed prisoners, the armorer having already returned their weapons and outfits. The slavers stand a bit to the side, appearing a bit wary of their new freedom.

Twelve of the samurai are yellow belts; no surprise as these make up the majority of the camp's army. Miriam had learned in her discussions with the soldiers that once a soldier receives his yellow belt, he is often sent away on some mission such as this to gain experience before continuing his training, as true experience far outweighs training or tournaments. Six more are orange belts, known as sergeants, whose duty it is to coordinate the less senior soldiers in battle. Four more are green belts, or second lieutenants. Among them the party recognizes Ash, Firefeather on his arm, who greets the party with a silent nod. Miriam also recognizes the green-belted Luther, on whose horse Miriam had ridden into battle. A dark-skinned human with a wide smile and determined eyes, he had fought like a whirlwind in battle. Miriam had saved his life with her healing more than once. The other two green belts are dwarves.

The party sees two soldiers at the lead: a blue belted human, whom they recognize from the Horde battle, and a purple belted dwarf, whom they recognized as one of the toughest fighters from the tournament. But only as they ride closer do they see the other two samurai who are to travel with them, riders so small they had been hidden behind the horse. A pair of halflings clad in breastplates and blue belts ride a pair of large, silver-coated dogs, chatting and laughing with each other as they wait. The resemblance between the two is obvious even at a distance.

As the party approaches, the purple-belted dwarf at the front rides up to them.  "Reckon you'll be the one's we're takin' to Deldon?"  he asks gruffly.  "Ones who refuse to travel unless yer luggin' a coupla slavers around with ye?" 

He coughs for a moment, then shakes his head clear.  "In any case... I'm Captain Dresden, and my men and I are under yer command." 
Athedia
 "With or without them, I don't care.  As long as we get there safely." 
 
 Spoiler 
Hehe, Dresden.  I know it probably was a joke, but him being a dwarf and therefore rather Hairy.  Hairy Dresden 😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles. She feels a bit better.  "Know what of road to Deldon?" 

At some point she motions to Mithril, asking if they can talk in private.

 
 Spoiler 
The talk can happen whenever there's a chance.
 
Athedia
Mithril nodded, and pulled Honey over toward Natalia.
Cavelcade
Kurt frowns a little, but shrugs - it's not like the man is wrong.  "How long will it take?"  He indicates to the former prisoners to join them and ride near him, handing each a small pouch with 100 gold pieces in it as they ride past him. His greatsword hangs from his saddle, easily reached if he needs it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia starts fidgeting, playing her hands across Rust's reins.  "It...about before. On the ship, and after. What I did. Without your thought. I..."  She flushes pink, and turns away. Two things, really, but both born from the same emotion.
Admiral
 "Orders are to ride due east to Bellville, two and a half days from here. Sounds like that's where the caravan of supplies is, the one we'll have to get through. From there it's a day's ride to Deldon, but that'll be the trickiest part- that's where the orcs have their siege." 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods, indicating to the samurai it would be okay with them to talk while they ride.  "What kind of a siege is it? What kind of camp do they have?" 
Athedia
 "The ship? With the lizardmen?  What of it?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "The orcs. Where...Though I would maybe die is why..." 
Athedia
 "It's..okay.  I understand. It was scary, we were all scared.  Don't worry, I am not mad."   Mithril reached over and touched Natalia's arm, mouth shaping words as she pinched her fingers together.

  "I trust you."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at her arm, at Mithril's hand resting on it. Her eyes travel up the mage's arm to rest on her face.

 "I...I...Thank you. So much,"  she says, relief washing over her. She was terrified, that Mithril would want nothing to do with her after that.

 "And...and I trust you. To be there, help me. There for me. Always open, not hiding." 

She looks up,  "Did...did you..." 

And then her cheeks color, and, tapping her fingers together awkwardly, she turns away.
Athedia
 "Oh, sorry."   Mithril pulled her hand away.   "Don't worry, it's not the Hooded Ones voice.  It does work both ways though, and I can't read thoughts, just send them." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen.   This...You just talked to me? With your thoughts instead of your speech?

I trust you. You said that. You mean that. I'm not sure what to say to that. I'm not sure what to think to that.   And indeed, her thoughts scatter into a thousand different directions at that, none with more than a few words and disjointed emotions, albeit ones that send peace and a fluttering heart at the same time

  Mithril, I...I'm sorry about the kiss. I know you said you had no want for anything beyond friendship. I was just so scared, so afraid I was going to die. And even though I wouldn't ask for anything more, I don't think I should have done that.

And with Shiro, I was afraid then too. You saw what he did to me. I didn't want to let him anywhere near you, because all I could think of was what happened in the cave with the choker. You nearly died, Mithril. You didn't see what you looked like, but...   She tries to suppress the mental image, but only does a partial job.   I nearly lost you! I nearly lost you and just the thought hurt so damn much!   Mithril can feel the crack in her thoughts.
Athedia
 "You? You made sense."   Mithril was glad Honey was taking care of the movement, because if they had been walking she would have just stopped.

As Natalia went on Mithril wished she could hug the girl.    I told you, it is fine.  I understand fear, fear... is a motivator for instinct.  And you are right, about the choker.  About Shiro.  I did put myself in danger, and I know that fear.  You remember when Whiskers, when he changed.  I know that fear.

And I fear for you, whenever you disappear to Shiny's spells to find more information.  When you just disappeared....

But while fear is okay, I let you go.  Maybe I shouldn't be walking into dark caves or toward madmen so readily.  But I make these choices by myself,and thus must learn from mistakes, not lessons.  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Nutspeak, not Nutthink. And as for Shiny...Isn't this...disappearing to his spells too?"  she says with a bit of a smile, before slipping back into her thoughts.

  The truth is I was more afraid of losing you than myself. I...was in a dark place for a while. I'm out of there now, but sometimes I look over my shoulder and see it again. Or just look up. It's...it's hard to explain.

When I was taken, and escaped, you, you and Shiny and Miriam and Kurt and Valen, were my motivation for getting back. You kept me going long after I should have passed out and died from the spider venom. So I owe my life to you. Several times over. I'd be rotting in the woods now if not for you. Or be eaten by giants.

But Mithril...I know it's your choice to walk into danger, but...I wouldn't dare do anything to myself now, because I know how much it would hurt you all. And I love you too much to hurt you like that. So please, when you put yourself in danger, well, I know it sounds corny, but it hurts me too, and it hurts everyone else. What's that saying? When you cut, I bleed?  
Admiral
The army begins to march east- thirty two men and women in all. Right now they're traveling along a simple dirt road, which they've heard will lead only to the edge of the Soshiman territory, about half a dozen miles away. The town of Soshima begins to recede behind them.

The dwarf captain responds to Kurt's question.  "See, what I unnerstand, most of what we know in Soshima comes from some magic messages passed along by the Church, where every word counts- my way of sayin' we don't have all the tactical info as we'd like. We know there are at least a few hunnerd orcs- what you'd find anyplace the Horde's got an interest- but that they're a bit spread out." 
 "See, there are three entrances to the fortress, separated by long unnerground tunnels, and from what I hear when they sent the caravan down they thought one of the entrances was a secret. But the orcs musta found out about it, cuz now they can't get through. But that means they're guarding three doors, each about a mile apart, so mebbe we can take one of 'em. But no doubt they'll have patrols all 'round, and if one sounds the horn the buggers'll come running..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Try and forgive me if I'm inconsistent with the dwarf captain's accent. Please just accept he has one- one roughly in the vicinity of Ireland or southwestern England.
 
Athedia
Mithril looked down, embarassed.   I know it hurts you, all of you.  But I can't promise, not always.  Shiro never hurt me, he was scared that is all.  I need to put myself in danger sometimes, to learn.  
CoffeeIncluded
  Even if that's true, do you have to put yourself in danger alone? Isn't research done in groups, with many people working together? What do you need to learn, to risk your life like that?  

She clasps her hands over Mithril's and looks up, straight into her eyes.   Please. If you're going into danger, if you want to put yourself at risk to learn...at least, please, please don't do it alone.  
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at the commander's words, recognising the difficulties in communication being experienced by them, but internally cursing the challenge it poses.

 "So what do you think we should our best plan is? "  He's considering it himself as they march, how to attack a place like that. It seems like it should be doable...the force is strong, strong enough to overwhelm them if they're not careful, but still...spread out. If only there were a way to signal the dwarves to attack from the entrance they want to use at the same time they do.
achinca
Miriam notices that Mithril and Natalia and touching hands and looking at each other and not talking. She smiles thinking "  Could it be that finally Mithril returns Natalia's feeling?  "

She approaches the samurais and hugs the ones she recognizes. She smiles at the dark skinned man, glad he fully recovered.

She hugs Luther last and asks him " Sir Luther, would you mind letting me share your saddle once again? It brought us luck last time as we won and both came back. "
CoffeeIncluded
  Mithril, I know that you want to explore, and learn. And I don't want to tie you back. So please, let me go with you, and do what I can to keep you alive and safe. And I think...I think I'd feel the same way even if I didn't have these feelings for you.   She touches Mithril's hand, lightly.   Because I want you safe.  

She leans back, listening in to the conversation between Kurt and the samurai.   Hmm, Mithril, I think I may know a couple of ways to get inn, using the same sneaking, trickery, and subterfuge that we did before. But, well, I can't exactly tell them. Is this mental link spell limited to only two people? Can they hear us with their...own...spell...   She trails off, and Mithril can hear Natalia's mental thought process grind to a halt. Some new idea's seized her.
Athedia
  Thank you.  And only two people.  There is another version of the spell, at least I assume, but seeing as I could barely understand this one I didn't want to go looking for one that was no doubt more complicated.  

Mithril thought for a second, before laughing.    This speech problem of yours.  It is, at least for some, like you hale from a far of land and still have the vernacular of the place about you, is it not?  I learned a spell to communicate with those who knew other tongues, but it may work for you.  We could give it a try tonight, see if it works.  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen.   That might work. But it might not. I don't know if I'd call my impediment a dialect. But if it does...Mithril, you mean so much to me.  

She frowns.   That voice Shiny heard inside the Hooded guy back in Linwood. Do you think he's able to communicate telepathically with several people at once? Like a thought-speech network? That way he'd be able to coordinate with orcs, ogres, and giants all at the same time.

Say...why did you pick now to try out this mindlink spell?  
Athedia
  Well hopefully it works.  I doubt that they use this spell, I have to be close by the people to cast it and it doesn't last that long.  But maybe he found some super powerful version, but I doubt it.  And... well you said you wanted to talk privately.  Can't think of more private than this, now can I?    Mithril dodged the question, trying to keep cool.
CoffeeIncluded
  I guess. Mithril, are you feeling okay?  

Natalia looks down, gives Mithril a little half-quirked smile.   You're right, there's not much more private than this. Though I've got to say, you definitely surprised me. Say...what if I didn't want to talk to you like this? What would have happened then?   The note in Natalia's voice is one of genuine curiosity.
Athedia
  I would have dismissed the spell.  I thought it would be okay, I guess I took a risk.   She quirked a smile, remembering their past conversation.    And I feel fine, tired but otherwise fine.  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia laughs, the first loud sound she's made in several minutes.   It wasn't really a risk with me. I'll always let you in. Though man, imagine if there were a spell that didn't care. Or a caster that didn't care. Can you imagine how scary it would be, having someone worm their way into your mind and whisper awful things into your ear, day in and day out? You get enough of that from the outside, never mind within! Maybe we should make some sort of contingency plan, just in case something like that happens!  

But Natalia clearly doesn't seem too serious, as she rides over and offers a shoulder and arm for Mithril to rest against.   Eh, don't mind me. I'm just being silly. I know you'll never do anything like that.

Is...do you need anything? I've got to say, I'm pretty exhausted myself. Well, more guilty than anything else.  
Athedia
  No, Honey is doing the hard work here.  And don't worry about the spell.  I can only cast it if the other person is willing, it will not stick otherwise.    Mithril joking pushed Natalia away.   "Natalia, you do that and the horses will collide.  Or I will fall.  Neither sounds fun." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "If fell on you? Or under? Fun then?"  Natalia teases, sticking her tongue out playfully.
Athedia
 "More painful I would say, if on.  If under still more painful but for you instead." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shrugs.  "Can endure better. Not sturdy, but study enough."  She turns back to Mithril, her grin broadening by the second. She looks like she's about to burst out into laughter.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt nods at the commander's words, recognising the difficulties in communication being experienced by them, but internally cursing the challenge it poses.

 "So what do you think we should our best plan is? "  He's considering it himself as they march, how to attack a place like that. It seems like it should be doable...the force is strong, strong enough to overwhelm them if they're not careful, but still...spread out. If only there were a way to signal the dwarves to attack from the entrance they want to use at the same time they do. 
 

 "Meself, I'd look to create a diversion if I could. Problem's not getting the soldiers to the cave, it's getting a coupla wagons there. Wagons move slow, and they have to follow the path: ground can get real rocky around the caves."  He sighs.  "Been there before, I 'ave, though many years ago... me cousin's a miner there. Anyway: unless they're distracted the wagons will take too long to get there. Trouble is getting them makin' the diversion out alive..." 

 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam notices that Mithril and Natalia and touching hands and looking at each other and not talking. She smiles thinking "  Could it be that finally Mithril returns Natalia's feeling?  "

She approaches the samurais and hugs the ones she recognizes. She smiles at the dark skinned man, glad he fully recovered.

She hugs Luther last and asks him " Sir Luther, would you mind letting me share your saddle once again? It brought us luck last time as we won and both came back. " 
 

Luther laughs, his wide smile a refreshing sight.  "I thought talk of luck was for grunts like me,"  he says, as he starts rigging a place for Miriam on the saddle.  "I would think that a priestess would credit the victory to the gods."  He helps her up and they set forth.

 
 Spoiler 
Please let me know how the party is traveling. Miriam is with the green-belted Luther, and the samurai are riding in their battle formation. The rest of the party can ride ahead of them, behind them or some other combination- and also let me know where the slavers are riding.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Shiny,"  Natalia asks, half-listening to the conversation and breaking in,  "Any good spell tricks? Maybe...trick orcs down wrong tunnel? Bring food after fight?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia's hanging near the front of the group where she can put her +9 spot and listen to good use. However, she's also keeping an eye on the slavers, especially Hilton, if she can.
 
Athedia
  Natalia, I am breaking this spell off now.  Sorry but I want some time to think.     Mithril canceled the spell, feeling the connection fade away into nothingness.  Making her way through the group she ended up just behind the ex-slavers.

She didn't trust these men, and with what she felt was good reason.  She knew she had promised not to spy on the samurai, so she waited until they and her companions were free of the spell area before casting it under her breath.

 
 Spoiler 
Trying to catch JUST the ex-slavers in a Detect Thoughts.

EDIT: Can you please spoiler the information?  So that temptation is blocked.
 
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Meself, I'd look to create a diversion if I could. Problem's not getting the soldiers to the cave, it's getting a coupla wagons there. Wagons move slow, and they have to follow the path: ground can get real rocky around the caves."  He sighs.  "Been there before, I 'ave, though many years ago... me cousin's a miner there. Anyway: unless they're distracted the wagons will take too long to get there. Trouble is getting them makin' the diversion out alive..."  
 

Kurt nods in response to his words, seeing the wisdom in his suggestion.  "We'd have to overwhelm the camp to let the carts get through...it's a problem for sure. Attack at midday...hm..." 

He grows quiet at that point, nodding his thanks for the brief talk, then falling back to behind the slavers, riding on his own as he ponders what he's done and what's still to be done. Getting the carts in...will be a challenge indeed.

  'Hm, maybe someone could sneak in invisibly to stop whoever's trying to blow the horn...risky. This whole thing is risky. Crazy. Who am I to wield this blade?'  
CoffeeIncluded
  Um, okay. But Mithril, thank you. So much. You have no idea how important this was to me.  

Then Mithril breaks off the connection, leaving Natalia with her thoughts and tangled speech. She falls silent for some time, listening, holding on to that moment where her words were clear and understood, where she actually made sense.
achinca
Miriam smiles at Luther " The Gods have funny ways to do things sometimes and often are laisser-faire in a battle. I certainly am not wise enough to understand how they work. And isn't luck a way for the Gods to help us. "

She climbs on the horse and holds the samurai quite tightly.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam smiles at Luther " The Gods have funny ways to do things sometimes and often are laisser-faire in a battle. I certainly am not wise enough to understand how they work. And isn't luck a way for the Gods to help us. "

She climbs on the horse and holds the samurai quite tightly. 
 

 "If we're talking of ways for the gods to help us,"  the lieutenant says as they start to ride,  "I'll take your healing magic over luck any day." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Shiny,"  Natalia asks, half-listening to the conversation and breaking in,  "Any good spell tricks? Maybe...trick orcs down wrong tunnel? Bring food after fight?"  
 

Shiny thinks for a while.  "The awkward thing about illusions is that sometimes folks can notice they're fake, if they're paying attention"  he says finally.  "This one time I was trying to use an illusion to cover a daring escape, but I put one too many legs on the fiendish octopus. Once people noticed, the diversion failed, and I had to stay for the whole rest of the wedding reception." 
 "But there might be a way we can make one camp think an attack is coming without them seeing a single enemy- do what I'd do if we  were  going in for a charge, just minus the army itself. I use a few spells to surround them with a smokescreen- turn myself invisible, race around the camp bursting up a nice big wall of mist. Perhaps if that's not enough, I conjure the noise of twenty-odd charging soldiers through the dust... if that doesn't make them start calling for reinforcements, I don't know what will." 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Slaver Will saves:
Hilton:  (1d20+1)[ 4 ] 
Rocky:  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Karn:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins.  "Even if worked, leave ship how? Shiny Hiddenfins? 

Her grin broadens into a near-smirk at Shiny's plan.  "Call all orcs to wrong spot, then...We run through cleared tunnel, beat orcs to dwarves. Sneak within, strike out. Like Linwood tunnels. But...fast and quiet. And maybe...trap path behind us. Lengthen return. Maybe caltrops, to slow down." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia grins.  "Even if worked, leave ship how? Shiny Hiddenfins?   
 

 "Well, that's the embarrassing part: the wedding was in a church in the city, no water in sight. I'm not sure why I thought a fiendish octopus would work, but perhaps I was distracted by the calamari hor d'oeuvres." 
 Mithril: 
 
 Spoiler 

Really, Mithril only:
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler 
Their Int scores are Hilton 16, Rocky 10, Karn 14.
 


Karn twitches and glances over his shoulder when Mithril tries to penetrate his thoughts.

 
 Spoiler 
Sense Motive:  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 


Mithril is able to hear Rocky's thoughts, but they are in an exotic language she cannot recognize. His thoughts are slow, as though he's paying most of his attention to the road.

Once she gives up on him, she turns her attention to Hilton's thoughts.

 
 Spoiler 
Why don't I send this by private message. Will have to write up a bit later.
 

 

 
CoffeeIncluded
 "And why fiendish?"  Natalia continues.  "Calamari in spice? Revenge for...food poisoning?"  She shakes her head.  "Really. If fish in city, then...flying fish to flee. Or digging fish, under buildings." 

She trails off, pausing in thought for a moment.  "Hey...if orcs outside, then...way to burrow in?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at the Lieutenant " Well, if you are lucky, you won't need my healing skills at all .... but it is good to know I can help a little if needed .... "

She turns towards Shiny and Natalia " How about we continue the fairy tales telling but wait for a plan until we see exactly what we are facing? I might not be as wise as other clerics or intelligent like a wizard but making plans without knowing is not the best use of one's time. I would rather listen to stories ... beautiful stories .... "
Admiral
The party continues along the road for the rest of the day. By midday tomorrow, the head samurai explains, they'll have to head off the path as it veers north, so they can continue east to Bellville, and a day later they'll reach the city. At nightfall, they step off the path and build their camp, before heading to sleep. The samurai appoint one of the blue-belted halflings to take first watch, along with one of the party members to join him.

 
 Spoiler 
Whoever volunteers to take first watch, give me spot and listen checks.

Athedia's message coming now. Woke up and couldn't get back to sleep, effects of jet lag.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia volunteers to take the first watch, keeping her blades at the ready as she stands by the blue-belted halfling, her eyes scanning the horizon. She doesn't know whether to look for the Horde or crusaders or slavers or traitors, and so she tries to keep her eyes and ears pealed for anything.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+9)[ 28 ] 
Listen:  (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
EDIT: Yay!
 


Her eyes aren't built for darkness, but they can sense movement and odd shadows and breaks in patterns through the darkness. And her ears aren't hindered by lack of light, and keep pricked for anything off.
Athedia
Mithril was pale when she climbed of the horse, but spoke to no-one.  She laid her sleeping roll out on the side of camp farthest from Hilton.
Cavelcade
Kurt spends the evening beside the former slavers, engaging them in polite conversation at times but mostly staring at the fire, trying to figure out ways to get into Deldon, or staring at the blade that had been given to him, wondering uncertainly if he deserves to wield it. Finally he sighs and bids the others goodnight, taking it with him as he goes to bed. Whether or not he deserves it, he has it, so he'll have to make himself worthy.
achinca
Miriam spent the evening talking with the samurais, especially the ones who fought the Horde and tried to see if any of them had PTSD signs.

After that, she goes to sleep.
Admiral
Natalia studies the hills to the south of the road as she keeps guard, though she often glances back towards the former slavers that sleep just a handful of paces away. She's glad that Kurt is between them and her, even as he sleeps.

Natalia's eyes grow accustomed to the moonlight over several hours, and suddenly she spots movement along the top of the southern hills. Focusing on that area, she makes out a large shape above the hills that she is sure wasn't there before, as well as movement along the hills as though something large is climbing down.

 
 Spoiler 
Map is up, see signature.

Natalia has a round to do what she wants. Waking someone up by shaking them is a standard action, or one can scream and wake everyone who succeeds on a Listen check. (They might be unhappy if it's a false alarm). She would be aware, incidentally, that Shiny has a spell ( rouse ) that can wake a handful of people in a hurry.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses as she sees the things approaching before her. She looks back at everyone asleep.

 
 Spoiler 
Shiny's next to her, she can't kick him awake as a move action?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Slapping her hand to her chest, Natalia mutters the incantation,  "Swift claw, sudden strike, sharp current,"  and immediately feels her muscles tense, senses her reflexes become more keened.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Cat's grace. Lasts for 10 rounds.
 


She then screams,  "SOMETHING COMING, SOUTH DOWNHILL!"  and steps forward to approach it.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

First: Fighting with 30+ people is very challenging. I will do everything I can to keep everything consistent. Know that as soon as someone says "Hey, why did that green belt samurai have less HP than that orange belt did earlier?", or "Hey, you used to roll seven +9s for attacking and now you're rolling eight," half of the samurai will spontaneously combust to make my job easier.

I'm going to make everyone's Listen checks for them (Not everyone is always woken up immediately by yelling, so you have to make a DC 6.). Then everyone's Init checks, which are blocked into the party members, Slavers, Samurai, and Enemies. Natalia and the enemies will necessarily come first in initiative since they're already awake: they are rolling to determine their order within the top 2.

Coffee, go ahead and move Natalia on the map if you want, up to 30'.

Listen:
Shiny:  (1d20-2)[ 2 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Miriam:  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 

Karn:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Rocky:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Hilton:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 

24 samurai, most of whom have +1 or 0 (I'll sort it out):  (1d20)[ 18 ]   (1d20)[ 19 ]   (1d20)[ 9 ]   (1d20)[ 9 ]   (1d20)[ 18 ]   (1d20)[ 16 ]   (1d20)[ 14 ]   (1d20)[ 19 ]   (1d20)[ 12 ]   (1d20)[ 7 ]   (1d20)[ 15 ]   (1d20)[ 15 ]   (1d20)[ 14 ]   (1d20)[ 1 ]   (1d20)[ 16 ]   (1d20)[ 2 ]   (1d20)[ 1 ]   (1d20)[ 14 ]   (1d20)[ 11 ]   (1d20)[ 9 ]   (1d20)[ 1 ]   (1d20)[ 1 ]   (1d20)[ 16 ]   (1d20)[ 17 ] 

Intitiative:
Natalia:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Enemies:  (1d20-1)[ 14 ] 

Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Samurai:  (1d20+1)[ 14 ] 
Slavers:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

INITIATIVE ORDER:
I forgot to roll Miriam's Init:  (1d20+1)[ 3 ] 

Enemies
Natalia
Samurai
Mithril, Kurt
Slavers
Shiny (as of now asleep), Miriam

Incidentally: the samurai were sleeping wearing chain shirts rather than their usual full plate. It occurred to me that if I had 24 soldiers that were in a weak position when they were sleeping, I would leave more than one guard. Thus, there are in total four samurai who have their heavy armor on: a blue belted halfling (upper left), green belted human (upper right), an orange belted human, and a yellow belted dwarf. I will keep track of these- you don't have to.
 


Natalia's yelling wakes up most of the samurai, except for five who are unshaken by the yelling. Her friends and the slavers snap awake, all except Shiny, who mumbles a few lies to himself as he rolls over.

When Natalia yells, some of the shapes move in the distance, and she makes out a third one appearing on the side of the hill. And suddenly from the top of the hills there comes a boulder flying straight at her.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 12 ] 

Natalia's turn.
 


The boulder whizzes by the rogue- close enough for her to sense its terrifying size.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's heart nearly stops as she sees the boulder whiz past her. And then her mind snaps back to a few weeks and nearly a lifetime ago, to another boulder, one she didn't dodge. A boulder that knocked her off the wall and nearly killed her and led her friends to think she'd abandoned them and, in a way, did A boulder that was ultimately the cause of the scar wrapping around her side. This boulder, here and now, left her unharmed, but the previous one, well, this boulder brings all those painful memories back. And the creatures who threw that one...

No, no, not again not again not again!

 "GIANTS!!!!"  she shrieks, the raw unbridled panic ripping its way out of her throat and echoing in the valley.  "GIANTS BOULDERS LIKE BEFORE GIANTS GIANTS GIANTS!!!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Oh boy. This is definitely going to open up some fresh wounds for her.

I know it may not be giants, but this is DEFINITELY what her mind is going to snap to.

Is there cover anywhere
 


Natalia looks for cover. If not, she rouses Shiny (unless her screaming woke him. In that case, she'll draw her bow and attack.)
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Oh, you wanted to know if Shiny woke up:

 (1d20-2)[ 6 ] 

Just barely!

As noted OOC, there is no cover. Unless you want to run behind the samurai, which will not exactly impress them.
 


Shiny shakes his head as he wakes in response to Natalia's screaming.
CoffeeIncluded
 "GIANTS!!! AWAY! BACK!!!"  she screams in terror as she draws her bow and fires blindly at the beast before her.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 6 ] 

18 total damage!
 


She can't see the arrow hit, but she can hear it--and by the sound, it hit hard.
Admiral
 "UNDER ATTACK!!!"  shouts Dresden as he wakes in time to see a boulder fly by Natalia. Other samurai that were awake take up the war cry-  " SOSHIMA! "  and in combination with Natalia's yells, everyone wakes up. They step to their feet, draw their blades, and prepare themselves for battle.

 
 Spoiler 
That's the samurai's turn. Everyone's awake. Mithril and Kurt now.
 
Athedia
Mithril shot up before she knew she was awake, already applying her magical armor.  She watched in terror as the boulder barely missed Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 
Mage Armor
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Copied and pasted from OOC
 


The two rangers among the slavers wake at Natalia's first shout and stand up, longbows ready. Seeing Natalia firing at the hulking mass that's approaching, they each draw an arrow and fire.

 
 Spoiler 

Rocky
Attack: (1d20+8)[24] Confirm: (1d20+8)[25]
Dmg: (1d8+4)[10] Crit: (1d8+4)[5] (1d8+2)[7]

Karn
Attack: (1d20+8)[28] Confirm: (1d20+8)[28]
Dmg: (1d8+2)[3] Crit: (1d8+2)[6] (1d8+2)[5]

Wow, don't see double nat 20s every day.
 


Both arrows land solidly.

Hilton stands as well, his net in his hand, as he had fallen asleep while holding it. He glances towards the battle to assess what is happening, but doesn't move yet.
Admiral
Waking up and suddenly appreciating the danger, Shiny springs to his feet. Glancing past Natalia at the shape she's shooting at, he raises his hand and makes a sharp twist. Above the approaching enemy there appears a burst of glitter, which falls to cover the shape.

The glitter sharply reflects even the small amount of light provided by the moon and stars, and the shape becomes clear. Natalia's fears are proved correct as the giant emerges from the darkness.

 
 Spoiler 

Giant's Will save for blindness:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 

Giant is not blinded, though he is still glittered.
 
achinca
Miriam makes a double move to get next to Kurt.
Admiral
The giant barrels forward, angered by the glitter. As he approaches, they can see that he bears a single, large boulder. And from behind the giant, to the party's horror, they see three more shapes emerging from the darkness.

From the hills in the darkness behind the attackers, another boulder comes hurtling towards Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (2d6+7)[ 16 ] 

14 damage to Natalia. Natalia's turn.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia screams, partly from pain and partly from the pure terror that's seized her mind.  "GIANTS AGAIN! Hulberg again!"  she fires madly at the glitter-covered giant, shaking in fear.

 
 Spoiler 
attack:  (d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
 


The arrow hits the giant, though not as precisely as before.

Anyone standing next to her can hear her hyperventilating, see her frantically look around. And she turns and looks at her friends, them all standing back.

And Natalia looks at the giant and sets her teeth and, still trembling, draws her blades.
Admiral
The party trembles as they watch the four giants rush towards them, with a fifth hurling boulders from afar. The giants at the outpost had been so fearsome, how could they possibly take on five at once... But the outpost at Hulburg had not been guarded by the Samurai of Soshima.

 "Samurai! Divide the two on the right- CHARGE!"  From Natalia's left, Dresden barks out the orders in a curt tone, then begins rushing towards the giant in the lead- and the samurai follow. In a charge so fast it feels like a rushing tide, the samurai sweep past the party to take their position in the battle- and in moments a wall of soldiers separate the party from the rushing giants.

 
 Spoiler 
See the map for the basic positioning of the samurai. None were able to attack this round, but their intention is clear- next round they will surround G1 and G2 and start hacking away at them.

Mithril's turn now. Then we will wait for Cavelcade. He has two rounds if he wants them (not sure what he would do in the first). He can charge at G1 if he wants, though if I were him I might wait for Miriam or Shiny to enlarge him.

In general, it might be easier to run the combat if you focus on G3 and G4 while the samurai handle G1 and G2. They are more than capable of taking those two down, though they will lose a few men in the process (especially since most lack their usual heavy armor). Once G3 and G4 are down you can help.
 
Cavelcade
When Kurt hears Natalia shriek, he rolls upright in an instant, looking around to see where the others are, and what's attacking. At the crash of the first boulder, his face becomes grim as he sets himself for what's to come, pausing to look at the slavers and nodding to himself.

 "You three, stay close to me. You're earning your keep a little sooner than we planned, eh?" 

He grins as Miriam comes up next to him, nodding to her.  "Good lady Miriam - will we do as we usually do, and give them a nice target to aim at?"  He slaps his unarmoured chest, laughing softly as he looks at the giants coming towards them.


 
 Spoiler 

I'm going to leave the slavers up to you, Admiral, unless you tell me to direct them more specifically.

Kurt is going to wait until Miriam casts her spell, and then take his next round. Buuuuut I'm going to assume she enlarges him and make the attack now. If she doesn't -well, he's going to charge anyway.
 


He changes from his usual stance while fighting, this one seems to pull people after him, towards his opponents. Setting himself like that, he grasps Daybreaker and charges until he's level with the leading samurai and swings hard.

 
 Spoiler 


Double edit: Oh, and his AC if giant is now 14! So 12 after charging.

I forgot to do the damage as if he's giant. Add another d6 - nothing else will change.

Into Martial Spirit - heals 2 points of damage to allies with a 30' radius on each successful melee attack I make. Doing it now so I don't forget.

His AC against giants, without armour, is 16. Pity he wasn't on watch! Although - could someone cast mage armour on him?

Charge +2/-2AC
Power Attack -3/+6
 (1d20+10)[ 17 ]  Attack
 (1d20+10)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (2d6+13)[ 21 ]  Attack
 (2d6)[ 8 ]  - Extra damage against evil creatures. I assume they are - but whether they are or not, quicker to roll now. Doesn't get doubled on crit.

 (2d6+13)[ 23 ]  Crit


He'll have all 5 maneuvers available at the start of the next round.
 
Admiral
As Kurt gives commands to the slavers, Hilton nods and follows after him, his net held ready, although he cannot reach the giant in time to throw it and ends up standing just behind the dwarf.

Kurt also hears Karn's coarse accent from behind him-  "Better duck, boss."  As he crouches, a pair of arrows fly over his shoulders.

 
 Spoiler 

Since Kurt is actually 10 feet away from the giant (yay big combatants!) there is no penalty for firing into melee according to the rules. However, since they're right now firing directly through giant Kurt, that is ridiculous. There is a -2 penalty instead of the usual -4.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 


Both arrows miss the giant, one by a wide margin.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Let's be clear: the actions in this post happen in Shiny's normal place in the order, which is alongside Miriam's turn. Kurt delayed his action until after Miriam, so this happens  before  Kurt's charge.

And this is good news for Kurt, because...
 


Shiny first casts a quick spell aimed at the giant in the lead, one so fast it barely slows him down. Then, seeing that Kurt is unprotected, Shiny steps up to the dwarf and places his hand on him.

 "Bad time for your armor to be in the laundry, eh?"  the gnome asks with a smile.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast Distract Assailant on G1, mage armor on Kurt.

Shiny was always going to cast Distract Assailant to debuff G1 (-2 to Attack and AC), since a whole bunch of samurai are about to swarm him. The good news is that this means between the -2 to AC and the +1 from Haste,  Kurt hits! 

(You need to trust I was going to cast Distract Assailant either way).

Shiny has more powerful offensive options, but G1 isn't the proper opponent to use them on since he has been quite injured already. Right now Kurt needs all the protection he can get.
 
Athedia
Mithril watched amazed at how quickly the samurai formed their wall of steel.  Snapping out of it she realized that her friends needed her help as well.  She raised her hands casting her spell forward to hit them and as many samurai as she could.

 
 Spoiler 
Haste on 6 people: Kurt, Miriam, Natalia, Shiny, and the two samurai of Admiral's choosing that may forget that they have been hasted. 😛
 
Admiral
The giant roars as Kurt's greatsword strikes. He drops the boulder in his hand, raises his enormous club (the size of a tree trunk), and takes a few mighty swings at the dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

-2 from Unsettling Enchantment, power attacking for -3/+6 on first and not at all on second.

Swing 1:
 (1d20+11)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+16)[ 26 ]  Crit:  (2d8+16)[ 21 ] 

Swing 2:
 (1d20+9)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+10)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (2d8+10)[ 15 ] 
 
Admiral
The second giant roars as he rushes towards the orange-belted samurai in front of him with a powerful swing.

 
 Spoiler 
G2 attacking orange samurai who is in the lead, not charging, -4/+8:

Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+12)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+18)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (2d6+18)[ 26 ] 
 


In his anger, the giant cannot focus and misses the samurai.

A boulder comes flying at Luther, who is on the east flank of the battle.

 
 Spoiler 
Luther is the green belt in J22 (he was Miriam's friend who led her into battle). He was not on watch so he is wearing a chain shirt.

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (2d6+7)[ 11 ] 
 


Another giant charges at Luther after the boulder misses.

 
 Spoiler 

-4/+8 too, -2 to AC because of charge:

Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 25 ]  Crit:  (1d20+14)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+18)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (2d6+18)[ 26 ] 
 


The club strikes him hard, though the samurai stands his ground.
CoffeeIncluded
Screwing her eyes shut, Natalia finds her courage and runs into battle, moving through the sea of Samurai to plunge her shortsword into him, and at the same time activate the spell to give her health back. Anyone can see that the girl is utterly terrified, but she presses on anyway.

 
 Spoiler 
+16 to Tumble; I auto-pass any Tumble check to avoid AoOs. Natalia is NOT charging. She can only attack G3, so she attacks G3!

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ]  plus Vampiric Touch:  (2d6)[ 10 ] 

Since the attack missed, the Vampiric Touch is still active.

I hope the samurai surround him next turn so she can get some flanking and some sneak attacks in!
 


In Natalia's panic, the attack misses.
Admiral
As one, the samurai flood through the giants and begin their multi-pronged attack. Those who cannot attack immediately position themselves near the giants, preparing their blows.

 
 Spoiler 

Much individual samurai personality will get lost here- though I did try to remember the hastes and the charges. On average I believe it works out.

One mistake I made is that I was hoping we could split up a few giants for the samurai, and the rest for us, but the geometry made that implausible. Next time I'll do a better job.

Attacks on G1:

Attack1:  (1d20+10)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+10)[ 22 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 24 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+4)[ 8 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+9)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 14 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 9 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 4 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 4 ] 

Attacks on G2:

Attack1:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 15 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 5 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 23 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 6 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+6)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 

Attacks on G3:

Attack1:  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 9 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 4 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  Dmg:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 4 ] 

45 damage to G1, killing him. 9 to G2, 14 to G3.
 


Most of the samurai's swings miss the giants, especially those of the orange and yellow blades, but so many swinging as one nonetheless has its effect. In a flurry of blades, the giant Kurt had been fighting falls to the ground. The other two are only mildly injured.

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril's turn (Kurt dropped in the initiative order to after Miriam). I will unfortunately not be able to post at all until tomorrow afternoon EST- been a fun day, though!
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Before I go, might as well do the slavers' turns so that Miriam and Kurt can go after them- so it's Athedia, Achinca and Cavelcade up.
 


Seeing the giant Kurt had been fighting fall, Hilton runs past him. He runs up to a point right behind the samurai attacking one of the other giants, and throws his net through the fighters. The rangers shift their arrows' attention to the same giant.

 
 Spoiler 

Attacking G2: -4 penalty for throwing/firing into melee.

Net (touch) attack:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 

He is entangled.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
 


Hilton's net flies over the giant, successfully trapping him- though the party cannot help but feel a chill when they see the slaver's prowess with the net.

Both of the rangers' arrows miss their target.
Athedia
Spotting the giant nearest her friends Mithril drew her arm back, casting her bolt of magical acid at the towering giant.

 
 Spoiler 
Ranged Touch:  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (2d4)[ 4 ]  + 2 more rounds if hits.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt moves forward to engage the giant caught up in the net, using the pain from the first giant's blow as a motivation to finish this one off even faster, though he can't charge with so many in the way.

 
 Spoiler 

Taking my action now because I'm going to sleep - adapt as necessary for Miriam's.

Vanguard Strike - +4 for ranged and melee attacks by allies.
+1/+1 from steely resolve.

 (1d20+13)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 24 ]  Crit

 (4d6+8)[ 24 ]  Damage + Daybreaker
 (2d6+8)[ 16 ]  Crit
 


He drives his blade in, exposing the weakpoint in the giant's defence as he does.
achinca
Miriam touches the little string around her finger and suddenly it starts shining. She bites her lips and thinks " This will hurt but I will not let Kurt die a second time on my watch ..... "

She moves next to the person she plans to heal next.

 
 Spoiler 
I think Luther would be the one she wants to heal based on damages but Admiral feel free to override this.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Note for Achinca: both Kurt and Luther have 22 points of damage each (though Kurt now has your damage sharing spell). I believe Natalia has 12, after she had two points of healing from the
 


Miriam steps up behind Kurt and casts her spell of protection on him, just before he races forward to  towards the next giant.

Shiny steps a bit to his left. He first aims a quick enchantment towards the giant Natalia is fighting to unsettle his mind, and then casts a more powerful spell at the giant who hasn't been injured yet.

Immediately afterward, he shouts something out in the coarse tongue of the giants.  "&lt;Giant&gt;That giant throwing boulders is trying to kill you with them! Go kill him first!&lt;/Giant&gt;" 
 
 Spoiler 
Cast Distract Assailant on G3 (it won't make him flatfooted since his action is next, so no point saving: just to Unsettle him).

Cast Suggestion on G4. Will save:
 (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
 
Admiral
To the surprise of the other giants, the one Shiny had yelled at stops, looks over his shoulder, and with an angry expression starts rushing towards the hills.

The giant Kurt had just attacked growls and swings twice with his greatclub at the enlarged dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 
Power attack -1/+2 for both. Currently entangled so -2 to attack.

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ] 

Even though Kurt gets a +1 from Miriam's spell, I believe the first still hits. 7 damage to Kurt, 8 to Miriam.
 


The giant Natalia is fighting tries to finish off Luther.

 
 Spoiler 

Same deal, though Unsettled instead of Entangled. If he kills Luther he'll  Cleave at the orange belt within his reach (and adjust his second attack accordingly).

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 31 ]  Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 26 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 24 ] 
 


The giant's first swing crushes in Luther's chest, injuring him horribly. The samurai, ever noble, remains standing with his sword raised... until the giant's second hit smashes his head in, killing him instantly.
Admiral
The giant's killing swing continues to smash into the orange belt to his right.

 
 Spoiler 

Cleave.

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 16 ] 
 


The club connects with its second victim, who is relatively unprotected without his heavy armor. The crushing blow nearly sends the samurai flying.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia's turn.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Oh, sorry, forgot about the thrower. And one other thing.
 


A boulder comes flying from the hills- it doesn't hit any of the combatants as they stand too close to the giants, but seems instead aimed at the former slaver, Rocky.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (2d6+7)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (2d6+7)[ 13 ] 
 


The rock smashes into the archer, heavily wounding him.

And as if the first death of a samurai weren't enough, the party can see two more giants approaching through the darkness.

 
 Spoiler 
We've been too low on mortal stakes recently. Enjoy.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as she sees Luther literally smashed against the club, nearly vomits as she sees the giant contine his attack. And then she growls.  "No! Here this time!"  a quick step, a turn of her anklet, and she's flanking the giant. She tries to plunger her blades into it.

 
 Spoiler 
attack:  (d20+12)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack  (3d6)[ 7 ] 
Vampiric touch:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 

attack:  (d20+12)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 5 ]  plus sneak attack  (3d6)[ 6 ] 

attack:  (d20+12)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack  (3d6)[ 10 ] 
 


All three attacks hit (I think) and Natalia plunges her swords into the giants leg, dragging them through to tear them up as much as possible.
Admiral
Natalia's flurry of swings deal incredible damage, and the giant is bloodied.

The samurai make their attacks. Two of the most senior samurai see the newest giants approaching and charge to meet them.

 
 Spoiler 

Misposted in OOC, copy pasting here.

Last time I forgot about the AoOs from the giants (samurai don't typically learn to tumble). But I'll remember them here:

G6 against purple:
Attack: (1d20+12)[13] Crit: (1d20+12)[26]
Damage: (2d6+16)[24] Crit: (2d6+16)[21]

G2 against Orange3:
Attack: (1d20+13)[30] Crit: (1d20+13)[14]
Damage: (2d6+12)[22] Crit: (2d6+12)[24]

G3 against Yellow4:
Attack: (1d20+13)[33] Crit: (1d20+13)[23]
Damage: (2d6+18)[23] Crit: (2d6+18)[25]

Now for the samurai's attacks.

G2 (AC 18 16, thanks entanglement):
Attack1: (1d20+8)[13] Crit: (1d20+8)[18] Dmg: (1d8+3)[11] Crit: (1d8+3)[4]
Attack2: (1d20+8)[22] Crit: (1d20+8)[15] Dmg: (1d6+3)[9] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]
Attack3: (1d20+1)[2] Crit: (1d20+1)[15] Dmg: (1d8+3)[10] Crit: (1d8+3)[5]
Attack1: (1d20+6)[20] Crit: (1d20+6)[23] Dmg: (1d8+3)[11] Crit: (1d8+3)[6]
Attack2: (1d20+6)[14] Crit: (1d20+6)[13] Dmg: (1d6+3)[6] Crit: (1d6+3)[5]
Attack1: (1d20+6)[13] Crit: (1d20+6)[15] Dmg: (1d8+3)[10] Crit: (1d8+3)[6]
Attack2: (1d20+6)[13] Crit: (1d20+6)[22] Dmg: (1d6+3)[8] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]
Attack1: (1d20+3)[9] Crit: (1d20+3)[19] Dmg: (1d8+3)[9] Crit: (1d8+3)[7]
Attack2: (1d20+3)[9] Crit: (1d20+3)[17] Dmg: (1d6+3)[6] Crit: (1d6+3)[9]
Attack1: (1d20+3)[4] Crit: (1d20+3)[12] Dmg: (1d8+3)[8] Crit: (1d8+3)[4]
Attack2: (1d20+3)[5] Crit: (1d20+3)[11] Dmg: (1d6+3)[5] Crit: (1d6+3)[8]
Attack1: (1d20+3)[8] Crit: (1d20+3)[6] Dmg: (1d8+3)[4] Crit: (1d8+3)[9]
Attack2: (1d20+3)[13] Crit: (1d20+3)[14] Dmg: (1d6+3)[8] Crit: (1d6+3)[8]
Attack1: (1d20+4)[23] Crit: (1d20+4)[17] Dmg: (1d8+3)[4] Crit: (1d8+3)[6]
Attack2: (1d20+4)[13] Crit: (1d20+4)[23] Dmg: (1d6+3)[9] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]

G3 (AC 18):
Attack1: (1d20+8)[23] Crit: (1d20+8)[19] Dmg: (1d8+3)[5] Crit: (1d8+3)[4]
Attack2: (1d20+8)[13] Crit: (1d20+8)[21] Dmg: (1d6+3)[9] Crit: (1d6+3)[5]
Attack3: (1d20+1)[3] Crit: (1d20+1)[12] Dmg: (1d8+3)[5] Crit: (1d8+3)[5]
Attack1: (1d20+6)[25] Crit: (1d20+6)[16] Dmg: (1d8+3)[11] Crit: (1d8+3)[5]
Attack2: (1d20+6)[19] Crit: (1d20+6)[25] Dmg: (1d6+3)[8] Crit: (1d6+3)[4]
Attack1: (1d20+4)[14] Crit: (1d20+4)[16] Dmg: (1d8+3)[10] Crit: (1d8+3)[7]
Attack2: (1d20+4)[9] Crit: (1d20+4)[24] Dmg: (1d6+3)[7] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]
Attack1: (1d20+4)[23] Crit: (1d20+4)[14] Dmg: (1d8+3)[6] Crit: (1d8+3)[9]
Attack2: (1d20+4)[5] Crit: (1d20+4)[12] Dmg: (1d6+3)[7] Crit: (1d6+3)[5]
Attack1: (1d20+4)[5] Crit: (1d20+4)[16] Dmg: (1d8+3)[7] Crit: (1d8+3)[4]
Attack2: (1d20+4)[6] Crit: (1d20+4)[18] Dmg: (1d6+3)[5] Crit: (1d6+3)[9]
Attack1: (1d20+3)[7] Crit: (1d20+3)[6] Dmg: (1d8+3)[5] Crit: (1d8+3)[10]
Attack2: (1d20+3)[5] Crit: (1d20+3)[22] Dmg: (1d6+3)[9] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]
Attack1: (1d20+3)[14] Crit: (1d20+3)[18] Dmg: (1d8+3)[11] Crit: (1d8+3)[9]
Attack2: (1d20+3)[17] Crit: (1d20+3)[16] Dmg: (1d6+3)[5] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]
Attack1: (1d20+3)[6] Crit: (1d20+3)[15] Dmg: (1d8+3)[5] Crit: (1d8+3)[5]
Attack2: (1d20+3)[23] Crit: (1d20+3)[21] Dmg: (1d6+3)[6] Crit: (1d6+3)[4]
Attack1: (1d20+3)[12] Crit: (1d20+3)[20] Dmg: (1d8+3)[4] Crit: (1d8+3)[8]
Attack2: (1d20+3)[14] Crit: (1d20+3)[11] Dmg: (1d6+3)[7] Crit: (1d6+3)[8]


G6:
Attack1: (1d20+13)[23] Crit: (1d20+13)[27] Dmg: (1d8+4)[8] Crit: (1d8+4)[9]
Attack2: (1d20+11)[23] Crit: (1d20+11)[19] Dmg: (1d6+4)[5] Crit: (1d6+4)[5]
Attack1: (1d20+10)[12] Crit: (1d20+10)[11] Dmg: (1d8+5)[12] Crit: (1d8+5)[12]
Attack2: (1d20+9)[23] Crit: (1d20+9)[13] Dmg: (1d6+5)[8] Crit: (1d6+5)[10]

Total: 23 to G2, 40 to G3, 21 to G4
 


The giant Natalia is fighting is horribly injured and close to death... yet he survives.
Admiral
Seeing the giant Natalia is fighting near death, the two rangers shift their attention to it.

 
 Spoiler 

-4 for firing into melee.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 

Oh, thanks to the Unsettling, they both hit. That means Rocky kills G3 and Karn can shift his attention back to G2. (No crit since composite longbows crit only on 20).

That is distinctly good news for Natalia, who might have been in trouble with the next pair of attacks.
 


Rocky's arrow flies over Natalia's shoulder- when it hits the giant in the gut, it is enough to make him crumple over.

Karn turns his arrow when he sees Rocky's land, and fires it past the samurai at the giant Kurt is fighting, where it lands a solid hit.
Cavelcade
Kurt's laugh rings out in his enlarged state, taking on a more dangerous note as he sees the two other giants coming at them. Rather than waiting to let it close in on the samurai, he goes straight for the one in the open.

 
 Spoiler 

Rage.

His attack bonus would be 17 because of steely resolve. Enlarged greatsword does 3d6 of damage, +2d6 from holy damage.

No power attack. Can't charge.

Intimidating rage on G6.

He does a regular move action to bring the giant in range, and then uses Lead the Attack on the giant. +4 bonus for allies attacks if he hits.

 (1d20+17)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (1d20+17)[ 37 ]  Crit

 (5d6+13)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (3d6+13)[ 17 ]  Crit
 


He easily bats the giant's club aside, then scores a hard slice along his chest as he does.
Admiral
Hilton steps up to the dead body of the giant and retrieves his net. He then hustles to follow Kurt.

Shiny runs forward once the giant fighting Natalia is dead, but cannot quite reach far enough to cast another suggestion or distraction spell. Instead, he twists his hand sharply, and a cloud of golden particles appears to cover the giant Kurt is fighting.

 
 Spoiler 

Giant Will save:  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 
 


Though the giant is coated in the particles, he manages to shake it out of his eyes.
Athedia
One of the samurai had fallen.  He looked familiar, like she should know him for some reason.  Seeing another giant surrounded by samurai she cast off another spell, grabbing her rod and feeling her circlet glow.

 
 Spoiler 
MM on G6
MM1:  (1d4+1)[ 2 ]  *1.5 = 3
MM2:  (1d4+1)[ 5 ]  *1.5 = 7
MM3:  (1d4+1)[ 2 ]  *1.5 = 3
 
Admiral
Mithril's spell hits the giant solidly.

The giant who had been hit by Kurt's greatsword snarls and swings back twice.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack +3/+6

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 26 ]  Crit:  (2d6+16)[ 26 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (2d6+16)[ 20 ] 

13 damage to Kurt, 13 damage to Miriam.
 


The first blow hits Kurt solidly, with both he and the cleric feeling the pain of the impact.

The other giant swings at one of the samurai attacking him.

 
 Spoiler 

Against purple belt

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 27 ]  Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (2d6+16)[ 22 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 28 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 27 ]  Crit:  (2d6+16)[ 22 ] 

Let's just say this samurai is lucky he's a dwarf.
 


The first blow hits his chest with a sickening sound, but the second is truly devastating. Through an amazing show of fortitude, the warrior stays on his feet.

A boulder flies once again at Rocky.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (2d6+7)[ 15 ] 
 


It once again hits the ranger, who slumps to the ground unconscious.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia's turn.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Teeth chattering, Natalia closes her eyes and rushes the next giant. The others are right behind her...right?

 
 Spoiler 
attacking the one Kurt is attacking. Do I have to charge?
Not bothering to tumble check since I auto pass.

Attack:  (d20+18)[ 36 ] 
Crit:  (d20+18)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d6+1)[ 2 ] 
 


She barely scratches the giant, and shouts,  "Kurt, help, distract! Please!" 
Admiral
Though very badly wounded, Dresden does not retreat. He raises his sword and yells a battle cry to lead the other samurai on. They move forward to surround the giants.

 
 Spoiler 

Once again, copy-pasted into IC from OOC:

I can't believe this but I was rolling a 1d8 for the katana when I should have been rolling a d10. So samurai were a bit underpowered until right now.

G5 AoO against Yellow7:
Attack: (1d20+13)[19] Crit: (1d20+13)[29]
Damage: (2d6+16)[26] Crit: (2d6+16)[27]

Attacking G5 (thanks for the flank, Natalia, and for the Lead the Attack, Kurt):
Attack1: (1d20+12)[17] Crit: (1d20+12)[25] Dmg: (1d10+3)[12] Crit: (1d10+3)[7]
Attack2: (1d20+12)[27] Crit: (1d20+12)[20] Dmg: (1d6+3)[4] Crit: (1d6+3)[9]
Attack1: (1d20+9)[20] Crit: (1d20+9)[27] Dmg: (1d10+3)[5] Crit: (1d10+3)[6]
Attack2: (1d20+9)[28] Crit: (1d20+9)[25] Dmg: (1d6+3)[4] Crit: (1d6+3)[8]
Attack1: (1d20+9)[28] Crit: (1d20+9)[27] Dmg: (1d10+3)[4] Crit: (1d10+3)[13]
Attack2: (1d20+9)[17] Crit: (1d20+9)[12] Dmg: (1d6+3)[7] Crit: (1d6+3)[5]
Attack1: (1d20+9)[20] Crit: (1d20+9)[26] Dmg: (1d10+3)[4] Crit: (1d10+3)[7]
Attack2: (1d20+9)[21] Crit: (1d20+9)[10] Dmg: (1d6+3)[4] Crit: (1d6+3)[8]

Attacking G6:
Attack1: (1d20+10)[23] Crit: (1d20+10)[30] Dmg: (1d10+4)[6] Crit: (1d10+4)[8]
Attack2: (1d20+9)[16] Crit: (1d20+9)[14] Dmg: (1d6+4)[6] Crit: (1d6+4)[10]
Attack3: (1d20+5)[7] Crit: (1d20+5)[12] Dmg: (1d10+4)[6] Crit: (1d10+4)[14]
Attack1: (1d20+8)[10] Crit: (1d20+8)[15] Dmg: (1d10+3)[10] Crit: (1d10+3)[4]
Attack2: (1d20+8)[12] Crit: (1d20+8)[23] Dmg: (1d6+3)[9] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]
Attack3: (1d20+1)[18] Crit: (1d20+1)[12] Dmg: (1d10+3)[12] Crit: (1d10+3)[7]
Attack1: (1d20+6)[14] Crit: (1d20+6)[26] Dmg: (1d10+3)[11] Crit: (1d10+3)[13]
Attack2: (1d20+6)[26] Crit: (1d20+6)[22] Dmg: (1d6+3)[8] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]
Attack1: (1d20+5)[20] Crit: (1d20+5)[23] Dmg: (1d10+3)[13] Crit: (1d10+3)[4]
Attack2: (1d20+5)[8] Crit: (1d20+5)[8] Dmg: (1d6+3)[9] Crit: (1d6+3)[5]
Attack1: (1d20+5)[14] Crit: (1d20+5)[7] Dmg: (1d10+3)[5] Crit: (1d10+3)[9]
Attack2: (1d20+5)[13] Crit: (1d20+5)[22] Dmg: (1d6+3)[7] Crit: (1d6+3)[7]
Attack1: (1d20+3)[15] Crit: (1d20+3)[14] Dmg: (1d10+3)[5] Crit: (1d10+3)[7]
Attack2: (1d20+3)[5] Crit: (1d20+3)[23] Dmg: (1d6+3)[8] Crit: (1d6+3)[6]

46 damage to G5, 34 damage to G6. Both are bloodied.
 



The flurry of blades chops away at the giants once more.

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril's turn.
 
Admiral
Hilton hops behind the samurai and tosses his net at the giant fighting Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

-4 because net is unfolded, -4 because into melee.

 (1d20)[ 19 ] 
 


The giant becomes entangled in the net.
Admiral
Karn bends down and presses his hand to his fellow slaver's body. He mutters a spell and light shines from his hand.

 
 Spoiler 
CLW:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 
 


The other ranger shakes himself awake, but Karn gestures for him to stay on the ground before standing back up and notching another arrow.
Athedia
Mithril fired another series of magic orbs.  They hurtled toward the giant that her friends surrounded, adding to the damage done by them.  The cold, warm battle continued between her circlet and rod.

 
 Spoiler 
Attacking G6
MM1:  (1d4+1)[ 2 ]  *1.5=3
MM2:  (1d4+1)[ 5 ]  *1.5=7
MM3:  (1d4+1)[ 5 ]  *1.5=7
 
Admiral
Shiny runs further towards the giants, and casts a pair of spells- the first, faster one aimed at the giant Kurt is fighting.

 
 Spoiler 
Distract Assailant at G5, Suggestion at G6. Both will be Unsettled no matter what.

G5 save (not that it really matters since it's Kurt, then G5, and he has no Dex bonus):  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
G6 save:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
 


Shiny shouts something else in the hoarse language of the giants:  "&lt;Giant&gt;There are two giants fighting on the ridge instead of helping you- you should go kill them both!&lt;/Giant&gt;" 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

It just hit me that I never rolled against Kurt's intimidating rage. I am not going to change how that round went (though it might have made a difference): but I am going to let that intimidation have an effect this next round if he fails now.

HD save (has to beat a 27 or become shaken):  (1d20+12)[ 27 ]  EDIT: Incidentally, I was wrong: what matters is the higher modifier, which is his 12. Doesn't matter, see below.
 


Kurt swings twice at the giant in the net.

 
 Spoiler 

Vanguard Strike. AC is 14 thanks to net and Unsettling.

Attack:  (1d20+17)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (5d6+13)[ 24 ]  Crit:  (3d6+13)[ 18 ] 

2nd:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 25 ]  Crit:  (1d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (5d6+13)[ 25 ]  Crit:  (3d6+13)[ 22 ] 
 


The first strike utterly destroys the giant Kurt is facing. As he turns to approach the second one, he hears Shiny shout-  "WAIT! Let the other one go!" 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Miriam gets a move, but we don't need to play it right now.
 


The giant Shiny had yelled at stops suddenly, then turns around and runs away from the battle, back towards the hills where the other two giants are. As he runs, a couple of samurai manage to get in parting blows.

 
 Spoiler 
Full round withdraw. Attacks of Opportunity from  after  the first 5 feet of movement:

Attack1:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  Dmg:  (1d10+3)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d10+3)[ 13 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  Dmg:  (1d10+3)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d10+3)[ 13 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 5 ] 
Attack1:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  Dmg:  (1d10+3)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d10+3)[ 7 ] 
Attack2:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  Dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
 


A few of the blades hit their mark, leaving the giant bloodied. He continues running away and starts clambering up the hill.

From on top of the hill the group hears the sound of some yelling and the clash of greatclubs- no boulders come flying down at them. It's too dark too tell what is happening for sure, but it looks like the first giant Shiny had enchanted had made it to the top of the hill.

Shiny yells out,  "Wait! Don't go up there; let them fight it out!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia whips around, panting and bleeding slightly, but not in terrible shape.  "What did...you do?"  She stares open mouthed at the spectacle played out before her.

Why were they suddenly fighting each other? What would happen when they stopped?
Cavelcade
Kurt relaxes, letting the anger wash out of him as he watches the giant run back curiously. Panting softly, he rests on his giant sword.  "What's all this about not fighting them?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The adrenaline starts to fade out of Natalia. She suddenly feels drained and heavy, as if her spell is the only thing keeping her upright.  "What now? Wait to thin or flee?" 
achinca
All colors are drained of Miriam's face. As the fighting stops, she goes next to the lifeless body of Luther. She grabs his dead hand and starts crying. " I do not know how much longer I can go on. Losing them is simply too hard .... "
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Miriam probably wants to keep her head in the game right now- the fighting might not quite be over and there are some people that desperately need healing.
 

 "An enchantment,"  says Shiny with a smile.  "A very useful one..." 

He casts a quick cantrip, and a few orbs of light appear in front of him. As he points, they rise up above the hillside to show the giants. There they can see two giants hammering at each other with greatclubs- until moments later, a third joins the battle.

 
 Spoiler 

Big series of rolls. I'll sort out the chronology myself:

G4:
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 34 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 28 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 18 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 16 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 34 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 17 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 18 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 15 ] 
G6:
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 32 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 17 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 18 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 17 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 34 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 16 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ] 
G7:
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 28 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 23 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 16 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 32 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 27 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 19 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 21 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 28 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 20 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 16 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+12)[ 24 ]  Crit:  (2d6+12)[ 22 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as she sees the three giants smash and try to kill each other. She looks back at Shiny and can't help but shudder. Such power, to turn allies against each other. She's devoutly thankful that he's on their side.

 
 Spoiler 
please tell me if it takes more than four rounds so I know whether or not to recast cats grace.
 
achinca
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Miriam probably wants to keep her head in the game right now- the fighting might not quite be over and there are some people that desperately need healing. 
 

May be she is too distraught to keep her head in the game?
 


Miriam watches the giants attack each other and she holds Luther's lifeless hand even tighter. " Why? Why? Why? Why would such a death be meaningless? Why would their attack be so meaningless? Why St. Cuthbert, why? "

As usual, only silence follows her questions.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia awkwardly looks, then walks over to Miriam. Without saying a word she slips her arms around Miriam and tries to comfort her in a hug.

 "...Still work to save,"  she says quietly, quietly enough that it's hard for Miriam to hear.

 
 Spoiler 
She is a rather tactile person...
 
achinca
Miriam tenses as Natalia hugs her. She forces a smile. " I will heal. I will delay death as much as I can. I wish wish I could make sense of it all. "
CoffeeIncluded
 "So...do I, Miriam Lifesaver," 
Natalia says quietly. She watches the giants tensely, forcing down the urge to run away screaming and crying. They need her. She hasn't left and she won't. Never.

 
 Spoiler 
do the samurai have bows? Should I lend them my crossbows?"
 
achinca
" Miriam SunFollower. The gnome is the one with the multiple names. I only have one, given to me by Valen. I am not a life saver. Just look at Luther. "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Look at me, Mithril, Kurt and Shiny, all others. Saved lives, so many times."  she pauses.  "But only failures remembered. I know. It..." 
achinca
Miriam looks solemnly at Natalia. The cleric cannot remember the last time her healing power saved her friends. They all have grown strong and powerful and resourceful and have now so many source of healing. She remembers the samurais she could not save and she sees Luther.

" You must be right Natalia I guess. "

Mentally she says " No point arguing with that. She sees the positives in life. She is lucky. "
Admiral
The two giants fight on the ridge- moments before the third giant joins the combat, the one Shiny had originally enchanted falls dead. The newest giant, though wounded by the samurai, manages to overpower the rock-throwing giant. Finally he is the only one on the ridge, and as he stands there in the dim light of Shiny's spell his mind seems to clear. He looks down at the samurai below him, screams a battle cry, and jumps off the hill towards them. Rocky, Karn, and a few samurai loose their arrows, and Shiny prepares a spell.

 
 Spoiler 

This guy has very little health, enough for some arrows and the fall from the hill to take out (and if it doesn't, the charging samurai when he hits the ground will). Rather than roll out the battle, I'm just rolling for the save from Shiny's  whelm  spell: if it fails, he falls of nonlethal damage, if it saves, he's dead as dead.

 (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
 


The arrows and blades of the samurai manage to fell the last giant as he charges back towards them.
achinca
As the giants kill each other and the last one standing is fell by the warriors around her, Miriam starts her job. He goes toward each wounded samurai and applies first care to the various wounds.

She also heals Natalia, Kurt and herself.
CoffeeIncluded
As the last giant falls something seems to snap clean in Natalia's mind. She kneels over, pressing her hands against her knees, and begins panting and dry-heaving as the fear and relief washes through her.

 "Didn't run, didn't fall,"  she whispers to herself, a steady mantra to banish Hulburg.  "Didn't flee, didn't fall, there for friends, there for all..." 

After some time, she pauses and looks around. What were giants doing here anyway?

EDIT:  After some more time, Natalia begins to search the giants' bodies.

 
 Spoiler 
Take 20 on search if possible--I assume combat is done? Just wanted to get the searching out of the way. She'll talk or whatever while searching too.
 
Athedia
Mithril left the group to heal, search and mourn and went back to her bedroll.  It was still warm from when she had left it.  Curling up tight she slipped back into sleep before the rest had finished the cleanup.
Cavelcade
Kurt blinks as he suddenly returns to his normal size, sheathing daybreaker as the last of the giants falls to the slavers and the samurai. The fatigue of the day  returns to him, making him regret the sudden ambush - even if it did come at an almost light cost, compared to what it could have been. Still, even one lost soldier is hard for him to bear, as the wouldn't be here if he hadn't asked for them.

 "Miriam...thank you for your protection. Without it, I would have fallen." 

After the various items are sorted out and they get their portion of the treasure, he looks over it and then shrugs a little, going to each of the slavers.

 "You fought well. 100gp bonus for each of you. You proved yourselves well." 

He hands it out to each of them without hesitation, before going for his own rest.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns around, and surveys the battle. Only three bodies, but three...This wasn't expected.

She pauses, leaning over the bodies, and murmurs a thanks to Miriam as the cleric heals her. Natalia then asks the samurai,  "Giants...usually here?" 

She looks back, and can't stop her hands from trembling.  "Didn't fall...did good...No stones blacking out, no scars...right?" 

But that wasn't right. No scars for her, but for Miriam?
achinca
Miriam approaches Kurt and heals me. She just nods as the dwarf mentions she saves his life.

She goes after Natalia next, making sure that the swift rogue is 100% healed. Natalia thanks her but she just nods.

Next she goes to see Dresden and asks permission to heal him. She uses her most powerful healing spells to bring the samurai leader to full health.

After that she heals the orange belt and nods as he thanks her.

She approaches the slaver and without asking heal him back. " So I went from being a piece of merchandise for you to your healer. War and fighting makes strange bedfellows. "

Finally, she uses what ever magic she has left to heal herself.

When she is does, she returns to Luther's body and stays by his side as his fellow warriors dispose of the body according to their customs.
Admiral
Dresden smiles with relief as Miriam heals his grave wounds.  "Thought I was done for, lass,"  he says.  "I surely am glad you're comin' with us." 

The wounded orange belt, a fair, short human, also smiles when Miriam heals him.  "I saw you at the battle,"  he says quietly.  "Saved many of my friends' lives there as well. Never got the chance to say thanks."  He sighs and looks over at Luther's body.

The slaver nods his thanks to Miriam, but when she addresses him he just squints in confusion.  "Your language, he does not speak it,"  comes a heavily accented voice from behind her. Karn is walking towards them, having collected his and Rocky's arrows that weren't broken.  "I do not know that he would understand your meaning anyway." 
 
 Spoiler 
One more post coming in a few minutes
 
Admiral
As soon as the giants are dead, some of the samurai establish a quick perimeter, with a few climbing up the hill to make sure there were no others. In the meantime, other samurai carry the bodies of the three fallen soldiers back to the camp.

After a few minutes, when the soldiers are satisfied that no one else is around, the samurai return to the camp. Dresden orders the guard doubled for the remainder of the night, though he decides it is too risky to continue on in the dark to find a new place to camp. For the rest of the first and for the second watch eight samurai surround the campsite, their eyes trained on the dark horizon, until morning finally comes.

When the party awakes, they find the samurai finishing their arrangements. The samurai are no strangers to wartime funerals, and they cannot afford to bring the corpses along with them to Deldon when they have no idea when they will return to Soshima. But several samurai have been out since dawn collecting what wood, brush and other inflammable materials they could, and have set up three pyres off of the road.

 "Samurai used to be buried..."  Ash says solemnly to the party as they watch the arrangements.  "But during the War of the Unlife, the Necromancer's favorite tactic was to rob the graveyards of heroes. After Shiro had to cut down an army of wights made from the flesh of his own former students..."  he shudders. It was the first time he'd mentioned Shiro since they'd found the grandmaster on the Takagawa River, and recalling the stories seems to give him pain.  "Anyway... now samurai who die in battle are cremated." 

Dresden stands in front of the pyres, and makes his speech- short and practical, that of one who has seen death many times before and knows he will see it many times again. At the end, he unties his belt and drops it to the ground, and every one of the samurai present does the same.  "There is no greater honor,"  he says.

 "There is no greater honor,"  the samurai echo as one, and the pyres are lit.

When their grim work is concluded, the soldiers saddle up and continue their journey to Bellville.

 
 Spoiler 
It's the next morning: everyone prepare spells, chat with each other, etc.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bows her head and watches respectfully, though her nose wrinkles. It smells too much like burning meat--burning pork.

And the truth is, she doesn't much understand their speech on dying with honor. Well, she doesn't understand it, but she doesn't much agree. Dead is dead. Why would he want to die at such a young age? How is that honor worth dying for?

  And here I am, not even twenty until a couple weeks from now, risking my life when I haven't even had the chance to do anything yet. Am I really that different?

If I died, now, I'd want to be  raised  like Shiny and Kurt. So I guess that's different.   
Athedia
Mithril couldn't watch the bodies being put on the pyres, but after they were lit she watched the fires for a while.  These were just the first three, once they arrived Deldon more would follow.

Settling down she pulled out her spellbook.  She had been fiddling with new spells for weeks and finally tested out the idea.

 
 Spoiler 

 Spell List:
Level 0 (4):
Read Magic
Detect Magic
Mending
Prestidigitation
Level 1 (5):
Burning Hands
Mage Armor
Shield
Grease
Magic Missile
Level 2 (4):
Web
Acid Arrow
Cloud of Knives
Detect Thoughts
Level 3 (3):
Fly
Haste
Tongues
Level 4(2):
Black Tentacles
Black Tentacles
 
Cavelcade
Kurt watches in silence while they pay their respects, raising Daybreaker as the fires catch hold.  "They will not be forgotten!"  His face is otherwise inscrutable, but he sounds sincere. He mounts up as the others do, riding beside the slavers for now.

 "You fought well yesterday. You could have hung back when you had the chance, but you didn't." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches Mithril prepare her spells while focusing her own in her mind. It helps calm her down a bit. Then something piques her interest. She hasn't seen that spell in her book before.

 "What new magic?"  she asks Mithril.
Athedia
 "You'll see, just something that I thought looked iteresting."   Mithril shrugged and shut her book, placing it back in her pack.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't help but smile. What kind of magic has Mithril cooked up now? She can't wait to find out.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "You fought well yesterday. You could have hung back when you had the chance, but you didn't."  
 

Karn grunts.  "I do not know that you were watching same fight. We shot arrows and nets while you and the rest were off slashing. I do not think you can call us brave yet." 
Admiral
The party and the samurai continue riding east. Early in the morning, Ash rides back towards the party, looking troubled.

 "Something's bothering me about the giants..."  he says slowly.  "The samurai figured they were a raiding party from one of the barbarian tribes... but they don't know much about giants, we're used to fighting orcs back in Soshima. But I used to deliver shipments through this part of the desert... thing is, a giant raiding party would have three or four giants in it, five at the most- anything that would take more than five giants to kill they wouldn't see as worth the trouble. I've never seen seven at once."  He keeps thinking.  "And both the times one of my caravans has been attacked by giants, they ran off as soon as one of them fell, once it was clear they wouldn't take us down. But these giants kept on fighting even when it was clear they'd all end up dead- that last one charged right at us..." 
 "I can't make much sense out of it, except that they weren't just looking for food or supplies. They were aiming to kill us." 
Athedia
 "So, its true then."   Mithril face tightened.  Those giants were strong, and if they had been alone would have easily crushed them.  If the Hooded One had them on his side, well then they were in trouble.
Cavelcade
Kurt laughs softly at that, thinking back.  "I've seen men who were called brave fall back after a punch - but it took two boulders to knock one of you off his feet. No, you could have been done worse." 

After Ash tells them what he thinks happened, Kurt rides on in silence for a little while, then brightens up all of a sudden.  "That means we're doing a good job at pissing someone off. We must be doing something right!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back, frowning. So the giants really were working with the orcs.  "Maybe Orc reinforcements, like us with Deldon. So...could see more. But then, who sent? And from where?" 

She already knows who probably sent them, and the thought makes her shudder. Quietly, she asks her friends,  "Do you think...reinforcements met early, by accident, or...sent hunting us?" 
Admiral
Ash shrugs.  "Whatever it is, I'm glad we're getting off the road in a couple of hours. The rest of the path to Bellville is open field, so it'll be harder to intercept us if anyone else was sent. We'll swing along the southern, rockier side- may take us an extra hour or two but we'll be harder to spot and to track." 

Sure enough, a couple of hours later the road disappears into a vast expanse. Ash and a couple of the other samurai with ranger experience lead the party along their route, keeping an especially close eye on the surroundings. But happily, the day passes uneventfully, and they settle down for their second night of rest, with the guard once again doubled.

The following morning passes similarly uneventfully as they travel through rocky terrain, Firefeather circling in wide arcs above them. While the terrain is rockier, they also find some trees nestled away in the hills, something they hadn't seen in the last few days of travel. Finally in the distance they spot their goal: a small village just a bit larger than Linwood, nestled on a rocky ridge across a couple of canyons, and they make their final approach.

Bellville is perched in a curious position- it lies along a flat expanse only a few hundred feet across with deep canyons on either side. As they walk towards the village, Ash explained that Bellville was located on a ridge for the sake of the city's defense, barbarians could attack the city from only two angles, and the village had built sturdy gates to protect from such attacks. Even if they were held under siege, the attackers could not prevent the town from sending out ravens asking for aid, as the birds could fly across the canyon outside the range of archers' arrows. For this strategic reason, Bellville was one of the smallest surviving settlements in this barbarian-ravaged territory.

As the party moves towards the city, the ridge gets smaller around them, until they reach a stone wall and iron gate at its thinnest point. It's not until they're fairly close that they can spot the two short halfling guards behind the gate. One of them eyes the belts of the approaching warriors.

 "You'd be the folks sent from Soshima, yeah?"  he asks carefully through the gate.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't help but smile as she sees real trees. Though she doubts she'll see a proper forest in the desert, it makes her happy to see trees beyond short scrubs, as gnarled as these trees are.

The desert is fascinating though--the air is so dry and clear, and the rosy sandstone is like something from another world entirely. As they rest at night and she keeps watch, she looks up at the clear starry sky and hears coyotes yip in the distance. The next day, a large grasshopper hops into the wagon next to her, and Natalia spends some time studying it. She's never seen grasshoppers that shade of brown and tan before, the color of dust and dun--every grasshopper she's ever seen has been small and green.

Natalia observes the plateaued city with fascination, and when the guard asks if they're from Soshima, she nods but leaves the talking to the actual Soshimans.

 
 Spoiler 
Are we high up?

And yesterday on the airport shuttle I also found a large sandy-colored grasshopper sitting next to me: I spent the whole shuttle ride cupping it in my hands so nobody accidentally stepped on it.
 
Admiral
Dresden responds to the guards.  "Aye, that'd be us. Orders are there's a
cart from the Church waiting here, we're here to help with it." 

The guard looks over the group, glancing at each of their guildmarks in turn, then finally nods and steps up to unlock the gate- a complicated affair involving two large keys. The gate opens and the pair of halflings gesture for the group to enter. As the party marches through, they notice another halfling on a raised platform behind the wall, longbow in hand. The town seems to rely on some measure of paranoia for its survival.

As they march through, the halfling suddenly raises his hand.  "Hold on! "  He points to the three former slavers at the rear of the party.  "Where's their guildmarks?"  His eyes dart back around the group, as if suspecting he'd fallen into a trap.
Cavelcade
Kurt rides forward, clearly displaying his guildmark.  "They are here with me, on guild business."  He frowns at him almost angrily.  "They are here to help us get through to Deldon - or do you think the samurai would let them go with us?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia silently raises her guild mark as she looks around. The place provides a good vantage point, but the people seem clearly on edge. Were attacks that common? Were they increasing in number here, like Aicha said?

 "With us,"  she says, before changing the topic and asking politely to pique her curiosity,  "Any trouble against Bellville, for such guards? Trouble by whom?" 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Gonna need a Bluff check from Kurt for that one!
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "With us,"  she says, before changing the topic and asking politely to pique her curiosity,  "Any trouble against Bellville, for such guards? Trouble by whom?"  
 

The guard looks at Natalia like she's speaking Druidic.  "How long you been in the desert, you have to ask why we're afeared o' strangers?" 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 

Fair enough!  (1d20-2)[ -1 ]  Bluff.

Ha. Not so lucky today!
 


Unfortunately, Kurt's seeming anger comes across blusterously, making it seem even worse now.
Admiral
The dwarf is not nearly as skilled a talker as he is a fighter, and the guards seem alarmed by Kurt's clumsy attempts to cover for the others. The halfling at the front puts his hands on his swords cautiously. Without turning away from Kurt, he asks Dresden,  "This dwarf and these unmarked humans- they with you?" 

After a moment's pause where Dresden's mouth seems to twist uncomfortably, the samurai replies,  "...the dwarf is." 
 "I don't care if they're your baby brother, your favorite uncle, and your childhood sweetheart,"  the guard says to Kurt firmly.  "If they're not in a guild, they stay outside the gates. You stay out here with 'em if they want to, no skin off my soles." 
 
 Spoiler 

Ah, nobody can fail a bluff check like Kurt.

Shiny might have jumped to the rescue in most situations, but like the others he might be less than eager to help the slavers. No one said redemption would be easy.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by E 
 The guard looks at Natalia like she's speaking Druidic.  "How long you been in the desert, you have to ask why we're afeared o' strangers?"  
 

 "That not..."  Natalia pauses, collects her thoughts, tries to round up her scattered words, and tries again as Kurt also trips over his words next to her. Again, she makes sure they can easily see her Institute guildmark, and that her blades are sheathed and her hands are bare and away from her body--not quite in a "put your hands up" pose, but one where she can't instantly have her swords in her hands (maybe she could, now, but it's not something she wants to project or try!).

 "New to desert, but see many dangers. Fight many dangers. From slavers, Horde, and Crusaders."  And add giants to the mix too.  "But, want to know...any danger worse than others? Any group...more threat? Especially...recently?" 

She winces as she screws up Kurt's words, and whispers,  "Outside and alone? Too dangerous!"  The rogue pauses. No way does she want Kurt staying outside the gates by himself.  "What if say...going to get marked? Might be true. And under many guards." 
Cavelcade
Kurt simply shakes his head in frustration, waving away Natalia's words.  "These men are travelling to Deldon to help us break the siege - do whatever you want, and I'll sleep where they do."  He turns away from the gate in anger, seeing firsthand, and for the first time, what not having a guildmark means to these people.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, working her jaw. Finally she seems to come to a decision. She turns and shouts,   "Then...I stay with you! Restock inside, sleep outside."  she lowers her voice, speaking to Kurt alone.  "Too dangerous outside, alone. I...with you, please."  and with that, Natalia turns to her friends and the Soshimans, silently asking where they will stand.
Athedia
 "Natalia.."  Seeing the rogue would not change her mind she nodded.  She would not leave her out here with the slavers.   "Fine, I stay with Natalia. 
Admiral
The guard shrugs. So does the Soshiman captain, who doesn't seem too inclined to do favors for the slavers.  "Sleep where you want,"  says Dresden.  "I'm going inside to meet up with the caravan escort and discuss our plan of attack against Deldon tomorrow. I thought that was your priority as well."  He steps on through the gates.

Shiny looks a bit conflicted.  "One of us should be there for the planning..."  he says cautiously. He follows the samurai in.
Athedia
 "Kurt, Natalia.  Go in, plan.  I can handle it out here.  They need you Kurt, you know dwarves and you will be in the combat.  And Natalia, you can sneak, hide, get into places.  You both know what I can do.  So just go to the meeting, nothing will happen."   Mithril urged the two to go into the town.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses.  "Mithril...you sure? Safe?"  She looks like she is going to say more, but the remembers her conversation with the wizard last night.  "Please, not alone...do you have mind speak spell? Like yesterday?" 
 
 Spoiler 
please tell me Mithril prepared telepathic bond.
 
Athedia
Mithril sighed and then murmered some words.   "I cast my armor spell.  And do you think they would do anything?  Really?  With Kurt here to track them down?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What if giants again? What if...gone before we notice?"  She pauses.  "I just...what about Whiskers? Warning from afar if danger? Emotion link?" 
Athedia
 "If you are afraid of giants then he will help me spot them.  Now go, don't worry.  I can always nip inside the gates if there is trouble.  My mark isn't going to disappear between now and when you get back."   Mithril shooed her friends toward the gate.  Before she turned to go back she placed a hand on Miriam's shoulder and leaned down to whisper in the clerics ear.

 
 Spoiler 
For Achinca:
 
 Spoiler 
"You are not just a farm girl.  Remember that.  And keep them from doing something foolhardy."
 

 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, clearly hesitant and reluctant. But finally she relents, and with a sigh embraces Mithril. She presses her face and lips into the crook of her neck and murmurs,  "Be careful." 

The rogue then follows her friends and allies into the gates, looking back over her shoulder as she walks inside.
Cavelcade
Kurt drums his fingers along the hilt of Daybreaker as they head towards the city, his last words testing his newfound self control as he stops himself from crying out something in response, speaking it to himself instead.  "My priority...hm. Saving what can be saved." 

He shakes his head, turning around.  "We'd better find someplace nearby to camp. I'm...sorry." 
Athedia
Mithril looked unsure as Kurt agreed to stay.   "You can come back, I will keep an eye on them.  You trust them enough to fight alongside us, why not for the time you can help plan?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt blinks in surprise, shaking his head at that.  "It's got nothing to do with trusting them. If they're going to be treated like this, then so am I. Otherwise it'd be like I was better than them." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks around and back at the entrance as she walks through the town. She's anxious to get back and their treatment towards unmarked people slightly discomforts her. She doesn't have much sympathy for the slavers, but what if she r Miriam were unmarked?

Natalia looks for places to get weapons and quickly restock, though she doesn't want to take too long and has the meeting first.

 
 Spoiler 
natalia wants a masterwork longbow and two oils of magic weapon. Total cost is about 400 gp.
 
Admiral
Miriam decides to stay behind with Kurt and Mithril as well, worried about leaving them with the slavers.

Natalia marches into town with the samurai, Shiny alongside her. The village is small, just barely larger than Linwood, and it takes just a few minutes of marching to reach the center of it. The strip of land the two resides on is not even a hundred yards wide, though it is still wider than where they had placed the gate. But the town is more populated than it first appeared, because the majority of the inhabitants of the town are at waist level: Natalia notices a good number of gnomes and halflings, though humans and dwarfs wander around as well. She'd heard from the samurai that Bellville was town of passers-by, used mostly as safe haven for traders, adventurers and other nomads who were making their way across the plains.

They approach the saloon at the center, where they see a series of six carts lined up outside that are quite similar to the ones they'd escorted to Soshima. The mules are tied down rather tightly, perhaps to keep them wandering off the nearby cliffs. As she approaches, a gnome runs to greet them, one almost a full head shorter than Shiny. He stops in a cloud of dust in front of them and gives the travelers a bow.

 "Greetings to Soshima,"  he says, his voice dripping with servitude.  "I'm Mayor Willowberry, and we're so very pleased to be of service, especially if it means the safe travels for our, err, other guests."  He looks back at the wagons with an odd frown before turning back around.  "What kind of accomodations will your men require, Mr...." 
 "It's Captain Dresden,"  the dwarf samurai says, after which follows a somewhat prolonged negotiation for rooms for the samurai. The mayor keeps referring to the shortage of beds in such a small camp, but when the captain resolves to have his samurai sleep under the stars space seems to open up immediately. Some gold exchanges hands, and the mayor leads them back towards the saloon.

 "They've been here almost four days, bless their souls. Rode back from the southern fields with a pack of Horde orcs on their tails,"  Willowberry says, his hand to his chin in grief.  "So brave to help those poor dwarves, and for the Church to provide such necessary aid." 
 
 Spoiler 
More coming ASAP.
 
Admiral
The mayor leads Natalia, Shiny and the samurai to the door of the saloon, which he opens .  "So back there are the folks you'll be escorting..." 

Natalia has already lost some interest, thinking instead of where she can find a longbow. She is about to depart when Shiny nudges her arm urgently.

At two booths in the back of the saloon they can see the travelers responsible for the caravan: one is made up of a halfling, an elf, two dwarves, and a human dressed in familiar rags: monks who have taken the Vow, presumably the drivers of the caravan. At the adjacent table they see four humans. A darkly tanned man on the outside of the booth bears heavy armor, a greatsword and the insignia of the Firm. To his left is a man so thin he looks ready to disappear into the air; he toys restlessly with a dagger on the table, and the party can see the insignia of the Raknir Syndicate on his hand. Across the table is a beautiful woman with blonde hair and a red cloak, her right hand bearing the same insignia as those of Shiny and Natalia. Next to her sits a young man with deep blue eyes and black hair, with the mark of the Church on his hand, a mace at his side and a suit of armor that bears the sigil of St. Cuthbert.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps, a sharp intake of breath. She can't take her eyes away from the man. Was that him, Calric Jr?

She looks back to Shiny, trying to calm her breathing.  "Found him. Should tell?" 

Edit: She takes a look at all of them, and sizes them up. But she can't stop thinking about Miriam.

 
 Spoiler 
any way to gauge their strength?
 
Cavelcade
As they find a place near enough to camp, Kurt hops off his horse, muttering to himself - cursing in dwarvish it sounds like. Only when he's worked off some of his energy by vigorously currying his horse does his muttering trail off and does he rejoin the others. He looks the trio over cautiously as he sits down, weighing his words.

But he was never very good at that, and has to say it baldly:  "Would you take a mark, if it meant...some extra safety, maybe?" 
Admiral
Shiny puts his fingers to his lips for an instant, glancing around at the samurai. Then he strides forward with Natalia into the saloon, and gestures to the samurai that he'll take over the introduction.

 "Good afternoon!"  Shiny says brightly to the caravan.  "I'm Shiny Sandsweeper, explorer and dwarf-trimmer. We were just in Soshima when we heard about your plight from the church, so it looks like we'll be joining you!"  he gestures to the score of samurai that are now filing up the saloon. The patrons and staff seem somewhat accustomed to the sight of strange explorers and hardly look up even at the samurai invasion.

The man in plate armor grunts.  "Aye, Church sent us a message yesterday letting us know. We're glad we could get some assistance: it's a lot hairier down there than we expected. I'm Alden, and this is Walker, Alyssa, and Milton,"  he says, pointing around the table one by one.

 
 Spoiler 
info on the party you may have expected to meet is  here 
 
Athedia
Mithril rejoined the group once she had taken care of Honey.   "Shouldn't we set up camp before question time?  Hilton, how about you help me get some wood for a fire." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks. Buh? Same description, but different names. She looks down at Shiny, then walks over and extends her hand, saying,  "Natalia. Glad to help,"  while scrutinizing them. A few months ago shed write it off as coincidence. Now, she doesn't know for sure.

 
 Spoiler 
sense motive:  (d20+6)[ 26 ] 

Aww he'll yeah!
 
Admiral
Natalia:

 
 Spoiler 
The briefest of pauses before he speaks indicates the names he's given are likely false.
 


Shiny doesn't seem surprised at all when he hears the names. The samurai captain then introduces himself, and fills in the table about the number of samurai and the party that had come with him.  "Now, what's the situation Ye' ran into down near Deldon? Alls we know is the orcs blocked ye off." 
 
 Spoiler 
continuing soon, gimme a minute
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril rejoined the group once she had taken care of Honey.   "Shouldn't we set up camp before question time?  Hilton, how about you help me get some wood for a fire."  
 

Hilton shrugs and looks over at Kurt.  "Yeah... OK."  He walks with her off the ridge. The nearest crop of trees is about a five minute walk along the plains, along the side of a nearby hill that bends out of the line of sight of the camp. It looks like it's been well cultivated to remain a source of lumber for the town.
CoffeeIncluded
Cautiously not giving away any expression, Natalia turns to Shiny. She knew it. But why would they use pseudonyms? What were they hiding, or hiding from? She asks Shiny,  "Like town of all your size? Or too small for words?"  while playfully pat-cuffing his head. And as she does so, she writes with her finger on his skull,  Quiet. Fake names.  

Edit:  
 Spoiler 
gping into the mountains. Could lose service at any time. Will be in cellphone range within a couple hours for sure.
 
Admiral
The leader relates his story with a crisp, sharp tone.  "There was supposed to be a safe route in: a third path we could sneak the cart to and avoid the siege, two miles west of the other entrance. But they must have found it- they had around thirty orcs waiting near the entrance, who started charging once we came over the last hill. Real lucky we were scouting a couple of miles ahead before bringing the cart, or we never would have gotten away. The thirty gave chase, and we did our best to hold them off- but then the reinforcements started coming. Never seen a flood like that..." 
 "Luckily once we made it a few miles out, they tapered off... guess they didn't want to leave the caves unsieged. But enough followed us, shooting arrows at a distance and then charging every few miles, to make it a rough way back all the way to Bellville." 
 "I figured there's no way the four of us can fight our way in. But maybe with you we stand a chance, as long as we can fight through to the entrance before the rest arrive. We should set out at dawn: it's about five hours away from here, with the wagons." 

Dresden nods.  "The folks traveling with us have some tricks up their sleeves, too. I should go finish my squadron's arrangements: we'll meet up again after dinner to discuss our attack." 

Shiny nods along with the conversation. Then, once Dresden has left earshot, he says casually,  "You know, I met a man from Falcor who looked just like you, though he was a little shorter." 

There is a surreal pause that seems to communicate multitudes. Then the skinny man with the Syndicate insignia leans forward and peers at Shiny.  "And I met a gnome from there who looked just like you, though he was a lot taller." 

Everyone in the group glances at Shiny and Natalia, then at each other.  "Perhaps we should go outside- there's some people you should meet,"  says Shiny with a small smile.

 
 Spoiler 

Those were the code phrases Asdyr gave to you to identify yourselves to the other Hulburg party.

Incidentally, try and write three words on someone's skull sometime, especially without being obvious, and see if they can understand it! Anyway, I don't think Shiny needs a lesson about fake names. 😉
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shudders as he describes the sea of orcs chasing them. How could there possibly be so many? There's no way they can cut through them all; they'll need some sort of diversion--probably Shiny's diversion. The gunpowder in her bag feels heavier at the thought, though it's not enough, nowhere near enough...

 "Shopping too,"  Natalia says.  "Supplies for journey, against foes, into darkness. And...Flood?" 

Natalia blinks, then realizes that this must be the codephrase they mentioned--she wasn't around to hear it, and forgot it as it was only mentioned once. She nods and adds,  "And meet you. Group talk, group plan."  Group we need to get to Miriam. And Mithril too.  

The rogue spaces out and seems to be slightly more distant as they head back to the camp. She can go shopping later. Right now they need to talk to the other two girls. They need to tell Miriam and she's starting to worry about Mithril. Of course, that's only partially what she's thinking. The rest has to do with the orc siege.

 
 Spoiler 
I read the newest OOTS in the middle of posting this, which is probably why it seems a bit scattered.
 
Admiral
After about five minutes, Kurt sees Hilton coming back around the hillside, carrying a small pile of lumber and frowning. As Hilton approaches the camp the dwarf notices that Mithril is not with him or behind him.
Cavelcade
Kurt looks up with a frown at that, looking around to see where she is. He had been cleaning and caring for his longbow, checking the tautness of the string, looking for any signs of growing weakness.

As Hilton comes closer though, he goes back to his work for the most part, glancing at him as he enters the camp.  "Mithril's still gathering wood?" 
Admiral
The leader grunts.  "Yes, we've been in here all day. Why don't we step outside..."  All four of them stand up and follow Shiny and Natalia out the door.

The party steps back out into the afternoon sun, a warm wind blowing through the canyons. Their new companions wait until they're out of earshot of any of the samurai before anyone speaks. The thin spy watches them especially closely.

The man they now know as Brander is the first to break the silence.  "Twelve years in the Hulburg army, I never once met a gnome in their service."  He looks down suspiciously at the two travelers- now that he's standing, they can see how immense he is- perhaps a foot taller than Natalia.

Shiny's expression is serious.  "We aren't natives to Hulburg, but Asdyr trusted us with this mission because of what he knew we could accomplish. We're here to aid you in tracking down the source of the atttacks on Hulburg. Let's wait until we can catch up with our allies, then we'll tell you more." 
 "These allies..."  asks the thin man, whom they now can identify as Lucius. His thin fingers toy with the dagger at his side.  "Why must we head outside the city to find them?"  He does nothing to hide the distrust in his voice.

 "It's a long story,"  says Shiny.  "But rest assured we're worth your trust. We're here in the south for the same reason as you: to learn more of the alliance of the orcs and giants, and to see if our enemy in Hulburg has influence here as well." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 As Hilton comes closer though, he goes back to his work for the most part, glancing at him as he enters the camp.  "Mithril's still gathering wood?"  
 

Hilton rolls his eyes, exasperated.  "Lords know what that girl's up to,"  he responds cryptically.  "Whatever it is, I'm not dealing with it."  He dumps the firewood into the center of the camp, and Karn steps over to start setting up the fire.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Long story, but not harmful. You safe, promise,"  Natalia says, snapping to attention. She swallows as she looks up at towering Brander and her eyes widen as she regards Ezra (for her beauty, and for her guildmark, and she's imagining herself and Mithril talking to Ezra, sharing the magic and knowledge they all know, but know differently), and Calric is...Oh, Calric, she needs to be there for Miriam, but she regards Lucius with curiosity. Something about him reminds her of herself--at least, physically. Does he sneak too, hide in shadows? Her hands run over the hilts of her blades as well (does he play with the dagger for something to do, or can he feel the colors as well?), and she can feel the colors shift and change as her fingers run over the differences in pattern and material.

 "Why pseudonyms?"  she asks.

 
 Spoiler 
And now I have a thought in my head about a friendly competition with their rogue.
 
Admiral
Lucius blinks, and his eyes widen in response to Natalia's query.  "Why pseudonyms?!? Don't tell me you've just been giving out your real names!"  (Natalia hears a quick, quiet snort from Shiny.)  "You think we were just handing out our names, so that anyone with connections worth a damn could find out who we are and where we're from?"  Even as he's upset, his voice never wanders above a whisper.  "Do ye go around singing the Hulburg national anthem too?" 

The young cleric laughs, and speaks for the first time. His voice is young and full of merry amusement.  "You'll have to forgive Lucius,"  he chuckles.  "I wish I could say you'll get used to his paranoia, but I guess with all this pseudonym business I'm just out of lies for the day."  He grins at the newcomers.  "My name's Calric." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But knew you...fake names,"  Natalia says.  "Found you anyway. Need...better traps,"  she adds with a bit of a smile. There's no malice or anything in it. And maybe Lucius has a point. But it's good to finally go by her real name. She wants to hold on to that.

Her smile fades a bit as Calric introduces himself, though she offers her hand. But Miriam, they'll have to warn her in advance. Although, thankfully, from what Miriam told her about Calric his son doesn't seem to have inherited any of his less...savory traits.

 "So if out of lies,"  she asks,  "Then truths to share? Separate threads to join?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I wonder if Lucius thinks that Nutspeak is Natalia's way of keeping secrets, speaking in code. A strategy so she can speak openly, because no outsider would understand her anyway.
 
Admiral
Though Kurt waits for a few minutes, Mithril doesn't return from behind the hill.
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Hilton rolls his eyes, exasperated.  "Lords know what that girl's up to,"  he responds cryptically.  "Whatever it is, I'm not dealing with it."  He dumps the firewood into the center of the camp, and Karn steps over to start setting up the fire. 
 

Kurt looks up at where he just came from again with a frown.  "Hm." 
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20)[ 8 ]  Sense motive

I'm going to just assume that's not good enough to detect much of anything, even with any circumstance bonuses - but let me know if I'm wrong.
 

 "I hope she's not too long. Did she mention anything about what it was?" 
Admiral
Hilton grunts.  "I'm thinking it's better ye ask her." 
 
 Spoiler 
It's not hard to tell he's annoyed with Mithril.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt chews his cheek for a moment, then nods.  "If you say so..."  He hops up then, walking slowly up towards where they were gathering wood.
Athedia
As Kurt walked down the path that Hilton had recently returned from he spotted Mithril.  She was frozen on the group, a dagger lying to her side.  As he neared he saw her gaze was focused on her hands.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hastens back to the group, saying,  "Maybe share threads when all together." 

As she returns to outside the town she looks for her friends, to tell them who they found.
Cavelcade
He hurries over to her as he sees her there, a concerned frown etched in his face.  "Mithril?! Are you alright?" 
Athedia
Kurt's voice jolted Mithril out of her stupor.  Looking up at the kind dwarf she started crying openly.   "I am sorry Kurt.  Please, I am sorry." 
Cavelcade
Kurt stares at her blankly for a few long moments before he thinks to give her a hug.  "Uh, I don't understand?"  He sheepishly pats her on the back.  "What do you have to be sorry about?"  The confusion in his face echoes the tone of his voice perfectly.
Athedia
 "He didn't tell you?"   She was tightly hugging Kurt back, shaking as she spoke.
Cavelcade
He shakes his heard slowly.  "He just said...you were doing something, and he didn't want to be part of it. You don't have to tell me what it was if you don't want to."  In the meantime he continues to pat her shoulder with a slightly jerky motion.
Athedia
 "Don't tell, don't tell the others."   Mithril took deep breathes trying to calm down.  She managed to stand up, shakily but on her feet.  Picking up the dagger and sliding it into the wrist sheath she nodded.  She was ready to go back.
Cavelcade
He helps her stand, looking up at her with concern still showing in his eyes - even as he smiles, trying to distract her from her worry.  "That'll be easy - I don't know myself after all!" 
achinca
Miriam watches the ex-slavers start the fire, wondering what is taking Mithril so long but fully confident that Kurt has the situation under control.

She sits on the stone,still musing that she is now sharing camp with the same men who saw her as a merchandise a few days back.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks ahead and asks Shiny and the other group,  "Should I...go ahead? Tell advance?"  Warn Miriam?  
 
 Spoiler 
Heading to Mesa Verde, unknown when I'll be back. Some time today for sure though. Have Mithril and Kurt returned?
 
Admiral
Miriam sees Kurt and Mithril come back around the hill, Mithril still shaking slightly. Then through the city gates she spots Shiny and Natalia approaching. After a quick word from Shiny to the guards, the gates open, and they emerge, with four new travelers.

As Miriam's eyes move over them, she realizes one of them looks eerily familiar. As he draws closer she feels a chill when she recognizes why. The man's face is young and cheerful, but there is no mistaking his distinctive features, nor his deep blue eyes and dark black hair. The insignia of the Church on his hand, the mace at his side, and the sigil of St Cuthbert are enough to confirm it to her- this is Calric Jr., the son of her old master.

 
 Spoiler 
Everyone's together now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces as she sees the look on Miriam's face.  "I...sorry. Wanted to warn ahead. Prepare."  She steps forward, seeking to support Miriam, and then sees Kurt supporting a shaking Mithril. She shouts the wizards name and Her expression immediately becomes town, as she doesn't know whom to help.

However, she stays by Miriam, there for the cleric if she needs it.
achinca
With a small gesture of the hand, Miriam dismisses Natalia and tells her to go help Mithril.

She stays seated but breathes very deeply as she watches Calric Jr. She is assailed by all kinds of emotions and feelings and none of them are positive or constructive.

" Remember that last time you let your feelings for him control you? You buried two friends. "

The world around her has totally disappeared as her eyes are solely focused on the young man. She lost all sense of where she is and with whom. The resemblance is uncanny, replacing Calric's white hair with Mary's dark hair.

" I thought I had made peace with this part of my life but I guess I was just fooling myself. " She tries to do controlled breathing.

" What do I do? Do I go tell him I know his mom and killed two friends trying to save him? Do I tell him that although I am a couple of years older than him, I was his father bed toy and worse? I am supposed to be wise but I am not. And the symbol of St. Cuthbert is right there in my face, reminding me that I am only a simple farm girl who knows nothing. I am a puppet of the Gods. "

She just stays there and stares at the young cleric.
Admiral
Shiny steps up to the campfire, as do the four newcomers. Shiny points towards the newcomers with an excited expression.  "Look who we found!"  he says, sounding a bit like a child.

Brander, at the lead, scratches his head.  "So you're the reinforcements from Hulburg?"  he asks.  "The Minister said he might be sending others, if he found them up to the task."  He gives a slightly skeptical expression as he surveys the party.  "I'm Lieutenant Brander, I've been leading this mission to seek out Hulburg's enemy in Eldgar. This is Calric-"  he points to the cleric next to him, who winks,  "Ezra,"  the blonde woman nods, a disinterested expression on her face,  "and this charming gentleman is Lucius."  Lucius continues to study the faces of the party.  "When anyone else is around, we go by other names: Alden, Walker, Alyssa, and Milton, respectively." 
 "We should share our information, How long have you been in the continent, and what have you learned?" 
 
 Spoiler 
The slavers aren't involved in this conversation- you've stepped away so they can't hear.
 
achinca
Miriam does not hear one word Brander says. She is solely focused on Calric.

When he winks, she winces " He is the same charm as Him. And that same wink he used to convince me to do something I did not want to do ..... Why can't I free myself of him? "
Cavelcade
Kurt's attention is focused mostly on Mithril during the introductions, Shiny's enthusiasm washing over him easily - the gnome could talk the same way about a rock that happened to catch his fancy, or even a rock that hadn't. That is, until the name Calric is mentioned, at which point he can't stop his head from snapping towards  Miriam, now more worried about him than he just was about Mithril.

He reacts a little to the question, though, speaking slowly first.  "We've been here...a few weeks? It's been hard to keep a clear track of time, all this travel through deserts. What we've learned...well, it seems in line with what we saw back in Hulburg. Tribes uniting, acting towards a common goal. Attacking settlements. Giant's attacking travelers even. We've had to piece it together, though..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia goes to get Mithril and Kurt, but before then squeezes Miriam's hand, saying,  "Miriam Sunfollower. Lifesaver. Not Calric's toy. Share burdens, don't...carry alone. Here for you. For anything." 

When she sees Mithril, she hugs the wizard and asks,  "You okay? What happened?"  with nothing but concern in her voice.

As they share their knowledge, Natalia positions her self between the two girls.

 
 Spoiler 
sorry about squeezing everything in and short. See you all on a fee hours.
 
Athedia
Mithril squeezed Kurt's shoulder in thanks.  As shaky as she was she could still hold up on her own.   "Your father, he isn't anywhere near here is he?"   Though tears still streaked her face she stood tall, observing the new-comers.  She looked at Calric as she spoke, knowing that Miriam would never ask, was probably afraid to ask.  That Kurt would be to polite, that Natalia to veiled, that Shiny, well that Shiny would turn it into a story not a question.

As Natalia hugged her she ruffled her hair and didn't answer.  What answer could she give?
CoffeeIncluded
 "Here, Mithril,"  Natalia says, pressing against her hand, letting the wizard stroke her hair more easily. It's been getting less messy and ratty lately, though that could be her.  "Please. Want to help. Want to understand. Did slavers hurt?"  But there were no marks on either the slavers or her friends, they're all still alive and present.

Natalia isn't sure what to say, so instead she presses her hands against Mithril's back, soothing and firm--or at least, she tries. She tries to be a comfort, let Mithril know through words untold that she's here for her.

 
 Spoiler 
oh, I edited my post to Miriam, Achinca. Which is it, Sunflower, sun watcher, or Sunfollower? I can't recall.
 


===
When Kurt starts explaining, Natalia quietly adds,  "Outside uniter, I think. Puppet master. Share knowledge, ideas. More technology than orcs know. War weapons traded, orcs ogres and giants all together."  
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 He reacts a little to the question, though, speaking slowly first.  "We've been here...a few weeks? It's been hard to keep a clear track of time, all this travel through deserts. What we've learned...well, it seems in line with what we saw back in Hulburg. Tribes uniting, acting towards a common goal. Attacking settlements. Giant's attacking travelers even. We've had to piece it together, though..."  
 

Brander nodded.  "When we first got to Marvell, we followed up on a similar lead- reports of ogres attacking Firm caravans. We took down a party, and with the information we were able to get out of them we tracked it back to their lair."  He scoffs.  "It was a dead end: nothing more than a band of barbarians, not the kind of alliance we'd seen in Hulburg. So we returned to Marvell, and thought we'd head to Deldon next to investigate the orcs instead. Looks like you had much the same thought." 

  When Kurt starts explaining, Natalia quietly adds, "Outside uniter, I think. Puppet master. Share knowledge, ideas. More technology than orcs know. War weapons traded, orcs ogres and giants all together." 

 "What kind of technology?"  Brander asks with curiosity.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril squeezed Kurt's shoulder in thanks.  As shaky as she was she could still hold up on her own.   "Your father, he isn't anywhere near here is he?"  
 

The smile disappears from Calric Jr.'s face, and he raises an eyebrow.  " My  father?"  he asks with confusion, pointing to himself.  "My father hasn't been seen since I was an infant. Are you mixing me up with someone else?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods slowly at that, scratching his chin a bit as he wonders at what's going on.  "When we were travelling here, there was attack by a lot of giants too. And not a raid, really, more...planned than that. More determined - they fought until they all died, even though at least one could have ran away. It seemed suspicious to me anyway." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Even allies noticed. Not normal giants. 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "What kind of technology?"  Brander asks with curiosity. 
 

Natalia looks at her friends as if asking for permission, then if they say so, carefully says.  "Magicless explosions. Like alchemist fire, but bigger. Much bigger,"  she emphasizes.


 The smile disappears from Calric Jr.'s face, and he raises an eyebrow.  " My  father?"  he asks with confusion, pointing to himself.  "My father hasn't been seen since I was an infant. Are you mixing me up with someone else?"  

What? But didn't Miriam say otherwise? She peers at Calric.
 
 Spoiler 
Sense Motive:  (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 
Athedia
 "Right, because a lords daughter would lie about the rescuer of the men captured with her.  Couldn't save her though could you, good thing we came along or she would have been the next meal."   Mithril glared at him, angry because of his skirting the truth.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril..."  She squeezes her friend's hand tightly. What if he was telling the truth--or thought he did? Then his father would have never told...
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Right, because a lords daughter would lie about the rescuer of the men captured with her.  Couldn't save her though could you, good thing we came along or she would have been the next meal."   Mithril glared at him, angry because of his skirting the truth. 
 

 "Lord's daughter- what are you on about?"  Calric Jr looks a bit confused.

 "Yes,"  says Brander with a frown,  "I think we're all wondering that." 
 
 Spoiler 
You might want to reread  this post , which is all Lorana said about Calric Jr's rescue.

Oh, and in response to Coffee's sense motive: Natalia doesn't get the sense he's lying.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Yes the knowing it was Calric was an assumption on Mithril's part.  She believed it was him, I was looking using the post as reference.
 

 "Rescued from ogres, and has no memory of the event.  Rather odd I think." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs the pad of her thumb along Mithril's, and holds out her other hand to support Miriam. Quietly, she mutters,  "So father left son shadowed. Calric left dark too."  She says to Mithril,  "I think telling truth. Never told, doesn't know. Clear of father's crimes. May bear name, but...maybe not sin." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler 
Yes the knowing it was Calric was an assumption on Mithril's part.  She believed it was him, I was looking using the post as reference.
 

 "Rescued from ogres, and has no memory of the event.  Rather odd I think."  
 

The cleric's eyes clear with understanding, though his frown remains.  "Yes, I was held captive by the ogres during my duties at Hulburg. And no, it's not the sort of thing a man forgets. And yes, I was rescued, by an elderly man in shining armor, along with many other prisoners, not all of whom survived. Such is war, but still it is not a memory I like to relive." 

He raises his eyebrows again.  "Then by the lord's daughter I suppose you would mean poor Lorana. We did what we could to save her, but the lock held... and there were so many others who needed help. I take it from your words you were able to save her?"  Relief comes to his face.

Lucius's eyes narrow at Mithril.  "I'd say you have some explaining to do."  Brander nods in agreement.
achinca
Miriam is still seated, starring at Calric. She wants to get up and talk and confront him but she cannot. She feels like she did back a the church: a little girl who would do what she is told because she knows nothing.

Calric's reaction confuses her even more and she cannot tell what is real and what is a lie. The web of confusion spun by her old Master is now more active than ever.

She cannot talk. She cannot move. All she can do is obey.

She sees her friends trying to get the truth out and she knows she should help them but instead she just sits there, starring at the young replica of the man she loved and gave him everything she had and more. Old feelings are resurfacing and she had trouble keeping them at bay.
Cavelcade
Kurt steps forward anxiously, tugging on his beard a bit as he struggles to explain what he means.  "Well, you see...there was a lot of tension after that - some of our party died there - and we went there to try and save you, because, well one of us knew your mother and wanted to save you for her. But then your father - well, who we think was your father - had gotten there first and we were still glad to save who was there but it just left a strange taste in our mouths. It isn't anything towards you, just...just left over emotions." 
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20-2)[ 6 ]  - bluff or diplomacy as Admiral decides.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Saved, helped, but...high price. Painful price,"  Natalia whispers quietly. She can't keep quiet now, not with Miriam having a breakdown and Mithril protecting Miriam through her own prior pain. So she tries to make the words come out to strangers, try to comfort both her friends with her speech because her arms aren't long enough though she holds Mithril's hand and her other one is bracing Miriam's back, small and gentle. So she asks them, tries to cut the pain from Miriam before she can't take it anymore.  "Please...personal pain. Let us open scars...on our own." 
 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy:  (d20+1)[ 12 ] 

At least I didn't do worse than Kurt! 😛
 
Athedia
Mithril sighed and bowed her head a little.  She couldn't really talk through the anger she was feeling right now.  As odd as it was, Natalia might have to speak for the group.  Laying a hand on Natalia's head she closed her eyes.   [Draconic]  "Speak." 
Admiral
Calric Jr's eyes widen in response to Kurt's clumsy revelation.  "My father... how can..."  he seems almost dizzy.

 
 Spoiler 
Not that it hasn't been fun watching Kurt's and Natalia's take on it, but maybe Shiny can help smooth things over.
 


Shiny steps forward.  "Perhaps I can try and explain,"  he says gently, raising his hands in a calming gesture towards the suspicious party.

 "Our friend Miriam here is, like you, a cleric of St. Cuthbert. While we were helping the war effort in Hulburg, she worked alongside another priestess called Mary- your mother,"  Calric Jr. nods in response.  "She told Miriam of her husband, who had been missing for many years, and of her son, who was off fighting the ogres. Miriam swore she would find Mary's son and protect him, and we set off north to find you and lend our assistance in the war."

"From others along the route we heard the story of an mysterious old man garbed in shining armor who had been working his way through the conflict, looking for you just as we were. We wondered who could be looking for you... and it was Mithril,"  he gestures to the wizard,  "familiar with many legends of heroes, who deduced it could be your long-lost father, having returned from his quest to save his only son from danger. A fantasy perhaps... but one that certainly captured our imaginations."

"Our search led us to an ogre camp, one that had previously been decimated by some sort of battle. We fought our way through the remaining ogres, but at a desperate price... both Kurt and myself were killed."  He looks down for an awkward moment.  "Only through our friends' courage were we returned to life. But it was worth it, because we saved the prisoners who remained- one of whom, Lorana, told us about you and the man who had come to save you. Based on his specific interest in you, we grew more confident that this man was your father- though perhaps we lacked in evidence."  He shrugged apologetically.  "I am sorry that our speculation has brought back such painful memories." 
 "It was a couple of weeks later that we received a new mission- one that would send us to this continent. And we were glad to hear that you were among the men assigned. Perhaps in our excitement we neglected to confirm that your rescuer truly was your father- or, indeed, if he were, whether he had shared that with you." 
 
 Spoiler 

This requires both Diplomacy and Bluff, since he's very distinctly chopping out anything about Miriam's relationship to Calric.

Diplomacy:  (1d20+17)[ 34 ] 
Bluff:  (1d20+13)[ 32 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and adds,  "Shiny's right. He's always been better at talking and explaining than the rest of us. I'm sorry about all this; it was just a rough time for all of us and...actually, Miriam, could I talk to you after this?"  No sooner are the words out of her mouth than she stops and blinks, her mouth hanging open in sheer shock. The strange cadence to her words is still there, perhaps made more apparent now that the actual words themselves are untangled, but her sentences made sense. They. Made. Sense.

Natalia holds her hand to her mouth and looks down. She turns to Mithril, tears starting to fill in her eyes.
Athedia
 "It isn't permanent, not yet.  I wasn't even sure it would work."   Mithril read the message on Natalia's face, remembered how excited she had been during the thought spell, that she could speak and be understood.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't even seem to be listening as she collapses sobbing into Mithril's arms. A torrent of words spills out into the mage, a refrain of,  "You made me make sense I can talk, your spell helped me speak I can speak straight thank you thank you thank you..." 
Athedia
Mithril looked down slightly startled.   "Is it still working. did I do something wrong?" 
 
 Spoiler 
just because her hurried speech is going back to confusing 😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up, stunned.  "No! Not at all! This is perfect, absolutely perfect. I'm just so...happy..."  She sinks back down and hugs the mage tighter.
Admiral
The gnome speaks so smoothly that the party can't tell whether he was intentionally leaving out Miriam's connection to Calric, or whether he had simply forgotten it in the way he seemed to keep forgetting his own surname. Calric Jr and Brander notably relax as they seem to buy Shiny's explanation, with Ezra seeming as disinterested as ever. Lucius's face doesn't lose its paranoid expression, but then it never had since they had first laid eyes on him.

The other party is somewhat confused by the excitement over Natalia's speech, though they let the wizard and rogue have their moment. Once the discussion subsides. Brander turns to Calric.  "I knew you had been held captive by the ogres, though you didn't tell me much of your rescuer. From what I was told, you returned to Hulburg only with half a dozen other rescued prisoners alongside you. Perhaps it's time for you to share." 

The young cleric sighs, seeming reluctant to revisit the memory.  "The man who rescued me... if he was my father, he certainly didn't mention it... but now that I think on it, perhaps there was a resemblance. He was at least sixty years old, so it would be hard to say for sure..."  Calric Jr seems to be distinctly disturbed by the possibility, for reasons that soon become clear.

 "When he rescued me and the others, he seemed every bit the hero. His spells and his mace cleaved the way through so many ogres, and his courage saved so many prisoners. But that night..."  he shudders at the recollection...  "I saw something else entirely." 
 "We and the other prisoners had been racing south towards Hulburg the entire night. The old man volunteered to take the first watch- normally I might have insisted on taking it myself, but we were all so exhausted from a week in captivity and starvation that I agreed. Until in the middle of the night I woke up... and found myself gagged, my hands and feet bound to a couple of stakes in the ground. The old man was kneeling above me, brandishing a glass jar and a knife, grinning like a maniac. And his eyes..."  Calric grits his teeth.  "They seemed to dance like a demon's fire." 
 "The old devil bent down and sliced a small notch right into my neck, and my blood started to drain into his jar."  He coughs, disgusted by the memory, as he puts his hand to his neck.  "Only the strength of St. Cuthbert helped me break my bonds. Our struggle was quick: he was a fierce fighter and I was losing blood, but I was younger and stronger, and my shouts were starting to wake others in the camp. Cursing, he ended up breaking free and then gulping down some potion- before I knew it, he had vanished from sight. Once I had finished healing myself I tried to find him, but he had taken the opportunity to escape the camp, and there was no tracking him in the dark. That was the last I saw of him." 
 "In any case, whatever the old crook wanted with my blood, he didn't get it."  He feels his own neck again with a frown.  "I'd hope to St. Cuthbert that that wasn't my father... I'd always assumed he'd died a hero serving the Cudgel. I don't much like to think of him this way." 
achinca
Somehow, the forces that kept Miriam silent and seated dissolve when Calric tells his story. She slowly gets up and walk slowly toward Calric while still starring at him and stops in front of him.

She extends her hand and touches her face the way a grand-mother would touch the face of her grand son.
" You look so much like him. Just younger! But the face is the same. The eyes are as blue as his. The intensity is the same, may be stronger. You are his son. No doubt about it. "

She moves her hand from his face and grabs her own face on her hands. " Ca,,, Ca,,,, " she stops unable to say the name " .... I know your mother, Mary. I met her in Hulburg. She mentions you went to the front line and she was worried sick. I swear I would find you. I did not because I believe your father beat me to it. I caused the death of my two friends here to find you. And he found you first. I hope you went to see your mother before you left. She is worried sick. "

She stops again and sits on a rock " I make no sense do I? "  She shakes her head. " I think that you will not like or even accept what I am about to say. Your father, somehow, was not an accident that he abandoned your mother when you were young. I also believe you have quite a few half brothers and sisters out there. How do I know that? "

She hides her face in her hands as she starts crying " Please forgive me. Your father, was my master. And by master, I means he owned me. I was is property, although I did not know. I did not know better. I did not know anything. He was so handsome and charming so I just obeyed. It did not matter if I did not want to do it or like it, my goal was to make him happy. I ... he left me ... pretending to be dead ..... because I would not carry his seed ..... he thought I was infertile ..... I loved him so much .... his death nearly killed me....  "

She slowly gets up and looks at the horizon, her eyes getting lost in the distance  "I believe that it is not an accident he is fathering all these children out of naive and stupid young girls who know nothing. He probably need your blood to stay alive .... Your mother had a pendant with a painting of him .... and 15 years later, he did not look like he aged a day .....  "

She kneels " St. Cuthbert .... why do you let him wear your symbol? Why? "

She stays silent before finally getting up and walking away. " I need time by myself. Right now I am a danger to the mission .... "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up and listens with growing horror as Calric tells his tale. Her face goes green as he describes as his father tried to bleed him out for some dark unknown ritual, and she feels sick to her stomach at the thought.

As Miriam pours out the truth and her heart, then runs off completely broken down, Natalia watches her go, and then stands up. She looks back at Mithril and the others, and then says,  "I'm sorry, but I think I need to go after Miriam and talk to her. While I still can, I mean--this spell won't last forever, right?"  It hurts to think about that, so for the moment she pushes it aside. Right now she's the only one who's okay. So she need to help like they helped her. Because they're her friends. Natalia plays her hands over each other and adds,  "I'll be back soon, I promise, it's just...well, I don't think I'd want to be alone right now, no matter what I said to anyone else. Could you guys please fill me in later?" 

And with that Natalia leaves and runs after the cleric. When she finds her she stands a few feet back, close enough to let Miriam know she's there but hopefully far enough away that Miriam can let her in if she wants (at least, that's what she's going for).
Admiral
Calric gasps quietly at the cleric's revelation; he is as disturbed as Miriam, and he seems to have trouble staying upright. He turns and takes a few steps away from the group, then suddenly turns and runs after Miriam.

Out of earshot of the others, he gently stops Miriam. His face is desperate and overwhelmed, though he also seems concerned for the other cleric.  "I never knew anyone else who knew my father,"  he says with difficulty, choking on the words,  "and now you're telling me he's some sort of monster. How can I accept that?"  Tears start to fill his eyes.  "How can I know it's true?" 

He shakes his head clear.  "And... and you said that his death hit you hard. But if he's dead, why do you think this creep who tried to bleed me to death is the same man?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Coffee: let's let them talk a minute before Natalia runs over.
 


The other strangers watch the drama unfold from a distance, though they cannot hear the words. Lucius turns to Shiny and raises an eyebrow.  "You know about this?" 
 "I thought it prudent..."  Shiny says slowly and diplomatically,  "to let her be the one to reveal it. It's a painful topic for her." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses as she sees Calric talking to Miriam. She hangs back until they're finished talking.

 
 Spoiler 
No problem, Admiral!
 
achinca
Miriam looks terrified as Calric approaches her " Please leave me alone .... you have no idea the effect you have on me .... " The cleric looks totally hopeless and defenseless in her simple robe and sandals.

" I loved .... I loved your father so much .... his death crushed me ... I thought he was killed by cannibals ... using his last healing spell on me ..... I carried his armor, symbol, shield and mace with pride .... ."

She pauses, taking a death breath "  .. and things started to look not as they were ...... I was young and naive .... and I obeyed him with every thing .... and started to realize that I was just being used and abused ..... and I met your mother Mary ... and lies unraveled .... she mentioned her quest for the holy relic ... the mace that never forget .... see I was told the same story .... but he never mentioned your mother in the quest ..... and he never mentioned having children ... the mace is a powerful artifact .... and can only be yielded by a true cleric of St. Cuthbert .. and he could not ... however your mom told me he had it ..... but I never saw it .... it is just ..... the description matches .... you are him .... just younger ... stronger ..... please let me go .... you are him ....  "

her voice is in full begging mode .....
Admiral
Calric Jr steps back when he sees she is scared of him, though he appears frustrated.

 "The effect  I  have on  you ?"  he asks, his voice filled with pain.  "How do you think I feel? I just met you a few minutes ago, and already you're telling me my father was an abusive monster, who fathered who knows how many other children..." 

He storms off, heading past his allies back towards the town of Bellville. The others let him pass, Ezra raising a single eyebrow.

Brander turns back towards the party.  "Well, that was an... odd turn of events. But we can't let it compromise our mission. Give the clerics a break... I'm sure they'll sort themselves out." 
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia can go talk to Miriam if she wants.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches Calric storm off. She steps forward to where Miriam is standing and says quietly,  "Miriam...do you want to sit down and talk?"  She sits down and pats a perfectly shaped smooth stone beside her, inviting the cleric to sit beside her.
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia, not even noticing that she can fully understand the rogue for the first time " I cannot do this Natalia. I am weak. I am a danger to all. You cannot understand because you and Mithril are happy together. He still owns me. He still controls me. If he would appears now and tell me to kneel and beg, I would do it. And his son? It is him, just younger and .... more attractive. The son could control me too if he wanted too. I am a lost soul. I wish the orcs would have taken me instead of Henry. I cannot go on. I am a danger to the group and the mission. I cannot break my chains. Even after everything I know, I still would obey him. "

She turns towards the sky " Why St. Cuthbert? Why are you doing this? What are you trying to teach me? What lesson is there to be learned? I need a sign. You showed me the Vow of Poverty. Give me a sign. I have too many doubts. Give me a sign St. Cuthbert. I beg  you ..... " Her voices is full of pain .....
Cavelcade
Kurt nods slowly, looking over at Miriam unhappily, as if he'd rather go to her than stay there and talk...but Natalia's already over there, so he just shakes his head and sighs, turning back to the others.  "I suppose you're right..." 
CoffeeIncluded
That's it. Natalia grabs Miriam by the shoulders.  "Stop. Just stop this right now. You are not weak, and you are not a danger to us. Do you know how many times we would have died if not for you? Do you know how often your magic has saved us? You're not weak, and you're not a danger to the group and you're certainly not stupid like you said before. " 

Natalia pulls Miriam down to sit beside her and leans in conspiratorially.  "You were just used and manipulated by a monster, just as Calric the younger was. You were starved for affection and he took advantage of that.  I know this because...do you want to know a secret? If our positions were reversed, if Calric were female or I were into men, then I could be in the same position that you're in right now."  

She frowns and purses her lips at Miriam's desperate prayer to her god, but she's not quite sure what to say to that yet.
achinca
The silence following her prayer to St. Cuthbert is too much for Miriam as the tears starts falling uncontrollably " You don't understand Natalia. He still owns me. I am a risk for you and the others. Imagine he joins with the barbarians and orders me to follow him and attack you. I would probably obey because he still owns me. I cannot shake the chains he put on me. And I know why he prayed on me but I still cannot free myself. I am doomed to be in his servitude. This is why I cannot do this anymore ..... I am danger to you and the others. "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just holds Miriam as the cleric sobs into her.  "No, you won't. You won't and you know it because your better than that, you're better than you think you are. I know...I know you can't let go of the past that easily, I don't know what I would do if my parents or Lisk showed up in front do me, but that doesn't mean you have to lock and bolt and chain yourself down to it." 

She shakes her head.  "You know what I see wheb I look at you? I don't see a danger, and I definitely don't see a slave. I see one of the most selfless women I've ever met, battered and hurting but never broken. You're sometimes preachy, and sometimes hurtful with you words--"  she breaks off for a moment, and it's clear what she's remembering,  "But your heart's always been in the right place and you've never not cared, you've always cared..." 

Natalia pauses, then quietly asks something.  "Miriam, can I ask something?" 
achinca
Miriam looks through her tears to Natalia  "You don't get it Natalia. I saw his son and I saw him. I heard his son and I heard him. All I could do was stare and then run away. No will power, nothing. Honestly, if his son would have ordered me with his voice, I would have obeyed. May be you trust me but I do not trust myself. "

She listens as Natalia expresses some truth " You are right. I have been preachy and nasty with my words. I have hurt you and Mithril. I am not sure I am as nice as you think I am. I am responsible for Kurt and Shiny's death. I am now more dangerous than ever because I cannot be trusted. "

She stops and looks at Natalia " ask anything .... "
CoffeeIncluded
 "You didn't run. You told him. You explained yourself. And I'm sure that once you think about it, you'll be able to stand your ground again. And if you can't bear to be around that old creep when we finally find him, then you won't have to. If you want, I'll stab him in his black heart myself. I might have to pass him along to Mithril and Shiny and Kurt though; they'll probably want a crack at him too after learning what he did to you." 

She smiles, then continues talking to Miriam, laying a hand over her shoulder.  "Abd I've heard you say words of incredible patience and compassion. I've seen you give everything you own to those who need it more--and you're right, I can be a bit greedy. I've seen you wade into battle and come out literally soaked in blood, entirely focused on saving the lives of everyone you touch. And I know you wouldn't betray us, because how could someone as good as you fall back into the claws of a monster, now that he's exposed himself?" 

Natalia pauses and takes a deep breath. She's not sure how to say this, especially since she can actually be understood now. There was a sort of safety in Nutspeak, she's now realizing. But even that safety isn't worth it, now that she can be understood.

 "Miriam, why do you still follow Saint Cutjbert? He's done nothing for you. All his disciples brought you nothing but pain. I've seen the look on your face when you look down at the symbol, and now the mark on your staff. You've given up everything and I don't know whether it's put of piety or punishing yourself for something that is not your fault, but please Miriam, be honest. What has Cuthbert done for you? Has he done anything for you other than bring you misery? Why would a god like that accept Calric into his ranks, and is such a god truly worthy of you?"  She winces at that last statement, and braces herself for Miriam's response. It had to be told, she feels, despite the risks, but she's still afraid and reaches out a hand to brace her friend.
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia but stays silent " Is she right or is she being naive? Who would I choose between him and them? Do I even know? Would I fall in line and follow his orders like I always did or would I stand for these people who literally died for me? "

She expresses none of her doubts out loud but speaks when Natalia questions her faith " Because He is real. Because He gives me magic. Because the reason I doubt is because I do not get the lesson I am been taught. Because I was shown the way to the vow of Poverty and it answered a lot of questions for me. I am trying to understand why Calric is allowed to wear the symbol of the cudgel but this is probably to teach me a lesson. And the question is not is St. Cuthbert worthy of me but am I worthy of being a cleric of St. Cuthbert? "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "What possible lesson could it be? That you have to march to the orders of a monstrous master?"  Her words bite with bile and disgust, not at Miriam but at the idea she expressed.  "What kind of lesson is that? What kind of god would teach that lesson? Certainly not one I would worship. If I were a cleric of Gond and he treated me Saint Cithbert treated you, I'd turn my back on him." 

She sighs and hugs Miriam, trying to be a support, and speaks as kindly and softly as possible.  "Im saying this because I'm worried about you. I care about you. You're so much better than what you've been taught and given. You and you're trapped and chained by Calric, and I want you to be free. And I'm afraid that your following Cuthbert is holding you back. It's binding you to nothing but pain and misery and bad memories. And Miriam, why did you end up worshipping him in the first place? Did you choose him because he aligned to your ideals like with me or Mithril or Kurt? Or did you worship him because you had to?" 
Athedia
Mithril stood awkwardly as the clerics left and Natalia followed Miriam.

Turning to Ezra she stumbling tried to start a conversation.   "So, you're a sorceress?  How do you do that, I mean are you like Shiny?  I don't really understand how everyone I seem to meet doesn't need a book, don't you worry about making a mistake on a spell?  And how do you study the mechanics... I guess I have never actually talked about this before."   She was trying to save her groups image after the difficulties with Calric the younger.
Admiral
Ezra raises her eyebrow disdainfully as Mithril asks her question.  "Some of us can get it right without trying so hard,"  she says.

 
 Spoiler 
Don't blame yourself, Mithril. Some people are just rude.
 


Brander coughs awkwardly.  "We should focus on the plan of attack,"  he says, not waiting for the others to return.  "We have some resources now that we didn't have before... but not enough to win a straightforward battle. We need a diversion- preferably one that wouldn't be sacrificing whoever it was doing the diverting." 

Shiny steps forward.  "I had a plan that might be of some interest to you... I can conjure large clouds of dark mist. If I turned myself invisible and sprinted around one of the caves, I could cook up an entire smokescreen surrounding one of the caves. At that point, it wouldn't matter if no one else was charging in... any orc would sound the alarm. And if they needed more prodding, I could conjure the noise of about twenty soldiers on the other side of the smokescreen. Hopefully that would be enough to draw all the orcs to one entrance, while you approach another one." 
 
 Spoiler 
Giving others a chance to respond, though I'm sure the newly coherent Natalia will want to get in on the planning once she's back.
 
achinca
The tears keep flowing as Miriam listens to Natalia. " You don't understand. I was saved by the Church of St. Cuthbert. My parents had decided I was not worth keeping: not smart enough, not strong enough, not agile enough, not pretty enough, not robust enough to have a litter. All I did was eat with little prospect to marry and bring in money. So the priests took me in their church and took care of me. I worked hard but they never questioned my worth. They only saw me as a maid and Calric was the one who saw that I could channel St. Cuthbert magic. You see, if it was not for St. Cuthbert, I would be dead. It is not an accident. He is trying to tell me something, to learn a lesson. No one said it would be easier. No one said my path would be a bed of roses. And Calric ownership of me has nothing to do about my God. It is a deeper thing, a primal force. That is what scares me ..... "

She stops and looks at the rogue " you ... you ... speak normally? I can actually understand you .... must be magic! "

She gives Natalia a big hug " Don't waste the spell talking to me. Go to Mithril and the others. I need to be alone ... "

She forces a smile but once alone a totally depressed look appears on her face. She sits on the floor hunched and puts her head in her hand " How can I make the pain go away? I am so tired of suffering ..... "

 
 Spoiler 
As you probably suspect, Miriam will be fine with whatever plan the group decides to do, even it means to for to get covered in tar and feathers and do the chicken dance.  😉 😁
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Then your parents swerve wrong too. You are definitely worth keeping. And..."  she draws a shaky breath.  "If that's what you believe, then maybe he's saying your purpose is with us, and not Calric. But whatever you decide, and in sure you'll decide what's right, I'll be with you to help. And I'm sure everyone else will be too." .

She smiles at Miriam's hug, wondering when the cleric would notice.  "Mithril cast this spell. And that's why I came over to you. I'm bit wasting this spell on you. I'm using it for you, because now you can understand me. Miriam, are you sure about being alone right now? Don't you want to be with the others?" 
achinca
Miriam keeps forcing herself to smile " I need to be alone and pray. It helps me. A lot "

Once alone, the sadness overtakes her " St. Cuthbert, just take me. I cannot go on anymore. Enough innocents have perished. Time to take your unworthy servant "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gives Miriam another hug.  "If that's what you think is best. Just please, promise you'll come back to us soon, okay?" 

Reluctantly, very reluctantly, Natalia returns to the group. She sits down and says,  "Miriam may be a bit, but she promised me shed be back. What's the plan?" 
 
 Spoiler 
i definitely want to participate, but in running errands for college and so might be a bit. Sorry.
 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
I'm going to ignore Coffee's post - she can delete that one and post her plan after this, to avoid double posting anyway, and since Natalia would know it's impossible, I'm going to assume the last post would be changed substantially.
 

 "Once they've summoned help, we can hopefully take whatever remains of their forces outside the 'secret' entrance, then, and get the food to the dwarves...but the problem after that is that the siege remains, and then they know we're coming. It's...argh, it's so frustrating that we can't talk to the dwarves. Can't coordinate..."  He shakes his head angrily, pacing slowly back and forth.

 "We'd need to act fast. If we could get the dwarves to attack, even a small one from the main gate to reinforce Shiny's illusion, then we might, maybe, if we're fast enough be able to destroy the forces outside two of the entrances. But it's so annoying, there's no way to talk to them to get them to be ready for it...and so many moving parts, so many ways for it to go wrong."  He trails off towards the end, losing confidence in his idea. His ideas have been bold, always to attack...the orcs in the cave, at the river, but it had been so simple those times. Attack when they're weak, when they don't expect it - the first time had just been opportunity, pure luck. This is...so many things could go wrong, and he can't even start to think about them.
CoffeeIncluded
It's a good thing that Natalia didn't hear Brander, or else he would be given an angry lecture about how dare he use someone as a sacrifice, he should be ashamed of the thought. And it's a very good thing she didn't hear Ezra insult Mithril, or else the sorceress would be currently receiving a faceful of indignant rogue.

But Natalia returned to hear Shiny's speech and Kurt's response, and so she adds,  "Maybe we should deliver the food after the siege, when there's no danger to the supplies. But Kurt, remember back in the caves by Linwood? When Miriam made you huge and you stood in the chokepoint and mowed down every orc in your way? Even if the orcs know we're coming after we get inside, they won't have time to know what we're doing, because of those steel doors in the way. Though how we'll open them is the problem. If wonder if they can be opened from a remote location? That would make things much easier, and opens up a whole new set of ideas." 

Natalia shakes her head and goes back on topic. "We could bring some food with us--a few hundred pounds stored in my bag of holding, enough to keep them from starving, and that could buy us a day or two to plan. And trap. You know I'm good with traps. We can turn the fight to our terms. We can rig boulders to fall, set caltrops to slow down charges, maybe poison them to weaken the horde a bit more--do you guys have any poison on you, by the way?--set crossbow tripwires to soften them up, dig pits and lay spikes below them. And maybe...well, you know what's in my bag, though I don't want to use them up."  The rogue's fingers are flying in the air at her ideas.

 "By the time the orcs reach us, at the narrowest point in the tunnel, so narrow they may have to march single file, they'll be battered and wounded and maybe poisoned. And then they meet you, and me, and Soshima, and Deldon, and maybe you guys too. They'll meet our blades and they'll meet our spells. We need to turn the terrain to our advantage, like with the chokepoint you made back in the caves. But we need time to set the traps, and we need to tell them we're coming so they can open the door. 
Athedia
 "I could inform the dwarves, I researched a spell recently that lets me travel through walls and across a small distance. Unless you wish to do it Ezra, seeing as you don't need to try."   Mithril was smarting from Ezra's comment.  She had spent her whole life studying magic, and this other woman wasn't even willing to tell her why she had a different practice?
Cavelcade
Kurt's shaking his head a little by the end of Natalia's speech, though he looks frustrated about having to.  "The problem is that Deldon needs the supplies now. If we don't manage to break the siege, if we can't force them to attack us, then the supplies will be left here, useless. We can't leave them behind, it'd be too risky, we'd be setting ourselves up to starve with the rest of the mine." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia shakes her head and goes back on topic. "We could bring some food with us--a few hundred pounds stored in my bag of holding, enough to keep them from starving, and that could buy us a day or two to plan. And trap. You know I'm good with traps. We can turn the fight to our terms. We can rig boulders to fall, set caltrops to slow down charges, maybe poison them to weaken the horde a bit more--do you guys have any poison on you, by the way?--set crossbow tripwires to soften them up, dig pits and lay spikes below them. And maybe...well, you know what's in my bag, though I don't want to use them up."  The rogue's fingers are flying in the air at her ideas.

 "By the time the orcs reach us, at the narrowest point in the tunnel, so narrow they may have to march single file, they'll be battered and wounded and maybe poisoned. And then they meet you, and me, and Soshima, and Deldon, and maybe you guys too. They'll meet our blades and they'll meet our spells. We need to turn the terrain to our advantage, like with the chokepoint you made back in the caves. But we need time to set the traps, and we need to tell them we're coming so they can open the door.  
 

Brander frowns.  "I'm with the dwarf. Once we're in there without supplies, what's to stop the orcs from just continuing their siege for a few more weeks? Why would they bother attacking?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "We could force their hand, or make them think that the siege is broken. They'll swoop in for the kill and fall right into our traps." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "We could force their hand, or make them think that the siege is broken. They'll swoop in for the kill and fall right into our traps."  
 

Brander scratches his head.  "How do you expect us to force a tribe of near a thousand orcs to attack? Or make 'em think the siege is broken when they're the ones holding it?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Suddenly have the doors open. Or...Shiny, do you have any ideas? Any spells that could help?"  She's good at mechanical traps, not this kind of trickery.
Admiral
Brander raises an eyebrow.  "Siege or no siege, how do you think the dwarves of Deldon will feel about opening the doors and inviting in an invasion?" 

Shiny shrugs.  "I got nothing, Natalia." 
Athedia
 "That's why I suggested I use my spell.  I get in there, maybe bring one or two others along and we make a two pronged attack.  Drive the orcs into the tunnel and slaughter them from both ends.  If we focus in one area it shouldn't be to hard. 
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
To stay true to the game, Miriam will not participate in the strategic discussion given how she is feeling right now.

So I will stay away from the conversation.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I have a spell that can turn myself into mist, and I can cast it twice,"  Natalia adds, visibly upset at the failure of her idea but going along.  "So between the two of us, we can bring three people along to go inside. Two of them should be Kurt and Miriam, so they can do their giant juggernaut strategy. Also Kurt's the only one who can see in the dark." 
Cavelcade
Kurt scratches his beard a bit, thinking about it.  "So we go in and let the dwarves know it's time to attack, and then they open the gates and we crush that one?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Unless we can find a way to get in touch with them remotely and beforehand..."  Natalia pauses, then looks up sharply.  "They said the clerics cast a spell to maintain contact with people over long distances. Do you think Miriam's able to cast that spell too?" 
 
 Spoiler 
admiral, please tell me if this isn't appropriate. Also, can the doors be opened remotely?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt shrugs a bit, glancing over at the hunched over cleric.  "She never has before, and now isn't the time to find out...we'll ask later." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns.  "I'm not so sure about that. I don't want to get into specifics but she's worried about how useful or helpful she is. If she can cast this spell, and it's something only she can do, that may help her feel better. Though..."  she trails off. If being the only one who can help in other Ways isn't enough...
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head again, looking over at Miriam.  "She needs her time to talk to her god. After that, maybe...right now she needs something we can't give her...maybe he can't either, but she's the only one who can." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back at Miriam.  "I guess. I hope." 

With a sigh she turns back to the group.  "How are we going to bring in the carts of food through a sealed gate?" 
Admiral
 "Their message made that clear,"  says Brander.  "If we bang on the door three times and shout a code phrase, they'll open for us. They've got arrow slots in the wall above the doors, anyway: if there's a commotion outside they'll open them and see what's coming." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But isn't it a mile between the tunnel doors and Deldon itself? And are you sure we can get in before the orcs find us?"  She turns to Mithril.  "Hang on. If we do this, then there's no need for us to use spells to get in at all. 
 
 Spoiler 
Wait, so are we all going in or are only some of us going in? I'm confused.
 
achinca
As the planning goes on, Miriam is to the side, prostrated, her face in her hands as she tries to stop crying. Her prayers to St. Cuthbert has gone silent again and Natalia words are slicing her mind. She does not want to doubt but right now her pain is too strong for her to be rational.

She opens her eyes and looks into the sun until the light is too bright and she feels blinded. As she sees stars and dark spots everywhere, a memory comes back to her.

She is preparing the fire to cook the rabbit that Calric caught. She has trouble betting the branches to lit and starts a prayer. Calric looks at her with a totally annoyed look " Miriam, are you praying for St. Cuthbert's help? "

Miriam nods. Calric gets up visibly upset. " Simple farm girl who knows nothing, when will you learn? I understand you know nothing but are you too stupid to learn? How many times I have told you that the gods only intervene with major planar issues are involved? How many times stupid Miriam? I told you and I am telling you again that the gods give you divine magic to deal with day to day issues. Do not waste their time with mundane requests. They have shown they care by channeling divine magic through you. That shows that you are important to them. So when you are in doubt, look into yourself for the answers and not to the gods. And if sometimes, the situation makes no sense and the gods don't give you a sign, it is because they are teaching you a lesson. Hopefully you will be not stupid enough to miss it ."

He gets up and easily starts the fire. " Now, you cook me that rabbit and as a lesson, I want you to sit on your hand and watch me eat. After, you will clean up, wash me and if you are worthy, I might give you a son tonight. "

Miriam shivers at the memory, forever thanks the old cook at the church who taught her how to make moonlight tea. Her vision has returned and she can see the group discussing. She is jealous of them because they know their roles and are happy. They do not have the drama in their lives like she had. However, as she thinks about her friends, clearer thoughts appears in her mind. " Stop feeling sorry for yourself Miriam. It hurts but you were worn. His son looks like Him. You choose if you want to let you do that own you or if you can have your friends protect you. You have warned them. They know you can turn on them if you see Him. None of them ran away. Quite the contrary. They will protect you. So the decision will be yours. It was always yours. "

She thinks again about Calric's words and looks inside herself. Yes the magic is still there so Ct. Cuthbert still care. But something feel different. The magic is there and yet more powerful as if St. Cuthbert judge her worthy of more. Whatever the lesson is, she does not know but she somehow must be learning.

She tries to visualize the new magic. Can she raise the dead? No. Can she really heal all conditions? No. Can she transfer a spell to someone? Yes. Can she send a short message to someone she knows? Yes. Can she speaks unspeakable language? Yes. The solution is here. But what is it?

She gets up and her eyes are puffy and her hair disheveled  and she approaches the group. She listens in silence at the strategic discussion. Finally she whispers in Natalia's ear. "  I think St. Cuthbert gave me the divine power to help us with the siege but I am not sure which spell would work.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs in relief as Miriam returns. She replies,  "Maybe. The bigges tproblem is that we can't tell Deldon any details. They said the clerics keep in contact with a long range messaging spell. Can you cast that too?" 
 
 Spoiler 
sorry about the long wait! Still heading to classes.
 
achinca
Miriam thinks for a while, her mind still clouded. Finally she commits.

" I think I can cast something similar. I feel that St. Cuthbert would let me send a message, a short one of 20 or 25 words to anyone I am familiar with. But sadly, I do not know anyone in Deldon..... "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins. That's perfect! Well, except for the k owing them bit.  "Well, Dresden said he lived there for a while. Though he's with us now. Maybe he can tell you who to send it to. Though how familiar is familiar enough for the spell to work?" 
 
 Spoiler 
admiral, am I being too metagamey here?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back at everyone and asks,  "I don't know, would it be better if we went over a plan of attack once we actually got inside Deldon? And for that, I do like Shiny's plan. Though we should probably distract the orcs to go on the opposite tunnel were entering, like distract them into swarming the west tunnel while we enter the east tunnel. What do you think?" 
 
 Spoiler 
just wanted to get the ball rolling after I stalled it.
 
Cavelcade
 "Assuming they want to...yes, it would be better - we'd know so much more about the attackers and the defenders, we might be able to make a proper plan. If you can talk to them Miriam, well then, that'd be great. But maybe some of us show go on, too, so we can coordinate better?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia raises her hand.  "I'll go. I want to see the inside of these tunnels for myself. And I feel I'd be helping out more if I went with all of you." 
achinca
Miriam looks indecisive and insecure. " .. I never cast that spell ..... and I do not know anyone in Deldon ... We need that ....  "

She turns to Natalia " May be a dwarf like Kurt or Dresden would make more sense .... and having a healer is probably more important than a rogue satisfying her curiosity ....  "

She stops and looks at her sandals " I don;t know ... I have a really bad feeling about that .... "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "You may not know anyone but Dresden does. Could he tell you who to send to?" 

She frowns at Miriam's other comment.  "I won't get in the way! And besides, aren't we just knocking and walking in? Everyone can enter then.

I...I don't get in the way, do I?" 
 
 Spoiler 
arent we just knocking  And walking in? No spells?
 
achinca
Miriam's eyes do not leave the ground as she replies to Natalia " I am not sure what your plan is. All I know is I can somehow help through communication. I would defer to Kurt and Dresden and Mithril. They are military trained and she is such a smart wizard. I am just a simple cleric ....... "

Miriam looks very sheepish and insecure.
CoffeeIncluded
 "At least you're not saying you're a farm girl who knows nothing. Because you're not,"  she says.  "I think our plan is to have Shiny trick the orcs into thinking were attacking the wear tunnel while we sneak to the east tunnel. We knock and say the pass code, they let us in. And by us I mean it sounds like everyone, from individuals to the carts. We get to Deldon, deliver the supplies, and once we see how they're doing we figure out our next step with them."  Natalia savors every clear word, every understandable phrase.

 
 Spoiler 
im not being too pushy, am I? I feel like I jelped get us stuck in this rut so it's my responsibility to get us out of it.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt ponders what Natalia says for a bit, scratching his beard a little as he does.  "I don't think it'll be that simple...I don't see them abandoning the siege completely, even for one attack. We'll still have to do some fighting I bet." 
achinca
Miriam still stares at the ground as she listens to Natalia " Yes. You are right. I know ... a few things ... ."

But inside she thinks  "If she only knew how clueless I am ..... I am still that little scared servant girl who was seen as nothing by the clergy and He took me out of it to show me I was a simple farm girl who knew nothing .... St. Cuthbert might allow me to harness his magic but his wisdom is way beyond my reach. "

She finally raises her eyes. " You are right. I know. "
Athedia
 "I will go in.  And I can establish a link with one of you, so that I can relay what I learn and you can reply.  It will only last about an hour though so we will have to fast.  I think I should take Dresden or one of his trusted men.  Someone Deldon would recognize."   Mithril spoke as if it was the end of the matter.  She needed to get into Deldon, that much she knew.
Admiral
Having settled on their plan, the group returns to the saloon to discuss it with the samurai.

 "My place is with my men,"  says Dresden when Mithril explains her plan of going in ahead.  "But most of the residents of Deldon are citizens of the Firm. You may have more luck sending one of them in."  He gives a quick call across the room and Ash hurries over.  "I think you know Lieutenant Ash." 

Once they've explained the details of Miriam's spell,he turns to the cleric ad starts describing his cousin as best he can.  "His full name is Sandon Ironheart, he's a hundred and four years old, and quite short for a dwarf- barely taller than your gnome friend. He's got a bad limp from a mining accident some thirty years ago, so his job is sifting and sorting ores. Like most miners, he has a bit of a hoarse voice..."  he continues, looking a bit awkward and apologetic.

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam can send now. Decided what you're sending? Remember to mention if you're sending people in.
 
Athedia
Before Miriam could cast the message spell Mithril gently pulled her aside.  Talking quietly she tried to explain something to her.   "It will be worthless for me to go in unless I can communicate with the people outside and I don't quite trust the samurai or the other group to keep you informed.  But I have a spell, a small one. It allows me to transmit thoughts to another person...and hear their's in return.  Natalia is already familiar with it, I tested it on the way here.  And I know you and Kurt would be uncomfortable with me in your head.  But I am the only one who really understands Natalia, and I can't cast the spell that is on her right now if I want to make sure I am useful to Deldon.  Is there anything you know that can help?" 
achinca
Miriam is taken back by Mithril statement " You ... you can get in someone head and hear their thoughts and talk to them .... you are more powerful than I thought .... does one know when you are in their head? "

She stops thinking " will that power go to her head? Will she see us as peeons as she develops god-like powers? "

She continues " But do you understand Natalia? Until you cast that spell, I could not understand her. Nutspeak is a foreign tongue to me. " She stops and suddenly her eyes gets very wide.

"I  got it. I got it. St. Cuthbert gave me the power. I get it. I can do the same thing. I can make her talk normally." She stops again. "Wait ... you want me to cast that spell on her? Right? Why can't you can it yourself? "
CoffeeIncluded
The discussion is finished before the spell on Natalia is, and she takes advantage of the minutes she has left to talk to the new group, while she can still do so clearly.

 "So how did you get sent on this mission in the first place?"  she asks. Brander, Ezra, Lucius, and Calric (though he's not there), they're such a varied group.  "Did the four of you know each other? Why were you selected--or did you volunteer?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Admiral, please tell me how much time is left with Tongues. The duration is 70 minutes.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam is taken back by Mithril statement " You ... you can get in someone head and hear their thoughts and talk to them .... you are more powerful than I thought .... does one know when you are in their head? "

She stops thinking " will that power go to her head? Will she see us as peeons as she develops god-like powers? "

She continues " But do you understand Natalia? Until you cast that spell, I could not understand her. Nutspeak is a foreign tongue to me. " She stops and suddenly her eyes gets very wide.

"I  got it. I got it. St. Cuthbert gave me the power. I get it. I can do the same thing. I can make her talk normally." She stops again. "Wait ... you want me to cast that spell on her? Right? Why can't you can it yourself? " 
 

 "The thoughts they want me to hear.  They have to let me in, or the spell doesn't work.  And they in turn can hear me."   Mithril was careful not to mention that she could indeed force her way into one's thoughts, that would raise to many questions and she did not want to answer them.
  "I can understand her most of the time, her speech is a riddle and I enjoy puzzles.  But I can only hold so many spells in my head each day and I would be of more use to Deldon if one of them was not spent giving Natalia a translation." 

Pausing she looked back at the rogue happily chatting away.   "Also I feel like it would be better for you to cast it.  She is so attached to me, mostly because I understand her.  She wants to feel closer to the rest of the group.  I think I limit that, that she relies on my magic to much.  She needs to learn that you are there for her, and want to listen.  I don't need a spell to do that, but it seems to help you." 
achinca
Miriam nods at Mithril. " I am so glad that one needs to let you in their thoughts. I think that this would be the biggest personal space violation I could imagine. I am glad you cannot do it. "

The cleric goes to see Natalia and takes her aside. " Natalia, you know how close you and Mithril are and you literally share thoughts? Well we need you to be in mind again. However, to save time and make sure nothing is lost to nutspeak, the speaking spell needs to be apply to you again. Mithril cannot do that as she is keeping her magic for other things so if you let me, I can cast the same spell on you. "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens and nods.  "Okay. I figured we'd need to stay in contact and Mithril does understand my wrecked words best. I..."  she smiles and turns away a bit.

When Miriam mentions she can cast Tongues as well, the rogue sits up with a start.  "You know that spell too? You can understand me as well?!" 
achinca
Miriam just shakes her head. " Everyone can understand you under that spell .... "
CoffeeIncluded
 "This is perfect! Thank you so much. Seriously, you don't know how wonderful it is to be understood." 

Natalia plays her hands over each other.  "That's probably why I feel the way I do about Mithril. Well, most of it. She knows my voice." 
 
 Spoiler 
admiral, how much time is left with the spell?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at Miriam's suggestion, pondering it a bit, then shaking his head.  "Mithril, you're the smart one, you figure this out. Or Natalia, if you could...if you...hm..."  At last, his attention is drawn to what has been going on in front of him for the last 10 minutes or so, and for a while he's dumbstruck, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water as he stares at her.

 "I...you're speaking? And you sound...as smart as you are?"  With that he actually has to sit down, the shock too much for the dwarf as he grins at her.  "How? What?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins back at Kurt, joy overwhelming and immediately apparent.  "Mithril cast a spell to let me speak normally. And Miriam can cast it too!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt smiles, a huge grin for Natalia, apparently forgetting anything that might have been giving him cause for concern as he shakes his head in shock and joy.  "That's great Natalia, really fantastic!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I know! This is just absolutely fantastic and oh, I wish I could describe how happy this makes me, but now i can so let me try!" 

As the rogue gushes her overwhelming joy, she heads to Bellville and picks up supplies. For the first time, she says what she wants in a loud and confident voice instead of an awkward stutter. She still gets looks for the strange flow of her speech, sometimes lilting and sometimes halting but never quite smooth. Still, the looks are much fewer in number than normal, and she revels in the connection between her thoughts and speech, finally clear and full for the first time.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia's getting 1 masterwork longbow, 1 darkvision potions, and 1 oil of Magic Weapon. The total price is 725 go.
 
Athedia
Mithril watched the Natalia's jubilation.  It would hurt the girl when the spell wore off.   "Natalia, this is only temporary. You need to remember that.  Also, another detail I forgot to mention  [Celestial]  I believe you can understand more than before.  [Celestial]  " 
 
 Spoiler 
Oh, and no darkvision potion for Mithril.  Don't buy us potions unless we ask for them.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia splutters when Mithril switches languages and she understands them easily.  "How did you do that? How did I understand that? Is this all part of the spell? I can understand anything that's said, and say anything in any language in return?" 

The rogue pauses as she thinks about the implications of this.  "Does that mean that I'm still actually speaking Nutspeak, but the spell makes it understandable? It didn't actually change the words I say?" 
Athedia
Mithril thought for a little.   "I, I don't know.  Is there a difference?  Nutspeak is a way of speech, not fully a language.  So it may filter languages that is true, but wouldn't that be better?  Changing implies they are not your words anymore, a filter just cleans." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "They're my thoughts though, but made clear. I wonder if I can force my words back to Nutspeak if I try."  She laughs along with Mithril.  "I think you're right though. It doesn't really matter as long as it works.

"I think they're still my words, even if they've been changed,"  she adds.  "Made better. As long as the thoughts and feelings are still true and mine. You do have a point though." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hey, Mithril,"  Natalia asks, a thought striking her.  "Can this spell translate written sentences too, or just speech? And can it translate animal speech? If you asked Whiskers to say something in weasel, could I understand him? Can you understand him anyway since he's your familiar?" 
Admiral
Once the party has agreed on a message, they give it to Miriam. With the help of Dresden's description, she sends it to the dwarf in the fortress:  "Bringing 34 allies and supplies. Sending two ahead to coordinate. Arriving tomorrow – diversion with fog, noise at west door, entering east. What is situation?" 

A couple of tense seconds pass as Miriam waits for a response, unsure if her spell had even succeeded. But then she hears a voice in her head: a boisterous tongue with a coarse accent similar to that of the dwarf captain.

 "Hungry but hearty, we are. I'll pass yer words to command. The Iron Guard will be waitin' at both entrances. Don't forget the wine and ale." 
Athedia
 "I am ready to go when you are.  And Ash is the one going in with me, correct?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs in relief as Miriam relays her message. The rogue shows her purchases as she says,  "I'm ready to go too. We should hurry. And not just because we need to save Deldon, but because, remember the giants who tried to attack us? If that wasn't a random attack, then they could have been following us. That means we might be a danger to Bellville as well, and we can't stay in one place for too long." 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods a little.  "We're making a rukkus. People were bound to notice I guess..." 
Admiral
The party spends the rest of the day in the town, nervous about the attack the next day. Their new allies seem to keep to themselves. Lucius seems downright suspicious of the newcomers, though that seems to be his usual nature. The sorceress Ezra is aloof and a bit rude when she's approached. Brander seems kind enough but is focused on his mission and doesn't seem to be in the mood to socialize, and though Calric Jr had seemed friendly, after his conversation with Miriam he seems difficult to find.

So the rest of the day is spent talking somewhat awkwardly amongst themselves: Shiny and Natalia explore what little there is to see in Bellville, with Natalia finding the items she's looking for in the small general store. While the store is larger than what she'd seen in Linwood, and not that much smaller than Ruby's shop in Hulburg, it pales in comparison to the majesty of the Institute's shops in Marvell and especially Cardonne.

Kurt, Mithril and Miriam wait outside the gate with the former slavers. Rocky and Karn spend most of their time together talking in some foreign language, just as they had on the journey there. Looking at them huddled next to each other, the party can't help but sense some strange brotherhood between them. Hilton spends his time off to the side of the camp, specifically avoiding Mithril, though none can tell precisely why. After a couple of hours, Ash makes his way outside the gate to spend time with the party. The green-belted samurai seems to have cheered up a bit since the encounter with Shiro: perhaps getting some distance from the town of Soshima has suited him well.

When dusk comes, Shiny and Natalia step back through the gates to rejoin the party, though the samurai remain inside the town. The five adventurers make their camp alongside the three former slavers and Ash, who had decided to join them for the night. The nine of them head to sleep... weary and ready for the day ahead...

Until they are awoken by the crashing sound of bells, the dark of the night still thick around them. Slowly they gather their bearings, and realize the bells come from the gates of the city behind them. Ahead of them is the ridge that reaches the edge of the valley, only a hundred feet wide. Along this ridge comes a halfling whom they recognize from the city guard, charging towards them riding a large dog with short fur. He's shouting something, and the words become clear as he approaches.

 "Giants!"  he shouts.  "Minutes away!!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia spends the hour chatting happily with her friends and the innkeepers and the Soshimans. She even tries, at the end of the hour, to strike up a conversation with their new allies, only to find herself rebuffed.

And so she glares back at them, then turns to her friends and asks,  "Rude. Why ignore, when allies? Supposed to...share, ensure. No open paths if all closed...off..." 

Natalia pauses as she hears the words coming out of her mouth. Slowly, she holds up her hands to her mouth and speaks the sentence again, as if trying to catch the words that fall out. Indeed, as she looks down at her cupped empty hands, her whole expression just...crumbles.

Knowing it was coming didn't make it any less painful.

 "...Oh." 

Natalia doesn't say another word for the rest of the day, or that night, not until the halfling runs up shouting his warning. Then she's awake in a flash, leaping up and throwing off the cover of her bedroll in one swift movement, and drawing her new longbow in the next.

 "Knew it! Ruckus following ruckus! Get Soshimans, Hulburg allies!"  she screams, drawing an arrow and aiming it into the dark. All the while, panic fills her head. Her suspicions were right. The giants weren't specifically looking to fight alongside the orcs, they were following  them.  She's not yet sure whether the  them  is herself and her friends, Soshima, or both (though she's leaning towards the first option), but the thought terrifies her. If the giants are following them, then they must have been sent by the puppetmaster, or one of his puppets. Which means the puppetmaster knows about them, and so might Hoodsie and his allies here. But in either case, they know.

Which is bad. Which is really, really bad.
Athedia
Mithril hurried out of bed.  Again?  Her friends had been right, the giants were coordinating.  And they were dangerous.   "Get close, I can speed you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia instantly steps closer to Mithril. Her keen eyes pierce the dark and her equally sharp ears listen for any sound that breaks the desert night.

 "Maybe wait for others?"  she asks.  "Speed many at once? More speed for strength?" 

She hangs her head at the broken words that come out of her mouth, not when she had tasted fluency for the first time.
Athedia
 "I will wait until I can see the giants.  No sense sending you off into the darkness.  But I have to hang back.  I.. did not prepare many spells of use today, and the few I have will have to wait until the giants are close."   Mithril could only hear the rogues once again broken voice and could not see her through the dark.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses at Mithril's hesitation. Still, she doesn't say anything about it, and instead chooses to brush her hand against Mithril's, informing the wizard of her presence.

 "Then I...your eyes, ears. Stay right here, weaken afar. Fight in light, not into dark." 
Admiral
The party wakens and readies themselves. The halfling ranger reaches them, his riding dog out of breath from the sprint.

 "Four giants approach!"  he shouts.  "I was riding along one of the ridges to the south when we spotted each other. They're close behind, a minute, maybe two until they reach us..."  He slows to a stop, his eyes wide with panic.  "The city wall can withstand orcs or bandits... but four giants could turn it to rubble. We can't let them reach it!" 

From inside the town the party can hear the shouts of alarms being raised.

 
 Spoiler 
You didn't set a watch. But lucky for you I'm setting Kurt on watch, so he has his full plate on.

Map will be up soon, but like the halfling says you have a minute or two.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Get Soshima, get humans...helping carts. ...Alden, Walker, Alyssa, Milton. All in inn.  Bring out now! Here to help!"  she shouts, not quite a barked order but one borne from fear and near-frenzy.

Panting, breathing heavily, she tells her friends,  "Potions in bag. Bark skin, and five that...ward evil. Take of need, please!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt stands and waits - for whatever reason, he doesn't seem panicked or surprised.  "Ready yourselves. We'll be able to hold them back if we stay calm. When we see them...we should just kill them one at a time." 

He sets his greatsword on the ground beside him, taking out his longbow and nocking an arrow, but not drawing it.  "They'll be no match for us if we just hold to the courage of our convictions and don't relent." 
Admiral
 "They'll come from the bells,"  the ranger responds to Natalia.  "It's our job to hold the gate until they do." 

Above them, the other two halflings on watch set their crossbows on the wall, pointing out towards the darkness. The ranger turns his dog around in front of the gates, draws a pair of short swords, and prepares himself for the oncoming enemies. Tense moments pass as they wait for both the enemies and reinforcements...

When suddenly a different bell clangs, all the way on the other side of the town. The halfling ranger turns, his eyes wide.

 "The eastern gate! There's only one thing that alarm can mean... we're under attack from both directions!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gulps. Where the giants gotten these tactics? Just how badly did the puppet master want them dead?

Nearly panicked, she shouts,  "Can't fight both! Soshimans, Hulburg allies, fight giants to other side!" 

Where the heck were all the giants coming from? Were they just going to keep attacking? Natalia sweats as she looks into the dark, ready to cast her magic and fire her arrows to help her friends. And what about the other side. Three Soshimans died with Miriam and Kurt. She prays Calric and Brander can help them the same.
Cavelcade
 "If we have to stand alone, then we will, Natalia."  Kurt's eyes almost blaze with certainty, and he seems to radiate calm. During his watch he had been...praying, or at least, talking to Kord in his head as the night passed. As he did so, he'd felt his certainty growing - not a certainty of life or victory, but a certainty of character. No matter what happened tonight, he would do what was right and inspire others to do the same. They  would  help Deldon, and then...then he'd go where he needed to.

 
 Spoiler 

He's in his Iron Guard stance - so adjacent enemies take -4 to attacks not aimed at him.

Against giants he'll get +4 AC.

Also Kurt has come to the conclusion that he wants to rid himself of his rages - and I've come to the conclusion I think it would be interesting to go for a full crusader rather than this build, though this build is a lot of fun. I don't, however, wish to force the group to come on a quest with me - so I'll leave it up to you guys and Shiny what to do.

In the meantime, however:

Crusader's Strike has not been readied - all the other five are, in the order of my character sheet. So, for when the combat starts, he'll have these three manoeuvres ready:

 (1d5)[ 4 ]  Charging Minotaur
 (1d4)[ 1 ]  Vanguard Strike
 (1d3)[ 3 ]  Lead the Attack

[roll]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's still shaking, no less scared than she was a few nights ago with the previous set of giants, but she stands firm, and does not run.  "They to other side, protect backs. And...not alone. Not with...each other."  She looks at Kurt again, almost ashamed to be standing next to, to be compared to,  someone as stalwart and brave and not a cowardly person like her.

Beys something about Kurt is different than when they first met. She remembers how he eagerly charged into battle against kobolds. The enjoyment of battle is still there, but much less visceral, more serene.
achinca
Miriam wakes up at the sounds of the alarm bell, looking happy to be awaken as if saved from a nightmare.

She stands behind the fully armored Kurt. She looks at the sky and smell the air. " Today is a good day to die ..... " She smiles at the dwarf before starting her incantation. When she is done, the string on Kurt and her finger starts shining.

" I will enlarge you when needed. "
Admiral
From the town behind them comes a rider at a full gallop. Soon the party recognizes Faera, an elf samurai bearing an orange belt, one of the few talented archers among the samurai's ranks. As she rides, she shouts towards the party.

 "Six giants approaching the other side! The samurai, the city guard, and the other humans are riding to meet them."  She descends from her horse in a swift motion and leaps up the steps to stand atop the wall, where she draws her longbow. Next to the two halfling guards bearing crossbows, her shiny, heavy armor makes her an imposing figure.  "We're to hold this gate at all costs!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods his thanks to Miriam, looking briefly troubled as he's told there's that many giants coming from the other side. He shakes his head to clear those thoughts - he can only deal with what's in front of him.  "Hilton, I want you to stay with me too. Use your net like last time, then make sure you don't annoy them. Rocky and Karn...well, let me see if they'll let you help out now." 

He turns towards the wall, calling up to them.

 "Will you not let Rocky and Karn up with you now? They're good archers, they'd be more useful on the wall!" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "Will you not let Rocky and Karn up with you now? They're good archers, they'd be more useful on the wall!"  
 

The halfling guard pauses for a moment, reluctant, but ends up shaking his head.  "I guess I would, but it doesn't matter anyway. We don't have the keys for the gate, and there's no way up from your side-" 

The words are barely out of his mouth before Hilton reaches into his bag, and retrieves a crooked iron hook with a sharp point. With the same dexterity he'd shown with his net, he twirls the hook a few times to gather speed and then tosses it towards the top of the wall.

 
 Spoiler 

Hilton's Use Rope check DC 13 (15 feet high):  (1d20+10)[ 23 ] 
 


Hilton's grappling hook easily latches on to the edge of the wall. The halfling, a bit perturbed, moves to secure it. First Karn and then Rocky jog towards the rope, grab hold, and step their way along the wall to reach the top.

 
 Spoiler 
Climbing with a rope and a wall is a DC 5. They're easily able to take 10 on the climb check and climb at a quarter of their speed to reach the top (15') in one round.
 


The guards seem a bit uncomfortable at having the unmarked soldiers standing alongside them, but they swallow whatever worries they have. The guard glances down at the remaining members of the party.  "Anyone else coming before we pull up the rope?" 

Hilton twitches, clearly liking the idea of climbing the wall, but with a scared glance towards Kurt he sighs and turns out towards the darkness.

 
 Spoiler 
Anyone else?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt salutes the guard, and nods to Hilton.  "I need you down here, your net fighting is...too good not to use."  He looks uncomfortable for a moment while he hesitates - but it is true, it is effective.
Athedia
Mithril looked up toward the wall.   "Does anyone mind?  I am much more use up there than down here.  My spells will still reach." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Shiny " You should do the same, Shiny. You will be as efficient as usual and protected. Kurt, Natalia, Hilton and I can take these beasts with yours and Mithril's magic and the arrows raining from the tower. "

She takes a deep breath " Let's get moving! Some will meet their gods today and we do not want to make them wait "
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam looks at Shiny " You should do the same, Shiny. You will be as efficient as usual and protected. Kurt, Natalia, Hilton and I can take these beasts with yours and Mithril's magic and the arrows raining from the tower. " 
 

Shiny shakes his head.  "Have you forgotten? Shiny Cloudcower, winemaker and sandcastle architect, has a dreadful fear of heights, one that outranks my merely moderate fear of being squished by giants." 
 
 Spoiler 
Shiny has some handy spells that will work only at close range. And he has the benefit of a +4 dodge bonus against giants.
 


 She takes a deep breath " Let's get moving! Some will meet their gods today and we do not want to make them wait " 

The halfling raises his eyebrow, even as he pants for breath and stares out into the darkness.  "The barbarians don't have no gods,"  he says matter-of-factly.  "For what gods would take 'em." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Cast spells, stay safe!"  natalia shouts, still staying near Kurt and Shiny, waiting to strike the first giant she can see.

 
 Spoiler 
going to lab, will be gone for a while. Depending on how close they are I'm firing or casting cats grace. I'm staying close to Kurt and everyone.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt takes position by the furthest rock, waiting to see the giant's approach before he fires. His sword is propped against the rock, ready to be picked up in an instant.

 "As soon as I pick up the blade, then enlarge me...and Hilton, that's when you get ready to use your net." 

He grins at the halfling as he goes forward past him.  "Barbaric gods." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia waits for Shiny or Miriam to cast a light spell. If neither of them do so, she takes a lit torch and flings it out as far as she can.

 
 Spoiler 
attack if necessary:  (d20+9)[ 10 ] 
 


After light is cast, Natalia crouches behind a boulder, preparing to take cover from the inevitable onset of hurled stones. She keeps her bow ready and peers out into the distance. She holds a hand to her chest,  an incantation on her lips. The moment she sees a giant, she is going to cast Cats Grace on herself.

 "Cover, wait to see. Speed self,, then shoot. Only leave cover and fight when close,"  she says to her friends. She looks guiltily at Kurt, somewhat ashamed that she's the only one ducking behind a rock.

But she's here. She's fighting and standing by them. And she'll be running into the fray soon enough. But right now, when exposure will bring nothing but danger...well.

She's cautious. She's afraid. She's honestly a bit of a coward and terrified of giants. But she's here and not running. She will not run away. And Natalia holds on to that as she prepares to fight.
Admiral
For a few tense seconds, the group continues to wait. The first to spot the giants is Faera, her sharp elf eyes penetrating the darkness.  "Four coming, two hundred feet!"  she whispers harshly. Natalia is barely able to distinguish the shapes in the darkness.

The rogue raises her torch, ready to throw it, when she hears Shiny's whispered incantation behind her, and four orbs of light appear out of thin air a few hundred feet ahead of them. With the light the orbs cast, everyone can make out the shapes of the four giants.

 
 Spoiler 
Map has been updated with new light. Note that everyone can now see the giants, although they still have 10% miss chance for G2 and G3 and 20% for G1 and G4.

I'm trying something new: Each giant is large, but I am typing G1 only in the top left corner of its position. Please assume that each giant does take up four spots as normal: I'm just tired of handling boxes and different colors and whatever.

Shiny's light was pre-initiative. Let's kick off the battle for real.

Initiative:

Natalia:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Slavers:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Halfling guards:  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Miriam:  (1d20+1)[ 3 ] 
Ash:  (1d20+1)[ 18 ] 
Giants:  (1d20-1)[ 4 ] 

Order: Natalia, Slavers, Mithril, Kurt, Halflings, Ash, Shiny, Miriam.

One mistake I made: Miriam was ready to cast enlarge person when anyone saw the giants. She therefore gets to do it pre-initiative.  Natalia wasn't sure until she saw the giants whether she wanted to shoot them or cast the spell, so she doesn't get a pre-init action of casting the spell.  Never mind, based on a better reading of her most recent post she casts it pre-init.
 


Miriam casts a spell on Kurt, enlarging him to a greater size. Natalia casts a spell on herself granting her faster reflexes.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia's turn. I'm going to be gone for at least an hour
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's breath catches as she sees the shapes of the giants, and nearly stops when they're thrown into focus by Shiny's light. They're real. They're real, they're here, and  they're chasing her and her friends. 

The incantation leaves her lips as the rogue feels her muscles tense and quicken under the spell. She breathes in, then out. They won't win. They won't hurt her or her friends. She can't, won't let that happen.

Natalia raises her bow and tries to fire two arrows in quick succession, her arm aching from the effort.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d8+4)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d8+4)[ 5 ] 

Hang on, is everyone in Hasting range of Mithril?
 
Admiral
Natalia's first arrow just barely lands a solid blow on one of the giants in the lead.

 
 Spoiler 
Slavers next. Need a few min
 
Admiral
Rocky and Karn each loose an arrow at the same giant Natalia had shot.

 
 Spoiler 

Range increment included.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 


Karn's arrow lands on the giant, though it only barely penetrates his thick flesh.

Hilton holds off on shooting, remaining hidden behind the rock.

 
 Spoiler 

Mithril and Kurt's turn. The halflings will wait before shooting to see if Mithril hastes them, though I think waiting for Natalia and others to run back and be included in the haste is one reasonable option.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt sends an arrow at the same giant Natalia had shot at, then draws his blade and grins at the approaching giants.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d100)[ 80 ]  Miss on 10 or less.

 (1d20+7)[ 14 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  Crit

 (2d6+1)[ 7 ]  Damage
 (2d6+1)[ 6 ]  Crit
 (2d6+1)[ 5 ]  Crit
 


Despite the fact that his arrow sails clearly by the giant, he grasps his sword with unflinching confidence.
Admiral
The halfling guards fire their crossbows, and Faera her longbow.

 
 Spoiler 

Includes range increment. These guys are pretty wimpy.

H2 and H3:
Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+1)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 4 ]  Damage:  (1d8)[ 3 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d10)[ 2 ] 
7 damage to G3

Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d20+1)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 1 ]  Damage:  (1d8)[ 8 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d10)[ 3 ] 

Faera:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
Low-light vision
 


Ash and the halfling ranger fire their longbows as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Ash:
Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 5 ]   (1d8)[ 2 ]   (1d8)[ 5 ] 

H1:
Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 8 ]   (1d8)[ 5 ]   (1d8)[ 6 ] 

Forgot to roll miss chance, but they both miss anyway.
 


One of the bolts from the halflings strikes the same giant that Natalia and Karn had hit.
Admiral
After taking a moment to think, Shiny runs up right behind Natalia and Hilton. As he moves, the lights ahead of them move forward as well, until they fully illuminate three of the four giants.

 
 Spoiler 

Double move. Shiny does  not  currently have cover, as a rock can provide cover to only two people at once.

Speaking of which: achinca said Miriam would not need cover. Since I assume Natalia wanted cover, I moved her up five feet to where Miriam was, and moved Miriam over. Natalia can still reach a position where she is included in Haste next turn.
 
Admiral
The giants scowl as the light reaches them, and move backwards to escape it. Glancing across the warriors aligned before them, they share a few grunts as they make a choice.

 
 Spoiler 
Whom do they throw at: the halfling ranger, Ash, or Kurt?

 (1d3)[ 2 ] 
 
Admiral
The giants raise the boulders in their hands, and each of the four hurls a rock at the green-belted samurai.

 
 Spoiler 

G1
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 18 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 14 ] 

G2
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 14 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 17 ] 

G3
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 12 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 12 ] 

G4
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 12 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 15 ] 
 


The first boulder knocks the breath out of the samurai as it strikes him square in the chest. Luckily for Ash, the following three boulders miss.

 
 Spoiler 
Ash is bloodied. It's Miriam's turn, and achinca asked me to play for Miriam.
 


Miriam looks over, worried, at the samurai. Ash winces in pain but waves her off, pointing to Kurt.  "Don't worry about me, cast your spell on him!"  Miriam places her hand on the dwarf and utters her prayer, and moments later he has grown to a much larger size.

Natalia runs back towards the wall, looking to get within range of Mithril's spell.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia reaches out to Ash as he staggers from the blow. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Mithril raise her hand to begin casting the swift spell. With a shout of,  "Wait! Hold magic!"  Natalia runs back into range of Mithril's spell.
Admiral
Having heard Mithril's shout about her spell, Rocky and Karn let the halfling guard past them to stand within range of the wizard. They then wait for her to cast her spell before they attack.

 
 Spoiler 
The slavers drop in initiative to after Kurt and Mithril.

Kurt and Mithril's turn. Mithril can now reach all six people on the gate, including herself, and Natalia. Don't forget to cast her spell from last turn as well as the one for this turn.
 
Athedia
Mithril paused and nodded.   "Closer all."   She quickly wove another spell sending off a green bolt toward the giants.

 
 Spoiler 
Acid Arrow
Ranged Touch Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Damage  (2d4)[ 5 ] 
If succeeds 2 more rounds of acid damage.  Attack G3 (I don't want the acid to go to waste if it hits)
 


She watched waited until everyone was in position before casting off her second spell, hitting all those around her with the magic.  Feeling a little quicker she smiled, this should help get rid of some of those brutes.
Admiral
Frowning as he looks out at the giants, Shiny shouts a warning to the dwarf.  "Don't charge, Kurt!"  he says urgently.  "Not just yet!" 
Admiral
The newly enchanted Rocky, Karn Faera and the guards all fire their arrows, able to fire more shots and aim them more effectively thanks to Mithril's spell. A hail of arrows heads towards the giants.

 
 Spoiler 
All are at G3. This happens whatever Kurt does. Note that with the bonus, several of the characters have decided to use their Rapid Shot, giving them three attacks total. Also note that the halflings unfortunately can't double shoot with their crossbows.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 

Faera:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 

H2:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 3 ]   (1d8)[ 6 ]   (1d8)[ 3 ] 

H3:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 2 ]   (1d8)[ 6 ]   (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 


Two of the shots hit the giant squarely.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods, readying his blade to bring to bear on any giant that gets too close.  "Okay, but soon I'm going to be facing a whole lot of boulders coming down on me, so I hope you have a plan." 
Admiral
Ash and the halfling ranger miss their shots. Ash grimaces.  "Taking cover!"  He drops flat on his chest. The ranger next to him rides his dog around to the back of the rock behind them, taking cover behind it.

 
 Spoiler 
Prone gets +4. Samurai are brave and honorable, they're not stupid.

Kurt has cover against two of them but not the other two, given that he's big and half behind a wall.
 


Two of the giants throw their next rocks at Kurt, while two more come flying at Ash, on the ground.

 
 Spoiler 

Ash:

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]   (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 11 ]   (2d6+7)[ 14 ]   (2d6+7)[ 16 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]   (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 10 ]   (2d6+7)[ 13 ]   (2d6+7)[ 12 ] 

Kurt:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 23 ]   (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 16 ]   (2d6+7)[ 11 ]   (2d6+7)[ 17 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]   (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 19 ]   (2d6+7)[ 14 ]   (2d6+7)[ 13 ] 

9 damage to Miriam, 8 damage to Kurt.
 


The boulders miss the sprawled Ash, but one hits Kurt solidly. Miriam feels a crushing pain in her ribs as she shares the wound.
Admiral
Shiny steps over to Kurt, slaps a hand on his back, and casts a spell.  "Surprised you stayed put,"  he says,  "Because you can never seem to stay in one place-" 

As he casts his spell, Kurt seems to shimmer for an instant, and then jolts forward a couple of feet. Other than that, nothing about him seems to have changed, but Shiny gives a knowing wink.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Displacement on Kurt, making him look like he's two feet away from himself. 50% miss chance against him for seven rounds.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt frowns as the giants do indeed continue their barrage of attacks, shoving his sword into his belt as he starts moving forward, to just inside the range of the torches, drawing his longbow and nocking an arrow as he does. From there he takes aim and looses another arrow in the direction of the injured giant.

 
 Spoiler 

Moves forward and draws as part of the action, then shoots.

 (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 22 ]  Crit

 (2d6+1)[ 6 ]  Attack
 (2d6+1)[ 5 ]  Crit
 (2d6+1)[ 7 ]  Crit
 
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing the giants continue their barrage, Natalia runs forward, clearing twice as much distance now thanks to Mithril's spell, and fires another arrow. As she does, she says to Kurt,  "They shooing, not moving. Need to...bring blades to them, or they kill from afar. And spells not forever! Need to hurry, please! I...can't charge alone. Can't. Not strong, too scared." 
 
 Spoiler 
move 60 feet per haste,
attack:  (d20+13)[ 29 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ] 
 


She notices that Kurt's outline is blurred, and there seems to be two of him. She turns to shiny and asks,  "Same spell for me? Please?" 
achinca
Miriam bites her lips as she feels the pain from Kurt's injury. A familiar crimson red stain appears on her well worn robe which used to be white.

She takes a deep breath and ignoring her pain, she moves close to Ash. "Here you go Noble Warrior. Not time for you to sit at your God's table"

She touches him and his would heal.

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam: Drop Shield of Faith. Cast CLW

 (1d8+9)[ 13 ] 

HP: 43/52
 Spell: 0 6/6, 1 5/6, 2 4/4, 3 3/3 + D, 4 2/2 +D 
Spell: 0 6/6, 1 5/6, 2 3/4, 3 3/3 + D, 4 2/2 +D to reflect the fix on the domain mix up

EDIT: Should be 1d8+7 so 11  HP  healed
 
Admiral
The archers on the wall fire another swarm of arrows at the giant.

 
 Spoiler 

At G3. This happens whatever Mithril does.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 

Faera:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 

Incidentally, I very slightly miscalculated the bonus for these two halfling crossbowers last time.

H2:
Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 6 ]   (1d8)[ 3 ]   (1d8)[ 2 ] 

H3:
Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 5 ]   (1d8)[ 7 ]   (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 


Two of Faera's arrows hit, as does one of Karn's, while the rest fall short or bounce off harmlessly.
Athedia
Mithril held back, the creatures were still out of range of most of her spells.

 
 Spoiler 
Holding to cast Black Tentacles once they are within range.  Both Acid damage rolls  (2d4)[ 5 ]   (2d4)[ 4 ] 
 
Admiral
The halfling ranger rides his dog to catch up to Kurt, and Ash stands up and does the same. Shiny reaches over to Natalia and casts the same spell he had cast on Kurt.

Seeing the giant Kurt moving forward, the giants focus their rocks on him.

 
 Spoiler 

All at Kurt.

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 10 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 12 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 25 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 17 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 18 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 12 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 13 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 16 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 14 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


To the horror of the adventurers, one of the rocks flies right at Kurt's head- and yet it sails on through, not even touching him. The giants look at each other and grunt.

 
 Spoiler 
Good thing he's displaced. Natalia, Miriam and Kurt's turn.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks at the giants, estimating the distance before shaking his head and simply moving straight forward, nocking an arrow as he moves and loosing it at the enemy.

 
 Spoiler 

This round Kurt will move 30' straight forward and shoot, next round he's going to double move and draw his sword as he does.

 (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  Crit

 (2d6+1)[ 8 ]  Attack
 (2d6+1)[ 12 ]  Crit
 (2d6+1)[ 10 ]  Crit

Also, his maneuvers refresh, going back to three readied. Let's see which three!

 (1d5)[ 2 ]  Stone Bones
 (1d4)[ 1 ]  Charging Minotaur
 (1d3)[ 2 ]  Vanguard Strike
 


Again, the arrow flies cleanly past the giant, the sight of a boulder passing through his head had been...unnerving for him.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pales as the boulder soars straight through Kurt's head. She looks back at the giants. They're not stopping. They won't stop throwing. Which means...which means...

  I am going to regret this so much.  

Taking a deep breath, closing her eyes, Natalia sprints into the dark, ahead of everyone else. There, she pulls out another arrow and fires at the giant, waving her bow and taunting,  "Here, ugly! Babies throwing, come fight close like men!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Move 60 feet, fire an arrow at the same wounded giant as everyone else. I'm in charging range of G2 next turn, even if they don't move.

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ] 
Concealment (miss on 1, do I need to roll this where I am?):  (d10)[ 10 ] 

Eh, figures. Admiral, does Shiny know what the giants are saying?
 


The arrow sails over the giants head, probably because Natalia feels like she is going to vomit in fear from what she's about to do next.
Admiral
Miriam reaches out her hand, and with a prayer she releases a powerful beam of light at the injured giant.

 
 Spoiler 
Searing Light at G3. I got the impression from achinca's last post that this would be Miriam's move, especially since no one has been injured since.

Ranged touch attack:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d10)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (3d8)[ 15 ] 

The giant was bloodied after Mithril's acid, by the way.
 


The giant cowers in the face of the cleansing light, and his skin seems to burn.
Admiral
 "Finish him off!"  shouts the halfling ranger back at the guards on the wall. In response, a flurry of arrows fly from the wall towards the most wounded giant.

 
 Spoiler 

None of the giants have moved. I assume Mithril does the same thing she did last time, in readying a Black Tentacles action for any giant that moves in range.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 

Faera:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 

H2:
Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 1 ]   (1d8)[ 6 ]   (1d8)[ 5 ] 

H3:
Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 22 ]  Crit:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 2 ]   (1d8)[ 5 ]   (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 


Two arrows hit the giant, not enough to bring him down.
Admiral
Ash and the halfling ranger run forward alongside Kurt and loose their own arrows.

 
 Spoiler 

H1:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 3 ]   (1d8)[ 7 ]   (1d8)[ 6 ] 

Ash:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 4 ]   (1d8)[ 6 ]   (1d8)[ 8 ] 
 


The halfling's arrow hits, though it harms him only slightly.
Admiral
Shiny looks over the rock and sighs as he realizes he'll have to run after them. He crouches back down and casts a quick spell. Moments later, when he runs out from behind the rock, there seem to be  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  of him, running side by side in perfectly identical motions. The dancing lights move forward once more so that they cover the giants.

 
 Spoiler 
Mirror Image. In most ways it's superior to Displacement, but Shiny can cast it only on himself.

I can't move the lights right now, but they're 20 feet higher than they were, covering all the giants.
 


Seeing Natalia run out in front, and having been frustrated by the apparently illusory Kurt, the giants snarl and target the rogue instead.

 
 Spoiler 

All on Natalia. Two don't have range decrements.

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 13 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 14 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 15 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 13 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 13 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 13 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 11 ]  Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 17 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
 


All four miss badly, not even approaching the illusory version of Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 
Back to Kurt, Miriam and Natalia's turns.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia seems to take a moment to stare at the giants. She takes a few deep breaths and then steels herself for what she's about to do. They're not coming. So they'll have to bring the fight to the brutes.

The rogue turns her head and shouts, more a plea than anything else,  "Mithril! Shiny! Magic to hinder giants,  please! "  And then, more to gather her own nerves than anything else, with a long cry of,   "HAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"   Natalia draws her swords in a flash and races to the giants, practically skimming over the distance to plunge her blade into the nearest one.

 
 Spoiler 
Charge, attack G1 since that's the nearest one I can reach. I'd get G3 but I can't reach him on a charge. Not rolling for Tumble to avoid AoOs since I autopass the check.

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 35 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ]  plus  8  crit damage and I really wish I had sneak attack here. Ah well, next turn when I get full attacks!
 


Even though Natalia plunges the blade in nearly to the hilt, it's only when she does so that she realizes what she's done. The rogue barely comes up to their knees, and as she looks up at the giant she attacked, and the other three very large giants within melee range of her, all of them staring at her,  all alone,  her face pales and what could possibly be a grin if not for the sheer terror behind it works its way up her cheeks.

 "Aaahhhh..." 
Cavelcade
Kurt watches Natalia run forward with a stunned expression, completely uncertain about what to do and suddenly extremely concerned for her safety - hadn't she seen what running ahead alone had done to him? For all of a split second he hesitates, then he simply runs forward as fast as he can, placing himself between some of the giants and her, with just his bow out to protect him.

 
 Spoiler 

Full round action run forward to place himself at J6. You're lucky Kurt is so unrelenting.
 
achinca
As Kurt starts running, Miriam does her best to keep with the enlarged dwarf.
Admiral
The archers on the wall fire once more in unison.

 
 Spoiler 

At G3. If they manage to take him out they will aim at G4, as G1 and G2 are now in melee and hard to hit.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 

Faera:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 

H2:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 5 ]   (1d8)[ 4 ]   (1d8)[ 3 ] 

H3:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 8 ]   (1d8)[ 8 ]   (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 


The slow but steady progress of the archers, empowered by Mithril's spell, finally takes its toll.  As the last of many arrows embeds itself into the giant's hide, the loss of blood causes the creature to collapse.
Athedia
 "Seriously?!"   Mithril tried to gesture that the giants were to far away.   "Get them in, spells only travel so far!" 
Admiral
Ash and the other halfling ranger each move forward, though at a more composed pace than the others. Each draws a pair of swords as they do, and prepare their charge.

 
 Spoiler 
Double move, drawing two blades. H1 moves farther because he's on a dog.
 


Shiny rushes forward another few steps, already chanting his incantation. He points towards the giants facing Natalia and twists his hand in a familiar motion, and a burst of glittery dust appears above them, falling to coat each of them.

 
 Spoiler 

Glitterdust targeting G1 and G2.

G1 Will  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
G2 Will  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 
 


The giants howl as they are both blinded by the dust, and the gnome performs a less-than-graceful fist pump as he runs.
Admiral
The newly blind giants growl fiercely as they draw their swords. Each takes a swing at the enemy they'd seen in front of them.

 
 Spoiler 

Each maxes out his power attack. Don't forget that Natalia has a -2 to AC from charging, and Kurt no Dex bonus.

G1 on Natalia:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 27 ]   (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+20)[ 33 ]   (2d8+20)[ 28 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

G2 on Kurt:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 20 ]   (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+20)[ 29 ]   (2d8+20)[ 24 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Unfortunately Kurt doesn't have his +4 dodge bonus against giants since he lost his Dex bonus, so it hits. 14 damage to Kurt, 15 damage to Miriam. (Don't forget they were both at full health: I was wrong earlier and the original boulder attack hadn't worked).
 


The club swings with a deadly thud at where the blind giant guesses Natalia to be- but luckily, she was just a few inches to the left. Kurt is not so lucky, as the club swings into his chest and crushes both him and the cleric.
Admiral
The third standing giant, seeing his allies blinded, growls with rage as well as he moves towards Kurt, drawing his sword, and makes his attack.

 
 Spoiler 

G4 on Kurt. Full power attack.

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 24 ]   (1d20+11)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+20)[ 29 ]   (2d8+20)[ 33 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Same deal: 15 damage to Miriam, 14 damage to Kurt.
 


This attack is successful as well, leaving both Kurt and Miriam badly battered.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia draws back in terror as the giant smashes the ground next to her hard enough to crack it, and nearly runs. But the. Shiny casts his spell and she hears Kurt and Miriam running for her, getting badly hurt for her, and she flips her blades, slips to the right, and attacks.

 
 Spoiler 
5 foot step so I can include g2 in my full attack next turn of I want. Full attack!

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 15 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 
 
Cavelcade
The first blow catches him on the shoulder, leaving him vulnerable to the blow from his side, unnoticed until it's too late. The force of it makes him stumble back a little, dropping his bow and drawing his sword instead, swinging at the blinded giant in his range instead, feeling his blood start to boil at his own sluggish reactions.

 
 Spoiler 

5' step back to I7 if Miriam will move aside. Full attack on G1.

Rage, +2/-2AC
Vicious Counterstrike, +1/+1
Power attack, -4/+8

Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 25 ]  Crit

 (5d6+21)[ 42 ]  Attack
 (3d6+21)[ 31 ]  Crit

Attack 3:
 (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (5d6+21)[ 36 ]  Attack
 (3d6+21)[ 30 ]  Crit
 


Kurt growls in frustration as his blade passes by the unharmed giant without leaving a mark.
Admiral
Natalia's blades slash deeply through the giant she is fighting, her precise strikes hitting his weakest points.

 
 Spoiler 
G1 is bloodied.
 
achinca
Her robe turning again the typical crimson red, Miriam moves 5 step and put her hand on Kurt to heal the warrior.

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam: Drop Summor Monster IV. Cast CCW

 (4d8+15)[ 26 ] 

HP: 22/52

Spell: 0 6/6, 1 5/6, 2 3/4, 3 2/3 + D, 4 1/2 +D
 
Admiral
The archers on the wall fire once more, this time targeting the unblinded giant.

 
 Spoiler 

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 

Faera:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 

H2:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 3 ]   (1d8)[ 8 ]   (1d8)[ 6 ] 

H3:
Attack:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 6 ]   (1d8)[ 4 ]   (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 


Only a single arrow, one of Karn's, finds its target.
Admiral
The halfling ranger charges towards the blinded giant Natalia has wounded, and takes a swing with his longsword.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ]   (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]   (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
 


He manages to deal a small wound to the giant.
Admiral
Ash, meanwhile, charges at the unblinded giant, his  daisho  at the ready, screaming a samurai war whoop as he swings with his katana.

 
 Spoiler 

Charge, kiai smite.

Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 27 ]  Crit:  (1d20+12)[ 32 ]  Dmg:  (1d10+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d10+4)[ 13 ] 
 


While his blow lands, it hardly slashes the giant's skin, even with the strength of his cry behind it.
Admiral
Shiny lurches forward again and conjures another cloud of glitter, this one over the giant Ash had attacked.

 
 Spoiler 

Will:  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] 
 


This giant clutches his eyes as well: all three giants are blinded by his spell.
Admiral
Blinded and confused, each of the giants lashes out at the closest target.

 
 Spoiler 

Each maxes first power attack and does +3/-6 second.

G1 on Natalia:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 31 ]  Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 22 ]  Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 28 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 22 ]  Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 20 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

G2 on Kurt:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 29 ]  Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 27 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 21 ]  Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 22 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

G4 on Ash:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 30 ]  Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 28 ]  Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 27 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 24 ]  Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 25 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

22 damage to Natalia (lucky for her that crit wasn't confirmed, and min damage too).

Ash is unconscious (he had been injured earlier, though Miriam's healing helped).
 


Natalia receives a crushing wound from the blind giant she'd chopped up earlier.

The club smacks into Ash's head with a sickening thud, and he flops onto the ground, unconscious. From the wound, it doesn't look like he's dead yet, though he may be bleeding badly.
Cavelcade
For a moment, Kurt seems uncertain about what to do - but protecting the one already down takes priority, so he steps closer to the giant who had forced him back, unleashing his fury.
 
 Spoiler 

Same as last time, but no vicious counterstrike.

Attack 1:
 (1d20+12)[ 14 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 25 ]  Crit

 (5d6+20)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (3d6+20)[ 31 ]  Crit

Attack 2:
 (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 20 ]  Crit

 (5d6+20)[ 37 ]  Attack
 (3d6+20)[ 34 ]  Crit
 
Admiral
Until the last moment Kurt thinks his enemy can avoid his blow- but the blind giant can't see Daybreaker coming. It slashes an enormous wound across his chest.

 
 Spoiler 

Lucky for Kurt, being blinded gives a -2 to AC.

G4 is bloodied.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as the giant smashes into her chest, cries put as she feels ribs crackle. She's about to call over Miriam when she sees the other giant being his club onto Ash, watches him crumple. She waves her hand and shouts.  "Hurt but standing! Save Ash!"  And then she leaps onto the giant again, trying to tear as much connective tissue as possible.

 
 Spoiler 
full attack sneak attack g1. If he's down before I finish the rest of the attacks go to g2. If nor, i stwp back so g2 cant full attack me. Vampiric touch on the first short sword that connects.

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 16 ]  plus vampiric touch:  (2d6)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam walks to the bleeding Ash. " Here you go noble Samurai. Your gods can wait another day before meeting you. " She touches and heals the wounded warrior.

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam: Drop Divine Power. Cast CCW

 (4d8+15)[ 32 ] 

HP: 22/52

Spell: 0 6/6, 1 5/6, 2 3/4, 3 2/3 + D, 4 0/2 +D
 
Admiral
Natalia's first swing misses, but her second is devastating: made even more deadly when the necromancy stored in the sword steals the giant's life energy for Natalia. At the end of the first strike he's barely standing, and the second one fully cuts him down.

Natalia aims her final swing at the other giant within her reach, and slashes a severe gap into his neck.

 
 Spoiler 
G1 is dead, G2 injured. Natalia heals 6 HP.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs, hen steps back with her anklet so he can't full attack her.
Admiral
The archers on the wall fire once more, but since they have to be careful to avoid the combatants their shots suffer.

 
 Spoiler 

All at G4. They don't use Manyshot this time.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d20+1)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+1)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+1)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 

Faera:
Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (1d20+1)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 

H2:
Attack:  (1d20-1)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 4 ]   (1d8)[ 5 ]   (1d8)[ 1 ] 

H3:
Attack:  (1d20-1)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 5 ]   (1d8)[ 2 ]   (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 


Three of the arrows manage to find their marks.
Admiral
Ash's wounds heal in response to Miriam's magic, and when he comes to he smiles in a grateful expression. He takes full advantage of his returned vigor, leaping to his feet and slashing again at the giant.

 
 Spoiler 

Ash at G4 (can't full attack since he had to stand up):
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d10+3)[ 5 ]   (1d10+3)[ 6 ] 
 


He deals another mild slash against his foe.
Admiral
The halfling that had been fighting one of the slain giants steps forward and engages a new foe.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]   (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  [roll]1d6+2[roll]

Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ]   (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  [roll]1d4+2[roll]
 


Both of his swings miss.
Admiral
Shiny kicks his knees up to his palms as he casts a spell, and then he starts racing towards the fray far faster than before.

The giant that Natalia had wounded raises his club, howling in furious anger... and swings it twice at the space where Natalia had been moments earlier.

 
 Spoiler 
Clever of Natalia to use her anklet. The blind giant did what he was going to do, attack her, but there was no way for him to know she popped ten feet backwards as a free action, even after he missed once.
 


The other giant takes a moment to consider his two opponents, both of whom had wounded him... but he chooses to lash out at the large opponent who had harmed him the most.

 
 Spoiler 

G4 against Kurt.

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 28 ]  Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 27 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 21 ]  Damage:  (2d6+16)[ 23 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
 


In his blind confusion, he completely misses the enlarged dwarf.
Cavelcade
Kurt growls as the giant's attack breezes past his head, cutting up as he does.
 
 Spoiler 

Oops, subtract 1 from attack and damage...not that I think it'll make much difference. ;)
Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (5d6+21)[ 33 ]  Attack
 (3d6+21)[ 31 ]  Crit

Attack 2:
 (1d20+8)[ 26 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  Crit

 (5d6+21)[ 37 ]  Attack
 (3d6+21)[ 34 ]  Crit
 


With the strength of his rage he swings Daybreaker up through the giant's arm, bringing the blade clean back down on its head.
Admiral
With Kurt's first blow he is able to decapitate the giant.

 
 Spoiler 
Would Kurt like to direct his second strike towards G2?
 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
Kurt does not have cleave - I will attempt to intimidate him with my rage.
 


The two thunks with combined with the triumphant roar from Kurt as he turns to face last remaining giant combine for a frightening cacophony.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Kurt continues his massive blow, Natalia steps back into th fray once more. She flashes her blades up, then tries to plunge them into the giants arteries.

 
 Spoiler 
cavelcade, if the first strike killed the giant he can use the rest of how full attack to attack the second giant. No cleave necessary. I think.

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 14 ] 

Attack:  (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 4 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Save against Intimidate:  (1d20+12)[ 18 ] 

He is shaken.
 


Kurt's primal roar, combined with the deaths of his allies and the horror of blindness, is enough to make the giant quiver.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Since the battle is almost over I will play Miriam's turn. I hope my choice and roleplaying is reasonable.
 


Miriam prepares to run in and smite the giant, then considers alternatively healing Natalia's mild wounds. But suddenly an old lesson of Calric come unbidden to her mind.   "Listen, farm girl who knows nothing... it is only a foolish healer who refuses to heal herself. You cannot assist your allies if you are dead."  

Reluctantly, she pauses, places her hand to her chest, and casts a spell of healing.

 
 Spoiler 

Let's say she casts CSW, since I'm not sure whether she has CCWs left. Achinca can decide when he returns what spell Miriam drops.

CSW:  (3d8+13)[ 17 ] 
 


Some, though not all, of the cleric's wounds heal.
Admiral
The archers hold their arrows, since they have no clear shot through the fighters.

Ash charges at the remaining giant, and the halfling swings with both his swords.

 
 Spoiler 

Giant is blind and shaken, so total -4 to AC.

Ash:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 29 ]   (1d20+9)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d10+3)[ 7 ]   (1d10+3)[ 8 ] 

H1:
Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]   (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]   (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ]   (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny races towards the battle. Seeing that one giant is still standing, he hurriedly casts a spell against it that he hopes will take it down.

 
 Spoiler 

It's blind, so it's flatfooted.

Whelm Will save:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Neglected to roll (nonlethal) damage:

 (4d6)[ 13 ] 
 


The blast from Shiny's spell against his mind is the last straw for the badly wounded giant. Clutching its temples, the giant falls to the ground, unconscious.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches the last giant fall to Shiny's spell, and looks back at it and the first, their legs torn to ribbons by her blades. Two giants. She felled two giants, one of them nearly all by herself. She leans over, her hands in her knees, wanting to take deep breaths but forced to draw shallow ones due to her cracked ribs. She can already feel her chest swelling, painful against the stiffness of her leather armor.

She looks around, makes sure that everyone is alive and okay. Then Natalia points to the giant and asks,  "Finish too?"  before waiting for Miriam to heal her and for her to thoroughly search the giants.

And then bad the adrenaline fades she remembered once more just what foolhardy reckless suicidal thing she did, and her face blanches ones more. And she suddenly has to use the bathroom very badly.
Cavelcade
Kurt looks down, calming down a little and panting.  "Gotta check the other side."  He turns around then, sheathing daybreaker to make it easier to run faster, looking weary as he sets off but picking up a steady pace as he makes his way back towards the gates.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns sharply at Kurt's reminder, her hands still searching a dead giant.  "Right! Need...to help!"  she says, though it comes out a gasp more than anything else. She clutches her chest and whispers,  "Broken ribs. Help?" 
Athedia
Mithril realized where Kurt was running and turned to one of the guards on top of the gate.   "Can I get to the other side from here?" 
Admiral
Ash and the guard nod, and they begin riding back with Kurt.

The familiar call of a bird comes from somewhere towards the horizon, and Ash freezes, after having moved only a few yards.

 "Wait!"  he says, his voice filled with concern. He draws his blades again, and everyone finds themselves studying the dark landscape ahead of them.  "Can you send your lights out there?"  the samurai asks Shiny. The gnome complies, and the orbs make a sweep as far out as his spell can reach... but there's nothing but the ground, which reaches the edge of the canyon about a hundred feet away. Ash bites his lip.  "Firefeather's been wrong before, especially at night..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up, scanning the dark once more. You've got to be kidding her. What is it now?

 "What seen?"  she asks, the edge of a plea and a whine on her voice.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+11)[ 18 ] 
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 20 ] 
 
Admiral
 "More giants?"  Shiny asks with a frown. He scratches his head as he peers out at the horizon, his six duplicates mimicking his expression precisely.

 "No, not with that birdcall,"  says Ash quietly, looking out as well.  "That sound means only one thing...  orcs... " 
Athedia
Mithril remembered her spell, the one that had allowed her and the group to sneak into the orcish camp.   "Look up, they may have magic on their side." 
 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
 

 "Orcs..."   Then it was true.  There was an alliance.  The giants must have been sent to wear them down, to make them weak.  The orcs?  They were the real killers.
CoffeeIncluded
Oh  no.  So the giants were just a welcoming party? And now they're going to have the entire horde bearing down on their heads while the giants are still possibly wreaking havoc on the other side of the town?

 "How many?"  she asks, afraid of the answer, looking up at Mithril's words.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Mithril is still a few hundred feet away on the wall 🙂 She can see they're worried, though, and the word "orc" can easily have floated across that distance.
 


Shiny looks worried, and all seven version of him point to the unconscious giant.  "If you can tie him up and heal him, maybe we'll learn if there are other attackers coming. I have spells that can get the truth out of him. If we do it, let's do it quickly." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, disarming the giant and searching him before tying her rope around him as tight as she can. She stands close to the giant with her blades drawn, ready to strike if he tries anything.

 
 Spoiler 
Take 10 on search for 25, take 20 on Use Rope for 30.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt halts where he is, coming back to them uncertainly.  "Orcs...we should pull back inside the town then, soon. Giants could just walk over the walls, but orcs..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Need to know if orcs...first. And what, numbers. Why,"  Natalia says, pulling the last of the knots together.
Admiral
Mithril is watching her friends so intently that the sound to her left startles her. It is the garbled and yet melodious language of Rocky, who for the first time seems to be addressing a question to her directly.

Karn laughs a little as he turns to the wizard, with a smile that makes her uncomfortable.  "He is asking if you can create the spell that gives off light,"  he translates in his deep accent.  "This spell, he has seen before." 

------

Natalia quickly ties up the giants while the other warriors stand ready, watching both the prisoner and the horizon. Only a minute has passed since the last giant fell.

Miriam walks to the giant and casts her weakest spell of healing on him. He wakes up, and grunts in confusion as he sees his captors. He looks disoriented and dizzy.

Before he can react, Shiny speaks a few arcane words, casting his enchantment on the giant.

 
 Spoiler 

Suggestion. Counts as flatfooted, so DC 10+4+3+1+1=19.

 (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 
 
Admiral
The giant shrugs off Shiny's first spell. He starts to rise, but the sight of Natalia's blades and Kurt's greatsword, as well as the pounding in his head, keep him at bay.

Shiny tries a second spell.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 


As the spell takes hold, Shiny speaks to the prisoner.  "&lt;Giant&gt;You have no hope of escape. Answer all our questions truthfully so that we might have mercy.&lt;/Giant&gt;" 

His mind warped by the gnome's spell, the giant nods slowly.

For about a minute the gnome and the giant speak, the prisoner still seeming to suffer a headache from the gnome's earlier spell combined with his severe wounds. No one else can understand their conversation. At the end he turns to the others.

 "Charm School and the other giants... it sounds like their mission was to break down the wall. They didn't get very far... Once the wall was broken, the orcs would arrive and swarm the city. He didn't know more than that..." 

The gnome frowns.  "He sounded unsure why he was working with the orcs, but I don't think these barbarians are the type to ask questions of their commanders." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia swallows.  "How many? How far? How...long planned? What...about Deldon?" 

She shudders. She needs this confirmed.  "Told...after city? Or those within?" 
Admiral
As Shiny speaks to the orcs, Firefeather swoops down from the sky. As Ash watches the bird approach, he quietly casts a spell, and once the hawk is on his arm they whisper to each other for a moment.

Ash looks back up.  "Whatever their plan was, they're leaving. Firefeather saw a crowd of orcs, maybe thirty, making their way away from here. I guess they were hoping the wall would break." 

The halfling ranger's eyes widen.  "The eastern gate!"  He turns and races back towards the gate, gesturing furiously.  "Get to the other wall!"  he shouts to the archers.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns as well, gasping at the sudden movement.  "If orcs, then hurry!"  She turns back to look at the giant Shiny's interrogating, and the gear she collected. Gear...

 "Wait!"  she calls up to the archers.  "What...about shop? Potions there, potions to fight, defend! Maybe...take from there? Help strengthen against second fight?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Can they do that? And were we able to loot the bodies?

Natalia's at 38/54 HP, 32 when vampiric touch wears off.
 
Athedia
Mithril couldn't help but shudder a little.  What these men had done, but no.  The moment still called for action, she could not spend it in her thoughts.

Tentatively she nodded.   "Whiskers has a collar I usually cast it on.  It makes it hands free, and easy to hide." 
Admiral
Karn translates the wizard's words with a sly smirk. With his muscular arms Rocky draws an arrow from his quiver, and hands it to Mithril with the feather first. He gestures towards it, and with a small smile manages the first word Mithril had heard him use of the common tongue.  "Please?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt stares at the giant on the ground for a moment, then shakes his head, turning and running towards the wall as soon as Ash mentions that the orcs were creeping off, not stopping to talk or decide what to do about the giant.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia had been searching the other giants while Shiny was interrogating that one. Now she looks back, hesitant while Kurt runs off.  "Any...other words?"  she asks the gnome.
Athedia
Mithril looked nervous, glancing at the guards on the wall.  If Karn was plotting something... But some part of her felt Rocky was not as bad.  Rocky seemed as though he followed Karn, but at the same time she felt she could trust him more.

She nodded, running her hands over the shaft of the arrow.  As she did so it began to glow a steady bright light.
Admiral
Rocky smiles as he takes back the arrow. He notches it onto his bow, points it out in the air, draws it so far back that it nearly warps the wood, and releases it.

The glowing arrow cuts a high arc through the darkness, until finally landing on the ground in the distance. The arrow lands over two hundred feet further from where Shiny's lights could reach, and helps shed some dim light on the surroundings further than the party below could. To Mithril's relief, no enemies is illuminated.

Rocky gives Mithril a smile, then nudges Karn and says something else in his exotic language. Karn laughs.  "He is saying I could not shoot as far. This, I do not know, unless you have second such spell you can cast." 

---------

Once the gnome is finished explaining, Ash brings back his boot and gives a solid kick to the giant's temple. The already dazed giant falls unconscious once again. Ash gestures to follow the ranger, and the party starts running.

As they approach the gate, one of the halfling guards starts yelling down at them.  "For security reasons we don't keep the keys to the gate here!"  he shouts.  "I'll run back for them: in the meantime we can toss down a rope-" 

As the guard speaks Shiny is already finishing his incantation. The locked latch on the gate pops open just in time for the party to reach and open it. All seven of Shiny give an apologetic shrug to the halfling as they rush past, leaving him behind to lock it again.

As they hustle, the ranger running alongside them shakes his head in response to Natalia's query about the shop.  "Only the shopkeeper or the Mayor would have the authority to claim potions like that,"  he says. They wind their way through the streets, taking a few minutes to traverse the town, before approaching the east wall. Already they can hear the sounds and shouts of battle ahead of them.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Maybe ask? If time?"  Natalia asks as she runs to keep up, her breath hitching as her lungs inflate against cracked ribs. She draws her bow as she hears the sound of battle and looks out and around, steeling herself for whatever carnage she may find.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 20 ] 
 
Athedia
 "No more spells of that type.  Not today.  I am sorry."   Clambering down from the wall she chased after her friends and toward the sounds of battle.  She hoped she would make it in time to help.
Cavelcade
Kurt keeps going at top speed, not wanting to be too late to help at the other gate - though Shiny, enchanted as he is, can outpace him. He doesn't have the breath to waste on talking, though there's something weighing on his mind. He'll have to let it wait until later.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back at Kurt, who seems to have something on his mind. No time for that now though. As they run, Natalia pants a question to her friends:  "What magic left? Any...spells? I...have one. And potions." 
Admiral
 "I've got only a few spells left,"  Shiny shouts back, and begins counting them off on his fingers even as he pants for breath.  "One to put someone to sleep if they're already pretty tired, one to make someone taller by about a quarter of an inch, the power to turn someone invisible as long as no one's looking, an illusion of something that's already there..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Followup soon.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia thinks.  "Then...could dual us, focus on fakes while vanishing reals. Sneak invisible and..." . And then she trails off, giving Shiny a look when she realizes he's messing with her again.

She also calls back,  "Miriam! Mithril! What...magic left?" 
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia hears the battle, if Miriam doesn't heal her cracked ribs, she asks Shiny,  "Healing wand? Please?" 

If Shiny Doesn't give or use the wand, she takes a healing potion or two and downs them herself.
Admiral
The group rushes towards the eastern wall. As they approach the first thing they see, to their horror, is the bloated corpse of a giant who had made it through the wall. They can see that the wall has been badly damaged: much of the left side looks like a pile of rubble six or seven feet tall. But as they approach, the sounds of battle are already starting to slow.

A number of samurai stand on the closer side of the wall near the giant, the corpses of orcs at their feet: it seems the orc charge had been successful. They stand ready, but no further foes seem to be climbing through the gap. On the other side they can hear shouts, but the sound of swords has stopped. As they approach the gate, they can just barely see orcs disappearing into the darkness.

Dresden, the samurai commander, stands fifty feet through the locked gate, surrounded by his samurai and some halflings and gnomes of the city guard.
Dresden bears serious wounds but remains standing. As he pants, he turns towards the gate and sees the party.  "The battle's over,"  he calls out,  "orcs charged, but they made their retreat. No sense following 'em into the night..." 

As the party takes in the scene of the battle, they can see a story spoken in death. Most notable are the six fallen giants that block out the battlefield like a maze, but around them are the bodies of orcs and a few samurai. Strangest is the scent in the air, which takes a moment to register as burnt flesh.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches the scene, then gags at the stench of burning flesh. It was too soon to smell that again. Never would be too soon.

But she looks around, and asks around, trying to piece together what happened on this side of the town.

And what caused the burnt flesh.
achinca
before they reach the second attack point, Miriam touches Natalia with her quarterstaff to heal her injuries.

 
 Spoiler 
 (2d8+11)[ 20 ] 
Drops delay poison

0: 5/6, 1: 6/6, 2: 2/4, 3: 1/3 +D, 4: D
 


EDIT: The cleric assesses the situation before starting her healing duties " Why in the world would the orcs back down after succeding in breaking the wall? "
Cavelcade
Kurt looks over the battlefield stoically, breathing softly despite his hard running. His fingers drum against his side as he looks with frustration at the deaths all around them...they did this. Coming here, they did this - he doesn't have any reason to believe it's definitely the case (a band of samurai travelling towards a besieged castle would be enough) but he feels...knows it was them, their fault.

 "Where'd the fire come from?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs.  "Thank you,"  she says, as her cracked ribs knit together, leaving little more than a bruise.

She looks around the battlefield.  "Where...Brander, Lucius, Ezra, Calric? Maybe...they repelled, like us..."  But from what Miriam said, what they saw, the Horde didn't stop. Why would they retreat, it went against their previous knowledge and strategy?

And who told the orcs and giants to work together? The same puppetmaster who told the giants to finish them off? And...put Bellville in the way? Natalia turns green and faintly sick as she looks around at the carnage.

 "Our fault...our shadow,"  she says to herself.
Athedia
 "Could be that they had more gunpowder."  Mithril went out to the broken wall looking at the retreating orcs.   "And they probably wanted to gauge our power, figure out who was allied together against them." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns.  "But...remember boom of ship? Think would have heard, if here too."  But Mithril's right. Why would they retreat if they managed to break the wall? Unless...

 "What if searching...for us? Hunted, but couldn't see because too far? And so checked other side, but saw...other group?"  come to think of it, where were Brander and Lucius and Ezra and Calric?
Athedia
 "What are you looking for?  I don't think they would disquise themselves as samurai."  Mithril watched Natalia's neck craning looking at the gathered peoples faces.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "What are you looking for?  I don't think they would disquise themselves as samurai."  Mithril watched Natalia's neck craning looking at the gathered peoples faces. 
 

 "Brander, Lucius, Ezra, Calric. Fighting here, I...think. So looking. What if puppet master after them too?" 

She pauses.  "Why...were they rude?" 
Athedia
 "The orcs I mean.  I thought you were looking for them."   Come to think of it where was the other group.  Hopefully NOT under the giant at her feet.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Left,"  Natalia says, pointing out at their retreating forms, dim against the half-light cast by the sentries.  "See? Don't...know why." 
Admiral
As they approach the gate, they see Brander weaving his way back through the giants' corpses, his greatsword filthy with blood. Calric Jr is moving around the battlefield, checking the casualties to see if anyone is not yet beyond healing.

Up on the wall they spot Lucius, his crossbow resting on the battlements, and Ezra next to him, the sorceress still in her red nightgown. Her eyes are narrow as she peers out onto the now-quiet battlefield.

 
 Spoiler 
Didn't mean for their absence in the description to be a mystery.
 


The halfling ranger who had led them from the eastern wall runs forward to debrief the rest of the guard.  "Other side is safe... the giants never hit the wall, so looks like the orcs went running." 

Dresden walks towards the gate, spotting the party.  "Aye... 'twas lucky you were out there. By the time the samurai reached this wall, the guards were slain and the giants were starting their destruction. They were hard enough to take down, but when the orcs charged... let's just say we were lucky to have her."  He gestures with his thumb to the sorceress on the wall.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles and waves a hand, but then falters when Dresden mentions how the sorceress stops the charge.

Though she's beyond grateful that their partners are alive and okay and did just as well in repelling the charge on this side (though so much destruction...they weren't fast enough. So many people died, and because they were i nthe way of her and her friends), Natalia looks back up at Ezra, then back at the scorched orcs.

 "You burned?"  she asks before turning back to Mithril.  "Mithril, your power...so different. Such different magic. Can...you burn too? Or all...swift, control?" 
Athedia
 "She can have the burning.  The smell it generates is rather foul."   Mithril looked a little annoyed at the sorceress.  That obvious show of power, that is why people feared wizards.  Okay not the only reason she thought, embarrassed at her swift judgement of Ezra's character.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Right. Fouls other smells. No more pork,"  Natalia says. She turns to Mithril and smiles a bit.  "Besides...like your smells better. Burnt, but not foul. Sweet burnt, with orange. Safer than burning too." 

But still. There were so many questions, and only the hints of answers.
Cavelcade
Kurt eyes Ezra curiously for a long moment, before shrugging, and stretching out his shoulders and arms, turning away to go back to the other gates.  "I have to go and see to something at the other gates - I'll be fine alone, if you want to stay and look for...clues, or something." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia touches Kurt's shoulder.  "Think I know your search. Proof...they follow us? If, then...I look here. If your want." 

She smiles.  "If alone, then you okay. Know it. Seen it." 
 
 Spoiler 
admiral, if Natalia's searching would it be faster to take 10 or roll a search check to search the field.?
 
achinca
Miriam heals Dresden and who ever else need healing and follows Kurt back to the site of the first battle.
Cavelcade
Kurt blinks, taking a little while to figure out what she's saying, shaking his head as he does - he hadn't even considered that.  "No...I hadn't thought of doing that, but I suppose I can. This is something else - I'll be fine on my own though." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks.  "Search what then? Any help?" 

In any case, if Kurt leaves, Natalia Steele herself and takes a look airline the battlefield, trying to find clues or....well, she's not sure what evidence shell find, but hopes she can find something.

 
 Spoiler 
take 10 for 24 or  (d20+14)[ 15 ]  for search, whichever takes less time to search the battlefield or as much as makes sense. She's not going to look for hours.

Fft. Guess she's tired.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt just shakes his head in response to Natalia's question, indicating he wants to do it alone.
Athedia
Mithril headed back to the camp exhausted.  She needed to sleep or she would not be able to help the next day.
Cavelcade
Kurt pauses at the site of their camp, looking around for Hilton. If he's not there, he goes to look at the last place he'd seen him, behind the rock where he had hidden. Whether or not he finds him, he turns to Miriam at the camp to ask her a favour.

 "Miriam, I need to talk to Hilton alone. Do you mind staying at the camp and keeping watch?" 
achinca
Miriam nods at Kurt. " Of course. No problem. One thing I understand is the need sometimes to be alone or do things alone. "

The cleric returns to the camp.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Okay. See later."  As Mithril leaves, she says,  "Bed soon too. For tomorrow. But...look first."  and so she looks around for clues and gets a sense of the damage and events on this side before going to bed herself.
Admiral
When Kurt, Miriam and Mithril return to the western wall, Hilton is up on the battlements, talking with Karn and the guards. While Miriam and Mithril head to the camp to keep watch, Kurt calls him over and walks a bit into town, away from the others. Hilton follows Kurt, an eyebrow raised.

 "There a problem, boss?" 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Taking 20 is fine, though since the roll was low it means that she might have been slower than others who are searching the bodies.
 


As Natalia walks out onto the field, a couple of short figures rush past her. About a half a dozen gnomes and halflings who look like citizens of the town run out to the orcs and start scavenging, grabbing their weapons and tossing them into sacks. The city guard seems to shrug off this behavior.

Once Natalia is a bit outside the walls, the stench of charred flesh worsens, and her eye is drawn to the cause: a pile of orcs in the center of the battlefield, surrounded by a circle of burnt grass. About a dozen orcs lie dead within it, and other burned orcs seem to have made it only a little farther before arrows and blades took them down. Looking more closely, she sees multiple giants with scorch marks that seem to resemble the burns from lightning.

As Natalia searches through the orcs' posessions, she finds little she wouldn't expect: weapons, shields, warpaint similar to the orcs she'd seen in the encampment on the Takagawa River. And even as she works her way through them, she sees the inhabitants of the town grabbing everything that's even remotely valuable off of the corpses around her.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's searching the field when she's nearly knocked over by a stampede of halflings and gnomes. A town of scavengers. This must be a treasure trove to them. But then again, thinking back to how she paused to pick up the most valuable weapons even when escaping the caves, is she any different?

Still, they need the items and spoils more than she does, especially the random stuff. So instead, trying not to gag, Natalia bounces the magic crystal in her Hand and scans the bodies, only picking up what may be most specifically useful to her and her friends. She also looks for clues--traces of gunpowder, strange weapons and devices, maybe even something written down, though she doesn't expect it.

When she sees the pile of Orc bodies, blasted by fire and struck by lightning, she stops. She can't Help but shudder. This was the magic she'd always thought of first whenever someone mentioned the word, the magic everyone was too afraid to let her learn, laid out in all it's destructive glory before her. Mithril's magic was different. So was Shiny's, and Kurt's, and now hers. It wasn't as raw, wasn't as visually impressive. But it was powerful and useful all the same, the ability to heal, speed up, blind, control.

But Natalia still wonders what it would be like to control the lightning that fascinates her so. Wonders if she can take her words and harness them to such destruction all the Same. Wonders if there can be more to lightning beyond destruction, if it can heat and power as much as flame.

And she also wonders if they can bury the orcs and giants. Even if they were the enemy, just leaving them to rot didn't feel right.

With all these thoughts and questions and more (and not forgetting that they needed to figure out how much they knew about here and her friends), Natalia finishes searching and scavenging the field, and then carefully returns to the others and goes to bed.

 
 Spoiler 
if possible, Natalia uses the detect magic crystal to filter our magic items.
 
Admiral
Natalia looks around the bodies, but whatever magically enhanced weapons and armor the orcs might have had had been stripped off by the time she checked for it.

 
 Spoiler 

Let's say you don't get anything from these bodies, for two reasons. First, if you literally grabbing things off the orcs you kill, it would make sense only to find specific kinds of items: generally weapons and armor. Second, you weren't here for this fight, so you can't go jumping in afterwards to pick up the treasure! (The townies can, because they're not players in my campaign)

As mentioned, you'll get rewards from the town which I'll roll up shortly.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks around, then shrugs. She might have been more upset, but there wasn't much that she could have found useful anyway besides the odd healing potion, especially since she's not strong enough to use greataxes and Kurt doesn't seem to use one anymore. So she heads back to the other side and rejoins the others, after waving at the samurai and other group. How many of the samurai made it through the battle? She prays it was most of them, knowing it would be too much to ask for all.

 
 Spoiler 
I take it the other side's been stripped clean too? And eh, that's okay. As long as we get Treasure Time. 😛

Did you take a look at the treasure roller I linked? That might be faster, if it works properly.
 
Admiral
As Natalia walks through the corpses, she can see a few dead guards from the city guard, but also a few samurai. One green belt was crushed by a giant's club- the second of that rank to die after Luthor. Two orange belts also died bringing down the giants, and a yellow belt inside the wall had given his life to stop the charging orcs from entering the town. The casualties were tragic, but against the odds they were facing it was clear that the healers and mages had done much to prevent .

Once Natalia and Shiny start walking back, the obsequious gnome mayor finds them, flanked by a number of merchants from the town. He bows deeply, with a serious expression that somehow seems shallow.  "Our most sincere thanks, honored guests, for your invaluable assistance in securing the Western wall. Were it not for you our walls would surely have fallen. Please, let us grant you some gifts from our town's humble supplies as a token of our appreciation." 
 
 Spoiler 
Treasure in OOC.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says, forcing a smile.  Sure she's grateful, but four more samurai died, died because of them and not against the foe they expected. And because of them. She needs to tell Miriam about this, and worries how the cleric will take four more deaths. And she needs to talk about this with everyone else. If they are being hunted, if everyone they meet is in danger just for being near them (and it would almost be better if it was a single shadowy assassin after them, for these giants don't care what else is in their way; at least a single assassin would be less likely to hurt anyone else), then what should they do?

Still, she's grateful for the rewards, although she doesn't feel they entirely deserve it. Would Bellville have been in danger at all if not for their presence? So she doesn't say anything when they pass along gold, and a scroll containing spells that seem like something Miriam would cast. And when he merchants try to slip in two cheap gems with the valuable emeralds, natalia gives the merchants a Look and a frown, but doesn't say anything.
Cavelcade
He turns to look at him seriously, trying to not get angry though he can feel it bubbling away beneath the surface. For a moment it flashes in his eyes, before he takes a deep breath and settles himself, thinking of Zen and his disappointment and his words.

 "Why didn't you fight? If I can"  He manages to keep his voice level as he says it, surprisingly finding it easy enough to do.
Admiral
Hilton's eyes seem to flash alarm for a moment, but it's gone as soon as it starts. He shrugs.  "You didn't tell me to charge, so I figured you wanted me holdin' the line in case the giants charged, just like the folks on the wall." 
achinca
Miriam sits and puts dirt and dust on her robe to suck up her blood on her robe. She wonders if one day, she will die because of Kurt's injuries. It does not matter. He dies once because of her. She will not let it happen. She would die without hesitation if she has too.

She saw the 4 dead samurais and the lost of life is hitting her hard. She knows that it is the greatest honor for a samurai but she thinks about the wife, mother, children who will never see or her a husband, son or father.

She refuses to think about Calric Jr and how he behaved during battle. It does not matter. She might have bedded his father but she had nothing in common with him other than knowing his mother. Although Mary became quite cold after Miriam returned from the outpost battle against the giants.
Admiral
Miriam spots Brander and Dresden discussing something with a halfling in a breastplate, one who appears to be in charge of the city guard. He seems to be rather agitated. As she approaches, she hears more.

 "...couldn't be more grateful, of course... but what can we do about this wall?"  He gestures towards the huge gap, a gash about six feet across and eight feet deep in the 15-foot tall fortification.  "That wall's all that's stopping the bandits and Horde from running in here and raiding our city for everything it's got. What do we do when you're gone and the orcs come back tomorrow night?"  He seems legitimately distressed about it.
Cavelcade
 "I told you to stay with us and use your net. You chose not to - you were scared, I guess. But that's the point, you have to get over your fear and attack. If you don't, you'll be trapped forever, and I don't mean in a prison."  He shakes his head, frustrated at his own inability to explain it.  "I need you to trust me, and I need to be able to trust  you . I don't intend to do anything that will hurt you, but I need you to fight. Otherwise I can't protect you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  Natalia says to Shiny as they walk back.  "Smashed without your spells." 

She looks at Bellville, nearly child-sized even to her, now that she's no longer a child, but to Shiny? And what about her mentors, Torin and Karik, both only coming up to her waist even when she was shorter than she is now? We're they from Bellville, or a larger city, in both senses of the word?  "Shiny? Where you from? Place for smaller, or short amongst tall?" 

She sighs. Not enough to get her mind off things.  "Think...need talk. All, later." 
achinca
Miriam approaches Dresden and Brander " Sorry to interrupt but I over heard the conversation. If St. Cuthbert is willing, I can ask for the divine power to shape stone in older to repair the breath. The magic should be available tomorrow. If you think it is a bad idea, let me know. I will not get insulted. After all, I am a simple farm girl who knowns nothing about such things as wall and fortifications "
Admiral
At Kurt's words, Hilton bristles a bit.  "Get over my fear?"  he asks.  "Like you did? I saw the spells yer friends cast on you. The gnome made you near impossible to pin down, and the priestess did summat let her share your wounds when y' got hit, not to mention making ye twice my size."  He looks at Kurt sincerely.  "Who was gonna cast those spells to protect me? If you're so unafraid, how come y'don't run into battle until you're more enchanted than a wizard's diary? And if you're trying to protect me, how come you expect me to run in when one club'll flatten me?" 

 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam approaches Dresden and Brander " Sorry to interrupt but I over heard the conversation. If St. Cuthbert is willing, I can ask for the divine power to shape stone in older to repair the breath. The magic should be available tomorrow. If you think it is a bad idea, let me know. I will not get insulted. After all, I am a simple farm girl who knowns nothing about such things as wall and fortifications " 
 

The halfling raises his eyebrows.  "That's... that's a fine idea. Our city would be grateful." 

Dresden clears his throat.  "In the meantime, I'll have samurai stationed here the rest of the night on shifts, to guard the breach in case more orcs or giants return." 
 
 Spoiler 
Good idea. Thinking of it, Miriam could actually prepare the spell  Make Whole , which fits a bit more precisely, and also happens to be L2.
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 [COLOR="DarkOrchid"]She looks at Bellville, nearly child-sized even to her, now that she's no longer a child, but to Shiny? And what about her mentors, Torin and Karik, both only coming up to her waist even when she was shorter than she is now? We're they from Bellville, or a larger city, in both senses of the word?  "Shiny? Where you from? Place for smaller, or short amongst tall?"  
 

 "I suppose the latter, Natalia Noseynibble,"  Shiny responds.  "I was raised by a tribe of cloud giants: not one among them less than sixteen feet tall. Now, my foster parents kept my adoption status a secret from me as long as they could. When I asked about the difference in heights, they first explained that I was also a giant, just one unusually stunted growth on account of not drinking enough goat's milk. But upon discovering how this news diminished my self-esteem, they eventually reversed themselves, and declared that everyone else in the tribe was a grossly oversized gnome (on account of drinking far too  much  goat's milk)."
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Why goat milk? Would...though gold goose eggs?"  she jests back.  "But that why white hair? Raised among clouds? If ice giants, then hair blue?" 

And then her face turns serious again.  "Shiny, should tell others, but...think giants after us. Puppet master knows." 
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 At Kurt's words, Hilton bristles a bit.  "Get over my fear?"  he asks.  "Like you did? I saw the spells yer friends cast on you. The gnome made you near impossible to pin down, and the priestess did summat let her share your wounds when y' got hit, not to mention making ye twice my size."  He looks at Kurt sincerely.  "Who was gonna cast those spells to protect me? If you're so unafraid, how come y'don't run into battle until you're more enchanted than a wizard's diary? And if you're trying to protect me, how come you expect me to run in when one club'll flatten me?"  
 

 "You think that came easily? They stick with me because I stuck with them! I've died for them, and I would again if it meant they'd live. I don't expect that from you, though. You're right, this is a dangerous dangerous business we're in. That's why all I wanted from you was to use your net." 

He grabs his beard in frustration then, then sighs, holding his belt.  "Your fear is what lets people like the slavers control you. And you're wrong - I'd run in there anyway. My friends were in danger, and I would never abandon them to it." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "You think that came easily? They stick with me because I stuck with them! I've died for them, and I would again if it meant they'd live. I don't expect that from you, though. You're right, this is a dangerous dangerous business we're in. That's why all I wanted from you was to use your net." 

He grabs his beard in frustration then, then sighs, holding his belt.  "Your fear is what lets people like the slavers control you. And you're wrong - I'd run in there anyway. My friends were in danger, and I would never abandon them to it."  
 

Hilton seems about to offer some counterargument, but eventually he just bites his lip and looks at the ground.  "I'm supposin' you do deserve better after you stayed out here on the ground with us. If we'd been alone out here, we'd be in a giant's belly by now."  He looks back up.  "You knew who you were hirin' when you got me out of the jail, and you knew I'm not one for heroics. But next time I'll try not to let you down." 
Cavelcade
He hesitates a moment, then nods and holds out his hand to shake.  "I did know. I won't expect you to do anything suicidal. But it will be alright I think." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at Shiny, and then suddenly yawns, deep and loud, though ending in a squeak.  "Maybe...what thoughts? Maybe sleep, dream ideas, think and talk tomorrow."  She looks back at Bellvile.  "Talking danger near bystanders, may be bad anyway." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia yawns again, even as she inspects the giants bodies on this side. She doesn't expect to fine anything, even with the crystal, but it didn't hurt to look. When she finishes, she yawns again.  "Should sleep. Talk tomorrow. Thank... You, Shiny." 

With that, she curls up in a tight ball and tries to go back to sleep. She's stay up longer but now she has magic to replenish. The thought is still hard foot her to believe, though it makes her giddy.

She shivers in a cold wind and curls up tighter. The desert is surprisingly cold at night, but...well, she can't exactly be close to a fire right now.
Admiral
Hilton and Kurt return to the camp, Hilton looking a bit embarrassed. They spot Natalia and Shiny returning, carrying some gifts, and behind them see the halfling ranger who had helped fight the giants, accompanied by the captain of the Bellville guard.

When they reach the camp, the captain scratches the back of his head, seeming a bit embarassed.  "I reckon I owe y'all a fair bit of thanks. We barely were able to hold off the giants on the other side... and way I hear it, you were able to save this wall from getting even a scratch. And offering to fix our wall with magic-"  he gestures with his head towards Miriam-  "-well, guildmarks or no, I guess it'd be awful rude of me to keep you waiting out here." 
 "Well, if you want to come into the town and find yourself a bed for the rest of the night, you can."  He hands a key to the guard, who goes to open the gates.

 
 Spoiler 

You and the slavers can find beds in the inn if you want, if only for the tragic reason that some samurai won't make it back.
 


---------------

In the morning, the party awakens and prepares for their final journey to the fortress of Deldon. As they emerge, they see the samurai lined up outside of the town. Between the bodies lying atop pyres of dry wood, and the absence of colored belts on any of the soldiers, it's easy to recognize a samurai funeral.

 "There is no greater honor." 
CoffeeIncluded
If everybody else comes Along, Natalia eagerly runs into the inn and flops down on the bed. She eagerly curls up, enjoying the soft mattress as long as she can, even if it's just for a single night.

The next morning, Natalia pays her respects at the samurai funeral, removing the blue ribbon and allowing her long black hair to stream in the breeze. She still doesn't agree with what they say about there being no greater honor, and the smell makes her gag, but she pays her respects regardless, standing close to her friends.

Are Brander and Lucius and Ezra and Calric even there?

How many more are going to die before they reach their destination? How many because of them?
Cavelcade
Kurt sleeps lightly through the night, waking when the dawn light streams through the window. He stands stoically by the pyre, watching the men go up in flames and honouring their sacrifice. He understands better now, than before he'd left for the orc camp why they wish to stay dead. He hopes - prays, in fact - that they find rest at last.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at stoic Kurt and brushes the hair out of her eyes. She asks him, quietly,  "If more giants, what plan? Can't...send off. Not that. Not even promised." 

She wipes the back of her eyes with her wrist, the bumps of her wire pressing colors into her vision. She hates this, all the death, all the people dying because of them, whether directly or indirectly.

But the sooner they leave, the sooner they can help. And the fewer people have to die.
Admiral
The party finishes their preparations. Miriam heads over to the eastern wall, which had been quiet through the night. A few laborers in town had done their best to reassemble the wall out of the debris. Miriam merely has to touch the wall and whisper her prayers, and the wall is fully restored, to the joy of the onlookers.

 
 Spoiler 
Requires one use of Make Whole. achinca is welcome to prepare the spell list and summarize the spell if he wants.
 


A couple of minutes after the samurai funeral, Natalia sees Lucius heading towards the group. Brander is following the rogue, with a concerned look on his face: he seems to be whispering to him urgently. But Lucius's eyes seem fixed on Natalia.

 "You,"  he spits out once he's close to Natalia. His voice is quiet enough that the nearby samurai can't hear, and yet it seems to contain no end of malice.  "A halfling guard comes up to me today and says 'I didn't know you hailed from Hulburg.' And he didn't, 'cuz we'd been keeping that quiet. Want to know how he found out?" 

He stops mere inches from Natalia. His dagger remains sheathed at his side, and yet somehow he looks just as threatening as if he had it at her throat. Brander puts his hand on the rogue's arm, trying in vain to calm him down.  "Because some addlebrained imbecile last night yells at him 'Get Hulburg allies.' You think just cuz you're daft I'll let you go around spreading our secrets?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia freezes as Lucius immediately starts lashing out at her. Trembling, she shrinks from him and tries to press herself close to her friends, or up against a wall if they're not around. Her hands reach down to her blades; she's ready to defend herself if she must but really, really doesn't want to.

Tears fill her eyes and begin trailing down her face. She speaks quickly, even more erratically than normal out of fear, her voice as quavering as the actual content, a high-pitched plea. He's right, he's completely right, but...

 "I...I...I sorry, didn't mean. Truly didn't mean words!  Not addled, not daft, promise! Wanted hidden names, but wrong words only. Always muddy words! Nutspeak, not daft speak! Trying, but swim through mud, though good swimmer! Understand! Trying, some flailing! Please!" 
 
 Spoiler 
ah, Nutspeak. I was wondering when this would come up.
 
Admiral
 "I don't much care why you fumble your way through sentences like a crippled troglodyte,"  says Lucius with a nasty sneer.  "Don't reveal my secrets again." 

With a firm pull, Brander pulls the skinny spy off his balance, and Lucius finally succumbs and steps away from Natalia. The two walk off to finish their preparations.

 
 Spoiler 
To make things easier, we'll assume no one else in the party was close enough to intervene. Lucius backed her up against the city wall.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I...I..."  Natalia crumples to the ground as Brander pulls Lucius away from her, crawling back against the stone and throwing a hand out for support as the other clutches against her chest.  "I-I--"  Nothing but half-formed stutters and whimpers come out of her mouth, until, finally,

  "UWWAAAHHHHH!!!"  

The rogue runs off to her friends, sobbing. Wherever they are, she runs to them, and because she can't see through her tears she trips and falls face-first onto the ground, where she gets to her hands and knees, continuing to cry in big gulping hiccups.
Athedia
Mithril had finished her morning studies and gotten up when she heard a horrendous sobbing.  As she walked toward the sound she saw Natalia crying on the ground.   "What is it?  The samurai that died?  I wouldn't worry, they knew that was a possibility.  We all did."   She just guessed as to the source of the girl's problems.

 
 Spoiler 
  Spell List:
Level 0 (4):
Light
Detect Magic
Light
Prestidigitation
Level 1 (5):
Magic Missile
Mage Armor
Vampiric Touch
Grease
Magic Missile
Level 2 (4):
Web
Acid Arrow
Cloud of Knives
Acid Arrow
Level 3 (3):
Fly
Telepathic Bond (Lesser)
Tongues
Level 4(2):
Dimension Door
Black Tentacles
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head, still sobbing. If Mithril comes close she embraces the mage, seeking comfort in one who has always understood her, and always will.

 "Not samurai, not all reason--but how could you...say?!,"  she cries.  "It...Lucius, my words...Nutspeak spills secrets! Hates me! Hates us! Awful, nasty L-Lucius! Says I...mind thick as words. Hate against wall, daggers in voice...and n-nearly steel! Didn't mean words, spoke through mud, but--aaahhh!"  She draws in a deep breath and cries,  "I ruined all! No sharing now, no working all because me!" 
achinca
After a night a light rest, meditation and prayers, Miriam wakes up and goes to the wall. Thanks to the power provided to her by St. Cuthbert, she is able to repairs the damaged wall. The joy of the inhabitants makes her smile.

She returns to the samurais funeral, playing silently for each one who died.

When Natalia comes back crying, she tries to make sense out of it but cannot understand Natalia. She hugs her, just saying " It is OK. It will be OK "


 
 Spoiler 
Will update spell list later
 
Athedia
 "No, no.  You haven't done anything wrong.  They are absorbed with themselves, no heart that I can see for others.  Here, give me your dagger."   As Mithril took Natalia's dagger she passed her hand over the blade and whispered some quiet words.   "There, now you have that again.  You don't need full speech to be a good person.  I trust you to watch my back over that group any day." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 After a night a light rest, meditation and prayers, Miriam wakes up and goes to the wall. Thanks to the power provided to her by St. Cuthbert, she is able to repairs the damaged wall. The joy of the inhabitants makes her smile.

She returns to the samurais funeral, playing silently for each one who died.

When Natalia comes back crying, she tries to make sense out of it but cannot understand Natalia. She hugs her, just saying " It is OK. It will be OK  
 

Natalia returns the hug, but cries,  "I...what if closed walls? No secrets shared because me?" 

But Miriam can't understand her. She never did without the spell. But even then, Miriam never thought of her as a crippled troglodyte, right? No, she didn't. She never did.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "No, no.  You haven't done anything wrong.  They are absorbed with themselves, no heart that I can see for others.  Here, give me your dagger."   As Mithril took Natalia's dagger she passed her hand over the blade and whispered some quiet words.   "There, now you have that again.  You don't need full speech to be a good person.  I trust you to watch my back over that group any day."  
 

Natalia sniffles loudly, rubbing her running eyes and nose as Mithril casts the health-draining spell into her sword once more.

 "You..."  she takes a deep quavering breath that hitches halfway and tries again.  "You...thank you. More than thank you, but no words... Why? Why they so cruel? I...wrong, but say that? Addlebrained imbecile, daft, crippled troglodyte?"  Just saying the words makes her whimper again, a long high cry.

 "You trust, know...good, but smart too?"  Natalia pauses. She knows what Mithril's answer will be.

She buries herself in Mithril's shirt and cape and murmurs,  "You...know my voice. Always know my voice." 
 
 Spoiler 
Even if Natalia wasn't in love with Mithril, Mithril knew what to say more than Miriam did.
 
achinca
Miriam is totally lost with Natalia mention of walls and secrets.

She wrongly believes Natalia is upset about the samurai deaths.

" It is OK Natalia. Death is part of life. And for them it is the biggest honor. The same way when I join St. Cuthbert table, I want to stay there. And do not worry about the wall. I fixed it. "

She continues caressing the head of the sobbing Natalia.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shifts her weight, making it easier for both Miriam and Mithril to reach her. She shakes her head and says, a bit more calmly though clearly still unsteady,  "Not all reason, though...no reason for me..."  She pauses, collects herself, and tries to get back on topic.  "Lucius. Other group. Nutspeak caused poison hatred, words...stab like I remember..." 
achinca
Miriam's face turns stern as Natalia speaks.

" Little one, I have often trouble understanding you but I need to make sure. Just nod for Yes and shake for No. Understood? Good. Now are you saying that Lucius, the assassin from the other group tried to stab you because of the way the speak? Did he hit you? Are you hurt? "

 
 Spoiler 
Sorry for playing Miriam daft I like that she cannot understand Natalia well.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses.  "Thought he would. But stabbed with words. Said...Imbecile, addled, daft...crippled troglodyte. Don't..."  it's clear that recounting the words are painful. Natalia squeezes her eye shut. She thought she'd never have to hear those words again, not since coming here, not since traveling with everyone else.

 
 Spoiler 
its ok. Though I can't recall: did Natalia already know Miriam doesn't want to be raised?
 
Athedia
Mithril took on the role of translator again.  Not wanting Miriam to get the wrong impression.   "He was mean to her.  Resorting to childish, hurtful names." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods at Mithril's words.  "First heard in while. Thought...never hear again...Said because, because my fault."  Natalia takes a breath to steady herself, and looks up, though she doesn't let go of either girl.  "Last night. Shouted, 'Get Hulburg allies!' Told their origin...why Lucius mad." 
achinca
Miriam's face stays stern. She looks at Natalia and Mithril and then calls in Shiny and Kurt.

" The assassin from the other group has insulted and emotionally hurt Natalia because in the heat of the battle, she said "Get Hulburg Allies". First, how did people connect that battle cry with the other 4 is not clear to me. Regardless, I do not think Lucius had the right to do what he did. "

She stops and blushes a little which is not something people have seen her do very often.

" See, I do not know if it is spending all this time with the samurais or if St. Cuthbert is finally able to put some wisdom into my thick skull, but you guys are my tribe, my clan, my family. I know this might sound strange but you are like an extension of me. The same way I am sharing Kurt's injuries in battle, when someone insults one of you, they insult all of us or at least me. So as far as I know Lucius as attacked me when he attacked Natalia. And I do not stand for bullies. I think we have a little talk to Brander and his dogs. What do you guys think? "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sits up with wide eyes.  "M-Miriam..."

 You don't have to do this. But you are. Family. Just like I thought, like I always said. You all think it too. You're my real family, more than my parents.  

"Family." 
achinca
Still caressing Natalia's head, Miriam nods " Yes. Family. "
CoffeeIncluded
And Natalia remembers fleeing the giants and the spiders, staggering back to Hulburg though her body was like lead, and waking up in a tent on a cot surrounded by everyone, who dropped everything when they heard she'd returned.

Natalia stands, smiles and wipes away her tears. Even if she could speak, nothing could accurately describe her joy and this... Peace, the peace she'd known for some time but compounded now that she knows it's mutual.
Cavelcade
Kurt stays silent for a long while Natalia explains her story and Miriam says her piece, astounded by the whole turn of events, trouble by Lucius's reaction and angered by his treatment of Natalia...but he can't decide whether or not he wants to confront them.

 "I don't know...maybe that's just a waste of time at this stage. He probably doesn't care." 
Admiral
The gates to the city open, and six wagons emerge, driven by monks from the Church. The party from Hulburg rides alongside the wagons, with Brander at the lead. As they approach, the samurai mount up and fall into a defensive position around it, and the caravan begins its journey south.

As they start riding, Brander waves the party over, apparently looking to talk to them.
Cavelcade
Kurt glances at the others and shrugs, the conversation preempted it seems.  "Let's see what he has to say at least. Maybe it's just Lucius." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Kurt and for the first time, the dwarf sees a hint of disappointment  in her eyes. She is surprised the dwarf is taking such a low key approach.

When Brander calls them over, she whispers " talking about the devil ...... "
Admiral
Brander glances at the approaching party with an embarrassed look. Once they're close, he clears his throat.  "I have to apologize for my colleague Lucius: his outburst earlier was far over the line. He operates with a very high level of caution that serves him well in the field... but there was no call for him to say the things he did." 
Athedia
Mithril just nodded when Miriam called them family.  It was hard for her, she was the only one, at least in her mind, who genuinely missed her family.  She loved them and cared for them, but had needed to find herself, and she was still searching.

As Brander gestured them over she glanced at Natalia.  If he was going to lecture her then she had a few choice words in return.
achinca
Miriam nods at Brander " Brander, I really appreciate your apologies. It is a sign of great leadership to recognize and admit when the people you lead make mistakes. I think that our two groups will do well for the cause. "

She turns towards Natalia and smiles. " See. Family "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's quiet as Brander calls them over. She hangs back and refuses to look at either him or Lucius, at least until Brander apologizes. Then she looks up and her expression softens a bit. She visibly relaxes--at least it's just him. She doesn't try to brush it off as no big deal though, because, even though it should have been, that would be lying.
Admiral
 "You have to understand,"  Brander continues, glancing back over his shoulder to where Lucius is bringing up the rear of the caravan,  "I've known Lucius... for a long time. We've been through a lot. I'm not trying to excuse him, but... think what behavior you would forgive in your friends." 
achinca
Miriam smiles at the leader " This is why friendship is all about. Knowing when your friends are doing something wrong, apologizing for it and forgiving them. No one is perfect. "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses. What would she forgive in her friends? But what would she forgive without changing? Or trying?

 "Understand,"  she says quietly, still not quite looking at either of them.  "But..."  She shakes her head, makes a sort of sharp wave with her hand.  "Long as partners, us." 

He probably thinks she's stupid As well. Guess she'll have to prove otherwise.
Cavelcade
Kurt continues frowning as Brander speaks, nodding after he finishes his words. Then he speaks up quietly, something obviously weighing on his mind as he does so.  "You can't make someone change. You can only hope they'll change themselves."  He shakes his head again, pulling away from the others again.
Admiral
The next few hours pass as the caravan moves carefully along the path south, constantly vigilant against the threat of orc raiding parties. Firefeather carves a wide circle overhead, alert for threats on the road ahead, but for most of the journey they encounter no guards.

 "Last time we made it just up to two miles short of the door,"  Brander explains to the party.  "During the day they don't seem have many orcs patrolling the surrounding regions: mostly I suppose they're focused on keeping the entrances to Deldon secured. Once we're about three miles away... that'll be a good time to start your diversion." 

He glances over at the young wizard.  "You're still looking to go in ahead?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Could Mithril et al reiterate the plan?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia speaks up for the first time in several hours, having spent most of the trip in silence.  "Share eyes, mind...right Mithril? Fix tongue too?" 

Three miles... "Should link before miles, close if diversion...fails."  she pauses. What next?  "When...we enter?" 
 
 Spoiler 
this is the one thing I've never gotten. How far behind them will we be?
 
Athedia
Mithril nodded and spoke quickly.   "You'll have to create enough space for me to get closer to Deldon, within 600 feet or so.  I know it isn't much distance but I can't travel miles with the spell.  I will link with Natalia, and Miriam can help her speak like us.  So no translation errors.  I will have to link almost instantly before travel if we want the spell to last long enough.  I can take two others in with me, Ash has already agreed to go and I doubt anyone else can be spared.  I will report on everything I can, as best I can." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "We follow when?" 
Admiral
Shiny thinks.  "I can turn you invisible... chances are that's the only way you can get so close. If you're going in through the same door where I'll be starting the diversion, we could all go in together. It'd be even easier if you can fly." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Silenced too?"  She nods at Shiny's suggestion. Going in all together sounds like a good idea. They go just ahead so they walk into already open doors, instead of wasting time waiting for them to open. They must take a while to open, enough time for the few hundred feet to be worth it.
Admiral
Brander nods at Mithril.  "Which side do you want to go in: the side with the distraction, or the side where we'll be heading with the caravan?" 
Athedia
 "I think I should stay with Shiny.  His tricks have helped us before and I don't doubt they will let me get close." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses as a thoughts comes to her.  "Mithril? If together, then...link spells still?"  she's almost afraid to ask, and dares not mention the Tongues spell. She wants to speak clearly again. She wants that so badly it hurts.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods in agreement to the plan.  "Remember...we won't be far behind you, so get in and explain as fast as you can." 
Admiral
The group continues to move south. Now Ash, the two halfling samurai, and the others with ranger experience have begun scouting ahead a short distance, watching carefully for lookouts. The ground gets rockier as they walk, and soon a mountain range looms up ahead of them, as if bursting out of the horizon of the desert.  "The Farchild Range,"  says Ash as he peers out, his hands shading his eyes from the desert sun.  "They stretch all the way along the southern rim of the continent. Beyond the range, there's nothing but ocean." 

After another hour of walking, the mountains have grown much closer, and they stop. Brander turns to the group.  "We're three miles from the western gate, and about five miles from the eastern gate. From here, whoever's doing the warning and the diverting should break off. The rest of us will make our way to the western gate, and when the diversion starts we'll make the final approach: sounds like your mental link will let us coordinate."  He points at Mithril, but she can barely hear him, for another voice is speaking that only she can hear.

For a moment Mithril reels, terrified of her mind being invaded the way Shiro's had: but the voice is different: female, and familiar.

 "The orcs have learned your plans. Change them or they will fail. And hurry, servant of Boccob." 

Only when the message is complete does she recognize the voice as that of Avaralynn.
achinca
Miriam waits, ready to cast tongues on Natalia and daylight if needed to handicap the orcs.
Athedia
 "NO!  It won't work, we have to think of something else.  Please, it will not work."   Mithril shook her head, trying to calm down.  Even though it was just Avaralynn the feeling was wrong.  And how was she to explain how she knew this?  The others would think her mad or even worse infected with the Voice.
achinca
Miriam looks at Mithril with a surprised look. "  What are you talking about? The plan looks great. Kurt and Natalia and the rest of the group all think it will work. Do you the power of future sight? What are you so freaked?  "

Suddenly Miriam is very worried about the mental health of Mithril. After all, the bard songs are full of magicians who became mad searching for that ever elusive ultimate magic.

"  May be you just stay back and relax. Can you send other through your magical door? It is not the time to have second  thoughts. We will be fine. It was like the boat on the river. May be you should lay off using magic after this for a while.  "

She starts readying herself to cast hold person in case Mithril becomes agitated.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril! What wrong? What...won't work?" . She rushes over to the wizards side.  "Please, Mithril!" 
 
 Spoiler 
i think I may have an idea.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam looks at Mithril with a surprised look. "  What are you talking about? The plan looks great. Kurt and Natalia and the rest of the group all think it will work. Do you the power of future sight? What are you so freaked?  "

Suddenly Miriam is very worried about the mental health of Mithril. After all, the bard songs are full of magicians who became mad searching for that ever elusive ultimate magic.

"  May be you just stay back and relax. Can you send other through your magical door? It is not the time to have second  thoughts. We will be fine. It was like the boat on the river. May be you should lay off using magic after this for a while.  "

She starts readying herself to cast hold person in case Mithril becomes agitated. 
 

Mithril was pale as she pulled Miriam aside.  Voice hoarse with fear she whispered to the cleric.  "Would you listen if your god warned you.  Of all people you should understand, I do not fear my magic will not work, I fear they know of our tricks and plan to ensnare us in them. 
CoffeeIncluded
 l"They know? They know plan? How? Who told?"  her voice becomes more panicked with every breath. No. Oh no.

 "Told like giants? Know like giants? Didn't find, but told? Mithril, what magic for seeing without...being seen?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at Mithril with skepticism " Actually, I am not sure if St. Cuthbert is talking to me or if I am making it up in my desire to hear from Him. And it is usually through visions or dreams. You are not a cleric and I doubt Boccob or any of the Gods would step up and stop us. We are grains of sand on an infinite beach. No Mithril, I am worried about you. Magic, arcane magic, powerful arcane magic does a number on the mind. The fact you just got scared and now believe the orcs know worry me. Are you saying you are hearing voices? "
Admiral
 "You said they know our plan?"  Shiny asks, with an eyebrow raised.
CoffeeIncluded
 "But Mithril returned boccob book,"  Natalia points out. Though from what she heard about the god...but it's the only thing she can think of.  "Retrurned book, so help? Knowledge for knowledge, aid for aid?" 

But the orcs know. So they've got help. How, how did they know? It must be the puppet master, but how?

And now what?
Athedia
 "They know something.  I don't know how much.  Please, I don't want anyone else to die.  If I where to think about it I would say they know we are creating a diversion.  Maybe the diversion should be doubly so, a real army disguised as a fake." 
Admiral
 "And if your "god" is wrong?"  says Brander skeptically.  "Or if the orcs are fooled by the diversion anyway?" 

Lucius steps foward, glaring deeply at Mithril.  "Or if the wizard's been compromised or enchanted, and she's leading us into a trap." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses,, then grins.  "My thought too! They think fake smoke, so real under smoke, and fake us into tunnels!" 
 
 Spoiler 
aww, I was gonna suggest that!
 


Natalia growls and turns to Lucius.  "Nwver! Trust Mithril, true Mithril! Always!" 
Athedia
Mithril backed away.  The intensity of the accusations frightened her.   "I swear, I am telling the truth.  I just don't know how to prove it to you." 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head at Natalia " Gods do't work this way. "

She looks at Mithril " Something does not add up here. You are knowledge person, not a religious one. And why would Boccob, the Uncaring One, would care more about you than St. Cuthbert does about me, his devoted servant. No something is missing here. "

She stops and listens to Brender and Lucius " I hate to admit it but they could have a point. You saw what Shiny illusions can do. And I am worried about your mental health. You have been very stressed. Magic takes its toll. "

She turns toward Calric " Did you prepare a zone of truth by chance? I know I did not. "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Trust Mithril. Never enchanted! Never compromised! True Mithril and true magic too!" 

Mithril couldn't, wouldn't be lying! And what wrongs could there be in her magic?
Athedia
Even her friends... and she had thought Miriam would understand.   "Knowledge and religion are not opposites.  I would not be  wizard if Boccob's temples had not welcomed me in.  It was in his house I learned my power. 

At Miriam's suggestion she looked pleadingly toward Calric.   "If that is the only way, please test me." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia " Little One, your feelings for our wizard are clouding your judgement. "

She sadly turns her face towards Mithril " I am not even sure this would work. If you are bewitched and truly believe what you just said, you would pass the test. It is to catch liars and I do not believe you are lying. Not at all. "

She sights  "What worries me is that sudden voice you are hearing. Why you? Why now? And how would they know? Is there a traitor among us? Are we being spied on? Too many unanswered questions with so many lives at stake. "
CoffeeIncluded
 "Why?!"  she shouts.  "If truth spell you, then truth spell Lucius too! What secrets hidden by him?! And Miriam, what toll of magic? What false about Mithril? Mithril always true! Mithril always kind! Same as magic, magic saving lives, magic...gives me words!" 

She stomps over to Lucius.  "You! Always paranoid, lash sharp like knives! Mithril not enchanted! Mithril warned! And...maybe orcs know! Maybe puppet master told!" Worry why, how orcs know! And...how to trick again! Play shell game, sure you know! But Mithril honest, and I no troglodyte!" 

As to who's telling Mithril, it's got to be boccob. Or someone honest. It has to be!
achinca
Miriam gives Natalia a stern look. " Enough Natalia. You don't get the situation. If Mithril is bewitched, she would NOT know that she is not telling the truth. It is not a question of trusting Mithril. I trust her. It is just that her behavior is uncharacteristic and unexpected. Too many holes in the story. This is why she could be under a spell and not know it. Like when you were forced to go after the stone. Did not know you had a spell on. Anyway, Mithril, are you telling everything you know? Out of the blue, for the first time ever, Boccob decided to talk to you? "

Her face betrays her skepticism.
Athedia
Mithril bowed her head and mumbled, embarrassed that she had not told Miriam before.    "Not the first time."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's mouth opens, then closes. She sighs.   "Sorry snapped. But...didn't aid boccob? Give back spell book? Personal favor, and.,.give one return? And...if bewitched, then that fast? No...other change?"  she shakes her head.  "Must...be reason. Bette reason."  She pauses.  "Wair...tell magic with magic? See spells that way? 

Natalia bites her lip.  "I sorry. Not angry...at you. Scared. Scared how orcs know, like giants. Scared who watches, how. And...how stop. If can stop." 
 
 Spoiler 
achinca, what stone?
And can we use detect magic to see of there's a spell on her?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt listens, without speaking, for the duration of the discussion, obviously taking a long while to consider the situation and try and see a solution before he speaks.

 "Well, let's say the orcs do know. Then they're expecting an attack and a diversion...but if it were me, I'd hold my position until i knew for sure which camp was being attacked. So maybe a different plan is in order if it is true that they know. Miriam...you cast that spell that mended the wall - could you do it to make a door and then close it? Because well, if they know we're coming, maybe the main gates are just closed to us, but we can form another one like that." 

He pauses for a moment, holding his hands up to keep the silence and gather his thoughts.  "But they will be expecting an attack and if they don't get it, they'll come looking...so we need a diversion anyway. But well, we have horses. There's no need for us to get into a full melee - we can hit and run. This would still need help from the dwarves though, someone to go ahead and coordinate. And we'd need to know where the tunnels are so we could get the food in. And if you don't have the spell it doesn't matter anyway...agh. Never mind, too many ifs...pity I didn't think of it before, though. A running battle might mean less deaths than a full assault..." 

His mind had obviously been absorbed with coming up with a different plan, then, something else that would work to get them in.  "If they know and we attack, we're dead. If they don't know...well...okay, a simple question - if you discovered your enemy's plan and could set up a trap for them, would you make someone behave suspiciously? I believe Mithril because it doesn't make sense for the enemy to make her act weird." 
CoffeeIncluded
Traps. Traps, and tricking plans. This she knows. The trap bit, at least. Natalia looks up.  "No. Wouldn't change. Wouldn't change if knee. Wouldn't make them know I knew."  she smirks.  "So trick. Trap again. Double bluff, or shell game " 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks at her uncertainly, not sure of her metaphor.  "Shell game?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Trick. Trap. Three cups hiding one ball. Or...think hiding. Bit holding ball whole time." 
 
 Spoiler 
oh, natalia heard the rest. I'll save that for later to keep the conversation going between them though.

And i need to look up to some con games. i
 
achinca
Miriam turns white at Mithril's admission. She listens to Kurt and Natalia before saying to Brender and the samurais " I need some space a privacy with Mithril. Shiny, you should come and now would be a good time to make up for "it is not your fault." Kurt, you might a barbarian by training but you have more wisdom that half the priests I know. I need you. I also want you Natalia but you must keep your emotions in control and push the feeling you have for Mithril aside for a while. "

Once they are away from visible prying ears, she asks Mithril. "Time  to come clean Wizard. How many times have you heard the Voice? When was the last and first time? Why did you keep it a secret? Although, can you get in someone's head if they don't want too and can they feel it? "

 
 Spoiler 
The geas you guys got to force you to get the magic stone from the giants in Zman game
 


EDIT: she looks at Kurt and Natalia. " If I wanted to convince you that someone was truthful, I would have them act strangely. Then you would believe what they say. If the orcs don't want us to attack, the best thing to do is make us belive they are ready for, especially if they are not. Use the smartest member of the group to do so. And Natalia, this is no time for games. Lives are on the line. "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia groans.  "Not game. Trick behind game. And don't spoil known tricks. Traps useless if known."  And then she hears Mithril's admission.

Natalia's eyes widen at Mithril's admission. She nods her head and follows as Miriam begins interrogating Mithril. What voice? What secrets? How many times? She trusts Mithril, she trusts Mithril...

 "Link like mine? Message spell? Or... Something else?"  She's not interrogating. Her voice is soft.  "Not puppetmaster--another, right? New voice, or old...one we...know?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Again, what stone? Natalia made the will save, remember? 😛

Oh, and she's met Avaralynn before. I don't think anyone else has though.

Also also, I have an idea. I actually have an idea! I'll wait for someone to post IC before posting it though.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head a little, disagreeing.  "Maybe...but if so, then I don't see what end it might be towards. I only understand battle and armies and I know that if I knew what my enemy was doing, I'd work hard to make sure they didn't know I knew." 

Only at Miriam's question about whether or not Mithril can read thoughts does Kurt finally seem to realise the full import of the situation.  "In your head...or you in ours...Miriam, sorry, I understand now why you're worried...I was so focused on the orcs I wasn't thinking of us."  He clears his throat awkwardly.  "Sorry." 
Athedia
Mithril let Miriam lead her away, looking over her shoulder nervously at Lucius, afraid of what he may do if he thought she was possessed.  "It isn't the Voice.  I know who it belongs to."   She groaned, why hadn't she confided before.  If they thought her mad now, why not clear things up soon.   "It is Avaralynn.  I met her weeks, no it has been months since the first time.  Miriam you remember when Whiskers gained his taste for holy water and became white.  He had died that day, I felt it, but she brought him back.  I thought her a priestess, and when I found the book, back in that cave where you broke your mace.  When I found that book, it was an artifact of Boccob.  I thought to use it to beg for Henry's life, but she swayed me toward letting him rest and left with the book.  None of the archives tell of there ever being a priestess of Boccob by her name, but she did speak for him.  I know it." 

She took a deep breath, trying to stop the shaking in her hands.  "Natalia saw her during the first meeting, she helped me try to find her again.  We both failed.  But Avaralynn came to me back in Soshima.  Told me that while Boccob normally would let things be, it was to much here.  The balance was swaying to much, throwing the world out of whack.  I was to find, not answers, but questions to guide me down the right path in Deldon.  She doesn't want me to fail, she isn't evil.  Believe me I am not mad, I am not enchanted.  I don't know why Boccob chose me to talk too." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is silent as Mithril spoke. At one point her gaze flits to Whiskers in shock. She didn't know he'd died (why? And how? From drinking holy water, or something else?).

But when Mithril says she saw Avaralynn again, the rogue gasps. And when Mithril repeats Avaralynn's warning, her hands and whole body shaking, as she begs everyone to believe her, Natalia simply leans forward and wraps her arms tight around the wizard.

 "So many questions,"  she says, her voice muffled in the space between Mithril's cape and the bare crook of her neck.  "Avaralynn envoy? Should have told! Let know, prepare sooner."  But her admonishment and frustration are drowned by shock and relief and more than a little vindication that she was right.

 "Know you. Believe you." 

She looks up at Mithril as something else comes to mind.  "What balance? What questions? How...long are puppetmaster strings?" 
achinca
Miriam listens to Mithril, stays silent for a while and finally smiles and gives her a big hug. " I believe you. I knew Whiskers became Holy somehow. And I am amazed Boccob has chosen to speak directly to you through one of his envoy. I feel honored and blessed to be your companion. You truly are a chosen one. May be my mission in life is to protect you. Very few priests hear directly from their gods. I know and I still waiting. And you have had multiple contacts. I feel so unworthy to be your companion. We all pale compared to you. "

She gets up and winks at Natalia " You chose well little one. "

She moves toward Bender and Dresden. " The gods have spoken. The plan is off. This is not open to discussion. "

She turns towards Lucius and gives him a stern look. " You. Not a word. Total silence. Or feel my wrath "

She turns again towards the leaders. " The gods have taken the time to warn is. We are doomed if we ignore them. So we are back at square one for the plan. I think Kurt can help you, even Natalia. One issue I have is how the plan filtered. I have my own idea but it have to wait until tomorrow. "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sits quietly at Miriam's words. Chosen? Holy? She never thought of Mithril in terms like that. And she doesn't quite know if she likes the idea of Miriam's mission being to protect her. But...She's not unworthy. Far from it.

And as Natalia opens her mouth to say so, to say that Miriam is as worthy of Mithril's as anyone, and that if anyone pales to Mithril it's her, but then Miriam says that with a wink and she finds her words swallowed by a blush.

She follows Miriam back after some time, in time to hear her deliver her verdict, and talk about plans. Her heart swells a bit as Miriam defends them both against Lucius. And she thinks she's unworthy? When Miriam mentions her, Natalia tentatively raises her hand and says,  "I have plans. Some. But need..."  She looks around, at her friends, and her partners. Even if she draws the diagrams onto the stone, she doesn't know if she can be understood. So Natalia turns to Miriam and asks,  "Help?" 

She also asks, quietly,  "What ideas wait tomorrow?" 
Admiral
 "If they somehow know we're coming..."  Dresden says, his face growing grim,  "waiting for tomorrow might be the worst course of action. Who is to say they won't be just as prepared for us then, or for that matter will have reinforced their position even further." 

Shiny steps forward.  "We were planning on distracting in the eastern gate and making our move on the western one. What if we switched it up? We have three gates to assault: if the diversion were at the center, how would they know which side to send their forces to? And if it is a trick or Mithril is otherwise mistaken, the diversion could still work..." 
CoffeeIncluded
It's at this point that Natalia takes a piece of chalk and starts sketching out, white stripes scraped against red stone, the chalk smooth and dry and yellow against the pads of her fingers.

She draws out the mountain and thick lines for doors. She draws in billowing clouds of fog, cartoon orc heads with angry eyes, square carts with mules, and depictions of all of them, directed with arrows. She follows Shiny's suggestion and draws in the lines as he speaks.

 "Maybe,"  Two more clouds are scrawled onto the rock, jagged lines of sound burst from them.  "Double bluff. Noise under fog. Us under fog, side fog. They...see fog as bluff, go to clear, but we under fog. Or...all fog, all three." 

She looks up at Shiny.  "Any new spells? Other covering magic, cover our cloud?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Are you guys able to understand this?
 
Athedia
 "Simple is best.  And Shiny if we are going together to create the distraction are you sure you don't want to go into the mountain with me?  It would keep you safe." 
Admiral
 "If we don't go in until after the diversion, who is to tell the dwarves the plan has changed?" 
Athedia
 "Yes, right.  So you sneak me close enough.  I will have connected with Natalia and then I take Ash with me.   She needs to be spelled to speak understandably." 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks over at the mountains, shifting his weight uncertainly.  "If they know we're coming...well, I don't like those odds. But maybe if we could get the dwarves to attack from the other direction and try to overwhelm them quickly, a double bluff might work."  He sighs, shaking his head. There's no good way to do this now, it's all been messed up.
achinca
Miriam shakes the dusk from her formerly white robe as she listens. She leans on her simple quarterstaff and traces the crudely carved symbol of St. Cuthbert with her finger. Finally she speaks.

" My idea had to with finding if the source of the information was from inside. I thought about casting a zone of truth and asks everyone the simply question "Did you had anything to do with the fact that the orcs knew of our attacks?" I can sense if someone refuse the spell. If they accept it, they cannot lie. "

She stops and bites her lips " I am fine with whatever plans you guys agree. I fully trust Kurt and Natalia and the Chosen One. My major concern is that we do not know how they know. If there is a traitor, he can tell them the change of plan. If they are scrying on us, they will know the new plan. That worries me. "
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt looks over at the mountains, shifting his weight uncertainly.  "If they know we're coming...well, I don't like those odds. But maybe if we could get the dwarves to attack from the other direction and try to overwhelm them quickly, a double bluff might work."  He sighs, shaking his head. There's no good way to do this now, it's all been messed up. 
 

 "You mean press between?"  she asks, drawing another couple arrows, these ones emerging from the doors.  "Thought too many. Unless split? One third, not all?" 

 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam shakes the dusk from her formerly white robe as she listens. She leans on her simple quarterstaff and traces the crudely carved symbol of St. Cuthbert with her finger. Finally she speaks.

" My idea had to with finding if the source of the information was from inside. I thought about casting a zone of truth and asks everyone the simply question "Did you had anything to do with the fact that the orcs knew of our attacks?" I can sense if someone refuse the spell. If they accept it, they cannot lie. "

She stops and bites her lips " I am fine with whatever plans you guys agree. I fully trust Kurt and Natalia and the Chosen One. My major concern is that we do not know how they know. If there is a traitor, he can tell them the change of plan. If they are scrying on us, they will know the new plan. That worries me. " 
 

Natalia looks up sharply, so sharply that her chalk skids along the sandstone and snaps.  "Traitor?! You think traitor?! No! Impossible!"  She simply utterly refuses to believe that might be the case.  "But...if farsight, then see plans. Can...we see? How cast, how? Same as giant sender?" 

She sighs, and turns back to her chalk drawing, filling in a couple of eyes above the field.  "Maybe plan fast, too fast to warn. Maybe..."  And here she trails off. It's not like Miriam can understand her anyway.

Wait. Understand.

She looks up again, but this time sports a grin.  "What good seeing...without understanding? How plan if warned...bad words?"  Natalia turns to Mithril and Miriam.  "Does speech spell...work other way?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his a bit.  "Not their entire force, just the force at one of the gates. A quick, brutal assault to clear out the camp from both sides and get the food in." 

He wishes he had the same belief Natalia did that no-one was betraying them, but it seemed so much simpler than anything else. So many ways to spy and he didn't know how to defend against them - and Natalia's statement doesn't help him think of any more.
CoffeeIncluded
 "So three fogs, scatter three places?"  She pauses.  "Fast though, fast before return."  She draws another few curved lines on the diagram.  "Maybe...Mithril and Ash, enter like we with orc ship, quiet above camp. Warn and return...with rest. Bust back out, meet with spells and steel." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia and smiles. She makes her best effort to understand the rogue but she fails to do so.

" I am sorry Natalia. I am not sure I understand your plan. I am not wise enough to make sense of your brilliance. "

She turns to Shiny, Kurt, Dresden and Bender " The gods have done what they seldom do which is intervene DIRECTLY into our lives. They told us we have been betrayed or somehow the orcs know our plan. This is a very serious situation. They are ready for us. Whatever we do, we must make some changes. The orcs might not be the smartest but whoever is helping them is far from being an idiot so I am concerned that just switching one gate for another will result in the same disaster. If our current plan had any chance of success, they would not have intervene. Our current ideas are doomed. How do we know they do not expect us and set traps at all 3 doors? They have enough manpower to do so. "

The stress and seriousness of the situation is very visible on her face as she clinches her teeth, trying to come up with a solution.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Maybe spell self? You...understand, but not watchers? If any?" 

She thinks.  "More time means more traps. Faster, find fewer. And...can't guard three with one. Guard three with three. Fight one...against third. Easier. If all fight, maybe..."  she groans in frustration, rubbing the smooth black stone necklace between her fingers. It's not calming her much this time though. What to do? While she doesn't understand or appreciate the gods intervening as much as Miriam does, the significance is not entirely lost on her. They have to win.
Athedia
Mithril was blushing as Miriam insisted on calling her Chosen One  "I am not special."   She was pacing trying to think.   "Simple plans are better right now.  Less chance for error.  And if they called our plan then they will ignore a diversion, at least for a little.  So maybe if we send them both at the same time, a diversion, then the carts at the same place they will be at least a little slower to defend." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Choose fast. Tick tock,"  Natalia says with a nod.  "Guard carts, guard dash, hopefully short." 

She pauses, then points to their new Hulburg allies.  "Wait what spells, what might?" 
achinca
Miriam nods at Mithril. " Don't blush Chosen One. The Gods have specifically picked you. It is a great honor and trust me, a lot of clerics would be jealous if they know. I am just happy I am here to help you. "

" I like the idea of doing the opposite of what we said by going in after our diversion but what if we would divert one door, send decoy convoy the other doors and send the convoy through the diverted door. The issue is that the decoy might be a suicide mission. "

She smiles at Natalia " Sorry Little One. The spells make us understand or speak better, not speak confusingly "
Cavelcade
 "The other problem is we don't have enough strength of arms to convincingly fake it and also having a good chance of getting through the one we really do attack, I think."  Kurt fidgets, agitated as he glances over at the other group.

 "What would you do, in the orcs' position? How would you counter it?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at the dwarf " You are right Sir Kurt. After all, I might be a simple farm girl who knows nothing but even I know that I do not know very much about military strategy. All I know is that there enough at stake for the good to intervene. And this gives me a chill in the spine. "

" If I were the orcs, I would pretend I bought the ruse. I would have some orcs attack the diversion but I would have the majority of the forces ready to intercept the true convoy. "

She stops and looks at Ash and the magic users " Is there anyway to get some reconnaissance? Like seeing through the eye of a bird? "
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 She stops and looks at Ash and the magic users " Is there anyway to get some reconnaissance? Like seeing through the eye of a bird? " 
 

Ash raises his eyebrows.  "Firefeather could go ahead and check out each of the gates. Once she comes back, I could cast a spell that lets me speak to her. Is it worth the time? An orc patrol could come across us any minute." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 [color="green"]
 "What would you do, in the orcs' position? How would you counter it?"  
 

Lucius grunts.  "Depends how solid their intelligence is... which we don't seem to know."  He glances over at Mithril.

 "Doubt I'd leave any gate totally unguarded, before or after the diversion. Did the wizard's divine daydream clue her in on whether they knew we'd be coming from the east?" 
achinca
Miriam grinds her teeth and gives Lucius a nasty look. " Stop insulting the Chosen One. No one here questions your ability to steal and kill. I know a thing or two about the Gods and they have spoken. They have told us that the current plan is doomed. So if our current plan was to come through the east, then the orcs know that." 

She looks at Dresden " Can you control him? We have enough to worry about than having to deal with snide remarks and infighting from presumed allies. "

She finally put her eyes on Ash " As this point, intelligence is key. We are changing a plan on the fly. We need information. We need data. "
Athedia
 "I was told that they know.  It was no daydream and Miriam I am not Chosen.  I would call myself unlucky, the stories never turn out well for those who catch a gods eye." 
achinca
Miriam smiles at Mithril " You are Chosen. The Gods very seldom intervene in our affairs directly. Not only Boccob sent one of his representatives to get His Book back, but you made such an impression that he is contacting you through the envoy. You are truly lucky. A great destiny awaits you and I am glad to be on of your companions. "

The cleric bows to Mithril to show everyone her respect and awe of the wizard.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Maybe best to spy by hawk,"  Natalia says, squirming a bit, not sure what to make of Miriam's sudden deference towards Mithril. She glares at Lucius as well.  "We wait. See patrol before they... Ours. Beat patrol. Maybe...get answers direct. Shiny's tricks give secrets." 
Cavelcade
Kurt doesn't want to commit to an action, there's so many things to decide between and he can't figure out the best course of action.  "How long would it take Firefeather to check out the gates? What about jsut one of them - the western one, say?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sits up.  "Wait, thought!"  She looks at everyone, including the carts.  "What if decoy cart? Empty cart, move alone. No people, no food. Empty but...maybe look like many with spells. We under cover, we as double bluff diversion. True diversion empty cart exposed for orcs. They see, they learn, but...we already inside. Or enough see, enough to fight." 

Again, she asks Brander, Calric, and Lucius and Ezra too,  "What spells, what skills?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Would Natalia be able to rig a cart to move by itself for a few minutes? Perhaps using a wound spring or some manner of propulsion? I don't know, she's the mechanical engineer and trapsmith. 😛
 
Admiral
In response to Miriam's suggestion, Ash looks to the sky and gives a whistle. When the hawk swoops low, the samurai points ahead, and Firefeather heads forward towards the mountains.

When Natalia asks what resources the other group has, Calric Jr shrugs.  "I have some healing scrolls and potions, not much more that would come in handy here." 

Brander nods towards Ezra.  "Ezra has a potion of flight, and one of greater invisibility. Everything I have is more aligned towards winning a fair fight." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia thinks for a moment, and then she points at Ezra, remembering the evidence of last night's battle.  "Your magic...blast and burn, right? Maybe...blast horde from above? While we run...through fog below? Orcs run to fog, you blast...fog edges. We around carts, moving shield. Cut any...that pass through fire, smoke." 

She feels a bit bad, but...Ezra's magic may be more useful at the moment. And Mithril won't be with them anyway, she'll be with the dwarves.
Athedia
 "Remember I have some wands Natalia.  One I know the orcs dislike, the one that uses the suns rays to blind and hurt them.  Ezra, would that be helpful to you?  Or anyone else for that matter?   Mithril pulled the wand out of her belt and showed it to the group. It had not been used yet, but she was certain of its power.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins. That would also be perfect! But...  "Why not keep for own safety? Meeting, fighting partway too, right?" 
Athedia
 "I have other wands.  And this would be of more use for those close to the orcs, I will hopefully be behind an army of dwarves." 
Cavelcade
Kurt just chuckles a bit at the mention of a fair fight.  "Fair...that would be nice. In any case, if we're waiting here, we should set up our own scouts, to warn us of any orcs who might stumble our way. If they do...well..."  He places his hand on Daybreaker.  "We can't let them get away." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "True. And use if run through many. But please Mithril, safe. Promise?" 

She chuckles a bit at the mention of a fair fight as well.  "Don't like fair fights. Don't like if not...fair favor me. So..make favor us as can." 
Athedia
Mithril looked curiously at Brander.   "Exactly how many fair fights have you been in?" 
Admiral
Brander's eyes narrow as he seems to take a bit of offense at Mithril's comment.  "I was a soldier in Hulburg's army while you were still learning to walk, young woman. I won't have you lecture me on war." 
 
 Spoiler 
I should have mentioned in my descriptions that Brander is the oldest of the humans here, perhaps around fifty.
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Remember I have some wands Natalia.  One I know the orcs dislike, the one that uses the suns rays to blind and hurt them.  Ezra, would that be helpful to you?  Or anyone else for that matter?   Mithril pulled the wand out of her belt and showed it to the group. It had not been used yet, but she was certain of its power. 
 

 "I have my own spells for killing orcs,"  Ezra says coolly, though not as nastily as she had spoken yesterday.
CoffeeIncluded
 "But more ways better,"  Natalia says. She gives Mithril a quick confirming look, then takes the wand from her, handling it as if it were something precious.

Which, the rogue thinks as she runs her thumb down the carvings that she made for the first wand and are reproduced here, it is to her.

 
 Spoiler 
does anyone else want to use the wand/carry it? If not, I think I'll use it and swap between that and full attacks depending on whether or not I can sneak attack. I don't expect to lay down too many sneak attacks if we're moving through fog.

Also, how old is everyone else?
 
Admiral
As Firefeather flies south to reconnoiter the cave entrances, the rangers set up their positions around the caravan. As they'd started approaching the mountain range, the path had gotten just a bit bumpier than the earlier flat desert, and they've nestled their caravan alongside the hill.

One of the halfling rangers is the first to hear it, his sharp ears picking up the sound. He waves to get the attention of the others, puts his fingers to his lips, and points towards southern curve of the hill. Once others are focusing, some can hear it as well: the sound of at least twenty soldiers approaching, no more than a minute or two away.

 
 Spoiler 
Avaralynn did say to hurry.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "****,"  Natalia whispers as she hears the or a coming. Twenty, about. At least. A hard fight, but nothing they can't handle. Of course, if they summon the whole horde down on them...

If they flee, they can't be spotted. If they fight, they can't let a single one escape. And have the orcs spotted them already? Maybe not. Maybe...

Natalia looks up at the hill they're pressed against. She asks Shiny,  "Shiny, can...cover with image?" 
 
 Spoiler 
would he be able to cover us all with an illusion of the hillside on top of us, like Élan in the pyramid a few comics ago? Or are there too many of us?
 
Admiral
Shiny bites his lip, and glances along the line of wagons.  "No,"  he whispers,  "but I can give us an edge." 

He reaches out, speaks his spell, and a large chunk of hill appears in front of them. It's not nearly enough to hide behind if the orcs pass by, but it's gives them cover to see what's coming. Shiny gestures for the others to move back against the hill and get cover.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia presses herself against the hill, drawing her blades and pressing a hand to her chest, preparing herself to cast her magic again (and she doesn't think she'll ever get used to the thrill of it).

She leans over to her friends and asks in a whisper,  "Is plan let close...too close to warn horde? Then no quarter?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt draws Daybreaker, making sure he's behind the range of Shiny's spell but ready to charge at a moment's notice.  "Thanks."  He seems grim, but determined.
CoffeeIncluded
After a moment's realization, Natalia rummages through her haversack and comes up with a couple sacks, squishy but not springy as she carefully squeezes them. She passes them out, saying,  "Stick messenger orcs. Stick...to ground." 
 
 Spoiler 
I just remembered I have tanglefoot bags. They'll probably be really really handy here at stopping orcs from running off and getting others.
 
Admiral
A minute passes as the party, the samurai, and the others wait, breathing as quietly as they are able. The illusory hill is transparent to the party since they had seen it appear and recognize it as an illusion. The sounds of the approaching orcs grow slowly louder, until they come around the bend.

About thirty soldiers are in the orc party, all on foot. Their faces are covered in warpaint similar to what they'd seen on the corpses at Bellville, and are armed with a combination of axes, swords and spiked morningstars. Shiny's hill seems to shield them, but it looks like they'll soon be passing it and the caravan will come into view. The party prepares themselves for

Suddenly the orc at the front stops and raises his hand, causing the group to halt about thirty feet from the hill. He stares at it with what looks like suspicion.

 
 Spoiler 
If a ranger walks the same path every single day, he'll know the terrain and recognize if it looks different.

Will save DC 16:  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
 


He shrugs, shakes his head, and the guards continue on. In just a few moments they'll be passing by the caravan.
CoffeeIncluded
As the orcs approach, Natalia crouches at the border of the illusion and whispers,  "Swift finger, sharp current,"  before feeling the magic coil and rush through her body. Her heart pounds as the Orc looks right at her--and then grunts and turns away.

To the caravans. They're going to the caravans. Natalia turns back and asks with a glance,   now?  
 
 Spoiler 
all the orcs are 30 feet away? And the caravan is exposed? Should we attack? If you guys think we should attack then I'm pouncing on the closest one.

I think we should attack but I know I don't represent the whole group. And I don't want to charge alone again.
 
Athedia
Mithril gestured for her wand back.  Might as well make use of it while she could.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia passes the wand back to Mithril. She takes a deep breath, and prepares herself. She'll have a lot more blood on her hands in a few minute, but it's them or her and her friends. And if this was serious enough for the gods to interfere...the significance is not completely lost on her, even if she doesn't appreciate it like Miriam does.
Admiral
The orcs continue to walk forward. Realizing their predicament, Brander raises his sword, gesturing to the rest of the caravan to wait for his signal. Those with bows choose an orc and take aim through Shiny's illusion, others prepare to charge. A few tense moments pass, and then-

 "Now!" 

A flurry of arrows and bolts fly from Natalia, Karn, Rocky, Hilton and a few of the samurai, drawing first blood from the wave of orcs. An orc falls and another appears injured by the volley, and in a wave of comprehension the orcs seem to see through Shiny's illusion. Immediately afterwards, the warriors of the caravan charge into battle.

The orc leader barks out a command, and a group of ten soldiers scatters off of the raiding party to head back where they came from. Brander's eyes widen when he sees them run.

 "They'll raise the alarm!"  he shouts at the party.  "You'll have to stop them!" .

 
 Spoiler 

 Current map is up : you're chasing them south. OL on the map is the nastiest looking orc- the leader of the gang who split off. I'm not rolling for the earlier fraction of the fight; as mentioned your part of this is the chase scene.

Initiative:

Natalia:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Slavers:  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
Miriam:  (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
Orcs:  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny rushes forward on his pony, and with a twist of his wrist he conjures a ball of glittery dust above a pair of the orcs.

 
 Spoiler 

Glitterdust on O6 and O8, one of the few pairs he can get with one spell. (They were smart enough to scatter a bit).

O6:  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
O8:  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 


Both orcs are blinded by Shiny's spell, slowing down their escape.
CoffeeIncluded
With a cry of,  "No quarter!"  she bursts out from the illusion along with everyone else. As the orcs run she casts her spell, feeling her body tense, yet move no faster. Her spell can't do that. So with a shout, she rides ahead, putting all her energy into moving across the plain, and lobs a tanglefoot bag at one of the orcs.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia moves down 30 feet and throws a tanglefoot bag at O7, who I think is 2 range increments away. Not charging because then I can't tumble and I think I'm knee deep in enough orcs as it is.

No tumble check, I auto pass.

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 13 ]  touch attack.

If I got the map wrong, Natalia attacks an Orc 2 range increments away.  {
 
Admiral
Natalia throws her bag at the tall orc in the breastplate at the front of the chase. The orc tries to sidestep the worst of the goo.

 
 Spoiler 
DC 15 Reflex save:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
 


In his confusion at Natalia's unexpected attack, he is too clumsy to react and ends up glued to the rocky ground.
Cavelcade
 "Hilton, use your net to try and slow down the ones closest to us! Rocky, Karn, pick off the ones trying to get away!" 

With that, Kurt grabs hold of Daybreaker's hilt and lets out a warcry, charging forward and swinging his sword straight at the nearest orc.

 
 Spoiler 

Charge at O3. -2AC/+2 to hit.

 (1d20+14)[ 25 ]  Attack
 (1d20+14)[ 26 ]  Crit

 (4d6+7)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (4d6+7)[ 21 ]  Crit


Maneuvers ready:
 (1d5)[ 5 ]  Radiant Charge
 (1d4)[ 3 ]  Vanguard Strike
 (1d3)[ 3 ]  Lead the Attack
 
Athedia
Honey shifted nervously as Mithril looked at the orcs, trying to position herself right for her spell.

Slowly lifting her hands as if pulling something heavy off the ground she spat out a series of words that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard.  At her call the earth underneath some of the orcs began to shake, breaking apart to allow thick black tentacles to emerge from the ground.  Snatching they attempted to grab at those around them, friend and foe alike.

 
 Spoiler 
Casting Black Tentacles :) It will last for 7 rounds and here is the rest of the  info 
 
Admiral
Mithril had some idea from her studies what to expect when she spoke the arcane words for the first time... but she could could not have foreseen how  horrid  her conjuration would be. The gigantic tentacles that burst from the ground around the orcs are vile and putrid, their rubbery skin cracking and oozing as they lash out towards at the three orcs within their reach.

 
 Spoiler 
Thought I'd have some fun.

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
O7 opposed grapple:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ] 
O9 opposed grapple:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
 


All three of the disgusting tentacles manage to wrap fully around an orc as they desperately scrabble to get free.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Forgot to mention that while Kurt's blow was severe, it didn't quite take down O3.
 


Seeing most of the orcs slowed or disabled by the rest of the party, Miriam chooses one of the remaining orcs and casts a spell to halt it in its tracks as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Miriam casts Hold Person on O4.

Will save:  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
 


Miriam's spell takes hold of the orc, and it freezes in place.
Admiral
Hilton runs close behind Kurt, though not quite stepping into the fray, and tosses his net over a different orc.

 
 Spoiler 

Touch attack with net:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
 


The orc is quick, but not quick enough, and the net manages to entangle him. Hilton holds on to his rope attached to the net, and prepares to hold his ground.
Admiral
Rocky and Karn ride forward, and each fires a pair of arrows, aiming at the only orc without any impairment or wounds.

 
 Spoiler 

Can't hit O3 because Kurt's blocking.

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 

6 damage to O1.
 


Only a single arrow finds its target.
Admiral
The orc who had been hit by one of the arrows rushes forward, maneuvering his way around the tentacles carefully. Even in his heavy breastplate, he moves quickly.

The orc entangled in Hilton's net roars with anger, and struggles to pull free.

 
 Spoiler 

Str check opposed against Hilton.

Hilton:  (1d20+1)[ 13 ] 
Orc:  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 

Higher modifier wins ties.
 


Hilton struggles valiantly with the end of the rope, perhaps desperate to impress Kurt after his earlier cowardice, and for a moment it looks like he will win the struggle, until the orc gives a powerful tug and wrenches the net free from Hilton. He starts moving south, though slowly, as he keeps tripping on the net.
Admiral
The orc Kurt hit snarls and swings with his greataxe: in his anger he seems to have forgotten any plan of escape.

 
 Spoiler 

O3 Power attack -2/+4
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+11)[ 20 ] 
 


These orcs are tougher and nastier than the ones the party had fought at the caves near Linwood; the barbarian hits Kurt with a crushing blow.
Admiral
The orcs under Miriam and Mithril's spells try to escape.

 
 Spoiler 

All are raging.

O4 Will:  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 22 ] 
O7 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] 
O9 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
 


With a burst of strength, one of the orcs manages to free himself from the tentacles, and he starts running away from them, clearly relieved to be free of their grotesque forms.

The orc Natalia had glued to the rock angrily slashes at the goo with his greataxe.

 
 Spoiler 

As described in rules, auto-hit and needs to deal 15 damage.

 (1d12+10)[ 17 ] 

Rules don't say exactly but I think this is a full-round action.
 


He manages to break the hold between his legs and the ground, though the slimy substance remains caked on him.
Admiral
Hearing the screams of his comrades, one of the blind orcs grunts angrily and starts walking towards them- straight into the path of one of the grasping tentacles.

 
 Spoiler 
How would he know.

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 15 ] 
 


The blind orc is trapped horribly in the clutches of one of the thrashing appendages.

The other seems wiser, and continues moving south- slowly.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's horse rears back with Mithril's spell bursts from the ground, and she can't help but gag at the sight of the tentacles. How could something as beautiful as her and her magic produce something so hideous?

But she can't deny the spell's effects as they wrap around the orcs and begin crushing them.

As one wounded orc races to warn the others and another manages to break out of the tentacles, Natalia looks around at all the incapacitated orcs. So many to attack, and so little time.

The sounds of raging orcs behind her snaps her to attention, and she sees the orc leader burst out of the goop of her bag and start moving south, while the orc battling Kurt deals a deep blow, deeper than the ones at Linwood--these are so strong.

And that decides it. With a shout of,  "Kurt, finish fleeing! I take trapped!"  she steps her horse aside, turns her anklet if she can do so without getting off the horse, and deals two deep blows to one of the orcs caught in the tentacles. And with her other hand she lobs her last bag at the orc furthest south.

 
 Spoiler 
I should have gone to bed last night instead of staying up.

Anyway, If I can use the anklet without getting off my horse, I'm going to go for O7. If not I'm going for O6. 2 sneak attacks on O7 and then throw the bag at O9 three range increments away (a +5 attack bonus). Or I can 5 foot step to O6 and do two sneak attacks on him and throw the bat at O9 five range increments away (so at a +1 attack bonus).

I'm rolling as if I'm attacking O7. If I can't reach O7 without getting off the horse then I'm going for O6; I'll put the modified tanglefoot bag rolls in parentheses. Also, O7 is just grappling while O6 is grappling AND blinded, and so has a lowed AC, right?

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus Sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 12 ]  ranged touch (8 if attacking O6, if I can use it at all this turn).

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril urged Honey a little closer to the orcs as she raised her hand.  White strands appeared over the orcs and attached to the trees around them.

She tried to avoid looking at the tentacles busy crushing the orcs in their grasp.  The text in the library had not prepared her for the vileness of the spell.  But it worked, and the orcs, with exception of one, where safely trapped.
 
 Spoiler 
Moving to R8 (Honey's movement speed)

BT1  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 
BT2  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 
BT3  (1d6+4)[ 9 ] 
 Web  at places marked on map
 
achinca
Miriam touches the wounded Kurt and heals him.

 
 Spoiler 
Drop Bull Strength

Cast CMW

 (2d8+11)[ 15 ] 
 
Admiral
The orcs struggle as they try to avoid the hold of the web.

 
 Spoiler 

Reflex saves:
O1:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
O9:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
 


Both are able to leap out of the way of the worst of the strands.

At the same time, the black tentacles squeeze hard around the orcs.

 
 Spoiler 

When the tentacle succeeds it can deal damage:

Tentacle grapple for 10 dmg:  (1d20+15)[ 26 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 29 ] 

Tentacle grapple for 6 dmg:  (1d20+15)[ 34 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 

Tentacle grapple for 9 dmg:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
O7 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
 
Admiral
Kurt swings at the orc in front of him, trying to bring him down for good.

 
 Spoiler 

If it hits, someone is going to have to remind me what Lead the Attack does. I can't find it online.

 (1d20+12)[ 21 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 28 ]  Crit

 (4d6+7)[ 24 ]  Attack
 (4d6+7)[ 25 ]  Crit
 


Daybreaker carves straight into the barbarian's neck, and he collapses in a bloody heap. Kurt yanks the greatsword free and urges his horse towards the leader.
Admiral
Shiny rides forward to get closer to the orc leader. There he stops, splays out his hand, and unleashes a furious stream of colors.

 
 Spoiler 

Color spray. Let's see if we can set up the leader for a full attack from Kurt.

O10 Will save (DC 16):  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 


The orc drops his axe and stands still, stunned by Shiny's rainbow.
Admiral
Seeing his opportunity, Hilton rushes forward towards the orc frozen by Miriam's spell, and slashes into him with his rapier.

 
 Spoiler 

Nothing Hilton likes more than a paralyzed enemy. Note that his AC is -5 because his Dex is 0.

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage (w sneak attack):  (3d6+1)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


He is able to deal a mild slash against his paralyzed foe.
Admiral
Rocky and Karn ride forward, passing by Hilton slashing against the orc. They each fire an arrow into one of the orcs trapped in the web.

 
 Spoiler 

Against O1. Point blank.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 


Both arrows easily land, and the orc grunts from his injuries.
Admiral
The orc still trapped in Hilton's net continues to push his way south, as does the blind orc.

The many trapped orcs try and escape Mithril and Miriam's spells.

 
 Spoiler 

To step out of the web (and no farther) is a DC 15 Str check, for moving 5 feet:

O1:  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
O9:  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 

Hold Person: O4 Will:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 27 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ] 
O7 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
 


None of the orcs escape the tentacles, but one manages to clamber free of the web.
Admiral
Kurt steps forward and unleashes a pair of powerful swings against the stunned orc leader.

 
 Spoiler 

He's -4 to Dex and has an extra -2 to AC since he's stunned. I'll have Kurt max out the first power attack and add no power on the second. When he returns he'll have to fill me in on what maneuver he used, or perhaps someone else can figure it out.

Kurt full attack against OL:

 (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  Crit

 (4d6+17)[ 36 ]  Attack
 (4d6+17)[ 26 ]  Crit

 (1d20+7)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  Crit

 (4d6+7)[ 16 ]  Attack
 (4d6+7)[ 20 ]  Crit
 


Kurt puts all his strength behind his first swing, and perhaps the orc could have dodged were he not tangled in goo and distracted by Shiny's earlier spell. Daybreaker caves in his breastplate and slashes into his chest. The second swing is perfect in its accuracy: he slashes straight into the orc's neck and blood shoots forth as from a fountain.

The wounds look devastating... and yet somehow the orc remains standing, kept alive perhaps only by his fury.
Admiral
Shiny's eyes dart between the imposing orc who is still facing down Kurt, and the one who seems ready to race for the horizon. He makes his choice, and twists his hand in the air. A burst of glittery dust falls and settles on the orc who had escaped the web. Right as it does, he casts another fast spell against the orc fighting Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

Glitterdust just against O9, since we can't let him run. Distract Assailant on OL for Unsettling Enchantment, so that he'll have a -2 to attack Kurt, and -2 to defend against Kurt next round. Will saves:

O9 Glitterdust:  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
OL Distract Assailant  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
 


The orc who had escaped the web manages to shake off Shiny's spell.
Admiral
Seeing the paralyzed orc in front of him close up gives Hilton an idea. He leans his head forward and rushes straight into him, knocking the orc backwards. The paralyzed orc falls straight into the clutches of the horrid black tentacles.

 
 Spoiler 

Since O4 is paralyzed, he has a Str score of 0 and he'll just auto-fail the bull rush, as well as the grapple attempt from the tentacles. Now he's paralyzed and being crushed: not really his day.

He'll take damage on Mithril's turn when Athedia rolls for it.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Kurt! Mithril! Finish before flee!"  Natalia shouts as she strikes out at the orc tangled in Mithril's hideous tentacles, seeing one of the orcs burst free of Mithril's web behind her, then dodge Shiny's spell.

 
 Spoiler 
Okay, on Kurt's manuevers:
He's in a stance that heals 2 HP per strike so he should be at full health right now. The only maneuver he can use is Vanguard Strike which allows all of us to get a +4 bonus on attacks against OL this turn. Last turn he used Leading the Attack, which did the same thing. The only maneuver he has left right now is Radiant Charge--on a charge attack Kurt gets 6d6 extra damage against an evil enemy and damage reduction 10/-- until his next turn.

Anyway, my turn! I'm full attacking O7, and if he drops I'm transferring the rest of the attacks to O2, who's entangled.

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 

OH COME ON!
 


She's not used to attacking from such a great height, she needs to get back on the ground. They're depending on her, they need her! She can't fail!
Athedia
The tentacles squeezed their prey, crushing the life out of the struggling orcs.  Mithril ignored the horrible sight, focusing on one of the fleeing orcs instead.  Casting her magical orbs she sent them flying toward his back.

 
 Spoiler 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ] 
O4 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 28 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 22 ] 
O7 opposed grapple:   (1d20+10)[ 27 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 

4 MM at O9:
 (1d4+1)[ 5 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 5 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 5 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Good news for athedia: O4 didn't get an opposed grapple check because he's still paralyzed: automatic failure.
 


Mithril's magical bolts hit the fleeing orc square in the back.

Seeing Kurt slash deep into the orc, Miriam charges forward to try and finish him off.

 
 Spoiler 

Charge against OL. Note that Miriam's sheet doesn't note that it should use her Wisdom for attacks thanks to Intuitive Attack.

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d6+4)[ 8 ] 
 


Miriam's strike with her staff has all the divine power of her faith behind it, and the orc leader falls to the ground.
Admiral
Hilton steps towards the paralyzed orc he'd shoved into the tentacles, and lets out a wicked cackle as he raises his rapier against the helpless opponent. He lashes out without mercy.

 
 Spoiler 

Coup de grace since he's paralyzed: auto crit. (He chose to push him last turn rather than try this in case the orc made the fort save).

Attacking O4:
Damage:  (4d6+2)[ 15 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Fort save:  (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
 


The former slaver slashes the paralyzed orc's neck in a maneuver that looks unsettlingly practiced. Blood splashes out to cover the tentacles, and he crumples.
Admiral
Rocky and Karn ignore the trapped orc in front of them as they see another escape from the web. They carefully ride their way between the tentacles and the web while just barely avoiding each, and end up a short distance from the escaping orc. They aim their arrows above the complex of webs in front of them and fire.

 
 Spoiler 

O9 gets cover because there is at least 5 feet of web between them and orc. They couldn't get any farther.

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
 


Rocky's arrow hits the orc deep in the center of his back.
Admiral
The orcs trapped in the tentacles and the web continue to work towards escape.

 
 Spoiler 

O1:  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 23 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 28 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] 
O7 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
 


The orcs in the tentacles remain trapped, but the last orc from the web manages to force his way out.

The orc that had been wounded by the archers and Mithril doesn't even look back: he just races away from the battle as fast as he can. The blinded orc follows, though he still has to find every step carefully.

The orc trapped in Hilton's net takes a different approach; he steps towards Natalia, raises his greataxe, and takes a powerful swing.

 
 Spoiler 

-2/+4 power attack.

O2 on Natalia: Attack  (1d20+10)[ 24 ]   (1d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Damage  (1d12+10)[ 14 ]   (1d12+10)[ 11 ]   (1d12+10)[ 16 ] 
 


His axe chops into Natalia's back.
Admiral
In the synchronized maneuvers of a pair who have fought many battles together, Rocky and Karn both ride to follow the fleeing orc and fire their longbows after him.

 
 Spoiler 
Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
 


Only Karn's arrow hits the orc, and it hardly scratches him.
Admiral
Seeing the wounded orc flee, and realizing he might have a chance to raise the alarm, Shiny twists his hand in the orc's direction, and a burst of glitter appears above the orc.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 19 ] 
 


Once again the determined orc manages to shake off the gnome's spell.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia cries out as the orc cuts deep into her back, and her scream of pain is mixed with frustration as the one orc escapes their clutches and flees south.  "No! NO!"  Dammit! Dammit! She should have thrown her last bag! If the Horde comes after them it'll be her fault!

No, she has to stop this. She has to stop this and start pulling her weight and finish the job now! Pain and fear and frustration work their way through her as she tries to cut into the orcs once more.

 
 Spoiler 
Full attack, and hopefully I'll hit this time. If I drop O7 I got for O2.

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ]  plus Vampiric Touch:  (2d6)[ 6 ] 


Attack:  (d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 


Attack:  (d20+5)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia's first hit slays the orc in the tentacles. Afterwards she spins around and slashes into the orc entangled in the net.

 
 Spoiler 

Note that being entangled doesn't make him flat-footed, so no sneak attack damage on O2. Does get vampiric touch though so Natalia gets 6 back.
 
Cavelcade
 "Thanks, Miriam!"  Kurt refused to let the orc escape, seeing him running putting his back up as he leans down over his horse's neck and spurs him forward, rushing headlong after the orc.

 
 Spoiler 

Horse uses run! It's super effective. (Move 250 feet like this, and retain dex to AC).

I believe Kurt has enough movement and it's straight enough a line for him to run to W51, but he'll take an AoO from the orc (unless there's some rule I don't know about).
 
Athedia
Mithril moved Honey forward again, this time bringing her hand back like a bow.

 
 Spoiler 
Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 27 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 7 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
O7 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 

Ranged Touch Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Damage  (2d4)[ 4 ] 
If hits then acid damage for 3 rounds

EDIT: Never said where I moved, U15
 
CoffeeIncluded
The worst of Natalia's wounds temporarily knit together as she quickly steps to the right, in front of the Orc still wrapped up in Hilton's net. There's still six orcs, too many orcs, even with Kurt chasing down the two fleeing ones (and she actually feels sorry for that one; he doesn't stand a chance). But the ones before her, they're her responsibility. She has to finish them off.

Natalia looks at Hilton and sighs. She's not going to like this but it's not like she has much of a choice. She calls out to him,  "Hilton, help! Surround bagged Orc!" 
 
 Spoiler 
if Hilton moves and attacks the entangled o2, he can get a flank off of me and so sneak attack him--and that means I may be able to sneak attack him next turn as well. Natalia made a 5 foot step to the right, she's able to do that.
 


Edit:  
 Spoiler 
also I was stupid and have been forgetting to add my weapon bonus to attack rolls this whole time.

Also, it's just Miriam then the orcs then the slavers, right?.
 
Admiral
As Kurt rides into the way of the running orc, the orc sees him coming and desperately takes a swing with his axe.

 
 Spoiler 

Orc:
Attack  (1d20+10)[ 22 ]   (1d20+10)[ 16 ] 
Damage  (1d12+10)[ 21 ]   (1d12+10)[ 19 ]   (1d12+10)[ 22 ] 
 


His axe connects, and deals a damaging blow to the dwarf.

Seeing Kurt injured, Miriam spurs her horse to run after him- she won't let him die again.
Admiral
After Natalia calls for his help, Hilton glances back and forth between her and the other orc, who looks to be on the verge of escaping. But given the chance to fight an orc in a net with her rather than take on one who's free by himself, he takes the path with less risk. He rides towards the rogue and slashes into the entangled orc she is fighting.

 
 Spoiler 

Flanking O2.

Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ]   (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+1)[ 9 ]   (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 


His swing misses.
Admiral
The orc who had made it out of the web steps carefully between the web and the tentacles and looks on the brink of escaping- though Karn and Rocky still stand in his way. The blind orc continues working his slow way south.

Those remaining in the tentacles continue to struggle.

 
 Spoiler 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 31 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 18 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
 


Neither are able to escape.

Realizing he won't be able to outrun the dwarf, the orc takes another brutal swing, putting even more strength into his axe in a desperate attempt to drop him.

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt's flatfooted.

O9:
Attack  (1d20+8)[ 26 ]   (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Damage  (1d12+14)[ 17 ]   (1d12+14)[ 23 ]   (1d12+14)[ 26 ] 
 


His axe connects once again.

The orc entangled in the net tries to slash at Natalia again, but his swing misses her.

 
 Spoiler 

O2:
Attack  (1d20+10)[ 13 ]   (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
Damage  (1d12+10)[ 15 ]   (1d12+10)[ 11 ]   (1d12+10)[ 16 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Once this is resolved, party's turn.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia easily ducks out of the way of the Orc. Giving a nod to Hilton, trying not to think about Kurt facing down all the orcs behind her, she strikes. Best to do the job she can.

She looks at the orcs struggling in Mithril's spell. If her first strike kills the Orc, she draws her bow. Otherwise, she just keeps stabbing, plunging her blades into the Orc again and again, tearing through the net in her desperate strikes.

 
 Spoiler 
if Natalia's first strike drops the entangled Orc, she draws her now. Otherwise, full attack. And I've been neglecting my weapon bonus this whole time.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 29 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 9 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt takes the swings, wincing as his mithril armour only partly absorbs the blow, the force of them and gritting his teeth as he grips tightly with his thighs to stay on the horse. He feels the rage, the battle lust burning in his stomach and this time he lets it free, then lashes out with his own fierce attacks, letting his anger flow through Daybreaker as he does.

 
 Spoiler 

Auto passes the check to ride his horse. I'm also going to check to see if he can direct his horse to attack - this is a free action. If he passes, it'll attack.

 (1d20+6)[ 13 ]  - pass on 10.


Raging now, and steely resolve so +1 to hit and +1 to damage. Also, -2/+4 for power attack.

Full attack.

Attack 1:
 (1d20+15)[ 25 ]  Attack
 (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (4d6+12)[ 21 ]  Attack
 (2d6+12)[ 20 ]  Crit

Attack 2:
 (1d20+15)[ 33 ]  Attack
 (1d20+15)[ 27 ]  Crit

 (4d6+12)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (2d6+12)[ 16 ]  Crit


Horse attack if pass the check:

Hoof 1:
 (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  Attack
 (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (1d6+4)[ 5 ]  Attack
 (1d6+4)[ 8 ]  Crit


Hoof 2:
 (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d20+6)[ 18 ]  Crit

 (1d6+4)[ 10 ]  Attack
 (1d6+4)[ 5 ]  Crit


Bite:
 (1d20+1)[ 18 ]  Attack
 (1d20+1)[ 9 ]  Crit

 (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  Attack
 (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  Crit



Maneuvers reset too:
 (1d5)[ 2 ] 
 (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 (1d3)[ 2 ] 
 


He manages to guide the horse in the direction of the orc too, the trained instincts of the animal kicking in as it lashes out, it's hoof smashing into the orc as Kurt lashes out as well, the combined attacks letting both hit, Kurt's rage augmented strength easily passing through the attempt at a block.
Admiral
Natalia's first swing badly wounds the entangled orc, and the second slays it.

The first powerful swing of Daybreaker smashes the orc's head into pulp- and yet Kurt can hardly notice in his wounded rage. The second swing cleaves through much of the dead orc's torso as his body starts to fall- until all that is left is a badly mangled corpse.

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril+Karn+Rocky had already injured him. If you want, Kurt could have moved after killing the orc in one blow- but I like this interpretation, for reasons that may become clear later.
 


Though she is unsettled by his fury, Miriam reaches out and casts a powerful healing spell on the wounded dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

CCW:  (4d8+15)[ 36 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia steps forward over the corpse of the Orc she hears Kurt roar and turns around. There's yet another Orc fleeing south, and she prays Kurt and Shiny will be able to stop him, along with the other blinded Orc.

But that won't be a problem, not when Kurt then literally tears the Orc apart, cutting into him again or again until what's left can barely be classified as a corpse. She watches in silent shock at Kurt's wrath, not even augmented by Miriam's magic, and shudders.

 
 Spoiler 
its just Mithril and Shiny now, then the Orc and slavers, right?

Also, damn Kurt. I can't wait to see what you're going to do with it!

Also, Natalia 5 foot steps north.
 
Athedia
Mithril sent another bolt chasing after the orc who was running away.   She prayed for a hit, they couldn't afford one to escape.

 
 Spoiler 
Tentacles First:

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 34 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 27 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 31 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 7 ] 

AA to O8:
Ranged Touch:  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (2d4)[ 7 ] 
 
Admiral
The tentacles continue to crush the orcs in their grips, and Mithril's arrow of acid deals the first wounds to the fleeing blind orc.

Karn, seeing Kurt take down one of the fleeing orcs, turn and focuses his arrows on the other trying to run past him.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny delays his action until after Rocky+Karn's turn.

Karn Rapid Shot:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
Karn's arrows badly injure the fleeing enemy. Rocky aims his own bow at the same one.

 
 Spoiler 

If Rocky's first arrow takes it down, he aims the next at O8.

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ] 

The second one looks like it hits O8 but that's not the case: it includes the Point Blank bonus, which he wouldn't get for shooting at O8.
 


His first arrow lands squarely in the orc's chest, the last of many from the rangers' bows. He falls to the ground. Rocky swivels on his horse to fire at the fleeing blind orc, but this arrow just barely misses.
Admiral
Shiny rides towards the fleeing orc and thrusts out his palm, looking to use his magic to speed the end of the battle.

 
 Spoiler 
Casts Whelm against O8.

 (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 


His magic wears powerfully at the fleeing orc's mind.

Hilton steps towards the blind orc in the tentacles and slashes at him.

 
 Spoiler 

Against O6:

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ]   (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+1)[ 7 ]   (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


His slash is deadly and precise, though the orc continues to fight for his life.
Admiral
The blind orc continues to move even as Shiny's spell wears at his mind, and those in the tentacles continue to try to escape.

 
 Spoiler 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 32 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 

This is not these orcs' day.
 


The disgusting appendages continue to overpower them.
CoffeeIncluded
Seeing her chance, Natalia draws her bow and fires it the blinded Orc, hoping to finish that one off quickly.

 
 Spoiler 
im gonna need my bow to get the Orc in the middle anyway. And no, this is not their day.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 

Was the Orc bloodied before Natalia's attack? How much damage did Shiny's spell do?
 
Admiral
Natalia's well-placed bolt is finally enough to put the blinded, strangled orc out of his misery.

 
 Spoiler 

O6 down. I had forgotten to roll damage for Shiny's whelm spell.

 (4d6)[ 10 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril forced Honey forward, past the tentalces, still writhing in their death grips on the orcs.  Past Hilton and Natalia.  Past the dead bodies of the other orcs.  She gripped her wand tightly and pointed it toward the escaping orc.  Two bolts shot out of the tip, speeding toward the blinded orc.
 
 Spoiler 
Tentacles:
Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 34 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 
Damage  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
O6 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 

AA on O8 (the one that hit):  (2d4)[ 6 ]  2 more rounds

Move to S27, fire off MM from wand at 08
 (1d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sticking out the tip of her tongue in concentration, ignoring her wounded back scream in pain, trying to block out the sounds of the dying orcs, Natalia fires her bow at the one trapped in the center.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 
 


Natalia pants in pain as the wounds in her back split open under the strain. She yells and the arrow shoots off course, ramming into the tentacles and sending fluid leaking out. Blood blooms on the back of her coat, and she turns to give Mithril a smile as she races past, before surveying the situation. There's only two left.

 "Hilton,"  she asks, fishing out another two arrows,  "Bow...along with blade?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt growls, turning his attention to the last fleeing orc.  "Last one!"  Urging his horse onwards he charges straight towards the blinded orc, showing no mercy on the blinded guy fleeing.

 
 Spoiler 

Unfortunately, no radiant charge. Ah well.
Power Attack -2/+4

 (1d20+14)[ 25 ]  Attack
 (1d20+14)[ 17 ]  Crit

 (4d6+13)[ 28 ]  Attack
 (2d6+13)[ 17 ]  Crit
 


The momentum of the charge lends force to his arm as he drives the blow home.
Admiral
Daybreaker strikes down the blinded orc with ease, and he collapses to the ground.

Shiny turns towards the writhing tentacles and urges his pony forwards. He stretches out his palm towards the orc at the center.

 
 Spoiler 

Whelm:

Will save:  (1d20+1)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (4d6)[ 15 ] 
 


His spell fails to affect the orc's mind.
Admiral
Rocky and Karn also turn their attention to the last remaining orc, riding towards him and firing an arrow each.

 
 Spoiler 

Point blank:

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 


The orc is badly bloodied by the wounds, combined with those he'd sustained from the tentacles.

Shiny shouts out towards Mithril.  "Let him go! We can take him alive!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses and lowers her bow when she hears Shiny's voice. Looking at the horrid crushing tentacles, she turns to Mithril and asks,  "Let go how? Can...even stop?" 
Athedia
Mithril looked confused.  Why should she let him go?  He was almost dead anyway.  Gritting her teeth she decided to follow Shiny's request.  He had not lead them wrong before, well astray but never wrong.  She waved a hand, grimacing as she heard the tentacles disappear back into the earth.
CoffeeIncluded
As the tentacles withdraw back into the earth, leaving nothing but cracked stone and blood of their presence, Natalia prepares to spur her horse forward and capture the last badly wounded orc. She'd been thinking the same thing herself. They needed information, and they needed a live orc to get it from. Just how much did they know?

 
 Spoiler 
Admiral, do I need to roll for anything?
 
Admiral
The last orc remaining struggles with the tentacles.

 
 Spoiler 
The orc gets one more turn before Mithril can dismiss the spell.

Tentacle grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ] 
O5 opposed grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
 


The orc finally wrenches himself free of the hideous tentacles, and struggles to climb his way out.

 
 Spoiler 
Amusingly, the only way he can fully step out of the tentacles this turn (has to move half speed through them) is to end up right between Natalia and Hilton. And yet he'd rather do that then get stuck there even longer.
 
Admiral
Hilton takes a short step to his left, draws his second net from his belt, and tosses it over the escaped orc.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 


The orc just barely manages to dodge the net.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia drops her bow into her lap, steps to flank Hilton, balls her fists, and proceeds to punch the Orc in the face.

 
 Spoiler 
unarmed strikes are light weapons. 😁

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 15 ]  20?
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 10 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 16 ]  21?
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 17 ] 


Attack:  (d20+4)[ 5 ]  10?
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 7 ] 

She punches until he drops.
 


If Natalia's able to, she punches and punches again, sickened as the orc's nose crumples under the force of her blow and the leather of her glove frays under the strikes. But she keeps punching until he collapses.
Admiral
With Natalia's first punch to the temple, the orc falls to the ground, unconscious.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and looks down at the unconscious Orc, then out at the battlefield. She looks at shiny and Mithril and nods. She double checks to make sure there are no other enemies, then gets off her horse and ties him up--quickly, before her spell wears off.

She laughs weakly, partially from relief, partially from stress and the blood on her hands.

As Natalia quickly searches the other dead orcs for valuables,she looks up at Mithril and grins.  "Magic masters battle,"  she says, weary but in awe. And yet when she sees the mangled pulp of what's left of the Orc Kurt chased down, she looks at the dwarf again. She hasn't seen that rage in a while, and though she should be used to it by now, when he rages like that it still scares her A bit.

 
 Spoiler 
i had to walk a mile, in the pouring rain, without an umbrella. My clothes are soaked, I'm soaked, and my notebooks are ruined. And I have an inkjet printer. I just want to scream right now.

Anyway, if Natalia has time she takes 10 on use rope for a 22 and takes 10 on searching the orcs for loot for a 25. Otherwise,

Use rope:  (d20+12)[ 31 ] 
Search:  (d20+15)[ 34 ] 

Edit: or I can just roll. 😛
 
Cavelcade
Kurt sighs as the last orc drop, the rage draining from him and leaving him tired, his eyes heavy as he rides back to the others.  "We've got a new friend then, Shiny?"  He cleans Daybreaker as he rides, the blood staining the cloth he uses another time.
Admiral
As Kurt approaches Shiny and the prisoner, and Natalia searches the bodies of the orcs, the sounds of battle to the north slow down and stop as the samurai and others finish off the last of the orc barbarians. They ride south towards the party to regroup. Dresden's face is grim: one of the blue belts and one of the yellow belts lie fallen amid the corpses of orcs. Brander, Ezra, Calric Jr and Lucius appear to have survived: Calric heals Brander's substantial wounds as they ride towards the party.

 "We prevented them from sounding their horn,"  Brander says with urgency,  "but we have no idea how far the sound of the battle carried. Whatever plan we choose, we much make haste."  He glances at the orc Natalia has tied up.
CoffeeIncluded
 "We silenced too, though blades echo,"  Natalia says, looking up from her kneeling position, her hands deep in a dead orc's pockets.  "But one to tell what known." . She glances at Shiny and frowns, remembering Linwood, and how he charmed the Orc and then had Kurt execute him. It was dirty work, and she hopes they don't have to do that again. Somehow, that's worse than just killing them in battle

She closes her eyes and sighs at the sight of two more dead. And they're just as responsible.

EDIT: Natalia turns to Shiny and asks,  "What ask? How known, who told?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia continues searching the dead orcs, stripping them of their valuables and placing them in her bag, carefully if they're sharp or pointy. She bounces the crystal up and down in her hand as she searches for magic items, and if any weapons or armor are particularly well-made she takes them as well--if she has time.

 "Should ask plans,"  Natalia says, returning to the group and patting down the unconscious, tied-up orc once more.  "Drink knowledge from source. Who, how, what, why?"  She looks up at Shiny, Brander, and Kurt, whispers to the gnome and dwarf,  "Please...if can, not trick friendly...not like Linwood." 

And then she turns back and gazes down the passageway, looking to see if the Horde heard, listening to hear if they're headed this way, an impossible tide. And then, on a note of hope, Natalia glances up at the sky, searching for the broad-winged silhouette that would mark Firefeather's return.

 
 Spoiler 
Because I need a new post for spot/listen checks and if the horde may have heard us that's probably a good idea.

Also, if Natalia has time, she's going to take all the masterwork armor and weapons that the orcs have. Do they have masterwork armor and weapons?

If there isn't time to collect everything, then her priority is Information&gt;magic items=money&gt;masterwork items&gt;mundane items. But hopefully she'll have time for everything.

Oh, Admiral, are you going to be lumping exp for this battle in with whatever we do next?

Anyway, rolls:
Spot:  (d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 19 ] 

Unless Natalia's able to take 20 on these things while searching the orcs--can she?
 
Admiral
As the soldiers approach, Shiny kneels next to the orc: there's no time to waste. Thanks to his charm spell, the interrogation is efficient, though he's the only one who can understand what he learned.

He stands back up.  "He says the soldiers were indeed expecting intruders. Normally guard parties are half this size. It sounds like the last time he saw the camps, the east door was the heaviest guarded." 

Brander grunts, and gives a raised eyebrow towards Mitrhil.  "That's the one we were planning on. Whoever's whispering in your ear, it sounds like she might have just saved us."  He turns back to the group.  "If we're going to make our move, we have to do it fast. Noise of the battle could have reached another party, and in any case their absence will be noticed. Which door are we going for, and what diversion we planning?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wait,"  Natalia asks.  "Could you...ask who told? And why fight?" 

She sighs and looks towards the caves.  "If guards where we go, then go where not. Double bluff." 
Athedia
 "Then lets go now.  Ash?  Are you ready?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wait!"  Natalia fishes in her bag before drawing out three scrolls--two of Grease, one of Color Spray. She carefully hands them to Mithril, covering the mage's hands with her own for a brief moment.  "Clear a path? In case surrounded...since no webs, tentacles left. Stay safe." 
Athedia
Mithril pushed them back.   "No need, I am just going in and then holding back.  These would be more useful for you, out here." 
Admiral
Ash nods to Mithril, and Brander grunts.  "If we're taking the west door in, we should all move another two miles west with the carts: right now we were set up to go in through the east. Then you'll be a mile and a half from the western entrance: that last stretch you and Ash should cover without us, to warn them. Once the dwarves are ready, you let Natalia know with that mind connection of yours." 

The caravan starts up and continues its journey west, moving as quietly and quickly as they can. The rangers keep a close eye on their surroundings, wary of another raiding party.

After twenty minutes of careful navigating through ridges and hills, they've almost reached the split point when they hear three short blasts from a distant horn behind them. Brander turns around and bites his lip.  "I'm guessing they found the orc party where we left them. I suppose it could work to our advantage... anyone searching that area won't be looking where we are." 

Finally after moving a bit farther, they stop at a shallow hill. Brander takes out his map, and consults briefly with the rangers. Then he looks to Ash and Mithril and points due south.  "Cave entrance is a mile and a half in that direction. Safe travels." 
 
 Spoiler 
Do Mithril and Ash want invisibility? Is Mithril using fly?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But..."  Natalia looks down, then back up.  "Thought you casting, slow and stop there like here. Spells stop charge. We...shielded by many. Magic of many too." 

She tries again, and as she glances up her face meets Mithril and betrays her real fear and motivation.  "Mithril, I...If I not there, not your shield, then...at least my scrolls. Let spells protect where, when blades can't."

"...I want you safe." 
 
 Spoiler 
Wrong color. 😛
 


EDIT:

As the party travels in cautious silence and Brander discusses the plan, Natalia says,  "And I tell our status. Keep talking, both sides. Say when, say when 'Now.'" 

She stiffens at the sound of the horn blasts, and fights to keep her breathing under control. Now or never.

 
 Spoiler 
Tell me when Tongues is up!
 
Athedia
 "Shiny are you coming with us?"   Her flight spell wouldn't get them the whole way there, and she didn't want to waste it before they got close enough.
Admiral
Shiny thinks.  "I won't be able to get in with the both of you,"  he says.  "I could wait outside until we start off the diversion, but that'll take staying invisible for a while. What's your plan?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gulps at that.  "May be safer for you, but...Shiny, thought you give our fog?"  She holds out the three smokesticks she got from Soshima.  "I have fog, but not enough."  She scratches her head with the stick, careful not to have it snap off in her fingers.  "Why not fly, silent, invisible? Fly, then...land, run?" 

She shakes her head and takes out a piece of paper.  "Unless can make it. Mithril, how long...spell with wings?" 
Athedia
 "I can make one person fly and Ash is a little large to carry.  But if Shiny travels halfway with us and then makes us invisible I think we could do it.  Get there and in and he could double back.  Then once we are close enough I teleport the two of us in.  Natalia, you may want to travel with us, the later we establish the bond the better.  Miriam too, if you still plan to cast tongues on her." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia points to the circlet holding Mithril's hair in place.  "What...about spell saver? Fly, then fly again?" 

She pauses again, writing down the math, muttering out loud.  "Mile and half, 7920 feet...saw trees in flight, this speed in seconds...If straight, dry and still as yellow..then this!"  She shows Mithril the sheet of paper, with   ~6.5 minutes   written down and circled after a series of calculations.

 "Six and half minutes by wing in mile and half. Mithril, time...spell lasts? Seven minutes?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hey,"  Natalia asks Shiny, holding out her three smokesticks.  "Need extra fog? More cover for camps and carts? We...are fogging carts, right?" 
Admiral
Shiny takes the smokesticks with a nod.  "These will help greatly: I've actually forgotten how to cast that spell. It happens more often then you'd think: I knew how to summon angels until memorizing that sleeping spell pushed it out of my head, and I could ressurrect the dead until one reckless night of overdrinking." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia cracks a smile, his cheer helping ease some of her tension and the knot in her stomach.   "Then drinking again, restore spell? Forget with over drinking, remember with under drinking? Or...just remember Make Dead instead?" 
 
 Spoiler 
theyll help?
 
Athedia
 "Ash, would you mind um... climbing into a nothingspace?  I can fly us in, but it would be faster if you where not heavy.  If that is okay.  We will walk closer beforehand, then cast all the spells at once.  Hopefully we make it in alright."   Mithril was nervous but spat the whole plan out, they could not delay any longer.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Ah!"  as Mithril speaks Natalia removes what little she has in the bag of holding into her haversack, plunging her arm in all the way up to her shoulder to demonstrate. She passes the now-empty bag over and says,  "Air for minutes, air enough if hurry." 
Admiral
Ash raises his eyebrows in confusion, until Natalia shows him the bag and his expression clears.  "Oh- we used those in the Firm a few times, when we were shipping large goods in a hurry. Don't suppose I ever saw fit to step into one... but there's a first time for everything." 

Kurt, Shiny, Miriam and Natalia agree to walk with Mithril the first few hundred yards, to make sure that she can reach the cave entrance and wait as long as they can to cast the spells. While the samurai wait behind, they hurry around the hill, and staying low and keeping a careful eye on the horizon, they hustle south towards the caves.

The territory around the mountains is rocky and uneven, though the hills are not high enough to offer them as much cover as they'd hope. And as they carefully scan the horizon, Natalia is able to spot a dark mass far in the distance to the east, close to where they had battled the guard party. It looks like it might be a force of soldiers, though they may be too far to see anything.

The path ahead is mostly clear, and they can spot the Farchild Range looming ahead of them, knowing the entrance to the fortress of Deldon lies in the feet of the hills. They move as far forward as they can while staying safe, then halt to cast their spells to keep Mithril safe.

 
 Spoiler 

They managed to move just short of half a mile.

I believe the below is your plan. If anyone has a problem with the following spells, the order in which they're cast, or wants to add others, let me know.

Miriam's  tongues  on Natalia.
Mithril's  telepathic bond  with Natalia. (If she wishes to add one additional creature to the bond, she may. Know that while Ash could be included, the bond would not work while he is in the bag of holding since it is effectively another plane).
Ash hops in the bag of holding, Mithril picks it up.
Shiny's  invisibility  on Mithril (I've decided invisibility will work on Ash as long as he stays within the invisible bag of holding, though not if he steps or reaches out)
Mithril casts fly on herself. (Does she use her circlet?)
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hurry,"  Natalia whispers as they cross the distance.  "See movement, think horde." 

Nevertheless, she can't help but hop back and forth at the actual moment, grinning with anticipation.  "Ready?"  she asks, barely able to contain herself at the thought of speaking clearly once more.

 
 Spoiler 
im cool with it, though of course it's Mithril's spells.
 
Athedia
Mithril nodded and the spell casting commenced.  Looking toward Ash she asked.   "Would you mind joining into the mind forum?  You may have a different idea of what is happening with the dwarves and can direct me in the course of dialogue." 
 
 Spoiler 
And yes, I will be circleting fly.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia squeals a little in delight as Mithril casts her spell.  
"Mithril, is it working? Can you understand what I'm saying?" 
Admiral
Ash shrugs and smiles.  "I suppose I'd be much obliged." 

As Mithril casts the spell on Natalia and Ash, she once again feels the familiar sensation of minds connecting across space: thoughts beginning in one mind and ending in another. Ash's thoughts come across to her clearly:   "Reckon you can hear me now?"   And as if from a far distance, she can hear a faint echo of another mind, an exhilarated soul soaring through the skies above them. She realizes Ash and his hawk share a deep bond not unlike the one the wizard shares with Whiskers.
CoffeeIncluded
  Yep, I hear you loud and clear! Can you hear me loud and clear? I'll keep you both informed of whatever happens outside.  

She closes her eyes and soaks in the echoed bond of both Firefeather and Whiskers, feeling a little lonely at her lack of one, but...but it's okay.

  Oh, and Ash? Please keep Mithril safe. Even though, Mithril, I know you're strong.  
 
 Spoiler 
If only Mithril can hear this and it's not an open discussion between the three of us, I'll fix/delete this.
 
Admiral
Ash nods at Mithril to wish her good luck, then steps into the bag of holding, at which point the mental link seems to be temporarily severed. As Shiny casts his spell of invisibility, Mithril casts her spell of flight, and the exciting feeling of weightlessness comes over her once more. Bag in hand, she turns towards the mountain range and takes off at full speed.

Minutes pass as she soars over the rocky plains, acutely aware of how ephemeral her magical protections are. If she doesn't reach the cave entrance before her invisibility and flight runs out, she'll have little protection against whatever army awaits.

Finally the entrance comes into view, a heavy iron door built into the base of the mountain, ten feet tall and wide. Around it, she can see the camp of orcs holding it under siege, with large tents covered in warpaint forming a  wide semicircle around the door. About forty orcs are visible on guard, some with crossbows and longbows pointed out towards the surrounding fields or towards the door itself, and others pacing a perimeter around the field. Mithril recalls how the Horde came flooding out during their raid on the Takagawa River, and wonders how many more orcs are still resting in their tents.

As she approaches, she sees that the orcs have built a crude semicircular stone wall that surrounds the iron door, about five feet tall, with a few gaps that can act as entrances. As she moves a bit closer she sees that a number of orc guards are leaning against outside of the wall, as if hiding from the mountain. She is surprised by this strategy until she sees the thin slits built high into the rock, and she realizes that the dwarves can rain arrows onto the encampment. The dwarves may be trapped and starving, but they clearly have not lost the will to fight back.

 
 Spoiler 

Mithril is now close enough to dimension door in if she wants, or she can approach the camp and take a closer look. She estimates she has a minute or a bit more left on her invisibility and fly spells.

Natalia et al: are you going back to join the samurai in order to coordinate the charge?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia embraces Mithril, watching her vanish before her eyes.  "Be safe,"  she whispers before stepping back and watching the Mage fly off.

Natalia turns to everyone else.  "We should return to the samurai and prepare the charge. It won't take long for Mithril and Ash to get inside. Oh, and Lucius?"  She takes advantage of her temporary fluency to step up and point in his face,  "Mithril is completely trustworthy, and I am not a brain-damaged troglodyte!" 

As they head back, Natalia thinks to Mithril,   Were returning to prepare the charge. How are you, where are you, and what do you see?  
Athedia
Mithril took note of the defenses she could see.  She wanted to look closer but didn't want to be caught defenseless.   Natalia, there is a stone wall around the entrance.  About 40 guards as well.  I think if you lure them out then the dwarves will rain arrows."    She described the scene as she saw it and then quickly started her spell aiming for the other side of the iron door.  Closing her eyes she focused and then stumbled forward, the transition from sky to ground unnerving.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses.   Can you take a quick look before the spells run out?   She pauses as Mithril describes the scene, then thinks,   There may be more orcs in the tents, and you used up a lot of spells in that last fight...wait! Are you able to get to the part of the tunnel where the arrow slits are? If you can you can look out, and tell me what's going on from up above. A birds-eye view would be really useful here. And maybe you can throw things down as well, or shoot your wand?
  
 
 Spoiler 
Do we have the Dawn Burst wand?
 
CoffeeIncluded
As they return to the samurai and the ones from Hulburg, Natalia relays what Mithril told her. She then adds,  "Mithril said she saw 40 orcs, but there's probably more in the tents. We'll have to get them away, because it sounds like they're right in front of the door. Hopefully Mithril will give us advance warning of their movements; even a couple minutes could be critical."

 Mithril, will you be able to get up to the arrow slits and look down before we attack, so you can tell us if our diversion is working or not?  

She plays her hands over her swords, and savors the words on her tongue. She nods to Kurt.  "Are we ready to do the diversion?"

 Mithril, are you inside?  
Admiral
Once Mithril has seen enough of the camp, she reaches into the bag of holding. There she grasps Ash's hand tightly: his grip is tighter than she'd expected, perhaps due to the stress of his suffocation. Once she has him firmly, she focuses on the door and teleports in.

The world goes pitch black around her and she feels nothing, and for a moment she cannot help but wonder if she had teleported directly into stone. But she realizes that she is still hovering in midair, and starts to drop, suddenly stumbling into stone. Moments pass as she fumbles in the pitch black before she realizes she is not alone.

 
 Spoiler 

Listen:  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
 


Mithril hears the sound of deep, hoarse breathing about three yards ahead of her, though whoever it is seems not yet to have sensed her presence. Try as she might, she can see nothing in the pitch black.
Athedia
 "H-hello? We are with the re-enforcements, is there a leader we can talk too?"   Mithril looked around nervously, the darkness frightened her as well as the idea of her friends tackling so many orcs.
Admiral
The moment Mithril's voice breaks the silence, she hears a surprised grunt in front of her, and an axe being drawn.

 "What the blazes- show yerself, blast ye, or I'll slice yeh t' ribbons!"  The voice is deep and beastly, but unmistakably Dwarven.
Athedia
Mithril stumbled back in fear, still holding onto the arm of Ash as she tried to pull him out of the bag.  "I am sorry. Mithril. My name is Mithril, my friends and the samurai are here with food, outside with food.  Well about to try to get through the orcs with food."   She stumbled around her words praying that she hadn't gotten into the mountain just to be sliced down by a guard.  She thought dwarves could see in the... looking down at herself she realized that Shiny's spell still held.   "Uh, I needed to get past the orcs, I swear.  I think this should wear off soon?" 
Admiral
From his grunts, the guard sounds even more taken aback as Ash steps, helped by Miriam, seemingly out of nowhere.

As Mithril stutters out her apology and explanation, a meaningful moment of silence passes as the guard seems to take it in. Then comes the crackle of flint, and a small but welcome flame appears, in front of what at first appears to be an intricately crafted metal oven. Soon they realize it is in fact a dwarf, but one covered in armor so thick and complex he is hardly recognizable. The metal man reaches over, plates sliding gracefully over his form, and drops the flint on a torch at the side of the hallway: it shines barely enough light to illuminate him and Ash both. He then places his immense tower shield with a heavy thud to one side, and his gauntleted arm reaches up and shoves the faceplate to the top of his helm. Out pokes a thickly bearded face, which seems to study Ash, especially his Firm guildmark.

 "Is that true, lad? You and yer invisible friend are comin' with food?"  In the dim light, Mithril can see the nervous Ash nod.

With steps more powerful and graceful than she could have expected from the thickly armored dwarf, the guard lunges forward and picks the confused ranger up by his armpits.

 "Damn the food,"  the Iron Guard barks.  "Did ye' bring the ale? Did ye bring the  wine ?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Welcome to Deldon.
 
Athedia
Mithril sent out a quick thought   "Check if there is wine, NOW!"  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia  leans back and thinks,   Uh, okay,   turns and asks the monks driving the cart,  "Mithril and...I guess the dwarves, want to know if you have wine, or beer, or anything alcoholic?" 
Admiral
The monk who seems to be serving as the leader of the caravan blinks in surprise.  "You think we'd be going to the dwarf fortress of Deldon without wine and ale?"  he replies, a tone of resignation in his voice.  "That's all we put in the third cart." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins, then laughs as she sends the message to Mithril,   The third cart has nothing but alcohol.  
 "Shiny, how are you going to do this?"  she asks.
Athedia
 "You can let Ash go.  The third cart is all alcohol."   She shifted invisibly from foot to foot.   "We have to hurry, they are planning to attack in less than an hour and my spells will wear off." 
Admiral
As Mithril hops nervously, she suddenly becomes aware of the feeling of lightness that accompanied flying leaving her, and at the same time she pops into view.

The guard laughs with a deep roar as he drops Ash and turns to Mithril. Samurai do not scare easily, but judging by his expression Ash had certainly been tested by the dwarf's aggressive welcome.  "Well, then there's no time to waste. So then what in blazes are you doin' at this gate? Over here we're set to be your distraction- most of th' Iron Guard are over at the east side where the carts'll really be comin' in. What I been told, anyway." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Should we use the fog cover on the carts as well? It might make it more difficult for the orcs to see us."  Natalia looks at Miriam, then Kurt.  "Maybe we could also use the wand we found, Shiny? If we make many of the samurai larger, they'll be able to surround the carts and make it harder for the orcs to get to them. Kurt, aren't you able to attack enemies farther away when you're enlarged? If we have that several times over, then that would make things easier. Even if the spell only lasts for a minute from the wand." 

She pauses, not used to this role. She probably never will be; it's not meant for her.  "What do you think? We'd also need cover from above, maybe." 
Admiral
 "Fog can't move with the carts,"  Shiny says.  "The best I can do is run a semi-circle around them, give us a smokescreen. I do reckon I like the idea of a few large samurai." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia cracks a smile at the mental image.  "What about getting to the other camp to do the diversion though? Do we need to do that before anything else? We're running out of time."  She glances over to where she saw the mass of...probably orcs. What else could it be?

 
 Spoiler 
Wrong color, Admiral. 😛
 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head at the suggestion of a diversion, staring straight at the orcish camp ahead.

 "No, there's no point, time, or people to waste. We've already got our diversion over there by having the orcs shift their forces in advance. Let's take advantage of having all our forces in one place and attack. 

He sighs a bit, unsheathing Daybreaker again, balancing it with his pommel.  "We might as well go to work...daylight won't last forever." 
Athedia
 "Minor change in plans.  We got info on our way over that the orcs had found out about the plan.  We needed to adjust, we figured that they would disregard a horn from over here thinking it was the distraction."   Mithril couldn't help but smile, Kurt was calm compared to these dwarves, practically meditative.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs.  "Yeah, we should go. But, well,"  she looks out where she saw the mass,  "Why are the orcs doing this? Or rather, why is someone making them do this?"  She turns to the samurai.  "Were they always like this?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head almost angrily at that.  "Now's not the time, Natalia! I would like to make it so that the orcs weren't doing this, or understand why they are, but if we let ourselves get distracted not only will we die, these supplies will be stopped here. I pity the orcs, but I won't let that stop me from killing them."  He drums his fingers on the tang of the blade before him.  "There'll be time for philosophising afterwards." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "I know, but it's not just philosophizing, Kurt. Right now we have too many questions and not enough answers. And if we figure out why the orcs are doing this, we might learn a little more about the Puppetmaster, and get a few more answers to our questions. But yes, we should go."

 Mithril, ready when you are.  
Admiral
The soldier scratches his chin at Mithril's explanation.  "We've got to reassign the guard." 

From the shadowy corridors behind him comes the noise of clanking metal, as a few more guards approach, their shields smaller and their armor less ornate than the guard at the forefront. They seem to have been running some distance, perhaps attracted by the noise of Mithril and Ash's entrance. The Iron Guard turns to them, and barks out a series of orders in Dwarven that Mithril and Ash cannot understand. One of them turns to run back into the tunnels.

 "Wait!"  cries Ash. The dwarves look at him, surprised.  "If you're getting reinforcements I'll go with you. Mithril here cast a spell that'll let me talk to her from afar- it'll let us stay in touch and coordinate." 

The dwarf guard thinks and looks over at Mithril.  "No shortage of tricks up yer sleeve, then, eh?"  He gestures for Ash to go ahead. The samurai squeezes Mithril's hand in a quick goodbye, then races off down the dark corridor. They're a few yards away before Ash reminds the dwarves that he needs light to see, and one of them starts a flint to craft a torch.

The Iron Guard turns back to Mithril.  "Guessin' I plum forgot my introductions. Name's Stanton Stonehelm, Defender of Deldon and Soldier of the Iron Guard."  He starts to topple forward awkwardly a bit, and it becomes clear that his armor, though intricately and expertly crafted, was not designed for bowing.
Athedia
Mithril quickly tried to help prop him back up, almost falling over herself.   "Name's Mithril as I said.  I am from the Institute."   Natalia had asked her to look out at the camp hadn't she.  If reinforcements would be arriving soon anyway...  "Do you have an arrow slot I can look out of, to see how far my friends need to lure the orcs away for arrows to work?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Still, even though she knows she should be focusing solely on the battle, Natalia can't help but ask the samurai,  "Were the orcs always like this? Because we met some on our trip here who were perfectly civil. They can't all be barbarians, can they?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt ignores the question being directed towards the samurai this time, agitatedly shifting his horse around as he waits for the samurai. When they're mounted up he starts riding forward slowly, his eyes focused on the horizon.  "Time...there's no time...the dwarves must live..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia rides over to Kurt and lays a hand on the cool mithral of his helmet.  "Everything will be okay, Kurt,"  she says.  "But please, you've got to live too." 

Still, her heart is stuttering and her breathing is shaking. She's scared, and she's starting to think she'll never not be scared.

 
 Spoiler 
What are the Hulburg crew doing?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril quickly tried to help prop him back up, almost falling over herself.   "Name's Mithril as I said.  I am from the Institute."   Natalia had asked her to look out at the camp hadn't she.  If reinforcements would be arriving soon anyway...  "Do you have an arrow slot I can look out of, to see how far my friends need to lure the orcs away for arrows to work?"  
 

 "Arrow slots, sure,"  says Stanton thoughtfully.  "It's a risk to open the slots, but now's the time I suppose."  He picks up the torch, and beckons for Mithril to follow him down the tunnel. As they walk, a pair of dwarves rush forward to guard the position he had held. As they pass close to her, she gets a closer look at the dwarves' faces- despite their energy and enthusiasm, both are gaunt and ragged.

Twenty yards down the corridor, they stop at an iron door built into the side of the rock. Stanton bangs on it three times and shouts out a phrase in Dwarven, and she hears heavy bolts sliding back before the door slides open. The guard behind the door seems especially small, before she realizes that he is practically a child.

Stanton leads her past the door up a set of carved steps that curl and wind around, and she realizes she is now walking through a passage above the entrance corridor. They step through the shallow tunnel until they reach a small cavern, where they find a dwarven woman also bearing heavy armor, a longbow resting on the wall next to her.

 "I thought we wouldn't 'ave no one comin' in 'ere,"  the stout woman says in a strong dwarven accent- it's apparent that she's speaking the common tongue only on behalf of Mithril.

 "Plans change,"  Danton says brusquely.  "We'll be 'aving a look out over the blasted orcs now. Let's get to cranking." 

The pair of dwarves step towards one of two unusual mechanisms on the stone wall. They seem to be composed of sheets of iron and dusty glass, pressed against the stone side by side. First Stanton douses the torch, leaving them in total darkness, and then Mithril hears a few heavy bolts and latches being unlocked, then the whirring of a heavy crank. As the crank turns, the steel plate starts shifting to the left, the pane of glass following it, and a ray of sunlight bursts through. Stanton glances back at  Mithril and recognizes her unfamiliarity with the machine.

 "We leave the slots blocked by iron most of the time. If'n we want to look out, we shift to the glass window: it'll block their arrows, and we're forty feet up so too high for an axe. Shift it the other way, and it opens the slot and we rain bolts down on 'em. Just one of Dent's brainwaves..."  He stops cranking for a second so he can raise his finger in a lecture.  "Anyone ever tells you that elves are better at building-"  suddenly he seems to remember his surroundings, and finishes cranking. The thick glass now covers the arrow slot, and Mithril can see out onto the camp.

 "What're you lookin' for?" 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Still, even though she knows she should be focusing solely on the battle, Natalia can't help but ask the samurai,  "Were the orcs always like this? Because we met some on our trip here who were perfectly civil. They can't all be barbarians, can they?"  
 

 "Focus on what's in front of you, young woman,"  says Dresden curtly as he watches the horizon. His mind seems to have already joined the battle that is coming.
CoffeeIncluded
 "But--"  Natalia pauses. The next thing she says is more to herself than anyone else.

 "I don't know when I'll get another chance." 
Athedia
 "Coming in I saw guards against the wall.  They were hiding from the slots, I want to know how far out they would have to be for you to have a chance."   Mithril relayed the view of the camp from this new angle to Natalia and Ash, taking note of how close to the mountain she could see without strain.
CoffeeIncluded
  We're almost ready. I'll tell you when Shiny starts the fog cloud diversion. Unless there's a time that you have specified?

How are you holding up? What about Ash and the dwarves?  
Athedia
  The main force was at the other entrance.  They are moving now.  Ash, how is progress?  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wait a sec,"  Natalia says,  "All the dwarves were waiting at the other entrance. Dresden, how long would it take for them to get over to this entrance?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Sorry, just saw the typo.
 
Admiral
Ash's thoughts come back over the link, sounding almost "out of breath" even in their heads.   "Still running. They say twelve minutes to get to the other gate, and then twelve minutes for the dwarves to make their way back."  

Stanton responds to Mithril's question about the orcs.  "Getting them away from the wall will open them up to arrows, sure... but two archers don't make you homefree, even if they're as sharp as Lyla here."  He tilts his head towards the old dwarf woman.  "No, when those carts come, we're opening the doors and heading out to meet 'em; draw 'em in rather than out. Reckon the Iron Guard can take a few punches better than you city-folk can."  He gives a quiet but deep laugh.

 "So if your friends come straight for the entrance, we'll give 'em all the head start we can." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, then says out loud,  "Ash says it'll take about 24 minutes for the dwarves to get to the tunnel we're actually entering. Do we have that time? Unless...maybe if we leave now or in a few minutes, we could get there as the dwarves arrive as well."

 There's no way you can speed it up? Maybe shout down the hallway, or send a message? I'm not sure if we have half an hour. Unless, maybe we could leave sooner and then meet up once everyone's actually at the right door, so nobody's waiting?  
 
 Spoiler 
How long would it take for everyone outside to get to the door?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "If it takes 20 minutes for us to get to the tunnels anyway, then we should go now, right?"  Natalia asks with creeping uncertainty.

  Mithril, Ash, do you and the dwarves think we should head to you all now? We're about 20 minutes away.   
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hey, Kurt,"  Natalia asks, somewhat worried about his near-trance,  "You said you did a lot of trading with other dwarven towns. Did you ever trade with Deldon?"

 Mithril,   she thinks,   I have your wand. Are you going to fire on the orcs too once we Show up or are you just keeping a lookout?   
Admiral
Brander, Natalia, Dresden and the others agree to wait a bit to let the dwarves move their reinforcements to the western gate. After a few tense minutes have passed, during which they half-expect orcs to come around the corner at any moments, Dresden gives a nod. The monks start the mules moving, and they begin heading towards the cave.

After a few minutes of walking forward, a message floats into Mithril and Natalia's minds.  "Found the dwarves at the other entrance, they're on their way back. Reckon I'll stay here and help with the diversion: this distance thinking really is something." 

The caravan continues south at a steady but cautious pace- their rocky surroundings have become a bit flatter and the chance they'll be spotted is increasing by the moment. Shiny turns to Natalia, Kurt and Miriam.  "I'm running ahead to smoke the place up. If you want, you can come with me: I can keep all of us invisible. Maybe give us an edge in the fight if you pop up where you're not supposed to." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "The dwarves are moving. Ash says he'll stay at the east gate and keep a lookout,"  Natalia says, breaking the silence and keeping everyone informed.

  We're on our way, Ash and Mithril,   Natalia thinks as they start moving.  "Stay safe. Mithril, I'll see you in a few minutes. 

She pauses at Shiny's suggestion.  "But if we attack while you're creating the smoke diversion, that might blow our cover. And I don't like the idea of being visible and surrounded by over forty orcs. Though Shiny, will you be okay by yourself?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Just to confirm--using the dawn burst wand will make me visible, right?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt simply shakes his head at Natalia's question - he never knew much about the trading, it wasn't where he was going to end up. When Shiny speaks, he rouses himself it seems, nodding slowly.  "I think it's worth the risk. I'll go with you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses at Kurt's comment, then turns to Miriam.  "You too?"  If the cleric also agrees, then Natalia sighs and says,  "I guess I'll come along as well."  She then takes the nearly-empty wand, the one that makes the lightning, and starts casting it into her sword.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm also casting the shocking grasp wand into my spellstoring sword. Admiral, if we've got several minutes, do I have to roll or can we assume she makes the check at some point?
 


EDIT: Natalia fiddles with her swords as she tries to cast the spell into them.  "Shiny, are we attacking when you do the diversion, before the carts arrive? Wouldn't that give away the double bluff? Or are we waiting for them to attack instead of just casting smoke? Or...Hey, Shiny, can would setting fire to the tents Mithril described end your invisibility spell?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia pauses at Kurt's comment, then turns to Miriam.  "You too?"  If the cleric also agrees, then Natalia sighs and says,  "I guess I'll come along as well."  She then takes the nearly-empty wand, the one that makes the lightning, and starts casting it into her sword. 
 

Shiny takes a length of rope and tosses it to Kurt, Natalia, Miriam, Hilton, Rocky and Karn.  "If we're going ahead, you'll have to stay within ten feet of me as soon as I've cast the spell. That means no horses. Everyone grab the rope, let's run on ahead."  The caravan gives them two minutes' head start to make sure they can reach the cave entrance with time to spare.


 EDIT: Natalia fiddles with her swords as she tries to cast the spell into them.  "Shiny, are we attacking when you do the diversion, before the carts arrive? Wouldn't that give away the double bluff?  

 "We'll have to attack when they see the caravan,"  Shiny says simply.  "Let's hope that's later rather than sooner." 

  Or are we waiting for them to attack instead of just casting smoke? Or...Hey, Shiny, can would setting fire to the tents Mithril described end your invisibility spell?"  

 "Funny you should ask that,"  Shiny says as the group dismounts their horses and starts moving forward. He casts a spell that suddenly stops sound from escaping his immediate vicinity, letting anyone who steps close to him speak freely.  "My invisibility came quite in handy when I was a stagehand in the acclaimed production of "That's My Dwarf"- let me walk around moving sets and puppeting props (the clay giant, the paper-mache bugbear), without worrying about the audience seeing me and breaking the illusion. But last scene featured a red dragon made of plaster, and it was my job to fill my mouth with whiskey, light a flint, and simulate its fearsome fiery breath. I don't know whose idea it thought it was wise to give a Shiny Sloppystep, recovering drunkard and egomaniac, a liquor-based special effect, but suffice to say that by the play's denouement I lacked the precision necessary to carry it out. While the cast escaped unharmed, the entire stage- not to mention the bordello it was contained within- was reduced to ashes. If I hadn't stayed invisible the mob would surely have found me, and my head would be adorning a spike on their walls- but as my spell continued, I was able to stagger away and escape before the village could come after me."  Shiny thinks for a moment.  "So the answer to your question is no." 
CoffeeIncluded
It's a good thing Shiny had already cast the silencing spell, or else Natalia's laughter at his tale would have given them away. She drops the rope, and fumbles for a moment before picking it back up, wrapping it around her wrists a couple times for good measure.  "Maybe they gave you the role because you were the only one who could fit in the dragon head? Or maybe you were the least likely to drink the liquor, if what Mithril told me about Deldon was a hint? How did you get cast to play That's My Dwarf anyway?" 

Still, the grin fades as they walk away from the horses and to the camps, though only Natalia can feel it. She asks,  "Shiny, Kurt, I have a tindertwig in my bag. Do you think I should set fire to the tents too?" 
Athedia
Mithril turned from looking out the window.   "We ran into a patrol on the way here, killed them but I burnt up my spells.  I do have these wands but I am afraid I will not be as much help as I could have been.  I apologize for this. Would you rather that I stay up here and shoot these missiles through the window or join your forces below?   She fumbled in her belt pulling out her wands and showing them to the dwarves.  Did dwarves even practice magic?  She could not think of one she had seen worship Boccob and when she had been at the Institute she had been a little overwhelmed.
CoffeeIncluded
  Mithril,   Natalia thinks as she fiddles with the tindertwig, feels the scratchy yellow of the compound that sets it alight--is it similar to the gunpowder? She should check.   "Kurt, Miriam, Kurt's...charges...and I are going with Shiny. We're invisible and we'll try to make some sneak attacks on the orcs when we see the cart, and help him with the diversion. I'm going to try and set some tents on fire, cause some more chaos. How are you?"  
Admiral
The dwarf looks thoughtful.  "Don't know if anyone here knows how to use of of them wands,"  he says with an apologetic shrug.  "But you go ahead and stay up 'ere and cast yer spells- if'n they're half as useful as whatever got ye in 'ere I'm sure you'll give em some trouble. The Iron Guard will take the fight on the ground. 
Athedia
 "It helps that they never miss.  I don't know why, but it is very handy at times."   She examined the window from various angles, trying to figure out the dimensions and angles she could fire at the camp from.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes a cautious look around the area, trying to see if she can spot the layout of the camp, or hear anything amiss.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 25 ] 

How far are we from the camp now?
 
Admiral
The group continues to race ahead in front of the caravan, hoping to reach the camp and start their distraction before the wagons are seen.

 
 Spoiler 

Enemy Spot check:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
 


As they round a corner, Natalia sees a dozen orc guards passing a few hundred yards ahead- but they seem distracted and haven't yet spotted the party.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Orcs,"  Natalia whispers, though it's not necessary, pointing them out. She looks to see what direction they're headed in.  "We obviously can't attack them right now. Should we sneak around them or wait for them to pass?" 
 
 Spoiler 
is everyone in range of Shiny's invisibility and Zone of silence spells?
 
Admiral
As soon as Natalia points to the gang of orcs, Shiny's hands start their arcane motions. Moments later, the seven travelers have vanished from sight, before the guards could spot them.

 
 Spoiler 
I should have mentioned they were visible at that point: Shiny didn't want to start his invisibility sphere too early or it wouldn't last.
 


Shiny gestures to the others.  "Let's move on through,"  he says, his voice involuntarily quiet even though it is magically shielded.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs in relief as everyone vanishes from view.  "Let's hurry,"  she whispers.  "We don't have much time."  She heads out to sneak behind the orcs, careful to stay in range of Shiny's spell.

She turns back and asks Shiny, Hilton, Rocky, and Karn,  "Do any of you have oil?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Ah, thanks for clarifying. I was confused by that. Ah well, so far so good. Let's get sabotaging. 😏
 
Admiral
The others shake their heads to Natalia's question as they hurry forward. The party passes within a few hundred feet of the orcs, with the noisier travelers careful to stay close to Shiny to take advantage of his sound-dampening spell.

As they follow the path a bit farther south, they finally come in view of the orc encampment, nestled against the hill. They see a dozen tents stitched together of various materials: wool, cotton, leather, fur- and covered in the crude warpaint sigils of the Horde. Around them stand about forty orcs guards, most appearing to prefer cover from the tents, and a small batch of guards stand a bit off from the caves. They can see the heavy iron gate, and forty feet above it they see a pair of dark windows where they can assume Mithril is watching.

Shiny pauses.  "What now?" 
 
 Spoiler 
 Current map  is in signature. Natalia, Shiny, Kurt and the others are standing near the bottom: up is South on this map.

Caravan is about five minutes from arriving at the camp. Invisibility is just over three minutes from running out.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gulps at the number of orcs. And many of them are close to the tents too. She turns to the others and asks,  "I guess we use. Shiny's magic to cover the camps with smoke? We should all stay close, and maybe set fire to the tents as Shiny covers them with smoke. I know none of you have oil, but does anyone else have means to start a fire? I have a tinder twig, but if someone else has something too it'll speed things along." 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head at Natalia's question, he doesn't carry oil...unfortunately. As the orcs pass in front of them he breathes a sigh of relief, for a second it had seemed like them coming ahead might have been a bad choice. Not that it necessarily wasn't bad...a choice made in haste.

 "Rocky, Karn, Hilton...stay close to me, at all times. If you're separated, you'll be swarmed. Don't let that happen!"  He speaks urgently, but quietly, the same eerie feeling Shiny has that they'll be heard making him keep his voice low.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, then thinks out loud,   Mithril, were outside and ready to begin the diversion. I don't think you should open the windows yet, not until we actually begin and everything's covered in fog. I can see the windows clearly, and that probably means the orcs can too.   

EDIT: Natalia passes her candles and the flint and tinder to everyone else.  "Well, I guess we might as well start away from the patrols, and work our way east? Maybe? Kurt, you're the strategist." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "Rocky, Karn, Hilton...stay close to me, at all times. If you're separated, you'll be swarmed. Don't let that happen!"  He speaks urgently, but quietly, the same eerie feeling Shiny has that they'll be heard making him keep his voice low. 
 

Karn points to the windows in the rockside.  "If they let get in there, we'll be more useful,"  he notes. He looks to Natalia.  "The dwarves inside- when door opens, they let us in? This you ask." 
Cavelcade
Kurt shrugs a bit, watching the patrol go.  "We should start it from this side, if this is the way the carts are coming. Make sure they're less likely to be seen...if they expect a diversion, then they probably won't come running out, and if they do well...it'll be in the direction the new fog clouds are popping up." 

He unsheathes Daybreaker, looking at Karn and nodding thoughtfully.  "Hilton, if you have a bow, you'd be better off in there. If not...maybe you can borrow one."  He looks guiltily backwards, towards the horses.  "I can give you mine...but few arrows." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "He has a crossbow, and I have bolts,"  Natalia says, giving some to Hilton. She nods to Karn.  "I'll tell her."

 Mithril, can you please tell the dwarves to let us in once the door opens? Or at least the archers? Kurt, Shiny, and I might stay out, I'm not sure yet. 

"And you're right, Kurt. Lets go." 
EDIT: Natalia passes candles to everyone else.  "If you use these as torches, we can spread the flames faster." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hang on,"  Natalia says, reaching into her pack to show everyone the items she's thinking of.  "I may not have oil, but if the candles aren't enough I may have other things. Do any of you have torches? I have an ever burning torch and Shiny or Kurt may have one too. Thing is, I'm not sure if I can use that flame to start a fire, though I might be able to set a regular flame on top of it and have one of you use that to set the tents aflame anyway. And if that doesn't work, I have rope that we could use, and I also have a scroll of the Grease spell. I think that grease is flammable. Are any of these helpful?" 

But then as Natalia looks down another realization comes to mind.  "Oh, wait. They'll still see the fire from the torches anyway. Then it might be best if only I set fire to the tents; I'm pretty good at sneaking." 

She looks out to the camps and draws the tindertwig from her bag.  "Let's go." 
Athedia
Mithril turned to the dwarves.   "My friends would like to be let in when the gates open.  We have some archers with us, they are pretty good at their job." 
Admiral
Stanton nods.  "Once the backup arrives (should be any minute now), we'll throw the gate open and make our stand. When we do, we'll let your friends in." 

Kurt urges the others onward a bit until they're standing not far from the camp, all still invisible. All stay close enough to Shiny that the noise of their footsteps is hidden by his spell. Once they reach the point, he gestures to point out a semi-circle around the camp, making their trajectory clear.

Shiny grits his teeth.  "When I cast this spell, we'll be surrounded in dark mist. Hold on to your rope-"  he tugs on the rope he's handed to each of the combatants-  "and stay close to me, or you'll become visible. And don't attack anybody- same deal."  He thinks for a moment.  "I say we start the plan the moment one of us spots the caravan on the horizon. Give the dwarf guards time to get here, not tip our hand too early. Agreed?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Votes on that plan? You can also start smoking it up right now but you don't know how long the caravan and guards will take to arrive (probably under two minutes each). The risk is that someone could spot the caravan before you do.

Incidentally, Shiny cast Expeditious Retreat to keep up with the others after he cast the invisibility spell.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "We should probably wait a moment,"  Natalia agrees with a nod.  "Shiny, when should I start setting fire to the tents, and can you get close enough that I can do so without being detected?" 

Natalia keeps a close eye out for the wagons,  and her ears open for whatever the orcs might say.
 
 Spoiler 
Maybe we should wait only one minute, and not two until we see them show up? I'm good with this plan though!

Spot:  (d20+11)[ 26 ]  unless I can take 20.

Listen:  (d20+11)[ 20 ]  unless I can take 20 and I can understand them with tongues.
 


EDIT: Another realization strikes Natalia and she asks Shiny,  "How long do we have before your invisibility spell runs out? We should start the double bluff before then, even if we can't see the carts by that point." 
Cavelcade
Kurt just shrugs, at this stage it seems like they've done all they can...whichever they do, it'll have to be done quickly.  "Whatever you want to do, Shiny, I'll be right behind you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Kurt, once Shiny casts all the fog spells, are you going to fight everyone here? Even if the samurai and dwarves haven't attacked yet?"  Kurt's strong, but that strong? And she'll be by his side, of course, but...

Well, it's not just her. She doesn't want to die but she doesn't want to think about what that would do with the mental link.

Edit: Natalia, however, still sounds distant as she focuses in the terrain around them.  "I...I'm still here though. I'm not going to abandon you like..."  She trails off and shakes her head.  "I promise." 
Admiral
Up in their perch, Stanton pats Mithril on the back.  "I'll be takin' up my post again for when the rest arrive. Let's get you ready to cast them spells." 

Stanton and Lyla reach down towards the window crank and begin spinning it. The glass window shifts over and is replaced by iron, then a few seconds later it is open. Stanton puts his fingers to his lips to suggest silence now that the window is open, then he turns and walks back down to the front gate.

The seconds pass by as the party nervously waits for the caravan to come into view, hoping they'll see it before the orcs do.

 
 Spoiler 

A few orc spot checks:
 (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia's eyes, trained on the horizon, spot the heads of the samurai approaching- and when she hisses her warning to Shiny the gnome's fingers whip into motion. Moments later the party is bathed in darkness, surrounded by a thick mist.

Just as they'd planned, the moment the smoke has taken hold the party begins to race forward. In a few steps they are out of the smoke and charging ahead to continue building their smokescreen.

 
 Spoiler 

That was your readied pre-init action. Now, all of you (except Mithril) want to run forward together- if anyone gets left behind you'll lose the invisibility. That means that unless all of you beat the orcs on the init roll, you'll all have to drop in the order so that you can coordinate your running.

Mithril and Lyla may end up in a different place.

Natalia:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Slavers:  (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Miriam:  (1d20+1)[ 21 ] 
Orcs:  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 

Well, would you look at that. According to a quick simulation in R, the probability of that occurring was 16%, but good for you.

Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Lyla (dwarf archer):  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
 
Admiral
Mithril and Lyla stand side by side at the arrow slot, the dwarf holding her longbow ready, when the smoke appears. From Lyla's fast reaction, Mithril gets the sense that she had been waiting a long time for the chance to fire a few shots at the orcs below.

 
 Spoiler 

Most orcs currently have cover, so she's aiming for the nearest one that doesn't. Rapid Shot:

Attack 1 on O27, 185 feet:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]   (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]   (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 

Attack 2 on O27:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ]   (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]   (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
 


Both of her arrows find their target and end up embedded in the barbarian's flesh. She smiles with satisfaction.
Athedia
  The door will open, just get there    Mithril watched the fog gather on the ground.  Shiny's doing, so the group was in motion.    Ash, the cover is starting, are you ready?  
Admiral
 "All right, I'll tell 'em. They're opening the gate over here for the diversion,"  come the thoughts from the samurai.  "Just get those carts in the door." 

Another burst of smoke appears, and again the invisible party races forward.

 
 Spoiler 

Correct me if I'm wrong that Mithril's not casting a spell yet.

More after lunch.
 
CoffeeIncluded
  Wish us luck!   Natalia thinks to Mithril And Ash as she races alongside everyone else, twisting the rope around her wrists so she can get a better grip on her sword and the tinder twig. She listens closely to the orcs. What are they saying? Did they fall for it? And as more smoke blooms from Shiny's fingers, she hopes she may be able to overhear the orcs talk about who tipped them off, though she knows that's probably little more than false hope.

 
 Spoiler 
listen:  (d20+11)[ 12 ] 

Is there anything else I can do at this point?
 

 "Mithril says the dwarves will open the door so we can get inside,"  Natalia pants, turning her head. All he sounds are rising everywhere and with the black fog blooming around them it's hard for her to orient herself and pick out anything that's being said.  "Shiny, Mithril gave me her wand, the one that bursts light. Do you want it once the fighting begins, so you can defend yourself?" 
 
 Spoiler 
i think Shiny would make better use of the wand than Natalia. What do you think?

Also, is Natalia able to make a new listen check every round?
 
Admiral
The orcs are slow to react, but react they do. The party hears someone in the camp blow a low horn twice, loud blasts that seem to echo across the landscape.

An orc in the gang to the party's left snarls something that Shiny and Natalia can understand-  "Someone's coming! Go out and meet them!"  With a warcry, the gang of orcs starts running out towards the approaching caravan. Another gang of raiders that had been near the camp hears the cry, and runs out to join them- in the process passing right next to the seven invisible travelers, who dodge out of the way just in time.

The remaining two-dozen orcs raise their blades but stay put, confused by the appearance of the smoke and unsure whether to break cover after the pair of arrows.

Two more arrows fly from the arrow slot towards the back of one of the running orcs.

 
 Spoiler 

They made their Spot check.

This time Lyla's aiming at O25.

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 14 ]   (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]   (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]   (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]   (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
 


The shots land short of the orc.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps and twists out of the way of the orcs.  "They saw the caravan,"  she hisses, bracing herself for an onslaught of orcs. But there are no more, and she realizes,  "I don't think all of them know yet. Shiny, don't stop!"

 Mithril, Ash, some of them saw the caravan and about half of them are headed that way right now. The other half are still here.  

She hopes that the samurai and the group from Hulburg will be able to hold off the two dozen, and hopes that they'll be able to do the same here.
Cavelcade
Kurt glances at Natalia and shakes his head.  "I'll do what needs doing to keep the rest of you alive - including you three."  He jerks his head towards Karn, Rocky and Hilton.  "And whatever I need to do to get the caravan in there. For now, let's just keep going." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods. Her voice wavers, but,  "Then I'll back you up. I'll keep you alive too."  Still, she asks Shiny,  "How much longer do you think this spell will last?" 
Athedia
Mithril ran towards the entrance pausing only to cast protections over herself.    Then they know it isn't a diversion.  Hopefully the extra troops don't get there in time."  
CoffeeIncluded
  I hope so too. I don't know if they know it's a diversion just yet. About half of them are still here. Mithril, are you headed out when the door opens too?   fear echoes across the link.   If you are, I have something that may protect you from arrows.  
Athedia
 " Flying, Ezra has the right idea.  Stay above the swords and only the arrows can hurt.  If you can prevent that then I will owe you."  
CoffeeIncluded
Fear and warmth mix together, and Natalia thinks,   I have a scroll that can protect you against arrows, though it won't last long and the shield is partial. And of course I'll protect you!

And Mithril? You don't owe me anything for this. I do it because...well, you know why.  

She ducks her head with a blush.
Admiral
The party runs forward another forty feet and Shiny casts another spell, lengthening the smoke screen.

An orc in the camp, perhaps recognizing the tactic, shouts out a few commands that Shiny and Natalia can understand.  "&lt;Orc&gt;Orgon! Take orc to other side of smoke! Follow Grenn!&lt;/Orc&gt;" 

A dozen barbarians jump out of their positions of cover and start running towards the smoke.

 
 Spoiler 

You can block them or let them go by.
 
CoffeeIncluded
  They may know.  "They may know! Guys, what should we do?Are any more coming?"  it's all falling apart. But they need to stay invisible. She starts to panic, struggles to keep her breathing under control. Before the fog went up, how far away were the caravans?
CoffeeIncluded
There's no time, not with all the orcs rushing towards them. They need to start a diversion now. Natalia looks at Kurt, and then grins. She takes a small vial of liquid fire out of her haversack and lobs it at the nearest tent, remembering Shiny's words that it should keep her invisible.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+9)[ 17 ]  Edit in modifiers as necessary.
 
Admiral
The group steps outside the smoke, enough so that Natalia can see the orcs running away from the camp. She tosses her bottle of fire at the nearest tent, the glass becoming visible the moment it leaves her hands, and the tent catches alight.

 "&lt;Orc&gt;Stop!&lt;/Orc&gt;"  shouts one of the orcs. The ones heading out towards the smokescreen waver, confused as they see the tent catch fire.

One of the foremost orc points towards the smoke cloud.  "Came from there!"  Angry but unsure, the orcs start moving towards Natalia's position, peering into the smoke.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins, then looks down to make sure she's still invisible. She then leans back to the others and says,  "I've got two more in my haversack. Shall we spread more chaos?" 
 
 Spoiler 
anyone else want to chuck one?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt waits a moment as the orcs start coming forward, then takes a deep breath, grasping Daybreaker tightly.  "Stick to the plan, the rest of you."  He speaks that quietly, then lets out a primal roar as he charges out, invisible until he smashes into the orc not quite nearest to Hilton, driving him back towards the other fog cloud.  "For Deldon! Help me drag this one into the fog tunnels!"  Spittle flies from his lips as he yells to the troops, waiting in the fog bank to start the counter attack, fully seeming to believe they're there.

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt rages.
Use the charging minotaur maneuver! I didn't think I'd get the chance to do so!

Well, wish me luck on the str roll. +2 from being charging.

 (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 

If he wins he does damage, and then pushes the orc at Y37 back as straight as he can towards ~X/Y45, so they'd both be in the next fog bank:

 (2d6+6)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
  Mithril! I started burning the tents! Kurt's charging the orcs all alone; I think he's trying to trick them and slow them down. I don't know how long it'll be before I join the fray, but I'm not going to stand here and watch Kurt die! 

Screw the plan.  Kurt looks like he can handle himself right now, but if he's in serious trouble, she's diving right in.
Admiral
The orc Kurt runs into is startled by his appearance from nowhere, but only for an instant before his battle instincts kick in and he tries to hold against the charge.

 
 Spoiler 

Not raging yet, though just wait until his turn.

Str roll:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 


Kurt is not used to deception, and thinking about how to trick the orcs keeps him off balance. He rams into the orc but fails to push him backwards.
Admiral
Miriam gasps when she sees Kurt charge towards the other orc and slam into him without effect. Then she narrows her eyes, reaches over, and casts a spell on the dwarf- within moments he grows to a far greater size while still remaining within the smoke.

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam cast shield other before the combat, in the couple of minutes they were waiting- it would have been crazy not to since they knew they were staying close to each other and since shield other lasts for hours.
 
Admiral
The orcs in front of Kurt unleash a furious war cry as they see him appear and grow before them, even as he is still shrouded in mist. They each swing their greataxes.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 23 ]   (1d20+13)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 14 ]   (1d12+8)[ 9 ]   (1d12+8)[ 19 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d5)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 21 ]   (1d20+12)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 12 ]   (1d12+8)[ 12 ]   (1d12+8)[ 13 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d5)[ 4 ] 
 


In the party of orcs near them, one orc's eyes bulge as he sees Kurt grow to immense size. He runs over to the orc at the lead and grabs him on the shoulder- and the barbarian he touches grows to the same massive size as Kurt. The enlarged orc charges at Kurt, and takes a mighty swing with his enormous axe.

 
 Spoiler 

When I said there wasn't diversity among this particular gang, that was a clever lie to make sure you we caught by surprise.

O4 is the caster.

Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 17 ]   (1d20+14)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (3d6)[ 12 ]   (3d6)[ 9 ]   (3d6)[ 6 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d5)[ 3 ] 
 


Another rushes towards Kurt to attack him, though Kurt's size lets him swing

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt gets an AoO against O34: only after that (unless he drops) does this attack happen.

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 15 ]   (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+7)[ 16 ]   (1d12+7)[ 11 ]   (1d12+7)[ 13 ] 
 


Another orc moves towards Kurt, and a beam of fire launches from his finger towards the dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 
Like I said, a clever lie. This is from O10.

Ranged touch:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (4d6)[ 20 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d5)[ 1 ] 
 


Other orcs move towards Kurt, ready to surround him.
Admiral
As the sounds of battle drift in from outside, Mithril and Stanton wait nervously, with two other dwarves in less ornate metal flank them. Suddenly they hear the noise they were waiting for: the sounds of clanking heavy armor from the tunnels behind them. The rest of the Iron Guard is approaching.

Stanton wastes no time.  "Get to it!"  he shouts at one of the guards. The dwarf reaches out, lays his hand on the commander's armor, and speaks a prayer. Stanton grunts as he seems to fill with power. Mithril hadn't yet noticed in the dim light, but something clicks as she recognizes the sigil of Moradin, the Dwarffather, on the guard's armor.

Right afterwards the cleric casts another spell, and Stanton grows so tall that his helm scrapes the ceiling of the tunnel. His shield, already massive, is now an imposing obelisk, and Mithril suddenly understands how the dwarven fortress had stood so long against such overwhelming odds.

The massive Iron Guard steps forward and begins to undo the massive bolts on the gate.  "I'm through waiting for a fight,"  he shouts gruffly.  "If they want in, they're welcome to try!" 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm having this two turn process start last turn so that the guard's two buffs don't mean Athedia has to wait. Next turn he'll open the gates- Athedia can prepare with her Fly spell or anything else.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt laughs as the attacks of the orcs miss and scratch at him, only one his managing to land enough to bloody him. He ignores the wound, using the pain to add fury to his own blow, aiming for the enlarged orc as the spellcaster is too far away to get to.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack: -3/+6 I think. Current AC: 18. Going to full attack - shifting into the Iron Guard Glare's stance (-4 to hit for attacks against not me to people I threaten). Either both attacks at the leader or, if he falls, 1 against him, 1 against O34.

+1 to hit against orcs (been forgetting to add this).

Edit: Forgot to add +1 to each of the damage rolls so adjust as necessary.

Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 24 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 29 ]  Crit

 (5d6+16)[ 33 ] +1 Attack
 (3d6+16)[ 29 ] +1 Crit


Attack 2:
 (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 28 ]  Crit

 (5d6+16)[ 34 ] +1 Attack
 (3d6+16)[ 26 ] +1 Crit
 


The fury of battle, the danger of his friends and the dwarves who might die, all of this lends weight to his blade, strength to his arm as he savagely smashes the giant orc before him.
Cavelcade
Once the sight of his raw ferocity settles into the orcs around him, he singles out the spellcaster, pointing the enlarged Daybreaker at him and letting a primal roar tear out of his lungs.

 
 Spoiler 

Intimidating rage on the orc spellcaster as his free action after the attacks. Forgot to include in last post.

 (1d20+8)[ 26 ]  - feel free to add any modifiers you feel would be appropriate. ;)
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as Kurt is assailed by orcs, two of which are spellcasters.   Mithril! They have spellcasters! Please tell me the dwarves are ready to go!  
 "Guys, what should we do?"  Natalia asks frantically.  "We can't have Kurt facing them alone!"  She looks at the two spellcasting orcs, trying to see what they can do--do they have armor? Are they using--ugh, she can remember how that one orc in the caves used a dried eye as a focus.

 
 Spoiler 
Should I keep launching Alchemist fires? I'm casting Cat's Grace this turn regardless.
 
Athedia
Mithril started casting her spell that allowed her to fly, above the swords, above the violence.    We are coming out now! Can I have that scroll?"    At Natalia's message she turned to the dwarves  "You may know this but they have casters, my friend outside doesn't know which though." 
CoffeeIncluded
  We're surrounded! Come by and pick it up, but only if it's safe! 

"Guys, they're coming! They're undoing the gate right now! I think we should prepare to attack! 
 
 Spoiler 
im about to go to class but unless Kurt is really against it in drawing my blades and casting cats grace. I'll post that in in about an hour.
 
Cavelcade
Before all that - Kurt swings at the charging orc as he gets close.

 
 Spoiler 

This was before power attack so:

 (1d20+16)[ 17 ]  Attack
 (1d20+16)[ 25 ]  Crit

 (5d6+11)[ 20 ]  Attack
 (3d6+11)[ 22 ]  Crit
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Kurt swings and misses, Natalia draws her blades and mutters her incantation, preparing for battle.

 
 Spoiler 
draw weapons and cats grace, so I can full attack sneak attack next turn. Has Miriam cast bless?
 
Admiral
As the orc charges towards Kurt, the dwarf lands a damaging blow with Daybreaker. Then he shifts his attention to the massive attacker who stands eye to eye with him and swings the holy blade two more times. The first carves straight into his armor, and the second sweeps in a deadly arc through his neck- and just like that the titanic orc falls with a resounding thud. Only when he reaches the ground does he return to his usual size.

 
 Spoiler 
Nice start.

Against Intimidate check:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] .
 
Admiral
The orc mage shivers as he takes an involuntary step back from the monstrous dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

Shaken (not stirred).
 


The other orcs move forward to attack Kurt. One rushes forward straight past the invisible Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

O30 is trying to run up and attack Kurt.

I can't find rules for what happens when you run into an invisible character, but here is my interpretation: Hilton has the option of an AoO (counts as a sneak attack) when the guy runs through her space. If he chooses it, he will of course become visible, and the orc will stop his motion in the space before he stepped through him (similar to a failed tumble check). The orc will then have the option of an attack on Hilton.

However, I'm also giving Natalia an AoO because he's trying to move past her. So Coffee: might be a good time for an AoO.
 


Most of the barbarian around the tents, once they see the giant orc fall, start advancing towards the smoke to join in the fight.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm not going to move them right now, because they're likely going to move back when the gate opens.

I don't have time to roll the Kurt orc attacks right now- just wanted to give Coffee the chance to roll an attack while i'm gone.
 
CoffeeIncluded
As the orc runs past Natalia, she reflexively rams into the orc and strikes out, stabbing him with her dagger. And as she does, she fades into view, and all the orcs can clearly see a human girl fighting alongside the giant dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 
I read that invisibility drops after the first attack, so better to attack now and stop an orc from reaching Kurt!

Still, that leaves me visible and exposed. At least Kurt looks like the bigger threat, and I'm sporting 23 AC, 27 when you factor in Iron Guard's Glare. At least, for me, the bigger problem is ensuring I get sneak attack when my actual turn comes up. I'll wait until Shiny goes to see what he does.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 14 ]  plus Shocking Grasp:  (d6)[ 4 ]  27 damage! Not bad!
 


Natalia stabs the orc deep in his side, and feels the lightning arc and discharge into the open wound. She gags at the acrid stench of burnt flesh. As the orc moves and Hilton twists past him, she stares at him, and if he does nothing, that stare becomes a deep glare.
Admiral
The orc howls in pain when Natalia's shocking sword slashes through him.

Just as Natalia becomes visible as she slashes at the orc, so too does Hilton's rapier appear out of nowhere as it swings towards him.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack: [roll]1d20+8[roll] Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 4 ]  Crit  (1d6+1)[ 5 ]  Sneak:  (2d6)[ 5 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Screwed up attack roll:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 

Flatfooted so it gets him. 9 damage.
 


Hilton's blade also slashes through the oncoming orc, stopping him in his tracks.
Admiral
Two orcs charge towards Kurt and swing their greataxes at him.

An orc who had been trying to flank Kurt from his right gets badly wounded by Natalia and Hilton, who appear in midair. He reacts by snarling and slashing at Natalia, and another orc runs forward to do the same.

The mage who had enlarged one of the orcs now runs to another barbarian and casts the same spell, growing him to an immense size. He and several others all charge at the dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

Didn't roll the first two orcs to attack Kurt even though I mentioned them, but the lineup is ready on the map. Shiny cast Displacement on him last turn so there's a 50% miss chance (doesn't stack with the concealment from the smoke).

Attacking Natalia:

O30:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 16 ]   (1d20+11)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 20 ]   (1d12+8)[ 15 ]   (1d12+8)[ 13 ] 

O14:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 31 ]   (1d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+12)[ 13 ]   (1d12+12)[ 13 ]   (1d12+12)[ 17 ] 

Attacking Kurt:

O34:
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 18 ]   (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+12)[ 18 ]   (1d12+12)[ 20 ]   (1d12+12)[ 22 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

O16:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]   (1d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+12)[ 21 ]   (1d12+12)[ 18 ]   (1d12+12)[ 16 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

O17:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 32 ]   (1d20+14)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 21 ]   (1d12+13)[ 24 ]   (1d12+13)[ 19 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

O12:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 17 ]   (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 11 ]   (1d12+8)[ 15 ]   (1d12+8)[ 15 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Big O13:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 14 ]   (1d20+12)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+14)[ 22 ]   (3d6+14)[ 20 ]   (3d6+14)[ 32 ] 

O11 is avoiding an AoO by stopping short of Kurt, btw (to attack next round).
 


One of the orcs deals a devastating blow to Natalia's neck, and another strikes a serious wound against Kurt.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia screams as the orc chops his axe deep into her; the howl of pain echoes across the mental link as it chips against bone. She falls to her knees, half-decapitated, gasping and trying to hold her throat together as red spurts between her fingers,   "Shiny...Miriam...Help..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Holy crap that could have gone so badly. Thank goodness he rolled for minimal damage. Natalia's still only at 11 HP; she's dropping if she gets hit again! 😦

Anyway, I'm going to wait to see what Shiny does until I post. I need to see if I'll be able to sneak attack anything.

Also, Kurt gets an AoO against someone, right?
 
Admiral
The orc mage, though shaking, shoots another beam of fire towards the dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

Ranged touch attack:  (1d20+2)[ 20 ]  damage:  (4d6)[ 15 ] 
 


Shiny sees the orcs lined up in their attack, and gets an idea. He takes a few nimble steps towards the cave, stands at the head of the line of orcs, and splays out his hand, becoming visible in the process.

 
 Spoiler 

Whelming blast to hit six orcs. This is awesome and I swear I didn't plan it that way. No matter what all six get Unsettled. Down the line:

Will:  (1d20+1)[ 7 ]  Damage:  (3d6)[ 9 ] 
Will:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ]  Damage:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 
Will:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ]  Damage:  (3d6)[ 6 ] 
Will:  (1d20+1)[ 16 ]  Damage:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 
Will:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  Damage:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 
Will:  (1d20+1)[ 18 ]  Damage:  (3d6)[ 5 ] 
 
Admiral
Stanton finishes undoing the last of the locks and throws open the gate with a heavy motion.  "Make your move, wizard,"  he says over his shoulder, before rushing out with a dwarven battle cry.
Athedia
Mithril rose into the air, skimming the top of the passage as she rushed onto the battlefield.  Below her she could see the burning husks of tents and... no.  That scream she had felt.. Natalia was dead.  Letting out a wordless scream of rage she pointed her wand at the orc nearest her friend and fired twin bolts at his back.

 
 Spoiler 
Not that powerful but MMs are all I've got.
 (1d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 

Rising diagonally, up and out.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't look up, as she's busy trying to keep her head on and not bleeding out, but she sees the Orc stagger as something hits him in the back. And there's only one thing that could have done that. The thought is lightheaded and woozy, but it floats across the link regardless.   Mithril...  
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
I'm not sure if I got an AoO last turn or not - if I did:
Power attack still applies

 (1d20+12)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 20 ]  Crit

 (5d6+17)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (5d6+17)[ 39 ]  Crit
 
Cavelcade
Kurt grunts, shrugging off the blows and the rays that hit, not even stumbling as he turns to end the orc nearest Natalia, unfazed by the ones near him.

 "Karn, Rocky, the mage!" 
 
 Spoiler 

If the first attack kills O14, he then attacks the giant orc.

Also, how much damage did Kurt taket hat round?

Power attack: -3/+6 again.
FC: +1/+1
Orcs: +1 to hit

Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 32 ]  Crit

 (5d6+18)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (3d6+18)[ 21 ]  Crit


Attack 2:
 (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  Crit

 (5d6+18)[ 41 ]  Attack
 (3d6+18)[ 28 ]  Crit
 
Admiral
As one of the orcs runs towards Kurt, the dwarf swings Daybreaker in a devastating arc, and lays out the barbarian before he can even reach him.

 
 Spoiler 
O12 is dead (based on movement that was Kurt's one AoO). Nice crit.
 


Miriam puts her hand on the Natalia's back, and casts a spell that knits together some of the rogue's wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
CSW:  (3d8+13)[ 26 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Miriam heals the worst of her wounds, and Natalia is still bleeding profusely but her head no longer wobbles horribly like before, she rises up and attacks the Orc in three deep, plunging strikes. She then steps back to where Shiny was, so she's shrouded in fog.

 
 Spoiler 
first attacking the Orc that she's flanking with shiny. If he drops, the rest of her attacks are directed towards the most injured Orc. She then steps back 5 feet, so she has concealment.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 10 ] 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 10 ] 
 
Admiral
Kurt swings twice at the orc threatening Natalia: one swing misses, but the second connects and kills the wounded barbarian.

Another orc is badly wounded by a pair of slashes from Natalia, combined with Mithril and Shiny's magic. When Natalia steps back into the smoke, Hilton steps forward to where she was to finish the job.

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia hit twice because the orc was unsettled. The crit didn't confirm, though.

Hilton on O30:
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 22 ]   (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 5 ]   (1d6+1)[ 2 ]  Sneak:  (2d6)[ 3 ] 
 


Hilton's rapier strikes true, and the orc succumbs to the wounds, falling to the ground while clutching his head.
Admiral
A pair of archers appear out of nowhere as Rocky and Karn loose arrows at the mage who had thrown fire at Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

Against O4:

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
 


Karn's arrow hits the caster, though Rocky's misses him.
Admiral
As the gate swings open, the enlarged Stanton comes roaring out, swinging an immense warhammer and bearing before him a grand tower shield. Mithril flies out above him, already casting her spells towards the orcs battling her friends. And close behind Stanton come two other guards, all of them just as large, as armored, and as furious as he. The three soldiers thrust their shields into the ground, and at the gates of Deldon the Iron Guard make their stand.

Orcs who had been moving towards the battle at the smoke halt when they hear the doors opening. They spin around and see their chance at an attack on Deldon, and hurl themselves towards the dwarves.

 
 Spoiler 
I will not be moving or rolling for the orcs or dwarves while you're fighting folks near the smoke: we'll focus on your own battle unless you actually head towards the gate. Suffice to say that so far there are about 10-20 more orcs than you had expected.

If you're wondering, there are other soldiers at the gate but the few Iron Guard immensely outclass them ( metagame info ), so they are largely behind as support.
 
Admiral
The orc who had enlarged the others runs forward and places his hand on the back of an orc facing Kurt and Hilton. In moments the orc has also grown to an enormous size.

 
 Spoiler 

Enlarge O34. Barbarian magic strategy is not overly sophisticated.
 


The other caster, still quivering with fear, aims another ray of flame towards Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+2)[ 10 ]  Damage:  (4d6)[ 10 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


Seeing earlier swings at Kurt pass through thin air, the giant orc instead slashes at the former slaver who had just brought down another barbarian.

 
 Spoiler 

O34 on Hilton
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 24 ]   (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+12)[ 22 ]   (3d6+12)[ 30 ]   (3d6+12)[ 19 ] 
 


The strike against Hilton is devastating, and the rogue collapses to the ground.

 
 Spoiler 

Hilton is at -2 and dying.
 


The remaining orcs all aim their swings at Kurt once more, one stepping forward deeper into the cloud to reach him.

 
 Spoiler 

O16:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 12 ]   (1d20+11)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+12)[ 21 ]   (1d12+12)[ 20 ]   (1d12+12)[ 20 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

O17:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 21 ]   (1d20+14)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 21 ]   (1d12+13)[ 25 ]   (1d12+13)[ 22 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Big O13:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 15 ]   (1d20+12)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+14)[ 26 ]   (3d6+14)[ 25 ]   (3d6+14)[ 23 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

O11:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 16 ]   (1d20+12)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 25 ]   (1d12+13)[ 15 ]   (1d12+13)[ 18 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


The fire spell and all the swings miss Kurt- some pass right through where he seems to be, as if he were an illusion projected onto the fog.
Admiral
With a deep breath, Shiny steps forward towards the giant orc, splays out his hand, and unleases a flurry of colors.

 
 Spoiler 

Five-foot-step, color spray hitting three orcs. Will saves (DC 10+4+1+1=16)

O34:  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
O16: [roll]1d20+1[roll]
O4:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Messed up roll:  (1d20+1)[ 16 ] 
 


The giant orc drops his axe and stands still, as does the mage who had enlarged him.
CoffeeIncluded
As the Orc slams his axe into Hilton and the former slaver crumbles, Natalia feels a surprising pang of...something.

And then Shiny flashes out his hands and the moment the giant Orc staggers, Natalia is there. Her blades flash in the light as she strikes.

 
 Spoiler 
the giant Orc is stunned, right? Sneak attack!

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 14 ] 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 6 ] 
 


Panic and determination power her strikes, and even as she spins from blood loss the third stroke cuts through a tendon, and the giant Orc falls.
Admiral
Natalia's first and second slashes easily cut into the stunned orc, slicing violently through arteries. Her third swing is hurried and off balance, and yet even so it cannot miss the enormous, frozen orc. He collapses to the ground.

 
 Spoiler 
With the -2 from being stunned, not to mention the size penalty, all three hit.
 
Admiral
Obeying Kurt's orders, Rocky and Karn each release another pair of arrows at the caster.

 
 Spoiler 

Rapid shot:

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 


Only one manages to hit.
Cavelcade
Kurt grunts as the blows connect, even for the ones that pass through his image, it's disturbing viewing. He grins fiercely as Natalia moves in to fell the stunned orc, lashing out with his blade to do the same.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack 1 at O4, if that downs him, attack 2 at O16 - Kurt wants to kill those closest to Hilton first if he can.

Power attack: -4/+8
FC: +1/+1
Orcs: +1 to hit.


Attack 1:
 (1d20+12)[ 18 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 24 ]  Crit

 (5d6+20)[ 42 ]  Attack
 (3d6+20)[ 37 ]  Crit


Attack 2:
 (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  Crit

 (5d6+20)[ 40 ]  Attack
 (3d6+20)[ 26 ]  Crit
 

 "Miriam! Hilton!" 
Admiral
Kurt's first strike easily slashes the stunned orc mage in twain, and his second lands a massive blow against another barbarian, though the orc remains standing.

 
 Spoiler 
Shame that crit didn't confirm.
 


At Kurt's urging, Miriam reaches out and casts one of her lesser healing spells on the injured slaver.

 
 Spoiler 

CMW:  (2d8+11)[ 21 ] 
 


The slaver wakes, his wounds having knit mostly together, and weakly gets to his feet.
Athedia
Mithril was relieved when Natalia moved, though the orcs around her still posed a threat.  She stayed close the mountain to avoid getting in the way of the archers in the windows.  Casting forward again she sent two bolts toward most injured of the orcs.  She wasn't powerful, but she could prevent the others from wasting more energy on him.

 
 Spoiler 
Attacking O16 (of course)
 (1d4+1)[ 4 ] 
 (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 
Admiral
Mithril's magic bolts smash into the wounded orc, and they are just enough to drop the barbarian to the ground.
Admiral
The remaining orcs take another swing at Kurt.


 
 Spoiler 
O17:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 18 ]   (1d20+14)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 17 ]   (1d12+13)[ 20 ]   (1d12+13)[ 15 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Big O13:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 31 ]   (1d20+12)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+14)[ 26 ]   (3d6+14)[ 23 ]   (3d6+14)[ 23 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

O11:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 28 ]   (1d20+12)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 16 ]   (1d12+13)[ 24 ]   (1d12+13)[ 21 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


The mage aims one more fiery spell at Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 22 ]  Damage:  (4d6)[ 10 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


The illusion hiding Kurt's position again proves valuable as only a single blow finds its target.

The fearful mage shivers as he turns towards the camp.  "&lt;Orc&gt;Help! Need soldiers!&lt;/Orc&gt;" 
Admiral
Karn and Rocky aim a few more arrows at the mage.

 
 Spoiler 

Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 

Karn:
Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 


Again just one arrow finds its target, but it is enough. The mage crumples to the ground.
Admiral
Hilton takes a step forward, and tosses his net over the nearest orc fighting Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 
Ah, Hilton's good old net. Bet you thought I'd forgotten about it.

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ]   (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 

Dunno why I rolled a crit on that. But a 12 makes the ranged touch attack on O17.
 


Hilton's net falls over the orc, who snarls with anger.
Admiral
Shiny, his spells nearly exhausted, takes a step forward and slaps a hand on Natalia, trying to heal some of her remaining wounds.

 
 Spoiler 

UMD:  (1d20+13)[ 18 ] 
CMW:  (2d8+3)[ 15 ] 
 


His spell fails, and the gnome raises an eyebrow and gives Natalia a sad shrug.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Guys, don't stop! That Orc just called for reinforcements!"  Natalia shouts as rocky and Karn silence him too late. More blood pours from the gash in her throat at her shout, and Shiny tries to heal her but his spell fizzles.

 "It's okay,"  she says to Shiny as Hilton traps the Orc beside her. And with a flash of her anklet she's there to capitalize on the opportunity.

 
 Spoiler 
anklet to opposite Kurt to flank with him. Full attack!

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 


If the orc is dead before she finishes then Natalia 5 foot steps and attacks the big guy.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt turns his focus to the giant, bringing his sword up and around in a vicious arc as he aims to take his head clean off.

 
 Spoiler 

Same as before, power attack only -3/+6. If he falls, attack either o17 or mist orc. Roll for miss, miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] .

Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 30 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (5d6+18)[ 37 ]  Attack
 (3d6+18)[ 27 ]  Crit


Attack 2:
 (1d20+8)[ 16 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  Crit

 (5d6+18)[ 35 ]  Attack
 (3d6+18)[ 27 ]  Crit
 
Admiral
Once again Natalia's three slashes all find their mark, and the orc she is battling falls. Kurt turns his own attention to the orc his size. Daybreaker glows with holy magic as it chops deep into the barbarian's neck with one strike, and with Kurt's second swing it slashes his head entirely off. Only one enemy remains in the mist.

Miriam selflessly fixes Kurt's wounds with a healing spell.

 
 Spoiler 

CMW:  (2d8+11)[ 22 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril flew over and landed by Natalia's side.   "Miss me?"   She held out a waiting hand for the scroll Natalia had offered, wanting to return to the sky.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril!"  Natalia throws her arms around the wizard with a grin that turns to a wince as the gash on her neck rubs against Mithril's cloak. At the wizard's request she shifts slightly so Mithril can see the scroll and wand peeking out from her haversack, and take the items if she's able to do so before the final orc attacks.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm not sure if Mithril has a move action left or not, which is  the only reason  why I'm posting this--I'm letting Mithril take the scroll and/or wand out with the remaining move action, if there's any. Natalia's already done all her actions for the round.
 
Admiral
The last orc in the mist takes a desperate swing at Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 19 ]   (1d20+11)[ 18 ] 
Attack:  (1d12+15)[ 25 ]   (1d12+15)[ 17 ]   (1d12+15)[ 27 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


Again the illusion frustrates his attack.
Admiral
The warmage manages to shout out his request moments before Karn's arrow silences him. In response, a few orcs who had piled out of the tents, originally turning towards the caves, instead charge towards the archer who had killed him.

 
 Spoiler 

Charges against Karn. If he falls with the first one the other will charge at Rocky instead.

O40:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 27 ]   (1d20+14)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 20 ]   (1d12+13)[ 20 ]   (1d12+13)[ 20 ] 

O41:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 15 ]   (1d20+14)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 16 ]   (1d12+13)[ 19 ]   (1d12+13)[ 23 ] 
 


The first strike is devastating to the archer, opening a horrifying gash across his chest. The second orc charges in, but is too eager to claim the kill, and fumbles his swing- the potentially lethal swing lands in the ground next to him.

Others who had been moving towards the caves also hear the warning, and emerge from the camp. One especially menacing orc, bearing a fearsome shining waraxe, grows to an immense size as another orc grabs his shoulder. He gulps something down and then smashes the jug at his side as he glares towards the party in the mist.

 
 Spoiler 
You can see the other approaching orcs on the map.
 
Admiral
Rocky shouts out something as Karn is injured. For the first time Natalia can understand his speech, but none can miss the desperation in his voice.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia:

 
 Spoiler 
 "&lt;Dimirian&gt;Karn, get behind me, please! I'll hold them off!&lt;/Dimirian&gt;" 
 

 


Karn steps back from the orcs, gaining some distance from the conflict. In turn Rocky releases a pair of arrows at point blank range into the closest orc, trying to draw their attention.

 
 Spoiler 

Karn withdraws. Rocky Rapid Shot.

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 
 


Only the first of his arrows hits.
Admiral
Seeing the new foes arrive, Shiny holds out his hand and twists it in midair, conjuring a cloud of sparkling dust to fall on the largest of the orcs and two others.

 
 Spoiler 

Will saves:

O42:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
O43:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
O44:  (1d20+1)[ 13 ] 
 


Two of the orcs clutch their eyes in pain, and yet the largest one shakes free and glares on at Kurt, his rage too great to be muted.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pales at the sight of even more orcs. And there's still one in the fog. With a gulp as Karn barely escapes death, Natalia asks Kurt,  "Which ones first? Should we stop the one here before focusing on the others? You're the only one with the power to stop them!"  but they're so hurt.  "Miriam! Heal Kurt first! Please!" 

And then Natalia sees Mithril beside her. She nods and reaches into her pack, passing the wand over to the Mage, holding her spindly hand over Mithril's smooth one.  "I kept it safe. You're going to need it more than me right now. Oh, and..."  Natalia follows with the scroll, which she unrolls and tries to chant, tries to cover Mithril with the shield of colors as she leans her cheek against the mage's. If Mithril withdraws at the contast then Natlia does so as well.

 
 Spoiler 
gave Mithril the dawn burst wand, and casting entropic shield on her if I can.

Umd:  (d20+11)[ 16 ] 

****.
 
Athedia
As Natalia's chant failed Mithril rose into the air.  Twin bolts again erupted from her wand, as she avoided the swords of the enemies below.  Spiraling the went toward the orc that had recently attacked Karn.

 
 Spoiler 
O40:
 (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  Just gonna do them together.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt roars with laughter at the sight of the gigantic foe stepping out to meet him. He doesn't hesitate, he doesn't allow the giant to even finish his intimidating display before he feels the hand of his god taking his blade with and charging forward, leaping over his allies as he does.

 
 Spoiler 

Radiant charge, so no power attack. Kurt took some damage last round so he's still got furious counter strike.

Edit: He doesn't have furious counterstrike, forgot about last round.

Come on, not a 1.

 (1d20+18)[ 22 ]  Attack -1 = 21. Still a hit, I think?
 (1d20+18)[ 35 ]  Crit

 (11d6)[ 35 ]  Attack + 10 = 45
 (9d6)[ 29 ]  Crit

Edit: I assume this hit, if not well...there we go! If it did, he has DR 10/- until his next round.
 


For just a moment, as he brings his blade up and around, it shines out like the sun, the light vanishing as the blade bites into flesh. Most of the light seems to force itself in through the fresh wound, but Kurt himself stands tall for a moment, glowing in the light of his faith.
Admiral
Kurt charges the orc, his radiant greatsword held high, and dealing a stunning blow against his new adversary.

Miriam, still invisible, casts a spell of healing on Natalia and follows shortly after.

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam's never attacked, and as it happens she's still within 20 feet of Shiny and therefore his magic invisibility pebble.

CMW:  (2d8+11)[ 20 ] 
 


The enormous orc roars as Kurt strikes into him, and swings his greataxe twice.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+17)[ 18 ]   (1d20+17)[ 35 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+14)[ 27 ]   (3d6+14)[ 20 ]   (3d6+14)[ 21 ] 
Fire:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 19 ]   (1d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+14)[ 26 ]   (3d6+14)[ 21 ]   (3d6+14)[ 22 ] 
Fire:  (2d6)[ 11 ] 

After the damage resistance, 13 damage to Miriam, 12 damage to Kurt. Miriam is currently at 7 HP.
 


The first strike is powerful, but it swings only through Shiny's illusion. The second strikes true, and as it makes contact the axe seems to explode in fire. Miriam's and Kurt's flesh both sear as the wound appears.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
I had forgotten Hilton's action. Normally I would have had him run alongside Kurt then toss his net over O43, but since that would make a big difference in Kurt's action it feels cheap to do it retroactively. Instead he's going to try to help Rocky and Karn.
 


Hilton runs towards the orcs chasing after the archers and tosses his second net over one of them.

 
 Spoiler 

Against O40, ranged touch attack:

 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 


Hilton's net entangles the orc.
Admiral
Another orc comes charging at Kurt from the tents, but Kurt has the chance to swing at him as he approaches.

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt gets an AoO on O45: if he doesn't drop from it I'll roll it.
 


Another orc is too far to charge, but comes up close and slows down before Kurt can swing, waiting to come in for his attack.

The blind orc behind the large one presses his hand against the large orc, and casts a spell that makes the creature shine with a demonic light. The other blind orc steps forward and takes a blind swing at the dwarf in front of him.

 
 Spoiler 

If someone wants to recognize the spell they could make a Spellcraft check.

O42 on Kurt:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 17 ]   (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 11 ]   (1d12+8)[ 13 ]   (1d12+8)[ 18 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Kurt takes 1 damage thanks to DR, which actually goes to Miriam.
 


While the orc hits, Kurt's divine protection absorbs almost all of the wound, and Mithril the little injury that remains.

Another orc charges at Rocky, while the entangled one behind him has his attention diverted to Hilton.

 
 Spoiler 

O41 on Rocky:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 25 ]   (1d20+14)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 25 ]   (1d12+13)[ 14 ]   (1d12+13)[ 24 ] 

O40 (in a net) on Hilton:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 28 ]   (1d20+12)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 24 ]   (1d12+13)[ 22 ]   (1d12+13)[ 14 ] 
 


Both of the slavers are hit. Hilton again drops to the ground, writhing in agony, while Rocky absorbs the devastating blow and remains standing.
Admiral
The remaining orc in the mist stumbles out, confused, and attacks the first enemy he sees: Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

O11 on Natalia:
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 13 ]   (1d20+12)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 21 ]   (1d12+13)[ 17 ]   (1d12+13)[ 16 ] 
 


The orc fumbles his swing and misses.

Shiny reaches out and conjures another burst of glittery dust above three orcs.

 
 Spoiler 
Shiny's last L2. Now he has only 2 L3s left, then down to cantrips.

O43:  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
O45:  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
O46:  (1d20+1)[ 16 ] 

DC 16 (10+4+2), so only O45 is blinded.
 


Only one of the orcs is blinded by Shiny's spell.
CoffeeIncluded
As Miriam heals Natalia, and the gaping wound completely clears, she ducks under the orc's sweeping axe and watches Kurt, Miriam, and then Hilton and Karn take devastating blows. As Shiny casts his spell and Mithril takes to the sky, she shouts,  "We've got to stop them! Hang on Kurt, just a moment more!" 

She then twists behind the orc who attacked her and strikes deep.

 
 Spoiler 
Shiny can take a Color Spray scroll out of Natalia's bag too with a move action! That's one more spell.

Natalia moves to flank O11 with either Mithril or Shiny, depending on where he is, using the anklet if necessary. Full attack!

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 14 ]  (16 if I forgot flanking, which I can't remember if I did or didn't right now.)
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 16 ]  (18 if I forgot flanking, which I can't remember if I did or didn't right now.)
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 14 ]  (16 if I forgot flanking, which I can't remember if I did or didn't right now.)
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. Why do I always roll better on crit?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt makes his attack at the incoming orc, slicing out even as the fire wells up inside him, drawing a grunt out.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+16)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (1d20+16)[ 27 ]  Crit

 (5d6+10)[ 20 ]  Attack
 (3d6+10)[ 20 ]  Crit
 


As he sees his companions falling he loses his smile, his mind sharpening in the fog.  "Karn, Rocky, Hilton! Into the mist! Only surprise attacks now!" 

He, on the other hand, focuses on the orc in front of him, his face grimly set as he swings daybreaker with murderous intent.



 
 Spoiler 

Either both at the big one, or one there and one at O42, to free Natalia up to kill the ones attacking Rocky/Hilton.

Power Attack -3/+6

Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 17 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 16 ]  Crit

 (5d6+17)[ 31 ]  Attack
 (3d6+17)[ 24 ]  Crit


Attack 2:
 (1d20+8)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 28 ]  Crit

 (5d6+17)[ 35 ]  Attack
 (3d6+17)[ 28 ]  Crit
 
CoffeeIncluded
Upon seeing that one of the orcs surrounding Kurt is blinded, Natalia shouts,  "Hold on, I'm coming!"  she tries to dash under the Orc threatening her and stab the blinded one closest to her.

 
 Spoiler 
im gonna try to tumble at full speed. Also, I'm not sure if I should reroll my attack, so I'm doing so just in case.

Tumble:  (d20+7)[ 9 ]  if Natalia fails this then she tumbles at half speed and uses the anklet?

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 7 ] 

Not sure if this roll is even valid.
 
Admiral
Kurt's swing against the oncoming orc is well placed, but it doesn't stop him, and the orc makes his attack.

 
 Spoiler 

This was that earlier attack after the AoO.

O45:
Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 29 ]   (1d20+13)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 18 ]   (1d12+8)[ 20 ]   (1d12+8)[ 14 ] 

4 damage to Miriam and to Kurt.
 


With his strike, Miriam shudders, and almost falls, but still stands.

Kurt's first attack against the huge orc almost hits, but is deflected at the last moment by some infernal enchantment. His second is more successful, but still the big orc remains standing.
Admiral
Recognizing her dire situation, Miriam finally casts a healing spell on herself, one of her last powerful ones remaining.

 
 Spoiler 

CSW:  (3d8+13)[ 32 ] 

I have not been keeping track of Miriam's spells and do not have her sheet. I shall use my infinite DM powers to declare how many spells she has left after that.

L1: 3
L2: 2
L3: 1

If that's not the correct number, that's because A Wizard Did It.
 
Admiral
Karn hesitates for a split second, glancing towards the smoke, but at the last second he changes his mind and disobeys Kurt's order. He fires an arrow at the orc who had attacked them both, then runs backward away from him. He then shouts out a few words to Rocky, who does run into the smoke.

 
 Spoiler 

He has the ability to get just out of charge range from O41. It takes him off the map so for the moment I won't place him.

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril flew above the heads of the orcs near the tents.  Readjusting her grip on the wands she cast down the spell from the wand Natalia had returned.

 
 Spoiler 
Dawn Burst 10ft radius on the intersection of T29-30, U29-30

All creatures with light sensitivity must roll 1d6+4 for damage, a reflex roll halves damage.  They also glow like a torch.  Even friends.  And if there is anyone invisible that should make them glow as well.
 
Admiral
Mithril's wand causes a burst of painful light...

 
 Spoiler 

Reflex saves and damage. I don't know if there are rules for rolling together or separately but I like rolling separately.

O42:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]   (1d6+4)[ 8 ] =8
O43:  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]   (1d6+4)[ 6 ] =3
O45:  (1d20+2)[ 21 ]   (1d6+4)[ 10 ] =5
 


All three orcs are wounded by the spell, though some survive it better than others.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Big round, let's see how it goes.
 


Angered by the injury, the orc Karn had shot goes running after him, though he can't quite reach him for the attack.

The giant orc takes another powerful pair of swings at Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

Big O43:
Attack:  (1d20+17)[ 25 ]   (1d20+17)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+14)[ 21 ]   (3d6+14)[ 25 ]   (3d6+14)[ 19 ] 
Fire:  (2d6)[ 11 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 20 ]   (1d20+12)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+14)[ 24 ]   (3d6+14)[ 20 ]   (3d6+14)[ 23 ] 
Fire:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
 


Two orcs, one blind, also step in to attack Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 29 ]   (1d20+11)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 14 ]   (1d12+8)[ 11 ]   (1d12+8)[ 9 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 23 ]   (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 11 ]   (1d12+8)[ 12 ]   (1d12+8)[ 15 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
 


The blind orc in front of Natalia takes a swing at her in response to her attack.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 22 ]   (1d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 16 ]   (1d12+8)[ 10 ]   (1d12+8)[ 20 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
 


The entangled orc who had dropped Hilton sees Shiny casting spells, and goes moving forward to take him the gnome down as well.

 
 Spoiler 

O40 on Shiny:
Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 22 ]   (1d20+13)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 15 ]   (1d12+8)[ 17 ]   (1d12+8)[ 15 ] 
 


The other orc spots an opportunity to flank the gnome and does the same.

 
 Spoiler 

O11 on Shiny:

Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 30 ]   (1d20+14)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 23 ]   (1d12+13)[ 21 ]   (1d12+13)[ 15 ] 
 
Admiral
Surrounded by enemies, Shiny does what he can to cast a spell that grants extra speed to himself and his allies.

 
 Spoiler 

Trying to cast Haste defensively. DC 15+3=18.

Concentration:  (1d20+13)[ 32 ] 

Nice. Couldn't get Mithril in there since she's in the air and too far from Natalia, but she's already the fastest among us and won't be full attacking anyway.
 


Shiny, Kurt, Natalia and Miriam feel a sudden new burst of speed come into their muscles.
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia finds herself surging with a sudden rush, like Mithril's haste spell bit not quite--it's sharper, spicier, feels redder--she grins at the gnome and strikes out at the blind Orc, stepping quickly left if she manages to fell it and attacks the other one.

 
 Spoiler 
if the one in front if me goes down before I'm done, Natalia continues in the other blind one.

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 9 ] 


Attack:  (d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 7 ] 


Attack:  (d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 5 ] 


Attack:  (d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 9 ] 
 


He'd overextended himself striking out, and it's easy to spot where to strike.
Admiral
Having cast his spell, Shiny tries to escape the reach of the two orcs who have him surrounded.

 
 Spoiler 

Have to make two Tumble checks, one for each orc. Second DC +2 higher than the first.

Tumble O40 DC 15:  (1d20+11)[ 30 ] 
Tumble O11 DC 17:  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 

If it fails, these AoOs:
O40:
Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 17 ]   (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 12 ]   (1d12+8)[ 14 ]   (1d12+8)[ 11 ] 

O11:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 17 ]   (1d20+14)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+13)[ 15 ]   (1d12+13)[ 24 ]   (1d12+13)[ 16 ] 

Both would have missed anyway, guess it's Shiny's lucky day.
 


Shiny nimbly steps away from his enemies and clambers over to Kurt's shadow.
Admiral
Combined with the injuries she'd earlier dealt it, Natalia's first two swings manage to fell the orc before her. She steps over and attacks another blind orc with a pair of jabs; while her swings are not her most elegant, the orc is unable to avoid them and she deals two more successful wounds. Combined with the injury from Kurt's earlier attack, the orc falls over dead.

 
 Spoiler 

I'd originally forgotten that Kurt had had a successful AoO, this means Natalia's last strike just manages to kill it. Two enemies down in one turn, not bad.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt feels his muscles quicken, his attention sharper. He lashes out again with Daybreaker, aiming to at last take down the huge opponent threatening his friends.

 
 Spoiler 

Attacking O43, if he goes down, O46.

Power Attack: -2/+4
FC: +1/+1

Attack 1:
 (1d20+15)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (1d20+15)[ 28 ]  Crit

 (5d6+16)[ 39 ]  Attack
 (3d6+16)[ 25 ]  Crit


Attack 2:
 (1d20+15)[ 18 ]  Attack
 (1d20+15)[ 30 ]  Crit

 (5d6+16)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (3d6+16)[ 28 ]  Crit



Attack 3:
 (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  Attack
 (1d20+10)[ 26 ]  Crit

 (5d6+16)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (3d6+16)[ 24 ]  Crit
 
Admiral
Kurt deals a devastating strike against the enormous orc in front of him. For a moment it seems like his barbarian enemy might absorb the blow... But then he collapses, shrinking to his normal size before he even hits the ground.

Kurt's next swing is aimed at one of the orcs next to him. He badly bloodied the enemy, but him his hasty eagerness, he misses the killing blow. Still, with the party empowered and three orcs down, the tide seems to have started turning.
CoffeeIncluded
As Kurt fells the giant Orc before him, Natalia sees the blinded spellcaster just out of reach and an idea springs to mind. Taking a moment to grasp the tongue, she shouts out to the blinded spellcaster in Orcish,  "HEY! Why don't you come over here and try me out for size? Or are you afraid to get thrashed by a tiny girl! If you're that scared, why not pretend I'm bigger? It's not like you can see!" 

She leans over to Kurt.  "I know what I'm doing! I hope. I've got these two!" 
 
 Spoiler 
i know what you and cavelcade said about my posting between actions, and I promised I wouldn't.  But I could only do this once Kurt finished the big guy.  Natalia is trying to taunt the blind spellcaster into coming closer to her, since he's ten feet away and I'm out of anklet charges. I wouldn't post otherwise, but I could only do this after Kurt finished the big guy, since there's no way the spellcaster behind him could reach me otherwise, or vice versa. And I'm going for him first because he's the only blind one left.
 


EDIT: Natalia looks over at Kurt and Miriam, badly battered, at Shiny hiding in Kurt's shadow, and then finally at the slavers scattered, near death, and one actually dying. At Mithril flying above, who went to her first thing after escaping. She looks back at Shiny, and remembers the ogres. Natalia takes a deep breath. Time to return it.

 "HEY! UGLY!"  she screams in Orcish, not only to the blind one she's been trying to goad but all the rest as well.  "What kind of weak puny orcs are you? I've heard all these things about the Horde, and THIS is what I find? A bunch of pipsqueaks who can't even hit a scrawny little girl like me with more bone than muscle? If I can kill you with these teeny-weeny knives, then you're weak! Why don't you come and prove me otherwise, if you're not chicken!" 
Athedia
Mithril rolled her eyes at Natalia's dramatics.  She WANTED the orcs to attack her?  Maybe those blows to her head had done something.   Mithril stayed hovering as she looked down.  Was the ground really... NO, no thinking about that.  But there were two orcs there.   Knowing they wouldn't understand Mithril shouted down to them  "Hey boys, don't seem too bright!"   The noise made them look up in time for her spell to come to light up their days.

 
 Spoiler 
To hit O11 and O40 with a Dawn Burst
 
Admiral
The orcs cover their eyes and hiss as Mithril casts a powerful burst of light around them.

 
 Spoiler 

O11:  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]   (1d6+4)[ 9 ] 
O40:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]   (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
 


Miriam moves towards Shiny to heal his wounds.

 
 Spoiler 

Hilton will have to wait, Shiny is one hit (even non-critical) away from becoming gnome soup.

CMW:  (2d8+11)[ 26 ] 
 


Once the giant orc in front of him falls, the orc who had cast the spell on him retreats, moving towards the tents.

 
 Spoiler 
You didn't really expect that to work, right? He's a blind low-level sorcerer.

Orc attacks later tonight.
 
Admiral
The remaining orc left alongside Kurt again steps forward and swings at him.

 
 Spoiler 

O40 on Kurt.

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 29 ]   (1d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 15 ]   (1d12+8)[ 15 ]   (1d12+8)[ 19 ] 

7 damage to Kurt, 8 to Miriam.
 


The two that had been flanking Shiny see him run behind the giant dwarf, and instead rush towards Kurt to attack him. As the second runs towards him, he is stopped by a quarterstaff that seems to appear out of thin air, along with a cleric wearing a simple cloth outfit. He snarls and strikes back at Miriam.

 
 Spoiler 

I've kept track and Miriam was still invisible. Her AoO on O11 (I do not remember exact stats but am using Intuitive Attack and the VoP bonuses as best as I can work out):

Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 17 ]   (1d20+12)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 6 ]   (1d6+4)[ 9 ] 

O11's attack on Miriam:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 20 ]   (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+8)[ 11 ]   (1d12+8)[ 14 ]   (1d12+8)[ 9 ] 
 


Miriam strikes the orc, but he hits back as well.
Cavelcade
Kurt sees Miriam appear from the corner of his eye as he twists around, lashing out with his blade at the other one.

 
 Spoiler 

I think I get an AoO on it, if not, disregard.

Power attack still applies.

 (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  Attack
 (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (5d6+16)[ 29 ]  Attack
 (3d6+16)[ 29 ]  Crit
 


Seeing the orcs near Hilton closing in, he growls, cutting at the one nearest his unconscious body before going for the one Miriam had stopped in its tracks. He moves his blade in powerful arcs, focusing on knocking them down.

 
 Spoiler 

Power Attack -4/+8.
Attack bonus: +7
Str bonus: +7/+10
Size penalty: -1
FC: +1/+1
Orcs: +1 to hit.
Haste: +1 to hit.
Ench: +1/+1

Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (5d6+20)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (3d6+20)[ 29 ]  Crit


Attack 2:
 (1d20+13)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 29 ]  Crit

 (5d6+20)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (3d6+20)[ 31 ]  Crit


Attack 3:
 (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ]  Crit

 (5d6+20)[ 46 ]  Attack
 (3d6+20)[ 34 ]  Crit
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia growls as her taunt fails and the blinded sorcerer flees. She lowers her stance, readying herself to charge after him...

And stops. No. She'd be abandoning her friends against even more orcs. And, most importantly, he's fleeing. He's fleeing.

She can't do that. She WON'T do that.

So instead, as Miriam lashes out (and Natalia sees just how wounded she is) and Kurt roars, spattering the air with blood, Natalia turns and stabs the orc closest to her, trying to flank if possible.

 
 Spoiler 
You said O46 moved but I'm not sure where he moved to, so I don't know if I can flank or not. I'm rolling as if I flanked, but if I didn't, please disregard the sneak attack.

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 10 ] 


Attack:  (d20+13)[ 31 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 


Attack:  (d20+13)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 


Attack:  (d20+8)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 
 


All four strike home, carving deep gashes and stabs into her target.

If the first strike fells the orc Natalia heads right, towards where Karn and the other orc are. In either case, she shouts,  "After that one! We...we promised them they'd live! Someone, get the axe and anything else magic!" 
Admiral
In a pair of powerful swings, Kurt is able to kill two of the orcs he is battling. Natalia steps towards the remaining orc and slices him up- for a moment, the party is nearly alone on the battlefield. Miriam steps forward and, at Kurt's urging, casts a healing spell on Hilton. The slaver stands, weak and dazed at having been so close to death twice in one day. Shiny similarly casts a spell from his healing wand on himself.

 
 Spoiler 
UMD:  (1d20+13)[ 24 ] 
 


They glance out towards the smoke- the other former slavers and the orc they had been fighting are all missing, last seen chasing each other towards the other side of the smoke. They're about to start their pursuit when a figure bursts from the mist.

Rocky's steps are long and powerful as he rushes towards the party- blood flows freely from his many wounds but he hardly seems to notice.  In his strong arms he holds Karn's lifeless body, cradling it as though it were an innocent child. He sprints to Miriam and screams out a plea that only Natalia can understand-  "&lt;Dimirian&gt;Save him!&lt;/Dimirian&gt;" - but everyone else can see that there is nothing to be done for the archer.

 
 Spoiler 
For at least a couple of rounds that's the last of the orcs: they are still fighting the dwarves at the entrance, but you can't see others ready to come at you right now.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks down heavily, his chest heaving as he gulps down air - the last of the orcs falling as the adrenaline subsides. He sets the tip of daybreaker against the ground, leaning against it as he looks around - when he sees Rocky carrying Karn's lifeless body he lets out a mournful cry, going to one knee to reach out a hand to touch the fresh corpse, the feel of it confirming that he'd failed. Hilton lives, Rocky lives, but he'd swore to himself that they'd all live and he'd failed.

 "Why...what did I do wrong?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs, the fight and spell draining out of her. She winces as she sees Karn dead in Rocky's arms and hears his plaintive cry--is the only one who understands. No, that's not right. She may be the only one who understands what Rocky is saying, but nobody can miss the meaning behind his scream.

 "Does anybody else see the irony in this?"  Natalia mutters, widening her eyes when she realizes she said this out loud. Still, the rogue holds by her statement. Just a week ago they (her included) didn't give two ****s whether the other died. They were actively trying to kill each other! And then, right after, Karn literally spit in Kurt's face when offered the chance at redemption from a life of evil.

Nobody said it was an amusing irony. It's cruel, dark, and bitter.

She feels terrible about his life in the slave pits. Really, she does. But for him to climb out of there and turn around to push others in? To subject others to the same misery, cruelty, and evil that he himself had endured--and Rocky too?! Bull-****ing-****. If they knew what the people they captured would endure--knew it because they lived it--and made other innocents undergo the same evil, then in some ways that's worse than the general scoundrelry of Hilton. And what would they have done after this? Would they have gone right around and joined another equally evil group--the Crusaders (well, that was unlikely after the kindness Kurt showed them) or Rengard's Rejects, or any others? Gone right back to the evil Kurt had tried to pull them from?

Eldgar's probably objectively better off with Karn's death. But it's a cruel calculus and one she hates calculating, or causing to calculate. And what is wrong with  her  for even thinking that?! She needs to be better too.

 "You did nothing wrong, Kurt. You're better, better than they ever are or were. You..."  She looks back at Rocky holding Karn and winces once again. What if it was Mithril holding her, or her holding Mithril (and she stops right there, not wanting to go down  that  train of thought)? But neither of them were slavers and neither would be.

Still...Kurt was different, after he came back. He'd changed, as if a shadow had been lifted over him, or if he'd been smoothed down. Maybe Karn would be the same. Maybe, Miriam or someone inside could...

She glances at Miriam, questioning.  "Miriam?"  she asks out loud so Rocky can hear too.  "Can you cast that spell? Do you think there's someone inside who can?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Mithril and Ash can listen in on Natalia's thoughts if they want, though Natalia only said the irony bit out loud and I figure everyone else would get it from that sentence. Oh, and Natalia said it so everybody could understand too.
 
Athedia
Mithril looked down on the scene.  She was still wary of Rocky and Karn, but understood their bond.  She let herself lower to the ground, a spell around her hand and placed it on on Rocky's chest.  She had prepared it in case the dwarves had attempted to avoid her by speaking in their own tongue, but now.  Now she didn't need it.

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril had tongues prepared for herself just in case she needed it, but I think Rocky needs it more.
 
Admiral
The despair in Rocky's eyes grows as no one in the party seems able to help Karn. He's surprised when Mithril places her hand on his chest, and his eyes widen as he feels her spell take hold. When he speaks his first words in the common tongue, they are cautious and clumsy, and yet he pays no mind to the battlefield around him.

 "Kurt..."  he addresses the dwarf directly for the first time, and his voice has a kind of trust that the others hadn't expected.  "What must I do to bring him back. Whatever it is, I will do it."  His voice cracks at the start of the last sentence, and his hand caresses the dead man's cheek.
Cavelcade
Kurt looks at him unhappily, silent for a few moments. He pushes himself up off the ground and looking around at the desolation around them, still breathing heavily, although he's starting to get it under control.

 "I don't know. There are spells...but they're expensive and require powerful clerics to cast them. You need 5000 worth of diamonds, I think...and Karn has to be willing to come back. And it needs to be done quickly, too. I don't know if we'll be able to...I'm...I'm sorry, Karn. I failed." 
Athedia
Mithril turned away, she wasn't seeing him stroke Karn's face.  Instead Henry's visage took its place.  The pain was still fresh though she tried to ignore it.  So many had died so far, so many would still die.  What was so wrong with this world that Boccob approved of her involvement in this, that he encouraged it?
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses as she hears the pain in Rocky's voice. She had to ask, even as she picked up the axe off the corpse of the giant orc and tries to scan them for any particularly noteworthy items--they're running out of time.  "How did you two meet?" 

She pauses at Kurt's statement.  "No, Kurt, I think there might be another way. Lisk told me once, of a spell powerful druids could cast. It can also bring someone back to life, and it's less expensive--a fraction of the price of diamonds but still expensive, with ingredients like phoenix feathers and ambrosial dew. But it also needs to be cast quickly, and Karn may not come back human."  She looks at Rocky holding Karn like that and tries not to think of Mithril.

As to what he would do...well, there were a lot of questions she wanted to ask Rocky and Karn. And maybe this could make them better. Somehow. It's a bit disquieting.
Admiral
As Natalia speaks, the roar of the battle seems to return around them, and the party- all but the griefstruck Rocky- realizes where they are. At the foot of the mountain the enlarged Iron Guard continues to strike down the orcs that are surging towards them. In a few of the further tents they can see other orc barbarians, perhaps just woken up, donning their breastplates while others stand guard, and yet it seems that much of the resistance had been defeated or driven off. And through the smoke comes a welcome noise: the sound of mules, wheels, and clanking armor, the sound of the caravan approaching.

 
 Spoiler 

We're going to back off on the combat a bit here, for many reasons:

1. You took out the biggest threats already, so what remains are mostly duller lower level barbarians
2. I want to introduce Rhenner ASAP.
3. With Shiny and Mithril basically out of spells and Kurt out of rages, Natalia is basically the only party member still fighting at capacity, which makes the fights less exciting for you guys.
4. Many more (friendly) combatants are arriving, and no way are we putting them on a map

Thus, we are mostly in  cutscene mode - any enemies you run into will be summarized. But you have a few rounds here if you want to scan for things, or have other errands to take care of outside of the gates. Miriam will heal most of you.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins as she sees the samurai approaching, watches Ezra blast from above and Calric heal his allies' wounds. Quickly, she scans the dead orcs with the crystal, taking anything particulars valuable, magical, and easy to grab.

She sees Kurt, despondent in his failure and gives him a quick supportive hug. She sees Mithril remembering Henry and replies with a gentle touch. She doesn't know what to do with Rocky, other than the hope she gave in her previous sentence.

And then she fights. And as she fights, Natalia realizes that she needs to play the villain for Rocky. Even if there is a reincarnate spell, or a raise dead spell like with Shiny and Kurt...

Well, they deserved it more. Henry deserved it more than slavers. But could they change? She hopes so.

These thoughts swim through her head as she attacks, darting in and out of melee, finding herself back-to-back with her friends as she turns to grin at them and then leap into the fray once more, a whirlwind of speed and steel, her leather coat and long black hair streaming behind her as she attacks.

 
 Spoiler 
natalia has a LOT to say to Rocky but I'm going to wait until after Miriam dies, since I think it'll have the most impact then. Just please, please give me the chance to say it.

Also, search:  (d20+14)[ 30 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril rose back into the air, if death was their fate.... She shook it out of her head, her death could wait until Boccob's mission was done.  And if she was to live, she looked out on the assembled barbarians.  If she was to live, they must die.  With a yell, wordless yet full of anger she began casting with her wand again, splashes of light hitting the orcs as she flew above them.

 
 Spoiler 
She is going to continue to use her wand to help weaken the orcs as much as she can.  Also therapy.
 
Admiral
Angered by Karn's death, the party returns to battle, the tide turned in their favor. Kurt and Mithril rush to attack those orcs who remain, with Miriam and Shiny following them to heal the warriors. Shiny casts one more spell to disguise Kurt's location, and even though the dwarf is tired from his rage, he is able to take on the few remaining barbarians.

For the moment, Natalia stays behind and uses her magical crystal to search the bodies of the orcs and the nearby tents, collecting what she can find, and making sure to toss the fiery axe of the lead barbarian into her bag.

 
 Spoiler 
Treasure will be rolled OOC.
 


Half a minute passes while the party staves off the remaining fighters, when in the mist there appears a massive shadowy figure... and moments later Brander bursts forth, nine feet tall and bearing a tremendous greatsword. He spots a batch of armed barbarians and charges at them, killing three orcs in a single skillful sweep of his blade. He turns to the party, but his look is of fear, not triumph.

 "Guard party got to us- wagons comin' in hot!" 

Moments later, through the smoke there bursts the first wagon, and chasing behind it a pair of axe-bearing orcs with samurai right at their heels.

 
 Spoiler 

We're still in "cutscene mode," but thought I'd give a chance to react.
 
Cavelcade
For a moment, Kurt breathes a sigh of relief as Brander bursts out of the fog, feeling the end of the battle drawing near...only to have the rest of it come to them, the orcs still chasing down the carts, even as others still struggle to get into Deldon. Refusing to let their work so far go to waste, Kurt ignores his tiredness, running to attack the others with quick, cruel strikes, refusing to listen to the groans of his muscles as the adrenaline drains away, his mind wanting to slow down and stop as much as his body - only his will to keep himself moving pushing him forward.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shoves the items into her bag (carefully with the axe!), then whips around and stumbles to her feet. She's there in a flash, running along the edge of the cart and leaping off to stab one of the orcs. As he turns around and strikes out, Natalia catches his axe between her two swords. She stares at the scene and says under her breath,  "Wow, I can't believe that actually worked."  Then with what little strength she has, Natalia pushes forward and actually manages to make the orc stumble backwards. Then she heads in for the kill.

 "You okay?"  she asks Brander and the samurai.
Admiral
The caravan piles through the smoke, and with it comes the battle. Over a dozen orcs are chasing after the wagons: the party and samurai outnumber them and yet the orcs need only disable the wagons to foil their plans.

Ezra flies in from above, unleashing spells at individual orcs to help them fall.  Lucius follows Brander, swapping between a crossbow and a rapier in his attacks. Calric Jr. follows in afterward, healing Brander and the samurai in between powerful swings with his mace. And Dresden, the captain of the samurai, charges in as large as brander is, his two blades moving fiercely in concert as he fights off the Horde.  "Get the wagons in!"  he shouts at the party. He and Calric Jr. are the most badly wounded of the warriors.

Kurt, Natalia and Shiny start running alongside the wagons, with Mithril flying above and continuing her aerial magical assault, as the samurai form a steely front admist the smoke to stop the orcs from following. Miriam starts to run alongside the party, but after only a few steps she looks back at the samurai fighting, and makes her choice. She turns around and charges back into the smoke, ready to make her stand where it is most needed.

As the party charges towards the door alongside the wagons, they get a closer look at the battle that has been raging there since they first arrived at the camp. The three enlarged Iron Guard stand at the gates, each bearing a tremendous shield and daring the barbarians to make it past. One carries a warhammer, one a battleaxe, and one a bastard sword, and the bodies of their enemies litter the ground around them several feet deep. Their wounds are deep and severe, and yet all three have survived the onslaught so far.

As the wagons approach, one of the dwarves kneels down and uses his massive shield to scrape away the corpses of the barbarians to clear the way for the wagons, making a sickening crushing noise as he does so. As he kneels, the party catches the glimpse of the soldiers behind him. Two are dwarven clerics, including the one Mithril had seen enlarge Stanton earlier, but to their surprise the cleric in the center is too tall and slender to be a dwarf. He bears a morningstar at his side, and his armor, though intricate and well-crafted, is less heavy than the massive plate armor worn by the dwarves. He reaches forward to place a hand on the warrior before him, and the guard's wounds heal until almost no injuries remain.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins as she watches Ezra join Mithril in her aerial magical dance. She gives a quick wave up to wizard though she doubts Mithril can see it. And then she's running with everyone else, dancing on the carts as she flits back and forth, keeping her balance among the cargo, hair and coat streaming behind her as her blades flash and stab.

She sees the dwarves and door first, watches as one of them sweeps aside piles of dead orcs like so much detritus. For a moment she falters, temporarily sickened though her swords and coat and face and everything's are spattered with blood, and only a bit of it her own. And then she sees the man, far too tall and slim to be a dwarf, and sees him heal like Miriam does. And wear the same armor Miriam did before she took that vow back in Alabaster's tomb.

  Huh, that's strange. Wonder how he got here.

Wait a minute. Where's Miriam? 

"Miriam!" 

She turns around and sees the cleric run back into the smoke, limping from her injuries, severing her link with Kurt. Natalia stops and shouts in a sudden panic,  "Dammit Miriam! What are you doing?!" 
Athedia
Mithril swooped down joining her friends on the ground, hearing Natalia's shout she turned and watched Miriam leave.   "Let her go.  She is happier among the samurai, more at home with them then a life on the road."   She didn't let her feet touch the ground as she continued into the tunnels, passing the cleric she turned her head.  She couldn't tell, not as fast as she was going, but was he an elf?  Odd for one of them to be here under a mountain.
CoffeeIncluded
 "It's not that!"  Natalia says as she follows Mithril and her gaze. Wait, was that cleric part elf? Or were the pointed ears her imagination?  "She's hurt and putting herself in more danger and...I've got to go back to her!"  They're almost in the tunnels. They don't need her. Natalia says,  "I'll be alright. I promise."  runs along the edge of the carts, back in the opposite direction. She tumbles under an orc's axe, screams as another one rends her back open, then whips around to stab him several times in the throat. As the orc falls over in a growing pool of blood she hurries over to Miriam and the samurai. Natalia will never abandon an ally and friend. No matter how scared she is. No matter what.
CWater
 "There. That should keep you standing for a little longer" , Rhenner says to the magically enlarged dwarf, but doesn't really expect him to hear, never mind answering. These dwarves do not seem the type to engage in chatter on the battlefield. Actually, he doesn't think they pay any attention to anything that doesn't approach them with a weapon in hand and malice in mind. Still, Rhenner admits, they did know how to handle a battle like this. None of the clerics, himself included, had received a single serious blow, even if the fighting had been fierce; though a few times it had been close. A recent memory of scorching one orc with a Searing Light spell passes through his mind, but he quickly brushes it away. Better keep his thoughts focused on the now.

The medic notices that one of the dwarf fighters moves slightly to clear a path and sees that the wagons are getting closer fast. Swiftly, he moves out of the way. He doesn't want to be the next thing to be brushed aside with that shield.

He feels an air current move his hair as a flying mage gildes in before the heavy wagons.   Must be handy that  , he thinks to himself, before smashing his morningstar into the face of an orc, who decided to make an attempt when the formation was broken.
Cavelcade
Kurt smashes his way through the remaining orcs as he makes room for the carts to get through behind him, Daybreaker normal sheen finally being blotted out by the sheer quantities of blood it's drank today. His swings are heavy, but magically fast still, moving in small arcs as he aims to deal damage and get out. As he feels Miriam's protection drop away, he frowns, then growls as Natalia turns back too, feeling obliged to stay at the gate, stopping the orcs.  "We have a job here!"  He takes his place with the other enlarged dwarves, keeping the orcs at bay even as they keep trying to force a way in.
CoffeeIncluded
 "I know!"  Natalia shouts from somewhere in mass of two or three heavily wounded orcs. There's a sharp sound and then one of the orcs falls. As the other two attack Natalia, who is bleeding once more, she dodges them both by dropping to the ground and rolling on shoulder. She spins to her feet and with three fast strikes kills another. While dueling with the final Orc Natalia shouts back,  "But I can't leave Miriam either! And I'm stopping more from getting to behind you too!" 
CWater
Rhenner rips his morningstar off the orc's face and glances around. The supply wagons are getting in, that is good, but the situation around the gates has started to turn chaotic. People running around the carts, fighting orcs who keep attacking. He bites his lip, and tries to see where he'd be mostly needed.

He notices that a fourth enlarged dwarf has joined the defenders, and this one looks like he's taken quite a few hits already. Without any further pondering, he reaches forward to cast a healing spell on him.
 "Try to live to see the end of this" , he mutters.

 
 Spoiler 
Do I need to roll something, as the cut scene is still on?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia continues fighting her way to Miriam. She has to help her friend! But it seems like with every step, more and more orcs show up. And she's not strong like Kurt. She can't just fell them with powerful strikes. Her attacks need to be swift and precise and she just can't do that when she's surrounded!

She dives, ducks, and dodges away from even more axes, panting heavily as one, just inches from decapitating her, snicks off a chunk of hair instead. There's another dwarf now, one of the defenders, raising his blade as he's nearly swarmed...

...but Miriam...

Natalia whips around and stabs the orc dead, a quick blow to the neck like lions do. He didn't even see her. She snuck up behind him. And as she turns she sees, out of the corner of her eye, the half-elf (?) heal Kurt.

Six seconds gone. Six seconds she didn't have. As the orc falls Natalia gives the dwarf she aided a quick nod, then runs to the fog, praying to Gond she can make it to Miriam in time. And begging Saint Cuthbert to let her live.
Admiral
Natalia runs out and charges into the mist, searching for Miriam. For a moment she halts, clueless of where to go, until she hears a warcry to her right that she recognizes as the voice of Calric Jr.

As she runs to the right, she sees a few vague shapes spring out of nowhere, and suddenly comes across Calric Jr. The cleric is in furious combat with a barbarian orc, managing to strike at him with the mace even through the haze, his teeth clenched in anger.

It takes Natalia a moment to recognize why... but then she sees a body on the ground, draped in simple cloth. The woman is instantly recognizable, and to Natalia's horror her head seems obliterated by an axe wound.

With a powerful strike Calric fells the orc in front of him, before turning to Natalia and panting.  "She... saved me..."  he says weakly, disbelief echoing in his voice. He reaches down to pick up her body in his arms and begins to carry her back towards the gate.

Miriam Sunfollower, cleric of St. Cuthbert, is dead.
Admiral
As Natalia reaches the smoke, the last of the wagons approaches the gate, and the dwarves shout out towards the samurai.  "Into the tunnels! Move! Move!"  Their defensive prowess helps them keep the few surviving orcs at bay as the soldiers rush back inside. Shiny moves inside to join Mithril, his spells exhausted for the day, and Rocky, who had barely been responsive since Karn's death, pushes his way in with the corpse. while Kurt holds off, waiting for his party to return safely. In moments he sees Calric Jr. taking long strides back towards the cave entrance, a grim expression on his face as he holds Miriam in front of him.
CoffeeIncluded
Nothing. No sound, no sight, no iron tang of blood, not even the earth so dry it feels yellow even through her boots. Natalia doesn't sense anything other than Miriam's body smashed on the ground. There's a rushing in her ears, a roaring in her head. Someone's screaming.
 
  "MIRIAM!!!!!"   

It's not until later that Natalia realizes that the person screaming is her.

As Calric scoops up what's left of Miriam in his arms and one hand flops weakly, bouncing with every step, the world seems to snap back into terrible focus. Natalia rushes over and starts shaking her body, as if Miriam's only sleeping and will wake up soon enough.  "Come on! Miriam, Miriam it's me! It's Little One! Come on, aren't you going to talk about how you're a farm girl who knows nothing?! Look, I hung back to loot the burning orc tents! Aren't you going to preach to me how greedy and unwise I am?!"  There's no response, and Natalia knows there won't be any, but her voice grows more and more frantic and high-pitched as they move to the carts and Miriam still won't move, limp and wrong and feeling bluer and less green by the moment as the warm red of life fades.

 "It's okay! Miriam, we can fix this! Remember Shiny and Kurt? They died but we fixed them! We can fix this! We--" 

And then she remembers so many conversations. What Miriam always said. Then when she dies, she wants to stay dead. That she'd want to "stay at Saint Cuthbert's table."

Miriam's gone. Miriam's dead and gone and she's never coming back.

  Miriam...No, no, Miriam. I-I wasn't there. I wasn't there and I wasn't fast enough and nononono-- 

"AAARRRRGGGHHH!!!!" 
CWater
Rhenner hears the call for retreat and soon one of the dwarves is pushing him ahead of himself back towards the tunnels. He glances at the warriors that are still fighting farther away.

  Don't be foolish, there is nothing I can do for them now. If healing is needed, it is best done inside.  

He quickly makes a small prayer to his Lord Fharlanghn,  "Wanderer of thousand roads, please help all those still breathing get inside alive. They've come so long a way to our aid." 

He has barely finished the sentence, when a heartbreaking scream hurts his ears. He automatically looks around to locate the source of the cry, but it is impossible in the confusion.
Athedia
Mithril froze at the scream.  Natalia had gone out, she had followed Miriam.  Didn't the girl realize what she had meant, the samurai Miriam had been at home with had all died in their journey.  The cleric had been looking at death with an easy eye, considering it since her revelation in the caves.  But Natalia hadn't known, Natalia had not realized.    I am sorry.  But she knew what she was doing.  She knew  
CoffeeIncluded
  WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE KNEW?!   Natalia screams through the link, the words swirling in pain and fury and grief spiraling inward.   How could she do that? Why would she do that?! There's still so much she can do! So much left to do! I learned that! Miriam! Please! How could you! How could you leave us? I thought we--!  

The line of thought is wrenched into another looping set of thoughts entirely, broadcast loud for Mithril and Ash to easily hear.   First Shiny and Kurt, then the giants, now you! Please! I can't fail you! I promised! You promised! Come back Miriam! I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!   And then Natalia breaks off into sobs.
Cavelcade
Kurt stares, dumbstruck for a moment at the sight of the body cradled in Caldric's arms. His arms go dead for a moment, unable to bear the weight of his blade, and he stumbles from an unblocked blow to the side, going to a knee as the roar of battle comes back to him, his arms moving without his brain's direction, getting his blade up in time to stop the next blow that would have crushed his skull. He stands then, slicing the arm from the orc that had tried to kill him, going not into a sudden frenzy but a cold, calculating killing machine. His body is too tired for his usual style, but each slide of the blade takes a limb, each step is timed to minimize the damage to his body as step by step he retreats back into the tunnels, the last person through the doors of Deldon, still cutting down enemies as they close.
CoffeeIncluded
Even in her state, no orcs attack Natalia, and it takes her a moment to realize that's because Kurt is busy dismembering every single one in a cold calculating fury. And look at her. She can't even do that. She's helpless. Pathetic.

Fury and rage and grief and pain spiral in all directions, including inwards. They tear away at Natalia, crushing her from all sides. Every step she takes feels heavier, until she's shuffling, dragging her weight like iron leads. When she enters the tunnel, Kurt not far behind them, she stares helplessly at Shiny and Mithril, tries to say something to the gnome. But she only manages to get out,  "I'm sorry..." , then collapses into Mithril's arms. Partially because she'd crush Shiny if she just fell on him, but partially because she needs Mithril now, needs to hear her in her ears and not just her mind alone.

And because Mithril's the only one she hasn't failed. Shiny, Kurt, and now Miriam...she's failed them all. She doesn't deserve to be around them. They deserve better than her.

And how long would it be until she failed Mithril too? Failed Mithril, who, of all people...  You deserve better too.  
 
 Spoiler 
Mithril can listen in on all of this if she wants. Unless someone responds, that's all from Natalia for a little while; I don't want to hog the spotlight.
 
Athedia
Mithril pushed Natalia upright.   "Hold together."   Mithril felt grief at Miriam's death as well, but held it back.  What good did grief do anyone, it weakened them.  The roar of battle dimmed as the doors shut, pitching the area into near darkness.  She had gotten in, but the question was would they ever be able to leave?  She looked around trying to count her friends, Miriam had died but had anyone else?  Shiny was beside her, Natalia leaned on her, Kurt's enlarged frame blocked the door.  But what of Rocky, the other person to lose someone in the battle or, Mithril shuddered for a second, Hilton.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia draws in a breathe shuddering against her tears and lets them spill. She holds Mithril tighter as she openly sobs.  "How?"  she asks, begging Mithril, so much stronger than her, so much  better,  for an answer.  "I f-failed, I failed Miriam. I failed Shiny and Kurt too! And now I failed Miriam! Please, Mithril,"  she gasps, her voice choked,  "What good am I if I can't protect everyone around me? If I can't protect  anyone?  I promised. And I failed..." 
Athedia
Mithril shook Natalia, forcing the girl to look at her.   "Don't be silly.  You haven't failed anyone, don't pity yourself.  We make our own choices, and if we die by them than so be it."   She shrugged the clinging girl from her shoulders and continued back down the hall, following the dwarves.  As she walked she neared the cleric she had seen.  Pointy ears, he? (she couldn't tell under the armor) is an elf.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stares as Mithril walks away. What was that? Why had Mithril pushed her away? Even if Miriam chose...to die...how could she just sit by and let her make that choice? And it's not pity, it's just...it's just... A memory rises unbidden, of Mithril sobbing on her shoulder in the entrance to Alabastor's tomb, a ring of bruises fresh around her neck as the creature that tried to end her life lay chopped to bits behind them.

The creature she heard and stopped.

That memory, the images and the desperate feel as Natalia charged into the dark and stabbed the choker and forced breath into Mithril's lungs and a potion down her throat flashes across the mental link between the two girls as Natalia thinks in a small voice,   I didn't fail you. I didn't fail you. Please, Mithril, I...  

As Kurt enters the tunnels, Natalia just turns back and looks at him, everything collapsed.
Admiral
 "CLEAR THE DOORS!"  comes a bellowing shout from the dwarven guard Stanton. From their position a few yards back into the tunnels, the party sees the huge dwarven guards step forward, push away the few remaining orcs trying to break free, and slam the enormous iron doors shut. Suddenly they are trapped in total darkness, hearing the sound of bolts and wheels as the doors are secured.

Moments later the sound of Shiny's voice breaks through, mumbling a few arcane words. In front of them appears a few floating orbs, shedding some light on their surroundings. A few dwarven guards seem surprised by the spell, but nevertheless light their torches as they'd planned.

While the tunnel is somewhat spacious- at least sixty feet long and just over ten feet wide and tall- between the wagons, the armies, and the adventurers it could not feel more cramped. The six wagons had rolled in as far as they could and then stopped, and the soldiers had to squeeze along the sides. Many of the most wounded soldiers had stumbled onto the carts for relief. As Mithril looks around, she spots Hilton- he'd stayed at Kurt's side all through the battle. And she and Natalia take a minute to find Rocky- the former slaver is huddled in an alcove a few yards down, Karn's corpse cradled in his lap.

The booming voice of Stanton rings out through the tunnel, more loud than articulate.  "Errr... Welcome, guests, I suppose! That was... I know many of you lost a lot out there, and... it means a great deal to us that you..."  he halts awkwardly.  "Lemme leave the speechmaking to the mayor. Anyways! We'll be bringin them wagons ahead to the loading dock- will take a few minutes to get past our security measures- and then we'll be helping unload 'em. Should take about twenty minutes." 
 
 Spoiler 

This would be a good time for everyone to meet Rhennen. It sounds like he's been healing Kurt all through the end of the battle so that's not a bad icebreaker.

Same for if Natalia wants to speak to Rocky.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia half-listens to Stanton's speech, only pays slight attention to the wounded soldiers on the carts. She gives a nod and little more to the half-elf, though she does say,  "Thank you for helping Kurt."  As if in a dream, she walks alongside Mithril to Rocky, who's still cradling Karn's body. He wants Karn back. He wants that slaver back and Miriam's never coming back. The pain and fury strikes out at the nearest target--Rocky.

Natalia clenches her teeth, all but holding back a scream. She instinctively reaches out to Mithril, to ask for her support...but then she pauses. And drops her hand to her side.
CWater
Rhenner leans against the stone wall and lets out a long sigh when the doors are closed. In the following darkness he has a small tiny moment of peace, before light fills the tunnel.

  Magical lights..  , he thinks absent-mindedly and tries to see the mage he saw fly in a moment before. He manages to spot her, but it doesn't look like she was the one who cast the spell.   More than one magic user...  , he makes a mental note of this before his eyes fall on the wounded on the carts and the reality feels suddenly more  real  again.

The medic forces himself away from the wall and makes his way towards the wounded. He spends his last healing spells on those with the worst injuries and after that he starts tying their wounds with more mundane methods with the help of his medical kit.


Rhenner doesn't pay much attention to Stanton's speech, it's not aimed at him anyway. When the carts start moving forward, he stays behind in the tunnel, to continue patching up those who feel too tired to move yet. He hears someone utter a thanks for him, but he is having a slightly difficult patient at that moment, and when he looks up, the person is gone.

 "Oh, do stop squirming" , the cleric says focusing again on his current patient,  "If you wish to dance around and permanently cripple yourself then I'm sure you'll be able to manage that. But please do it somewhere out of my sight, because to a healer it feels like a mockery towards those who died today." 
 "That clear? Good. Now hold absolutely still, this might be a bit uncomfortable."  And without longer ceremonies, he pulls the man's dislocated shoulder back into place. Judging from the warrios reaction, it is more than a slightly uncomfortable experience.
Cavelcade
Kurt lets out a long sigh as the door closes, taking off his helm and leaning his forehead against the cold stone. He barely notices when his wounds seal up again, muttering a thanks in his native dwarven tongue without looking around. Daybreaker is clenched in his hand in a white-knuckle grip. As the sound of the orcs continuing to trying to break through doesn't let up but only gets louder, more arriving all the time, he slowly goes to one knee, then the other, supporting himself with both hands on his blade's hilt. All of this is done in silence, against the doors.
CoffeeIncluded
Miriam's dead, Mithril's gone cold, Kurt's just...kneeling in front of the door, supported only by his blade, and Natalia's looking to make something hurt, most likely herself. Hilton's off doing Gond know what and Rocky's shut down with Karn's body in his lap. The half-elf behind her is mending the samurai (like Miriam would be doing, like Miriam  should be doing,  but she and her friends? They're falling apart.

Natalia stands over Rocky with clenched fists. He wants Karn back and they're never getting Miriam back! She's never going to see Miriam again, never! Not in this life or the next, not with the the gods they worship and the philosophies they follow.  "It's not fair, dammit!"
 
Then Natalia blinks and realizes she's shouted that out loud. She looks down. Has Rocky even done anything? She growls as words fight to be spilled out.
Admiral
Rocky glares back up at Natalia, perhaps confused by the rogue's outburst, but ends up grunting and looking back down at Karn.

The carts continue moving forward slowly.
CoffeeIncluded
Oh, that's it. Natalia gets right in Rocky's face and prepares to let loose. She knows how he feels, and in any other circumstance she'd be more than happy to help raise Karn, let there be fewer deaths today, but...but..

 "You're not the only one to lose a friend today. Miriam's...dead, Rocky. She's dead too. And she told us she didn't want to be raised."  She pauses and wipes away her eyes, only to have more tears take their place.  "She's not coming back. I'm never going to see Miriam again. None of us ever will."  She grabs Rocky's shoulders and considers for a moment telling the harsh truth: that Miriam deserves to have her life restored a hundred, a thousand, a million times more than Karn. Considers telling him now much of a better person Miriam was. How they literally made a living off of cruelty and suffering, when they  lived  that cruelty and suffering. How wrong they were when, when they finally clawed their way out of that pit, did they toss down a ladder and help everyone else out? NO! They pushed others in! She considers throwing the ultimatum in Rocky's face, how if he ever wants her to help bring Karn back they have to live like Miriam would have, like Miriam would have wanted them to live.

But just as the words form on her lips, clear and freed from the shield of Nutspeak, she realizes, even in her state, that it's too much and too cruel. And she can't use her tangled words to protect herself now. So instead she lets go of the collar of Karn's shirt and steps back, muttering something like,  "I know how you're feeling,"  before she starts sobbing again, more quietly this time.
CWater
Rhenner finishes with the squirmy samurai and takes a look around. He notices the bitter drama that is taking place some feet from away from him. He does register the girls words, but the healer's attention is drawn to something quite else about her. That is, the crude wound on her back. He picks up his medical kit and walks over to her.

Then he cautiously pats the sobbing Natalia's shoulder.  "Hi.. I'm sorry to bother you at such a moment, but I am a medic and just couldn't help noticing that your back is covered in blood."  He looks apologetic.  "Now, I have no more healing spells left, but I think there's something I can do to make your following night a little less painful. Take it from someone who knows, you don't want to leave a wound like that unattended overnight."

"Would you care to sit down, so I can have a look?" 
 
 Spoiler 
If there are any grammar errors sorry, this was written in a haste. Now to sleep!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's already sitting down, curled up in a ball with her head buried in a pocket made by her elbows and knees. She turns around when Rhenner taps her shoulder to stare into the face of the half elf. She listens to his words, trying to muffle her tears into quiet gulps and sniffles, then nods and says,  "Okay." 

She steps away from Rocky, looking at him with a mixture of anger and sympathy, then sits down again with her back against the half elf. She peels off her battered coat with the flaring tails and strokes all the rents in the fabric, all the places where it's held together with more magic than craft, and does the same with her studded leather armor. If the half elf asks she takes off her shirt as well, and then he can see not only the fresh wound shallow below her ribs, but also the old scar like bite marks wrapping around her side. Otherwise, she sits with her coat and armor in her lap, thumbing the studs and pressing against their pointed tips, trying to focus on the changes in color with texture instead of Miriam.

But instead she remembers that this was once Morton's armor, and she remembers the awful things he said to her, and now they're both gone. And she has a reminder of Morton in her sword and armor, but all she has left of Miriam, her only gift, is the Tongues spell. And even that will soon be gone.

Natalia starts to cry again. This time the half elf can hear Miriam's name.

EDIT: Natalia turns back to Rocky, and Shiny. She has no idea what the enigmatic gnome is doing or will do.
CWater
A more reasonable patient than the last samurai, Rhenner concludes, nodding to himself, seemingly pleased. He starts cleaning the girl's wound, being as careful as he can, though it might still sting occasionally. Still, she starts to cry again, although he can see that is not due to any physical pain. The medic hesitates.

  It is none of my business.. I fix the wounds of the body not those of the soul. I should leave that to someone who actually knows that art.

It is none of my business.  

When the girl continues sobbing, he just can't help himself.
 "Who did you lose?" 
Admiral
Noticing Natalia going quiet while the cleric helps, Shiny strides towards the pair. He'd had a grim expression since he'd heard about Miriam, and yet by the time he reaches them he is bearing his usual smile. He holds out his hand to Rhenner.

 "Hi there- Shiny Moleminder, tunnel engineer and short-order chef. I couldn't help but notice you were already in here with the dwarves when arrived- how did that come about?"  Without letting the cleric answer, he continues.  "Not that I'm judging- I once spent three months living among a coven of Yuan-Ti, but then they didn't know my true race (every last one being as blind as can be). My deception wasn't discovered until we came across a pack of wildcats and my allergies kicked in, for there's nothing more distinctive than a gnome sneeze. My escape was a close call, and even then it took three weeks across four provinces before all that venom was out of my system..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tenses and yipes as the liquid stings against her open wound, a sharp cold sudden burn. The yelp turns into a drawn-out keening noise as the cleric asks the painful question. She pauses, then says,  "Miriam. My friend...our friend. A cleric, a healer like you. She protected us, and now...now she's g-gone." 

EDIT: Natalia stares openmouthed at Shiny's introduction. Her dark eyes blaze, and for once she's not laughing at his antics.  "How could you?!"  she shouts, suddenly sitting up straight.  "How could you joke around at a time like this?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
 I figure Natalia wouldn't have seen Shiny's expression before.
Anyway, goodnight, and see you all in about seven hours!
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia tenses and yipes as the liquid stings against her open wound, a sharp cold sudden burn. The yelp turns into a drawn-out keening noise as the cleric asks the painful question. She pauses, then says,  "Miriam. My friend...our friend. A cleric, a healer like you. She protected us, and now...now she's g-gone."  
 

 "I see."  And how is he supposed to respond now? In all his years, Rhenner has not come across any words that would take away the pain of such loss, or even halve it.   And that is exactly why I shouldn't get into this kind of discussions..  
 "I wish I would have medicine that would ease that pain of yours, but I don't. No one does." 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Noticing Natalia going quiet while the cleric helps, Shiny strides towards the pair. He'd had a grim expression since he'd heard about Miriam, and yet by the time he reaches them he is bearing his usual smile. He holds out his hand to Rhennen.

 "Hi there- Shiny Moleminder, tunnel engineer and short-order chef. I couldn't help but notice you were already in here with the dwarves when arrived- how did that come about?"  Without letting the cleric answer, he continues.  "Not that I'm judging- I once spent three months living among a coven of Yuan-Ti, but then they didn't know my true race (every last one being as blind as can be). My deception wasn't discovered until we came across a pack of wildcats and my allergies kicked in, for there's nothing more distinctive than a gnome sneeze. My escape was a close call, and even then it took three weeks across four provinces before all that venom was out of my system..."  
 

Rhenner just stares at the gnome, dumbfounded, the motion of his working hands stop for a moment. He has seen many things and met many people in several different ways, but this gnome's introduction is something quite new and the medic is left speechless. He really doesn't know how he should respond to that, but fortunately, he doesn't have to.


 EDIT: Natalia stares openmouthed at Shiny's introduction. Her dark eyes blaze, and for once she's not laughing at his antics.  "How could you?!"  she shouts, suddenly sitting up straight.  "How could you joke around at a time like this?!"  

 "Hey!" , Rhenner immediately snaps at her, his attention back in the patient,  "Don't you move! I still need to tie the wound!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Just managed to make this in time!🙂 Now I'm off to work.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back at the half-elf, then leans over again, letting the half-elf bandage her up more easily. She's still glaring at Shiny, though the glare softens after a moment when she realizes he's probably trying to help--his cheerful stories sounded more forced than usual, or maybe that was just her.

 "I know you don't,"  Natalia says, burying her head in the space between her knees and chest again.  "Miriam's gone, and if I'd just been a little faster..."  She can't believe Mithril's words.  "It's my fault..." 

She squeezes her knees tighter. How can Shiny act so flippant? Even if he's just trying to help?
CWater
When his medical treatment is no longer compromised, Rhenner continues in a less strict tone.
 
"That way of thinking is very common among warriors who survive the battle, when their friends don't."  He lets out a resigned sigh.  "Which is sad, because most of the time it is complete nonsense" , he adds bluntly.
CoffeeIncluded
 "How?"  Natalia asks. She holds out her blades for the half elf to see--a short sword and a dagger.  "Im not strong. My strength is in my speed. I'm not like Kurt who can kill in a single blow. I can only do that if they're distracted. I was surrounded, and where Kurt could have plowed through in seconds, I couldn't. And if I could have, maybe I could have gotten to Miriam faster. Maybe I could have saved her, like...like I promised..." 
Admiral
Shiny raises an eyebrow and scratches the back of his head.  "And maybe we'd all be alive if we stayed in Hulburg and opened a bakery. You should leave the 'what ifs' to the storytellers." 
CoffeeIncluded
Somehow it's both better and worse for Natalia to hear that from Shiny. He's right, of course, but it doesn't do much to clear the guilt.   "But Shiny, after you...saved me...you came back. Miriam isn't. So even if you're right, I don't think it's completely the same."

 And I'm so, so sorry. It's my fault you died.  
CWater
 "It is your fault because you promised her? Did she come to that field because you had told her that nothing bad would get to her?"  Rhenner looks at Natalia in the eye, then shakes his head.  "No warrior, whatever their abilities be, comes to a battle, let alone on a mission like yours, unaware of the risks that it holds. Unless they are arrogant, half-witted, or both, and may the gods have mercy those sad creatures." 

He looks Natalia in the eyes again.  "So, was your friend a fool who knew nothing of battle, or are you the one being foolish here?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, not sure how to respond. Miriam had been getting detached, almost as if she felt her life didn't--no. She's stopping that train of thought right there. So instead she says,  "But we're friends and teammates. We're supposed to look out for each other. And I couldn't do that. Not for Miriam, and...only for Mithril. I could only do that for Mithril."

 Shiny and Kurt died because I was too much of a coward to rush to their defense. Miriam died because...because I...

How long was she dead?  
Admiral
Calric Jr. steps towards them as he hears the conversation, having laid the body of Miriam on one of the wagons.  "Forgive me, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Natalia, you should know that before she died, Miriam used the last of her healing magic to save my life, and to heal two other samurai on the front lines, when my own divine gifts had been exhausted. And once she used the last of her magic, she stayed in the battle and held forth her quarterstaff, fighting until the end." 
 "Had she wanted to escape, or to heal herself, she could have. Those who stayed on the front lines were there to make sure every last wagon made it into the gates, and she knew how important that was. She didn't die because of you, she died for you." 

He looks over and is surprised by Rhennar, and holds out his hand, his voice slightly less serious.  "Oh, I don't think we've met. I'm Calric Jr., a servant of St. Cuthbert. I don't recognize you from among the samurai." 
CoffeeIncluded
  For me. Just like Shiny. No, for all of us. I would have ran. I would have retreated and stay alive. But Miriam didn't care. She didn't see her life as valuable. 

"Calric, did she say anything?"  Natalia is still sniffling, though the loud wails seem to have subsided. Even still, even with everyone saying otherwise, she can't fully absolve herself of the blame and guilt. And fear, fear of what's to come.
Admiral
The cleric's expression grows sad with her.  "She was killed in the moment of battle, Natalia,"  he says, his voice tinged with grief.  "She didn't have the time to say goodbye." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bows her head again, starts to cry once more. Silently this time; there aren't any more tears left to shed.  "When this spell goes, I'll have nothing left of her. And you all..."  she breaks off to look at everyone.

 "I begged her god to let her live. How could he treat Miriam like that? She gave everything for her god and he did nothing!"  Natalia curls up tighter.  "I know what you're all saying. But I still can't help but feel like I could have done something." 
CWater
Rhenner nods at the other cleric's words.  "That's how it is for those who fight.." , he mutters somewhat absent-mindedly.

 "Now, I am finished" , he pats Natalia on the shoulder and rises up,  "Try to take it easy for a while, or if you're planning something rash try to get a healing spell cast on you before. 
Athedia
Mithril was following the carts when she turned back.  Her friends had not followed her.  Walking back a ways she saw the elf crouched over a hurt Natalia, with Shiny and Calric Jr. talking to her, Rocky sobbing in a corner and Kurt kneeing by the door.   It didn't feel right to interrupt any of them so she stayed back, waiting for them.  She tried to flag down a dwarf to wait with her so that they could be led back once the rest were ready to go.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  Natalia says as the elf finishes patching her up.  "A healing spell..."  She looks down again, back at Mithril who's gone off to the side.

 "Oh, uh, what's your name?" 
CWater
 "My name..."  The half-elf blinks, as if it only now occured to him that introductions could be appropriate.  "I...am Rhenner Calami, cleric of Fharlanghn" , he gives a small smile,  "At your service." 
CoffeeIncluded
  How does your god treat you, Rhenner?   Natalia holds out a hand.  "I'm Natalia Bolts, roguebuckler, trapsmith, and aspiring engineer."  Though she hasn't had much time to put her ideas into practice, even with all the resources she'd ever dream of courtesy of the Institute.

She turns her head at the sound of the carts, then looks over at Mithril and Kurt.
Admiral
Calric Jr. coughs.  "We should probably start following the wagons,"  he says awkwardly. Shiny nods and starts walking down the tunnel, and even Rocky seems to break out of his daze to stand up and carry Karn's corpse after the caravan.
Athedia
Mithril breathed out, not even realizing she had been holding her breath.  They were finally moving.  Sliding up next to the cleric she wondered aloud.   "How does an elf end up under a mountain?  I thought your people liked the open air?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yeah. Yeah, we should."  Natalia pulls herself to her feet and begins following the wagons. She stares at Miriam's hand, still clutching her staff, and feels heavy.

 "Mithril, Shiny,"  she suddenly asks as a thought strikes her.  "Can either of you cast the spell that makes magic permanent? Please,"  she begs,  "My fluency is the last spell she gave me. Once it runs out, my Nutspeak will return and Miriam's last gift to me will be gone forever." 
Athedia
Hearing Natalia's words Mithril hung her head a little.   "Sorry Little One, I have seen such a spell, but I still do not know how to cast it." 
 
 Spoiler 
Seems Mithril might have picked something up from Miriam
 
CoffeeIncluded
Little One...the phrase is like an icicle to Natalia's heart, and the actual words behind it only makes it worse.  "Thanks, Mithril. It--it's not...I understand." 

Mithril's distraught too, she realizes. She just holds it together better.

Natalia grabs Mithril's hands.  "Please, Mithril. Promise me you won't leave too." 
CWater
 Mithril breathed out, not even realizing she had been holding her breath. They were finally moving. Sliding up next to the cleric she wondered aloud.  "How does an elf end up under a mountain? I thought your people liked the open air?"  

 "Well, I'm not a full elf" , Rhenner replies with a lopsided smile,  Though the other half is not dwarf, so I guess the question still stands... And I have been wondering that myself for the past month. Not that I would ever speak against dwarven hospitality. These past weeks have been a most delightful opportunity to get to know their culture. Especially the days after we run out of ale." 
CoffeeIncluded
Normally Natalia would laugh at Rhenner's remark. But right now her heart isn't in it. All she can offer is a wan smile.  "Were you traveling and got stuck?"  His deity was the god of travels, right? Miriam had told her Saint Cuthbert was the god of justice. But Natalia can't see the justice in what happened here.

 "Mithril, why did Boccob talk to you?"  there's sadness in her voice, but no accusation, no jealousy or blame.

Natalia looks down the tunnel, tries to peer through the darkness to see what's beyond.
Athedia
Mithril froze, shooting Natalia a glance as she shrugged her head toward Rhenner.   "Not now." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, then nods.  "Okay."  again, she reaches out too hold Mithril's hand, but once her fingers brush hers, The rogue pauses and withdraws her hand, grasping her arm instead. She needs to touch something warm and alive, not the awful cold blue and stiff dry gray that does not belong on a human body she talked to less than an hour ago.

  And what about all the orcs you killed, Nuts?  
Cavelcade
Kurt remains where he is even when the carts start moving off. It's not until the light fades away and he realises the colour really has drained from the world that he stands, looking at the doors. Slowly he sheathes Daybreaker, pressing both hands against the stone and pushing. He pauses for a moment, adjusting his stance to press harder, putting his whole body behind the pressure. Eventually he lets out a disgusted sigh, turning away to follow the others, following the straight track behind them, avoiding the torchlight.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Normally Natalia would laugh at Rhenner's remark. But right now her heart isn't in it. All she can offer is a wan smile.  "Were you traveling and got stuck?"  His deity was the god of travels, right? Miriam had told her Saint Cuthbert was the god of justice. But Natalia can't see the justice in what happened here.

 "Mithril, why did Boccob talk to you?"  there's sadness in her voice, but no accusation, no jealousy or blame.

Natalia looks down the tunnel, tries to peer through the darkness to see what's beyond. 
 

Rhenner looks up when the rogue mentions the god of magic and glances at the mage, who is quick to quiet her friend. He does not ask about it then, responding to the other question instead.  "Yeah, you could say that that's what happened. I had heard there was some trouble here in the south, but it turned out to be a lot more serious than I had first expected." 

EDIT:
 "Didn't catch your name" , he says to Mithril.
CoffeeIncluded
 "It's everywhere,"  Natalia says.  "They're everywhere, turned violent all of a sudden by the sound of it."  She holds that in her mind, that something turned them violent. It wasn't every orc in the world who killed Miriam. She needs to hold on to that with all she's got.

As Natalia trails off she hears clanking behind her. Turning around, she can't see more than a shadow, but considering that all the other dwarves are ahead of them, she can guess who it is. She pauses for a moment.  "Kurt? Is that you back there? I-I know how awful it is and how awful you feel...I mean...Kurt, do you want to talk? It's okay to cry..." 
Admiral
The party walks forward, depressed from the losses they had suffered and the regrets they hold. The dim light and constricting tunnels they were passing through does little to lift their spirits- the wagons keep having to stop to allow heavy iron gates to unlock. These measures likely keep them safe from orc invaders, and yet they bode ill for the party's stay in the fortress. Is all of the dwarven city so sparse, so constrained, and so utilitarian?

They soon learn the answer to that question, as the caravan heads through one last gate, turns a corner and enters the loading dock. The chamber is thirty feet wide and about fifty feet long, and the ceiling rises forty feet at its highest, all lit by a series of mounted torches. Every inch of the room's walls have been carved- some with dwarven runes, others with ornate frescoes, some simply into pleasing architectural shapes. Along the side of the room run a series of iron doors, and as one swings open to admit a few dwarves the party catches a brief glimpse of a magnificent hall behind it.

The dwarves who arrive are lifelong laborers, every one bearing the insignia of the Firm. From the moment they step into the light the party can see how gaunt and malnourished they are from the siege: their cheekbones sunken, their steps weak and unsure, even more so than the Iron Guard soldiers. Some wheeze a bit as they walk forward from some unfortunate ailment. The supplies could not have come fast enough.

Seeing the tableau of wounded, weary and grieving samurai and soldiers before them, some bearing the corpses of those they had lost, they step forward quietly to begin unloading the carts, some bowing quietly and respectfully to the samurai. The dwarf guard Stanton lets out an awkward cough as he takes his position at the end of the hall.

 "There was a lad from Deldon..." 

The sing-songy voice that breaks the silence comes from an ancient dwarf laborer, the skinniest of all, with a beard that hangs down to his knees. For a few surreal seconds the phrase simply hangs there in the air, echoing gently through the chamber, before he repeats it in an insistent tone.

 "There was a lad from Deldon..." 

The nature of his proclamation becomes clear- it sounds like the start of a dwarven working song, one perhaps dusty from misuse in these dark times. And yet onto the workers' faces there break some smiles, from those who cannot help but celebrate. And when the old dwarf sings out a third time, the voices of the Dwarves of Deldon have joined him.

  "There was a lad from Deldon,
Got buried in his sleep.
He never knew what felled 'im
'Fore he was six fathoms deep,"
  

By the fourth line every Deldonite has joined in, with more pouring into the room from the surrounding tunnels. As they sing they continue to grab barrels and crates off the carts and pass them down, the rhythm framing a practiced and efficient dance of industry.

  "He had no pick or shovel,
just the tools of all dwarfborn,
So he ate right through the rubble
and he $#@% it out by 'morn!"  

At that moment the canvas cover of the third wagon is torn off, and a whoop goes up from the dwarven crowd when the barrels and flagons of wine, ale and whiskey are revealed. Tankards appear out of nowhere and are passed around, a great barrel of ale is uncorked, and a fiddle player along the walls starts his accompaniment without feeling the least bit out of place.

 "There was a lady miner!"  shouts out the ancient dwarf, cueing the mass of revelers for their next verse.

  "There was a lady miner,
of her I can't speak ill.
I've ne'er found one finer
and I doubt I e'er will,

Well I saw fit to dine 'er,
Swore an oath I would behave,
Yet it weren't three tankards later
'Fore she took me to her cave!"
  

The cheers that go up cannot help but warm the hearts of the party even after this darkest of days. The song continues into what sounds like an endless stream of verses, ranging from charming to crude- the oral legacy of a hundred generations of dwarven miners.

Already a half dozen samurai are being hoisted into the air on the shoulders of dwarves (Shiny is riding a sturdy miner and has never seemed more at home) as the citizens celebrate their salvation. And even in this bizarre excess that contrasts so sharply with the costly battle they'd escaped, the gaunt features on every dwarven face cannot help but remind the adventurers why this city might deserve a chance to celebrate.
CoffeeIncluded
It's not just utilitarian--the dwarves put so much effort and care and love into building Deldon. How long had the town been here? Natalia had gotten the impression it was just an outpost, but people lived their whole lives here, it seemed. Were there families? Or were they all adult miners?

These thoughts were supplanted when she sees the emaciated dwarves for the first time, so thin and drawn (and so wrong to see, especially on a dwarf) that Natalia feels she has to run forward and help a teetering one stay on his feet. And then as the dwarves quickly unload the wagons, sometimes stopping to nosh on a few nuts from an open container--likely the first food they've had in days or weeks--the singing begins.

Ranging from lovely to shockingly obscene, the song somehow feels natural, an inevitable result to the delivery of their food. As a whoop of joy rises from the crowd when the alcohol is revealed, Natalia realizes the reason for Mithril's frantic question. The song continues, an outpouring of joy and gratitude, as tankards are hoisted into the air along with several of the samurai. Natalia soon finds herself lifted up onto the shoulders of two starving dwarves, who carry her around in celebration as Shiny waves at her, a few shoulders away. She flails her arms for a moment in surprise but then balances easily between their shoulders. Someone shoves a tankard, brimming full, into her hands.

The rogue looks down at the dark dark ale. She's never had dwarven beer before, and she cautiously takes a sip. It's strong. Very, very strong. And bitter, but not to the point of being unpalatable. It's the darkwood of ales, and now the aftertaste hits her and...it's not that bad. Darkwood might actually be a pretty accurate statement. She holds the mug outwards, watches a bit of the beer slosh out onto the ground in tribute to Miriam, and then drinks deeper. It curls in her stomach, warms her from the inside. Natalia already feels a little bit better. Or at least a little less despondent.

But they saved everyone here. That's worth celebrating regardless, right?

 
 Spoiler 
Are there women and children in Deldon too?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt doesn't reply to Natalia, if he even hears it - he gives no sign that he does. He comes in after the celebration has started and looks over it without cracking a smile. His gaze passes over the starved faces stonily, he only blanches when he can no longer ignore absent parties. After moments spent standing still, he shakes himself and quietly slips back, turning his lips upwards towards anyone who happens to look at him, carefully avoiding catching anyone's eyes.

He walks with his back bent, walking far enough back down the tunnel that the sound of the party fades to a murmur before he leans back against the wall and slowly slides down to the ground, head in his hands.
CoffeeIncluded
Hoisted above the crowd, Natalia sees Kurt slip out the back, completely shut down. She frowns and looks at Shiny across from her, motioning with her head. But she doesn't follow him, not yet. Maybe he needs to be alone like she does. At least for now. Was it only Miriam that threw him so, or was it something else on top of her death?
Athedia
Mithril turned to Rhenner, ignoring the festivities.  She understood the dwarves need for celebration, but she had not finished her work yet. Celebration could wait until she had.   "I know this isn't your home, but you have been here for a while.  Are there any temples here? I need to find somewhere quiet to think for a little." 
CWater
A small smirk rises to Rhenner's lips.  "They have a whole section for themselves. Most of the space is reserved for dwarven gods, but there is a small chapel that can be used by a follower of any faith. Though I think I've myself been the most frequent visitor of that place during my time here."

"Shall I guide you there? I do not mind skipping the celebration. The dwarves are certainly going to drink themselves silly, not that I blame them, especially considering the circumstances, but they are likely to encourage anyone else present to also take part, and that I would like to avoid." 
 
 Spoiler 
Did Mithril introduced herself?
 
Athedia
 "By the way, I am Mithril.  This here is Whiskers."  She pulled her coat open a little revealing a white weasel's face.  He sniffed at the area, eye's latching on the cleric.   "Uh, he likes holy water.  If you have any then he will be your best friend."   The awkward introduction complete she looked around.   "Lead the way." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Are you going already?"  Natalia asks Mithril and Rhenner, waving her hand and entire body at the two.  "They haven't even spoken yet!"  She sways forward on the dwarves' shoulders and holds out her empty tankard; it's instantly refilled. She brings it back to her lips and once again chugs the ale. Maybe there was a point to getting drunk. Already she feels better. Miriam's death is a bit blunter, a bit less searing. And seeing all the dwarves celebrating around her makes her feel a little lighter. Maybe she needs this.

 
 Spoiler 
Waif of a girl chugging dwarven ale. Why yes I'm planning for Natalia to be completely smashed.
 
CWater
 "A weasel greedy for holy water?" , the cleric lets out a small chuckle,  "Well, I just might have something for him. He can have his price when we get to the temple." 
 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner will guide Mithril to the temples.
 
Admiral
Rhenner leads Mithril discreetly into a tunnel away from the celebration in the loading dock, and, once Mithril casts a spell of light to guide them, starts leading the wizard through a series of corridors. The corridors themselves seem crude, with rough walls and ever changing shapes, though in the few times they pass through larger chambers the architecture off the exquisite dwarven craftsmanship.

 
 Spoiler 
I had Mithril cast light because I think she prepared it, but if not they can grab a torch.
 


Rhenner guides her down a series of turns and stairwells, looking more familiar with these paths than he would like. Not far from , they pass through an enormous chamber, smaller than the library of Cardonne but still quite massive. This is the temple of Moradin, the Dwarffather, who had forged the first dwarves from the earth, and his likeness is emblazoned in statues and frescoes across the walls. The temple is located in an enormous natural cavern that likely once held an underground lake, but that had been shaped by years of sweat and cunning into a cathedral worthy of any grand city.

Soon afterwards the two pass into a nearby chamber that could not be farther from the first in terms of grandeur- it is perhaps twenty feet long and ten feet wide, lit by a few humble torches, and only three dwarves sit at the benches in prayer. Still, a number of statues line the walls representing many deities of the Church, and while the statues are small and of a simpler stone they show impressive skill and attention to detail. Mithril looks around but cannot see a representation of Boccob.

 "You've brought someone, Rhenner..."  comes a pleasant voice from one of the benches. A middle-aged dwarf stands up and steps over towards them. From the disciplined cut of his beard to his unmarked hands (one bearing the Church guildmark), Mithril can quickly tell he is not a miner, and indeed in contrast to the dwarves she's observed so far doesn't have the attitude of a laborer at all. On his simple cloth robe she can see the sigil of a face in a sun, the sign of Pelor.

 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner knows him well, his name is Hartley.
 


-------------

Natalia continues to find a tankard of beer in her hands whenever she finishes the last one. She is vaguely aware of Shiny, about thirty feet away, improvising new verses to the mining song that the dwarves seem to appreciate.

 
 Spoiler 
If Kurt would like to stay out of sight it is quite easy for him to do so. We aren't too far from bedtime.
 
CWater
 "Evening, Hartley" , Rhenner greets with an honest smile.  "He's a cleric of Pelor and takes care of this humble place" , he says to Mithril, then turns again to the dwarf,  "Yes, this is Mithril. She came in just a moment ago with bunch of samurai and other warriors bringing six carts of food with them. Oh, and ale. They're unloading them as we speak." 
 
 Spoiler 
Do they have a statue of Fharlanghn?
 
CoffeeIncluded
By the fourth beer, the world is swimming pleasantly and Natalia is blissfully bobbing through it. Why shouldn't she celebrate? Look at everyone! Everyone's alive and singing and clinking tankards and this is fun! She sways back and forth on the dwarves' shoulders, vaguely aware of another pair of hands steadying her for the moment, and begins belting out lyrics, occasionally (more and more often as she drinks the next tankard) switching in  "Nerm hrrrmmm hrrmmm,"  when she doesn't know and can't pick up on the words.

By the fifth-and-a-half beer, Natalia suddenly decides that it would, in fact, be an excellent idea if she also made up her own lyrics like Shiny's doing right now. So she starts to belt out words as she goes, only paying minimal attention to rhyme or meter.

 "Know dwarf friend up above,
He master with an axe!
Now uses sword instead,
But still go, "KURT SMASH!" 

She brings her tankard before her, grabs it in both hands and smashes it down through the air like a hammer, The movement sends her flying off the dwarves' shoulders and smashing into the ground. After a moment, though, she gets up...and immediately falls over, this time in a sitting position. She  doesn't try getting up this time, and instead holds out her tankard, throws back her head, and sings (well, more screams),

 "Found wizard tomb by Linwood!
Where Alabastor fall!
Saw scrolls, rods, items,
So I...took all!

Mithril mighty mage!
She beautiful and strong!
And Shiny many masks!
They my friends along!" 

Natalia's halfway through a stanza involving Miriam and Valen when two things suddenly become very, painfully clear.

Miriam's still dead, and she can't hear or enjoy this.

And the Tongue spell's worn off at some point in the last few minutes. Miriam's final gift to her is gone, forever. And she can't speak anymore, or even sing.

The good feeling's gone, it plummets out of her. It's as if the world crashes around her and becomes more pale, even as Shiny and all the dwarves are singing and celebrating. Now Natalia just feels sick and woozy and like she wants to cry.

 
 Spoiler 
More later; I have to get to class.
 
Cavelcade
After sitting alone for an hour, the gradually increasing noise level from the party intrudes on Kurt's solitary thoughts. He drags himself upright, physically exhausted after the combats from the day but unwilling to sleep yet. At first he seems to be dragged one way, towards the party and the noise and the people before his feet start dragging along the earth, slow and then stop. He turns away with a long sigh and trudges back down the tunnel, looking for a way up to the openings Natalia had described Mithril looking out of. The sight of stairs almost disheartens him but he grits his teeth and starts the climb up, eventually coming to the platform the dwarves could shoot down from, or look out at the orcish encampment.

He taps the openings curiously, interested in the transparent rock that protects him from the arrows of orcs, considering it as he gets his breath back, then he looks out at the orcish encampment, watching them move, wondering whether they'll rebuild or not. It's there he's to be found the next morning, still watching the orcs.
Athedia
Mithril bowed her head,  "I am Mithril, of the Institute.  But I worship Boccob as it is his temples that set me on my journey and his wisdom that has given me purpose.  I see he is not popular here, but no matter, he cares litte.  Do you think we could... talk of gods together?" 
Admiral
Kurt finds his way back up the tunnels. At a few points he runs into secured iron gates, but at each a guard is able to let him through. It seems the dwarves take the security of the fortress very seriously even past the huge iron gates.

Finally he reaches the windowed room above the battlefield, where he finds Lyla, the dwarf archer, standing guard. When he enters the windows have been covered with steel plates, and at first the archer refuses to move them. But something in Kurt's voice gives the archer pause, and finally she rolls one of the iron barriers aside to replace it with thick glass. The setting sun shines through as Kurt looks over the encampment, and he sits and watches as the orcs reassemble outside. The orcs' numbers have more than tripled since what they were before the assault, the sheer numbers of the Horde showing their strength. The barbarians drag the corpses of their fallen into a huge pile a few hundred yards away from the camp, and after a couple of hours it lights into an enormous, sickening bonfire.

 
 Spoiler 
More later about Kurt.
 


----

 "That's what I'm here for,"  Hartley says with a smile. He nods politely at Rhenner's comment about the beer, but doesn't seem overjoyed by it the way the miners had been.  "You know, I haven't met a follower of Boccob once since I came to the frontier. I suppose I knew a couple in Marvell, but that was years ago..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Incidentally, normally I imagine that Mithril might want to have this conversation in private with the cleric of Pelor. But I think including Rhenner in it would be a great way to integrate him into the group, especially as the character doesn't have much else to do right now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tries to get to her feet and stumble out of the reveling in the hall, to one of the corridors where it's darker and quieter. It's harder than she thought it would be. The world seems to tilt and sway with every step, and as she moves the vague sick feeling becomes one of outright nausea. Natalia's dimly aware that she's drunk--very, very drunk--and if she looked in a mirror she'd see her face and shoulders are flushed bright pink.

She staggers to her feet and stumbles back and forth, her natural grace and dexterity all but gone as she pushes off of celebrating dwarves to keep her balance. But, finally, she's able to make her way down one of the many tunnels, and as the light dims and the sound fades to a full roar, she looks around. There's not much to see, but Natalia doesn't recognize this tunnel. She's not particularly concerned though. Instead, she takes a deep breath and spills her mind to the empty air.

 "You...happy? Happy Miriam? Got...got wish. At cuthberts table now. There dull, not...here with cheer. No preaching, no vows, no...more helping! Even when...more to help! Happy now?! Left friends, left job, left us! Know...hated Eldgar, but leave like this? Body marked f-forever, never free? Left when still good undone, work...undone? When split us see? And Promises broken? And you gone? Never seen again? We...never see you again? Not here, or ever? HAPPY NOW?!"  

She's crying again, her tears refilled by the ale. She's barely understandable anyway, with her Nutspeak even more marred by drunken slurs. It doesn't matter though. Miriam could never understand her anyway.

Natalia stumbles back and forth, another thought brewing in her mind. She thrusts an accusatory finger in the air, pointing up at the covered sky. She stumbles forward from the motion, then rights herself and shouts,  "And you! Saint Cuthbert! No saint...to me! No saint seen! God of justice, but what justice here? What justice for Miriam! She gives life, vow, gave all...and how thanked? What reward...faith? Reward with pain, death! Miriam miserable! Miriam begged for sign, what sign given? And Calric! Monster, hunter, how bless him! What justice in blessing hunter...of weak?! Against justice! Justice flipped! Betrayed Miriam, betrayed others! Betrayed own mace! And say you saint? Say you justice?! Miriam knew justice more! Learn...from her! Boccob uncaring, cares more than you!"  Natalia snarls and tries to spit on the ground.  "If you justice, then from...what I see...no justice worth following." 

Natalia falls forward onto her hands and knees. The world is spinning again. She groans, then vomits up a good bit of the alcohol she drank. But it's still not enough. She feels drained, tired, she just wants to sleep. Natalia drags herself a few inches back to the crowd and then passes out.
Admiral
Sleep comes to Kurt even when he does not seek it. With the sleep come dreams, and with the dreams comes the rage.

He is on the battlefield outside the mountain, this time standing alone against the forces of the Horde. The orcs surround him and yet he feels no fear, for Miriam's death had granted him more power than her spells ever did. The anger fills every ounce of Kurt's body, imbuing him with a strength he'd never felt before. The rush of fury clouds his senses, and yet no matter: he sees the orcs who had killed Miriam arrayed before him on the grass, and he feels the weight of his old greataxe in his hands, and that is all he needs.

He charges at his first enemy, a bulky orc with a massive greataxe to match Kurt's, and in a pair of devastating swings he cuts him down, the feel of rending flesh only fueling his bloodlust. His next swing is at the caster who stood beside the orc, chopping him in twain before a spell can even be cast.

Another orc comes charging at him swinging blades into Kurt's flesh, but the wounds mean nothing to Kurt as he brings down the axe and feels the crunch of bone underneath. Another orc turns to flee, and Kurt feels not a moment's hesitation about giving chase. The orc squeals for mercy as Kurt brings down the axe and splits him like firewood.

The last orc is ahead, apparently stricken by fear and awe of the dwarf's powerful rampage. Kurt lets out a vicious warcry as he makes his last charge, and with a mighty swing he caves in the barbarian's skull. Kurt looks up to let loose a triumphant scream when he sees him: a figure standing in shadow on the slopes of the mountain.

The figure is too far to see clearly, especially through the haze of Kurt's rage, but Kurt recognizes that the stranger is watching him intently. The figure holds at his side a large, shining greatsword, and even at a distance Kurt recognizes the gleam of Daybreaker. As he stares in confusion at the shape in the distance, the haze clears from Kurt's eyes. His reason returns, and with it comes a growing sense of dread.

Kurt turns around to see the orcs he had slain, and yet the corpses on the battlefield are not those of orcs. Where Kurt had laid out his first enemy, there lies a bearded dwarf that Kurt hadn't seen in years: the trainer he'd killed in an uncontrolled rage back in his home land. He still bears the same wounds from that fateful day, wounds that had been seared into Kurt's mind.

Near the trainer lies Mithril, the mage Kurt had slain midspell, her grey eyes staring blankly into space. And next to her Natalia, blades still gripped in her lifeless hands. Some distance away lies Shiny, chopped into pieces, his face contorted into a horrible scream for mercy.

Kurt looks to the body at his feet, but he already knows what he'll see. His last victim wears a simple white tunic and sandals. The image of Miriam's corpse, her head caved in by Kurt's own axe, never leaves Kurt's mind even as he jolts awake on the cold stone floor.
Cavelcade
Kurt jerks awake with a shocked breath, his hands going to his side to check what weapon is at his side. He scrambles up to check where he's situated, looking around anxiously for the bodies of his friends, wanting to yell about how he'll take it back, but he can't form the words, his throat is constricted, his hands sweaty.
CWater
As Hartley and Mithril start to talk, Rhenner's attention has already wandered elsewhere. He goes to find a small silver bowl and then, under the watching eyes of the mage's familiar, he pours the holy water from one of his flasks into it.  "For a brave warrior's companion" , he says, nodding to the weasel with a smirk.

Unless the others will specifically include him in the conversation, Rhenner will just sit on one of the benches close to Fharlanghn's statue to pray.
CoffeeIncluded
There are no windows in the house. There are no windows and there is no ceiling and there are no doors. There are pictures, Natalia's blueprints that turn to pictures of her and her friends when you blink. And when you turn around and look back they're blueprints again.

Natalia isn't looking though. She's sitting at a workbench with Mithril to her right. They're designing a machine, a lovely machine that Natalia built and Mithril is powering with her magic. They make it work together. And the best thing about Natalia being left handed and Mithril being right handed is that Natalia can reach down and hold her hand without stopping her work. It's nice.

A loud beep goes off. That would be the oven. There's bread baking. The two girls made a timer that goes off when the food inside is fully cooked. Natalia stands up.  "I'll get it." 

Natalia walks over to the oven, which is in the living room for some reason, and opens the door.

It's empty.

But that doesn't make any sense. Natalia looks back at Mithril, who hasn't moved, then opens the door wider and all but climbs inside, even though it should be hot enough to burn.

Natalia wasn't wrong. There is nothing inside.

Except for the thousand Orc corpses.

They come flooding out of the oven, knocking Natalia backwards and pouring over her. And as Natalia claws her way to the surface, she can feel and see what happened to these orcs. They're all blown to pieces and burnt to a crisp. Every last one.

Natalia finally surfaces and looks around. The furniture is gone. The floor is gone. Mithril is gone. There are still walls and pictures, but everything else is dead orcs. Orcs Natalia killed.

They're lying there, and then as Natalia blinks they seem to melt and reform, shooting upwards into bodies of orcs standing before her, behind her, surrounding her hundreds deep. They still bear the same wounds, the burns and shredded limbs Natalia brought upon them with her trap. There are other orcs too, with stab wounds, long and deep to the most vital parts of their bodies. And there are a few ogres and giants too, with the same wounds caused by her and her blades.

And there are a few, more familiar faces. So out of place that she doesn't recognize them until she hears them.

 "Nuts Bolts, professional coward and impotent fantasizer! There you are!" 

One of the pictures is gone, and in its place, closest to Natalia, is Shiny. But he's not smiling like he always is. And he's squashed flat, a shattered mass of blood and bone.

 "Have you heard my latest story, Nuts? Once there was a foolish girl who couldn't do anything right. She was so pathetic she couldn't even talk properly! Anyway, she wanted to be a hero but she couldn't, and everyone died because of her! The end!" 
 "You forgot the most important part,"  says Kurt as he steps out of the second photograph. It and the wall it's mounted on vanish as he strides to Natalia. His armor is bashed in, his torso underneath mashed to a pulp. Blood trickles down his mouth as he speaks.  "You forgot all the promises she made to keep her friends safe. And she couldn't keep a single one." 
 "That's not--"  Natalia starts to say, looking for Mithril. But she's not there. And then she hears another voice right over her shoulder.

 "Now, lets not be so harsh on Nuts,"  Miriam says. The back of her head is completely gone. And so are the painting and wall behind her.  "Some people just aren't meant to be heroes. She's a bakers girl who knows nothing. And maybe she should have stayed that way." 

Natalia shakes her head, tries to search for a way out. But she's pinned, surrounded, and then she sees Mithril. She waves to her girlfriend, begging for help.

But Mithril has a ring of bruises around her neck, memories of the choker attack pressed into her flesh. She turns away. And then she says, tired,  "There's one thing you all have in common. Why are you dead?" 

Orcs, ogres, giants, Shiny, Kurt, and Miriam all raise their voices as one.  "Because of Nuts!" 

They raise their fingers and point them at Natalia as one, laying down their blame. And step closer with every sentence, cutting off her escape.

 "It's all your fault!" 
 "It's not--" 
 "It's all your fault!" 
 "I didn't--" 
 IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!" 
 "I'M SORRY!" 

But they aren't listening. Everyone she killed, or caused to die, all the friends she failed, rise up as one, shift into a single great gaping maw, crash down upon her to swallow her whole--

And Natalia wakes up with a scream. Drenched in sweat, she shoots up to a sitting position, and instantly clutches her head in pain. She looks around through the throbbing headache. She's in a bedroom. She's in a bedroom with everyone...but Kurt, it looks like. How did she get here? She remembers getting drunk, stumbling off into a corridor, yelling to...urgh. Her head. So this is a hangover.

Natalia sits there for a while, trying and failing to get her breathing under control. After several minutes, she gives up. There's no way she can go back to sleep. The rogue looks at her sleeping friends, and looks at the weapons they brought with them, both purchased and spoils of war. She needs to do something. She can do something.

The next morning, when everyone wakes up, Natalia is nowhere to be seen. Her bag is there, her bed looks slept in, but she's gone. Along with her weapons. And every single spare weapon the group has, including all the ones taken from the Horde.

If they listen closely they can hear shouting and clanging not too far off.

 
 Spoiler 
Someone can follow her if they want?
 
Athedia
Mithril almost let Rhenner walk away then beckoned him back. She had no reason to distrust him, even if what she was going to ask was odd.  From what she had heard of his god, Fharlanghn was similiarly neutral toward the world, though she had heard little.  She considered edging around the question, but decided to cut right through, if they thought her mad so be it.  She could leave here the next morning as easily as she had come. "I don't mean to sound forward, but what does one do when your god is talking to you?" 
Admiral
The cleric's eyebrows rise, though he doesn't show judgment.  "The wisest and most powerful of clerics have the ability to commune with their deity, and seek some counsel from them. Is this what you mean?" 
Athedia
Mithril played with the fringe of her shirt.  Funny how it was getting worn down, she had not been mending it for weeks now, it was showing.   "Not exactly, more like a messenger.  Do gods send them? If they want to speak to a worshiper that is?" 
CWater
 "I would say that what is most important is simply listen" , Rhenner says matter-of-factly, sitting on the bench,  "And heed their words. Gods rarely communicate so directly, even with their own priests. If they do, it is certainly for a reason." 

He is silent for a moment, then adds,  "What do you mean by 'what should you do'? Are the messages cryptic? If you don't mind me asking." 
Admiral
The cleric takes a deep, contemplative breath.  "Whoever this messenger was... if he was a powerful cleric of the deity, it is possible he was told to bring you a message during his prayer. Well, it would be possible if it were another deity... surely you know that Boccob is the least likely of all the gods to interfere in our plane." 

He peers at Mithril intently, looking a bit like a kindly schoolteacher.  "More importantly, have you considered that the 'messenger' could be lying? For every true case of divine intervention, there must be a thousand con men seeking to use followers' faith against them. Do you have any proof that the message you speak of truly originates from your god?" 
Athedia
 "My proof is him."  Mithril pointed to Whiskers who was lapping up the holy water, pausing every so often to chase down a drop that had escaped the bowl.   "A high priestess of Boccob, Avarylynn, saved him.  At least that is the closest word I can think of.  I felt him.... Let me say I hope you never feel death's embrace from another's eyes.  But when I went to find him she had brought him back, no longer the red weasel I had rescued years ago, but in this new form and with this new taste.  He is still Whiskers, still the same lazy, cranky, sneaky weasel I have known for years, but he is different now and I don't know how or why." 

Mithril stood, nervous about how honest she was being.  But Avaralynn had told her that while she would not find answers here she might find the right questions.  She had to try.   "I trust her.  She says the balance has become undone to much for Boccob, so much that even he feels the need to interfere." 

Mithril thought at Rhenner's questions.   "The message, it is not cryptic so much as lacking in information.  As if she can only tell me the outline and I must fill in the details myself." 
Admiral
Hartley tilts his head as he looks at the weasel, and his eyes crinkle as he smiles.  "I don't suppose I've ever seen anything quite like that before. Don't know that I could say what it means."  His smile turns into a contemplative look as he turns back to Mithril.

 "Every faithful follower of every god has a mission- a mission to live according to the values of one's deity and to work towards his goals on the mortal plane. I've never heard the voice of Pelor, yet I know in my heart that I do his work here."  He eyes the wizard's insignia with a sad frown.  "The Church has helped countless followers like you to find their own way to serve the gods. But I suppose that route is not for everyone."  His eyes linger momentarily on Rhenner as he says this last part.

 "So if you have been chosen by your deity for some mission, know that you are lucky indeed... but you are not alone. The clerics of Boccob are few, but those that exist may be able to assist you in your quest." 

He shakes his head clear.  "You said this high priestess called herself 'Avaralynn.' I can't say I ever heard the name, but if she's as powerful as you say there's a way you could learn more of her. The Threadmyr Library, located in the capital city of Providencia. It's a massive compendium of religious history and practice across every continent, far greater than those in any other city, containing-"  he catches himself as he glances down at Mithril's guildmark.  "Ah. Well, more's the pity." 
Athedia
Mithril sighed. Stupid guilds and their stupid rules.  "In the country I come from libraries are for everyone to enter if you show an interest.  Why limit it by a mark on the hand here?  It was temples that showed me the path to magic, the same temple that convinced my brother to avoid it." 
CWater
A dark shadow passes over Rhenner's face while Hartley speaks, but it is soon gone, as quickly as it came.

He's starting to doze off on the bench, but when Mithril speaks, his eyes suddenly fly open again, and he gives her a long contemplating look. Then he shakes his head and gets up.  "I don't know about you, but I'm starting to feel tired. I think I'll retire for the night. Good night, Hartley."  He turns to Mithril.  "If you want, I can guide you back up, they've probably prepared accomodations for your group by now. Or if you still have things to do here, I'm sure Hartley can direct you." 
 
 Spoiler 
Are we done with this day?
 
Athedia
 "Thank you Rhenner.  I don't think I would remember exactly how to get back."   Mithril said her goodbyes to Hartley and picked up a protesting Whiskers.  With the weasel still struggling to get back to the holy water she made her way out of the temple.  Once she and Rhenner were out of earshot of Hartley she turned to the half-elf.

 "What did he mean by that?  The comment he seemed to direct to you.  And why is the Church hiding so much?  I am not your enemy." 
CWater
Rhenner looks surprised at the mages words, and something, that might be  suspicion, appears in his eyes.  "What on earth do you mean? I am a faithful member of the Church, like any other."  He does not look at Mithril.  "And I am  sure  they have  very  good reasons for all their...secrets." 
 
 Spoiler 
He doesn't really trust Mithril yet.. But keep talking, maybe you'll get something out of him😛
 
Athedia
 "No offense, I don't doubt you are."   Mithril tried to stumble out the apology, silently cursing for insulting Rhenner so fast.

 "I guess I am just unused the idea of people not working together.  In my country I visited temples for learning more than schools of magic.  There were no Guilds, not in the sense they have here.  I was raised by merchants, brought into my life by books and temples and peruse a career of magic.  I also can not claim not to have done some shady deeds in my time.  Does that not qualify me for all four guilds, but I could only swear membership to one." 

She paused in the deep hallway, stopping her rant.   "I don't mean to talk your ear off.  I really did not mean to insult you, my confusion and frustration poured out." 
CWater
Rhenner just stares at Mithril for a moment, as if he's trying to see something in her expression. Then a wry smile climbs to his face,  "Don't worry foreign mage. You did not insult me." 
 "Yes, I've heard that other countries are organized much differently, and yours does sound pleasant, is it far? ...Can I ask, are there others in your group that are also from outside Eldgar?" 
Athedia
 "I don't know exactly how far it is, we used a spell to travel instead of a ship.  We all are from across the ocean.  Natalia comes from a village near the city I grew up in.  Kurt and Shiny?  I never really asked.  Miriam... you didn't get to meet Miriam...." 
CWater
 "I see... That is interesting, I would like to hear more about your home at some point, if there is time" , he smirks,  "I haven't met too many people from other continents, and I follow the god of travels, so it is practically my obligation to inquire about faraway lands."  He wears a pleasant expression and his tone is now cheerfully sarcastic, but there is something in his eyes that seems almost...desperate.
Athedia
 "For one who worships a god of travel being stuck in here must be horrible punishment.  I do plan to return home eventually, you would be welcome to join us on our return." 
CWater
 "To make a journey so far away...?"  he says in a thoughtful tone,  "Perhaps..."  For a moment the cleric is lost in his thoughts, but then a smile returns to his face and his voice becomes firm again.  "Perhaps I should consider it" , he utters a small laugh,  "You might find it funny considering my faith, that I have not often travelled far from Eldgar. A few times... But not often. You are very friendly for making the offer, and I will consider it. But I gather you have still something to do here? Since I doubt your reason to cross the ocean was to deliver a few supplies, as important as they are to the people here." 
Athedia
 "No, there are larger matters my friends and I are here about."   Mithril furrowed her brow.   "Don't think me dense but I never thought about it.  The matter Boccob asked about, and the one I am here investigating.  They are one and the same.  I knew that and just didn't think it." 

She looked around, trying to see if there was anyone watching.   "Rhenner, I don't know why I trust you.  You follow god who generally does not interfere with the matters of mortals and you seem a decent fellow.  I guess those factors, have made me feel comfortable.  But have you heard of the Voice."   Mithril knew she had promised not to reveal details, and she didn't plan to mention Shiro.  But she had to talk to someone, someone else had to know about this secret, someone who might understand and not judge her.
CWater
 "The Voice?" , Rhenner considers the name for a moment, or at least he assumes it is a name, or a title,  "No... I'm sorry, Mithril, was it? I'm afraid I've never heard of anything with simply that name." 
Athedia
 "It is the reason you, or rather we are trapped in here. This unrest, it isn't just happening here, orcs, giants and other groups are banding together on our continent as well.  But it isn't because of a strong leader, though it appears on the surface as though that is the case.  Someone speaks to this leader, and to higher ups in Eldgar as well.  The Voice twists their thoughts and convices them that it is speaking the truth."   Mithril remembered the Voice in Shiro's head and shuddered.  And it must in in one of her allies heads as well, since the orcs were warned of the plan.
CWater
 "You mean...this whole conflict is planned...masterminded by an outsider? All that fighting, and death?!  Why? " , he sounds pained,  "Wait... You say it is speaking to higher-ups, in here too? How, how do you know this?"  his voice is no longer calm, but neither is it angry or disbelieving. He looks to the mage for an answer.
Athedia
 "Why has there ever been conflict? Greed, power, any number of reasons."   Seeing he had caught her reference to Shiro and to the warning she sighed.   "I can not reveal everything, but some leaders on the outside who are believed mad have been striken with the Voice.  I told you I have done some things that put me on par with the Syndicate.  One of them was invading the mind of one of these men.  Do not tell anyone else, I beg you.  The Voice was clear in his head.  Avaralynn also told me of someone who had warned the orcs of our plan.  The most obvious manner of doing so would be the Voice knowing our plans." 
CWater
 "Yes, you are right... 'Why' is indeed a pointless question" , Rhenner says, bitterness in his voice.

In a more tired than angry tone and a hint of smile he continues,  "It is not usual for a true mind reader to let  anyone  know what they can do, is it? But, maybe I am a fool, but I believe you. Mostly bacause I can't understand why you would spin such a tale for a complete stranger though, but also because it doesn't feel like you're lying." 
 "Not that I would actually claim to read people's behaviour very well, or understand how their minds work. What I know is what makes a body break, and how to get it fixed again. Well, often anyway..." 

Noticing that he has drifted somewhat away from the subject, he quickly shifts back.  "Don't worry, I'll keep your secret, strange mage, unless my god or my conscience demand that I reveal it. That fair? But tell me one thing, it is a quite obvious question; have you read my mind already?" 
Athedia
 "I can not ask more of you."   Mithril was glad Rhenner believed her, it helped to be able to tell her story to someone.   "I have not read a mind since Bellville.  And never of anyone I did not deem a threat." 
CWater
 "Ah, that is certainly good to hear" , Rhenner says, with yet another smirk.

They find their way back to the halls around the loading dock, where festivities are still in full swing. Rhenner talks to some of the more moderate celebrators to find out in which tunnel they have arranged lodging for the adventures and after that, leads Mithril there.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's already in the rooms the dwarves arranged for lodging, lying on top of a bed. Her breath smells of vomit, and she's passed out.

 
 Spoiler 
And then skip to tomorrow. 😛
 
Athedia
Mithril spends time getting comfortable, wishing not for the first time that she had a real bed instead of the ground to sleep on.  Her sleep is that of the exhausted, uneventful and deep.
CWater
Rhenner says goodnight to Mithril and leaves for his own bed some tunnels away. He spends a few hours reading, but then the tiredness grows too strong and he falls asleep. The book slips from his hand and falls on the ground with a small thud.
CoffeeIncluded
The next morning Natalia's gone from the bedroom. As is every single piece of spare weaponry. There's shouting and clanging not far off though.

 
 Spoiler 
i wasn't sure if you'd want me to provide a lead-in or something?
 
Athedia
Mithril was trying to study her books when she heard the crashing down the hall.   Natalia....  Gathering her items together she went out to the girl.   "If that is how you deal with hangover's then bad news.  I hear loud noises are not good for headaches or research." 
CoffeeIncluded
Mithril opens the door to find complete and utter chaos. No sooner does she look inside than a wax-tipped bolt thunks against the wall just inches from her head.

There are crossbow bolts randomly strung up and firing on every corner of the room. Swords and axes, their edges covered to prevent them from being lethal, swing in long arcs, suspended from the ceiling by rope, string, and wire. It looks like a dozen traps have gone off at once.

And in the center of the chaos, dueling several spinning mannequins surrounding her, is Natalia. She's a blur, hopping back and forth, stabbing mannequins, blocking blades, and outright dodging arrows, often in the same movement. The steps look practiced, almost rehearsed.

And then Mithril shouts and Natalia jumps. The axe they took off the biggest baddest Orc catches her in the throat. If it weren't blunted with wax, it would rip her throat wide open. As it is, it sends her sprawling backwards.

She groans and gets to a sitting position, then clutches her head and turns to squint at Mithril. Her eyes widen, and Mithril can see they're bloodshot and ringed with black.  "Ah! M-Mithril!" 

Natalia seems almost scared to see her, at first glance.
Athedia
Mithril took one look at the chaos and shook her head.   "Clean this up and go to sleep.  You will just get ill otherwise."   With that she closed the door and went back to her studies.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shouts as Mithril turns her back.  "NO! Can't waste time! And...can't sleep. Nightmares." 

Not a word, not even a hug or asking if she was fine. Were her nightmares real?

 "Mithril, please..." 
Athedia
Mithril thought back to her conversation with Rhenner the other day.  He had helped her, and had said he knew how to fix people's bodies.  Maybe Natalia should talk to him, maybe that would help.

Leaving her books where she had been sitting to study, Whiskers perched on top to guard them, she went off to look for Rhenner.
CoffeeIncluded
As Mithril walks away, behind the closed door the shouting and clanging as Natalia frantically trains and throws herself headlong into her own traps begins against in earnest. This time the shouting sounds even more frustrated and desperate.
CWater
Rhenner is sitting on a bench in the small chapel they visited yesterday evening. He's facing Fharlanghn's statue and his eyes are closed. He is not wearing his armour today, but simple and practical clothes that are common for travellers. They have no obvious holes, but the colours are faded and there is the occasional stain near the edges.

His lips are moving, but no sound comes out. It doesn't require a genious to figure out he's in the middle of a prayer.

  ...so I thank You once again that their journey was successful and they made it in with the aid. I know some fell on the way... May they be now in a better place, and though I know it is most likely out of Your realm and concern... but if there is a way, please let them know how grateful the people here are, myself included.  

The cleric makes a smal gesture with his right hand.

  There...is another matter that troubles me. I met this mage, who told some curious -no, worrisome things... Was it Your will that I met her? Could what she told be related to... I don't know... How do I know can I trust her? She has travelled here from far way... Should I take that as a sign from you?  

He sighs.

  I know I am merely a simple priest, with not much importance, but sometimes I hope You would hand out more clear directions.. I mean no disrespect   * ...b-  

His half-elven ears hear someone come in and he turns his head to see Mithril enter the shrine. He turns back and just stares at the statue for a moment.

 
 Spoiler 
Heh, it was just too good an opportunity to mess with his mind a bit to pass up.😛
 


*The first times some slightly less devoted words had slipped into Rhenner's prayers, he had been very worried and feared of his gods wrath, but since years had passed, he had decided that either Fharlanghn didn't mind the occasional honest remark or he just didn't bother to care. And Rhenner honestly didn't mean to be disrespectful.
Athedia
Mithril stood awkwardly in the entrance to the shrine.   "Sorry to interrupt. I assume you know we lost someone yesterday, I don't think one of my friends is taking it so well.  You were helpful when I needed to talk, and it might help her."   As she turned to leave whether he was following or not she threw out an aside.   "I am also afraid that wound on her back will open again.  It hasn't been treated completely yet." 
CWater
Gathering his thoughts, Rhenner is about to reply something that he is not that very good with words and some of the other clerics would probably do a much better job, but Mithril's other comment immediately disrupts that line of thought.

 "What? What do you mean?" 
Athedia
Mithril started to explain but paused and got an odd look on her face as she remembered the scene.   "I, I don't think I know the right words to explain it.  This is something you have to see.  Just a warning, I know you met Natalia last night but she was spelled with speech then.  Now?  She is a little odd unless you know her." 
CWater
 "I've seen my share of odd things" , the medic replies,  "Besides, she seemed sane enough. But I would like to make sure my work does not go to waste." 
 
 Spoiler 
He will follow Mithril.
 
Athedia
Mithril led Rhenner back to the source of the clanging.  The noise had increase and was starting to echo down the halls.  Pointing at the door Mithril hung back,  "In there, be careful.  She is a little crazy right now." 
CoffeeIncluded
Again, Mithril and Rhenner open the door to find complete and utter chaos. The moment they open the door a flaming axe swings inches from their heads.

There are crossbow bolts randomly strung up and firing on every corner of the room. Swords and axes, their edges covered to prevent them from being lethal, swing in long arcs, suspended from the ceiling by rope, string, and wire. It looks like a dozen traps have gone off at once.

And in the center of the chaos, dueling several spinning mannequins surrounding her, is Natalia. She's a blur, hopping back and forth, stabbing mannequins, blocking blades, and outright dodging arrows, often in the same movement. She's muttering to herself as she steps, Counting off the intervals between the passing blades. She's almost in a trance and doesn't seem to notice their arrival.
CWater
For a moment, Rhenner just stares at the sight, as if he cannot truly believe what his eyes are telling him.

 
 Spoiler 
Congratulations! You have actually managed to stun him.😛 I didn't believe that would happen, but so I think.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Finally, Natalia turns to see Mithril and Rhenner. As she faces them, the half elf can see her eyes are red and bloodshot. She looks exhausted, running on adrenaline alone. And her body is covered in darkening bruises. Natalia pauses and stumbles, the movement causing her to duck inches under a crossbow bolt.

She stares at Rhenner and Mithril, and clutches her head against th hangover. Vague embarrassment begins to deepen and become more concrete.

 "I..." 

There's a touch of red blooming under the back of her coat. The wound has indeed split open again.
CWater
 "What, in the gods name, are you  doing ?!" , Rhenner shouts, having obviously regained his voice,  "Stop that at once!!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Training!"  Natalia shouts, and now Rhenner can fully hear the strange erratic cadence in her voice.  "Faster, stronger! Win when... Surrounded. Fight through many, fast! So...can save. Failed all. Heard all..."  she shudders and clutches her head again. She's holding back crying out again.  "So made own knowledge. Used own knowing to make battle. Orcs around, Orc axes. To train. Won't fail again!"  she sounds frantic, desperate.
CWater
 "Well, your crazy training can  wait !" , he is now seemingly angry,  "And make those damn thigs stop swinging!" 

If Natalia still doesn't disable her traps, he turns to Mithril,  "Can you do something to stop those things?" 
 
 Spoiler 
He is in medic mode now, and he has Natalia categorized as a 'patient'. Who...didn't so much 'not listen to his advice', but ripped it into pieces, threw it in the fire and then dropped a stove on it just to make sure none of it was heard.😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
When a wax-coated sword knocks Natalia on the head and sends her sprawling, she sets to disabling the traps. It's not that difficult, and in less than a minute all the swords are unmoving, though still suspended in midair. And all the crossbows are unloaded, the tripwires removed.

And still Rhenner shouts at Natalia. She falls to the ground again, clutches her head, and groans,  "Loud hurts, please quieter!

And...Can't wait. If wait, then could die..." 
Cavelcade
Eventually Kurt manages to turn away from the window, and starts the long trudge back to the others. He regrets now the urge that drove him away from his friends, he needs them now. That dream...their faces were so clear, he could remember each cut. It wasn't fading like a normal dream - if anything, it was becoming even clearer than before, the orcish faces he cut down dissolving in a fine mist into those of his companions.

He starts hurrying faster with each step, anxiously moving forward towards where they were. He waits impatiently at each gate, hopping from foot to foot as they slowly open for him.
CWater
 "Right, so you also have a hangover?" , the medic says and strolls through the now no-longer-hostile room.  "You are the most insane adventurer I've met in a while" , he mutters and sits down to examine the rogue's bruises. When he sees her bleeding back, he scowls,  "I  told  you not to do anything harsh before you had received healing. Soldiers or adventurers, they're all the same, never listen to healers." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's back isn't bleeding too badly, though she is literally covered in bruises. But when Rhenner calls her insane, she starts crying again. Nuts, even he thinks she's Nuts.

It doesn't matter. Whether she's crying or not, whether her eyes are open or closed, she can still see all her friends surrounding her, their violent deaths (and Mithril's near-death) etched onto their bodies as they accuse her.

  "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"  

Natalia curls up again, looking up at Mithril. Where's Shiny? Where's Kurt? She needs to see them, she needs to see them all. She needs to see them alive, and she needs to throw her self before them and beg for forgiveness.

And she's scared to see them, scared that they blame her, that they'll accuse her once more. That her dream showed what they truly feel.

 
 Spoiler 
This way, Cavelcade can join in the party if he wants!
 
CWater
When tears start to pour from Natalia eyes, Rhenner feels his anger running away.

  Lovely, now I've made her cry.  

He takes a look at her bruises and shakes his head.  "I'm sorry I shouted at you. I just hate it when people needlessly hurt themselves." 

The puts a hand on the girls shoulder and casts a healing spell.
 
 Spoiler 
Cure Light Wounds:  (1d8+5)[ 7 ] 
I'm not sure this is necessary, but rolling is fun!😛
 

 "And you have to stop blaming yourself for your comrade's death. People die in combat, you cannot always save them all." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's crying lessens as Rhenner apologizes and heals her, but it doesn't entirely stop.

 "Know you say, but can't stop thinking. Can't stop...saying. Others say, or self say. Last night, I...heard all again. All fault. My fault. Saw as died...all."  She closes her eyes, seeing it again and any, everyone turn on her, everybody accuse her, blame her.

And just as well. She wouldn't forgive herself for her cowardice either, if it was her that died.

Not to mention the flood of dead orcs..
CWater
Rhenner is a little puzzled about Natalia's strange speech pattern, then he remembers Mithril saying something about a tongues spell. He tries to understand what the girl is saying, though he is not quite sure.

He pats her shoulder.
 "Well... I can't say about your other comrades, since I don't know them, but I doubt your friend by the door" , he glances at Mithril,  "blames you. She seemed worried about you." 
 
 Spoiler 
I assumed Mithril is still by the door?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But saved Mithril. Didn't fail her. But...failed others."  But that didn't stop the nightmares. It didn't stop her from seeing Mithril with those bruises again, only this time accusing her instead of embracing her.

Natalia looks up at the wizard again, both hope and fear and pleading in her eyes.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, then sighs.  "Last night, dreamy otherwise. Dreamt of blame.

"Dreamt with Mithril. We...worked together. Worked on project. Worked in house, friends drawn on walls."  there's a slight stutter there, like She skipped over something. But Natalia continues.  "Oven timer rang, said food done. Opened door, but no food. Instead... Thousand dead orcs, burnt to crisp." 

Natalia continues describing her nightmare, omitting no detail. The wounds they bore, the things they said, Natalia repeats it all, though she seems to crumple more with every word. Finally, when she finishes, she says,  "Couldn't sleep again, so went here. Here, do something..." 
 
 Spoiler 
i don't want to repeat Natalia's nightmare, in Nutspeak, on my phone. She tells Rhenner and Mithril everything after the oven.
 
Athedia
 "Natalia, no-one blames you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up at Mithril, who doesn't blame her. Mithril, the real Mithril, alive and without bruises or scars. Who doesn't blame her. Who may or may not love her but will always be her friend. Who doesn't blame her.

 "M-Mithril..."  She runs forward and throws her arms around the wizard.

And yet there's a seed of doubt in her mind, though one thankfully quieter for the moment.
CWater
Rhenner gets up and takes a look at Natalia's traps, though he understands little of them. He doesn't want to bother the embracing women, but they stand at the door so he cannot leave either without doing so.
Athedia
Mithril pushed Natalia back enough she could look at the girl.  "Can I study now?  I am of little use without my magic." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sniffs and wipes her eyes.  "I need to...study own magic too."  She looks back at her traps, then down at her coat, tattered and bloody.  "And think new clothes after. New armor too." 

Something strikes Natalia. She remembers, faintly, through the fog of alcohol, Mithril and Rhenner leaving the party and walking down an unknown tunnel.  "Mithril, Rhenner, where went last night? Know...where Kurt too?" 
CWater
 "I showed her the local chapel for various gods. Unfortunately they don't have a statue of her's, but Hartley, he's the cleric in charge, told her that wouldn't prevent her from praying there if she liked. About your other friend, I cannot say." 
CoffeeIncluded
Mithril must have gone there because of everything with Avaralynn. Shiny's still sleeping, and as for Kurt...

 "Kurt may...need help too. Saw yesterday, as crushed."  She sighs. Hopefully they'll find him soon. She just needs to see him, alive and okay.

But right now, Natalia looks again at Rhenner, and at his slightly pointed ears, and is once again filled with curiosity.

 "Rhenner, why half-elf here? Traveling and stuck? Or sent for...mission like ours?" 

If Rhenner looks at Natalia's traps, he sees they're well done. Even though they were only made a couple hours ago at most, and quickly, they seem rather well-constructed. Natalia knows what she's doing.

 
 Spoiler 
How much more do you think we can do? I'm good for talking as long as we can, and are able to do so.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses at Rhenner's silence. As she plays with her hands, another thought comes to mind. The whole time, Miriam never knew what she was saying. It took weeks for Kurt to understand.  "Rhenner, do you...know my words?" 
Admiral
As the group talks, a dwarf appears outside the door wearing a leather apron over a dark cloth shirt. Rhenner recognizes him as Dexen, one of the foremen of the mines. His eyes boggle a bit at the odd tableu of Natalia's weapons and traps set up all over the room.

 "What in the blazes- who taught ye' to be a guest? Ye best get this cleaned up right quick, or I swear I'll have ye tossed back out for the Horde t' deal with."  His voice is hoarse and crusty, but there is no malice in it. He rubs sweat off his shiny forehead with his sleeve.  "Oh- Rhenner, was here to tell ye' that after yer prayers you and the newcomers should come on down to breakfast. It's already an hour past midnight so they'll be startin' soon." 
 
 Spoiler 
It's actually the middle of the night. You got in at about 3 PM and went to sleep not long after, which was intentional on the part of your hosts: Rhenner would know that in the mine, the guards and security work on multiple nocturnal shifts, with one starting around 1 AM. If the orcs attack, they'll likely do it in the night, and the sun makes no difference in your routine when you're underground.

Rhenner and Mithril have time to pray/study spells respectively. Natalia has time to clean up the traps. Then you can all head to breakfast, and let's say Kurt is guided there independently.
 


As Dexen departs, Shiny appears up the hall, still stretching from waking up. The gnome doesn't look even a bit surprised at Natalia's setup.  "It looks like last night I had another bout of sleep-trapping- happens whenever I have nightmares about burglars. This one night I made the mistake of drinking a keg of gnome moonshine before bed-  right  after I'd heard about a series of bugbear home invasions,  and  I was holding on to the local archery team's crossbow collection. It took the best rogues in town three days to dig me out." 
 
 Spoiler 
Shiny will help Natalia clean up.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "S-Sorry!"  Natalia blurts out as she starts dismantling the traps.  "Wait...midnight?"  That early? Or that late? It's nearly impossible to keep track of time down here. Natalia turns back to the traps she set up to practice on, all the shouting and noise she and they made.

In the middle of the night. Oops.

Natalia's still rubbing the back of her neck as Shiny walks in, immediately weaving tales. Natalia. He calls her Natalia, and not Nuts, and seeing him alive and so...him sets her heart a bit at ease.

As she cleans up the traps, pulling down ropes and wires and more than once smacking herself on the head with the butt of an axe, she thinks. Rhenner doesn't know her nickname. She doesn't have to be Nuts forever. Nuts is always going to be a part of her, but it doesn't have to be all of her. And it doesn't have to be bad either.

And Shiny, well...Shiny chose to save her. he didn't blame her for it, right? And here he is now, just joking around, trying to make her feel better too. Still, she can't get the self-loathing in her to shut up without a reason to make it pipe down.

 "Shiny,"  she asks as she unties a few select knots and has half an apparatus come apart in her hands.  "I...not coward, right?" 
 
 Spoiler 
ADMIRAL!!! I honestly wasn't expecting you back until around Thursday! I mean, when my grandfather died I was kind of out of it for a week. How are you doing?

And it's the middle of the night? Oops. 😛
 
Athedia
Mithril nodded thanks to Shiny as she saw him start to help Natalia clean.  Slipping back to her books she threw herself back into her studies.

 
 Spoiler 
I will post my spells as soon as I get back from my club.  I don't think my test went well I don't want to talk about it.
 
CWater
 "Ah, right.. Thank you, Dexen." 

Rhenner nods to Natalia and the gnome and walks out of the room. He knows he must have heard the gnome's name, but he cannot seem to recall it at the moment. He only remembers his puzzling introduction... which must have included his name.

The medic has walked a few tunnels away from the group, when he realizes that they probably don't know where the breakfast is served. And he has a feeling that Dexen might have just trusted him with guiding them, even though he didn't directly say it.

  Right, put the half-elf to deal with the new people, because we are all so sociable  , he thinks while he turns back. He notices that he doesn't really mind though.

 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner meditated on his spells when he was in the chapel earlier. I put them on his sheet, but I can also write them here:

Orisons:
Detect Magic
Light x2 (He is in a mine after all)
Guidance
Create Water
Resistance

1. level:
Bless
Comprehend Languages (If you count that healing he used on Natalia, then this is the slot he used for it)
Protection from Evil
Remove Fear
Bless Water

2. level:
Status
Sonic Burst
Hold Person
Remove Paralysis

3. level
Searing Light
Remove Disease
Prayer

4. level
Restoration
Neutralize Poison

Domain:
1. Longstrider
2. Shield Other
3. Protection from Energy
4. Dimension Door
 
Cavelcade
When Kurt gets to the last gate to Deldon he's told his friends will be at breakfast and gets guided there, but he's surprised to find them not already there. He gets a plate of food and sits down but doesn't eat. Occasionally he'll bring some morsel to his mouth but it'll hang just outside his lips as his eyes scan around. Eventually he'll put it down and stare at his hands on the table, before the cycle repeats itself.
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia puts away the last of the traps with Shiny's help, her stomach starts growling and she places a hand to it.  "Breakfast sounds good,"  she says, closing her bag and heading out to the mess hall, before realizing she doesn't know where it is.

Good thing Rhenner shows up.

When Natalia finally arrives at the mess hall, hopefully with Shiny as well (and if he is present, she looks down to him, smiles, and says,  "Thank you," ), she sees Kurt sitting there, flanked by empty seats. She waves at him but he doesn't respond. So instead Natalia grabs some breakfast--some flat crackers, a bit of jam, and sharp yellow cheese, with copious amounts of water and coffee but absolutely no alcohol--and sits down next to Kurt. Just seeing him alive and well sets her nightmares slightly at ease, especially as their conversation in Soshima comes back to her. Natalia spreads some apple jam on the crackers, places a slice of cheese on top, and is about to take a bite when she sees Kurt just staring at his food, and his hands.

She knows the look on his face.

So Natalia puts down her breakfast and places a hand near Kurt's arm.  "Kurt, you okay? Want to talk?" 
Admiral
The mess hall is a moderately sized cavern, with thin tables thirty feet long constructed from smoothed stone (the party has yet to see any wooden furniture in Deldon). Some of the supplies that the party had brought on the caravans are laid out on a side table. Unlike the excess of the previous night's celebration, the food is now clearly being rationed, to ensure that in their hunger after the siege the dwarves don't run too quickly through the supplies. Those who are eating at the tables seem glad enough to have anything in their bellies at all.

Rocky comes to the mess hall shortly after Kurt does. He grabs some food and sits across from the dwarf, but never makes eye contact, and seems equally content to sit in silence and idly pick at it.

Once Rhenner leads Natalia in, the rogue is able to find an empty seat next to Kurt. Rhenner and Shiny find positions nearby. Within a few minutes the samurai and the other party arrive as well, arraying themselves along the benches. Ash ends up sitting across from Mithril and Natalia. Brander and Lucius are visible on the far side of the cavern, talking quietly in private, but Ezra and Calric Jr are visible just a few seats down from Shiny.

 
 Spoiler 

Athedia hasn't mentioned it yet, but if Mithril comes to breakfast she can get here at about the same time and sit near everyone.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia really didn't take much food--just barely enough to fill her belly, and she tops it off with water and coffee. Best to leave it to the dwarves, who need it more and may not get more food for...

Wait a minute. How are they going to  leave  Deldon?

While Natalia looks at Rocky and Kurt pick at their food, despondent, she smiles at Kurt and prays he can't see the nightmares behind her tired eyes. And sje picks at her tattered coat (she needs a new one now, and maybe some armor), and she listens.

 
 Spoiler 
lets see if I can pick up on anything!

Listen:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Spot:  (d20+11)[ 15 ] 

And thank you, admiral, for your truly wonderful game.
 
Athedia
Mithril walked into the hall after following some dwarves who had seen her lost expression.  Seeing the rationed food she took only enough to satisfy her hunger, leaving behind more than the amount rationed out to her.  Dwarves had to eat more, especially ones that had not eaten much in so long.  She sat down near Kurt, noticing the dwarf was having trouble eating.  She looked away, not wanting to meet his eyes, feeling guilty that he was the one who had lost the most the day before.  Beside her sat Rocky, once again muted by his lack of the common tongue.  What would he do without Karn to translate for him?  But Mithril had decided to gift him something, at least while he still traveled with them.  Reaching over she grasped his hand.    &lt;Draconic&gt; "Speech &lt;/Draconic&gt;  "Thank you for your bravery.  If you would like I could teach you the common tongue, so that you may more easily communicate." 
 
 Spoiler 
 Spell List:
Level 0 (4):
Light
Detect Magic
Light
Mending

Level 1 (5):
Magic Missile
Mage Armor
Vampiric Touch
Magic Missile
Dawn Burst

Level 2 (4):
Web
Detect Thoughts
Cloud of Knives
Web

Level 3 (3):
Daylight
Tongues *Used*
Deeper Darkvision

Tongues
Level 4(2):
Dimension Door
Black Tentacles
 
Admiral
Rocky coughs as he feels the magic come into his voice, appearing a bit surprised.  "Erm. Thank you,"  he says gruffly, his features stirring for the first time this morning. [B]"I see you are more generous than her," his voice gets quiet and his eyes gesture briefly towards Natalia.  "But I do not know that this I can learn. Karn is the smart one, when we left our home he told me he would learn to speak for us both."  Even with the enchantment he seems to have trouble choosing words.
Athedia
 "Then there are ways of making this spell permanent.  They are beyond my power right now, but I do not want to leave you alone and without a voice in this land."   Mithril winced a little at the look to Natalia, to be fair she would not be so kind to Rocky if she had not felt loss as well.  People took death differently.   "I know Karn meant a lot to you.  Will you be okay now...?"   She left the end of the question unasked, afraid to broach the subject.
Admiral
 "Karn meant everything to me,"  Rocky replies quietly.  "More than anyone can know. We always said we would die together in battle. But I thought I would protect him, would save him. That he would die and I live- for this thing I was not ready." 

A few tables down an elderly dwarf clears his throat and addresses the party as a whole.  "I recognize the samurai of Soshima... all those colorful belts... but where did all of you come from?"  He glances at their hands.  "You don't see the Church and the Institute working together much these days." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces at Rocky's accusation, but can't deny it. And feels terrible about it. But as rocky continues to speak, Natalia's eyes widen. She looks to Shiny, to Kurt, and finally to Mithril. And then she says, quietly,  "Rocky...how met Karn? How known? And...what friendship? Or...only friendship? What length?" 

She glances at the dwarf, confused. This again with the church and institute?  "What mean these days?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia winces at Rocky's accusation, but can't deny it. And feels terrible about it. But as rocky continues to speak, Natalia's eyes widen. She looks to Shiny, to Kurt, and finally to Mithril. And then she says, quietly,  "Rocky...how met Karn? How known? And...what friendship? Or...only friendship? What length?"  
 

Rocky scowls a bit at Natalia, bothered by the onslaught of questions.  "Whta dos it matter to you?" 

 She glances at the dwarf, confused. This again with the church and institute?  "What mean these days?"  

The old dwarf scratches his head.  "Oh, I don't suppose I meant too much by it. I've been here in the fortress for twenty years. Guild folks come and go... impressions you get is all." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Rocky scowls a bit at Natalia, bothered by the onslaught of questions.  "Whta dos it matter to you?"  
 

Natalia pauses. But the way he talked about Karn...And wasn't Kurt trying to give them a second chance? She should too. If they can earn it. And the way he talked about Karn...

 "Rocky, see self in gaze. Hear friends in voice. Please, may matter. Know pain too...And...'More than anyone can know?' Rocky, please." 

 The old dwarf scratches his head.  "Oh, I don't suppose I meant too much by it. I've been here in the fortress for twenty years. Guild folks come and go... impressions you get is all."  

Natalia just tilts her head, silently asking the dwarf to continue. What impressions, specifically?
CWater
Rhenner sits quietly, savoring his food. It really had been a while since he had eaten a proper meal. The food he could magicly create was bland in the first place, but after having to eat it for weeks...

He listens to the conversations around him, but doesn't really take part.
Athedia
 "I have heard a lot of this animosity between the Church and Institute.  It is unfortunate, especicially for one like myself.  I fear these divides cause the guilds to allow problems to fester until something like this happens."   Whaat was this, Aich had hinted at it as had everyone else to see her mark.  The cleric' s surprise at seeing her go to a temple, the constant references to blocked but oh so useful libraries....
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, even as her mind buzzes and wonders and waits for Rocky's response.  "No sense, splitting knowledge. Bad blood spoils knowledge. Builds walls where should be open fields. Libraries...should be open. Free for all. Knowledge, learning for all. But why hatred?"

 And does it have something to do with everything we're fighting? So far everything seems connected. I wouldn't be surprised if this Voice, this Puppetmaster wanted to divide us.  

Natalia takes another bite of her light breakfast, letting the cheese fold between her teeth. She should tell what she's thinking, later.

And maybe Rocky has a point. Has she been getting harder? Colder?

  Rocky, please tell me. I need to see it, that you can change.  
Cavelcade
When Kurt sees the others arrive into the mess he relaxes just a little, settling down to his breakfast although he's picking through, it rather idly, he still seems disinterested in the activity. He nods at the others as they sit, but doesn't really respond, not even really responding to Natalia's question. When Karn starts speaking in common he jerks up, looking at him hard, but softly putting a hand on Natalia's arm when she starts to badger him.

 "If I can help you revive him I will. I...was supposed to be able to protect you, both of you. I...my anger..."  He sighs, head in hands for a moment.  "We should have tried harder to get you ready to defend...it all got messed up. Whatever I can do..." 

He looks around for Hilton then, wondering where the man might have taken himself.  "And I haven't forgotten our contract. You will be paid in full." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't help but feel a little miffed, but as Kurt speaks it's even clearer that he's not in a good place either.

 "Kurt, we here too, to..."  She trails off as he addresses Rocky. Then Natalia says, again, to offer advice,  "Other ways...to bring back dead. Heard others from..."  She shakes her head. Anyway.  "No diamonds, but phoenix feathers. Cheaper than diamonds. Much cheaper. May be...best way." 

She hopes Rocky's listening to her this time, and Kurt too. And really, she just hopes that they'll be better.

 "If this, then...what after?"  she asks, loud enough for all the slavers to hear.  "Hilton, now...where go?"  Are they going to actually take advantage of this second chance? And Rocky, what did Rocky mean by more than they'll ever know? Try her. She's sure she'll understand. And somehow, she feels she needs to know the answer to this.

But she's still a bit upset, though, that Kurt's acting like he values Rocky more than her. But there's got to be more to it than that, and it's hard to think straight through the haze of hangover and exhaustion, so she holds her tongue.

Natalia is silent for a bit. Maybe they do have a point. Maybe she is being too harsh. Even if...

 "Rocky. I harsh because...see you, see crimes, see pain done. But, if made better, if you better, and Karn too...if you good men, then...I help bring back too. I promise." 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Two conversation threads, hooray...
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia pauses. But the way he talked about Karn...And wasn't Kurt trying to give them a second chance? She should too. If they can earn it. And the way he talked about Karn...

 "Rocky, see self in gaze. Hear friends in voice. Please, may matter. Know pain too...And...'More than anyone can know?' Rocky, please."  
 

 "You see yourself?"  Rocky grunts.  "You are young. Who have you loved, the way I loved him." 

 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "If I can help you revive him I will. I...was supposed to be able to protect you, both of you. I...my anger..."  He sighs, head in hands for a moment.  "We should have tried harder to get you ready to defend...it all got messed up. Whatever I can do..." 

He looks around for Hilton then, wondering where the man might have taken himself.  "And I haven't forgotten our contract. You will be paid in full."  
 

 "The money I make, we will save it, yes?"  Rocky leans forward.  "When we have enough, we will have him brought back. The numbers I do not know,"  he says as he scratches his head in stress.  "but I will work for the rest of my life if I must. Karn would not want me to work off a debt, as we did together in the jungle. But Karn, he is not here..." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I have heard a lot of this animosity between the Church and Institute.  It is unfortunate, especicially for one like myself.  I fear these divides cause the guilds to allow problems to fester until something like this happens."   Whaat was this, Aich had hinted at it as had everyone else to see her mark.  The cleric' s surprise at seeing her go to a temple, the constant references to blocked but oh so useful libraries.... 
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia nods, even as her mind buzzes and wonders and waits for Rocky's response. [COLOR="DarkOrchid"]"No sense, splitting knowledge. Bad blood spoils knowledge. Builds walls where should be open fields. Libraries...should be open. Free for all. Knowledge, learning for all. But why hatred?" 
 

The elderly dwarf shrugs as his attempt to make pleasant conversation appears to fail, but an old dwarf woman from the next seat butts her way into the conversation.  "Well, it's like this, dearie,"  she states with the authority of a town gossip. On her hand they see the mark of the Church.  "Imagine you're given with the gift of the god's magic, will you now? You see, you been trusted with a sacred mission, you have. That magic's dangerous, it's not somethin' for just anyone to swing around. That's why only the purest and most faithful of the clerics get the gift of magic, now." 
 "But the Institute- they don't care who uses the power, for good or for evil. They just be wantin' more of it. Oh, beggin' your pardon, young lady,"  she says to Mithril with a wide, patronizing smile.  "I'm not meaning any harm by it, just answering you honestly." 
CoffeeIncluded
Love. The word strikes through Natalia, sears through the turmoil of grief and pain. She barely hears the dwarf's gossip, doesn't instantly rise to Mithril's (and Shiny's, and her own) defense. Instead she grips the table as if the world is spinning under her feet, grips it white-knuckled tight as if, if she lets go, she'll topple over to the floor.

She manages to gasp out,  "L-Love? As in...As in--?!" 

All this time. All this time, she thought it was just another way she was a freak, brain-damaged, Nuts. Normal girls aren't supposed to speak in stuttering, halting half-phrases like...like a brain-damaged troglodyte. Normal girls aren't supposed to have their senses so thoroughly mixed up that they feel colors, see a springy coil flash green before their eyes as they hold it in their hands. And normal girls aren't supposed to fall for other girls.

Is Rocky just like her?

 
 Spoiler 
I'm sorry, Admiral. If it makes you feel any better I've got four different conversation threads going in my game right now.
 
Athedia
If the woman was going to be patronizing Mithril could play it right back.  "But the orcs have clerics too, and I would say their gods have blessed them with some evil magics.  Anyway a god does not need to pick a member of your guild for their mission, and how would you know?  You would be depriving a true believer, a faithful follower access to needed resources to help the gods.  Wouldn't that go against the mission of the church?"   As she said this she allowed Whiskers to eat off her plate, making sure the woman saw the unnatural white fur of the weasel and stared her straight in the eye.   "And with that logic, are followers of Boccob reckless?  His clerics use my magics as well as yours and have collections of magic texts to make any mage envious." 
Admiral
 "Be cool, Natalia Nightstalker,"  Shiny whispers out of the side of his mouth, as the rogue seems ready to topple to the floor. He gives her a pat on the back to try to bring her back to reality.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 If the woman was going to be patronizing Mithril could play it right back.  "But the orcs have clerics too, and I would say their gods have blessed them with some evil magics."  
 

The dwarf woman snorts gently.  "Orc clerics? What kind of god would an orc cleric have, and would bless them with 'evil magic'?"  She rolls her eyes just a bit.

 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner may like to interrupt before Mithril responds with a possible faux pas.
 


  "Anyway a god does not need to pick a member of your guild for their mission, and how would you know?  You would be depriving a true believer, a faithful follower access to needed resources to help the gods.  Wouldn't that go against the mission of the church?"   As she said this she allowed Whiskers to eat off her plate, making sure the woman saw the unnatural white fur of the weasel and stared her straight in the eye.   "And with that logic, are followers of Boccob reckless?  His clerics use my magics as well as yours and have collections of magic texts to make any mage envious."  

The dwarf woman raises her hands.  "Not my place to judge any who follow the gods, not trying to get between you and yours. But there aren't but a few clerics of Boccob in the Church. And them as in the Institute, always seemed to me more interested in their own power than in Boccob, not that the god would care." 
CoffeeIncluded
The world returns to normal as Shiny pats her on the back, though Natalia's still breathing heavily and gripping the table. But she's snapped back to reality, to the stone table and the tunnel in the mountain.  "Thank you,"  she says to him, slowly.  "But Rocky, he...I think...I think...like me..." 

She needs to make sure  "Rocky, when say love, you mean...?" 

And then she hears Mithril's altercation with the dwarf woman and shoots her a glare. Their own power? That's short-sighted. What about knowledge for its own sake? Or knowledge for everyone's benefit? There's no good from hiding knowledge.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The dwarf woman snorts gently.  "Orc clerics? What kind of god would an orc cleric have, and would bless them with 'evil magic'?"  She rolls her eyes just a bit. 
 

For the first time during the meal, Rhenner cuts in.  "Yes, Mithril, I can see that you are a clever mage, but you'd do better to reconsider those foolish words..." , there is a dark smirk on his face,  "You see, we here in Eldgar have moved  beyond  silly superstitions about these evil gods. I know that you've come far" , he looks at the dwarven woman,  "From a land where these  stories  are still common. But here, one really doesn't make a good impression by bringing them up. I would even say...that it rather  upsets  people." 
 "However, if you have questions, I would love to explain how we have reached this  logical  conclusion. But perhaps at some other time and place."  He looks Mithril straight in the eyes when he says this.
Athedia
Mithril pushed her food away from her seat.   "Why, I do believe this talk of gods has robbed me of my appetite.  Sorry if my  background  "  she spat out the word a little harshly, insulted at Rhenner's talk of stories  "offended anyone." .  There were orcish clerics and gods, and these people were fools to ignore it.

With that she retraced her path back to the place where she had left her gear.  She put her head in her hands and thought, she had been told she would find questions here and she did have questions but were they the right ones?  Were they even close?
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril!"  Natalia blurts out as the wizard storms away from the table. Her head still spinning from Rocky's revelation, perhaps she's a bit too harsh as she shows her own mark to the woman and says,  "More to Institute than magic. Knowledge, learning for own sake, sake of others. Better than hidden, dusty." 
CWater
 "Oh my..." , Rhenner remarks when the mage leaves in anger,  "I really should try to learn to express myself better... It seems I managed to offend her" , there is a slight sarcastic stroke in his tone, but he puts his plate aside and gets up.  "I should probably go after her and clarify that I meant no harm." 
 
 Spoiler 
Unless there is some reason they should stay gathered in the mess hall?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt watches the scene unfold with one hand half raised. Only as Rhennar leaves as well does he finally manage to say anything.  "If the Gods were as good and as powerful as all that, this world wouldn't be so...so much... bigger  than what we can affect."  His hand gropes through the air before he says bigger, his lips thinning at the use of the word.

 "I'm going to see what I have to offer you Rocky..." 
CWater
Rhenner returns to the group's resting cavern and is relieved to see Mithril there. He was worried that she might have wandered off to some other tunnel in her anger.

He stops to lean on the wall about ten feet from her.  "You are the second person I seem to need to apologize to today."  He says.
 
 Spoiler 
10 feet ~ 3 meters, right?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Now that Mithril's gone, Natalia's staring at Rocky. If Rocky's like her, and Karn was too, then, then she's not a freak. How could she be a freak if there's others like her?

She says, once again,  "Rocky. I harsh because...see you, see crimes, see pain done. But, if made better, if you better, and Karn too...if you good men, then...I help bring back too. I promise."  She closes her eyes, though she knows what she'll see--Mithril, crushed by the choker, crushed to death like she would have been if Natalia had been seconds later. Just the thought of it is almost as painful as losing Miriam, and Miriam's death is seared raw into her mind once more.

 "Pay later, when time not needed. Or...pay in deeds. In good done." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner returns to the group's resting cavern and is relieved to see Mithril there. He was worried that she might have wandered off to some other tunnel in her anger.

He stops to lean on the wall about ten feet from her.  "You are the second person I seem to need to apologize to today."  He says.
 
 Spoiler 
10 feet ~ 3 meters, right?
 
 
 

Mithril turned around eyes flashing steel grey in anger.   "Have these people stepped outside at all?  I have seen these orcs clerics with my own eyes, fought them in their own homes.  Are they so ignorant to believe that Gods can only do good?  That Gods actually understand what is good for all peoples?  The Gods are as varied as the people that worship them.  And who are you to discount the stories of my land?  They tell the truth that people are afraid to face in the daylight, or I guess that this land and its guilds are afraid to face at all!" 
CWater
Rhenner is silent for a moment, sensing all too familiar ire in Mithril's outburst.

 "...You are correct, what right do I have" , he says in an odd tone of voice. He rubs his forehead, as if suffering from a headache,  "Nevertheless, I'm afraid you will find many people here who do frown upon that kind of talk... all of them, actually. At least those with the Church. And it might not be wise..." , a bitter smile glides to his lips, "Or well, let's just say that you are only likely to upset or make them pity  your  ignorance if you argue otherwise." 

He sighs,  "Anyway, the funeral for the fallen will start soon. Will you come?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Now that Mithril's gone, Natalia's staring at Rocky. If Rocky's like her, and Karn was too, then, then she's not a freak. How could she be a freak if there's others like her?

She says, once again,  "Rocky. I harsh because...see you, see crimes, see pain done. But, if made better, if you better, and Karn too...if you good men, then...I help bring back too. I promise."  She closes her eyes, though she knows what she'll see--Mithril, crushed by the choker, crushed to death like she would have been if Natalia had been seconds later. Just the thought of it is almost as painful as losing Miriam, and Miriam's death is seared raw into her mind once more. 
 

 "Save your promises,"  Rocky says with another scowl.  "I did not follow this party so I could prove myself to you."  He stands up abruptly and also storms away from the table.

A few minutes later Dresden arrives, accompanied by a dwarf of a similar age who fits the description he'd given Miriam of his cousin.  "We'll be starting the services now,"  the major announces. The samurai begin to rise, grim expressions on their faces, and follow him and the other dwarves deeper into the caverns.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks as Rocky storms away from the table. What the hell? Okay, sure, maybe she didn't say that right, she's never been and will never be as persuasive as Shiny (and she should probably shut up, but how could she after that?), but what the hell is Rocky talking about? That's  exactly  why he's with the group right now, to prove himself, to prove that he can be a good person! This whole offer was a chance at redemption, not just another job! How could he have missed something as obvious as that? Unless, what had Karn told him?

Natalia looks to Kurt, and as she looks at him, she involuntarily flinches back, afraid he's going to start yelling at her or say she's incompetent and unable to do anything right like in her nightmares, or...

She closes her eyes for a moment, then opens them, throws her arms out in confusion and asks,  "Kurt, proof point of travel! Redemption, not job! Whole reason to be good, make good, not money! Restore good for evil done! Prove self to us, everyone! How...did Rocky miss point? What did Karn tell?!" 

And she remembers Shiny's words, how he said he overheard Karn tell Rocky,   "We work for them now."   Had he told Rocky anything else? How could the two of them have missed the whole point of this so much? Even as she remembers what she said to Shiny and Kurt,   "Pride and coin won't betray,"   there has to be more than that. Is that all they ever cared about? That and...and each other? What about others? Could they get Rocky to do good by having him realize that he was putting others through the pain he's feeling now? Should she be doing that? Ugh, it's not like she could ever say it anyway, much less say it well.

When Dresden finally arrives, something in Natalia seems to slacken and slump. Even as the samurai leave to follow the dwarves, and Natalia and her friends follow them, she seems to slip back into her haze. This is the last time she'll ever see Miriam, and the knowledge is lead in her gut.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner is silent for a moment, sensing all too familiar ire in Mithril's outburst.

 "...You are correct, what right do I have" , he says in an odd tone of voice. He rubs his forehead, as if suffering from a headache,  "Nevertheless, I'm afraid you will find many people here who do frown upon that kind of talk... all of them, actually. At least those with the Church. And it might not be wise..." , a bitter smile glides to his lips, "Or well, let's just say that you are only likely to upset or make them pity  your  ignorance if you argue otherwise." 

He sighs,  "Anyway, the funeral for the fallen will start soon. Will you come?"  
 

The burst of anger subsided, and Mithril returned to her slouched position.   "How do they do them here?  When the samurai held theirs they light a bonfire and burnt the dead, I hid in the trees til it was over.  Funny isn't it, how dead flesh can smell so sweet and yet so sickening?"   She remembered that trip with Henry's head in the bag, how the other's had known but not said anything, how the scent had stayed with her for ages afterward.  Being stuck under this mountain kept making her think of that horrible time, the blood that had been spilled, the first sacrifices in what she now knew was bloody carnage.
CWater
 "I believe there will be some kind of cremation, but I am not sure of the exact rites. They are the first non-dwarves to need such ceremony during my time here."

"Funerals...can be trying for many reasons. But... maybe you would like to say goodbye to your fallen friend?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt sits down again, frowning when Rocky storms off but not calling him back, or reprimanding Natalia. He does turn to her to speak at last, though.  "Natalia...I don't think these ah...mercenaries we hired, I don't think they'll listen to words, not for that kind of change, not first. First we need to do the good with them. That's...that's what I had in my head when I made the plea."  He barely makes a smile, but it's the first she's seen since they got in.  "Besides, me and you, we're not the kind of long speeches." 

When the dwarf speaks Kurt pales, but stands and follows the crow. He doesn't speak again, his footsteps drag along the path but he follows.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs, though she feels a bit better when Kurt finally smiles.  "Thanks. I just...hope they listen to good. In words or deeds, just listen..."  She pauses and chews her lower lip.  "Maybe...listen to my words, in your voice. They hate me."  And not without reason. It's not like she doesn't like or trust them on her end either.  "Why, Kurt? Why hurt others like you hurt? When clawed out of pit, why push others in? Why they do that? I don't...understand."  And she admits she feels a bit betrayed too. The first ones she met like her (and oh, she hopes she got that interpretation right), proving she's not a one-off freak (at least in that regard), and they had to be slavers living off of others' misery for money.

As Natalia and Kurt (and probably Shiny) walk side-by-side to the funeral, she sees Kurt pale and is sure she is doing the same as well. So she stands by Kurt, offering herself as support, wishing that she could have done more.
Cavelcade
Kurt simply spreads his hands at her questions, looking unhappy.  " These are questions for wise men with skinny arms, Natalia. I don't claim to know why they did it, I just want to try and get them to stop."  With that, he falls silent, walking the halls towards the funeral.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Then...ask Rhenner,"  Natalia tries to jest, but the joke falls flat.  "But think reasons needed too. What reasons for evil? Can't see, can't understand..."  and she falls silent again as they head to the funeral. She pulls up her coat and hides behind it like a shield.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "I believe there will be some kind of cremation, but I am not sure of the exact rites. They are the first non-dwarves to need such ceremony during my time here."

"Funerals...can be trying for many reasons. But... maybe you would like to say goodbye to your fallen friend?"  
 

 "I miss the traditions of my land, were we just commit the dead to the ground instead of searing their flesh with fire.  It seems more polite in a way, to return to that which has sustained us."

"I am not very good at saying goodbye... but Miriam deserves something.  She did not have an easy life, and even though she was years below me in age she was far my rival in wisdom and experience.  You know, I told her about Boccob and his mission before she died... she started calling me Chosen One.  But when it came down to it she was the one who sacrificed herself to save the son of the monster who made destroyed her life.  She never realized how great she truely was." 
CWater
Rhenner nods.  It is... really a shame that so many great people too often cannot see their own merits. Your friend... sounds like a truly noble person." 

He will guide Mithril to where the ceremony is held, assuming that she is willing to go.
 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner Calami, your friendly tour guide😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia seems to shrink further and further into the bloody tattered wreck of her coat as she walks with Kurt and Shiny to the funeral. With every step her thoughts get darker and her legs get heavier as she braces herself to say goodby to Miriam before what's left of her goes up in smoke. What the hell is it with this place and cremation anyway? If they're trying to make her vegetarian, they're doing a damn good job of it! But chucking every single person into one big bonfire and burning them down to bone just seems so...it turns her stomach if she thinks about it too much. Do they even bring the ashes to be buried at home? She doubts it.

Natalia thumbs a tear on the sleeve of her coat as she walks. Eldgar...it wasn't as bright and shiny as she once thought, even without the Horde. Barbarians on one side and forced alliances on the other (and oh Gond, Miriam died with the church mark she hated so much still on her hand and the thought makes Natalia want to break down and cry once more). And it wouldn't be so bad if all the guilds were open, but they're not. It sounds like the church and institute hate each other. But how could that be? It clearly doesn't go all the way down--Aicha was friendly and open enough. And how could they hate the institute that promises her and Mithril such a future, that gave her Torin and Karik and a dream in the first place? Such animosity, and then they make everyone choose sides! It doesn't make sense! It's completely unsustainable.

And what if that's the point? What if the puppet master has his hooks in the guilds too? If he's pitting everyone against everyone else? What would be the point of that?

And what if they make her and her friends choose sides too? They're all church or institute. They can't turn Kurt against her and her friends. They won't!

But what happens if, or when, they try?

Natalia finally looks up to see herself at the site of the funeral, Shiny and Kurt by her side. She sees Mithril and Rhenner too, and all the dwarves and samurai. Are the ones from Hulburg there too?

She can't bring herself to look in the center of the room, not yet. So, for the moment she stands and waits. There's nothing more she can do right now.
Athedia
Mithril pushed her way through the crowd.  She had gone into the tunnels before Miriam had died and had not seen her body.  Seeing the woman she once knew with her head caved in almost made her lose the meager meal she had eaten, even though the dwarves had done what they could to clean her up.  Miriam's torn stained robe and worn sandals were still in her possession, and Mithril thought she could see a roughly cut holy symbol under her hand as if someone had recovered part of her quarterstaff.

She reached out and managed to touch the hem of the robe  "Thank you for teaching this merchant's daughter that in the grand scheme of things I still know nothing.  May you eat at St. Cuthbert's table in the peace you have long deserved."   Miriam's robe mended itself one last time and returned to its original white color, Mithril's last gift to the cleric.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches as Mithril turns Miriam's torn bloody robe white and whole one last time, watches her swat and try to hold herself together upon fully seeing their friend in this state for the first--and final--time. She still can't quite bring herself to look upon the rest of the room yet, upon the dead samurai and dwarven soldiers. Will they be cremated too? From what little she knows of the dwarves of Deldon, from their home and the celebratory songs they sang, and how Kurt was so at home under the earth, it seems like they, more than anyone else, would want to be buried and returned to that earth. At least, what's what she's guessing from what she's seen so far.

They're going to say words soon, aren't they? Should she give a speech? Or, well, at least try? Natalia's never been good with words, and even with Mithril's (and she almost adds Miriam's name, but catches herself and gives a quiet sob) magic she doubts she ever will. But maybe there's something else she can do. An action that will speak everything her words will never reach.

 "Any words?"  she asks Kurt and Shiny after hearing some of Mithril's speech, about to ask Rhenner when she realizes the half-elf never met her. Because she can't make the words come out, not even now when she needs them out so badly, and part of her prays that one of her friends can right now.

But for now, she waits for the funeral to begin. and pulls herself into her coat, and hides from the world like the coward her nightmares call her, and tries to think of what that thing could be.
Admiral
The party is led down the winding tunnels, some of the samurai walking alongside them. Kurt's dwarven senses tell him that they have been moving deeper and deeper into the mountain, and Mithril soon realizes the path as familiar. And indeed, soon they pass once again into the enormous temple of Moradin, past the massive statues and ornate frescoes. They are led to the distant side of the temple, where they find a series of carved steps leading even deeper. As they descend, they feel the air grow warmer and warmer.

After a few minutes of descent they reach a cavern that bears no torches, for it is illuminated by a reddish glow from a hole in the cave wall. On one side of the cave they can see the bodies of the fallen laid out- the four samurai whose bodies could be secured, their armor removed, and next to them the small corpse of Miriam, wearing the same simple tunic she always had. To the other side of the cave they see tables holding tools and products of smithing, and a rack on the wall bears swords and axes that rival Daybreaker in their magnificence. Inside the glowing gap they see a shallow tunnel, culminating in what appears to be a slow river of fire- the heat that emanates from it is fierce.

 "You stand at the deepest point in the Deldon fortress,"  comes a low, solemn rumble,  ...and indeed the southernmost piece of civilization on the continent of Eldgar." . The party sees the speaker who is beginning the ceremony: a short, elderly dwarf wearing short robes with the crest of Moradin, and showing the symbol of the Church on the back of his hand. It takes a moment to recognize him without his armor, but Kurt, Mithril, Shiny and Natalia soon realize that he was at Rhenner's side at the battle, healing the Iron Guard.  "Before you is the vein of molten rock at the center of the Farchild Range. Deldon has many furnaces with which to shape iron and steel to dwarven will, but none reach the temperatures found within the volcanic channel. When Moradin, the Soul-Forger, built dwarves out of the raw earth, this was the furnace he used to shape them, and in his infinite grace he left the tool for the use of mortals. Great dwarven artisans of the past half century have used this very furnace as a kiln to craft the finest weapons and armor ever seen." 
 "I am Rogan, High Priest of Deldon, and I've presided over services for many citizens of Deldon. Most dwarves prefer to be buried deep in the chasms, in everlasting tombs reminiscent of the mines they knew and loved. Such is their right. But some who were faithful to Moradin chose a different resting place- deciding to be returned to the raw earth from whence they came. This honor has always been reserved for dwarves of Deldon- until now." 

He turns to the bodies.  "The samurai here fought with tremendous courage and honor, and died bringing salvation to our city. They are more than worthy of coming to rest in the furnace of the earth." 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head at Natalia's question, opening his mouth as if to explain before shutting it without saying a word, just shaking his head again. His face was lined more heavily than it had been before, and under his eyes are dark circles. His arms move arrhythmical from position to position, crossed in front of his chest, or down by his side; one gripping his beard or running through his hair.

At the sight of Miriam's corpse beside the others he sttills, staring without blinking for a long moment. His hand edges down to Daybreaker's hilt, taking it in a whiteknuckle grip in one hand as his teeth grind together. He forces himself to keep watching, unable to hear anything the priest says over the strange ringing in his ears, his shoulders rising and falling quickly as he brings all his focus on the little white form about to be sent to rest.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia raises her arm to shield her eyes from the glowing red of the molten rock. Rock so hot it melted and turned liquid, and she can see the shape of it slowly flowing through the entrance, even through the bright red glare. So incredibly hot she can see it all the way over here, and so incredibly hot everyone else can see it too, she realizes. It's not just her senses that are twisted up this time.

Rogan's words buzz in her ears as well, and she forces herself to keep listening, and look at Miriam and the samurai. say farewell to then before they're incinerated in molten rock (and not even the dwarves can escape this continent's constant use of cremation). Still, it's respectful, though as Rogan continues speaking and finally tells them this is not merely an origin chamber, but also a forge as well, it suddenly hits home to Natalia how surreal this situation is.

And now Natalia's bent over, her hands over her mouth because she's grinning. And it's all she can do to keep from saying,  "So they fuel forge? Rogan, is blood iron red? Can...can I get a Miriam sword? Miriam armor?"  And Natalia bends over and silently laughs, because if she doesn't, she'll start crying and may not be able to stop.

But then her silent laughter finally dies away and Natalia stands up again. Before she even really registers doing it, her coat is off and in her hands. She's still wearing clothes, and Morton's old leather armor (and it's not fair, that she has something of him but nothing of Miriam), but she still feels naked, vulnerable, and exposed, and even here in the red-hod heat of the rippling magma shivering and cold. It's more than just a jacket, more than a long coat with flaring tails, that's now ripped and ruined and held together with more magic than leather by this point. It's important to her, this jacket. It's like a shield. She's shielded herself a lot, Natalia realizes as she stares at Miriam's body, and those of the samurai, and tries not to break down. Behind he coat, behind her speech, and when the veil of Nutspeak is lifted she often can't think of the right words anyway.

She can't stop wearing a long coat. It's important to her, more than just a coat. But maybe not this one anymore. She can't be Nuts anymore. Well, she'll always be Nuts in a way but she can't be the bad things about Nuts anymore. She needs to be something new. No running, no hiding. No overcompensating. It's her fault but it's not her fault. All she can do now is what she can to help, and more.

Natalia looks down at Miriam's body--the grief is there, but the anger at her is mostly gone. There's still anger, though, at Calric, and at her god. What kind of god would dare call himself justice and then treat his own like Miriam was treated?! What kind of authority did he make himself out to be? Certainly not one she's ever consider following. Soshima isn't much better, with it's mysterious connection to the Crusaders--how could hey betray their ideals and their citizens like that? And what about the guilds themselves, who seem to be forcing people to take sides? There's no real authority to follow. None worth following, anyway.
 
"Miriam...walk different paths. Just wish...could have walked longer. You more than farm girl. Knew much, if different. I...so sorry. So sorry couldn't speak to you. But...honored like samurai...I hope happy..."
 

Natalia hesitates for a long, long moment. And finally, as if prying it from her hand, she leaves her long coat on top of Miriam's body.
CWater
Rhenner looks at the fallen and says one last silent prayer. What he knows of the samurai, they're likely proud to go such a way. And the cleric from across the sea... Another stranger he'll never know. She looks so young, but Mithril called her wise beyond her years.. Yes, the mage grieves, if silently. And the girl, Natalia, who was blaming herself so much. He also sees the strange gnome, standing close. ...And wasn't there someone else to their party too?

He looks back to the departed and realizes he doesn't even know what deity the young priestess followed.
 
 Spoiler 
What, no one ever told him. I checked.
 

 "Would not want to come back to life..." , he mutters to himself.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Said...sit with 'Saint' Cuthbert,"  Natalia says, quietly to Rhenner, putting as much anger as she can behind the title. He doesn't deserve to eat with Miriam.  "Said eat with god who abandoned, never answered prayers, not us, who always there..."  And it doesn't make sense to her either, that the samurai would want to stay dead. Not when they have families at home and other people who need them. Not when...they fought so hard to stay alive and now they don't even want that back? Or did they just say when alive they didn't care, but now, when dead, they do? But nobody will ever know? Is Miriam like that too?
Athedia
Mithril put a hand on Natalia's head, trying to calm her down.   "She believed, even when we showed disdain.  I think she is happy to finally have peace, she hasn't known that for some time." 

She made her way to Kurt, she hadn't spoken a word to him since he had disappeared the day before.  She wanted to tell him there were here for him.  That Miriam had died a hero.  But words were not right for him.  Instead she laid her hand on his clenched fist and nodded.  He did not speak much but of all of them he was most likely feeling the most loss.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up at Miriam, and takes a deep breath.  "I hope. Just wish...gets peace. Belief true..." 

Peace. The vow she took, the vow of poverty. Oh, she prays now Miriam will find peace. And now she'll buried with honor like the greatest dwarves of Deldon, but would Miriam see it an honor? When they'll use the forge to make swords and shields? And then sell them.  "Hahaha..."  Natalia starts laughing, a quiet broken laugh. She's whispering, barely doing more than moving her lips. Anybody who wants to hear her would have to lean in close.   "Miriam swords and Miriam shields. Miriam on sale...Ironic, right? Ahahaha...haha...aaaahhhh..."  

She slumps to the ground, her shoulders shaking as the broken laughter turns to tears.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Said...sit with 'Saint' Cuthbert,"  Natalia says, quietly to Rhenner, putting as much anger as she can behind the title. He doesn't deserve to eat with Miriam.  "Said eat with god who abandoned, never answered prayers, not us, who always there..."  And it doesn't make sense to her either, that the samurai would want to stay dead. Not when they have families at home and other people who need them. Not when...they fought so hard to stay alive and now they don't even want that back? Or did they just say when alive they didn't care, but now, when dead, they do? But nobody will ever know? Is Miriam like that too? 
 

 "The Cudgel did answer her prayers,"  comes a quiet whisper near Natalia. She looks over and sees Calric Jr, his face grave. The cleric continues to speak in a whisper as the final preparations are made on the bodies.  "She did not pray for survival. She prayed for healing magic, and was granted it, and courageously chose to use it on others rather than herself. She prayed for strength, and used it to hold off the orcs so that the caravan could reach the caves. Had she desired to survive, she could have."  He sighs slowly and casts his eyes downward, as his hand drifts to the side of his belly where she had healed him.  "And then I would have not." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "The Cudgel did answer her prayers,"  comes a quiet whisper near Natalia. She looks over and sees Calric Jr, his face grave. The cleric continues to speak in a whisper as the final preparations are made on the bodies.  "She did not pray for survival. She prayed for healing magic, and was granted it, and courageously chose to use it on others rather than herself. She prayed for strength, and used it to hold off the orcs so that the caravan could reach the caves. Had she desired to survive, she could have."  He sighs slowly and casts his eyes downward, as his hand drifts to the side of his belly where she had healed him.  "And then I would have not."  
 

Natalia winces, and reaches to hide in her coat when she grasps empty air and remembers she just left it on Miriam's body. So instead, she tries to pull herself up as tall as she can manage, and brush the bangs out of her eyes.  "Maybe...maybe right. Selfish, me, a little. Miriam truly selfless."  She shifts her shoulders back, and wipes away the tears from her eyes.  "I guess...all can now is honor memory...hold promises, morals." 

She still can't quite forgive Saint Cuthbert, though. Not after Calric, and what Calric did to her. And to Calric Jr. and his mother, and so many other women. Natalia can't help but shudder. If things were a bit different, how vulnerable would she be? Probably very.
Admiral
A few dwarves pick up the first samurai, a middle-aged halfling wearing a yellow belt, wrap him gently in cloth, and place him onto a wrought iron sled with a raised handle. Rogan casts a spell on himself, one Mithril and Rhenner quickly recognize as a spell to protect against severe heat, and then he steps forward to take the handle. He pushes forward, gently walking the body into the tunnel towards the lava. The tunnel is perhaps fifteen feet deep, and yet it feels like it takes hours before he reaches the lava and pushes the sled in, to let the earth claim the corpse.

The samurai reach down and remove their colored belts.  "There is no greater honor,"  speaks Dresden solemnly, and the rest of the samurai echo this eulogy.  "There is no greater honor." 

The same occurs for each of the remaining three samurai, two of them human and one a dwarf, as the rest of the soldiers look on and repeat their chant. Then, finally, comes Miriam.

As Rogan pushes the sled with Miriam's body towards the volcanic vein, Calric Jr begins his prayer, repeating from memory a passage from the holy writings of St. Cuthbert, but his voice chokes slightly as he speaks. Finally he stops and turns away from the lava as her body is pushed in. When Rogan pulls the iron sled back out, she is gone.
CoffeeIncluded
The molten earth seems to flare up with each offering, searing bright against even her closed eyes as it consumes the samurai. And then, finally, her friend. She can't watch the final moment, stretched out long and thin like wire, like sap, held up by Calric Jr.'s weakening voice, and shaking. Maybe it's her own. She's not sure.

And then Rogen pulls back the sled, still glowing red hot even as Natalia opens her eyes, and Miriam is gone. Poof. Like a magic trick. And she almost wants to ask the air when the spell will end, when Miriam will return, and then remembers that it's no trick, no spell. Nothing that can safe her, no rope or wire or pole to pull her back. Miriam's gone forever, and all Natalia could do was give her her coat.

The world spins and Natalia's breathing again. She finally lets go of Kurt and Mithril, who she's been gripping. And here and now, she and her friends--her remaining friends--are still alive. And the world still turns. Sans one. Sans five.

And as the samurai speak, Natalia can't help but wonder if it's just her, that Their eulogy sounds more and more like a mantra, like something they have to convince themselves of.
Cavelcade
Kurt watches the samurai going in one at a time and not come back with increasingly heaving shoulders, his beard rustling with each breath. As Miriam is loaded onto the sled at last his dam breaks as he pushes forward, leaving the others behind as he ploughs through the otherwise impenetrable crowd towards the front with a choked-off, keening cry, grabbing on before she goes forward. The heat dries his tears, his eyes quickly turning red from the sheer force of it as he reaches down to his finger, tearing off the tattered thread of her clothing she'd given him to keep him safe, to take his wounds and leaving it by her hand.

 "Miriam! You chose this, and now I don't have you to protect me from myself. My rage will bring it's consequences only to me, no-one else will be hurt for my sake."  He forces himself back then, panting as the sweat starts to pour off him, pushing his way out before she goes in, going back to the mess and collapsing against one of the tables with his head in his hands.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Kurt!"  Natalia lets out an involuntary shout as Kurt breaks forward. She reaches out, terrified for an instant that he is going to cast himself into the liquid flames. And then Kurt sobs his plea to Miriam, gives his regrets as he returns the string marking their promise. And Natalia gets another idea of what filled his nightmares. She watches as Kurt leaves the funeral, and contemplates following him. But he may need to be alone right now more. She's not sure which he needs more right now, and looks down at Shiny, and over at Mithril, and even Rhenner, silently asking for advice.

But right now she just prays Kurt won't do anything. She can't afford to lose him too.

 
 Spoiler 
natalia needs to get new armor soon. Admiral, when do you want to do it?
 
Admiral
As the memorial service finishes, the dwarves turn and start the long trek back up the stairs towards the temple, with the samurai and the party following closely after. Walking up it feels even longer than it had coming down.

Rogan's voice is the first to break the silence.  "It has been many years  since I heard the funeral chant of the samurai. If I may ask- were any of you present at the Last Stand of the Living?" 

A chorus of grunts of affirmation and recognition goes up from the samurai. Dresden nods in recollection.  "I was a private in the Church's army then- nearly half of us were."  He gestures to the samurai around him.  "Three thousand there were in that valley. We were sure we were being sent to our deaths." 
 "Aye,"  replies Rogan,  "I was a healer in those same ranks..."  suddenly his eyes glance over to the party and he feels the need to explain.  "Twenty-three years ago, these mountains held more than just dwarves. Forty miles to the east there dwelled a powerful vampire wizard who viewed the entire living world as an affront. Over a century he collected an army of undead abominations- ghouls, ghasts, mummies, orcs, ogres, dragons- before he unleashed his ruin upon the continent. The guilds were powerful even then... but they shrunk in terror from the Necromancer." 
 "Hard to believe it was just a few decades ago..."  says an old dwarf wistfully.  "The War of the Unlife was like a different reality- a world without hope, courage, or a future. When the stories came back of the southern cities he ravaged and the horrors he inflicted on the resistance, even the bravest men fled their posts. And then came the day he pointed his army towards the capital city of Providencia... and the guilds themselves ran in fear." 

The story is continued by a blue-belted halfling, as by now the legend seems to be telling itself.  "I remember marching North with the Church's forces, leaving the capital city behind, all of us weary of fighting the poison the Necromancer had spread through our home. And then our battalion was halted in the road by a small band of heroes, led by the only man who could seize command of us and make the final stand against the Necromancer. A man who had never once feared death- Grandmaster Shiro Minamoto." 

Dresden smiles.  "His words are part of samurai legend. ' The Necromancer calls himself a master of death. But death is not his to claim. '"  The words are echoed by more and more samurai, who repeat it as a chant.  "'Each warrior's death is his own- his own victory in battle, or his own defeat in flight. Our brothers and sisters we've lost on the battlefield have already won the greatest of victories against these dark forces, and if we flee we will die unworthy of their heroism. Only those who fear death can ever be defeated- those who know the truth will stand in eternal triumph.  There is no greater honor. '" 
 " There is no greater honor, "  comes the chant of all samurai present, except one. Natalia is nearly knocked over when someone rushes past her, and she gets the briefest glimpse of his angry, tear-stained face. Ash sprints away up the remaining steps two at a time before reaching the exit and darting away through the temple.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia rights herself quickly and sees these who nearly knocked her over running past.  "Ash!"  without thinking, she follows him.

 
 Spoiler 
sorry, I'm in lab. I'll post more when I talk to ash. O
 
Admiral
Natalia runs through the cathedral and catches up to Ash on his way down one of the winding stone corridors. Ash glances over his shoulder, and when he sees Natalia he doesn't run, but also doesn't stop, instead continuing in a brisk, angry walk.

 "Do you know how many times I've that story?"  he mutters angrily.  "Where I grew up, the Last Stand of the Living was like a holy text. I was envious-  envious-  of the warriors who had the privilege to follow the Grandmaster into battle. And only now that I reach that dream... do I get to see him for who he is..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs. So that was it. The samurai fought and died In memory of a war long over, a memory that should no longer be followed. An honor no longer necessary, now that the necromancer they defied is long gone. And Ash...

 "Don't know number, but think understand. Lived for idol, fought for idol, died for idol. Died for lie. And none know."  She's quiet, sympathetic, holds out a hand if Ash needs it.  "Can't speak, but can listen. Can understand. Please, let out." 
Admiral
 "Maybe it's better to die not knowing,"  says Ash, shaking his head.  "I guess I'm still envious of the soldiers who died as heroes. Lords, if Shiro had just died in battle all those years ago..."  He puts his hand to his forehead, then looks back up around him.  "I know we're in the right place here- we saved a lot of people with that caravan. Maybe knowing that will have to be enough." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs.  "But truth is truth. Better to know. Then can understand, maybe change. Wonder...what made insane. Fall to...what seen so soon."  she can't help but shake the feeling it's important.

 "Ash, know what I think?"  she's been thinking about this for a few days, the shape and feeling of it. Now to try to put it to words.  "Shiro, Cuthbert, idols friends worshipped. Shiro, worship lie. But...maybe lie in person, but truth in deeds. It...stupid, to follow idol over cliff. Follow blindly to death. No authority worth that. Death, relife, all own choice, I think. Don't follow idol, but...be own idol. Respect mentor, but not worship. And maybe, in right place...Ash, still samurai if want. Or free samurai. But follow own lessons, own ideas. Choose own hero, be own hero. Maybe. What I think. We helped today. And think...help again and again, like this more. Now know, what choice? Fight for lie? Or own truths? Lessons shared, still true through all?"  

Natalia pauses. Something's bothering her. It's been bothering her for a whole.  "Ash, why Crusaders with Soshima? Get why asked, but why answer yes? When know against ideals?" 
CWater
When the warriors start to reminisce about the undead war Rhenner leaves with slight but noticeable haste. Their words poke memories that he would rather not dwell on.

He retreats back to his corner and picks up the book he was reading last night, trying to clear his mind.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at her hands, long and spindly, dry from the desert air but so alive underneath, blood and taut sinew and even living bone. She's never so much as seen an undead creature, knows she can't begin to comprehend the horrors of a war a continent away, ended nearly four years before she was born (her twentieth birthday so soon, which Miriam will never see). But she still doesn't understand the honor in not being afraid of death. She still doesn't understand why you shouldn't be afraid, why they think it dishonorable to be afraid of dying, to want to live. Why you should idolize someone to the point of marching to your grave. Especially since...

She turns away from that memory.

 "Ash,"  the rogue suddenly asks,  "Were you born Soshiman? Raised on hero tales, on honor of Shiro, battle, death?"  And what will he do now, now that his entire worldview has come crashing down? It's not a good place for him to be, not alone.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Ash,"  the rogue suddenly asks,  "Were you born Soshiman? Raised on hero tales, on honor of Shiro, battle, death?"  And what will he do now, now that his entire worldview has come crashing down? It's not a good place for him to be, not alone. 
 

Ash squints.  "Soshima wasn't founded until Shiro retired, just ten years ago. No, I was born in a small village in Woodhelm, in the eastern forests. I was four during the War of the Unlife- my very first memory was the evacuation."  But he shakes his head and doesn't seem to want to recall it, and for a bit they travel in silence.

As Natalia and Ash walks, she catches a glimpse through a doorway of a room unlike any she's yet seen in Deldon- it's packed with tall glass tubes and beakers that climb like plants all over the walls. Colored liquids fill many of the containers and contraptions, some of them showing rising smoke. At one of the benches in the laboratory Natalia spots an old dwarf woman, whose right hand bears the first mark of the Institute she's seen here in the dwarven fortress.

 
 Spoiler 
It's possible she's interested in this stuff.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt waited outside, having fallen against the wall when he exited the chamber, his legs shaking. He let Ash and Natalia pass, let the words of the samurai and the others pass through him, he let his grief wash over him and his anger and drown the fire that built. It's not until Mithril comes out again that he reaches out, touching her arm and beckoning her to walk with him.

He walks in silence, slowly, until there's some space between them and the others before speaking.  "Mithril...I need to know something."  His deep voice is troubled, but he doesn't waver.  "I need to save the...the mercenaries. All of them if I can but...the ones that are alive first. Rocky and Hilton." 

He stops talking, then his feet stop as well, as he takes her arms, turning her towards him.  "What happened with you two? I need to know, I need to...to help him know to do right. I need to show that he doesn't just get abandoned if he helps out that..."  He tugs his beard, looking back down the tunnel.  "That he matters. That in his life, actions mean everything." 

He looks up at her, finally regaining the old firmness in his eyes.  "Why is he scared of you?" 
Athedia
Mithril tried to evade the question, though she did stumble a little.   "Rocky is scared of me?  I don't know why, but I don't think you need to worry about him."   Nervously she started to walk a little faster down the hall, her mind racing as she tried to figure out how to get out of this trap she had woven herself.
Cavelcade
He keeps pace with her doggedly, his face set as he shakes his head, his lips thinning for a moment.  "Hilton. Ever since that day you were alone with him he's avoided you and then...well...I didn't know what to do then, I let it go. Now I know what to do - find out." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Oh."  Natalia winces. At least her first memories are more pleasant, warmed by baking fire and filled with the hearty smell of rising bread. As they walk for a while, Natalia thinks. She doesn't think Ash can just follow the samurai, can follow Shiro anymore. Ten years ago...Soshima was founded ten years ago. The school of samurai...no, the near-cult worshiping Shiro happened ten years ago. Why then? Why not right after the war, when his popularity would be at its height and they would need to rebuild? Why wait thirteen years?

Finally, Natalia speaks again, struggling to put the words in their proper place.  "Ash, why Soshima ten years ago, not twenty-three? After war, when all rebuild, when...Shiro even bigger hero? Why wait...thirteen years? Anything else...ten years ago?"  As she tastes them roll off her tongue, she sighs a little in relief, knowing she got the words at least mostly right, mostly out.

Later, when they pass the laboratory, Natalia doubles back and peeks in at chemistry written and built all over the room. It's not the workshop of her dreams, with metal and wood and springs and machinery and spinning gears and crackling electricity and inventing and engineering, but it's a place of knowledge, of learning, another of the Institute that accepted her and saw ( and knew,  a new, more confident part of her self says, rearing up for the first time) her intelligence and potential. She smiles a bit, one of the first genuine smiles she's seen since coming here.  "Ash,"  she asks,  "Want to come in?"  She looks at the dwarf woman.  "Can we please?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 He keeps pace with her doggedly, his face set as he shakes his head, his lips thinning for a moment.  "Hilton. Ever since that day you were alone with him he's avoided you and then...well...I didn't know what to do then, I let it go. Now I know what to do - find out."  
 

 "He trusts you, that is all you need to know."   Mithril realized she had no idea where she was walking, all she wanted was to get away.  Away from the questions, away from the truth.
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "He trusts you, that is all you need to know."   Mithril realized she had no idea where she was walking, all she wanted was to get away.  Away from the questions, away from the truth. 
 

He shakes his head, running his hands through his hair, gripping it for a moment in frustration, cursing himself as he fails to convey what he means.  "Mithril, I wish that was all that matters but...it's not. I'm having trouble explaining it to you but just...please, believe me, I'm not going to judge you for whatever happened I just need to know, or I don't know if I'll be able to help him. And I  have  to be able to...it's everything to me." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 He shakes his head, running his hands through his hair, gripping it for a moment in frustration, cursing himself as he fails to convey what he means.  "Mithril, I wish that was all that matters but...it's not. I'm having trouble explaining it to you but just...please, believe me, I'm not going to judge you for whatever happened I just need to know, or I don't know if I'll be able to help him. And I  have  to be able to...it's everything to me."  
 

 
 Spoiler: Cavelcade and Admiral only please 
 
 Spoiler: Seriously unless you are Calvelcade or Admiral no peeking 
 
 Spoiler: Last chance unless you are one of the two from above 
Mithril felt her hand clench.  "I didn't trust him, I tried to get him to leave.  Is that what you wanted to hear?  Or the part where I read his mind?  Do you still not judge me.  Or how about how close I was to killing him when he wouldn't run?  You can help him... it's me that is beyond hope." 
 

 

 


With a word Mithril disappeared from beside Kurt, tears streaming.  Just as she had the first time she used the spell she appeared in the location she had pictured.  The small stone chapel was comforting to her, even if Boccob didn't have a shrine.  Kneeling down she started praying for some form of guidance, begging Avaralynn to appear again, to tell her she had not doomed herself. 
 Spoiler 
I am assuming the chapel is within 680 feet of her in some direction.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hastily continues, trying to explain why she feels the answer may be important to Ash.  "Shiro sounded sane in Last Stand. Now...as we saw. Why? Insane because Soshima? Or...Soshima, because insane? To remember when sane?"  And if it was the latter, did Shiro go insane on his own?

She looks back at the dwarf's chemistry lab, waving hello before ducking behind the door again.
Cavelcade
Kurt stands in stunned silence at the revelation, frozen in place as his hand falls from where she was to his side. His forehead creases as he looks around, trying to figure out if she might have just turned invisible, even waving his hands in the air in front of him after a moment. Then he sighs, leaning his head against the wall and slowly forming his hand into a fist, cursing as he drives it into the stone.

The pain jerks him back to where he is as he shakes out his hand, turning back and forth as he tries to make a decision before finally deciding to go and find Hilton. Mithril could be anywhere and he'd need to see her later, but Hilton...him he could at least find.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 With a word Mithril disappeared from beside Kurt, tears streaming.  Just as she had the first time she used the spell she appeared in the location she had pictured.  The small stone chapel was comforting to her, even if Boccob didn't have a shrine.  Kneeling down she started praying for some form of guidance, begging Avaralynn to appear again, to tell her she had not doomed herself. 
 

When Mithril appears out of nowhere at the center of the temple, a praying dwarf nearly coughs up his breakfast in surprise, and yet the wizard hardly notices. She kneels and begins her silent prayer to her deity, more urgent in her mind than it had ever been before...

...and Boccob the Uncaring gives no reply.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Later, when they pass the laboratory, Natalia doubles back and peeks in at chemistry written and built all over the room. It's not the workshop of her dreams, with metal and wood and springs and machinery and spinning gears and crackling electricity and inventing and engineering, but it's a place of knowledge, of learning, another of the Institute that accepted her and saw ( and knew,  a new, more confident part of her self says, rearing up for the first time) her intelligence and potential. She smiles a bit, one of the first genuine smiles she's seen since coming here.  "Ash,"  she asks,  "Want to come in?"  She looks at the dwarf woman.  "Can we please?"  
 

Ash seems distracted, and shakes his head silently as he continues to storm off. The elderly dwarf woman looks over to Natalia.  
"Eh? Oh, well, shut the door behind ye' if'n ye do. I didn't rightly mean to leave it open." 
 
 Spoiler 
The remainder of the post assumes that Natalia walks in. If she doesn't, Ash is basically not in the mood to talk any more.
 


As Natalia approaches, she gets a better view of the dwarf scientist- she's short and pudgy even for a dwarf, with gray hair reaching down to her back, and she wears a pair of intricate eyeglasses that look like they're worth more than all Natalia's possessions combined. The dwarf's arms are covered in long black gloves with a shiny, smooth texture, and she's currently engrossed in some sort of operation in the large glass tub in front of her. The top layer of the tub is filled with a watery brown substance, and yet through the glass Natalia can see that under that layer is a different, green liquid.

 "Well, no closer, dear, less you want us all to go up in flames!"  the dwarf says as Natalia approaches.


 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 The pain jerks him back to where he is as he shakes out his hand, turning back and forth as he tries to make a decision before finally deciding to go and find Hilton. Mithril could be anywhere and he'd need to see her later, but Hilton...him he could at least find. 
 

Kurt takes only a few minutes of searching through the dark tunnels, his dwarven eyesight removing the need for a torch, when he finds his way back to the bunks. On two sides of a crate sit Hilton and Rocky, who appeared to have skipped the funeral services- Rocky's face is still stonelike but he seems to have calmed down since breakfast. Between them sits a pile of playing cards, and the two former slavers are holding hands of half a dozen each.

Hilton looks up briefly at Kurt as he enters.  "Hey, boss, look what we traded the dwarves for. I'll deal you in- you can't be worse conversation than our friend here."  He gives a chuckle as he looks at Rocky, who ignores him.  "Doesn't seem to have the knack for two-knave whist, either." 
CoffeeIncluded
Just before Ash storms off, Natalia says,  "I think you good samurai. But maybe own samurai, lone samurai better. Here for you. If want to talk." 

She walks into the lab and shuts the door, looking around at the devices, only stopping short when she hears the woman's warning. Natalia crouches down and looks at the two liquids, at the smooth seam separating the two. Part of her wants to touch them, to see if they match up with her internal color scheme. But mostly, she's curious.  "What making?" 
Admiral
 "What, you can't tell?"  says the woman brusquely, before she seems to remember her manners.  "I'll be givin' you a hint. This top layer is called skyseed oil, we use it for its low density and solubility. Only thing it does is float on the surface. So what would I be making underneath, then, would need a layer like that?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns.  "Engineer, not chemist. But...let try."  She peers at the two liquids again, and tries to voice her thoughts out loud.  "Just green and oil. Oil floats, but here nothing but shield. Shield from air. So want to...keep green from air. Bad with air."  She closes her eyes.  "Said flames if close, so...means flames in air. Instant flames in air."  Natalia's eyes snap open.  "In air, instant flames, instant boom. This Alchemist Fire?" 
Admiral
 "Now, who taught you to speak? Best get your money back,"  the chemist says, before she seems to shake the rudeness out of her own head.  "Yep, Alchemist's Fire, that'd be its name in the common tongue. Y'know, up north they make it different, with essence of rootworm and trinket's wax and all that. Way they set it up, fermenting goes on after the liquid's sealed in the bottle, so it's only volatile weeks later: they can fill it up without a care in the world."  She sticks out her tongue pointedly, only to make a face when the smell of the skyseed oil hits it.  "That's for scared children. My recipe's the purest and most potent on the continent." 
 "Course, it calls for some precautions."  She pulls her hands out and reaches for a bottle at her side.  "These gloves are dragonskin- black dragon, as it is. Slipperiest material one could find: not even a drop stays on em."  She pops open the bottle's cork, and slowly lowers it into the tub, letting the oil layer fill the empty gap in the top. Only then does she lower it further, and then invert the bottle, letting the dense contents pour in.  "Some folks would use redskin, cuz it's fireproof- they're worried they'll drop something and end up with cinders for hands. But I've been making it for thirty years, never ruined a batch yet."  She raises the bottle now filled with the green substance to the layer of the oil, and watches as the Alchemist's Fire pours back out into the lighter layer, finding its level yet again. She then raises the bottle another few inches to the air, and the oil pours back out over the surface. The entire process takes no more than ten seconds.

 "See, because that's the problem with humans- pardon my truth- they're always willin' to take orders from nature. Something burns up in air, they figure it's not meant to be toyed with. Iron's too deep in the ground- figure we weren't meant to have it. Weren't for the dwarves, you'd still be fighting with sticks- less you figured they were too high to tear off the trees."  She squints and shakes her head again, in what seems to be a recurring tic.  "What was I saying, dearie. Oh, yes, it's Alchemist's Fire." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces at the dwarf's comment, but she's heard much worse. And she's proud, for figuring it out. So with a quiet,  "Always this speech. Long as remember,"  she watches, and listens. Chemistry is as fascinating as engineering, and the dwarf's movements are as deft as her own when she's setting up a trap or machine.  "No fermenting, pure from start to end?" 

She frowns, a brief flash at her last comment, then with a quirk of her mouth says,  "Not always. I work with same, with metal and wire, not liquids. Make traps and machines, take sticks that...can't reach, for me."  Natalia leans forward again.  "Deft fingers, same as deft mind. Not just skill, skill like art."  She's impressed, and her voice is filled with respect.

 "Never seen Alchemist fire calm, liquid and not flame. Didn't know green. Thought...redder, sharper, like feel of heat."  Her nose is nearly pressed to the glass before she turns around.  "What else made?" 
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Kurt takes only a few minutes of searching through the dark tunnels, his dwarven eyesight removing the need for a torch, when he finds his way back to the bunks. On two sides of a crate sit Hilton and Rocky, who appeared to have skipped the funeral services- Rocky's face is still stonelike but he seems to have calmed down since breakfast. Between them sits a pile of playing cards, and the two former slavers are holding hands of half a dozen each.

Hilton looks up briefly at Kurt as he enters.  "Hey, boss, look what we traded the dwarves for. I'll deal you in- you can't be worse conversation than our friend here."  He gives a chuckle as he looks at Rocky, who ignores him.  "Doesn't seem to have the knack for two-knave whist, either."  
 

Kurt looks at the duo sitting there for a long moment before he shrugs and sits down beside them.  "Sure, deal me in. You'll have to explain the rules, I've never got the hang of cards."  He shakes his head as he sits in with them.  Ach, I shouldn't have told you that. Well, I owe you your pay anyway." 
 
 Spoiler 
For Admiral only! 
 Spoiler 
For Admiral only! Turn back now! 
 Spoiler 

He sits and plays quietly for a few rounds, losing quite handily. As the next hand is dealt out he looks up at Hilton.  Mithril told me what happened. And that you won't run." 
 

 

 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia winces at the dwarf's comment, but she's heard much worse. And she's proud, for figuring it out. So with a quiet,  "Always this speech. Long as remember,"  she watches, and listens. Chemistry is as fascinating as engineering, and the dwarf's movements are as deft as her own when she's setting up a trap or machine.  "No fermenting, pure from start to end?" 

She frowns, a brief flash at her last comment, then with a quirk of her mouth says,  "Not always. I work with same, with metal and wire, not liquids. Make traps and machines, take sticks that...can't reach, for me."  Natalia leans forward again.  "Deft fingers, same as deft mind. Not just skill, skill like art."  She's impressed, and her voice is filled with respect.

 "Never seen Alchemist fire calm, liquid and not flame. Didn't know green. Thought...redder, sharper, like feel of heat."  Her nose is nearly pressed to the glass before she turns around.  "What else made?"  
 

 
 Spoiler 
In my mind's eye, Alchemist's Fire would indeed be green (perhaps I was subconsciously inspired by Game of Thrones's "wildfire") and be found in clear glass bottles, so Natalia wouldn't necessarily be surprised by the color.
 


The alchemist leans back.  "Like art, ye say? Ye'd be comparin' the work of a master chemist to the idle whittlin's of a sculptor down in the Stonesmith District?"  She rolls her eyes, then again squints and shakes her head. She finishes her work in the glass tub and raises her hands out of it.

 "What I be makin' here... Poisons, antipoisons, tindertwigs, some waxes and torches..."  She points to another tub covered in a layer of oil, this one filled with a thick blue goo.  "You heard of a tanglefoot bag? There be brewin' forty of 'em. Won't be makin' no potions with magic- you'll have to go be cheated blind by that bugger Woolcott for that. What was I sayin'- ah, well they're all made solely from the products of Deldon's mines. Northerners talk like iron and mithral and copper are all you can get from a mountain, cuz they can't see what's not right in front of them. But our boys, they find everything's the earth's got to offer." 
 
 Spoiler 
I soundly reject the invidious stereotype that all dwarf women are rude.

...You just happened to meet two of them.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I mean beauty in work, in brilliance,"  Natalia hastily amends.

The rogue continues looking around the workshop, following the dwarf's eyes and pointing fingers.  "Wow,"  she breathes, trying to take it all in. She brightens and nods eagerly as the dwarf mentions tanglefoot bags, pointing to the tub of goo.

 "Of course know tanglefoot!"  Natalia says, holding out one of the bags of her own, feels it squish in her hands, flashing a green-blue in her mind as it presses against her fingers.  "Used yesterday to slow orcs, stop horde! Also good for paste, use in...some parts." 

She's a bit miffed at the dwarf's disparaging of magic and easy dismissal of the products found, but Natalia can't deny her work.  "How get from mountain then? Not just where, but...how extract?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 [COLOR="DarkOrchid"]

 "Of course know tanglefoot!"  Natalia says, holding out one of the bags of her own, feels it squish in her hands, flashing a green-blue in her mind as it presses against her fingers.  "Used yesterday to slow orcs, stop horde! Also good for paste, use in...some parts."  
 

 "Well, aren't you the real hero,"  she says, her voice dripping with more sarcasm than her gloves are dripping with oil.  "You're so good with the orcs, maybe you can make yourself useful and get a caravan  out  of here. I've got clients in Marvell expecting deliveries. But you're too busy bringing in the ale and wine."  She scoffs.  "Lemme tell you, I make a lot of things out of the minerals in this mountain, but if I could just find a way to make beer- well, I'dve retired long ago." 

  "How get from mountain then? Not just where, but...how extract?"  

 "Now hang on then!"  she says, glancing away from the metal rods she is coating with a thin wax.  "Five minutes you been here and you be sniffin' out our secrets?" 
CoffeeIncluded
  "Now hang on then!"  she says, glancing away from the metal rods she is coating with a thin wax.  "Five minutes you been here and you be sniffin' out our secrets?"  

 "No!"  Natalia says, yanking her hands back.  "Just curious. Want to know. See if...maybe help, better way. Faster." 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Well, aren't you the real hero,"  she says, her voice dripping with more sarcasm than her gloves are dripping with oil.  "You're so good with the orcs, maybe you can make yourself useful and get a caravan  out  of here. I've got clients in Marvell expecting deliveries. But you're too busy bringing in the ale and wine."  She scoffs.  "Lemme tell you, I make a lot of things out of the minerals in this mountain, but if I could just find a way to make beer- well, I'dve retired long ago."  
 

 "Hey!"  Natalia shouts, hurt.  "Saved from starved! And...lost friend saving..."  her voice trails off into a whimper.

After several minutes, Natalia speaks again, softer and her voice quavering in a mostly unsuccessful attempt to not cry while she speaks.  "I...maybe help that. C-can...if not caravan, then bags."  She opens one up, plunges her hand in up to her arm.  "Not much, but...can deliver some. Few better than...none, right? And if more bags, more...to bring..." 
Admiral
Mithril kneels alone in the temple- it seems Hartley has departed for the night, and once two other dwarves wander out she finds herself entirely alone. After what feels like an eternity of fruitless prayer, Mithril looks up to see Shiny wander into the temple. He scratches his head as he looks around, and doesn't give the appearance of looking for divine inspiration. Once he sees Mithril, he wanders over to her.

 "Oh, hello, Mithril Magicmender,"  he says.  "I was just looking to say a few prayers to-"  he swings his finger around the temple in a quick game of eenie-meenie-miney-moe-  "Ehlonna, goddess of chimneys and jigsaw puzzles,"  he explains, while pointing to a statue of Yondalla, goddess of halflings.  "But it looks like you beat me to it. What's wrong?" 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 After several minutes, Natalia speaks again, softer and her voice quavering in a mostly unsuccessful attempt to not cry while she speaks.  "I...maybe help that. C-can...if not caravan, then bags."  She opens one up, plunges her hand in up to her arm.  "Not much, but...can deliver some. Few better than...none, right? And if more bags, more...to bring..."  
 

The dwarf opens her mouth to reply, then squints her eyes shut and shakes her head again, before giving a soft sigh.  "I suppose you could... carry a crate or two. Lords know I got more'n I know what to do with right now. If'n you got the gold to afford the wholesale price, you could sell it to the warehouse once you're there, keep a cut to yourself for shipping. You come back whenever you leave, I'll have the crates ready." 
 "Now it occurs to me you plumb forgot to give your name. I'm Rolsa Riverrun, and you know where to find me." 
 
 Spoiler 

A crate of Alchemist's Fire contains 96 bottles and weighs 100 pounds (packaging adds 4), so she could carry 2 if she wants and still have a little space in the bag. List price would be 1920gp, but she'll offer it for 1152 in bulk (40% off, 12gp each). According to her, the Firm will buy it for 16gp each (1536gp), so if Natalia carries it she'll make a profit of 384gp per crate.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia thinks.  "I can afford, but barely. Send to sandstone town, Firm safe there. Safe delivery, promise. Need to talk, but then pick up."  So much for stocking up on items here, unless Kurt sells the flaming axe they picked up. It's bothering her, the leather armor from Morton. Something from him, and nothing from Miriam. And she's curious about the Mithril metal.

As Rosla gives her name, Natalia holds out her hand by instinct and says,  "Natalia Bolts. And...thank you."  She pauses.  "Actually, could you please...note with crates? Words may not...work." 
 
 Spoiler 
Since we're selling the axe, could we please sell the axe and split the cash before we leave? Can I actually go do that before we go shopping, guys?

And I'll help with the delivery. If that's the total price, that's not bad.

Is Marvell the sandstone town? I forget.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you, Rosla, for showing chemistry. Wish I could show engineering...in return. I Get money, then back for crates. Safe to Marvell." 

With that, Natalia leaves, looking for a blacksmith or weapon shop to sell the axe. Kurt didn't want it, and nobody else could use it. Well, actually--and here Natalia grips the axe in both hands and gives a few experimental swings; it leaves a trail of heat as it cuts through the air--she can  kind of  use it, she's strong enough to hold and swing it without tipping over, but she can't put the strength behind it like Kurt can, and she can't wield it with the speed and finesse of her blades. And they need the money.

So she goes to search for a place to sell the axe.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Mithril kneels alone in the temple- it seems Hartley has departed for the night, and once two other dwarves wander out she finds herself entirely alone. After what feels like an eternity of fruitless prayer, Mithril looks up to see Shiny wander into the temple. He scratches his head as he looks around, and doesn't give the appearance of looking for divine inspiration. Once he sees Mithril, he wanders over to her.

 "Oh, hello, Mithril Magicmender,"  he says.  "I was just looking to say a few prayers to-"  he swings his finger around the temple in a quick game of eenie-meenie-miney-moe-  "Ehlonna, goddess of chimneys and jigsaw puzzles,"  he explains, while pointing to a statue of Yondalla, goddess of halflings.  "But it looks like you beat me to it. What's wrong?"  
 

Mithril let a weak smile out at Shiny's banter, but there was no real feeling behind it.   "How do you do that?  Spin tales so easily that a compass would be convinced north was a color." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril let a weak smile out at Shiny's banter, but there was no real feeling behind it.   "How do you do that?  Spin tales so easily that a compass would be convinced north was a color."  
 

 "I've often been asked that,"  he responds thoughtfully.  "The truth is that it goes back to when I was a young child, and my uncle, Willbury Woodsmith, took me to his card games. He was a compulsive gambler, you see: everyone in the family knew better than to lend him a copper piece. But somehow, no matter how broke he was, they always let him play- nobody was sure what he was betting. I used to love the card games, cuz they'd pile up all the coins in the pot in the middle of the table, and I just loved to roll around in them. Most adults would have kept a child away from there, but not Willbury- he said  "You go ahead and play in that pile, nephew- enjoy yourself,"  and they'd play their card game around me." 

Shiny lets out a slow whistle.  "Wasn't until twenty years later that I figured it out. All I can say is, I'm sure glad he never lost."

"I hope that answers your- well, no, I suppose it doesn't. What was your question again?"  Shiny scratches his head.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "I've often been asked that,"  he responds thoughtfully.  "The truth is that it goes back to when I was a young child, and my uncle, Willbury Woodsmith, took me to his card games. He was a compulsive gambler, you see: everyone in the family knew better than to lend him a copper piece. But somehow, no matter how broke he was, they always let him play- nobody was sure what he was betting. I used to love the card games, cuz they'd pile up all the coins in the pot in the middle of the table, and I just loved to roll around in them. Most adults would have kept a child away from there, but not Willbury- he said  "You go ahead and play in that pile, nephew- enjoy yourself,"  and they'd play their card game around me." 

Shiny lets out a slow whistle.  "Wasn't until twenty years later that I figured it out. All I can say is, I'm sure glad he never lost."

"I hope that answers your- well, no, I suppose it doesn't. What was your question again?"  Shiny scratches his head. 
 

 "Not at all really. I just don't know what I am doing anymore."   Mithril looked up at the blank wall she had been praying too.   "I don't know if I should even bother fighting the Voice.  So many people have died so far, what can i really do to prevent anything." 
CWater
Rhenner turns a page of his book and shakes his head a little in frustation. He had got this one for light-reading and it's not like the author was entirely without merit, he knew how to use the words and get the reader entangled in the story.

Unfortunately, he didn't seem to be as good with getting actual facts right. Really, Rhenner thought it was common knowledge that wizards couldn't cast healing spells, that was one rare thing out of their repertoire. Also, he was pretty sure that paladins didn't fall just for the use of rude language.

 "If they did, there'd be damn few of them left..." , he mutters.

  Commander sure knew how to swear...and not just the noble kind.   There is a small chuckle, before his expression suddenly turns dark. For a moment the cleric just stares at the grey stone wall and the shadows the luminous torch creates on its uneven surface.

After a moment he sighs. But those people, those strangers from across the ocean... They are perhaps...odd, but what little he knows of them, they seem like decent folk. And what the mage Mithril had told him, well, he'd be lying if tried to claim it didn't disturb him.
  If they have a plan for leaving Deldon, I could ask if I can at least leave this place with them.
  
Sighing again, the half-elf picked the book up again, at least the blasted thing was good enough to get your mind off this troublesome world.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Not at all really. I just don't know what I am doing anymore."   Mithril looked up at the blank wall she had been praying too.   "I don't know if I should even bother fighting the Voice.  So many people have died so far, what can i really do to prevent anything."  
 

Shiny sighs as well.  "The way I see it, you saved a lot of lives already,"[/B] he notes, gesturing to the dwarf fortress around them.  "Sometimes doing some good is all you  can  do. If you focus on the ones who've died, you start wondering whether-" 

Shiny's voice chokes suddenly, and as he looks around at the statues on the walls. He seems suddenly uncomfortable under the gaze of the gods. [COLOR]"Perhaps we should go back,"  he mumbles weakly.

--------

Natalia heads into the Stonesmith's District- the busiest and perhaps most impressive part of Deldon she'd yet seen. It's not precisely a marketplace- the customers in Deldon are few- but rather a manufacturing center, filled with artisans and apprentices. As she walks down the tunnels she gets the impression that the blacksmiths and sculptors have during the siege built up more inventory than they much know what to do with. A few quick conversations confirm this: the dwarves' usual business is export, which they cannot continue while the orcs guard their gates.

She finds a tall dwarf blacksmith with a good reputation, and shows him the axe. He studies it for a while, using a crystal similar to the one she'd picked up in Alabaster's tomb, and then takes it for a couple of swings where it seems to leave behind a light trace of flame. Finally he gives her his estimate.

 "In the cities, I suppose you could sell an axe like this for maybe 9,000 gold."  He scratches his head.  "But truth be told I'm not looking to trade the gold I have for more weapons I can't sell. I suspect you'll be gettin' much the same answer from anyone around here." 
 "Tell you what, though- perhaps you could help lighten my inventory."  He thinks for a bit and then snaps his fingers.  "From what you say, best as I can understand it, you're lookin' for a mithral chain shirt that'll be easy to sneak around in. I think I have just the thing." 

He takes her over to a wall, where he shows her a pair of shirts: one a fabulous shiny mithral, and another one a strangely deep black.

 
 Spoiler 
Have to run halfway through. To be continued later with the rest of his offer.
 
Athedia
 "Don't mention this, to the others I mean.  I mean please don't, it isn't an order... you know what i mean.'   Mithril stood up, making her way toward the entrance.
CoffeeIncluded
All the inventory starts to make Natalia worry. If this is built up, how are they going to leave, much less leave with all the items in tow? She can't exactly say no to their livelihood, but unless they all have bags of holding she won't be able to carry the items, much less afford them. Not to mention the fact that she doesn't know how long the food they bought will last. They've got to find some way to stop the horde for good before then.

Natalia frowns a bit as the dwarf explains his predicament, but nods in understanding and says,  "If items for items, then I...bring friends to share. Our spoils, our gold, our items. Not just mine." 

But as Natalia feels the chain shirts, she gasps. The mithril shirt is light and almost slippery, the feel of impossibly-polished armor, and oh it runs through her fingers like water. Shiny and bright and so light and such a lovely silver, silvery-blue like Kurt's armor, but with so many more shades shining off each individual tightly woven ring. And as it runs through her fingers it feels the same cold blue that it looks. And as it slips from hand to hand, it barely even makes a sound.

It's the same with the black one.  "Is this Adamantine?"  she asks as she picks it up. But it's not, it feels the same as the mithril before, the color in her fingers contrasting the ones seen by her eyes. It's the color of midnight, every midnight there ever was, and Natalia feels if she drops it anywhere that isn't brightly lit, she'll never find it again. It feels like it's sucking her in, just looking at it, absorbing everything. Like shadow, shadow incarnate.
Admiral
 "Both made of the finest mithral the ground has to offer, and magically hardened for greater protection. This one 'ere-"  the dwarf blacksmith points to the shiny armor-  "is oiled and enchanted- it's not just quiet, it seeps up sound around it. This one 'ere-"  he points to the black one-  "perfect for keeping hidden. Wear it on a dark night and an eagle ten paces away couldn't spot you. Normally they'd go for around 6000 gold." 
 
 Spoiler 
The two options are a silent moves +1 mithral chain shirt (+5 to Move Silently), or a shadow +1 mithral chain shirt (+5 to hide). By the book price is 5850.
 


He points to a wall of weapons.  "Along with one of those, I'll offer you one thing on that wall, or any two things on the opposite wall."  He takes Natalia through some of the items on each.

 
 Spoiler 

On the "one item" wall are the following weapons, decided from Table 7-10, then 7-11/12/13, and then Table 7-14/15:

 (1d100)[ 94 ]   (1d100)[ 32 ]  [roll]69+1d26[/roll]
 (1d100)[ 42 ]   (1d100)[ 40 ]  [roll]69+1d26[/roll]
 (1d100)[ 90 ]   (1d100)[ 3 ]  [roll]69+1d26[/roll]
 (1d100)[ 81 ]   (1d100)[ 86 ]  [roll]69+1d26[/roll]
 (1d100)[ 53 ]   (1d100)[ 23 ]  [roll]69+1d26[/roll]

Common ranged: Light crossbow, Icy Burst
Common melee: Longsword, Holy
Common ranged: Arrows, Axiomatic
Common ranged: Longbow, composite (+2 Str), Axiomatic
Common melee: Greatsword, Icy Burst

On the "two item" wall are the following items:

 (1d100)[ 14 ]   (1d100)[ 99 ]   (1d100)[ 9 ] 
 (1d100)[ 84 ]   (1d100)[ 47 ]   (1d100)[ 3 ] 
 (1d100)[ 63 ]   (1d100)[ 94 ]   (1d100)[ 54 ] 
 (1d100)[ 23 ]   (1d100)[ 26 ]   (1d100)[ 21 ] 
 (1d100)[ 15 ]   (1d100)[ 66 ]   (1d100)[ 57 ] 
 (1d100)[ 56 ]   (1d100)[ 63 ]   (1d100)[ 11 ] 
 (1d100)[ 92 ]   (1d100)[ 67 ]   (1d100)[ 58 ] 
 (1d100)[ 85 ]   (1d100)[ 99 ]   (1d100)[ 100 ] 

Common melee: Dwarven waraxe, Bane vs Orcs
Common ranged: Composite Shortbow (+0 Str), Bane vs Orcs
Common melee: Scimitar, Ghost Touch
Common melee: Kama, Flaming
Common melee: Scimitar, Keen
Common melee: Scimitar, Defending
Common ranged: Longbow, Merciful
Common ranged: Composite Longbow (+4 Str), Thundering
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia goes silent as she inspects each piece of armor or weaponry on the walls, running a finger along each of them. Some she discards outright, but others make her pause. Eventually, she turns and asks,  "Items for items? But..."  she looks back at the wall.  "Not fair if all me. Can I bring friends? Show friends?"  But she lifts up the masks, the oil, and Natalia realizes she already has a pretty good idea of what they'd like.
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia hands over the axe, she, after much hesitation, points to the silvery chain shirt and says,  "Silent sneaking, please."  It's a hard choice, and she would both regret and not regret whichever one she picked. But though Natalia likes the idea of wearing midnight, and though the dark doesn't terrify her, not when there's something or someone to light the way, there are many more ways to conceal light rather than sound. And as if to confirm her thoughts, as Natalia eventually settles on a longbow so powerful she can't even hope to pull it back, she can her it thrumming in her ears, a deep ringing echo that settles in her chest.   Kurt would like this one,   she thinks.

And so Natalia makes the swap, and as she hands over the axe, she says,  "Called Hellbringer. From Horde outside,"  then pulls off her leather armor to make the swap. Wearing nothing but her goldenrod shirt, Natalia feels almost cold in the cool air of the cave. The last time she had this little to protect her, she and her friends had left the orc caves, and she had given Miriam the shirt off her back.

  Miriam...  

And now Miriam's ash and Natalia's jacket is ash with it, and it's silly but this is something Natalia doesn't know whether or not she regrets. The jacket, she means. Just thinking about Miriam makes her want to break down again.

But they did good here, and as Natalia thanks the dwarf and moves to leave the bazaar she realizes that there's no need for the leather armor anymore, not when she has silent mithral chain, silvery and light, protecting her. So she goes over to the item shop and explains what that dwarf must have seen her do with the blacksmith. Once again, she asks,  "Items for items?"  and looks along the wall. There's all sorts of things here--spears, cloaks, rings, amulets, a glossy oil that's hard to the touch, circlets, and...and a very odd mask made of glimmering facets of crystal.

 "What this?"  she asks the dwarf, picking it up and turning it over and inspecting it in the torchlight, watching the fire dance off the mask in a million different ways. And when the dwarf tells her, Natalia's eyes widen. A mask that strengthens one's connection to their god, lets them know more about their god and others...Natalia knows who would want this, who wants to learn everything, who follows the god who feels the same. Who has Avaralynn in her ears and a message in her mind.

 "Mithril,"  Natalia whispers, passing over her old leather armor and holding the mask close.

But before Natalia leaves, once again a few more things catch her eye. She remembers how Rosla showed her her work, her chemistry. And Natalia thinks back to her traps, to the engineering behind the traps. They don't have to be traps. The mechanisms behind them can do more than hinder and maim and kill. And Natalia remembers a slightly ajar door, and grins, coming up with an idea. Some more wire. A couple of clamps. Some rubber or fabric sheeting. That's all she needs.

Well, that and the jacket hanging off a model a few feet away. A brown longcoat with flaring tails.

It's not the same as her old one. The tails are a touch shorter. The brown is more of a rusty brick color. There's no collar, nothing Natalia can hide herself in, no place to withdraw. But it's a longcoat, and as Natalia tries it on, it fits perfectly. The same and not the same. No high collar to withdraw in.   No running, no hiding.   Natalia runs her thumb along the bare back of the coat and gets one last idea.

Carrying the items in hand, she shows the back of the coat to the shopkeeper and asks,  "Can you carve? Mark, emblem?"  Still holding Mithril's mask, with everything else in her bag, she makes a drawing in graphite and slides it over, a lightning bolt striking the hollow center of a nut. A mechanical nut. The good kind. The kind she should be, because Natalia Bolts may always be Nuts but she doesn't have to be  Nuts.  She can be Nuts of the lightning, Nuts of the machine instead. No more running. No more hiding.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia wants this carved on the back of her new jacket:


 

Phew, that took a while!
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
One quick note: Natalia would find the coat in a clothing shop down the tunnel a bit, which would be a different shop than the magic items.
 


The shopkeeper, a younger dwarf with a thick black beard, takes a look at Natalia's sketch.  "Aye, no finer leatherworker than I,"  he says with a nod.  "I'll get it done for ye by tomorrow night- come back then."  Natalia passes over 20gp for the coat and the engraving and then heads back towards the bunks.

On her way back, wearing her new chain armor and carrying the heavy longbow for Kurt, she runs into Shiny and Mithril as the pair are heading into the same tunnel. The gnome raises his fingers to his forehead in greeting.  "Been shopping, I see. I've been doing the same. Up until today the clothes I'm wearing have just been a continual illusion- not because I've been too cheap to buy any, but just because my gnome constitution prefers the cooling feel of the open air. It worked fine as long as I could focus on the image... but I confess that at the funeral I was overwhelmed with grief and lost my concentration. Thankfully everyone was looking the other way when my clothes vanished, and for the six seconds it took to conjure another illusion. Needless to say, I finally appreciated the need for less ephemeral garments." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  Natalia says, feeling a little bubble of excitement. Now to live up to the image.

As Natalia bumps into Shiny and Mithril, she raises her fingers back and returns the gesture, and listens to Shiny's latest yarn.  "So you naked all time?"  she asks with a grimace, trying to banish the visual from her head.

Nope. Still there. Hitting her head against the wall doesn't help either. Probably better to focus on a more pleasant image.

 "Shopping for all too, though...sorry Shiny. Nothing for gnomes, all too big. Except...maybe baby clothes. Bonnets and booties."  She grins, then shows her items.  "Mithral for me, silent mithral, shiny feel as look mithral. Bow for Kurt, strong like him. And you, Mithril..."  with an excited flourish, she shows Mithril the crystal mask that wraps around her forehead and says,  "Mask for knowing gods! Knowledge of religion here. Thought...you like, because Boccob, Avaralynn."  Natalia shuffles back and forth nervously as Mithril takes the mask. Oh, she hopes Mithril likes it, she really really does.

 
 Spoiler 
Thanks, Admiral. And Shiny's speech is red, not black! 😛
 
Athedia
Mithril blushed at Shiny's story, face turning crimson.  Her skin was not as pale as it had been when she had left home, weeks in the sun and traveling had tanned her skin somewhat.  But the pink that seemed to cover her face and creep down her neck still stood out quite well.   "Did you find someplace to sell that axe?  I didn't think they would have the gold in here." 

As Natalia talked about her new armor Mithril couldn't help but laugh a little, the first time in a while she had genuinely laughed.   "Shiny mithral, you already have that Natalia."   As she admired the chain shirt she poked at it to try to make it clink, testing the spell.  She almost didn't hear Natalia say her name, but she looked toward the eager face.   "Knowing gods?  Oh, makes sense here with so many people in the Church.  How will they take it, a greedy wizard wearing a mask to understand their gods?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Didn't sell. Items for item,"  Natalia says as Mithril pokes at the chain. It's weird--she can feel the links sliding over each other, but it's almost completely silent. She laughs a little with the wizard.  "Yes, Shiny Mithril helped find back home, and now always carry on me, and by side. Two Shiny, two Mithril. Though maybe Silent Shiny better if two!"  There's no malice or condescension in her voice though. There almost never is.

But there is anger in her voice, and determination too, when Mithril asks about the mask. And Natalia says,  "Mithril, you not greedy! Not greedy to want to know world! You opposite of greedy, to share knowing with world! They greedy, to close off."  She grins.  "And if they take bad, then answer to me!"  Then Natalia runs her hand over her arm again.  "And I thought...you'd like, because Boccob and Avaralynn. Because questions needing answering." 
Athedia
 "I wonder how it works."   Mithril turned the mask over, amazed at how clear it was.  What people said about dwarven craftsmanship was true.   "But your shirt, does it make you quiet or just doesn't click?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Think both,"  Natalia says, rubbing the chain ail between her fingers again.  "Light like water, oiled, so no squeaking. Tiny rings, so less clanking. But spelled too, spelled to muffle sound. Wearing silence. There another chain shirt too, black and brown and dark blue and purple. Shirt of shadow, part of shadow. Wear that, wear midnight."  She smiles.  "Wish could wear both. But only one, at least for now." 

Natalia thinks at Mithril's question about the mask.  "Don't know how. Dont know if church or institute. But sure it works." 
Athedia
Mithril turned the mask over, wondering what it would feel like when she wore it.  Would she feel more knowledgeable, would she even notice.   "You know, for an area that keeps insulting the Institute they certainly use a lot of magic.  I wonder if they see the contradiction. 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bites her lip.  "Don't know. Could know and ignore, could hide. Could say different magic. Could say magic for good only. But evil god magic too. Remember Orc caves? Healing Miriam, and Orc...healed in reverse?"  she sighs. It doesn't make sense. Not when there are explicitly gods of knowledge and learning, Mithril's boccob and her Gond. They go together. They should go together, all the libraries and all the information locked up that should be free and Stronger when released, woven together.  "And institute not just magic. Science, chemistry, engineering too. Traps not just for killing."  she pauses, hesitates. But of course she should say this to Mithril.  mithril, magic strong. Church and institute very strong. Stronger if together. You think...something split apart, divide and weaken? Prevent union?"  
Athedia
 "You mean like the voice?  Maybe, there is much we don't know about this land.  Or its people." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Like voice. You think maybe is voice? Is puppetmaster? Hatred only at top, not whole way down. Friends with Aicha fine. But how long hatred? How deep?"  she closes her eyes, and when she opens them again they're fearful. Natalia's words tumble out in one rushed torrent.  "You think they try splitting? Us and Shiny against Kurt?! Can't. Won't."  and even though Natalia knows that won't happen, that she and her friends won't let it happen, the idea still terrifies her.

 
 Spoiler 
how long have the church and institute hated each other? Would Rhenner know?
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
For visual aid, we'll say this is the shape in terms of what the mask covers- around eyes and forehead:

 http://heathfultipsandremedies.files...e-eye-mask.jpg 

But of course imagine it made out of impressive transparent crystal.
 


As Mithril raises the mask to her face, she cannot help but notice that its contours seem designed especially and precisely for her features. Then the mask touches her, and she feels a rush of clarity that can only be compared to waking from sleep.

Images wash over her: a cathedral in a deep jungle, a pyre in the desert, a wanderer with a long wooden cane- and yet the images not dreams or hallucinations- more like recollections of childhood memories that she never knew she'd forgotten.

The sharpest image among them is the one that leaves her with the most confusion- a circle of women, draped in flowing white robes, every one of them bearing fantastic crystal masks just like the ones she wears. Candles surround them and she senses the peculiar scent of incense, and the floor at the center of the room is engraved Boccob's All-Seeing Eye. The women drop their knees in unison- and just like that the image passes.

As Mithril removes the mask, the sensation left behind is disturbing and uncomfortable- as though the memories are still there, but now just barely out of reach, like words forever on the tip of her tongue.

 
 Spoiler 
She doesn't have to remove the mask now, just saying what happens whenever she will.
 
Athedia
Mithril peeled the mask off staring at it in shock.   "That was... odd.  And now I have more questions." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia rushes forward when she sees Mithril sway back.  "Mithril? You okay?"  she asks as the wizard takes off the mask.  "What questions?"  She looks at the mask cautiously, then up at Mithril's face. Did she make a mistake?
Admiral
 "I'm not sure why you took it off- it suits you well,"  Shiny says casually as they stride forward towards the bunks.  "And I should know- as Shiny Shadowsmile, maskmaker and squire, I was responsible for hiding more faces than a paranoid cardplayer. Indeed, one day I was crafting a particularly-" 

His voice trails off suddenly, and he grips the arms of his companions as he looks forward into the shadows of the tunnel ahead. Then he jolts moving forward with a painful urgency.  "Come on, and be quiet,"  he whispers, every ounce of humor in his voice replaced by a terrified hiss.

Only a few yards further, Natalia and Mithril realize what had scared Shiny- the gnome's eyes see farther in the dim torchlight than theirs can. And in those few steps they come across the dwarven guard who had been stationed in front of the tunnels leading to the bunks. He is stretched out across the floor, still wearing his half-plate and buckler, with his battleaxe still clutched in his right hand. A pool of blood spreads across the rocky ground, and even now red drops still pour slowly from where his throat was slit.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps and, drawing her blades, rushes to the dwarf's side, clinging to the shadows. She inspects him, searches the darkness. An assassin?! And attacker?! How?!

And...and the barracks. Who could be in there?

Eyes wide and wild, she frantically tries to look around and piece together what happened, if there are any clues. Did he struggle? Did he fight back? What angle did the attack come from, giving any clue to the height? Did the attacker leave any trace?

And what about the other dwarves, about Kurt, and Rhenner too?

 "Get help,"  she whispers, almost silent through her teeth.

 
 Spoiler 
Hide:  (d20+13)[ 23 ] 
Move Silently:  (d20+18)[ 20 ] 
Spot:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 21 ] 
Search:  (d20+15)[ 17 ] 

Unless I can take 10.

I legitimately gasped when I read this. Fantastic job, Admiral.
 
Admiral
Natalia sees nothing down either side of the tunnel, nor down the side tunnel towards the bunks where they'd stayed, though the light from their torch reaches only a few yards out in each direction so anything could be lurking in the shadows.

He has probably been dead for five to ten minutes, and as there is no blood on his battleaxe, she doubts that he was able to strike whoever (or whatever) had killed him, but she can tell little else from the body.

As Natalia examines the body, Shiny conjures a set of glowing orbs in the air, hands the torch he was carrying to Natalia, and then starts chasing the lights down the side tunnel towards the bunks, beckoning desperately for Mithril to come with him.

 
 Spoiler 

In case it's not clear, the guard is at a sort of "T" junction, where there's the main path going off in either direction and a side path leading to where you've been sleeping.

It makes sense for either Shiny or Mithril to be in the habit of holding the torch, since they need only one hand to "fight" and Natalia needs two. If Shiny didn't hand the torch to Natalia she'd have no way to see once they left.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Nothing.  "Dead short minutes. Nobody close. Need find help."  Fighting to keep her breath under control, Natalia quickly scans the body again. But they don't have time for her to look long. They need to run, raise the alarm, find help. And, most importantly, they need to stick together. None of them will last long by themselves in a fight--she may last longer than most, but Kurt's the only one who can really hold his own for long. And she's never putting Shiny or Mithril in danger.  "Help together. Now." 
 
 Spoiler 
I don't see anything that says I can't try again with a search, so rolling again. If I can't then I can't.

Search:  (d20+15)[ 26 ] 
 


Immediately after looking a few more seconds around the body and the area, Natalia gets up and looks around again.

 "The bunks!"  she whispers.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is about to jam the everburning torch into her belt, leaving her hands free to chase after Shiny and Mithril, but she can't quite do that. And then she remembers a potion in her bag.

In one swift movement, she shoves the everburning torch with the cold flame in her bag, and comes out with the darkvision potion. Everything goes black, pitch-black around her. And then she drinks the potion in one quick swallow, tasting the fog of evening on the back of her tongue, and it's not pitch-black anymore. And here she is, silent and hidden in the dark, the dark that doesn't hide from her anymore, but hides and guards her instead. Her eyes can penetrate the shadows now, and so she looks around once more.

 
 Spoiler 
I think this is a VERY good time for that darkvision potion. And now that I can see, here's another few rolls!

Spot:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 16 ] 

Unless I can take 10 in the same amount of time.
 
Athedia
Mithril waved her hand over her eyes, putting the mask back on as an after thought (no-where else to put it).   "Darksight"  As the spell took hold the world turned gray, drained of color.   "The traitor... in the battle we never learned who it was.  The Voice is here." 
Admiral
Once the magic takes hold, Natalia and Mithril see the darkness around them as dwarves would. Glancing up and down the tunnel, they see nothing in either direction. They hurry down the path towards the bunks, terrified of what they'll find- and the thirty second run down the tunnel feels like the longest of their lives.

 
 Spoiler 
For simplicity's sake let's say they're together: Shiny and Mithril waited for Natalia. Shiny cast Expeditious Retreat in the meantime to keep up.
 


And so when they burst through the iron door to the bunks, they are relieved beyond words to see Kurt sitting and playing cards with Rocky and Hilton, nothing out of place. As they look across the hall to the second room, they find Rhenner reading peacefully.

 
 Spoiler 
There are two rooms at the end of the tunnel: Kurt and the slavers are in one, Rhenner in the other.
 
Athedia
Mithril almost cried at seeing her friends alive.  She had feared the worst.  Gasping for breath she tried to speak the warning.   "Dead dwarf in hall.  The Voice's traitor is here."   And he must have gone the other way.  Mithril spun around and raced toward the way they had come, down the other path.  She should have warned the dwarves, she should have told them.
Cavelcade
Kurt looks up in with a gasp when the door bursts open, his hand moving to grab Daybreaker's hilt, relaxing his grip but blinking and frowning at seeing Mithril and the others burst in. When she makes her sudden statement, he growls - he'd forgotten about that too, had forgotten in all the talk of honour and serving that someone had already broken that bond and betrayed them.

 "Mithril, wait!"  He curses darkly as she runs off - he'd finally removed his armour while there. He looks at the others and nods.  "You two stay here, but be ready to defend it. Maybe block off the door until we get back."  That said, he rushes after Mithril, having hesitated only a moment while deciding.
CWater
For a moment Rhenners brain tries to resist the urgent call to reality, but when he hears Kurt giving orders to the slavers he realizes that something is very wrong. The book is quickly put aside and he grabs his armour and hastily dons it.
 
 Spoiler 
This takes him 1 minute, but he doesn't have the HP to go to danger unarmoured😏, AC -1 for the hurry. He leaves his Bag of Holding in the room, but takes the smaller bag with him.

He has Run, so even with the armour on he can move 150 ft. in one round.
 


After this the cleric hurries out of the room. He asks the slavers what is going on, but they know no more than he does, if they even bother to answer him.

When he comes a cross the dwarf in the intersection he stops for a moment, but a quick look tells him there is nothing to be done for him. He spits out a curse. What is going on here?!

 
 Spoiler 
Let's for convenience sake say that he continues in the same direction that the party went.

He is carrying a regular torch with him.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What if magic like me, slip through crack?"  Natalia whispers, almost hysterical despite the rush of relief at seeing Murt and even the slavers okay.  "Probably traitor, but see all options...Guys, flush ourselves or warn all, maybe traitor too? Who warn?" 

As they race down the hall, Natalia puts on a quick extra burst of speed, and reaches out to touch Mithril's arm for a moment, looking into her eyes, hoping the mage gets the message. It's not her fault that she didn't warn. How did they know the traitor was within? It doesn't help much though, there probably is a traitor within. But they don't know for sure, not yet.

But as they run Natalia draws her blades and slips into the shadows that no longer conceal things from her. She looks, and listens, and hides. Sure, the assassin, the probable traitor, will hear everyone else coming. But they may not notice her, may not notice Natalia in the shadows with the two very sharp blades. Sharp like the one that ended the guard, but this time the assassin deserves what's coming.

 
 Spoiler 
I think I roll new checks as I go. Admiral, if I should stop, please tell me. As always, if I can take 10 override the checks, but if I can't I can't.

Spot: [roll0 (12?)
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Hide:  (d20+13)[ 17 ] 
Move Silently:  (d20+18)[ 32 ] 
 
Admiral
The party races down the winding corridor to the intersection, where the guard's body still lies across the stone ground. Now there is only one way to chase their adversary, so they take a right and head in the direction opposite from which Shiny, Mithril and Natalia had come.

For a few minutes they hurry along the hallways, all but Shiny aided by the power to see in darkness, with Shiny seeing by the light of the orbs of light he guides. Rhenner had taken a minute to don his armor, but he is racing after the party and gaining on them gradually.

As they run, Shiny places his hand on Kurt and speaks a quick incantation, and Kurt feels a measure of arcane protection surround him.

 
 Spoiler 
Shiny casts  mage armor  on Kurt once he notices he skipped his armor. Halfway to his full plate!
 


Into their magically enhanced vision comes one of the many iron gates around Deldon, which they had only casually noticed on their various trips through the fortress. But this one bears another tragic tableau. Two guards lie dead in front of the gate, both bearing several wounds: one has an arrow lodged in his waist under his breastplate. Behind them the iron gate is barred shut.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as she sees two more guards assassinated. She takes a quick look around and at the dwarves, taking stock of their wounds. Were they also taken by surprise? Did they fight back? Were these wounds also expertly made? Which direction are the dwarves facing?

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+11)[ 17 ] 
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 21 ] 
Search:  (d20+15)[ 29 ] 

I cheered and then gasped again when I saw your post!
 


She whips her head around to Shiny, Kurt, Mithril, and Rhenner, and says, frantic,  "Call help, not chase! Any magic speech to warn?" 

Natalia looks at the gate. Is this a dead end? Does the path continue beyond the gate, or does this tunnel lead to the gate and nowhere else? If the tunnel only leads to the gate, then how did the assassin get through the gate? Depending on the position of the dead dwarves, the marks on their body...it could tell a lot. But what's out there? The gate is barred.

But not to her.

 "Back quick, fog check through door,"  Natalia says to her friends. She closes her eyes, clasps her hands together and finds the magic, draws it out. Triumphing inside at her success with the magic, she says the incantation-- her incantation--  Nutspeak but real and functional all the same,  "Like smoke, like mist, fade to wisp,"  and feels herself become smoky and insubstantial.

Natalia, now gaseous, partially phases through the tiny gaps between the gate and the stone wall, and looks around outside.

 
 Spoiler 
Gaseous form to take a quick look outside, and still be able to duck back in without being swarmed by the Horde. Was this a good idea?
 
Athedia
Mithril punched the door in frustration.  Had the traitor fled?  Or had he let others in?  But if they had been let in the whole compound would be overrun.

 
 Spoiler 
Oh and you mean Kurt, not Miriam.
 
CWater
Rhenner chases after the group through the dark hallways. Sometimes he gets a glimpse of the gnome's shining orbs, but often it is only their footsteps that he follows.

Then they halt, and a moment later the cleric realises that they have stopped at one of the gates. He already has a bad feeling about this when he approaches them, before he can see the other slain guards. When he does, he breaths a sigh of disbelief.  "What is going on here?" 

He cannot understand how these dwarves are suddenly dead like this. Inside the fortress! They've held the Horde out for so long, it seems strange that they would have suddenly managed to break in now...

When the medic crouches down to take a closer look at the murdered dwarves, another thought comes to his mind. The orcs might be outside, but they did let this big group of strangers in just yesterday.
 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner tries to see if the guards wounds tell something about their attacker. Should I make some skill check?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia jerks her leg against the steel of the door as Mithril slams her fist against it. Gripping her hands against the outside wall, she hears another pair of footsteps, and then Rhenner's voice. They've been seeing a lot of him lately. He seemed to know a lot about medicine, maybe he could help.

Someone who alerted the orcs of information, but could not pick up on their change of plans. Which means either this person was not traveling with them, or couldn't contact the orcs in time. Somebody assassinating the dwarves, but who didn't make their move until they had entered Deldon. What state were the dwarves in when they died? A single blow? A look of surprise etched on their dead faces, the calm of talking to a (supposed) ally, or the boredom of yet another guard shift? A large weapon, a giant stab like Kurt's sword, or someone who wielded blades and bow like her, ostensibly weak yet devastatingly precise, for a little nick in the right place can kill just as thoroughly as decapitation.

And they're attacking now, slaughtering the guards and headed...where? Outside? Further in? For what reason? And...oh, did they tamper the food? Are they looking to kill everyone here? It's a wild thought, but one Natalia can't discard. The risk, the price, is far too high.

And how did Avaralynn know about this? What did Mithril see in that mask? If she wore it, or Rhenner, or Kurt, or Shiny, or anyone else donned that mask, what would they see?

No time for that, not now at least. Those thoughts swim sideways through Natalia's mind, twist and turn into the strange colors and shapes and feelings that she knows so well. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly as, gaseous with only the front half of her body peeking out from Deldon's iron doors, she looks around outside at the orc camp, and listens, and considers.

 
 Spoiler 
Do I need to roll anything once I look outside?
 
Admiral
Natalia runs up to the bodies and studies them carefully. One guard has an arrow wound below his breastplate, and a single precise stab from a blade through his throat. The other guard had his throat cut in much the same way the first dead guard had, but the wound is shorter as if aborted midway. He also bears two other slashing wounds, and his battleaxe has blood on its edge, so it looks like he had put up a fight. She can't tell anything in particular from their faces, beyond that both show remnants of painful death.

 
 Spoiler 
Re: CWater's questions: a Search check would be appropriate to answer questions, but Natalia got a 27 and I don't believe Rhenner can beat it (especially since Natalia got a head start while Rhenner was catching up).
 


After Natalia completes her analysis, Shiny casts a spell on the spell on the iron door, and it opens before them... but all it reveals is a continuation of the tunnel, which slowly rounds to the left ahead of them.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Him first,"  Natalia says as she points to the dwarf with the arrow on his chest, trying to keep her breathing under control.  "Shoot, then stab. Tried cutting throat of other, but...saw, fought. And lost. But left note in blood, on axe."  Natalia removes the arrow from the first dwarf, and wipes some of the blood on the axe into an empty vial. Maybe there's a way to identify the culprit from this.

She closes her eyes.  "Like me. Fight like me, weapons like me. Small and precise, precision over power. Maybe spells like me too. Careful, close."  Another thought comes to her.  "Could be two." 

As the tunnel continues and turns, Natalia flips the blades in her hands and waves forward. She sneaks forward, clinging to the shadows as much as she can despite the shining mithril on her chest and no leather coat to cover it. Still adjusting to the strangeness of darkvision, trying to block out the rushing in her ears, she scouts ahead, making sure her friends are behind her. Where are they in Deldon? Does she know? Can she tell, or even guess?

 
 Spoiler 
Can she tell who died first--the two dwarves here or the one dwarf we saw earlier?

Also, rolls if necessary, please ignore if they aren't. As always, if I can take 10 I'm taking 10. If not, that's fine.
Spot:  (d20+11)[ 21 ] 
Listen:  (d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Hide:  (d20+13)[ 27 ] 
Move Silently:  (d20+18)[ 35 ] 
 


EDIT: Before sneaking off, Natalia pauses and turns to Mithril. She points to Whiskers and asks,  "Mithril, please. If no link between us, and I walk ahead, alone, then please...pass Whiskers? He hide in mithral? Link between you, always. If I ahead, and I find, or in trouble...then Whiskers tell, tell you. You tell all, come to help. Please?" 
Athedia
Mithril looked tentative, but turned to Whiskers whispering in his ear.  Making sure none of the others could hear or see her.   "I know you can understand me.  Go with Natalia, run back if anything goes badly, if she is hurt or can't come back.  I trust you.... And I promise I will get you a bowl of holy water."   Carefully she handed him over to Natalia.   "Be careful, both of you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  Natalia gently accepts the weasel, stroking his pure white fur. Then she tucks Whiskers in a pouch attached to her belt, where her armor drapes over it. She embraces Mithril, tucks her head in the space created by Mithril's neck and shoulders, and whispers in her ear  "I safe, and Whiskers too. I guard like your life. Promise." 

And then she's off, scouting ahead, readying herself to react to whatever she might find up ahead.

 
 Spoiler 
Rolls are the same as above, but one other question: Was the arrow an arrow or a crossbow bolt? And was it small or medium sized?
 
Admiral
Shiny puts his hand on Natalia's back and casts his spell, and suddenly she disappears from sight. The rogue sneaks forward into the tunnel up to the bend, glances backwards, and waits for the others to start moving before she continues ahead, in an effort to keep them within a reasonable but safe distance.

The tunnels are oddly twisting- she had never noticed it when she'd felt safe in Deldon, but she's keenly aware of it now that danger could be around any corner. For about three minutes she presses on, at a few corners waiting until the party's torches come back into view behind her. She listens carefully, but hears no sounds ahead of her, nothing but the soft patter of footsteps from the party following behind. She turns around one more time to check for threats behind her...

And when she turns forward she nearly jumps out of her skin, as she sees a dwarf in heavy armor a mere thirty feet away, stumbling clumsily towards her. He holds a dwarven waraxe in one hand, but his other is held to his throat. With a great heave he spits a torrent of blood to the ground as he continues pushing forward, his eyes bulging. And yet to her ears he makes not a single sound.

------

As the party moves forward, Mithril jumps as she feels a jolt of fear and shock, and yet as she looks around she sees nothing to explain it.
Athedia
It was the same feeling she had felt when Whiskers had started the chain of events that led to his new form.  Her eyes widened, either he saw an animal that threatened to eat him or he was in danger.  A mere human or dwarf would not threaten him.

Mithril started quickly down the hall, trying to get closer to her familiar.  He needed to stay safe.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stifles a scream as she sees the dwarf stumbling towards her, as if he can see her and is begging for salvation. She draws a healing potion as she runs forward, but even now her caution doesn't drop. A blade is still firmly gripped in her hand even as she rushes to the dwarf's aid. And her ears are kept keen--is it the dwarf that doesn't make a sound beyond the bubbling of air and blood, as his throat has been cut, or does all sound fade out as she approaches?

She wants to scream, she wants to vomit, she wants to run and not stop. All their throats cut,  her  throat cut, red and dripping. She can't get the vision out of her head.

As Natalia runs forward she presses a healing potion between his fingers, slippery and bloody. The blood soon flows over the bottle and outlines it, and she quickly whispers,  "Life bottle. Who did?"  in his ears as she draws her second blade, preparing for a fight.

 
 Spoiler 
Do I need to roll spot or listen?
 
Admiral
As Natalia approaches the dwarf, all sound is swallowed up around her, even the echo of the tunnel and the faint sound of the footsteps behind her.

She rushes to the dwarf with a potion ready, and presses it into his hand. But her whisper disappears on her lips, eaten by the silence around her. The dwarf jolts in horrible panic when an unseen force pushes against his hand, and he desperately swings his axe in an upward arc.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ]   (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (1d10+3)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d10+3)[ 8 ]   (1d10+3)[ 7 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


His blade, guided only by terrified reflex and guesswork, swings by Natalia's ear. Even with the distraction the rogue manages to force the vial into his hand. Still the dwarf just spins around, looking in all directions for whatever had grabbed his hand, and looks down at the vial only with confusion.

----

 "What is it?"  Shiny whispers as the wizard starts rushing forward, ahead of the others.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia ducks under the axe, which takes a few strands off her hair. Heart pounding, breathing fast and panicked, she looks at the dwarf. Something's making him do this. But how? Is he like the ones Shiny has enchanted, magicked into a haze? Or is something actually physically pushing his hand?

 
 Spoiler 
Does the dwarf look like he's been enchanted, or is he aware of his body working against him? That could change what happens next. Also, does Natalia see anything?
 
CWater
When the wizard picks up her pace, Rhenner attempts to follow her, a few steps behind.  "Did something happen?"  he asks Mithril as quietly as he can.

He also touches his holy symbol and mutters a few silent words, this is no place for a long prayer.
 
 Spoiler 
Casting that Longtrider.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Oh. Of course. His throat's cut, and now an invisible force pushes a vial into his hand. No wonder he's terrified. Natalia reaches down again, opening the vial and pouring it on his lips and down his slashed throat. She paints a quick smiley face, two dots and a curved line, into the blood coating the potion. As macabre as it is, she prays that this will convince him she's here to help.
Athedia
 "Whiskers.  Could be nothing.  Don't want to risk."   Mithril let out fragmented sentences as she hurried, the bumps in the path clear to her through the magical vision
CWater
 "Yes, and it makes so much sense for the wizard to charge in first, doesn't it? You realize that if Natalia has managed to stay hidden, the first thing whatever scared Whiskers sees is you?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs in frustration and fear. He won't drink the potion, but he's headed to her friends and Rhenner. And he doesn't look like he's about to drop dead immediately; he'll probably make it. Unless he's attacked. And what if he's attacked and dies in front of her, and she can't ****ing do anything about it?! Natalia holds her hand to her face and groans in frustration, which is lost to silence.

At least she can shadow him, try to guard him. She takes a look around one more time, and if she sees nothing, if he's invisible...Well, she does have a spell for that. If she can get it to cast. It's worth a shot, at the very least.

If Natalia doesn't see anything standing next to the dwarf, then she carefully edges away from him, towards the direction he came from (how far has he been walking? She close, she knows it, but just how close), pulling a scroll from her belt. And the moment she hears sound again, Natalia whispers the spell from the scroll, praying she can get the magic to catch and work. And then she looks around once more, and listens.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot next to the dwarf (if applicable):  (d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Spot once I cast See Invisibility, if it takes: [roll]d20+11[roll]
UMD:  (d20+11)[ 23 ] 
Listen: TAKE 10 FOR 21
Move Silently:  (d20+18)[ 38 ] 
 
Admiral
Once Natalia steps nimbly aside to let the dwarf move past, she continues onward. The first noise she hears is a distant, hoarse scream in Dwarven- and now realizes that this noise had been muffled by the spell of silence that was now behind her. The hoarse voice seems to be shouting the same few words over and over again, but she cannot understand the language. Along with the scream she can hear a few scattered noises of battle- a clash of swords, a scattered grunt, some noises too faint to make out. She casts her spell to see invisibility.

 
 Spoiler 

Does she want to shadow the dwarf and follow him back to the rest of the party, or head towards the noises?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back at the dwarf staggering away, but the sounds of battle...There's only one thing it can be. And she needs to help now, before he too is overwhelmed by the assassin. Or assassins.

So Natalia runs to the sound of the noises, drawing her blades, occasionally glancing back to the badly wounded dwarf. If he falls...well, she doesn't want to think about that right now. There's only one of her, and her friends are on the way.
Admiral
Mithril, Rhenner, Kurt and Shiny push forward, bearing their torches aloft. Mithril and Kurt, with their enhanced vision, are the first to see the dwarf appear out of the darkness, waving frantically at the light as he approaches. From all appearances he seems to be screaming, and his armor should be clanking as he runs, and yet they hear not a single sound from him.
Athedia
 "Shiny, do you know how to get rid of that spell.  You can cast it."   Mithril shows her hands to the dwarf, trying to show she means no harm.   "Rhenner, you can heal, right? If you do I promise I will not charge ahead." 
Admiral
 "Get rid of what?"  Shiny asks, until the dwarf staggers closer into the range of the torches and Shiny can see him as well, sending the gnome reeling back in surprise. He understands the meaning of the silence as quickly as Mithril had, and he splays out his hand towards the dwarf staggering towards them, casting an arcane incantation meant to counteract other magic.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Dispel Magic on the dwarf.

CL check:  (1d20+7)[ 8 ] 
 


Shiny grits his teeth as the spell fails, and the dwarf continues staggering towards them, until suddenly the whole group is swallowed by the sound of silence. Even with blood pouring from the wound in his neck, he looks like he's trying desperately to say something- perhaps he's unaware that the silence extends around him as opposed to mere deafness.

 
 Spoiler 
He walked up to you guys. Don't forget that no spells with verbal components can be cast in the bubble, including healing spells.

On his next turn Shiny will back up and try casting again, just giving others a chance to respond
 
Athedia
Mithril tried to speak, then stopped aware that the deafening silence surrounded her as well now.  Instead she mimed her ears covered, hoping he would understand.
Admiral
For some reason Mithril's gesture only encourages the dwarf more, as he points to her, nods, and keeps trying to speak.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods in thanks as Shiny adds a layer of mystical protection to keep him safe. His eyes are red-rimmed, with dark, heavy circles beneath them but he keeps glancing around his eyes roving to see through the darkness of the tunnels. He doesn't speak, or change his position much at the sight of the two dead dwarves - after seeing the first, his attention had been focused to a keen edge, as he kept his guard up.

As the wounded dwarf appears he takes a step back for a second, thinking it must be a ghost before Mithril's words bring home to him what must be happening.  "What's going on here...?"  He looks around for a sign of Natalia's presence but sees nothing other than what was already there.


Edit: As the silence swallows them all, Kurt jerks again, then frowns looking at the dwarf's neck. He shakes his shoulder to get his attention, pointing at his own neck and then further along the hallway, raising his shoulders to ask the question.
Admiral
Shiny holds up his hand to the dwarf, and walks backward into the darkness to escape the range of his spell, before trying to dispel it once again.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
 
Admiral
The spell shatters around the party, and sound returns to their ears. Now alongside the echoes of the tunnel around them, they hear the gurgling and hissing of the guard alongside them, still trying to get a word out.

But alongside that come the echoing sounds of a battle from far down the tunnel, and from there another hoarse voice crying out a desperate warning, what sounds like it may be the same word. Rhenner and Mithril cannot understand the dwarven tongue, but Shiny and Kurt recognize the word- and Kurt alone comprehends the full danger it implies.

 
 Spoiler 
Cavelcade, see PM
 


--------

As Natalia continues moving towards the shouts ahead of her, she begins to hear the soft patter of footsteps approaching her- someone moving quietly but quickly through the tunnels, and a shape begins to take form in the darkness before her.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nearly pauses, but she keeps quiet and moving, though she looks around. She barely even breathes, she's so quiet despite the terror in her mind (and she needs to ask Kurt what they're saying). Are the footsteps approaching her from behind, or do they belong to the figure in front?

Carefully, still holding her blades ready and close, she approaches the figure, and tries to figure out who, or what it is. And what weapons the figure wields. Is it visible or invisible? And what's it doing?

 
 Spoiler 
The description for See Invisibility states that invisible creatures seen with the spell look blurry. Does this figure look blurry?
 
CWater
The frustrating silence making casting impossible, Rhenner can do nothing but try to look at his wound, determine how serious it is. When Shiny breaks the magical silence, he immediately casts a healing spell, trying to aim its effects at the dwarf's throat.
 
 Spoiler 
Can't say if he has other wounds and I know the rules say nothing about fixing a specific one, but trying anyway.😛

Sacrificing Bless Water for a CLW:
 (1d8+5)[ 12 ] 
 

 "Can you speak? What is happening here?" 
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia approaches the figure and tries to get a clearer view, she considers taking another potion. But can she do it without breaking her cover and slowing down? Speed is critical here. Better for her to take a few blows than to spend time--waste time--protecting herself, and potentially cause someone's death in her delay. It was bad enough, having that happen to Kurt. She knows better now.

 
 Spoiler 
Can Natalia drink a potion without slowing down? Also, can she hear Shiny break the spell behind her, and hear Rhenner heal the dwarf and whatever the dwarf may say?

Also, with Rhenner having healed the dwarf so he can speak, are you still waiting for Cavelcade to reply tomorrow?
 
Cavelcade
As he finally hears the word, Kurt's face transforms into a picture of surprise; eyes wide and mouth in the shape of an 'O'. Then he frowns, grabbing the dwarf and looking intensely into his eyes for a moment, searching for a lie, a mistake, anything other than certainty at what he heard.

 "No...it doesn't make sense...those are just stories."  He looks ahead, gripping Daybreaker more tightly, before glancing back at the others, doubt and uncertainty in his own eyes.  "Not samurai or dwarf who did this."  He becomes firm in his decision and starts running ahead as well as he can on the uneven terrain, adding his voice to the cacophony as he does, shouting first in Common, then in dwarven.  "Drow! The Drow attack!" 
Admiral
From the darkness in front of Natalia emerges a charging warrior, bearing a pair of short swords before her as she nimbly races down the tunnel. Her features are elven, reminiscent of Rhenner, but her skin is the shade of the deepest abyss.

 
 Spoiler 

 

The enemy is not invisible. Natalia has pre-initiative action if she wants it.
 
CoffeeIncluded
What the hell? She thought Rhenner was the only elf (or half-elf) here. And she's never seen an elf like this before, her skin coal-black and...very exposed. And the way she moves, well, Natalia may not fear the dark anymore, but this elf truly lives in the dark. Not that that's a bad thing, but the shortswords dripping in blood, the way she clearly doesn't belong in Deldon...Not a traitor, but an invader. And as Natalia hears Kurt's voice echoing down the hall, screaming a word--drow? What's a drow? Is that what this is? One of many invaders. Natalia clenches her blades and teeth. Her choice is clear.

The moment the strange elf gets close enough for her to full attack, even if it means using her anklet, Natalia screams,   "NO!"   at the top of her lungs, praying that the shout will call attention to her from friend and foe alike. That the shadow elves fighting the dwarves will attack her, her who is healthy and can evade them for a little while, just long enough for her friends to arrive. And as Natalia screams, she attacks, plunging her shortsword and dagger into the invader again and again, even as she turns visible and the shadow elf can see the small screaming girl attacking her.

And as the elf turns to her, Natalia sees her blood-red eyes and asks,  "Shadow elf? What are you?" 
 
 Spoiler 
If I'm on pre-initiative then the drow is flat footed and they're all sneak attacks! Also, a knowledge check to see if Natalia knows what these things are, which I doubt.

Knowledge (Local):  (d20+5)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 
 
Admiral
Two of Natalia's swings strike the drow severely, though one bounces off of her armor. The drow staggers back in surprise as Natalia appears out of midair.

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia gets a turn again.
 
CoffeeIncluded
A drow. A shadow elf, a dark elf. Killing the dwarves here. Did they live near Deldon?

 "Who? Why?!"  Natalia asks as she swings at the drow again, attacking with two blades in fearful symmetry.

 
 Spoiler 
sorry about the delay.

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 4 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Come to think of it, it doesn't come close to mattering what the result of the crit damage is. Drow's toast with the first swing.
 


Natalia swings again, and the elf, caught by surprise off balance, never even has the chance to react. With a shudder she collapses to the ground, bloodied blades clattering to her sides.

Natalia breathes a sigh of relief- until something springs from the rock wall beside her and launches at her face with a hiss.

 
 Spoiler 

Meet her animal companion, the medium viper, who has been slithering along the wall alongside her.

Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d4-1)[ 3 ] 

If it hits, roll Fort DC 11 save for poison.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia twists to the side, and the viper strikes empty air next to her.

 
 Spoiler 
Since the rules say I can wait to see the results of my first attack before full attacking further and the drow was finished with the first swing, can I have the second attack hit the viper?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels a pang of guilt as she attacks the snake, but she has to finish it. There's no time left, she needs to help the other dwarves!

 
 Spoiler 
posting all three attacks, if the first finishes it then Im probably going to run.

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ] 


Attack:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 


Attack:  (d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 As he finally hears the word, Kurt's face transforms into a picture of surprise; eyes wide and mouth in the shape of an 'O'. Then he frowns, grabbing the dwarf and looking intensely into his eyes for a moment, searching for a lie, a mistake, anything other than certainty at what he heard.

 "No...it doesn't make sense...those are just stories."  He looks ahead, gripping Daybreaker more tightly, before glancing back at the others, doubt and uncertainty in his own eyes.  "Not samurai or dwarf who did this."  He becomes firm in his decision and starts running ahead as well as he can on the uneven terrain, adding his voice to the cacophony as he does, shouting first in Common, then in dwarven.  "Drow! The Drow attack!"  
 

Mithril waited until everyone had moved past the injured dwarf.   "Go warn the fortress, we will hold them off."   As soon as the dwarf was away, she started weaving her spell.  The tunnel between her and the greater fortress now was covered in a layer of spiderweb, which though it would not stop anyone intent on harm would slow them down, on foot or on ceiling.

 
 Spoiler 
knowledge local (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia's first strike nearly chops the snake in half, and her second is enough to put it down for good. She turns and starts running.

 
 Spoiler 

Wait- but which way is she running? To the party or the sounds of battle?

Shame Whiskers didn't get a chance: the weasel-snake fight could have been fun! Hard to say whether the snake would have continued attacking the woman who killed its master or get tempted by the rodentious treat. (Everyone knows celestial weasels are low in carbs).
 


--------

The dwarf's throat heals up partially in response to Rhenner's touch, enough to let him speak clearly. As Kurt shouts and starts running, he explains his situation in a breathless hurry, neglecting to thank the cleric for his healing.

  Crew of maybe eight drow up ahead- knife came out of nowhere-- we'd have all been goners if one of the Iron Guard hadn't been passing through. He told me to run raise the alarm-- spell caught me on the way out."  He grabs Rhenner by the shoulders, with a panicked gleam in his eyes.  "Listen: we guard the  storeroom.  It's  all  in there." 

When Mithril tells him to warn the rest of the fortress, he nods and continues down the tunnel, and she seals it behind him with a web.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs as fast as she can towards the sounds of battle, and as she runs and gets closer, once the battle is almost in view, she splays her hands to her chest and says,  "Swift movement, quick twist, sharp current,"  and feels her magic run dry as the second Cat's Grace takes hold of her body.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia casts Cat's Grace just before she can see the battle. Was she able to drink a protection from evil potion before fighting the previous drow?

Also, holy **** I was right about poisoning the food supplies! 😦

That means they're working together.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Can't do it "right before you see the battle." You can plan to take a step back once you see the battle.
 


As Natalia starts running towards where the sounds had come from, she realized that since her brief battle with the viper she hadn't heard the hoarse shouting of the dwarf ahead. Indeed, all the sounds of battle appear to be gone. It's hard to tell how far she is from where the combat was.

 
 Spoiler 

Hide+Move Silently+Spot+Listen, please.

Then a Reflex save.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia drops her hand from her chest mid-incantation, lets the light purple flow of magic recede and flow back into her mind. Gripping her blades white-knuckled tight, she looks around, her whole body tense and taut as a stretched wire.

 
 Spoiler 
I meant once her 60 feet darkvision sees the fight she casts the spell. Readied action or whatever it's called? But okay.

Spot:  (d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Listen: TAKE 10 FOR 21.
Hide:  (d20+13)[ 31 ] 
Move Silently:  (d20+18)[ 35 ] 
Reflex save (crosses fingers):  (d20+11)[ 16 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Nice Natural 20. Only Spot check that would have caught it, and the Reflex wouldn't have made it.
 


Natalia rushes forward through the tunnel, ready at any moment to come across a gang of fearsome drow- but the danger she spots instead is not the one she was expecting.

Something in the corner of her eye catches her attention, and only her recent training from the Institute makes her decide in the split second to stop. Teetering on her feet, she looks down, and sees a couple of small black shapes floating in the air near the side of the tunnel. As she studies it, she realizes they are bells- specially crafted to be easy to miss- and as she crouches down she sees they are attached to an almost impossibly thin strand that crosses the path at knee length.

Though the materials are different than those she's seen or used, she recognizes the design immediately from the first chapter of her textbook- a simple alarm trap.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia has the choice to Disable Device it, which may fail (you don't know the DC) or to step over it. As far as she can tell there is no risk of bypassing it (it's just a thread), except for the next people to come along.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia whirlwinds her arms in the air to regain her balance, then briefly looks over the trap. Disable it, or leave it for her friends? This trap doesn't appear to be connected to anything, but was it just set up? And if she leaves it, can she leave a warning for her friends?

Natalia also takes a look around, to see if there's any drow perched on the tunnel ceiling waiting to strike. Or anything of that nature.

 
 Spoiler 
A few questions:
1. Natalia can't see or hear anything else, right? Not even up ahead?

2. This area isn't magically silenced, right?

3. Does this trap look recently constructed? Was it set up by the drow? Can she tell?

4. Is there anything Natalia can do to make the spot check easier for her friends to make?

5. What's the area around this like?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at the trap and licks her lips. It's skillfully done, if constructed hastily, and almost certainly set up by the drow. But why? They're probably plotting an ambush here. Or there could be some here, but more up ahead, hidden by another silence spell. She can't announce her presence, and she doesn't want to risk failing to disable the trap, only to be jumped by multiple drow while she's bent over and vulnerable. And while her friends are together and able to overpower the drow by sheer force, she's by herself. But she can't wait to catch up, every moment more dwarves could die. So she needs to alert them to the trap's presence. But how? The link between Whiskers and Mithril probably isn't that precise.

Natalia brushes her bangs from her eyes and then pauses. She has an idea. She pulls the blue ribbon tying back her hair out of its bow and holds it in her hand. Her black hair cascades down her shoulders and finally stops, a mostly tangled mess, somewhere around the small of her back. She brushes it out a few times with her fingers until it's not quite so unruly, then carefully drapes the blue ribbon where her friends could see it. They'll know she was here, and that she set it deliberately.

She steps over the trap and continues onward.
Admiral
Natalia races onward, desperate to reach the storeroom and save the supplies if she still can. And by the time she feels the next tripwire catch her shin and hears the familiar click of a crossbow trap, she has only a split second to dodge it.

 
 Spoiler 

Her AC has +2 from Trap Sense (+1 from rogue level 3, +1 from Trapsmith level 1). But she hasn't gulped Cat's Grace yet.

The attack bonus is 1/2 of the Craft (Trapmaking) check:  (1d20+14)[ 34 ] 
Add that to the attack roll:  (1d20)[ 3 ] 

If this arrow hits, DC 13 Fortitude save.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's mind freezes as she feels the wire press against her leg, and she instinctively drops into a crouch, covering her head. She's incredibly lucky--the crossbow bolt skims just above her head and plinks into the wall harmlessly.

 
 Spoiler 
Actually, Natalia only has +1 trap sense, from Trapsmith. She traded out her rogue trap sense for the penetrating strike ACF, which gives her half sneak attack damage against pretty much everything that is normally immune to critical hits and sneak attacks.

But in either case, Natalia's AC is 23, 24 with trap sense, and the attack roll was 20 so she's golden!

And it was coated with knockout poison, wasn't it.
 


She picks up the bolt and looks at the liquid on the tip. It's probably poison, but what kind?

 
 Spoiler 
Can she identify it? Can she use it?
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
She sure was lucky the natural 20 was on the one that was halved. That was indeed drow knockout poison: if she'd failed the Fortitude save, there would have been a nasty surprise waiting for the rest of the party.
 


The crossbow bolt soars right by her ear, but she is just barely able to dodge it. Still, even as the bolt zips by, she hears the crashing sound of metal colliding to her right. She guesses that the crossbow had been rigged with bells or ball bearings that would fall when it was activated. The sound is not particularly loud, yet in the dead quiet of the tunnel the echoes could hardly seem more cacophonous.

 
 Spoiler 
Given the noises, does she still want to pick up and look at the arrow?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's heart seems to stop, only starting again once the cacophony does to an echo. With a sigh, she places a hand to her chest and casts the Cat's grace spell. No point on hiding after that. Flipping her blades, she looks around nervously. Should she say she's here? Maybe help draw them out? She continues along the path, ready and always on her guard.

 
 Spoiler 
tjat surprise would have been a butchered Natalia, wouldn't it. Though whiskers would have alerted them!
Anyway, trying to decide whether or not I to say I'm here. Does the tunnel look like it's opening into a room?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia's heart seems to stop, only starting again once the cacophony does to an echo. With a sigh, she places a hand to her chest and casts the Cat's grace spell. No point on hiding after that. Flipping her blades, she looks around nervously. Should she say she's here? Maybe help draw them out? She continues along the path, ready and always on her guard.

 
 Spoiler 
tjat surprise would have been a butchered Natalia, wouldn't it. Though whiskers would have alerted them!
Anyway, trying to decide whether or not I to say I'm here. Does the tunnel look like it's opening into a room?
 
 
 

EDIT: Natalia still has trouble dealing with dark vision, the lack of colors and the strange way her synesthesia interacts with it. But somehow, somehow she's managed to slip back into the shadows even as the echoes die away. How many drow are coming? Will they still see her? She doesn't want to died, especially not now!

 when I said "always with the 13" it's because I've rolled that number on my spot check so many times this sequence. It's honestly becoming a running gag at this point.  
Admiral
Natalia approaches a turn in the tunnel, and peeks around it quickly. The tunnel continues ahead farther than her magical darkvision can reach, but she can see it start to widen out and open up.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs forward, suppressing the urge to pant, preparing herself for whatever might come next and praying her spell will hold out long enough.
Cavelcade
Kurt grimaces before he can set his face determinedly; 8 drow! He'd never though that he'd fight one, and now he'll be facing 8, with no armour other than the glimmering forcefield Shiny had produced around him.

 "NATALIA! WAIT FOR US!"  He doesn't trust her to know what's she's up against, these boogeymen of dwarven legends might kill her before she even realised the threat.
Admiral
As Natalia runs forward into the darkness ahead, a pair of arrows fly at her from the darkness.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]   (1d8+3)[ 5 ]   (1d8+3)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]   (1d8+3)[ 7 ]   (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 

If either hits, DC 13 Fortitude save.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Without breaking stride, Natalia tucks into a forward roll and smoothly springs to her feet. Even if the spell helps her, it's still impressive and mostly her own power. She looks around, heart pounding, ready to attack. Natalia only hopes that Whiskers can recognize her feelings and let Mithril know, the fear, the fright as she realizes just what she's gotten herself into, and the aggression as she prepares to attack.
Admiral
Natalia's all-out rush into the darkness manages to confound whoever is shooting, as the arrows go wide.

As she runs forward, a part of the storeroom comes into view- a couple of iron shelves, mostly empty but some stacked with crates and barrels. Near the center of the room is a giant crate, which a dark elf is using for cover as he holds an enormous, black longbow. He seems to have been stationed there ready for her. Beyond him is only darkness.

On the floor just a bit closer to her lies a burly dwarf, clearly dead. Though he wears only simple chain armor and no axe or shield, he looks familiar- one of the Iron Guard who had helped her get the carts into Deldon, and drank with her afterwards. She spots a few other corpses lying around, but to her pleasure she notes that at least a few aren't dwarves but have the build of elves.

She has barely any time to process the scene before the archer she can see shouts out a few quick words behind him in Undercommon.

 
 Spoiler 

She's currently fifty feet away from the dark elf.

If she wants to keep fighting here we can wait on a map.
 


-------------

Kurt leads the way into the tunnels, bellowing warnings ahead of him, with Mithril, Shiny, and Rhenner following close behind.  Mithril  Kurt is the first to spot a face-down female corpse on the ground ahead of them, two blades dropped at her sides.

 
 Spoiler 

FWIW, Natalia heard his warnings at some point along the journey, though I won't peg the time specifically for the sake of keeping the timelines separate.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nearly freezes as she sees the scene around her. Not two. Not two. A lot more than two. Her heart aches as she sees the dwarves celebrating yeatersay, now dead. And she couldn't do anything. And if there's more than this one drow left--which she doubts, given his shouts, then she might be completely ****ed. Unles...unless maybe they're weak enough for her to finish. Or she can distract him. Because she was right, they're about to tamper with the food, and she can't let that happen.

 
 Spoiler 
how many other live drow can Natalia see or hear? Howdy dead dwarves and dead drow can she see? Do any of the live drow look wounded? Is there a clear path? And he can see me, right?

Actually, could I please have a map so I can see all these things and decide.

Also, everyone else is gonna have a heart attack until they get a closer look!
 
Admiral
As Natalia pauses for a moment, she feels a strange scrambling inside her mithral shirt. The white weasel drops out from the pocket she'd been keeping him in, and as soon as he hits the ground he skitters frantically towards the door.
CoffeeIncluded
Whiskers?! Ah crap, now she really is on her own. Did he sense anything behind the drow, beyond her vision, that really spooked her? Have they shrouded this whole place in silence?

EDIT: as Natalia states at the drow lining another arrow at her, she quirks the corner of her lip. She has an idea.
CWater
When they pass the corpse, Rhenner stops for a moment to confirm that the drow is truly dead.  "Seems like your rogue knows how to use her blades. But this likely means she is not invisible anymore.." 

So the attackers really were drow. Not that he had exactly doubted the dwarf's words but while the cleric had heard the dwarves occasionally mention their old enemies, they had also thought there were any particular conflict with them at this time.  "Why now..." , he mutters and hurries after the others.
Athedia
Mithril paused at the body, a wave of nausea passing over her.  Orcs, ogres and giants were one thing.  She could focus on their otherness, the strangeness of them.  This dead drow looked like a human, a slight, dark human with pointed ears but far closer than the orcs she had fought.  She knew she was a hypocrite, but could not stop her thoughts.
Cavelcade
Kurt passes by without pausing to give the body more than a cursory glance - seeing a Drow, dead, was a thing he'd never done before, but that meant Natalia was visible and vulnerable. There's no time to waste.
Admiral
Kurt leads the party in a hurry onwards.

 
 Spoiler 
I'll roll the Spot checks for Natalia's hair ribbon on the alarm trap. DC 15 because while they're focused on their surroundings, they're in a hurry, and the light is bad.

Shiny:  (1d20-2)[ 7 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 


Rhenner easily spots the blue ribbon hanging from the wire, and as soon as he points it out it's easy to recognize the trap.

 
 Spoiler 
Up to Kurt, the de facto leader of this minigang 😉
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gulps as she looks around the room. There's at least one drow she can't see, probably more. And while she's sure she can evade them for a while, she doesn't know how far behind her friends are, and she knows she can't evade them forever. And...and all the dwarves are dead. There's nobody else to protect. But there's food to keep pure. She can't leave them here to do whatever they want. Unless she can make them follow her. But how? What would enrage her so much she would chase after someone?

She doesn't have to ask. She already knows. And she already hates herself for what she's about to say.

 "Hey, shadow elves!"  Natalia says in slightly rusty Elven, making a wild guess that they know the language.  "Nice traps, who set?"  She grins, slowly edging for the door.  "But not shadowed enough for me! I saw better, I sneak better! Ask snake girl, but...she dead!"  And now Natalia breaks into a run, heading back the tunnel the way she came. And as she runs she shouts, high pitched and wild and almost laughing from the stress,  "Can't catch me, can't kill me!" 

Natalia only slows down for the briefest of moments as she rounds the corner, listening if they're following her.

 
 Spoiler 
Sorry about the delay; I was tutoring freshmen in general chemistry.

Please don't be offline, please don't make me have missed you because of this.
 
Admiral
Natalia moves back down the tunnel and rounds the corner, yelling taunts over her shoulder as she goes.

 
 Spoiler 
Incidentally, I set up the map incorrectly: Natalia moved down from the corner in a double move, so it is necessarily possible she could move back that way as well. I adjusted the tunnel at the top to make that possible (so Natalia didn't move at all).

Listen check, please.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's heart is pounding and she actually glances back over her shoulder through the tangle of hair a couple of times as she taunts the drow. As she runs she draws her longbow, but doesn't stop moving.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen: Take 10 for 21. It shouldn't be too hard to make out people chasing her.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt sees the wire attached to the bell, scratching his beard for a moment - then shrugs and just hops over it.  "Natalia!"  He keeps running, sprinting after her as best he can, almost bouncing off the walls as he rounds the corners, panting a little.
Athedia
Mithril followed in Kurt's steps, carefully stepping over the trap.  Though Kurt's yelling would alert the drow anyway.  She cast a protection on herself, covering herself in the same armor that covered Kurt.
Admiral
Shiny and Rhenner hop over the wire as well, and continue rushing forward, hoping to reach Natalia before she got in trouble.

---------

Natalia keeps running away from the drow, and her spirits rise as she hears behind her the sound of pursuit. But her satisfaction turns to confusion- the footsteps chasing her don't sound like the nimble steps of the drow she fought earlier, and above them she hears the odd sound of panting.

Finally when she sneaks a glance over her shoulder, to her horror she sees not one or more drow, but a massive wolf nine feet long, chasing after her with powerful strides. It mostly resembles the wolves she had fought in Hulburg, but his eyes seem to glow like hot coals. And at the pace he's moving, he seems likely to soon overtake her.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes go wide with horror and she nearly trips over her own two feet. Oh no, a dire wolf, a wolf just like the ones in Hulburg that almost freaking  ate  her! And she doesn't think she can run away in time.

Is this even a real wolf? Not even dire wolves have glowing red eyes.

 
 Spoiler 
Is this a dire wolf? Or something else--a summon?

How far away is he? Where are the two of us?

Can I shoot my bow while running? Is he running like the status effect where he's denied a dex bonus to AC? Is there a knowledge check that will let me know what this is?

Crap, I wasn't expecting this. Hm, maybe I could throw my last tanglefoot bag.
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia runs, now in sheer terror (the wolf kind of reminds her of Whiskers, but the opposite. From hell), a desperate thought crosses her mind. As she runs, she pulls her last tanglefoot bag into her hands, soft and squishy between her fingers. And when the wolf gets within twenty feet of her, unless she can see or hear her friends coming by then, Natalia lobs the bag at the wolf and runs for it. But if Natalia hears or sees her friends coming, she just runs faster.

 
 Spoiler 
Ranged touch attack:  (d20+9)[ 10 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia rushes forward as she hears the voices of her companions, using her anklet to augment her motion and stay out of the animal's reach. The wolf, unable to charge on the rough terrain, runs up to her and readies himself to strike, but she is able to withdraw without letting him get a bite.

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia was able to Withdraw as a full round action, which brings her 60 ft away again and just out of attacking reach (she could have tumbled, but that would have been a bit slower).

Natalia's Cat's Grace just ran out.
 


Finally she breathes a sigh of relief as she sees the lights of the torches held by the party as they run towards her, getting slowly brighter.

 
 Spoiler 

The party is now 60 feet from Natalia (and know full well from her shouts that they are), and the dire puppy just ran up.

Time for some initiative. Since Natalia just went and then the wolf, I'm restricting it so that the wolf won't go before Natalia (if his roll is higher he gets bumped down under hers). Also, remember, no charging on this terrain.

Natalia:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Wolf:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The wolf lunges to bite, but at that moment Natalia uses her anklet and its jaws snap shut around empty air.

Panting, Natalia feels relief surge through her as she hears and sees her friends. Frantically, she waves her hands and shouts,  "Dire wolf chasing me! Drow in food storeroom, two, three or more! All dwarves dead! Magic gone, but fine!" 

And then she turns to the wolf, and though she's scared the fear is lessened now that she's not alone.

 
 Spoiler 
The wolf's not flatfooted, is he? Am I right next to him while everyone else is 60 feet away?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Gritting her teeth, fighting the urge to flee, Natalia flings out her blades and stabs the wolf and again. Her friends are there. They're right there, they'll come right over and help her and she won't be run down and slaughtered. Because they're right here.

Besides, if she flees now he'll catch up to her and get a free attack. At least now she can stay and fight.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (d6+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  Crit:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:   (d20+8)[ 10 ]   7, I forgot to edit this before posting, but I'm pretty sure it misses either way.
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  Crit:  (d6+5)[ 10 ] 
 
Cavelcade
More of them in the storeroom and they're blocked out here. Kurt doesn't break stride even at the side of the dire wolf racing up the tunnel, filling it behind Natalia - he keeps barrelling forward until he stands beside her.
Athedia
Mithril felt Whiskers scrabble up her leg in the dark.  "It's a summon!  They have casters with them!"   Halted grabbing the rod off her belt.  A spell flew off her fingertips to race toward the belt.  It had been a while since she had felt the familiar fight of cold and warm from her magical items, but the feeling was comforting, something she knew.

 
 Spoiler 
MM toward FDW w/ empower rod
4 missiles
 (4d4+4)[ 12 ] *1.5=18
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Silence mages still alive? Sent giant shadow wolf?"  She thought the wolf was like the viper that attacked her, an animal companion. But this, if they're anything like Mithril or Shiny this could be so much worse.

 "Saw archer too, shoot down tunnel! And...think more than steel on arrows." 
 
 Spoiler 
would Natalia have seen the poison at any time?
 
CWater
 "Dweller on the Horizon, grant this brave warrior protection against these forces of evil."  Rhenner hastily chants after seeing the creature and recognising it for a denizen of the lower planes. He places his hand quickly on Kurts shoulder and some small additional light slips to the dark tunnel from the clerics spell.
 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner casts Protection from Evil on Kurt.

I hope he do this with Kurt moving full-speed and him only taking a regular move action? He would be some feet behind him after the round of course.
 
Admiral
Mithril casts her spell against the fiendish monster as Shiny runs up behind Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril's CL check:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
 


Mithril's magical bolts succeed in wounding the creature.

The beast snarls and snaps out at Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 30 ]  Crit:  (1d20+13)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+12)[ 20 ]  Crit:  (1d8+12)[ 15 ] 

If successful, Trip attempt:  (1d20+13)[ 15 ]  (opposed by Natalia's Dex check)
 
CoffeeIncluded
The wolf tears into Natalia's leg, and she screams as it drags her to the ground.

 
 Spoiler 
Opposed dex check:  (d20+3)[ 13 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "H-Help!"  Natalia gasps in pain as she lashes out at the wolf, desperately stabbing it from below.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus vampiric touch:  (2d6)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+1)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus vampiric touch if the previous missed:  (2d6)[ 8 ] 
If this attack crit, I rolled 11 for crit confirm damage, so 27 damage total.
 
Admiral
Natalia's blade slashes powerfully into the creature's belly, wounding it deeply.

 
 Spoiler 
It is bloodied.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods his thanks to Rhennar without taking his eyes off the dangerous beast. Cursing as he sees it take Natalia down, he lashes out with Daybreaker, aiming two powerful strikes at the beast.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack -2/+4

Attack 1:
 (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
 (1d20+10)[ 16 ] 
 (4d6+11)[ 29 ] 
 (2d6+11)[ 14 ] 


Attack 2:
 (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
 (4d6+11)[ 25 ] 
 (2d6+11)[ 17 ] 
 
Admiral
Daybreaker glows as Kurt swings it in a perfect arc, taking the creature's head off in a single sweep. The beast vanishes before their eyes.

Shiny looks to Natalia.  "Are we close?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, stumbling to her feet. The bleeding's mostly stopped, but it still hurts.  "About thirty seconds. turn, then room. Drow archer behind boxes, waiting. More in darkness, not sure number. All dwarves dead, some drow too. Think they tamper food!" 
 
 Spoiler 
If Natalia couldn't have seen the poison on any of the arrows that missed her, tell me.
 


She looks like she's about to break off into a run, despite the injury to her leg.
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
Assuming we're out of initiative.
 

 "Well then let's go!"  Again Kurt moves on, seeming careless of his own vulnerability.
Athedia
 "Careful! They are probably waiting for us."   Mithril hung back a little, making sure to stay out of danger.
Admiral
Just before Kurt starts running, Shiny claps his hand on the dwarf's back. Moments later his outline becomes fuzzy and difficult to see. Then he starts running with him.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast Blur on Kurt. Thought this is a good time for a 7-minute buff.
 


As they head down the tunnel, Shiny whispers to Natalia  "Tell us when we're close." 
 
 Spoiler 
Anyone have buffs or spells they want to use before you start running? You know according to Natalia that you're about 30 seconds from them, but don't know whether you'll make it there before running into enemies.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stays next to Kurt, limping a little though she tries to hide it.

 "We...have to stop archer,"  she says.  "He shoots as we charge, then...others behind him. Said words, but couldn't understand."  She looks at Mithril and Shiny.  "Do you...have language spells?" 

EDIT: Natalia looks at Shiny and asks,  "My magic empty. You...have any left for me? Please?" 

When they approach the turn, she says,  "Just down here." 
CWater
Before they started moving again:

 "Wait a second, sneaky rogue" , Rhenner says and pokes Natalia's shoulder. A small charge of healing energy flows into her and heals the worst of the her leg wound.  "Better to run when your feet are not leaking." 
 
 Spoiler 
Remove Fear into CLW:  (1d8+5)[ 11 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's leg wound is reduced to a small scratch, and she smiles at Rhenner.  "Thanks." 
Athedia
Mithril reached into her pouch were Whiskers was hiding.   "Come out here.  I need your collar."   As he climbed onto his usual perch on her shoulder she touched the small collar around his neck.   "This may hurt your eyes for a second.  &lt;D&gt;SUN&lt;/&gt;!"   As soon as the word left her mouth the collar light up.  The tunnel suddenly seemed as though there was a window somewhere letting the daylight flood the area.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Daylight on Whiskers collar
 
CWater
Rhenner blinks his sensitive eyes a few times, trying to adjust to the sudden brightness.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia squints at the sudden brightness, closes her eyes and rubs them tight. Even when she opens them she sways for a moment, so strange is the sudden light and color overlaid with darkvision.

But as they start running, Natalia pauses and asks,  "Wounded dwarf, did you see? Save?" 
Athedia
Mithril bumped against Natalia as she stopped and gave her a small push forward.   "He is alive. Will have to quit choir." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs in relief and begins running forward again.  "I gave potion, but he...didn't see. Scared, lashed out."  She grins for a second.  "Need to show seeing visible. Then understand."  At least they managed to save one.

As they approach, Natalia's expression becomes pained.  "Mithril, everyone, I...I wanted drow chase here. And so...taunted. I taunted about dead friend, about girl I...killed."  It's clear this isn't sitting easy with her.  "I thought what makes me chase, makes us chase, and...used that...I..." 

The guilt makes her break off partway through.
Athedia
Mithril didn't look at Natalia, just kept running. She cast a look at Kurt as she ran, but tucked her head down, just staring at the ground as it passed under her feet.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nearly stumbles, unnerved by Mithril's response--or the lack thereof. She casts a look to Mithril and Kurt, to Shiny and Rhenner.

 "I, I thought..."  she starts, trying to explain herself. She starts to plead,  "Needed fast chase, please, you..."

 You must all think I'm becoming a monster, don't you. I'm not! I'm not, I was panicked and desperate and scared and...

And am I becoming a monster?  
Admiral
The five travelers approach a corner, and Natalia lets them know they're almost to the storeroom. Shiny casts a spell of  haste , and the five members of the party suddenly feel faster and more effective.

 
 Spoiler 

Any spells or other preparations people want to make? The map is updated with the position of the five of you. All other information on the map around the corner (especially the position of drow) is meaningless- it's just what Natalia last saw before she left.
 
CoffeeIncluded
After a moment's pause, Natalia chugs a Protection from Evil potion, and hands her remaining three to Shiny, Mithril, and Rhenner. And then, she passes two scrolls to the half-elf as well, saying,  "Found holy magic. I think you use best here. But...To borrow, not keep. Promise?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia drinks a protection from evil and passes her remaining three potions to Shiny, Mithril, and Rhenner, if you guys want to take them. +2 to AC AND saves for 10 rounds is nice, especially with poisoned arrows! If not, just give them back. Kurt already has the spell cast by Rhenner.

Also, Natalia lent Rhenner the two divine scrolls with another Protection from Evil, Displacement, Cure Serious(?) Wounds, Neutralize Poison, and Restoration. I think the Neutralize Potion will be most useful here.

My AC is 26 right now. Touch AC is 20, flatfooted is 23. Not bad!

Did Shiny blur Natalia before the Haste? Is Natalia's See Invisibility still active?
 
CWater
Rhenner accepts the scrolls with a nod.  "I'll only use them should the need arise." 

He also takes the potion, when Natalia offers it. His morning star emits a small glow, when he changes its enhancement into protective.

 
 Spoiler 
I'll assume Natalia also mentioned what each of the scrolls have.

Using the weapon's defending ability, so the +1 is now to his AC, which is now... 20 if I calculated correctly. 22 against attacks from evil creatures.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says. It hurts, looking into Rhenner's face as he fights by their side. It reminds her too much of Miriam. But she can't let him down.  "Think arrow shield only works on self. Tried shielding Mithril, didn't work. And...saw drow with arrows." 

EDIT: After a few more moments digging through her bag, Natalia passes one of her last defensive potions--the bark skin potion--to Kurt.

EDIT: Natalia also hands the scroll of displacement to Shiny, along with the protection from evil potion.
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia passes the protection from evil potions to Shiny (along with the displacement scroll), Rhenner, and Mithril, and passes the barkskin potion to Kurt if he wants it, she asks Shiny,  "Casting now, or later?"  But more importantly, if she has time, Natalia takes the shocking grasp wand and tries to quickly expend a charge to electrify her spellstoring dagger.

 
 Spoiler 
If I have time to do UMD once before charging I'm doing it. I doubt I have time to do it twice. Attempting to put Shocking Grasp from the wand into the dagger.

UMD:  (d20+9)[ 10 ] 

I'm wondering if I should start linking sound effects every time I roll a 1? 😛
 
Admiral
The five members of the party run forward; Kurt and Natalia leading the way. As Kurt runs down the tunnel, an arrow flies out of the darkness ahead.

 
 Spoiler 

Readied action.

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]   (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]   (1d8+4)[ 11 ]   (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 
DC 13 Fortitude save if hits (when including Kurt's +2 vs poison that's anything but nat 1).
 


As Natalia follows, an arrow flies towards her as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]   (1d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 5 ]   (1d8+3)[ 5 ]   (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
Same deal.
 


Both arrows miss as the warriors advance.
Admiral
The five members of the party run forward; Kurt and Natalia dodging arrows to lead the way, followed by Mithril, then Shiny, then Rhenner.

They can now see three drow behind the crates: two have bows drawn and ready, and a third ducks below the crate as he waits. They can also see that behind these crates opens another storeroom, that seems more densely packed: they can see only a short distance into it through the tangle of shelves.

 
 Spoiler 

We're rolling initiative now.

Natalia:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Drow:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 

The map is currently in the  middle  of everyone's actions. Everyone has taken a move action: now please specify what standard action you'll take (it sounds like Kurt was planning on total defense since there are two archers).

Important ruling: It can't depend on what people who ran in before you did. Shiny is likely to glitterdust the archers, but he ran in after everyone but Rhenner. The exception is if the initiative order doesn't allow that (if Shiny comes before the Drow comes before the others), in which case we'll fudge it as "they all ran to the middle, then they paused, then they moved).

Natalia and Rhenner get standard actions before the Drow. (And yes, Natalia is displaced).
 
CoffeeIncluded
Three drow. She was right, and there may be more further in back. How do the goods on the shelves look? Were they tampered with?

And the drow...two with bows. What about the third, ducking one. What's he wielding? Can she tell? More importantly, can she run forward and take cover at the same time?

 
 Spoiler 
Does H30 provide cover?

Of the three drow we see, which two have the bows and which one is the third drow taking cover. What's he wielding?

Also, are the drow blinded by Whisker's Daylight spell?
 
CoffeeIncluded
The light. Mithril's light spell is blinding the drow.  "Shadows hide from light!"  she says quickly, before thinking a moment and then making her decision. They're blinded. All three drow are blinded and so they can't see where her or her friends are. Well, time to confuse them a bit.

Her blades still drawn, Natalia runs to the other side of the box the third drow is hiding behind.

 
 Spoiler 
I was originally going to shoot my bow, but I realized I never explicitly said I drew it. And the drow are blinded right now and will continue to be blinded until their next turn. So I'm moving to J26. If I can take cover behind that, my AC is 30.

And maybe I'll make quite a bit of noise to draw attention away from the squishy casters.

Also, can I see what D3 is wielding now, and a bit further down the corridor?
 
Admiral
Natalia runs forward and braces herself against one of the crates,

Rhenner raises his blade and prepares himself to deflect any arrows or attacks.

One of the drow yells out a few words in their harsh language, then switches from his bow to his sword. He taps twice on his sword while muttering, and suddenly to the party's surprise the room plunges back into darkness. Kurt, Mithril and Natalia can still see into it, but Shiny and Rhenner are trapped in complete darkness.

 
 Spoiler 
Drow trivia: they can cast  darkness  once per day as a spell-like ability, and when darkness and daylight spells overlap the prevailing light conditions (no light) take over. The (nonmagical) darkness reaches up to just barely include Rhenner: rather than color the darkness differently I colored in the still bright areas lighter.

That was D2, by the way.
 


Once the darkness is in place, one of the drow calls out a few more words, and another elf steps out from behind the door. He reaches his arm towards the party and casts an incantation. Natalia jumps as a massive beast appears out of midair alongside her; an animal as large as the hound of hell that had chased her down the path, and with the same glowing red eyes. The beast swings his mighty claws at Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

Fiendish Ape

Claw 1:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d6+7)[ 9 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Claw 2:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d6+7)[ 12 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Bite:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 


Those who have ranks should make a Knowledge (Arcana) and/or Knowledge (Planes) check. Knowledge (Nature) would just reveal it looks like an ape, but there's more the others can reveal.
 


The giant ape's claw swings towards Natalia, seeming certain to connect with her, when at the last moment there is a flash of light. The ape's claw snaps back, driven by some magical force, and he howls in confusion. His other attempts never even come close.

 
 Spoiler 
Protection from Evil makes it impossible for summoned creatures to succeed in attacking her, but the ape didn't know that (and was going to keep attacking until one would have been successful: happened to be the first).
 
Admiral
Shiny casts a cantrip that summons a few dancing balls of light, which illuminate the ape, Natalia, and the drow.  Then he takes a few steps backwards away from the ongoing battle. 
 
 Spoiler 

Since the only two people without darkvision have low-light vision, everyone can see basically the whole battlefield one way or another.

ETA: Ack: forgot we had already taken half our action. Shiny doesn't move, just casts the spell.
 
Athedia
Mithril blinked at the change in light conditions and raised her hand.  A wave of nausea passed over her as the spell exited her mind.  Who-ever had invented it had some sort of twisted imagination she thought, but it was a useful spell.

 
 Spoiler 
Black Tentacles on the spots marked with bt on the map
 
Admiral
The tentacles grab hold of the four drow and the ape that lie within their reach.

 
 Spoiler 
Nice.

D1:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ] 

D2:  (1d20+11)[ 17 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] 

D3:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ] 

D4:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] 

Ape:  (1d20+14)[ 15 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ] 
 


Some of the drow fight mightily against the disgusting appendages wrapping around them, while the efforts of others seem pitiful, but eventually all of them find themselves tied up in their grasp.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen as the light goes out, then widen further as the ape's claws seem to reflect off of her, and then she realizes. It's the potion! It's the potion that she drank and everyone else drank and the spell that Rhenner cast on Kurt! That ape can't do anything against them. So, since he can't do a thing, especially not grappled, she might as well deal with the real threats. She steps around the box to see the drow grappled in the tentacles, says,  "Sorry taunted about snake girl. But...have to stop you,"  and, quick as lightning, stabs.

 
 Spoiler 
5 foot step, attack D3. The fiendish ape can't do anything against us for at least 9 rounds because we all took Protection from Evil. So, what's D3 wielding? 😛

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 14 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 10 ] 

Attack:  (d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 12 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia steps up to the drow caught in the tentacles, and slices him with three expert slashes. The tentacles continue to squeeze blood out of his body even as he goes limp.

 
 Spoiler 
He wasn't holding anything, he was a caster. Lucky you guys he was blind then grappled.
 
CWater
Rhenner stares at the black... things that wouldn't look natural even on an actual giant octopus.  "Of all the spells mages can cast.." , he mutters as he sprints towards the fiendish summon, his movement hasten by the spell. But he doesn't attack the ape when he reaches it, instead he stands right next to it, behind the crate from the drows point of view, and starts to...pray. Although far too hastily for it to sound properly solemn as prayers should.

 "Wise Fharlanghn, grant your favour on us poor mortals who have come far to protect this place and it's people. And show disfavour upon those that stand against us, if you would be so gracious." 
 
 Spoiler 
Yeah, he moved to J26 and casts Prayer, I think at least most of the creatures present are in the spells radius, if not all.
 
Admiral
The drow and the summoned beast struggle to escape the grotesque tentacles holding them in place.

 
 Spoiler 
D1:  (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 

D2:  (1d20+11)[ 20 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] 

D4:  (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 23 ] 

Ape:  (1d20+14)[ 28 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 16 ] 
 


All except for the elf in the back of the tentacles, who had summoned the monster, manage to break free and step out of the range of the spell.
Admiral
Shiny raises his wand and points it towards the back of the web, casting a spell around the drow still trapped in it. Suddenly the sound of his struggle is snuffed out.

 
 Spoiler 

Casts  silence  at the area, not the drow itself. This way he doesn't get a save, and it's gonna be tough even once the drow escapes to cast a spell (the silence extends well into the back room, and he'd have to grapple his way a long way forward to get out of it).
 
Athedia
Mithril raised her wand.  Even though they had canceled each other out, Whiskers light had appeared to hurt them.  So more light could only help.  Twisting her hand as she cast the spell from the wand she finished the motion with finally drinking the potion Natalia had given her.

 
 Spoiler 
Dawn burst on marked squares
Saving Throw DC 15, half damage if passed
D1 (if drows are light sensitive):  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]  EDIT: I don't know if Prayer effects wands so I didn't add a +1 for it.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's heart nearly stops as the ape and drow closest to her break free of the tentacles, and the drow all the way to her left very nearly makes it. If that thing gets to Mithril or Shiny, they haven't drunk the potion yet! Stupid, stupid, she should have finished it. If something happens to Shiny, or gods forbid Mithril...

A bright light snaps Natalia out of it and as the drow before her staggers, blinded, she whips her head around at the source. Mithril is lowering her wand with one hand and drinking the potion with the other. She sighs in relief and says to all of them,  "I this side! Stay safe!"  then steps forward and stabs at the blinded drow, haste and worry driving her.

 
 Spoiler 
Prayer doesn't affect sneak attack, does it?
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d4+6)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 16 ] 
 
Admiral
The drow seems unaffected by Mithril's spell. Natalia runs forward and releases a series of quick slashes, and a pair manage to land deep wounds, but the warrior still stands.

 
 Spoiler 
Kurt+Rhenner's turn.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt moves silently forward, unaffected by the sight of the black tentacles, outwardly at least. He takes advantage of it however, moving to the opposite side to Natalia, attacking with Daybreaker, aiming for the trapped Drow.

 
 Spoiler 

Move to N28 and attack D2.
Power attack -3/+6

 (1d20+10)[ 15 ]  Attack
 (1d20+10)[ 13 ]  Crit

 (4d6+17)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (2d6+17)[ 26 ]  Crit
 
CWater
Noticing that there is nothing between the summon and the casters Rhenner runs back, positioning himself in between them and attacks the ape with his morningstar. He is not entirely sure if the creature can hurt them at the moment, put better not take any chances if he can help it.

 
 Spoiler 
He moves to K21 and also cancels the Defending effect on his weapon so the bonus moves back to attack.
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  (includes Haste and Prayer)
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 

Crit: (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  (includes Haste and Prayer)
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ] 

EDIT: Oh, and Dodge against the summon, total AC 22. It might not be able to hurt him, but hopefully it doesn't know that.
 
Athedia
The mass of tentacles tightened on their prey.

 
 Spoiler 
Black Tentacles

D2:
Grapple BT:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
Opposed:  (1d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 8 ] 

D4:
Grapple BT:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] 
Opposed:  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Ooops: I forgot that when Rhenner is passing by the ape, he does  not  take an AoO, because Rhenner hasn't attacked the ape yet and his protection is therefore still in action!
 


Kurt swings mightily at his entangled foe, but in the confusion of the tentacles he cannot swing at the drow's weakest points, and his sword bounces off the armor.

The ape swings at Rhenner as he passes by, but is deflected by the cleric's spell, and the cleric lands a strike with his morningstar.

Angered, the ape swings back at Rhenner.

 
 Spoiler 

Claw 1:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+7)[ 10 ] 

Claw 2:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d6+7)[ 8 ] 

Bite:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 8 ]  Crit:  (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
 


All of his attacks miss.

Two of the drow that remain trapped continue to struggle against their bonds.

 
 Spoiler 

D2:  (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ] 

D4:  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 27 ] 
 


The one adjacent to Kurt frees himself and steps out alongside the dwarf, while the one in the back continues to struggle.

The free elf raises his greatsword and slashes twice at Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

(Includes prayer)
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ]   (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 14 ]   (2d6+7)[ 15 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]   (1d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 14 ]   (2d6+7)[ 12 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


Both of the drow's swings miss.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as Kurt races past the ape to strike at the entangled drow, leaving Shiny and Mithril unprotected and unguarded by the potion. She's about to break away from her fight and rush back to defend them herself when Rhenner beats her to it, racing past the ape to club it over the knee. He lashes out and scratches the half-elf's armor, though thankfully little more. Natalia can't help but shudder at even that. The ape is...unnerving. It looks almost humanlike, like a twisted enlarged parody of a human. The closest she'd seen are the orcs--the ape with the glowing eyes looks like a monstrous, freakishly oversized hairy, clawed orc. But even an orc's intelligent, a person--they're fighting the Horde and not all orcs, Natalia tells herself again and again--but this summoned ape isn't like that. It's just brute force and magical malevolence, shaped into a crude resemblance of a man.

She's so engrossed that she barely notices the drow swing at her with his greatsword, but even then Natalia manages to dodge out of the way, her newly-freed hair whipping around her like a cape as she turns. She glances back balefully at her friends, at Mithril and Shiny. But Rhenner's got them. She'll have to believe in him. And so, with a shout, Natalia attacks the drow before her.

 
 Spoiler 
To be clear, Natalia's probably never seen an ape before in the flesh, and this isn't just any ape, it's a fiendish dire ape. She'd probably think a bit differently if it were a normal one.

Also, Haste says I make a third attack at my highest attack bonus. Is that before or after I factor in the -2 penalty from dual-wielding? I've been factoring in the penalty this whole time, but should I stop doing that?

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d4+6)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 7 ] 
 


Natalia breathes heavily as she stabs the drow before her three times, and her blades come away bloody. She looks at his sword, his rippling back muscles, and realizes that her upper body has firmed and bulked up as well. When did she get so strong?

Behind her, she sees Mithril finally drink the potion and relaxes slightly. There may be only one foe in her tentacle spell, but not for much longer. And Shiny's spell seems to bounce right off the drow when it was a direct hit. That would have left her clawing at her eyes--it  had,  in that fight against the slavers. What's with these drow?

She shifts and braces herself for his counterattack, locking her swords in a crossed position to possibly catch his greatsword as it swings down. Staring the drow in the eye once more, she asks in Elven,  "Why do this?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm kinda curious to see if he'll say anything, especially since I'm pretty sure Natalia's fighting the same drow she had the staredown with before.
 
Admiral
Natalia lands three more blows, and the drow she is fighting is wounded.

Shiny twists his hand and conjures a cloud of glittering dust above the elf fighting Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia shoulda given Shiny a chance to distract or blind D2! Next time. (The one fighting Kurt is only a little injured so he'll live longer anyway).

Will save DC 16:  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Shiny's CL check for SR:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 

Ah, spell resistance! Interesting to see a battle balancing the effect of the casters.
 


The dust settles over the drow, but he doesn't seem to lose his sight.
Athedia
Mithril finished drinking down the potion.  So her spell had not worked.  She would have to figure that out at some point.  Thinking that she braced herself for possible attack.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
D4:
Grapple BT:  (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
Opposed:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 
 


The tentacles tightened on their last remaining prey.  The others may have escaped, but they would not let go of this one.
CWater
Evading the ape's first attacks him, Rhenner counters with another strike with his morningstar. He knows he is not a particularly great fighter, but as long as the summon focuses on him, it won't attack anyone else. Sometimes the way to keep people alive is not to cure their wounds, but try to prevent them from even happening.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Crit dam:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 

Second from Haste:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Crit dam:  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt lashes out using his improved speed, cutting at the Drow with quick, vicious strikes.

 
 Spoiler 

Power Attack -2/+4

Attack 1:
 (1d20+11)[ 21 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 20 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 19 ]  Crit



Attack 2:
 (1d20+11)[ 17 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 31 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 31 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 17 ]  Crit



Attack 3:
 (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  Attack
 (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 21 ]  Crit
 
Admiral
Kurt's first swing manages to wound the drow in a weak point under his thick, pitch black armor, as does the last of his attacks. He can see that the elf is bloodied from his assault.

 
 Spoiler 
This is after the +1 from Prayer and the +1 from Haste have both been added to Kurt's attacks.
 


The drow, in turn, swings his greatsword at the dwarf in a pair of brutal arcs.

 
 Spoiler 

This includes Prayer, and the  blur  Shiny cast on Kurt.
Attack 1:  (1d20+10)[ 24 ]   (1d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Damage: [roll]2d6+13[roll]  (2d6+13)[ 17 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d5)[ 1 ] 

Ooh, good blurring. Guess we'll never know how much damage woulda gotten through.

Attack 2:  (1d20+5)[ 12 ]   (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Damage: [roll]2d6+13[roll]  (2d6+13)[ 19 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d5)[ 2 ] 
 


Confused by the illusion around Kurt, the drow misses his swings.
Admiral
The drow in the back of the tentacles keeps struggling to escape.

 
 Spoiler 

Black Tentacles really does a number on casters with low BAB and Str. Silence and Prayer are nice icing too.

D4:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ] 
 
Admiral
The drow fighting Natalia also takes his swings.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 15 ]   (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 18 ]   (2d6+7)[ 15 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]   (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+7)[ 15 ]   (2d6+7)[ 14 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 


The summoned ape claws angrily at Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

Meta-info: the summoned caster would normally have sent him caster-hunting by now. But he's a bit silenced at the moment, so the ape's just going at what's in front of him.

Claw 1:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+7)[ 11 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Claw 2:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d6+7)[ 13 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Bite:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny aims a quick spell at the elf fighting Natalia, hoping to make him more vulnerable to her strikes, then takes a few steps forward. He splays out his hand and casts a stream of colors over the summoned ape.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast Distract Assailant on drow fighting Natalia to try and make him flatfooted (and give him -2 to AC and attack due to Unsettling Enchantment, unless his SR holds up).

Will save:  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
CL check:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 

Blocked by SR; no unsettling or flatfootedness (he wasn't actually required to save against the effect since it didn't penetrate his SR).

He figures no sense drinking the protection potion, he'd rather try to help Rhenner take down the ape.

Ape Will save:  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
CL check:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 

Blocked by will save
 


Neither of his spells have the effect he was looking for.
CWater
Rhenner keeps evading the ape's attacks and counters again.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  Crit dam:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 

Second from Haste:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ]  Crit dam:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia keeps effortlessly dodging both drow and ape, somewhat surprised at the relative ease in evading his swings. Shiny's spell definitely helps too. Another rains down on the drow but has no effect. How? How are they shrugging odd these spells?

But though her luck is going to run out at some point, she shouts back,  "Help others! Help Kurt! Armor better blocker!"  and strikes.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d4+6)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 12 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Make quick!"  Natalia shouts as the first strike lands deep and she wrenches it upwards. If her first stroke fells the drow she steps over his body with a look of determination mixed with sadness, and runs around the tentacles, drawing her bow and only stopping once she gets in sneak attack range of the drow wizard. While she's out of the tentacles, of course.

 
 Spoiler 
crit damage!  (d6+6)[ 9 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt bats the Drow's second attack aside with the side of his own blade before coming back in to slice at the creature's exposed side, hoping to cut the fight short - the numbers don't add up for him!

 
 Spoiler 

3 Attacks on him, or else 1 and move to threaten the ape, if it kills him.

Power Attack -2/+4


Attack 1
 (1d20+12)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 31 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 21 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 20 ]  Crit


Attack 2
 (1d20+12)[ 29 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 22 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 17 ]  Crit


Attack 3
 (1d20+12)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 28 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 16 ]  Crit
 
Admiral
In a couple of deadly slashes, both Kurt and Natalia manage to finish off the drow they were fighting.

Mithril raises her wand and casts a burst of light at the drow at the back of the web, as the tentacles continue to squeeze.

 
 Spoiler 

CL check:  (1d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ] 

We haven't had luck with our SR rolls. Good thing black tentacles and silence don't offer them.

One question: is Mithril's wand really CL 5? I thought it was CL 2 or something like that.

Also:

Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 22 ] 
Drow:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 8 ] 
 


Shiny splays out his hand at the ape and again releases a series of colors.

 
 Spoiler 

Color spray:
CL check:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  This actually makes it; fiendishness doesn't grant that much SR
Will save:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
 


The ape freezes in place.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
ACK: I accidentally had Shiny go twice before the drow had their turn. This happened before the ape got stunned.
 


The ape tries again to attack Rhenner.

 
 Spoiler 

Claw 1:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+7)[ 13 ] 

Claw 2:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  Crit:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 11 ]  Crit:  (1d6+7)[ 12 ] 

Bite:
Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  Crit:  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 9 ]  Crit:  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 
 


The drow tries again to escape the tentacles.

 
 Spoiler 

D3:  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 22 ] 
 


Both fail poorly in their attempts.

 
 Spoiler 
NOW the ape gets stunned by Shiny.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hears the ape stop screeching and turns around in time to see Shiny stun the creature with an uppercut blast. Mindful of the limited time left in the spell, she shouts,  "I shoot ahead! Hurry!"  Drawing her bow and an arrow, Natalia races around the tentacles to shoot at the last, struggling drow in the tentacles. And what else does she see beyond him? There were eight, and now there's only two left. Where's the last?

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia goes to sneak attack range and fires her bow. And takes a look at whatever's beyond the drow Mage and tentacles. Yay dark vision!

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 2 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 10 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8+1)[ 5 ]   (d8+1)[ 2 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia's shot almost hits the drow wizard, but ends up bouncing off a nearby tentacle.

 
 Spoiler 
+4 cover.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt, having moved to engage the ape makes his attacks from behind suddenly, continuing his unrelenting assault against his enemies, Daybreaker moving in swift arcs.

 
 Spoiler 

Don't think it's possible to flank with Rhennar this turn, but if it is, then he does. Also, power attack -2/+4

Last turn he'd moved to the ape as specified in my last post.


Attack 1

 (1d20+12)[ 26 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 24 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 18 ]  Crit


Attack 2

 (1d20+12)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (1d20+12)[ 13 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 18 ]  Crit


Attack 3

 (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  Crit

 (4d6+11)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (2d6+11)[ 20 ]  Crit
 
Admiral
Kurt's second strike, combined with the wounds the cleric had inflicted , is able to fell the enormous beast, who vanishes in a flash of brimstone as he collapses.

 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner and Mithril have a turn. Impressively no one injured yet.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Since I always forget to roll them.
D4:
Grapple BT:  (1d20+15)[ 35 ] 
Opposed:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 

Any rewards for a critical grapple?
 


Struggle as the mage might the tentacles held fast.  They did pose a small problem as no-one could get through them without being attacked though.
Athedia
Mithril approached her spell, staying just outside the snapping tentacles range.  She stared down the last drow.  All six of the mage's companions were now dead, but this one was dangerous.    He was right, we mages are to powerful to take alive."    Turning to the others she spoke out.   "We don't have to bother with that one.  The tentacles should finish her." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head at Mithril's words, three arrows just drawn into her left hand. They can't...they can't just stop and wait now. Not with one left in the storehouse. They just can't.  "No, wrong numbers. Eight drow, but only stopped six. Stop seven with this mage, but still one left. One more drow...behind tentacles. No time waiting, not with food. Finish now, finish fast. Then...hurry after last. Dwarves died because didn't hurry! Can't lose food because waiting for tentacles! Mithril, please. Bow, spells, finish fast then drop spell so we...can run." 
 
 Spoiler 
Admiral, is it acceptable for Natalia to speak in this specific circumstance where a conversation was initiated by someone else?

And Athedia, just who said that?
 
Athedia
 "What, and waste arrows, spells?  Our spells barely work against these... drow.  Your arrows can't hit through the maze of tentacles." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "That was...bad shot. Running shot. Now still, can aim. Three arrows in seconds. One good shot all needed. Not when drow still. Then can aim vital."  She's shaking, but she sounds confident.  "Then chase, while speed spell lasts." 
Athedia
 "And if they hit?  Broken, wasted.  The spell will end it." 
CWater
 "I begin to see why you managed to get to Deldon, when so many others had failed. You fight fast and efficient. And I am glad no one is injured" , Rhenner says, mainly to Kurt and Shiny, since the girls are busy debating murderous plans.
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head, dissatisfied with the work so far.  "Natalia's right, there's another drow here I think. If the dwarf was right...Mithril, can you wait until we're all ready to go, then stop the spell? We can rush up and kill it, then we have to find the other one, if there is one." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods at Kurt's words.  "Or shoot! Or blind then drop!"  she says, lining up an arrow as she speaks, preparing to shoot. There's a warm curl of pride at Rhenner's words.

 
 Spoiler 
Is the drow mage in the tentacles bloodied?
 
Admiral
While the party talks, the drow mage continues to struggle.

 
 Spoiler 

Realistically, that conversation would take at least a round (nothing wrong with that) and also it would be unpredictable (that is, characters wouldn't get a flashing red warning of "if you do not take an action, the enemy may get to go again.")

Black Tentacles:  (1d20+15)[ 16 ] 
Drow:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps--she'd been so engrossed in the conversation that she'd let the drow continue to struggle and try to escape. Well, that's not going to happen! She lets three arrows fly in rapid succession.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 9 ] 
Crit damage: [roll]d8+1/roll]  (d8+1)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 
Crit damage: [roll]d8+1/roll]  (d8+1)[ 3 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 4 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 11 ] 
Crit damage: [roll]d8+1/roll]  (d8+1)[ 6 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny splays out his palm towards the mage, casting a spell that attempts to invade his mind.

 
 Spoiler 

Not too likely it'll pass both the SR and the Will, but worth a shot. (Shame he's not 8th level yet: he'd get a +2 against SR to flatfooted opponents).

CL: [roll]1d20+7[roll]
Will save:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Nonlethal Damage:  (4d6)[ 7 ] 
 


The spell wears at the drow's mind, and the elf slouches forward in the grasp of the waving arms, unconscious. If Mithril doesn't release them, the tentacles will likely continue to crush him to death.
Athedia
Mithril rolled her lip in slight disgust.  Why had they wasted their arrows and spells.  He would have been dead soon enough.   "&lt;D&gt;Release&lt;/D&gt;"   She wouldn't kill him now, not while he was asleep.  The tentacles retreated to whatever disturbed and unholy place they rested while she wasn't using them, dropping the mage to the floor.   "Happy? He lives thanks to you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Good! Question later!"  Why did Mithril sound so exasperated? The moment the tentacles withdraw, Natalia races down the hallway. Whether she keeps her bow or draws her blades depends on what she sees.
Cavelcade
 "That's for the dwarfs to the decide, not us."  Kurt runs on immediately again, looking for the last of the drow, moving quickly although he feels very vulnerable running into that narrow corridor.
CoffeeIncluded
 "But need asking,"  Natalia says as she races along Kurt's side, always there to help guard him, since...since Miriam can't anymore. Though Rhenner's doing a good job. As is everybody.


EDIT: As Natalia runs, she looks back and shouts,  "Mithril! Light please!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Though I think we're at the range of the darkness spell.
 
Admiral
Kurt moves into the back room first, followed by Natalia. As they do, Shiny dismisses the spell of silence, and he, Mithril and Rhenner move forward. At a closer look, they can see that the storeroom was blocked by a pair of heavy iron doors that now stand open at the sides of the archway.

The back room is smaller and far denser: first thing visible are thick shelves, each holding crates of food that had come from the caravans. It seems like the outer area was a loading dock, and that this is where the food was mainly stored.

As Kurt moves towards the back, his foot catches a tripwire, and a bolt flies out of a nearby shelf towards his side.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack bonus, half of:  (1d20+14)[ 16 ] 
Add to  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
Don't forget to include +1 trap sense from L2 barbarian.

If hits, DC 13 Fort save (which I like his odds on!), and  (1d8)[ 5 ]  damage.
 


As Natalia rounds the shelves towards him, she gulps as she sees the last drow, a young woman holding a rapier, standing in the corner ahead, pressed against the wall. While Natalia had expected another enemy to be here, what surprises her is that Kurt had run right by her without attacking him. Suddenly she realizes, by the elf's blurred outline, that she is in fact invisible, and thanks to her earlier  potion  scroll Natalia is the only person who can see her.

 
 Spoiler 
If Natalia wants to pretend that she doesn't see her, it will require a Bluff check to disguise her reaction. Otherwise she'll notice immediately.

The drow is waiting for you guys, so Natalia has initiative right now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Kurt!"  Natalia shouts as she sees the bolt slam into him.

Natalia's eyes widen as she sees the invisible drow, waiting to spring an attack. Looks like the spell came in handy after all!

 
 Spoiler 
Bluff, though I doubt it'll work. I'm assuming this is a free action. If not, I don't bluff:  (d20-1)[ 7 ] 

I AM NOT PRETENDING I DON'T SEE HER. I AM ATTACKING IMMEDIATELY.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't even attempt to hide the shock on her face. So instead she takes action. Stepping out from the corner of shelves, she screams at the top of her lungs so everyone can hear,  "Kurt, behind left! Invisible drow!"  and immediately fires three arrows at the girl.

 
 Spoiler 
I want to give Mithril and Shiny (and Rhenner and Kurt, but Mithril and Shiny have the invisibility-foiling spells more time to act, since I may be going out to dinner soon and I don't want to make anyone wait on me. Natalia shouts, 5 foot steps, and full attacks with her bow. I'm putting in sneak attack because from your description it sounds like she's waiting to attack someone, but isn't expecting anyone to attack her and so may be flatfooted. If no sneak attack, then just ignore it.

Also, if any of the arrows hit, will everyone be able to see what square she's in, as she'll have an arrow sticking out of her?

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 29 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 2 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8+1)[ 2 ]   (d8+1)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 14 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8+1)[ 8 ]   (d8+1)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d8+1)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (3d6)[ 10 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8+1)[ 9 ]   (d8+1)[ 4 ] 
 
Admiral
Two of Natalia's arrows hit, though the wounds seem superficial.

 
 Spoiler 

Even if she were flatfooted, no sneak attack against the sneaky. 😉 But anyone can see the arrows sticking out of midair to tell where she is.

To know what happens next we'll have to wait to see how Kurt's Fort save (thanks to both high Fort and the dwarven poison bonus, anything but a natural 1 means he survives the poison, but otherwise he's asleep).

If awake, initiative between Kurt and the drow:
Drow:  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
As soon as Natalia's arrows land, she uses her anklet to step forward, cutting off the drow's escape.

 
 Spoiler 
worst-case scenario, the drow can't coup de grace Kurt without triggering an AoO from Natalia.

What about shiny, Mithril, and Rhenner? Natalia specifically screamed to alert them, and they both have ways to foil invisible attackers from a distance. Natalia also stepped forward so they can get line of sight to them. I wanted to make sure I hit before using the anklet.

And I knew that was going to happen at some point. 😛
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
True about the others, adding their initiatives:
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 


The drow pulls he arrows free before running deeper into the stormroom, hopping over the wire and passing by Kurt, until she is out of Natalia's sight.
Cavelcade
Kurt blinks in surprise at the sudden pain in his side, glancing across at where the bolt came from before Natalia's words ring out in his ear.

 
 Spoiler 

Fort save:

 (1d20)[ 10 ]  Anything but a 1...
 


For a moment he stumbles as he turns, his normally certain, dynamic movements oddly static as his feet catch on each other...but he quickly regains his balance, shaking off the cobwebs.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Kurt! Drow ran right!"  Natalia shouts in a panic, even though she's standing right behind him now. She peers above him, looking at the end of the shelves, trying to see if she can tell where she's gone. Not in front, not to her left, the drow has to be to her right. Below her and to her right, somewhere. She couldn't have run back up, she's not in front of her, she's not to her left. There's only one corner of the warehouse she could have gone.

 "EVERYONE! DROW SOMEWHERE BOTTOM, TO MY RIGHT BELOW!" 
 
 Spoiler 
The way Natalia's facing, the left side of the map is her right.

How well can everyone see the drow with the arrows sticking out of her? Is there still a miss chance?

EDIT: Aww, I just saw she pulled the arrows free. Is there a blood trail? And I figured Natalia would speak to track her movements.

And yippie! NOT A ONE!

EDIT: What about my initiative? Because I got a surprise attack on the drow, do I roll initiative and then go again? Because I think we all know what I'm doing! 😁
 


She points in that direction, shoving a finger to the right over Kurt's head, showing the one place where she can't see, the ten foot space where the drow must be because Natalia can't see her anywhere else.
Athedia
Mithril raised her hand weaving a spell at the area that Natalia had indicated.  A web appeared above the area and fell down.  Even if the person wasn't caught, the threads should make them visible.
CWater
Rhenner takes a few steps forward holding his holy symbol.
 
 "Master of the wandering winds, show us the opposite of a pleasant travelling melody."  He gestures at the back of the room.

 "This might slightly hurt your ears" , he notes in casual tone right before the spell takes effect. 
 
 Spoiler 
 Moving to J37, casting  Sound Burst  to the area behind the crates. It should be able to cover most of the back of the room, but not anyone in the party. Probably not that useful, since the drow has SR, but one can try. 😉
CL:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
If it has effect also Fort. save DC 16 or be momentarily stunned. 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "There, there, Kurt! Cornered, pinned, walled in!"  Natalia shouts, pointing right at the the spot where the final drow is cornered, pressed against the wall even as Mithril casts her web and tries to pin her in place. Even as Natalia shouts, she feels a twang of sympathy. If it were her, if it were her chased down and cornered, invisible and cowering as someone shouted her location and closed in for the kill...
CWater
 "This drow is the last one left awake or alive. If anyone can communicate with her, we could ask her to surrender."

"Some want to fight 'til the last breath, like the samurai, but not all." 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks unhappy at the prospect, but doesn't exactly complain, moving into the webbing where Natalia dictated but not attacking yet, although he's ready to.

He speaks the next words in common, then repeats them in dwarven, in case that's something the Drow will recognise.  "Surrender or die." 
 
 Spoiler 

5' step, ready an action to attack if he can.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mage asleep too,"  Natalia says, looking over Kurt's shoulder and through the boxes, trying to get a better glimpse of the girl. What does she look like? Can she tell the expression on her face? Kurt's right. So is Rhenner.

She'd surrender. In a case like this with no way out, if surrender was her only option she'd do it. What about the drow girl?

They wouldn't have given her the same mercy. The drow killed the dwarves and may be messing with the food and may be aligned with the Horde and they need more information and they wouldn't have given her the same mercy. If they found her they would have gutted her and cut her throat and left her mangled corpse for her friends to find. Natalia can't think upon that image or line of thought for long.

Which is why she and her friends need to offer the option of mercy. They're better than that.

 
 Spoiler 
Not entirely sure when Natalia's turn is, but when it is, she 5 foot steps to m39 and stares the rogue down with her bow, readying an attack.

It seems like we've opened the dialogue box. If I shouldn't be speaking, please tell me.
 


EDIT: Natalia says, in Elven,  "Surrender, live. Can't run. We promise." 
Athedia
 "&lt;Elven&gt; Surrender. He will kill you and he will not be nice about it.&lt;/Elven&gt; 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Reflex save:  (1d20+10)[ 26 ] 
 
Admiral
The web spreads over the back of the storeroom, and though Kurt cannot see his enemy, he can see the strands of the web that seem blocked by her form. Shiny steps up behind Rhenner, waiting with the others to see what will happen in the back of the room.

Mithril hears a single word response to her query, but the response is not in Elven. Indeed, it sounds like Draconic:  "Mist..." 

Kurt sees the strands of web drop as though losing hold of their subject, and then Natalia sees a translucent form pour through the crates to her side, hovering above Shiny's head. The drow had cast a spell quite familiar to Natalia, taking on the form of a floating mist, invisible to all but her.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as the drow goes misty and slips through the crates. The rogue, the spell, the traps. It's all too familiar. It's her.  "Trapmaster mist spell! My shadow!"  Natalia shouts as she runs and draws her blades, stepping around Shiny and through the mist.  "Shiny, invisible by you, gas like me!"  And then she attacks.

 
 Spoiler 
Gaseous form gives DR10/ Magic  and Natalia's weapons are magic. She also doesn't have the armor bonus anymore. Again, I legitimately gasped when I read this, even if I was starting to suspect.

Attack:  (d20+14)[ 31 ]  (Is she flanking with Shiny? Adding this in case she is)
Crit:  (d20+14)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack (is she considered flanking with Shiny? Shiny knows the drow is there, and even if Shiny can't see her, Natalia certainly can):  (3d6)[ 14 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+6)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
As Kurt realizes his quarry had found a way to flee, he turns to chase her, but something first catches his eye. The shelves around the storeroom are packed with food, drink, and the other supplies that had come in on the wagon, but something else as well. Small black kegs are shoved haphazardly between crates and barrels, kegs smaller and of a different shape and color from any brought on the wagons, that seem strategically positioned around the various crevices of the room.

And at the center of the room, covered in Mithril's web, stands a single barrel three feet tall, with a surface that seems lined with iron. On top of it sits a sinister-looking mechanism, one that in its intricacy reminds him of some of Natalia's schematics. A bit of periodic movement at its center catches his eye- a single gear, clicking one notch as each second passes, and he recognizes what the barrels must contain, and that poison was never what the drow had planned for Deldon.
Cavelcade
Kurt stares for a moment, his eyes tracing the various trails from the central mechanism to the barrels of gunpowder spread across the various shelves. As they do, his thoughts follow the sequence of events - this makes so much more sense. The dwarves would have to suspect poison and would no doubt have their own clerics to check it and make it safe. It might delay eating the food for a short time but not very long.

Destroying the food, though....that would be permanent.  "FORGET THE DROW! POWDER!" 
CWater
The alarm confuses Rhenner.  "Powder...?"  What on earth does he mean?
CoffeeIncluded
 "WHAT?"  Glancing back at her shadow, Natalia races to where Kurt is shouting. And then she sees it. And then she hears it. She grows pale and her body starts to shake. Oh Gond, oh Gond, her shadow through and through.

 "Tick tock! I mean, stop ticking!"  her breath comes quick and shallow, her fingers won't stop trembling. Think, think!  "Forget how, why! Not now! Shadow can't go far as gas, find later! Now, stop ticking!"  she looks around at the powder, and through the panicked rabbit running of her mind, an idea starts to form.  "Dry powder, dry tinder! Open jars, make wet! No spark if water! Everyone! Water magic, water bags, water anything?" 

But then there's the device. Natalia looks over the ticking mechanism over the barrels. Just like her trap at Soshima.  "My mirror, my shadow. I think...I can..."  And if she can't, she does. Blown to bloody pieces. Her palms, her neck, her everything is sweating. But if she can...well, she's the only one here who can.

 
 Spoiler 
should I roll search? Disable device? How can I tell how much time is left?

What about the concentration check?
 
CWater
 "I...have Create Water prepared" , Rhenner says, still not really understanding what the fuss is about,  "It can conjure up to about 50 litres."

"You want to wet the powder in the jars? Why, does it enhance burning?"
 
Athedia
Rhenner had not been there.  He hadn't smelled the flesh burn.

With a wave the web on the ground dissappeared, clearing an area for Natalia to work.   &lt;D&gt; Tell your master, tell the Voice.  He will die. &lt;/D&gt;."   She shouted after the even more disappeared drow.

 "Rhenner, just listen to her.  If we can't take care of this... we die." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frantically inspects the trap. How was this made? Can she do this? Mithrils words are terrifying for how true they are. But she knows, and she believes in her. They're all depending on her.

 "Gunpowder. Tick tock tick tock...boom. Big boom. We all die. Unless stop. I stop. You make wet. Water now! Wet, maybe no boom!" 
 
 Spoiler 
does a 33 on craft give me the answers?
 
CWater
Rhenner can't quite comprehend the rogue's strange speech, but her fright is clear. And there is an unnerving certainty in the mage's statement. Rhenner nods,  "I trust your word. Where do you want the water?" , he asks Natalia.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Soak powder,"  Natalia says as she inspects the device, her heart pounding.  "Open black jars, spill powder, soak it all. Powder to mud. NOW!" 
Athedia
 "How long do we have?" 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Nice roll. You needed it.
 


Natalia kneels down next to the detonator barrel and studies the mechanism, forcing herself to be calm enough to focus. Her eyes scan the gears and wires that make it up, pretending it's merely an illustration in her textbook.

 
 Spoiler 
"Wire" above refers to a wire like fishing line, obviously not electrical wires ("Cut the blue one!!!")
 


She spots the piece of the mechanism that is the likely trigger, and recognizes that the clockwork is meant to turn steadily towards it. Counting the notches on the gear in a hurry, she estimates that they have thirty-six more seconds before it activates. The trigger is likely inside the gunpowder: she guesses a setup based on tindertwig or alchemist's fire, though there's no way to tell.

The usual lines of attack are skillfully blocked. She recognizes that trying to force the turning of the gear to stop would activate it immediately. She'd have to deactivate the trigger mechanism directly, but it is intricately crafted, and she recognizes at least two decoys and traps meant to make it difficult, though possible, to disarm.

However, she recognizes a greater concern. While the other kegs could be pried open, the sides of this barrel are lined with a thin sheet of iron: she doubts they could break into it. And in fact some parts of the trigger seem to extend down into the sides of the barrel: for all she knows rupturing the sides of the barrel could trigger it somehow.

One other option occurs to her. She sees a mechanism that she recognizes from her book is meant to detect motion, likely to trigger the device if the barrel is moved. But from her studies she knows she could probably disable it. If she were able to get the barrel with the explosive timer far enough away from the others, than the first explosion likely wouldn't spread, and the food would be saved.

 
 Spoiler 
Studying took six seconds: thirty seconds left. Don't talk too long or rounds will fly by. Good luck.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia holds her breath as she studies the mechanism. It's beautifully designed, and she wants to find the person who studied it--she needs to find her shadow. Though it seems much more complex than the hasty traps set up before.

Finally, Natalia comes to her conclusion. She lets out a sigh and says, as quickly as possible,  "Thirty seconds. I can't stop. But...can isolate. Shiny, speed spell. Kurt, smash. Rhenner, soak. Mithril..."  Natalia's eyes soften and she looks back at the ticking bomb. And then suddenly she gets an idea.

 
 Spoiler 
i have an idea. I'm just waiting for the pm from admiral to confirm it'll work.
 
CoffeeIncluded
And then, and then Natalia has an idea. A likely suicidal idea, but it's the only possible one she can think of.  "Thirty seconds. No time to stop, too heavy to move. But time to hide, to stop spread."  She takes out her bag of holding and haversack, and dumps their contents on the floor.  "Boom in pocket space. No time! What you think?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Basic knowledge (the planes) check, to see if a DC 10 will give anything:  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 

I should have made that my Disable Device roll. Knowing my luck I'm going to roll a 1 on that and I really can't afford that. 😛

Admiral, am I talking too much? Also, your PM box is full so I'll ask you here: Is there ANY way to safely drill a small hole into the barrel to dump the water?
 


How difficult would it be for her to disable the movement mechanism, given her skill?

EDIT:
 
 Spoiler 
In other words, if I take 10, will that disable it?

Also, I just want to finish by Tuesday. I'm sorry about the holdup today.
 


EDIT:
As Natalia quickly issues commands in just a few words, telling Kurt to break all the barrels and spill the powder on the floor, Rhenner to soak them with his spell, and Shiny to make them all faster with a casting of Haste so they can more efficiently flee, she points to Mithril and says,  "Cat's Grace scroll on floor. Please, cast if need." 
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia says all this stuff as she's inspecting and stuff. Please, I don't want to waste time but I need to tell everyone what to do, and fast!
 
Cavelcade
Kurt gets to work immediately, using daybreaker unceremoniously to smash the sides of the barrels, or to pry open the lid if they prove too hard to crack. He feels like death might be imminent, the hairs on his neck and arms are standing up straight from the memory of what that powder can do. And for all he knows smashing it open like this might be enough to set it off.   Gods, any of you who are listening...Kord, keep my arm strong and my heart true for this.  

He doesn't hold back, keeping his eyes open - open too wide to be calm as he does his job. He lets the power of his fury fill him, unwilling to be taken down by this, but it doesn't deliver a thrill this time.

 
 Spoiler 

I don't remember how breaking things works, so here's an attack roll, a strength check and damage rolls.

Raging as well.

Power attack -5/+10, 1 attack/check for each round.

Barrel 1:
 (1d20+11)[ 26 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 28 ]  Crit

 (2d6+20)[ 31 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 29 ]  Crit

STR check:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 

Barrel 2:
 (1d20+11)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 24 ]  Crit

 (2d6+20)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 28 ]  Crit

STR check:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 

Barrel 3:
 (1d20+11)[ 24 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 23 ]  Crit

 (2d6+20)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 26 ]  Crit

STR check:  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 

Barrel 4:
 (1d20+11)[ 22 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 25 ]  Crit

 (2d6+20)[ 30 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 27 ]  Crit

STR check:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 

Barrel 5:
 (1d20+11)[ 19 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 26 ]  Crit

 (2d6+20)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 26 ]  Crit

STR check:  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 

Barrel 6:
 (1d20+11)[ 12 ]  Attack
 (1d20+11)[ 13 ]  Crit

 (2d6+20)[ 28 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 27 ]  Crit

STR check:  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 


Heh, natural 1 on the last barrel to attack. Well, let's see how it goes.
 
Admiral
As Natalia leans forward to start working on disabling the trigger mechanism, Rhenner touches her on the shoulder, casting a spell of divine guidance.

 
 Spoiler 

Disable Device is Int, so Cat's Grace wouldn't help with it.

When Natalia tries to disable it safely, it takes  (2d4)[ 6 ]  rounds (but she'll stop trying after 3).

So there you have it: we'll be needed a Disable Device check once 12 seconds are on the clock). This is Natalia's chance for a long, cool post, so let's see what you got.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's palms start sweating. No time. There's no time. The gears are ticking and she's almost got it, she's almost got the shape of it. She's fairly certain, but "fairly" isn't enough with gunpowder all around her. She can't even see the gears; she's doing it almost entirely by feel.

It's beautifully done, in its own way. And oh, Natalia wishes she had the time to dismantle it, take it apart and put it back together again, see how it works. Did her shadow build this? How did she get it in here--probably another bag of holding. Or was it given to her shadow? She needs to find the drow trapsmith, and almost has the urge to complement her on her work. Is there something wrong with her, that she's almost excited and awed by the bomb even as she and her friends are about to die? It doesn't take away from the tension or fear, that's for certain.

One thing becomes clear to Natalia. She doesn't even have the time to be sure she'll stop the mechanism. And if she can't, then the bomb will go off, and all the food they fought for and Miriam died for will be destroyed, and they'll all die.

No. Not everyone. Just her. Natalia turns to her friends and says,  "No time to be sure. RUN! My failure, my life! You all...all my...greatest friends."  If someone's going to die, let it be her. Let it be her failure on her head. She doesn't want to die, oh she doesn't want to die. Just the thought of it makes her blood run cold. She promised...she promised to herself, to Edmund and Lisk too, that...after the river...she'd never do anything like that again.

But no, this is different. She's not throwing her life away. And she really, really doesn't want to die. And if she dies, she wants to be brought back. But if she can't stop it, then her friends shouldn't suffer too.

This isn't the forest and this isn't the tree and this isn't the rope and this isn't the river and that is never happening again.

But there's one other thing, one last thing in case she...fails. If they run, Natalia looks at Mithril and says,  "I know not returned, but...I love you."  And then she dives in.

 
 Spoiler 
Ah crap to both. At least I still have the scroll, though it won't matter if I die.

Here goes everything...
Disable Device:  (d20+18)[ 35 ] 

A 17. A 17. Is that enough to disable the whole bomb?!
 


And then Natalia's fingers close around something grinding against her palm, and her eyes go wide. Is this...Is this...?!
Admiral
Seconds click by ominously on the central gear as Natalia works on the movement trigger, speeding up her work at the last moment when only a dozen notches remain. She holds her breath as she reaches in with her pliers, and the mechanism snaps just as she'd planned, disconnecting the sensor from the rest of the machine.

 
 Spoiler 
She didn't have a chance to disable the whole detonator, as she was trying just for the movement trigger. If she'd been aiming for the whole bomb, there would have been considerably a greater risk of failure.
 


Only a handful of seconds remain.

 
 Spoiler 
Who's grabbing the bag of holding?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia lets a long breath, shaky and weak with laughter.  "Did! Done! Bag, now!" 
 
 Spoiler 
So you're saying a 35 wouldn't have worked? What would have worked?

If Cavelcade isn't on, how long would it take for Natalia to shove the bag of holding on top of the bomb, then stab it? Or have Shiny or someone stab it?

Also, can she keep the movement mechanism?
 
Cavelcade
 "Open the bag of holding!"  Kurt rushes back then, hearing her words as he squats down, wrapping his arms around the now moveable bomb and heaving it up, ready to drop it into the bag as soon as it's opened.  "And someone stab it once it's closed!" 
 
 Spoiler 

It makes sense to be a three person task - Natalia to open, hold and seal the bag, Kurt to move it and someone else to do the actual stabbing.
 
Athedia
Mithril twitched her wrist and the mechanism Natalia had made for her sprung into action.  The dagger appeared in her hand in the familiar sensation.  She positioned herself close to the bag, ready to stab it once the bomb was secured.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia yanks the bag open the moment she disables the movement mechanism, falling back onto her butt to give Kurt more room to move. The moment Kurt shoves the bomb into the bag, Natalia seals it tight. She closes her eyes--she never wanted to destroy Soshima's gift, and she wanted to study this bomb more. But it doesn't seem like they have a choice now.

 "After this, search drow, find shadow,"  Natalia says, the words babbling out of her.  "Mithril, NOW!" 
CWater
Rhenner casts the orison and soaks the floor and the strange black powder on it. He watches as the others struggle with the big mechanism, he might not fully understand the danger, but the anxiety of the group reaches him too.
Athedia
Mithril brought the dagger down on the bag, cutting into the fabric.  She avoided looking at Natalia as she did so, knowing she was destroying something the girl held dear to herself.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia places her hand over Mithril's as the wizard brings the dagger down. It pains her, and she can't look as both the gift and bomb are destroyed, but it's the only way. If she had had just a bit more time, but she didn't. And in a way, she succeeded at disarming the bomb. But she holds Mithril's hand, lending the wizard her support, sharing the blame and letting Mithril know there is none.
Admiral
In a few tense seconds the party puts their plan into action. Kurt lifts the barrel up and drops it into the sack, which Natalia hurriedly pulls shut. The weight of the barrel feels like only a few pounds once it is contained.

When Mithril drives her dagger into the burlap, a roar emerges like the sound of wind through a narrow valley, nearly deafening all who are present, and Mithril feels her dagger getting yanked violently by the rip.

 
 Spoiler 
Reflex save from Mithril, please.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels Mithril tense and the dagger get pulled and the deafening roar.

 
 Spoiler 
Can I help Mithril with the save? I am holding her hand.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
 


Mithril tried to hold onto the dagger as the wind rushed past.
Admiral
Mithril catches a momentary glimpse of a mysterious silvery void within the rip that seems infinitely deep. As some force pulls her in, Mithril is just able to yank her hand back, releasing the steel of the dagger as she does.

 
 Spoiler 
The Reflex save was to drop the dagger. At stake was Mithril's upper arm getting left in the astral plane, along with her guildmark. Good save.
 


Moments later the sound and the force are over, and Natalia and Mithril are sitting in a large puddle covered in moist powder, staring at a simple, tattered burlap sack.
Athedia
Mithril looked at the now empty sheathe on her wrist.   "Not again." 
CoffeeIncluded
Mithril falls back upon Natalia, who just manages to catch a glimpse of the dagger being sucked...somewhere before she falls onto her back, Mithril in her arms. The rogue sits for a moment, at the situation. The bomb is gone. The powder's soaked and useless, at least until it dries. She picks up the bag, ripped, tattered, and useless.  "Soshima bag. Would say no greater honor..."  She laughs a little bit, weak with relief and the draining tension. And then Natalia stands up and looks around.  "Guys, still not done. Need to...clean up, pack away. Lots of powder. And drow back there. Warn dwarves, search drow. And find my shadow! Before invisible sight gone!" 

She takes off, but after a second turns back to Shiny and asks,  "Swift spell, please?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Say, is there a way to magically repair the bag?

Anyway, we're not done! We've got to search these drow, get the treasure, and find Natalia's shadow! We need to find the drow trapsmith first, before Natalia's See Invisibility Spell wears off! I'm actually doing that now. Admiral, could Shiny please cast Haste so we could catch up to her? It's only been 30 seconds; she can't have gone far! Please!

Oh, and we've got to clean up the powder too! Will prestidigitation dry it and place it all in bags or barrels or a haversack or something?
 


She looks at Mithril's empty dagger sheath and says, still lightheaded from the success,  "I'll buy again. Better that than arm!" 

EDIT: She gets up and starts running, frantically looking for the final drow girl.  "Please, help find shadow!" 
CWater
Rhenner twitches slightly when the magical bag is broken. This happening to his the one he carries is one of his nightmares, even if he knows they rarely break on their own. Natalia's words pull him back to the present.  "You're right, we must catch her" , he says,  "Can anyone else here see the invisible?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt picks Daybreaker back up, moving slowly now as he looks around now.  "Maybe, but she could be running." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner twitches slightly when the magical bag is broken. This happening to his the one he carries is one of his nightmares, even if he knows they rarely break on their own. Natalia's words pull him back to the present.  "You're right, we must catch her" , he says,  "Can anyone else here see the invisible?"  
 

Natalia begins scooping up wet gunpowder into the bag of holding, after making sure that it's a ripped burlap sack and nothing more. She tries to fight down the pang and sadness at that. If she can't put some gunpowder into the sack, she uses a different one.  "No, but can see with spells. Shiny's glitter or Mithril's dawn burst. Or--"  She holds up the sack, trying to keep the tear closed with her thumb,  "Show form with powder!" 
 
 Spoiler 
You can outline an invisible person with flour and make them visible. I'm sure you can do that same with wet gunpowder! Anyway, lets go do that and then search the bodies! The drow mage will be unconscious for some time, unless we want to split up and leave some people behind to check? That might be a good idea, even if there's one invisible drow Natalia can see her and if we ensure that the main room is drow-less then she can't go back. In either case, let's get it done before tomorrow!

Seriously, this whole thing was and is fantastic.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt picks Daybreaker back up, moving slowly now as he looks around now.  "Maybe, but she could be running."  
 

Natalia nods and grins.  "For thirty seconds. Catch up fast with Shiny's swift haste spell. Catch up and bring down! I already stabbed, shot." 

EDIT: She looks back at Mithril and helps her up.  "You okay?" 
Admiral
 "I can see the invisible,"  says Shiny quickly.  "It's a talent I've had since birth. You'd be shocked at how many invisible folks are just hanging around  everywhere. " 
 
 Spoiler 
Shiny cast See Invisibility during the last few rounds.

He's happy to cast haste on everyone again, although it would last only 36 seconds and would be his last spell (no dispelling magic, for instance).

Mithril has already cast D-Door today (to escape to the chapel). Would Rhenner and a few others like to split off to chase down the trapsmith? Someone with See Invisibility should stay behind: perhaps if Rhenner, Shiny and Kurt jumped ahead, Mithril and Natalia could close in from the other side.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't even question Shiny's latest tale.  "Sounds good! Split, jump and go. We pincer!" 
 
 Spoiler 
That sounds good. Let's get going right now! Are we in the larger room or still the back? Maybe not Haste then, but let's go!
 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods, stepping up to his companion.  "Whenever you're ready to go let's run." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stays by Mithril.  "And we search here! One of we find shadow, know it!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Should I step up to the first part of the room and start looking?
 
CWater
 
 Spoiler 
The plan wasn't spoken IC yet.😏 But let's assume that comment came after?
 

 "I doubt she could have gotten very far in that tunnel.. I could move myself and two other's about halfway to Mithril's first web and then head back to intercept her?" 

Shiny's strange replies slightly confuse Rhenner again, but he decides to ignore it at the moment.  "Then maybe you should come with me, and perhaps the brave fighter too?" , he nods at Kurt.

 "You can also see her, right?" , the cleric asks Natalia,  "If the room is clear would you chase after her through the tunnel?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head. She says in a low voice,  "If you not see, then head to web. Wait by web. She goes there, you catch her. If we don't see here, then we tie mage, follow. Close her in, trapped between us. Nowhere to run. Don't see, head to web! Stop if see on way to web, if not wait and stop when seen!" 

She nods.  "And yes, can see invisible." 
 
 Spoiler 
Yeah, let's assume it came after. 😛
 
CWater
The cleric nods.  "Reasonable." 
 "Now we will need to engage in a little happy hand holding" , he gestures Shiny to take his hand, and Kurt to take his. Without wasting any more time he begins casting the spell.

 "Wise Fharlanghn, who can see far. Please allow Your servant and two companions cross a distance as if there were none." 
 
 Spoiler 
As stated in OOC, going as far as possible in the tunnel.
 
Admiral
Shiny, Rhenner and Kurt grab hands, and after the cleric casts his spell they seem to vanish, before reappearing in part of the long stretch of tunnel they'd taken to the storeroom.

 
 Spoiler 

Which direction were you going to go from there? Shiny was planning on heading back towards the group (pincer).

Incidentally, listen checks:
Shiny  (1d20-2)[ 3 ] 
Kurt  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
Rhenner  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 

Can't hear anything special as of now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks to Mithril and says,  "Lets check,"  before running to the larger room.

 
 Spoiler 
can I look around?

Also I think they should move to the web, in case the drow was faster and is closer to the web. You should go to the web and wait for the drow to come your way. Then well close her off?
 
Athedia
 "WAIT!  She could be waiting around another corner."   Mithril sighed and then followed Natalia, wishing she still had the dagger but glad she had avoided being sucked into the entire nothingness.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 
Admiral
 "This way!"  whispers Shiny, pointing down the tunnel away from the storeroom. They start running down the tunnel towards Mithril's web, thinking that if the rogue had somehow outpaced them they could catch up with her, or otherwise double back and have her trapped.

After about a minute of hurrying, they find Mithril's web. On the other side of it are four dwarven guards, one of them the one Rhenner had saved. The guards begin to shout out as soon as they see the three travelers approaching.

 "What the blazes is going on?"  one shouts out in a thick dwarven accent.  "Thanton said that we weren't supposed to cut the web, that it was supposed to trap somethin'- but what's happenin' to the food?" 
CWater
 "That's right" , Rhenner replies,  "I assume he also mentioned the drow attackers? We stopped them from destroying the food supplies, but one of them is still loose in this tunnel. Invisible." 

He turns to Shiny and Kurt.  "No trace of her yet. Should we head back?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Shiny can see, so can I. Can't sneak the sneaky,"  Natalia says as she draws her blades and looks around. She also takes a quick look at the drow, both unconscious and dead, if she can.

 
 Spoiler 
Search:  (d20+15)[ 25 ]  for a quick look.
 
Admiral
Shiny nods.  "Just stay on watch here,"  he says to the guards,  "we'll be back to explain later!"  The group sets back off towards the storeroom.

----------

Natalia and Mithril step out into the larger storeroom, Natalia looking around carefully for the invisible rogue, and seeing nothing. But the two do notice something else- something not invisible, but rather not present. The drow wizard who had collapsed in Mithril's tentacles has since disappeared.

---------

Kurt, Rhenner and Shiny are still rushing forward, Shiny's summoned lights leading the way, when a burst of glittery dust appears above them.

 
 Spoiler 

Drow have 120 foot darkvision: farther than Kurt's or the light from Shiny's spell.

Will saves DC 16, Rhenner and Kurt. Shiny's:

 (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
 
Athedia
 "If he is awake and can cast we are in trouble.  If not, the invisible one should be slowed." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Mithril with wide eyes.  "****!"  Drawing her blades, she races forward, keeping an eye out for both the invisible drow and the wizard, making sure Mithril is by her side.  "Need to help them!" 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Will save here.
 


Kurt curses loudly, scrubbing at his eyes as the glitter gets inside them, filling his vision with light making it impossible to make out anything, even his own hand, his eyes watering from the lights.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril, hurry!"  Natalia says over her shoulder as she runs down the corridor, her heart pounding. A Mage and a rogue, she knows just how deadly that combination is. And they can counter it.  "Dead stay dead, but help living! And they...may have stolen too! Hurry, Mithril! Wizard against wizard, rogue against rogue! Fight our shadows!" 

Natalia races down the hall, watching and listening for any sign of the escaped drow, making sure to keep an eye on Mithril too, praying her friends are okay. They can't escape. They can't.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Initiative:

Drow 1:  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Drow 2:  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Kurt:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
 


Kurt and Rhenner cannot yet see the enemies ahead of them, but they hear a spell being cast from the darkness.

 
 Spoiler 
[roll]1d3[/roll] Oh right, can't edit a roll in.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Something:  (1d3)[ 2 ] 
 
Admiral
The sound of the incantation is followed by panting and howling, and from the darkness come a pair of wolves with glowing red eyes, though smaller than the one they had fought earlier. Both wolves run at Kurt and leap for his throat.

 
 Spoiler 

I'll get a map up soon.

Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]   (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 8 ]   (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
Miss on 1 (blur still active):  (1d5)[ 4 ] 
If hits, Trip check against Kurt's Str:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]   (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  Dunno why I rolled two. Just first one.

Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ]   (1d20+5)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ]   (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d5)[ 5 ] 
If hits, Trip check against Kurt's Str:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]   (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  Same here
 
Admiral
Shiny thrusts out his hand to point ahead of them.  "There she is!!"  he whispers harshly, and with a twist of his hand he conjures a burst of glittery dust in the middle of the seemingly empty hallway ahead of them. It settles over a figure that newly becomes visible, appearing almost as though it were made from the shiny substance.

 
 Spoiler 

Will save:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
 


Like Shiny and Rhenner, the figure seems to keep the glittering powder out of its eyes as it advances.

 
 Spoiler 

Probably a decent time for Rhenner's Hold Person.
 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  Str Check 1
 (1d20+6)[ 18 ]  Str Check 2

Alas
 


Taken by surprise at the sudden onslaught, his senses overwhelmed Kurt gets dragged to the ground by the first wolf, the second wolf easily getting a bite in as he goes down.
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
Have to post attack rolls here. not sure how they work here - can kurt stand up or does he fight from here?
 


Kurt, still on the ground, lashes out first at the wolf that took him down, then at the other if he kills that one, but does so blindly.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack -5/+10
Furious counterstrike +1/+1

Attack 1:
 (1d20+14)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (1d20+14)[ 27 ]  Crit

 (4d6+21)[ 36 ]  Attack
 (2d6+21)[ 32 ]  Crit

 (1d2)[ 2 ]  Miss on 1



Attack 2:
 (1d20+14)[ 33 ]  Attack
 (1d20+14)[ 31 ]  Crit

 (4d6+21)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (2d6+21)[ 31 ]  Crit

 (1d2)[ 1 ]  Miss on 1



Attack 3:
 (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  Attack
 (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  Crit

 (4d6+21)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (2d6+21)[ 26 ]  Crit

 (1d2)[ 1 ]  Miss on 1
 
CWater
Rhenner curses when the summons appear.  "The caster... Should have left someone to guard him. "  Well, it can't be helped now.

When Shiny marks the drow for all to see, the cleric mutters,  "Let's see if I can keep him there.. Fharlanghn, please halt this drow's journey!" 
 
 Spoiler 
I swear, I need to consult his character sheet every time he speaks his god's name.. &gt;_&lt; Couldn't have picked an easier one, noo...

Anyway, casting indeed Hold Person on the glittered drow, and since the wolf is unpleasanly close, casting defensively.

Will save DC 16.
CL:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 

Rhenner gets +17 to defensive casting, so it only fails on 1, if then, I'm not sure, DMs have different opinions about skill checks.
 (1d20)[ 18 ] 
 
Admiral
In a magnificent sweep of his greatsword, Kurt cuts one wolf in half. He swings powerfully at the other one, but in his blindness cannot make contact.

The wolf responds with another attack, this one not blocked by Kurt's protection.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 13 ]   (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  Luckily for Kurt Protection from Evil still grants +2 to AC, so it's 10+4-2+2=14=still standing. ETA: Whoops: I forgot about Uncanny Dodge all over again: he keeps his Dex bonus so it's AC 16.
Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ]   (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 
Trip:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d5)[ 3 ] 

Also, Drow Will save:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
 
Admiral
The glittery figure raises her bow and fires a pair of arrows at Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

She doesn't yet know she doesn't get sneak attack.

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 16 ]   (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 5 ]   (1d8)[ 6 ]   (1d8)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 12 ]   (1d20+11)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8)[ 3 ]   (1d8)[ 2 ]   (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 


The first arrow hits, though the wound is minor.
Admiral
Shiny feels a spell start to take hold of him.

 
 Spoiler 

Will save:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 

Luckily we don't have to find out what it was.
 


Luckily, in the rush of adrenaline he is able to fight it off.
Admiral
Shiny places his hand on Rhenner's back, and casts a spell that seems to make his outline shift and wave.

 
 Spoiler 

Casting  blur : This will grant him immunity from sneak attack as well. (I had forgotten that besides the uncanny dodge, Kurt is immune from sneak attack due to the blurriness).

Also forgot to roll the rogue's miss chance for the ranged shot. Miss on 1  (1d5)[ 5 ] 

After this it's Kurt and Rhenner's turns.
 
CWater
Seeing the spell has no effect, Rhenner turns his head upward and sighs.  "I once forget to add the 'Wise' or 'Great' and immediately you have to remind me that it is not becoming. I do apologize, won't happen again.." 

He swings his morningstar at the wolf in front of him.
 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ]  Crit: (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] 
 
Admiral
The wolf is bloodied by the cleric's attack.
Cavelcade
Kurt takes a breath, waiting for the sound of the wolf to alert him where to strike - Rhennar's blow leads him towards it, the crunch of a metal on bone directing his blow.

 
 Spoiler 

Same as last time (except no furious counterstrike!) Also I've been assuming he's still hasted (haven't had much time to check - sorry about that), if he isn't, ignore one of these attacks and deduct 1 from his attack!

Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 30 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 29 ]  Crit

 (4d6+20)[ 36 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 27 ]  Crit



Attack 2:
 (1d20+13)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 18 ]  Crit

 (4d6+20)[ 39 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 27 ]  Crit



Attack 3:
 (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 10 ]  Crit

 (4d6+20)[ 35 ]  Attack
 (2d6+20)[ 29 ]  Crit
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia continues racing down the hallway, praying she can hear her friends alive, the roar of Kurt in battle with the drow, anything.
Admiral
In a single powerful strike Kurt finishes off the wolf.

The drow wizard appears from the darkness, moving forward: like the rogue, he is slightly wounded but most of his wounds seem to have healed. He raises his hand towards the blind dwarf and casts a spell.

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt Will save:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
 


The dwarf freezes in place.
Admiral
The other drow runs forward with her blades ready, and takes a swing at the dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

Thankfully, even with him helpless she still can't sneak attack because he is still blurred. So next round even if she gets a coup de grace, he has a chance at Fort saving to survive. But let's avoid that possibility.

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]   (1d20+11)[ 25 ]  His AC is 14 because even barbarians lose their Dex when helpless.
Damage:  (1d6)[ 2 ]   (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 


The blade hits him, though it leaves only a small wound.
CWater
 "Oh, none of that" , Rhenner starts another spell, keeping an eye on the drow so she can't slash him mid-casting,  "Wise Dweller on the Horizon, grant your aid so this warrior's journey will not end here." 
 
 Spoiler 
Casting Remove Paralyzis on Kurt, defensively of course.

One time I'm happy to cast a spell that doesn't involve rolling. ^^'
 
Admiral
Through Rhenner's magic Kurt is instantly freed from his paralysis.

 
 Spoiler 
Way to be prepared!! I honestly didn't know how you were going to get out of this one. Shiny was considering  invisibility sphere ing the lot of us, then suggesting Rhenner pull Kurt back five feet (the preexisting glitterdust wouldn't negate the invisibility because it was already on them).
 


Shiny casts a familiar spell that grants the three of them heightened speed and reflexes.

 
 Spoiler 

Haste. No more Mr. Nice Gnome.
 
Admiral
Magically empowered by Shiny's spell, Kurt takes three swings at the drow who had injured him.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack 1:
 (1d20+13)[ 24 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 20 ]  Crit
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 (4d6+20)[ 39 ]  Attack
 (4d6+20)[ 33 ]  Crit


Attack 2:
 (1d20+13)[ 23 ]  Attack
 (1d20+13)[ 15 ]  Crit
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
 (4d6+20)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (4d6+20)[ 34 ]  Crit


Attack 3:
 (1d20+8)[ 18 ]  Attack
 (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  Crit
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
 (4d6+20)[ 31 ]  Attack
 (4d6+20)[ 34 ]  Crit
 


Kurt's first swing misses, but his second makes contact, crushing the drow's skull in a single hit. Combined with the earlier wounds, the elf falls to the ground.
Admiral
The last drow pauses as he sees the spell lifted and his comrade felled. He turns and looks into the darkness, only to hear the sounds of Mithril and Natalia approaching in the distance. He spends a moment wavering, before raising his arms very slowly above his head in a gesture of surrender, his eyes still glancing around.

Shiny slowly advances, a spell ready at the slightest suspicious movement. It is this taut scene that Mithril and Natalia come across, the drow wizard standing still with the allies holding off some thirty feet away.

 
 Spoiler 
He used many of his useful spells either now or on the storeroom guards earlier. (Magic missiles, unseen servants, and grease weren't gonna get him out of this one). Lucky for you.

Glitterdust wore off the party members a little before Mithril and Natalia arrive.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches the scene silently, her shadow dead or dying on the ground, Kurt and Rhenner around her while Kurt rubs the last of the glitter out of his eyes. And the last mage surrendering, knowing that the only other option is bloody death.

As the drow surrenders, Shiny slowly approaches the drow. Natalia looks to Mithril and nods before approaching from the other side. She grabs the drow and ties his hands behind his back, then searches him thoroughly. She's not entirely gentle, but doesn't look to hurt him either.

Afterwards, she goes over to the drow rogue on the ground, trying not to think about her dead on the ground like that. She searches her body thoroughly too.  "No more bomb,"  she says.  "I trapsmith too. But many questions."  One thing she does look for is a bag of holding--they had to transport the bomb in somehow, and as amusing as the visual of them lugging in that giant bomb while attacking is, she doubts that's how it happened.

 
 Spoiler 
Sense motive:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Take 20 on Searching them both for 35. Does this mage have a spellbook?
Take 20 on Use Rope for 30.
 
CWater
Rhenner kneels down to take a look at the fallen drow. Did the hit kill her directly, or is she still alive?

 "Better watch him more carefully this time" , he says to Shiny as the gnome passes by him.
Cavelcade
Kurt panics as he feels himself freeze in place, his mind racing as he feels but doesn't see the blades slicing at him, one scarring his cheek disturbingly close to his eye - it would have hit directly but for Rhennar's quick thinking in releasing him from the paralysis allowing him to move away as he feels the blade pierce his flesh, attacking back blindly.

 
 Spoiler 


Oops! hadn't noticed you'd posted the attack! Ill leave this anyway.

Same again please!


Attack 1:
 (1d20+14)[ 34 ]  Attack
 (1d20+14)[ 27 ]  Crit

 (4d6+21)[ 35 ]  Attack
 (2d6+21)[ 29 ]  Crit

 (1d2)[ 2 ]  Miss on 1


Attack 2:
 (1d20+14)[ 31 ]  Attack
 (1d20+14)[ 21 ]  Crit

 (4d6+21)[ 32 ]  Attack
 (2d6+21)[ 30 ]  Crit

 (1d2)[ 2 ]  Miss on 1


Attack 3:
 (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  Attack
 (1d20+9)[ 16 ]  Crit

 (4d6+21)[ 41 ]  Attack
 (2d6+21)[ 30 ]  Crit

 (1d2)[ 1 ]  Miss on 1
 


Instead of pushing the blade away, from his face, Kurt brings Daybreaker up to it, sliding it along the blade, along the outstretched arm as he moves in as well, taking the arm off at the shoulder, following it up to take off the head.
CWater
When he sees that the drow is dead, Rhenner is not sure if he is relieved or disappointed by this. He tries to shrug it off his mind as he gets up again.

 "We should tell the dwarves what has happened." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia leans over the drow girl after tying up and searching the Mage. She searches the trapsmith too, just as thoroughly.  "My skills, my shadow,"  she says as she searches the body.

Natalia then looks back up at her friends.  "Tell dwarves, search others, clean powder. Now time for whys, right? So...who? how? Why?" 
 
 Spoiler 
i don't have time for much else right now.
 


EDIT: after searching the two drow and closing the dead one's eyes, Natalia asks,  "Maybe bring dwarves to storeroom? Show as we search, clean? Gunpowder easier to explain."  She claps her hands together.  "Think we take, clean gunpowder? Lots for own use? And tell Rosla. Chemist dwarf. She'd find gunpowder secrets." 

EDIT: Natalia looks up at Shiny, Rhenner, and Kurt.  "You okay?"  she asks.
Admiral
The party is able to secure the last drow, Natalia tying him in tight knots as he sits quietly. His silence is somehow far creepier than any protests he could make.

Natalia searches him and the last drow thouroughly. On the drow wizard she finds a powerful magical dagger to replace the one Mithril lost, one made entirely of black metal. As expected, she does find a bag of holding much like the one Natalia had torn apart to get rid of the detonator.

 
 Spoiler 

What I was saying about the last drow is that she's not quite trained like Natalia: she was a rogue 5/trapsmith 3, without a lot of interest in combat. In particular she was missing TWF feats, or any swashbuckler activity.

+1 black metal dagger (same as regular iron except -2 to Spot checks to see it)
Bag of holding 250 lb

Besides that, treasure I will roll sometime soon. Everyone gets the XP of a CR 14 level encounter: 5040 XP each, which I believe levels everyone up to 8. Enjoy and I'll roll for treasure shortly.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Shiny, may need your skill,"  Natalia says, trying to add a bit of lightness. But it doesn't really work. The drow's silence is eerie, and she's worried what he might have up his sleeve.

She blinks as she sees the dagger and inspects it, tilting it back and forth in her hand. It's black like adamantine, but it's not adamantine at all. And it's magical.  "Mithril, found shadow dagger,"  she calls out.

Going over to the trapsmith, Natalia smiles a bit as she holds up the bag of holding she was expecting to find.

 
 Spoiler 
Eh, that still counts as an evil opposite thing. Rather similar, but with a few thematic differences--like I said before, Roy's a fighter and Thog's a barbarian! I think it's still similar enough to Natalia and Natalia's desires and dreams (she only focused more on combat because the adventuring life demanded it of her) for her to count as Natalia's evil counterpart. That's really interesting though, and thank you!

How did she get improved uncanny dodge though?

And yippee! Treasure and level 8! I'll update the character sheet tomorrow. I will absolutely enjoy, and thank you! Merry Christmas, and odds are I'll see you all in the morning! 😁

If I don't get on before you leave, then have a safe trip, Admiral.
 
Athedia
Mithril looked at Natalia's discovery, and yanked the dagger from the mages belt.   "I'll try to hold onto this one."   She held it up to the light, amazed at how well the dagger concealed itself.   "Let's call this a gift for trying to kill my friends."   She fastened the dark dagger into her wrist sheath, looking down at the mage.  Whiskers poked his head out of her jacket now the running and fighting was over.  A small smirk crossed her face.   "Drow, you are a mage, at least I assume.  Do you have a friend like this?" 
Admiral
The drow smiles slowly, even while tied up.  "If you have not found her..."  he says in the common tongue,  "I can only assume you will not." 
Athedia
 "So you do.  Oh good, that will make this a lot more fun."   Mithril whispered that last part in the drow's ear, backing up with the smirk still on her face.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches mithril whisper something into the mage's ear and smirk and shudders a bit with no slight amount of trepidation, even as she pulls out a scale-shaped triangle of amethyst from the mage that, oddly, makes her feel like the hazy wisps of her spells in her memory are congealing and forming once more.

Great, now she has to find a tiny animal running around that's probably got the same demonic appearance of all the summons.

 "Don't sure that,"  Natalia says with an attempt at a smirk. Though she is fairly sure she'll find the familiar. Eventually.  "I sneaker too, sneaker with traps, blades too. Good as friend there, or better,"  She indicates the dead trapsmith.  "Why? You want her safe? Or more gunpowder? Gunpowder failed. I...ensured that." 

Natalia shakes her head, stopping herself. Save the interrogation for later, when they're safer and there's someone who can actually speak and draw information out of them. Probably Shiny, or one of the other dwarves. Upon returning to the other drow she collects them, and comes up with a few thousand gold, various weapons, the full plate armor, and a strange string with golden orbs hanging from it.

EDIT: If Natalia finds any spellbooks on the two mages, she gives them to Mithril. She also looks for any plans, maps, letters, or anything that could be used as evidence or would give a hint to the deeper meaning of their plans.
CWater
Rhenner leans slightly to the rough tunnel wall and closes his eyes for a few seconds. The fighting is over, at least for now. And he didn't even have to heal anyone, and the only ones who died were the drow. For a moment he just stares at the mangled corpse of the rogue, then stands up straight again. All the dwarves in the storeroom were dead, the others must be told.

 "We must report to the dwarves of what happened here. And that we have a prisoner, who is a mage no less. Mitril, would you dispel the web?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt leans against the wall at last, panting softly as his feelings subside. He watches the Drow mage and Mithril speak with an uneasy expression on his face. He tries to maintain stability in all this, his earlier confusion now returning.  "Drow...real Drow. What does that mean?"  He speaks the question aloud without realising it, still exhausted from the previous day.

Suddenly he looks down, tears suddenly coming from his eyes as he stares at the finger where the strand of material used to be. His head twitches towards Rhennar, but he can't face the man who'd saved his life just yet. "Thanks...ah...hm...I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name."  His body is turned towards him, but he speaks the words to the ground.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Kurt?"  Natalia asks as she hands him the magic armor from the drow he killed,  "Talk like know drow. All I know are elves. Shadow elves. What you know?" 

She sees Kurt start crying and hugs the dwarf. The half-elf, she thinks his name is Rhenner, he joined in like Miriam. Not quite like Miriam , but enough that it hurt.  "Thank you,"  she says to him even as she embraces Kurt and works.
CWater
 "No matter" , the half-elf replies to Kurt with the slightest hint of a smile,  "I seem to be guilty of the same sin. My name is Rhenner Calami, cleric of Fharlanghn." 

He does remember this dwarf though if not his name. He was the last to withdraw when the supplies came yesterday and at the funeral...he almost approached the blazing magma, where Rogan buried the fallen.

Rhenner doesn't need to ask for the name though, the rogue girl Natalia answers for him, when she jumps to hug the warrior. Seems she is easily worried, he notes. The cleric shakes his head a little.
 "Stopping these attackers is as important for me as it is to you, there is no need to thank me. I'm glad Fharlanghn gave me strength to be of use today." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Fharlanghan,"  Natalia says, and for all her dysphasia this she can speak.  "Why name like gargling for wandering god? Why not easier name for all tongues met on road?"  Still, she smiles a bit, still dizzy from the gunpowder bomb she narrowly stopped, and says,  "Thank you, Rhenner. Spells helped as much as blades, Mithril's tentacles." 

Natalia's smile fades a bit at Rhenner's thanking his god--it reminds her too much of Miriam and Cuthbert. But Rhenner doesn't seem to be as dependent, he hasn't thrown his armor away, and that makes her feel a bit better. She needs to focus on the differences. He helped everyone, and wasn't just a shield for Kurt (and oh, that sounded better in her head). He's not Miriam, even if he played a similar role.

As Natalia pulls out a string with seven golden orbs attached, all of which register as magical, she pauses and looks at it. She has the scale that allowed her magic to condense once more. Shiny has the bag, though he insisted she hold it. Mithril has the shadow dagger, and Kurt's the only one who could use the armor quiet like hers. If nobody protests, she hands the necklace to Rhenner and says,  "No thanks you say, but I say do. Still ran to danger, still helped us. Spoils deserved by you too. You ran to powder too." 

Does he even know what the gunpowder is?

Natalia pauses.  "Rhenner, what know of drow, of Horde, of Soshima? 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Fharlanghan,"  Natalia says, and for all her dysphasia this she can speak.  "Why name like gargling for wandering god? Why not easier name for all tongues met on road?"  
 

Rhenner shrugs at this.  "I cannot say, perhaps he found that impossible and chose something what would be equally difficult for all." 

 As Natalia pulls out a string with seven golden orbs attached, all of which register as magical, she pauses and looks at it. She has the scale that allowed her magic to condense once more. Shiny has the bag, though he insisted she hold it. Mithril has the shadow dagger, and Kurt's the only one who could use the armor quiet like hers. If nobody protests, she hands the necklace to Rhenner and says,  "No thanks you say, but I say do. Still ran to danger, still helped us. Spoils deserved by you too. You ran to powder too."  

 "Ah yes, spoils of war" , Rhenner says with a hint of bitterness in his voice, but he does accept the orbs when Natalia offers them, and lifts them up to inspect them more closely.
 "Orbs of fire.. Yes, I've seen a thing like this before... It's a dangerous item you have given me."  He adds with a crooked smile.


 Natalia pauses.  "Rhenner, what know of drow, of Horde, of Soshima?  

 "Of these dark elves very little, only what the dwarves here have mentioned in passing. Don't think I've ever met one before this. Of the Horde and Soshima" , he shrugs,  "I do not know what you mean. I know nothing that is not also common knowledge." 
Athedia
 "The orcs had this, the Voice gave it to them I believe.  The giants are organized with the orcs, again the voice.  Now the drow."   Mithril looked down at the drow contemplating the situation.   "We should question him first, before letting the dwarves in.  I don't want to jump through hoops to get to speak to him." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner shrugs at this.  "I cannot say, perhaps he found that impossible and chose something what would be equally difficult for all." 
 "Ah yes, spoils of war" , Rhenner says with a hint of bitterness in his voice, but he does accept the orbs when Natalia offers them, and lifts them up to inspect them more closely.
 "Orbs of fire.. Yes, I've seen a thing like this before... It's a dangerous item you have given me."  He adds with a crooked smile. 
 

Natalia laughs a bit as Rhenner takes the necklace of fireballs.  "Then good to give danger to healer, maybe?"  she sighs at his mention of spoils of war though. That was technically true, but not quite what she has meant to say.


  "Of these dark elves very little, only what the dwarves here have mentioned in passing. Don't think I've ever met one before this. Of the Horde and Soshima" , he shrugs,  "I do not know what you mean. I know nothing that is not also common knowledge."  

 "What say about drow?"  Natalia asks before continuing, placing a clenched fist to her lips as she paces back and forth. How should she explain this? Could she even say it, say clearly and competently what gunpowder is, how the Horde planned to use it on Soshima before she and her friends snuck in and she had planted a trap to blow up the gunpowder just as her shadow had planned? How the Voice had to be supplying and coordinating them both? Natalia opens her mouth and says,  "Horde attacked Soshima, planned shrapnel ship of gunpowder. Gunpowder given by Voice, puppetmaster. We snuck in. I blew up like shadow planned. Destroyed half camp--"  But before Natalia says more, her voice shuddering with the effort of remaining coherent, Mithril steps in To her great relief.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "The orcs had this, the Voice gave it to them I believe.  The giants are organized with the orcs, again the voice.  Now the drow."   Mithril looked down at the drow contemplating the situation.   "We should question him first, before letting the dwarves in.  I don't want to jump through hoops to get to speak to him."  
 

 "This,"  Natalia says, looking at Mithril in relief.  "Though think should stay as dwarves question. They might question us. And we...don't know what dwarves might too. Need to study gunpowder. This good place to learn."  She leans over the dwarves, plucking two coated arrows and two bottles of a strange substance.  "And this too."  she leans over the powder next.  "Mithril, please help? Cleaning magic, all in one place?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia laughs a bit as Rhenner takes the necklace of fireballs.  "Then good to give danger to healer, maybe?"  she sighs at his mention of spoils of war though. That was technically true, but not quite what she has meant to say.  
 

 "Ironic at least, not so sure about 'good'." 

  "What say about drow?"  

 "Not much, they're apparently an old enemy, known to also live under this mountain range. But I understood they didn't expect any hostilities from them at present." 

  "Horde attacked Soshima, planned shrapnel ship of gunpowder. Gunpowder given by Voice, puppetmaster. We snuck in. I blew up like shadow planned. Destroyed half camp--"  But before Natalia says more, her voice shuddering with the effort of remaining coherent, Mithril steps in To her great relief. 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "The orcs had this, the Voice gave it to them I believe.  The giants are organized with the orcs, again the voice.  Now the drow."   Mithril looked down at the drow contemplating the situation.   "We should question him first, before letting the dwarves in.  I don't want to jump through hoops to get to speak to him."  
 

 "Half camp- Half a  Horde  camp?!" , the shock is obvious on the cleric's face,  "Can anything non-magical truly have such destructive power..." , he mutters.

Mithril's summary leaves him very quiet.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Ironic at least, not so sure about 'good'."  
 

 "Why? Can protect self, can heal if burnt."  And truth be told, she wants to see Rhenner take and use the clearly valuable magic item, wants to see him different from Miriam.


  "Not much, they're apparently an old enemy, known to also live under this mountain range. But I understood they didn't expect any hostilities from them at present."  

 "Mithril, remember Aicha's words?"  Natalia asks, looking to the mage.  "Orcs and giants started fighting sudden. No warning, no tension." 

  "Half camp- Half a  Horde  camp?!" , the shock is obvious on the cleric's face,  "Can anything non-magical truly have such destructive power..." , he mutters.

Mithril's summary leaves him very quiet. 

 "Weapon shrapnel helped. And much gunpowder, room  full of barrels. Dry, when lit, boom like fireballs, but million times more. Like dust explosion from flour, but million times more. And no magic. Promise that. Show you now."  Natalia sighs. It's clear that even though her plan was, quite literally, a roaring success, remembering what she did (and what happened next) is extremely painful.
Athedia
Mithril looked at the drow mage.   "Rhenner, Kurt.  Could you bring him along, I want to go look at the remaining gunpowder, clean it up.  And we can question him there, real easy."   She started down the hall not waiting for the others.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Shiny too, magic talking,"  Natalia says as she runs to keep up with Mithril. Breaking into a light job, she says to the wizard,  "Thanks for helping with powder, telling Rhenner. I...dwarf here, Rosla, chemist. Think show her, she'd know powder. Know more than us, tell us."  She'd also help identify the four samples of what she strongly suspects is an unknown poison. The arrows shot at her were probably coated in the stuff, and Natalia is devoutly thankful that none of them hit.

 "Mithril, about familiar...should find. Dangerous, especially if poison. When sneaking, fought drow, two blades. And a snake." 
Athedia
 "A snake?  Huh.  Well I doubt the familiar would go far and I know that it will be able to feel his emotions.  Maybe we can lure it out." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Don't think could escape with web. Or if could, would take longer."  Natalia pauses.  "Was large snake. I think like Lisk and eagle. 

Natalia pauses at Mithril's last remark.  "How lure? Trick, maybe scare?" 

When they finally reach the back of the stockroom, Natalia waves Mithril over, then gets on her hands and knees and starts scooping up the wet powder, which clumps together like wet fine sand.  "Need to clean all. Mithril, have cleaning spell?" 
Athedia
Mithril let out a sad smile at Natalia's asking if she was going to trick the drow.   "Familiars... well remember how I knew when Whiskers was dying, it goes both ways."   Kneeling down to help the girl scoop up the wet powder she shook her head.   "No cleaning spell today, but I can light this room up if you want."   She touched Whiskers collar and a soft glow, not anywhere near as bright as the one from earlier, shone from the soft leather.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says. She leans over to scoop up the powder into her bag with the first thing Mithril said registers. She shoots back up and whips around to stare into Mithril's gray eyes. She couldn't have meant what she said, she couldn't. Not Mithril, not her sweet kind beautiful Mithril who was as disgusted as anyone else when they interrogated the orc long ago. No, she couldn't have meant that. She grabs Mithril by the straps of her cape and says,  "You're gonna  what?! " 
CWater
Rhenner is not exactly happy about the other's wish to interrogate the drow by themselves, but he follows them without saying a word. Even if he would prefer to inform the dwarves immediately, he is not from Deldon and thus doesn't have a particular obligation to them. This group has more knowledge of the whole situation, it seems.

He doesn't try to overhear the women's conversation, but Natalia's almost shout does pick up his attention.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril, please, don't!"  Natalia begs.  "Please, you know my voice! Don't do that! No need, and even if, shouldn't! You Mithril, you wonderful Mithril! You better than that, please know!"  She starts hyperventilating, her breath sharp and shallow.  "Other ways! Shiny asks friendly magic, or I look now! You know my eyes!  I find now, so you...don't do to yourself!" 

Natalia tears off, abandoning the job of cleaning the soggy powder for the moment. She starts looking up and down for the tiny familiar, racing back into the corridor if necessary, shouting,  "Find familiar! Tiny animal, drow wizard companion!"  to her friends if they see, and to the dwarves on the other side of the web if she gets that far.
Admiral
The group picks up the tied drow and carries him back to the storeroom, preparing to interrogate him. At the same time, Natalia runs off to find the wizard's familiar.

Once the drow is set up on the floor in the storeroom, the party stands around him. Kurt has his axe ready in case the drow tries anything clever. Shiny steps towards the drow, and speaks a few words with the sound of magic behind them.  "I suggest you answer any questions that any of the four of us ask, truthfully and completely." 
 
 Spoiler 

Suggestion, which we'll say gets a better interrogation than a charm person.

CL check:  (1d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Will save:  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 

Everyone leveled up in everything except spell slots (need to sleep or prepare to get new ones). Happily that means Shiny gets a +2 to overcome SR of opponents denied a Dex bonus. Go Level 8 beguilers.

Coffee mentioned in PM that she wants to find the familiar. So for Natalia, Listen, Spot and Search checks, and if she wants to hide and move silently (which will make it take longer) those two checks as well (which will be moot if she wants to keep yelling).
 
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia runs to search for the familiar, she passes the amethyst scale to shiny as he passes, and says to him,  "Just in case. I...have questions too, please. Don't finish until back, shouldn't take long." 
 
 Spoiler 
natalia hasn't used the scale so shiny can borrow it for another charm person if he needs it.

Spot:  (d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Listen:  (d20+12)[ 16 ] 
Search: take 10 for 26, otherwise  (d20+16)[ 29 ]  if it's faster.

If I need to make multiple ones please tell me.

I'm at the doctor so I might not be back for a bit.
 


Natalia tries to be quiet.

 
 Spoiler 
shoukd I take 10 and move at full speed for the stealth checks?
 
Admiral
The drow sneers at Shiny's "suggestion," although he seems to hold back a bit out of fear of Kurt's axe.

Shiny frowns and tries aiming a different spell at the drow, pointing a finger at the drow, then himself, then shaking his hands together.

 
 Spoiler 

CL check:  (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Will save:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny frowns.  "I'm not sure my usual approach is going to work here,"  he states apologetically.  "I could keep trying, but usually it just gets harder and harder." 
 
 Spoiler 
A note here: while the rules of Charm Person suggest that with a +5 modifier for being threatened, you can just keep spamming it until an informant gives up, I feel that that a) is a bit overpowered for an L1 spell, and b) takes away a lot of interesting things that can be done with other characters and other checks. Thus I am ruling that each subsequent charm person attempt on a prisoner will get a cumulative +2 to the Will save.

Shiny can keep trying, but if you guys have other ideas for an interrogation, I'd be very interested in seeing them now that Shiny's first few attempts have failed.
 
Cavelcade
 "Can't you just read her mind?"  Kurt glances over at Mithril curiously, wondering what she might have said to set Natalia off like that. For now, he simply leans on his sword, careful to be ready to bring it up in just the right arc to decapitate the Drow should they decide to do something...foolish.
CWater
Rhenner stands a little farther away, watching the gnome enchanter try his spells. In his mind he's going through the events that lead them here. It sure has been an eventful day. He lifts one of the fire orbs and stares at it absent-mindedly. And then there's these and the other things they took from the drows..

Suddenly he gets one of those stopping moments, when two memories make a connection. It couldn't have been.. Or was it? It was just a glance..

He hesitates for a moment, but then makes a decision and approaches Mithril.
 "Sorry" , he says to the mage,  "...Do you think I could look at that new blade of yours? I don't think I've ever seen one like it before." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia walks alone once more, or rather runs alone, grumbling at the darkvision. It's so hard to see this, the way there's no color at all. She'd always be annoyed that colors she sees almost never match with colors she feels, but she got used to them, and now that there's no color at all it's so hard to tell what's what. Not to mention it's hard for Natalia to hear what's what--slithering or running or flying, she doesn't know what type of creature this familiar is.

But she has to find it. She has to find it even as her friends interrogate, and she has to return before they finish the interrogation, because...

Because Mithril was planning to torture that drow.

Just the thought makes her shudder and want to vomit. For Mithril to even conceive of it...Natalia would have never guessed that. Never. How could Mithril do something like that? How could Mithril even think of something like that? Magically loosening the drow's tongue, scaring him into talking, those were one thing, but torturing the drow?! Even after everything he and his comrades did, how could she? And how, how could Mithril, how could her Mithril, the Mithril she knows who means so much to her, do such a horrible thing? How could she let herself do that to someone else, do that to herself?

 "How, Mithril? Why?"  Natalia cries out to herself as she looks for the familiar.
Athedia
 "I could.  But there is no guarantee he even speaks a language I would understand.  It would be like trying to read Rocky, I would get no where.  Usually I have a spell to help me understand, but I used that this morning."   Mithril looked down at the drow as she played with her dagger.

When Rhenner asked to see it she hesitated.  She didn't want to hand it over, she had just found it.  But he wouldn't keep it she knew that. She handed him the blade, keeping an eye on it as she did.
CWater
 "Thank you" , Rhenner mumbles, his concentration already on the small weapon. He takes a few steps, inspecting the thing. It is obvious for anyone who looks at him that it is not the dark blade he is interested in, but the hilt and the small symbol engraved on it. He frowns, as if trying to remember something.

The cleric throws a quick glance at the drow, then looks back at the dagger.
Cavelcade
 "Can't hurt to try it - ah, Rhennar, you don't have that spell she talked about, do you? ..."  He seems on the verge of speaking for a moment, before stopping himself.  "It would...help here a lot." 
CWater
It takes a moment for Rhenner to notice that Kurt is talking to him. He looks up with a disconcerted look on his face.  "Hm, what? Sorry, what did you say?" 

If the warrior repeats his question, he replies:  "Sadly no. Fharlanghn does grant me the spell for languages, but I did not prepare it today." 
Admiral
Natalia steps quickly and quietly along the tunnel, keeping her eyes out for any creature that might be the wizard's familiar. But nowhere along the way does she find anything.

Soon she reaches Mithril's web, and on the other side sees a crowd of guards. At the lead of it she recognizes Brander, greatsword drawn and looking furious, and behind him Lucius, Ezra, and Calric Jr.

 "Natalia!"  Brander shouts the moment he sees her.  "What the blazes is going on?!? Is the food safe? Who else is in there?" 
CWater
Rhenner looks back at the mage,  "Mithril...sorry, could I possibly borrow this for a while? Not for long, only for a few hours. You'll have it back before the day is over.." , he manages to keep his voice calm, but his eyes show he is anything but.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Natalia steps quickly and quietly along the tunnel, keeping her eyes out for any creature that might be the wizard's familiar. But nowhere along the way does she find anything.

Soon she reaches Mithril's web, and on the other side sees a crowd of guards. At the lead of it she recognizes Brander, greatsword drawn and looking furious, and behind him Lucius, Ezra, and Calric Jr.

 "Natalia!"  Brander shouts the moment he sees her.  "What the blazes is going on?!? Is the food safe? Who else is in there?"  
 

Dammit, not a sight of the familiar!  ""Food safe from drow!"  Natalia says,  "I stopped gunpowder bomb."  She speaks quickly, wanting to get back to the others. What could Mithril and her friends be doing...? Never mind. Natalia shakes her head. She doesn't want to think about it.  "One drow left, wizard drow. I tied, questioning now in back. But familiar escaped! Searched, but couldn't find! All safe, collecting powder, please help look!" 

Maybe she shouldn't have mentioned the gunpowder right off, but it was coming out anyway. And the sooner they knew, the better. Did they know?

Natalia turns around and runs back down to see her friend.
Athedia
 "Why?  Tell me why you want it and I will let you."   Mithril looked into the cleric's eyes, seeing a flicker of panic in them.
CWater
 "I... There is just..." , Rhenner stammers under the mage's glare. He glances at the drow and Shiny, at Kurt and then at the dagger again.  "It is... nothing very important" , he finally says,  "But... a little complicated.." 
 Never good at coming up with explanations like this, was I? What should I do then? I can hardly tell her the truth! ...Though...she is  not  from here... 

The half-elf rubs his forehead like he's having a headache. Then he sighs and looks up.  "Alright, would you allow me to take another look at it back at the bunks then?"  He hands the dagger back to Mithril.  "Hopefully I can explain you why then." 
Admiral
 "What the- questioning?!? That's it- Ezra!" 

Ezra steps forward, and with a quick incantation a cone of fire leaps forth into the web, dissolving it into thin air. She steps forward and casts it again, speeding the web's burning, and soon it is gone, with Brander and the others moving forward into the tunnel.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Aah!"  Natalia takes one last look, then races back down the hallway to her friends.
Admiral
While they discuss, Shiny tries the spell one more time.

 
 Spoiler 
+5 for being threatened, +2 for second try.

 (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
 (1d20+14)[ 34 ] 

ETA: Not looking good for the spell!
 


Shiny frowns as his spell on the elf fails again.
Athedia
 "Thank you."   Mithril turned the dagger over in her hand and then knelt down next to the drow.   "You want to tell me who sent you?"   The dagger pressed gently between the drows fingers, into the soft skin between them.   "Maybe how you got in?  Who let you in?" 

If he didn't answer Mithril pushed the dagger into the skin harder, cutting into it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia races back, pushing herself as hard as possible, praying she can get back before anything happens, before Mithril does something horrible she's going to regret or can't undo. She knows what that's like, every if it seems necessary or is necessary, like the gunpowder and...everything after. She can't let Mithril do that to herself. So Natalia races, pretending and trying to skim over he rocky ground as if it isn't there, so she can get there in time.

 
 Spoiler 
in a few swashbuckler levels Natalia gets an ability that lets her ru and charge over rough terrain.
 
Admiral
Mithril pushes the dagger into the drow's skin, but while the scorn in her voice may be real, she is not too experienced in making such threats, and the drow holds firm.

Shiny takes in a hiss of breath.  "Please, not again,"  he whispers.  "The last one we were barely able to blame on a botched demonic sacrifice... In any case, don't take  both  eyes, I'll lose my lunch." 
 
 Spoiler 
Shiny's a bit more accustomed to this, he'll try to help.

Bluff:  (1d20+13)[ 14 ] 
 


Shiny tries, but neither are particularly convincing, and the drow raises an eyebrow.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm not sure I understand whether Mithril is stabbing him. In that case, please go ahead and roll a damage roll.
 
Athedia
Mithril pushed into the drows skin.  She had never done this before, had always left it to the others, but she had to didn't she?  If it could stop the Voice.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d4+1)[ 5 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner's eyes widen when Mithril cuts the drow.  "What are you doing!" , he shouts and drags the mage back from the shoulder,  "Is that the kind of person you are?!" 
Athedia
 "I am trying to stop the Voice."   Mithril tried to stay calm as she pushed Rhenner's hand off her shoulder.  Her voice was cool, but a small shake was visible in her hand.
CWater
 "And what is the point of that, if you are going to turn just as bad while doing it?" , the clerics voice has turned very cold.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "And what is the point of that, if you are going to turn just as bad while doing it?" , the clerics voice has turned very cold. 
 

 "Just as bad.  That would take more than this."   Mithril let out a broken laugh, thinking of Morton, of a murdered Henry, of Miriam....
CWater
 "Ah yes, and where will you draw the line?" , Rhenner nods towards the drow,  "Didn't seem to care much about that scratch you made, perhaps you should plunge it deeper? Or rip off his fingernails and cut the skin underneath, I can assure you that is much more painful. There are also several other parts of the body that, if they're removed or damaged, are much better for bringing out such a goal. Would you like me to describe them?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt stepped in too, but took a step back as Rhennar took charge, stopping something which had already gone too far.  "There's no point in pretending like it's not what it is, Mithril...remember your fears for yourself. You're smarter than this..." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt stepped in too, but took a step back as Rhennar took charge, stopping something which had already gone too far.  "There's no point in pretending like it's not what it is, Mithril...remember your fears for yourself. You're smarter than this..."  
 

 "Fine."   Mithril wiped the dagger off and put it back in her sheathe.   "I only do this because it has to be done." 
Admiral
The drow roars angrily as Mithril shoves the knife in. The wound is deep, perhaps deeper than the wizard expected. But when she pulls it out, he just hisses at her in what is most likely a string of Undercommon curses.

Shiny doesn't say a word as Mithril drives the knife in, sitting quietly aside for once. When she steps away, he tries his spell one more time.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 
 (1d20+16)[ 28 ] 
 


Shiny shakes his head and scratches his chin.
Admiral
The sound of footsteps comes echoing down the hall. Shortly afterward, Natalia rounds the corner, breathless.

 
 Spoiler 

The others are about  12 seconds back  42 seconds back: sorry, I forgot that Brander and Calric Jr. are in heavy armor.

Does Rhenner heal the drow? Not that anyone would necessarily think anything of a prisoner's wound, just wondering.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hunches over, panting heavily as she rests her hands on her knees. She stays there for a moment as she tries to get her breath back, then runs forward. She pants,  "Still looking. Dwarves, H--else allies coming. Is everything..."  She trails off, taking in Shiny's silence, and Rhenner and Kurt's horror.  "Mithril...no. Please, Mithril, tell me you didn't..."  her breath comes ragged again as cold creeps down her spine. No. No. Nonononono. She couldn't have. Mithril couldn't have done something as awful as that, she COULDN'T!

Natalia looks to her friends in desperation.  "Please, please tell me not how looks!" 

Not Mithril. Not her Mithril, even though the evidence is there plain as day. Natalia  holds Mithril, and her voice breaks.  "Mithril! What...have you done?!" 
Athedia
Mithril pushed Natalia off her, suddenly angry.   "What the rest of you are afraid to do.  The rest of you were happy to torture the orcs, execute them.  This is the same, and I am not afraid to do what needs to be done."   She walked away from the group, angry at their refusal to help her learn about the voice.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sits back where Mithril pushed her, thunderstruck. She touches the spot where Mithril's hands were, as if they're gaping wounds. In an instant, she runs after Mithril, tears streaking her cheeks as she says,  "Not afraid, know not right! With orcs, we were wrong. Was wrong to do that! Since wrong, stop wrong. Not same. We better."  Natalia falls to one knee, begging her friend to please see, please understand.  "Mithril, you know not right. Other ways than what done. Mithril, you better than this. Please. Don't hurt self like this."  She hangs her head.  "I know regrets. Things wish undid, things....would do again, but carry guilt forever. Mithril, please, this first! We find other way! Please, Mithril...you better. Not this."

 You can't do this. Please, Mithril, you can't do this. Why? What's happening? Why do you think you need to do this? There's got to be another way."  
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
EDIT:  I had a different  post here, but RL me can not keep it up.  I need to go think for a bit.  I honestly can't emotionally have this as the post right now though.
 

 "What other option is there?"   Mithril looked down on the begging rogue.   "I don't want the Voice to kill us." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Other ideas!"  Natalia cries out, her mind rapidly spinning.  "Break with friendliness. Or talk, find clues. See many already. Find guildmark, or not, find evidence. Make conclusions, show them. When he refuses, show we...already know. No point hiding, no point lying. Break with what known. Or...wait tomorrow. Wait for your spells refilled. Then mind read, try magic asking again. Testify then, no torture!"  Natalia stands up, holds Mithril's hands in her own, and looks up at the wizard.  "I know...if they found me, even with surrender, they...would have killed me. Gutted, throat slit, dumped for you to find."  She closes her eyes and shudders.  "We promised safety with surrender. Please, keep promise. We better than that, better than them." 
 
 Spoiler 
Athedia isn't kidding. I saw the post, and hoo boy. It was freaking brutal. Certainly not something that could have been undone.

Though that is a good question: did Natalia see guild marks on any drow while she was searching them?.
 
Admiral
Footsteps approach, and soon after the party from Hulburg arrives: Brander in the lead, his greatsword drawn, closely followed by Ezra and Calric Jr, and last of all Lucius, eyes narrowed.

Brander pants as he looks around, but once he's taken in the scene, and the distress on some of the faces, he lowers his sword.  "Could someone  please  tell me what's been going on here?"  he asks, somewhat desperately.

 
 Spoiler 

If no one else wants to answer Shiny will give Diplomacy a go. If you want to say "my character explains everything that happened, except for X and Y," that's fine. (This may not be a good time for Natalia to talk, as Nutspeak may get in the way 😉)

No guildmarks on drow.
 
CoffeeIncluded
And now the Hulburg group has joined. Natalia slumps a little as she realizes what must be going through their heads. But where are the dwarves? They've got to be close, right?

And they saved Deldon, she and her friends saved Deldon twice. They've got to give her and her friends another chance right? Another day, new spells--talk to the dead, talk in all tongues, read minds, they just need another day. And they still need to clean up the gunpowder, and she still needs to bring it to Rosla, and maybe they can use it, and...

And Mithril Mithril Mithril, no matter how much Natalia tries to escape what Mithril did her mind keeps spinning back to it once again.  "Other ways, Mithril. Evidence, not torture,"  she whispers.  "You better, you know that. Better than that, better than fear driving you. I know." 

When Brander asks what's going on, Natalia opens her mouth, but Lucius's cruel words ring in her ears and she slowly closes her mouth again, lowering her gaze and clenching her hands a bit. She looks to Mithril, then back to her friends, and mouths,  "Help?" 
Admiral
Shiny steps forward when others are quiet.  "There was an attack by eight drow on the storeroom,"  he starts,  "one we discovered after coming across a murdered guard..." 

He continues, explaining concisely what the party had seen and done, all the way from the murdered guards up to hunting down and capturing the drow. He distinctly leaves out anything about torturing the drow, mentioning only that they were  "securing"  the prisoner in the storeroom.

As he talks, dwarven guards show up closely behind Brander and the others, each gasping when they see the dead bodies of the drow and especially the dwarven guards. Shiny does his best when explaining to put their minds at ease.

 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy:  (1d20+18)[ 21 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
What approximately happened with the diplomacy is that some were unfriendly and turned indifferent, and some indifferent and turned friendly.
 


Shiny's words are enough to win back a small amount of trust from the onlookers, but the scene still looks a bit suspicious, especially the web that had been holding them off and the fact that the party was the only ones who had seen the battle.

Brander bites his lip.  "If what you're saying is true, it seems like you've saved the supplies once again. I suppose that if you meant them harm, you could have sabotaged the mission long ago." 

As the party talks, the drow, who has somehow grown bolder with the appearance of the new soldiers, is now spouting occasional interjections of the harsh Undercommon tongue, interrupted when Kurt or Brander makes a threatening motion towards him. Lucius is watching the drow intently, barely moving or even seeming to listen to the others.

Suddenly a massive dwarven guard in intricate armor rounds the corner, with echoes heralding his arrival by a good thirty seconds.  "Yannis!"  he shouts as he looks at the bodies of the guards on the ground, then stomps forward angrily. He kneels down at the body of one of the dead dwarven guards, the one who hadn't even been wearing armor when he was struck down, and glares at the drow prisoner as he confirms that the dwarf is, indeed, gone. He rises, steps forward, and sweeps the bound drow up into a harsh, strangling hold. Only now does the party recognize the armored man as Stanton, the first dwarf Mithril had met at Deldon.

 "We're securing this...  thing  in the prison,  he hisses at the others, before stepping away.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Careful!"  Natalia shouts as he grabs the drow.  "He wizard, still spells. Familiar escaped! Always guard." 
Natalia runs forward to Stanton, finally letting go of Mithril for the moment, and gently touches the back of his shoulder.  "Stanton, I...we saved food, but not poison. More than poison. Need to talk later, to you and drow. All of us talk. Important. Look here." 

When Stanton is free, she shows him and the other dwarves the back room. And the gunpowder, half-cleaned up, on the floor.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gives Lucius a hard look as he stares at the drow. Does he know the language? She hopes they believe them, they have to believe them. They've saved Deldon twice! Hopefully once they see the gunpowder they'll see.

Even though she knows part of the reason is grief.

And her mind is spinning and focusing on anything because otherwise she'll go back to what Mithril did.

 
 Spoiler 
sense motive on Lucius, the Hulburg jerks, and the drow:  (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner watches silently from aside how the room is being inspected and the prisoner carried away. He's not really registering it though, his mind occupied by other thoughts. He throws a few extra glances at the drow and Mithril, and doesn't speak unless someone addresses him.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Natalia gets the sense that the drow is stubborn but a bit afraid, and definitely suspects that Lucius understands the drow's language.

I think it's more than a bit unfair to lump all the Hulburg characters together as jerks.
 


As the dwarves start to follow Stanton as he carries the helpless drow out of the room, the two parties lag behind a bit.

Lucius, the slender spy, steps next to the group as they follow.  "Do any of you speak undercommon?"  he asks, matter-of-factly.  "I do."  He continues,  " 'Are you going to try to torture me, like that pitiful wizard girl?' "  His voice stays in a steady monotone, as though he's reading from a dull history text.  "Is the prisoner lying?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
hulburg jerks is in reference to a joke athedia and I were making yesterday.

Which group is Lucius addressing?
 


Lucius understands undercommon, and the drow is afraid. And just as Natalia opens her mouth, Lucius speaks.

Natalia's mouth remains open, but no words come out. Her mouth is dry, and cold. Cold all the way down, and she feels ill. Normally, Natalia would rush to Mithril's defense, start lacing into the dwarf for calling her pitiful. But now? She squeezes Mithril's hand, but can't bring herself to say anything. She can't even look Lucius or Mithril in the eye.
Athedia
Mithril didn't wait for her friends to explain.  Instead she faced Lucius.  "Was I to trust you to get the information?  Spells don't work against his kind, and you?  I suspect your group of housing the traitor.  We weren't getting these... occurrences til we met you."   She removed the mask she was wearing, holding it in her hand so she could look him in the eye.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sharply turns to stare at Mithril. She thinks one of them is a traitor?! What is she talking about? Sure, Ezra was rude and Lucius was awful to her, but that didn't necessarily make them traitors. What made her suspicious?

 "Mithril..."  she whispers before changing the subject.  "Talk later. But drow afraid under stubborn."  But the stern tone means she still thinks what Mithril did was awful, and not a Mithril thing at all.

 
 Spoiler 
Should I roll sense motive here?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril didn't wait for her friends to explain.  Instead she faced Lucius.  "Was I to trust you to get the information?  Spells don't work against his kind, and you?  I suspect your group of housing the traitor.  We weren't getting these... occurrences til we met you."   She removed the mask she was wearing, holding it in her hand so she could look him in the eye. 
 

 "You misunderstood my question, young girl,"  Lucius answers. His whisper has the same unpleasant bitterness that seems always to infect his voice, but there is another note that is harder to place, but sounds almost like respect.  "Your distrust is the only wisdom I've yet witnessed among your friends. And your willingness to do what is necessary to complete your mission is a rare and admirable trait." 
 "That willingness is the most difficult part, you see,"  he continues, eyes glaring after the drow ahead of them.  "All you need after that... is practice." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "You misunderstood my question, young girl,"  Lucius answers. His whisper has the same unpleasant bitterness that seems always to infect his voice, but there is another note that is harder to place, but sounds almost like respect.  "Your distrust is the only wisdom I've yet witnessed among your friends. And your willingness to do what is necessary to complete your mission is a rare and admirable trait." 
 "That willingness is the most difficult part, you see,"  he continues, eyes glaring after the drow ahead of them.  "All you need after that... is practice."  
 

Somehow even though he meant it as a complement, Mithril felt worse.  She did not like the spy one bit, especially after his insulting Natalia.  This was worse than if he had yelled at her.  But at the same time, he understood her, what she had been trying to do. She opened her mouth to reply, then paused and closed it.  She was wordless, unable to think of what to say.
Admiral
Brander clears his throat very, very uncomfortably during the silence.

 "Each member of our party was chosen carefully for our task,"  he says.  "I've been fighting in Hulburg's army for twenty-eight years. Calric is a master at healing our wounds, Ezra excels at inflicting them onto our enemies. But Lucius has a different set of skills."  He doesn't make eye contact with anyone in the party.  "I'll be proposing to the dwarves that he lead the interrogation." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's shaking, and if Mithril's still holding her hand she can feel the rogue shaking in rage, her teeth set hard in her jaw.

How dare he?  How dare he?  How dare he call them that?! And how dare he encourage Mithril to stoop to his level, to become as slimy and awful as him?

 "No...please, Mithril..."  she breathes so only Mithril can hear.   Please don't do this, Mithril. You're better than that. You're better than him.  

And then Brander steps forward and suggests handing the drow over to Lucius and torture, and Natalia finds her voice.   "NO!"  
CoffeeIncluded
Sense Motive (sorry, doing like five things at once and I posted without double-checking):  (d20+6)[ 16 ] 
CWater
Natalia's scream startles Rhenner back to the present. He looks at the group next to her and takes a few steps towards them. What are they talking about?
CoffeeIncluded
Let him call her Nuts. Let Lucius call her addled, imbecile, a brain-damaged troglodyte. The words sear like hot knives cut into her skin, but they're not true, because she knows it and the people who really care about her know otherwise.

 "How dare you?  How dare you?!  Turn over drow for answers by torture?! Surrender promised safety!"  She steps forward and thrusts out one finger at the rogue--and at Brander too.  "I know they wouldn't! I snuck forward, discovered traps and bombs in shadows! If they caught me...even if surrendered, I dead! Dead and dumped to find! But we don't do in return. We better!"  Her lips curl and she spits out her final statement.  "You torture because easier, because easier answers than magic questions, or truth by evidence. But...easier not right! Do you...even regret? Or enjoy it?!"  She starts breathing more heavily, fury and rage and pain and despair at herself and Mithril and all this in her voice.  "I know when bad things needed, but...this not needed! There another way--you just finding easiest!"  And how  dare  Lucius suggest dragging Mithril and themselves down to his level!
CWater
No.. Not  more  of this kind. He could argue with the wizard, and her dwarven friend got her to stop. But if there are more who think that way.. Would the dwarves allow it? He knows harsh methods in interrogation are not unknown..

But it makes him sick. Fighting or even killing is another thing, the world is what it is. But deliberately hurting another living being, it makes him sick.
Cavelcade
Kurt's eyes burn holes into people as he stares, those that still care at least. His teeth grind together as the others speak, until he can no longer hold back from saying something, the blood of the drow pushing him forward.

 "If he is tortured here, I am leaving. If I have to go alone, and fight the horde on my own, and ****ing  die  on my own, I am leaving. Do what you think is necessary, and I'll do the same,"  he says, in a deep, growling tone no-one in the group has heard from him. As soon as the last word comes spitting out of his mouth, he turns on his heels and leaves, pausing at the door.  "But first, when I see it start, I'll kill him myself."  He leaves the room then, Daybreaker in his sheath, his hand in a white knuckle grip around his belt.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches Kurt leave, horrified and yet...and yet...

They all agree. They all feel the same way. She's not alone.

 "He won't be alone,"  she says, carefully, loud enough for even Kurt storming off to hear.

 
 Spoiler 
Cavelcade, when you said "I'll kill him myself," did you mean Kurt would kill Lucius, or the drow?
 
Admiral
 "This is not for us to decide,"  says Brander quietly.

The group moves forward, and after a few minutes of marching, including passing by the bodies of other dwarven guards now covered by bedsheets, comes to a crossroads. Stanton heads on the downward-sloping tunnel, his prisoner held tightly and cruelly in his grasp, a few guards following him, and another dwarf guard turns towards the party.

 "Stanton'll be putting the drow in a cell. But it sounds like there's some question of what to do with 'im... That'll be up to the mayor of Deldon. Sounds like they're having an emergency meeting; Orders are that I be bringing anyone who wants to have a say." 

Brander turns to his party and gives a few instructions, after which Brander and Lucius head up towards the mayor's council, while Ezra and Calric Jr. walk down towards the cells to help guard the drow.

 
 Spoiler 

Any player can choose whether they want to head down to follow the drow or up towards the mayor: or, for that matter, to storm off to your rooms for the night (if you like). Only those who head towards the mayor will be included in the resulting conversation. (But then some of you did consider guarding the drow, so I wanted to leave the option available).
 


Those who climb the stairs upward walk for what feels like an eternity, climbing step after step. Rhenner had been to the mayor's council chambers only once before, when the siege of Deldon had first begun and the mayor had assembled all the non-residents to break the news that they were trapped inside. He knows that the mayor's office is at the highest point in Deldon, not too far from the summit of the mountain they inhabit. The drop from the mayor's office at its highest peak to Moradin's Forge at its deepest is almost half a mile long.

Finally they reach the chambers, and outside stands a guard next to a table bearing a number of weapons.  "No weapons in the council, I'm afraid," , says the dwarf politely. Brander drops his greatsword on the table with a clang, and Lucius draws a disturbing number of daggers, followed by a thin, strong wire, before entering the heavy doors.
Athedia
The journey up the steps seemed to take forever, Mithril had walked further distances than these but the shear fact that she was going up steps made this exhausting.

Mithril popped the dagger from her wrist sheath.  Her crossbow was still in her pack and she had no more weapons.   As she lowered her hand to put the dagger on the table her wrist bumped against one of the wands arrayed around her belt.  With a look from a guard and a sheepish look back from her she dropped the wands on the table next to the dagger.

She was still armed, but it wasn't something she could give up.
CoffeeIncluded
If it's up to the mayor, then Natalia's got to be there to make her case, as best she can. And even if that's not enough, and she knows she can't do it on her own, she needs to tell them about the gunpowder and the bomb. She knows the most about them both, and she'll know more after taking this powder to Rosla immediately after the meeting.

So Natalia finishes shoving the soaked gunpowder into the haversack, finishes the half-done job, and races to catch up with the others. She winces as they pass by the covered bodies of the dwarves they failed to save, but focuses on the one they did, and the food they saved. She has to.

When the dwarf guard gives their options and Stanton gesticulates, drow still in hand, Natalia doesn't take long to make her decision. Especially when Ezra and Calric go to guard the drow.  "I make case, tell what happened. Give my knowledge. Rhenner, Shiny, Kurt...Mithril...please, come with." 

It's a long hike up to the chambers, and Natalia finds herself breathing a bit more heavily as they make the final ascent. As they reach the chambers, Natalia sighs and hands off her blades, her bow, her wands. Though she keeps her wire. Her eyes widen at the ridiculous number of daggers Lucius hands over, and somehow she doubts that's all of them. She vows to keep an eye on Lucius during the meeting.

Finally, Natalia heads inside, sitting by Mithril and waiting for everyone else to come in and for the meeting to begin.
CWater
Just before they start their long way up, Rhenner taps Natalia on the shoulder.  "When you and your firend make your mad dash out of the gates..." , there is a short pause,  "If you would like to have a healer along, and maybe live a few minutes longer.. Tell me before you leave." 
 "But I have hope it will not come to that. I can't say I would know the mayor of Deldon, but I have a reasonably high opinion of it's people, and I would not like to think I'll have to change it."  He sighs and looks up the stairs.  "But better get started, it's a long climb." 

At the top, Rhenner places his morningstar on the table, along with the fireball necklace. As an afterthought he starts to rummage through his bag, and produces a small sickle which he also lays on the table.

 "Remembered this time" , he says to the guard with an apologetic smile.
Cavelcade
Kurt moves silently to follow the drow, his face a thundercloud as he does. When the cell is chosen, he sits silently against the wall opposite it, Daybreaker placed across his knees. However, slowly the fire of his anger subsides and the fury of the day catches up to him as, slowly at first, his head starts to droop, gradually drifting into unconsciousness.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Just before they start their long way up, Rhenner taps Natalia on the shoulder.  "When you and your firend make your mad dash out of the gates..." , there is a short pause,  "If you would like to have a healer along, and maybe live a few minutes longer.. Tell me before you leave."  
 

 "Thanks. Probably yes,"  Natalia says, pleased that Rhenner holds the same stance. She likes the half-elf, and now more of her is wishing that he will come along no matter what happens. And, as for her friends...  "Hope Shiny and Mithril come too. Especially Mithril. She..."  She clenches her eyes shut and crosses her arms tight, pained.


  "But I have hope it will not come to that. I can't say I would know the mayor of Deldon, but I have a reasonably high opinion of it's people, and I would not like to think I'll have to change it."  He sighs and looks up the stairs.  "But better get started, it's a long climb."  

 "They seem good. Hopefully anger won't change."  She looks up at the spiraling stairs and then back to Rhenner.  "You been there before?" 

 At the top, Rhenner places his morningstar on the table, along with the fireball necklace. As an afterthought he starts to rummage through his bag, and produces a small sickle which he also lays on the table.

 "Remembered this time" , he says to the guard with an apologetic smile. 

This time. Looks like he has been. Natalia drums her fingers on the table, running them over her necklace and the coiled bumps of her wire, pinching, squeezing, and pressing them as well. She looks troubled, scared, angry. And seems like she has a lot to say.

 "Rhenner, do you...have speaking magic?" 
Admiral
The party enters the council chambers. At the center of the room is a wide, round table, carved out of the stone of the room itself and yet perfectly smooth. Around it sits about a dozen dwarves, some of whom Rhenner recognizes as various guards and influential citizens in Deldon,

At the head of the room is a large wooden table that overlooks the room, where the Mayor and his advisers watch over the room. Since the party arrived in the fortress they have seen little that was made of wood, most of the furniture being made of stone, but this is a grand piece that surely took several oaks to build. On one side sits a female dwarf wearing intricate mithril armor, though without her usual weapons: Rhenner recognizes her as Cordrey, the chief of the Iron Guard. She had been at the other entrance they had used as a decoy, holding it singlehandedly against the attacking orc forces. On the other side sits Rogan, the high priest of Deldon, wearing his usual robes and bearing an expression just as serious as they had seen at the funeral.

In the center sits Marcos Stoneslammer, the oldest dwarf in Deldon, and the mayor of the fortress. His tangled white beard reaches down across the table and spills out onto the floor in an impractical heap, and he glowers out at the crowd with eyes that seem entirely present and infinitely angry. For some unfathomable reason, in his right hand he bears a tremendous dwarven waraxe of flawless steel with an intimidating black handle: the only weapon present in the room. He waves the axe in the air absent-mindedly as he quietly argues with Cordrey and Rogan.

Once everyone has entered, Marcos chops his axe directly into the the table in front of him like a gavel, making a loud knocking sound. The party can see that the table is lined with a thousand gashes, some deeper than others.

 "All right now!!"  He bellows in a voice that sounds ancient and yet strangely commanding.  "It's eight hours ago we set our scene. I'm seeing drunken fools singing like sailors in the galleries and hearing the Iron Guard bray about the battle, and it fools me into thinking the front gates were closed and the worst business of this blasted siege behind us, and that I can finally get some damn sleep. But then I hear some drow don't be taking well to my hibernation. But all is not lost for my repose, because the good news is that at this meeting I'll be hearing some very good answers about how they got in, and some very good solutions that'll ensure that I get the sleep an old mean dwarf deserves."  He waves his axe out towards the assembly to emphasize the threat.

 "Now, who was it found the drow? I'll be hearing from you first." 
 
 Spoiler 
If no one else wants to give the explanation, Shiny will.
 
Athedia
 "We did."  Mithril gestured to Natalia, Shiny and Rhenner.   "We followed their path.  It led to a storeroom and they were prepared, this attack was carefully planned."   She stopped not knowing how much people wanted to reveal about the gunpowder and drow.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia, who jumped as Marcos slammed his axe into the table, swallows and speaks up. She snuck ahead, she knows what happened when she snuck ahead.

 "I best sneaker, went ahead. Saw another dwarf, throat stabbed, but alive. Tried to give potion, but invisible. So he attacked, scared. I left, he found my friends. Friends saved. Ask him later.

"Saw drow girl first. Two blades, one snake. Silenced both before she knew. Then traps along path, many traps, made by expert. Dark alarms and crossbows. Maybe poisoned arrows too. Then...storeroom. When arrived, saw live and dead drow...and all dwarves dead."  Natalia closes her eyes in pain, still unable to forgive herself for not being able to get to the dwarves in time. But she was nearly a minute too late. She continues as best she can, not giving too many details so as to avoid being bogged down by her own speech impediment.

 "Too many to fight. So returned to friends, just behind. We fought, beat. Archers and wizards and fighters and sneakers. Killed all but...captured wizard and escaped familiar. Kurt, dwarf friend guarding him now. But, in back, where food..." 

Natalia falters. How can she say this? They have to know. But if they don't know what gunpowder is, how can she describe it? Tick tock tick tock boom won't work.

 "Sorry. Need moment. Words..." 
 
 Spoiler 
sorry, shopping for dinner more later!
 
Admiral
 "Are ye out of breath from the climb up, lassie,"  says Marcos curtly as Natalia speaks,  "or has my brain gone so rotten I've forgotten how to understand the common tongue? For I can't make a buggerin' bit of sense of what yer saying."  His tone sounds much more impatient than cruel, though his absent-minded waving of the axe lends a certain sharpness to his words.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces and shakes her head.  "I'm sorry,"  she says.  "Tangled words. Always spoken, always ever known..."  She looks around the table, decidedly not at Lucius and Brander, and also looks at the three dwarves at the grand oak table at the head of the room. She pleads,  "Can anyone...speaking magic? Or understand words? Please? I...know most of what happened, most of what in food room." 
 
 Spoiler 
Also, Natalia took a look to see if Lucius actually gave up all his weapons at the start of the meeting?

Nutspeak is fun. It's also "fun" too. 😁
 
Athedia
 "Sir, she was the one who went ahead.  She spotted the drow's scout and killed her.  They had alarms set to warn of anyone approaching.  She got to the storeroom before the rest of us, the dwarves were already dead, but they had managed to take a few of the drow with them.  She came back to warn us, and then we took over.  Kurt is guarding the drow we took prisoner.  I believe him to be a mage and I know he has a familiar out there somewhere.  So I believe his masters know he is captured."   Mithril was used to stepping in as translator and did so with ease.  She had an idea of what to do with the drow, but was going to wait until the others spoke.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Sir, she was the one who went ahead.  She spotted the drow's scout and killed her.  They had alarms set to warn of anyone approaching.  She got to the storeroom before the rest of us, the dwarves were already dead, but they had managed to take a few of the drow with them.  She came back to warn us, and then we took over.  Kurt is guarding the drow we took prisoner.  I believe him to be a mage and I know he has a familiar out there somewhere.  So I believe his masters know he is captured."   Mithril was used to stepping in as translator and did so with ease.  She had an idea of what to do with the drow, but was going to wait until the others spoke. 
 

Natalia smiles and sighs in relief as Mithril translates for her.  "That what happened,"  she says to the mayor. She still hasn't changed so much, she's still Mithril underneath the sudden darkness.

 "Thank you."  She pauses and runs her fingers over each other.  "Mithril, how tell about gunpowder bomb? If they don't know boom? They...need knowing." 
Admiral
 "She couldn't have said that in the first place?"  says Marcos grumpily. His patience appears to be razor thin.

Shiny chooses this moment to step in and give his summary of the events that followed; the same summary he had given to the guards in the storeroom. Once again he gives his best explanation of gunpowder, and much like last time he leaves out the attempted interrogation of the prisoner. The whole time Marcos watches with a frown, occasionally twirling his axe.

 
 Spoiler 

Diplomacy check:  (1d20+18)[ 30 ] 

Natalia can roll a Spot check to look for hidden weapons on Lucius if she likes.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Im sorry,"  she says.  "I can't. Try but can't. ...Nutspeak." 

She takes a look at everyone, including Lucius, and then describes the bomb and how she disarmed it as best she can.

 
 Spoiler 
id post more details about the bomb but I'm making ratatouille for dinner right now. Can I please post about the details of the bomb and how she disarmed it later?

EDIT: Nevermind, see below.

Spot:  (d20+12)[ 26 ] 
 


EDIT: As Shiny describes the effects of the gunpowder, and how it's incredibly destructive but not magical at all, Natalia explains the bomb, as best she can.  "Gunpowder on timer. More gunpowder all around. Tick tock tick tock boom. Very big boom. Destroy all food, us, maybe even...that part Deldon fall. It was...good trap. Very good trap. No guild marks on any, but very good. Not made swift. Bomb took time...to make. Attack was planned, not impulse haste.

"Many traps on bomb, but I stopped many. And we...destroyed bomb. Saved powder to study, but bomb gone. All safe...for now. If...want proof, I have gunpowder sample." 

She then falls silent, and allows Shiny to finish.

 
 Spoiler 
Compared to the gunpowder on the Horde shop, how much gunpowder was in the storeroom?

If someone wants to shut Natalia up, you can do so.
 
CWater
Rhenner lets the others make the report of what happened, only speaking to add some detail, if he thinks it's important.

 
 Spoiler 
When the matter of what to do with the drow comes up, he will probably state his opinion, though likely only to counter an argument. He doesn't have any particular ideas of what to do with the drow, merely what  not  to do with him. Am I making sense?

I'll be away until Sunday maybe. I'll see if I can post somehow during my visit, but you don't need to wait for me.
 
Admiral
As Natalia starts to describe the  "Tick tick tick boom," , he looks at her with a scathing expression that grows to disbelief as she continues, tapping his axe on the table.

 
 Spoiler 
Don't take it personally. He's impatient and I'm being realistic with strangers' responses to Nutspeak.

Natalia doesn't spot a weapon on Lucius.
 


When Shiny finishes, the mayor seems to appreciate his description and considers it for a bit, before growing unexpectedly agitated for a moment,  pointing the axe straight at him.  "And only you lot saw any of this, eh? Six dwarves dead, including one of the Iron Guard, and no other witnesses?" 

Another dwarf behind the group steps up, and the party is surprised to see the purple-belted samurai captain Dresden is in the room.  "Mr. Mayor, I speak for the samurai village of Soshima when I vouch for these adventurers' honor. In previous missions they earned the absolute trust of the samurai, and would never be party to these heinous crimes. I have also heard that they do indeed have experience with this powder..." 

The mayor snorts.  "Gunpowder, eh? I guess it would be news to you surface-dwellers. We've well heard of it- seems like it's every month the Firm sends a messenger urging us to look into its production. Clueless buggers think that if you squeeze a mountain hard enough, you can mine any old damn thing you ask for." 

The mayor scratches his beard.  "Maybe my ears be stuffed up with wax, but I don't recall hearing how these eight elven rascals got  into  the city. And let me be clear, that is the first and foremost obstacle to me getting a damn bit of rest." 

At this point Lucius stands up.  "Mr. Mayor,"  he says in his usual rasp,  "we came here to help the city of Deldon. In this case I have the means to do so. The prisoner holds the information we need: how the drow entered the fortress, who sent them and why, and whether we can expect more. All that remains is to extract this information. I have experience interrogating hostile subjects. In one hour you could know everything he does." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As Natalia starts to describe the  "Tick tick tick boom," , he looks at her with a scathing expression that grows to disbelief as she continues, tapping his axe on the table.

 
 Spoiler 
Don't take it personally. He's impatient and I'm being realistic with strangers' responses to Nutspeak.

Natalia doesn't spot a weapon on Lucius.
 


When Shiny finishes, the mayor seems to appreciate his description and considers it for a bit, before growing unexpectedly agitated for a moment,  pointing the axe straight at him.  "And only you lot saw any of this, eh? Six dwarves dead, including one of the Iron Guard, and no other witnesses?"  
 

 "And dwarf we saved!"  Natalia blurts out of her humiliated silence. "Stabbed in throat, ask him. He...warned friends of drow...when I ahead." 

 The mayor snorts.  "Gunpowder, eh? I guess it would be news to you surface-dwellers. We've well heard of it- seems like it's every month the Firm sends a messenger urging us to look into its production. Clueless buggers think that if you squeeze a mountain hard enough, you can mine any old damn thing you ask for."  

 "I have sample!"  Natalia says, digging a small scoop out. Still soaked, it's like wet sand in her hand.  "Sparks when dry. It...wet, so safe. But here, dry!" 

Digging through another pouch in her haversack, Natalia comes up with a pinch, just a pinch, of dry gunpowder. She lays it out on the table at arm's length from everyone, and then, gingerly, lights it with a burning splinter of wood. The gunpowder flares and explodes with a loud  POP! 
 "And that a pinch,"  Natalia says, more for the benefit of everyone who hadn't seen the powder before.  "But...what do you know of powder?"  she asks the mayor of Deldon.


 The mayor scratches his beard.  "Maybe my ears be stuffed up with wax, but I don't recall hearing how these eight elven rascals got  into  the city. And let me be clear, that is the first and foremost obstacle to me getting a damn bit of rest." 

At this point Lucius stands up.  "Mr. Mayor,"  he says in his usual rasp,  "we came here to help the city of Deldon. In this case I have the means to do so. The prisoner holds the information we need: how the drow entered the fortress, who sent them and why, and whether we can expect more. All that remains is to extract this information. I have experience interrogating hostile subjects. In one hour you could know everything he does."  

 "No!"  Natalia shouts, shooting to her feet and glaring at the spy.  "Not torture! Other ways to know! Mind reading, spells to make friendly! Spells to talk to dead drow! Speak to trapsmith! Not torture, other ways! We...better than that!"  She snarls at the words.  "You say easy, but not right! And may not...be true anyway!" 
Admiral
Sleep comes to Kurt, and fury follows with it.

His rage is ugly and bitter now, born not of thrilling anger but of cruel necessity. His surroundings are familiar: the storeroom, with Natalia working carefully on the contraption in the center as Rhenner fills the floor with water. He raises his axe and starts his work.

The first keg breaks easily, just as it always had. Powder spills onto the floor, quickly moistening in the puddles, and he continues. The second, third and fourth smash just as easily in the face of his anger. Thoughts of the lives in Deldon he may save with this desperate ploy come to mind, but they are soon overtaken by his overwhelming need to  destroy .

The fifth keg is not so easy...  hasn't this happened before...  Daybreaker glances off of it and simply knocks it to the wet floor intact. In fury he raises his blade once more-

But something catches his eye first- a reflection in the water that should not be there- a tall figure in armor standing behind the dwarf, his hand on Kurt's shoulder. He'd seen the same figure in his last dream...  and somewhere else, but where?  Kurt twists around in panic, but nothing is there: nothing save Natalia working furiously on the contraption while others watch.

Finally he looks back down at the last keg, the rage returns and he swings- he just barely has time to see the spark of the blade against the metal hoop before the blast begins-

and Kurt gasps awake in a panic on the floor of the stone tunnel, with Calric Jr. rushing towards him in surprise and concern. He sees the cleric's lips move, but cannot hear a word: the deafening noise of the explosion still rings in his ears.

 
 Spoiler 

Cavelcade, please replace 1 of Kurt's existing levels of barbarian with 1 level of crusader. Kurt also gains 50 bonus XP. His journey is just beginning.

(If you're curious, the above is my interpretation of Kurt's natural 1 on the 6th swing  here . Kurt didn't have a chance to take that sixth swing in real life because he had to help Natalia).
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "And dwarf we saved!"  Natalia blurts out of her humiliated silence. "Stabbed in throat, ask him. He...warned friends of drow...when I ahead."  
 

The mayor rolls his eyes at Natalia's outburst, but another dwarf guard does step forward.  "That's true, sir. Camden felt too ill to make it up here, but the story he told confirms much of this account." 

  "I have sample!"  Natalia says, digging a small scoop out. Still soaked, it's like wet sand in her hand.  "Sparks when dry. It...wet, so safe. But here, dry!" 

Digging through another pouch in her haversack, Natalia comes up with a pinch, just a pinch, of dry gunpowder. She lays it out on the table at arm's length from everyone, and then, gingerly, lights it with a burning splinter of wood. The gunpowder flares and explodes with a loud  POP! 
 "And that a pinch,"  Natalia says, more for the benefit of everyone who hadn't seen the powder before.  "But...what do you know of powder?"  she asks the mayor of Deldon. 

 "I'm not here to give lessons in mineralogy to humans,"  says the mayor, looking more tired than ever. But he had seemed somewhat interested in Natalia's demonstration.


  "No!"  Natalia shouts, shooting to her feet and glaring at the spy.  "Not torture! Other ways to know! Mind reading, spells to make friendly! Spells to talk to dead drow! Speak to trapsmith! Not torture, other ways! We...better than that!"  She snarls at the words.  "You say easy, but not right! And may not...be true anyway!"  

The sound of an axe slamming hard into a wooden table makes the room jump a bit. The mayor leans forward and glares at Natalia.  "Just like there's only one person allowed to carry a weapon in this room,"  he says in a loud growl,  "there's only one person allowed to raise his voice, and it ain't you." 

Rhenner stands up, and seconds Natalia's opinion, calling for wisdom rather than anger. But Lucius turns to them and raises his eyebrows.  "And how long would it take for these spells to be ready?"  he asks.  "Information gathered too late is worthless. How do you know that our enemy isn't preparing to strike again tonight? Would you take responsibility if they did?" 

Shiny opens his mouth to speak, but closes it, looking somewhat halfhearted. For some reason he looks over to Mithril, with a curious expression.

 
 Spoiler 
I think we're all curious about Mithril's position.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The mayor rolls his eyes at Natalia's outburst, but another dwarf guard does step forward.  "That's true, sir. Camden felt too ill to make it up here, but the story he told confirms much of this account." 
 "I'm not here to give lessons in mineralogy to humans,"  says the mayor, looking more tired than ever. But he had seemed somewhat interested in Natalia's demonstration. 
 

Natalia shrinks into her seat, though she does smile and mouth a thanks at the dwarf who confirmed her story. Still, she feels humiliated. And yet she can't keep silent.


 The sound of an axe slamming hard into a wooden table makes the room jump a bit. The mayor leans forward and glares at Natalia.  "Just like there's only one person allowed to carry a weapon in this room,"  he says in a loud growl,  "there's only one person allowed to raise his voice, and it ain't you."  

Natalia jumps, then shrinks down further.  "Sorry,"  she says.


 Rhenner stands up, and seconds Natalia's opinion, calling for wisdom rather than anger. But Lucius turns to them and raises his eyebrows.  "And how long would it take for these spells to be ready?"  he asks.  "Information gathered too late is worthless. How do you know that our enemy isn't preparing to strike again tonight? Would you take responsibility if they did?" 

Shiny opens his mouth to speak, but closes it, looking somewhat halfhearted. For some reason he looks over to Mithril, with a curious expression.

 
 Spoiler 
I think we're all curious about Mithril's position.
 
 

Natalia pauses. He does have a point, but still!  "Eight hours. And...with bomb, good made bomb, more than eight hours to make...I think. Or faster time, if scrolls, spells left?"  She looks to Shiny and asks,  "Mind reading magic left?" 

And when Shiny looks over to Mithril, Natalia does so as well, with a nervous look.   Please Mithril, please be the Mithril I know...  
 
 Spoiler 
Oh hell yeah.

And can I just say I love Kurt's dream sequence?

Does Shiny have any Detect Thoughts spells left?
 


EDIT: And Natalia says to Lucius,  "Then watch, guard. We ready now."  She shakes her head.  "Don't think they...try again anyway. Not so soon. This sneak attack, but we foiled. We now know, so no sneak attack so soon. Because...we expect it. Hard to sneak when watching. And...can't sneak the sneaky." 
Athedia
Mithril pushed herself forward, standing at the front of the group.   "I do not trust Lucius and his group.  I apologize but attacks will keep coming until we find the traitor."   In her current position she could feel the eyes of her friends and of Lucius on her back.

 "I will stand with my friends on this.  They will leave this place if torture occurs and I will follow, and the drow will be dead.  This was sworn to me by a companion, and I do not doubt their word.  I do have an alternate plan, though it may be... unconventional."   She paused, trying to figure out how to phrase herself.

Taking a deep breath she started.   "We do some minor questioning, so he doesn't suspect.  But then we transport him, and let him attempt an escape.  If you have a scrying lenses we could follow him." 

She felt her knees shake, being unarmed in from of someone wielding a hefty axe tended to do that to her.   "Finally, I will repeat someone in this mountain is a traitor.  The Voice knows of all our plans, including what I have stated here and what everyone has been talking about.  You have no hope of safety until the traitor is gone.  The Voice will not stop." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia squeals slightly, a short squeak of delight at Mithril's promise, and it's all she can do not to throw her arms around her. Mithril's...the darkness seems like it's fading.

She listens to Mithril's plan and grins, expressing her approval out loud, though she also whispers,  "Ask...my body's shadow too, maybe."  Though her smile fades at Mithril's reiteration that there is a traitor. She asks,  "Wait...Mithril, how known? What if...if we can scry, they...scry back?" 

Either way, it's a terrifying thought.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril pushed herself forward, standing at the front of the group.   "I do not trust Lucius and his group.  I apologize but attacks will keep coming until we find the traitor."   In her current position she could feel the eyes of her friends and of Lucius on her back.

 "I will stand with my friends on this.  They will leave this place if torture occurs and I will follow, and the drow will be dead.  This was sworn to me by a companion, and I do not doubt their word.  I do have an alternate plan, though it may be... unconventional."   She paused, trying to figure out how to phrase herself.

Taking a deep breath she started.   "We do some minor questioning, so he doesn't suspect.  But then we transport him, and let him attempt an escape.  If you have a scrying lenses we could follow him."  
 

At this point Rogan, the high priest, leans forward.  "We can find a suitable pool to use,"  he says slowly,  "But how long would this take? If I recall correctly, the spell takes an hour to cast, and may fail if the subject resists it. What would you do then?" 

Cordrey, of the Iron Guard, interrupts as well.  "Letting a prisoner escape without knowing he's being let free is no easy task, especially without putting our guards at risk. If he's a spellcaster, there's no telling what he could do to them once free. What would you suggest?" 
 "Aye,"  says the mayor,  "not to mention, how do you know he'll try to escape? Perhaps his plan will be to go back to the storeroom and magick away the food, or magick open the front gates to let the orcs enter, or magick his way into my quarters and magick me into a toad." 

 She felt her knees shake, being unarmed in from of someone wielding a hefty axe tended to do that to her.   "Finally, I will repeat someone in this mountain is a traitor.  The Voice knows of all our plans, including what I have stated here and what everyone has been talking about.  You have no hope of safety until the traitor is gone.  The Voice will not stop."  

 "I haven't the first idea what voice you're going on about,"  growls the mayor,  "but to me you're sounding as daft as the shorter one." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 At this point Rogan, the high priest, leans forward.  "We can find a suitable pool to use,"  he says slowly,  "But how long would this take? If I recall correctly, the spell takes an hour to cast, and may fail if the subject resists it. What would you do then?" 

Cordrey, of the Iron Guard, interrupts as well.  "Letting a prisoner escape without knowing he's being let free is no easy task, especially without putting our guards at risk. If he's a spellcaster, there's no telling what he could do to them once free. What would you suggest?" 
 "Aye,"  says the mayor,  "not to mention, how do you know he'll try to escape? Perhaps his plan will be to go back to the storeroom and magick away the food, or magick open the front gates to let the orcs enter, or magick his way into my quarters and magick me into a toad."  
 

He does have a point, and she's not sure about how to make a spellcaster escape without realizing he's being allowed to do so. But about the magic, well,  "He almost out,"  she says  "Little magic, and...no spellbook, though a wizard."  She bites her lip.  "...His...familiar escaped. Maybe scry familiar, through fur...scales...left behind on wizard? And question master, or...the dead?" 

But she leaves the rest of the questions for Mithril to answer; she's said enough.

 
 Spoiler 
We should be able to find stray fur or scales or feathers or something on the wizard if we search his clothes thoroughly and are looking for them. Can we?
 


  "I haven't the first idea what voice you're going on about,"  growls the mayor,  "but to me you're sounding as daft as the shorter one."  

 "Not daft!"  Natalia cries out, though it's not shouted at the earlier volume that made the mayor slam the desk with his axe.  "Neither Mithril...nor me. Not daft, just...can't speak. And she means traitor, traitor made us change tunnel plans!" 

Maybe she shouldn't have said that, but the insult to them both was too much.

EDIT: Oh. That's what he means.  "Voice is Puppetmaster,"  she says, before realizing that wouldn't help at all.  "Behind powder, Horde, it all."  Maybe they shouldn't have said that, but there's nothing more that can be done about it now.
Athedia
Mithril pulled Natalia back.   "Sir I assure you that I and my friends are far from daft. We are just not afraid to face what is in front of us, that there is somone we only know of as a Voice existing in high ranking members of the enemy and some allies, that rules their minds.  At this she looked sideways at some of the samurai.   "Or do you think a gathering of orcs that large, plus two giant attacks on the group arriving with supplies, the aforesaid gathering knowing of our plans and drow just happening to sneak into here are all coincidences?  Surely you are not daft either." 

She honestly didn't know what to do to release the drow, she had not concentrated on it much yet.   "Only thing I can say about the drow mage is that without his book he is useless.  That is if he is of my profession and not a fire slinger like Ezra.  They are far more crude but more dangerous." 
 
 Spoiler 
She really doesn't like Ezra.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles as Mithril proclaims her faith and certainty that neither she nor anyone is daft, then lets out a snort at her jibe against Ezra. But that gives her a thought. Hm...

She leans closer to Mithril and says,  "I think, if knew rest of cup, what in cup, then...plan forged escape around spells left." 
 
 Spoiler 
Athedia, is it clear what Natalia's saying?
 
Admiral
The mayor chooses to ignore Natalia's outbursts, and focuses on Mithril.  "Not sure I know about any of this voice business. What I do know is we're not letting any other drow in here." 

Lucius stands up.  "We're wasting time. No one else has a plan that can tell us how the drow broke through your security  tonight . Will you let me lead the interrogation or not?" 

The mayor seems deep in thought.

 
 Spoiler 

If Mithril or Rhenner has a speech about torture that might help.  (Natalia is, realistically, unlikely to help). If not Shiny will give it a go when I'm back in NY.

I can't think of a way to convincingly let him escape either; if I did then Shiny would certainly bring it up as a suggestion. (I used to think Modify Memory was on the beguiler spell list, but it isn't- pity. Nor is it on sorcerer/wizard so he can't Advanced Learning it).

Personally I think magically-enhanced interrogation is a more reliable tactic; much less that can go wrong (What if he doesn't take the bait? What if he kills someone while escaping? What if the scrying attempt fails, or it takes more than eight minutes for him to escape and the spell runs out (takes an hour to start the next scry)? What if he doesn't try to escape the way he came but instead goes to cause other kinds of mischief?) But of course if your characters can find a way to make it work that would be great.

What do you mean that without his book he is useless? He could still have spells ready to cast, though indeed he can't prepare new ones.

Incidentally, you did find a spell component bag, including some small (worthless-ish) components, so from your guess it does look like he doesn't have Eschew Materials and will be unable to cast spells with material components unless he gets it back.
 
Athedia
 "Wait for tomorrow then.  I have spells that will allow me access into the drow's mind.  That is the only way my friends will be satisfied with the interrogation.  I am sure you have clerics here who can use some spell to see if I am lying and others can be present in the room if you wish." 

Mithril nodded to Lucius.   "I appreciate you wanting to... help.  But neither I nor my friends will be comfortable with you leading interrogation." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hangs her head, humiliated, fighting the urge to cry at her uselessness. Dropping her hands into her lap she feels the edge of the pouch she took from the drow and her eyes widen a bit. She passes it to Mithril and whispers, through a voice slightly raspy from help-back tears,  "His spell tool pouch. Even fewer spells without this." 
 
 Spoiler 
i realized I forgot to get a spell component pouch. Can I keep this one?
 
CWater
 " 'Lead the interrogation'? Do speak of things with their actual names." 

The half-elf has been quiet all this time, but now he speaks with a dark tone that has a hint of steel,  "You mean you wish to deliberately inflict pain on the prisoner until he speaks."  He looks at Lucius with open disgust in his eyes, then turns to face the mayor.  "Sir, I can see you are considering this. Pardon me, but I thought the dwarves of Deldon had more pride than this, that they had more honour."  He glances at the samurai who are present,  "The people of Soshima claim to hold this honour in high regard, yet I hear you say nothing against the use of these heinous methods." 
 "The use of  torture , for however good reasons, is evil. I understand you want to protect the people here, and I cannot guarantee that something won't happen in those eight hours needed to prepare the spells required. But the drow caught everyone entirely by surprise today, if the people and guards are alert, they should not be so easily taken down. Or have I mistaken the strength of Deldon?"

"Sir, if what you care most about is getting to bed early, then truly you must do as this man says",  he throws another dark glare at Lucius, then looks back at the mayor,  "But if you choose to do this, I dare you to stand close enough to at least hear the screams. And see how well you sleep after that." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen as Rhenner speaks, and as he finishes, she looks to the heads of Deldon and nods furiously, a fierce expression (and yet joy at the half-elf's argument) on her face.

She likes Rhenner, likes her a lot more than she thought she would upon first meeting him after the grief and the room of combat practice she set up for herself. Rhenner isn't Miriam, he'll never be Miriam, and the similarities are painful. But she likes the half-elf, and she's starting to hope he'll travel with them in the future.

Natalia starts to wonder if she should get Kurt and bring him up to make his case, speak to then warrior to warrior, dwarf to dwarf.
Admiral
Hearing Rhenner's words, the samurai Dresden also steps forward.  "The samurai of Soshima would say the same. To kill a foe in battle is necessary and good; to torment him in captivity lacks honor." 
 
 Spoiler 

Hahaha, you got me, CWater. I was meaning to write a samurai speech against torture but was busy packing at the time.
 

 "I've heard enough outsiders judge what is necessary for Deldon,"  growls the mayor, his axe twirling faster than before. Abruptly he stands up, disappearing behind the wooden table as he does. He shuffles out from behind the table, using his axe like a cane, with his badly tangled four-foot-long beard following slowly with him. While the table had let him rise above all others present, it is now apparent that he is unusually short even for a dwarf, and indeed probably stands only a few inches taller than Shiny. He hobbles along until he reaches Rhenner, and looks up at the cleric.

 "Let me tell you something, elf. If you think the sound of my enemies' screams would be new to me, you don't know the first thing about leadership."  He scratches his beard deeply, and then glances around as he takes stock of the party seated near Rhenner, his eyes resting sequentially on Shiny, then Mithril, then Natalia.  "Only had two non-dwarves popping around here all month, and now there's some kinda convention in town. And wouldn't you know you're the ones givin' me all the difficulty."  He sighs, and the hoarse whistle within his breath sings of a life spent in the deepest mines.

 
 Spoiler 
Marcos can't tell the difference between a half-elf and an elf, nor would he care if someone pointed it out.
 


His eyes turn to Mithril.  "Funny word you used- 'comfortable.' You're not comfortable lettin' Skinanbones there do the interview. You know, I never found meself a comfortable war."  He scratches his head.  "Never a comfortable armchair, either, but I'll be blamin' the Artisans' Quarter for that." 
 "Where was I? Oh, right. Do you gamble? I never cared much for it meself, but the miners, well, they can't get enough o' the games. But you, you'll be lookin' to gamble with the lives o' dwarves in Deldon. What you're at stake to win is your moral comfort."  He scratches his beard heartily again.  "Guess I can't judge a fella for his indulgences, except that's my dwarves you'll be throwin' into the pot. So let's make sure you're in there with them." 
 "Tomorrow morning you'll get your interrogation, the way you're lookin' to do it. You've done good savin' the food, I suppose you're the right ones to send in. And if the drow do attack in the meantime, then for every dwarf that dies, you'll owe me a limb."  He twirls his axe and glances over the party's arms and legs before shrugging.  "The lot of you can decide which among yourselves." 
 "There we are, I'm feelin' better already. How about it? You're not happy with the terms, you know where the door is." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stares at the mayor in shock as he puts their limbs--their lives!--on the line. As if he...is he going to enjoy this. Is he going to ****ing enjoy this?! Or does he care that little? He and Lucius would make a good team, that's for sure. How could he--how could he make them make an offer like that? That's no offer at all! She crosses her arms, gripping her fingers tight into her biceps, so tight you'd have to struggle to pry them off.

No. No, she'll be damned if she's leaving a part of herself behind here in Deldon, which now feels claustrophobic and choking and crushing instead of sheltered and guarded, turned this way with just a few paragraphs. And if he thinks she'll let him do that to her friends, then he's got another thing coming. Sick, sick, sick! How could he think this doing the right thing an indulgence? How could he turn this into a game?!

 "Life or limb...heheh..hahahaha..."  And then Natalia, still grasping her arms tight enough to leave finger marks, throws back her head and laughs, a bubbled shrieking wrenched from her that quickly turns into a sob before dying away entirely.

 
 Spoiler 
Damn. Okay, well, uh, damn. ****. ****.

Do artificial limbs exist in this world?

And I'm sorry this is all the response I can give you right now. Don't worry, I'm sure she'll calm down in a minute! 😦
 
Athedia
Mithril paused at a statement of the mayor, glancing at Rhenner and then at the rest of the party.   "Two non-dwarves sir?  I know only of Rhenner, and I assume we are the convention.  As for forfeiting limbs, I will agree, but would like to ask one condition."   She knew this would not go over well with him, but he had said the word owe.  "You imply a debt with owe.  I at least will willingly pay it, after the war is over.  I am no use to anyone without the ability to run to the fight, and without the arms to cast a spell.  I am sure you know of the spells that force one to act upon a promise.  I will have one placed on myself to assure you of my sincerity in the matter." 
Admiral
Marcos raises his eyebrows at the proposal.  "Hmph. Reckon I can give you one year o' leeway, no more. Who knows if I'll even live that long." 
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia's minor breakdown passes, she pauses at Mithril's remark, and then her vow. And her eyes widen in horror. And it takes everything in her not to cry out at Mithril's promise, and even more to not blow her stack at Marcos. How dare he, how dare he?! Why would he propose such an extreme solution? Panicking, she latches on to his previous comment on how there was a zoo of non-dwarves. Is it because they're human? Is that part of the reason? And only Natalia's previous chastisement stops her from throwing that accusation in the Mayor's face, no matter how true it may or may not be. True, she's vaguely away that she's not thinking rationally, not like cool logical Mithril (or calm like Rhenner's speech), but she's also too upset and livid at his "generosity" to much care.

Kurt would never do this, would never make someone submit to such a gamble. It's violent bloodlust and madness, that's all it is.

(who's the second non-dwarf? Are they still here?)

When Marcos makes his decision, a year's leeway, Natalia slumps a bit in relief. A year. A year. He may not even be alive to carry it out, and the rest of Deldon can't be as bloodthirsty, can they? Besides, they've gotten so strong in so short a time. And if there's magic to restore life, there's got to be magic to restore limbs! They can heal Mithril immediately afterwards.

But for her to go through all that pain...

 "Fine,"  she spits, with no small amount of rage and contempt.

Then, frantically, Natalia turns to her friends.  "We need Kurt. Tell him, let him speak too. And...scrolls. Maybe scrolls found, cast now. Or...or...Shiny! Shiny, spells left, right? Can...cast friendly spell? Didn't work before, but maybe lucky, right?"  She presses the amethyst scale, the memento magica, in his hand.  "Another spell. And...I look scrolls! Please, Shiny, everyone..." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Let me tell you something, elf. If you think the sound of my enemies' screams would be new to me, you don't know the first thing about leadership."  
 

At this comment Rhenner mutters,  "I'm very sorry to hear that" , but barely audibly.

 
 Spoiler 
I was thinking the mayor might reply like that.😛 But it was something Rhenner would say.
 


The mayor's condition on the other hand, leaves him speechless for a good moment. Then Mithril speaks, and what she says surprises him. First she was ready to do the torturing herself, and now she's gambling her limbs for that not to happen. He really doesn't know what he should think of this wizard.

  And I did offer to venture right out if they go through with that horrible interrogation, didn't I? Why on earth did I do that, what purpose does throwing one's life away serve? But I guess that would be worse than losing a hand or a leg... Even if that whole term is madness too.

Would he agree to an eye? I might not mind so much losing one of those...   He scolds himself immediately; this is not the time for dark jokes, even if it was only inside one's head, and not entirely untrue.

 "...A limb does not measure up to a life" , he says, though does not explain the exact thought process behind the line.  "I...will accept your terms, even though if I am honest, it does feel like pointless madness to me. I would think a promise to help bring back those who'd have lost those lives to have more purpose." 
 "...But you make the decisions in this fortress" , he admits reluctantly.
Admiral
 "You're damn right there,"  the mayor growls to Rhenner, before shuffling his way towards a door near the back of the chambers.  "Cordrey, I expect you have some preparations to make. I'm going to find a warhammer and knock myself out." 

He steps through the door, followed by one or two other dwarves, and it slams behind him.

Cordrey, the head of the defense of Deldon, snaps into action.  "All right, call  a meeting of all guards not currently at critical posts. Fifteen minutes, Iron Hall,"  she shouts.

None of seem particularly surprised at the deal the mayor had struck with the party, nor interested in the party afterwards. Lucius, however, hustles his way out of the room while glaring at the party.  "This is no time for games,"  he hisses at them as he passes.
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
Again, my apologies for how long this took. Just life things! I'll sort out the levelling over the next few days.
 


Kurt awakens with a jerk, panting hard and fast as he looks from side to side wide-eyed and panicky, with Daybreaker in both hands as he looks over from side to side in a rush, twisting his body back and forth before collapsing back against the wall. He runs his fingers through his hair, tugging at his beard as he goes over to look in at the Drow, a vague sense of unease permeating his body. He walks with an uneven gait, rubbing at his ear, trying to scrub the sound of the blast from his mind. Is that how his rage was to others - is that how it had been in his home? Crunching and cracking, his temper like that gunpowder and just as dangerous.

 "Get a hold of yourself you damn fool. Get a hold of yourself and change if that's how you feel." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Tell...mayor that,"  Natalia hisses back.

As everyone disperses, Natalia looks around wildly, still in disbelief over what happened. And how...okay the others were at it. Again, she asks her friends,  "Should I...look scrolls? Then find Kurt, try drow now, see if lucky?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Admiral, do you want to borrow Natalia's memento magica so you have another charm person to cast? Do you want to do that? Do I need anyone else to look for scrolls and stuff?
 
Admiral
Shiny shrugs and nods at Natalia.  "I suppose it's worth a try." 
 
 Spoiler 

Sure, he'll borrow the thing and try Charm Personing.

Let's see how many scrolls (at the Minor level) are available in town (this isn't really a scroll heavy kind of place):  (2d10)[ 8 ] .

And at the Medium level:  (1d3-1)[ 0 ] 

I used the Treasure Generator. Sorry, no Detect Thoughts. Any she does want to buy?

random seed: 1389104918
Parse was successful.


SCROLL
  arcane (25 gp)
    Identify (l1, cl1)
  arcane (325 gp)
    Protection from Arrows (l2, cl3)
    Summon Swarm (l2, cl3)
    Magic Weapon (l1, cl1)
  arcane (25 gp)
    Burning Hands (l1, cl1)
  arcane (300 gp)
    Summon Swarm (l2, cl3)
    Locate Object (l2, cl3)
  arcane (175 gp)
    Web (l2, cl3)
    Summon Monster I (l1, cl1)
  arcane (175 gp)
    Shield (l1, cl1)
    See Invisibility (l2, cl3)
  divine (200 gp)
    Bull's Strength (l2, cl3)
    Doom (l1, cl1) (scribed 2 times)
  divine (325 gp)
    Flaming Sphere (l2, cl3)
    Detect Evil (l1, cl1)
    Cure Moderate Wounds (l2, cl3)
-------------------
TOTAL VALUE: 1,550 gp

execution time: 0.03 sec.

random seed: 1389104918
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs as she looks at the paltry offering of scrolls. Damn, not even a Charm Person scroll. She looks back at Shiny, worry clearer by the moment.  "Let's try then. No worse happenings than what did." 

As she and Shiny approach the cell, Natalia pauses, seeing a visibly thrown Kurt close to the cell (can she look inside, or does she actually have to open the door to see the drow?). She runs to him, and his fear and worry is probably mirrored on her face, but for a different reason.  "Kurt! What...happened? You okay?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Damn, okay then. Worth a shot. I may pick up a Detect Evil or See Invisibility later or not; it's not an absolute priority right now and I have other errands to run tomorrow in-game.

Would we get a Thanks For Saving Deldon Twice discount?

Also I'm going to the doctor in an hour so I'll be gone for a bit then until noon. Sorry!

Can I look around the cell? Oh yeah, and of course Natalia took back her weapons.

And thanks. I know it's like a 20% chance, but we might get lucky, who knows? 😁
 
CWater
Right, that's that then. Rhenner feels slightly relieved that the meeting has ended, though the mayor's judgement leaves an unpleasant trace. But there are other things to focus on, though...

He hesitates for a moment at the top of the stairs after picking up his weapons, people leaving around him. He's trying to think, actually, he would very much like a few whole days to meditate on everything that occured today, but he might not have that time. And possibly not the patience either.

When the group's mage walks by, he says,  "..Mithril, can I have a word?" 
Athedia
Mithril had been busy wrestling the dagger back into her wrist holster when Rhenner spoke.   "I thought you had decided that I was a bad person.  What do you want with someone like that?"   She let Natalia go on down the stairs, staring at Rhenner as she slid the wands back into her belt.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia breathes heavily, letting her hair down and tying it up again. She turns back to Kurt.  "Kurt, listen. We need...try Shiny's friend spell again, now. see if lucky! Dwarf mayor...he says we question our way tomorrow, but...if attack again, more dwarves die again, he...takes our limbs."  She shudders, and curls up into herself, before straightening out again and cautiously looking inside the cell. Can she see the drow? What's he doing in here?

EDIT:  "Shiny, can you see?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril had been busy wrestling the dagger back into her wrist holster when Rhenner spoke.   "I thought you had decided that I was a bad person.  What do you want with someone like that?"   She let Natalia go on down the stairs, staring at Rhenner as she slid the wands back into her belt. 
 

 "Honestly, I don't know what to think" , Rhenner says and rubs his forehead, being quite for a moment.

 "But... I have questions that you might be able to answer. And you said you wouldn't let me borrow your dagger again if I did not tell you why. There is something else I need too, it is back at the bunks with the rest of my things." 
 
 Spoiler 
He'd like to go back there, if Mithril agrees to follow.
 
Athedia
Mithril raised an eyebrow, and paused, unsure if she should go with Rhenner.  He was friendly, but at the same time anyone could be the traitor.  But he had been inside and not known of the plan. She nodded and followed him.
CWater
Rhenner leads the way back to their quarters, not speaking much before they get there. He goes straight to his room and gestures Mithril to follow him. Once inside he puts down his healer's bag and picks up another one from the floor. He then sits on his bed and starts rummage through it. The way he dives halfway into it tells Mithril that it probably has some extradimensional space.

 "Could you close the door?" , the half-elf asks without looking up, his voice has a slight strange echo since it comes from inside the bag. He lifts a few thick books out with his left hand, and a few more after that.

 
 Spoiler 
This is assuming that no one interrupts them on the way. I...guess it is unlikely that Hilton or Rocky would say anything to either of them?

Does Mithril still have a light spell active? If not, Rhenner will cast Light on some random object in the room.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
I believe Whiskers collar is still lit
 


Mithril stood awkwardly by the door as Rhenner rummaged in the bag.   "Um, I guess."  She spoke as she shut the door.  She really hoped she could trust him, the time she had spent traveling had made her more nervous in enclosed spaces, those without escape routes.
CWater
A dozen more books appear from the bag, but Rhenner seems to pay little attention to them, just randomly piling them around himself. The books don't seem to have any common theme, they range over many subjects, from history to theories on magic. Finally, he seems to find what he was looking for and straightens up holding yet another book in his hands.

He looks at Mithril with a thoughtful look on his face, though there is also obvious worry behind it.  "I...could get into serious trouble if certain people knew I have this" , he says quietly,  "But you seem to be a  practically minded  person, so as long as it doesn't further any goals you might have, I believe it unlikely you'd tell anyone I have it. And I think it's better you know this, so you won't accidentally mention that I have something like it." 
What is so condemning about  Ancient flower arrangement  is of course a good question. (That's what is says on the cover of what he's holding.)

 
 Spoiler 
Ah, Whiskers of course. Say.. how good is his sense of holy water? Because there's still one bottle of it in the healer's bag that is now unguarded on the floor..
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
For fun let's say, pretty darn good.
 


Mithril looked at the title of the book.   "I assume that has nothing to do with floral arrangements then?"   She felt small claws digging down her back, Whiskers had apparently decided to go off on his own, a relief since her shoulder had been getting rather sore from his weight.

 Whiskers Perspective 

He had been lounging on the human he had adopted when a smell caught his nose.   "Down now."   He garbled a short warning before scaling the height down to the ground.  It was nice of these humans to cover themselves in easily grabbed extra skin.  Though why they felt the need to cover his neck as well, and light him up....  He saw the human and the human with weird ears talking.  Maybe the humans told each other apart by ears since they lacked tails.  Poor creatures.  While they were not focused on him he crept toward the smell.  It was in a small bag that felt... wringy to him.  Yes wringy was the right feeling.  But the smell was inside it.

As he snuck inside the bag Whiskers understood the feeling.  Obviously this was the long eared humans burrow.  He should not be in someone else's burrow.  Only his human was allowed to touch his.  Though this one was so much bigger.  He quickly found what he was looking for and dragged it out of the bag.  His teeth made quick work of the cork and the liquid inside started to dribble out of the vial and into his waiting mouth.

 
 Spoiler 
I figured Whiskers was never actually told that elves and stuff were not human and one way weasels are told apart is tail length.
 
CWater
 "Hm? Oh, this" , Rhenner glances at the cover,  "Yes, rudimentary disguise. I tried to think of something dull that few people would..." 
The room suddenly flickers into darkness, as Whiskers climbs into the bag.  "...have interest in. Huh? Did your spell end? Oh,well" , the cleric touches his holy symbol and it starts to glow, lighting the room again.  "Anyway, could you give me the dagger for a moment?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner hasn't noticed Whiskers yet. ^^
 
Athedia
As the room darkened Mithril sighed, not surprised anymore.   "I don't think it ended. Whiskers probably found a hole somewhere."   She popped the dagger out of the sheath, handing it handle out towards Rhenner.   "Why would you need to disguise a book?" 
CWater
 "Because it would get me to trouble" , he replies, flipping through the book with the blade in the other hand. When finds the right page, he places the dagger, or more precisely, it's handle on the page.  "...No doubt about it" , he mutters to himself, his voice trembling a little,  "It's exactly the same." 
Athedia
 "I may be able to read minds sometimes, but I didn't use that spell.  Do you care to enlighten me to what scares you?" 
CWater
 "I..." , Rhenner looks up,  "I don't..."  Then some small movement on the floor catches his eye.  "Hey! What do you think you're doing!" , he quickly jumps off the bed, leaving the book and dagger behind and treads across the room. He crouches down and snatches the holy water bottle out of the weasel's reach.

 [Celestial]"I gave you some before because I was happy that the starvation had eased. It doesn't mean you can steal it from my bag! This requires two spells from me to make."[/Celestial]  He glares at Whiskers.

 
 Spoiler 
He doesn't really expect Whiskers to understand him, but thinks it's an appropriate language to address this little thief. :D

I did consider if he would try to grab Whiskers himself, but decided that he has high enough wisdom not to try that.
 
Athedia
[Celestial]"He doesn't speak this language you know.  And you still have to answer my question.  Actually both of them.  What is that book and what scares you about my dagger?"[/Celestial]  Mithril spoke as she strode over to Whiskers and gathered him up.  Even though the small weasel had been caught he had a smug look on his face, indicating he had managed to get at least some of the water.

Turning away from Rhenner so he couldn't see her lips moving she whispered at Whiskers.  [Familiar]"Look I will get you some if you ask, but you can't just steal it.  Rhenner is a friend."[/Familiar]   Tucking the weasel into the fold the hood of her cloak formed she turned back.  "I will pay for the cost of that." 
CWater
 [Celestial]"But you do? You are full of surprises, wizard. Do you also speak it's devious counterpart to balance it out?"

"...When did I say that I was scared?"[/Celestial] , Rhenner says evasively.

At Mithril's offer he just waves his hand.  "There is no need, besides, I think this might still be usable" , he says while studying the bottle.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm sorry that he's being this difficult.. &gt;_&lt; It's a tough topic for him, but it's not impossible to get him to talk here!
 
CoffeeIncluded
If Calric and Ezra are still there, Natalia gets a thought in her head. She turns to them and asks,  "Anything done by drow? What...spells left?"  Maybe they have something that could help.

 
 Spoiler 
I've been toying with this idea for a few hours. Who knows, maybe they've got some buffs or debuffs prepared that might help! And if not, then they may have info.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  [Celestial]"But you do? You are full of surprises, wizard. Do you also speak it's devious counterpart to balance it out?"

"...When did I say that I was scared?"[/Celestial] , Rhenner says evasively.

At Mithril's offer he just waves his hand.  "There is no need, besides, I think this might still be usable" , he says while studying the bottle. 
 

Mithril countered Rhenner's avoidance of her question.   "Are you expecting me to believe that words alone dictate language.  No, something has been scaring you since you saw the dagger."   She started toward the door.   "All I have found in this country is deceit and death.  And now even you, who I thought was honorable, you back down on your word." 
Cavelcade
Kurt stares at Natalia, nonplussed by what she's saying, or at least, by the second part.  "You'd have to find a guard to open the door..."  He looks over at Shiny for assistance.  "Shiny, what's she mean? Limbs?" 
CWater
  I could just let her walk out. It's unlikely I'd meet her again after we leave from here...   But her words had stung. And...

The cleric lets out a deep sigh.  "You are right.. I said I would tell you why."  He walks back to the bed and picks up the book and the weapon.  [Celestial]"This symbol on the handle here",  he hands the dagger back to Mithril,  "it is the same as one of the symbols presented in this book." 

He still hesitates slightly, but then hands also the book to her.  "Perhaps...it does not disturb you as much as it does me, mage from a faraway land. But, maybe you can tell me if what it describes is true and not just horror stories from some sick mind."[/Celestial] 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I mean what say!"  Natalia frantically says as she looks into the room. Did they even need a guard to open the door? Didn't Shiny's spell work at a slight distance--enough that, if it worked, they could cast and talk to the drow through the bars? Dammit, she can't remember now, though she thinks so.  "Life or limb! Mayor said...if dwarves die tonight...he maims us. One limb, each death."  Her voice cracks and she falls silent, leaving it for Shiny to explain in a comprehensible manner.

 
 Spoiler 
Charm person works at a range of 45 feet for a level 8 Shiny, I think.

Also, Admiral, what spell did you pick for level 7 advanced learning?
 
Athedia
Mithril returned and sat on Rhenner's bed as he handed her the book.  The symbol's did look familiar and as she pulled up her sleeve she saw they matched the ones on the dagger.  Returning her gaze to the text she read the description.

 
 Spoiler 
Um, help?  What is in the book?
 
Admiral
Shiny coughs a bit awkwardly.  "Oh, well... the meeting upstairs went...  moderately  well,"  he begins.  "We may have made some promises about the fate of our collective appendages without consulting you." 
 "The mayor is an old and serious sort of fellow... and he didn't much like the idea of waiting until morning for the interrogation, while we still don't know how the drow got in. But he did agree to wait, as long as we are...  held accountable  for any dwarves who die in the meantime."  He pauses for a moment.  "That is to say, if the drow come back before the morning, we'll owe the city one arm or leg for each dead dwarf." 

He pauses for another moment before rushing forward.  "But it's OK! I have a vestigial third arm I've been desperate to get rid of. I have to quaff an eighth of an invisibility potion every few minutes to keep it out of sight." 
 
 Spoiler 
Incidentally, the door is solid iron, no bars or a way to look in. Drow can't hear y'all.
 


Down the hall, Ezra seems to suppress a snicker, and Calric Jr. looks at her with disapproval.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril volunteered...a year from now..."  Natalia laughs at Shiny's quip, but it's more high-pitched and fragile than Ezra's. She inspects the solid metal door, looking for a lock or point of weakness.

 
 Spoiler 
I think we may have a scroll with knock on it; let me check. If not, can Natalia pick the lock? Or do we have permission to check right now/find a guard?
 
CWater
Rhenner leans on the door, arms folded, as he watches Mithril read. One of his hands makes a small nervous motion.
Admiral
 "Hey!"  Natalia hears a shout from down the hall, of nearby dwarf guard posted near the cell.  "What do you think you're doing with that door?" 

----------

Mithril looks at the book Rhenner had handed her, at the page it was open to. She finds a grid of illustrations: on the left page she sees a hand clutching arrows, a twisted, savage face, a skull combined with a scythe, and a hand holding a single eye. On the other she sees depictions of a five headed dragon, a grotesque eye, a skull splattered by blood, and a sinister spider that does closely resemble the insignia engraved on her dagger.

It takes her only a moment to recognize these pages as the sigils of gods: the eye on the right page she recognizes from the armor of the one-eye cleric in the orc caves near Linwood. A moment's more consideration lets her recognize that the sigils are solely those of the evil gods- indeed, the gruesome detail of the illustrations leaves little doubt. Flipping around a few pages lets her easily confirm that the book is entirely concerned with the topic of the evil gods.

In a caption under the spider, she sees inscribed

 LOLTH 
 Queen of the Drow 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm guessing Mithril is wearing her crystal mask; is that correct?

In any case Knowledge (Religion) would be useful, though she recognized the above without the need to check.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Hey!"  Natalia hears a shout from down the hall, of nearby dwarf guard posted near the cell.  "What do you think you're doing with that door?"  
 

Natalia steps back from the door as the guard looks in her direction.  "Drow...we caught in there. Could we please...open, look? Trying to...cast charming spell, start questioning today early, then more tomorrow, maybe."  She holds out her hands, empty and unthreatening.  "You can...look self, if want. Promise, that's...it." 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Religion  (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
 


Mithril stared at the images.  Why was this book hidden?  These gods were mentioned, if not favorably then at least talked about in all the books of the gods she had read.  In her homeland.  Her mind shot back to the conversation just the day before in which she had been called foolish for believing in evil gods.   "Rhenner.  Is the Church hiding the existence of these gods?" 
CWater
Rhenner looks back at her with a complex expression.  "So it is true then. All that is in there." 
Athedia
 "This is no time to joke."   Mithril was trying to deny what she had just realized.  People were not ignoring the evil gods, they truely did not know they existed.  The guildmark on her hand throbbed as she clenched her fist, fighting to keep the anger down.
Cavelcade
Kurt's frown deepens with each word until it's a glower at the end, direct upwards through the layers of stone towards where the meeting room. He speaks in a quiet growl, too low to be heard by any except those two.  "I'd like to see them try..." 

As the guard comes around the corner, he gets the full force of Kurt's glare, although it softens a bit as he realises it's just a guard.  "We have a job to do." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's fright fades slightly at Kurt's growl.  "Want to see that,"  she says.  "Kurt, you...know who mayor, or where? Don't think...he knows you." 

Kurt's presence, that might help sway the mayor, right? Or at least put the fear of Kurt into him?
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia steps back from the door as the guard looks in her direction.  "Drow...we caught in there. Could we please...open, look? Trying to...cast charming spell, start questioning today early, then more tomorrow, maybe."  She holds out her hands, empty and unthreatening.  "You can...look self, if want. Promise, that's...it."  
 

 "Orders are to wait until tomorrow morning,"  the dwarf says sternly.

 "I know, we are to wait eight hours,"  says Shiny calmly,  "...without knowing how the drow came in. But we have a chance- a small chance- to find this information out now. Surely you'd rather know sooner. You can stand right behind us, or bring as many guards as you want- but I doubt he'd try anything. We're the ones who scared him into surrender in the first place." 
 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy:  (1d20+18)[ 37 ] 

Smooth operator, this one.
 


The dwarf hesitates a moment, before sighing in resignation.  "I suppose it can't hurt. We'll need a few others here if you're opening the door, though."  He shouts out a few words in dwarven, and after a few minutes two other guards come around the corner. After a brief conversation, they arrange themselves around the door in formation.

The head dwarf steps up and unlocks a series of locks, a process taking four keys and thirty seconds. Finally he opens the last deadbolt and pulls. Light from the torches pours inside, and the party can see a moderately sized chamber, with a set of thick iron bars halfway down the middle. At the other side of the cell they can dimly see the drow mage huddled in the corner, his hands behind him, though it is too dark to see his face.

 
 Spoiler 

Earlier they had seen that his hands were trapped in an intricate mechanism that easily prevents somatic spellcasting.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "This is no time to joke."   Mithril was trying to deny what she had just realized.  People were not ignoring the evil gods, they truely did not know they existed.  The guildmark on her hand throbbed as she clenched her fist, fighting to keep the anger down. 
 

 "No, it really isn't.." , Rhenner says in a strange voice staring at the ceiling. He let's out a small dark laugh,  "I knew I wasn't wrong, I knew I wasn't mad."  A twisted smile climbs to his face before converting into a pained expression.
Athedia
 "How do you not know about?"   Mithril trailed off.   "Those bastards.  I hope they realize they have doomed themselves.  Answer me this, is talk of evil gods illegal?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia, holding her everburning torch, carefully approaches the drow, looking him over intently (as well as the rest of the room), including his expression, as she motions for Shiny and the guards to approach.

 
 Spoiler 
I guess I'm looking for anything off? Can I search him and the room as well as looking around? Should I roll a Sense Motive as well?

I'm also looking for small cracks where a tiny animal can get in from the outside, or any stray feathers, fur, claws, scales, or claw marks on his clothes that can give a hint as to the identity of his familiar as well. May I please do that?
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia can roll a Sense Motive if she wants, and sure, Spot for cracks or anything like that. No Search check since if she starts searching for things the guards are going to tell her to knock it off- they're letting them in for only one purpose.

Once Natalia's satisfied Shiny will cast his six Charm Persons.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes a good look around, and a good listen as well.

 
 Spoiler 
Sense Motive:  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Spot for cracks and any hints left behind of an animal on the drow's robes and anything else odd:  (d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Listen: Take 10 for 22.
 


Dammit! When will this darkvision wear off; it's nearly impossible to see details in this!

Once she's done, she steps back and nods to Shiny.  "Luck."  She tenses in anticipation...
Admiral
Shiny starts a succession of spells, stopping once five are complete.

 
 Spoiler 
For self defense purposes, Shiny has decided he would awfully like to keep one L1 spell to hold him over until he sleeps. Without any spells, he's an overqualified paperweight.

Only nat 1 Will save works (thanks to the +5 for being threatened and the cumulative +2s for previous charming attempts).

CL:  (1d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Will:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 

CL:  (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
Will:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 

CL:  (1d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Will:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 

CL:  (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 
Will:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 

CL:  (1d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Will:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 

That's that then.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia lets out a sharp curse, a cry of frustration, once the spells fail.

 
 Spoiler 
Can I give another look around?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "How do you not know about?"   Mithril trailed off.   "Those bastards.  I hope they realize they have doomed themselves.  Answer me this, is talk of evil gods illegal?"  
 

 "There  is  hardly any talk to ban, it's like you saw this morning. People think they are a silly superstition, fitting only for scaring kids at most. And the Church...discourages even that. If someone were to openly proclaim their existence.." , the crooked mockery of a smile finds its way back to his face,  "Well, I am sure they could come up with something to stop it." 
 "But it makes no sense, does it? I mean, even if these gods are evil, they... They do not disappear if you pretend they're not there, do they? Knowing one's enemy is the first step to make a stand against them, isn't it?" , there is a frantic tone in his voice.

 "But... this  is  the first time I've come across even a symbol of these deities in whole Eldgar. Not even the barbarians.. Not even the Horde worship them." 
Admiral
Natalia doesn't have a hard time seeing that the walls of the cell are pretty smooth and well crafted, without any holes. In the ceiling, however, are several small holes, clearly intentional in the design, that seem to lead into thin tunnels: clearly air vents, as the door itself appears airproof.

 "All right, you've given it your shot,"  says the guard when the spells fail,  "Let's get back out here before you get us all sent up to Marcos." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs, looking up at the vents again. How large are they, large enough for a small animal to climb through?

 "Where do vents go?"  she asks after leaving the cell. Do they lead straight out of the fortress, or somewhere else within?

 
 Spoiler 
Does that mean we're skipping to tomorrow? Are we going straight to bed?

I'm wondering if I should speak with Rosla about the gunpowder tonight or tomorrow in-game, after the interrogation. Considering that Rhenner and Mithril are talking right now, I'd be less likely to hold things up if I speak to Rosla now, right?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia sighs, looking up at the vents again. How large are they, large enough for a small animal to climb through?

 "Where do vents go?"  she asks after leaving the cell. Do they lead straight out of the fortress, or somewhere else within? 
 

 "Deldon's got a whole network of vents like that,"  the guard answers,  "it heads to some higher tunnels where they've got pumps and the like set up to move air around. Mix of dungeoneering and magic to meld the stone like that, they did- quite an impressive bit of work." 

The vents are about two inches in diameter.

 
 Spoiler 


 Does that mean we're skipping to tomorrow? Are we going straight to bed?

 You tell me. If I were betting my limbs on the safety of the fortress, I might do a little all-nighter guard duty around the place while the casters sleep, though. 

I'm wondering if I should speak with Rosla about the gunpowder tonight or tomorrow in-game, after the interrogation. Considering that Rhenner and Mithril are talking right now, I'd be less likely to hold things up if I speak to Rosla now, right?

 Probably true, yeah.  
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Deldon's got a whole network of vents like that,"  the guard answers,  "it heads to some higher tunnels where they've got pumps and the like set up to move air around. Mix of dungeoneering and magic to meld the stone like that, they did- quite an impressive bit of work." 

The vents are about two inches in diameter. 
 

Natalia's mind gears into overdrive as she sees the tunnels, and imagines what the pumps might look like. It's definitely impressive, but that's not what she's focusing on now. She asks the guard, urgency in her voice,  "Where else are...vents? And...can I see blueprints? Pumps where air made? Please?"  It's not just clean air that could get through...or not.

And Rosla. She has to find Rosla.  "Rosla, chemist, is she in lab?" 
 
 Spoiler 

I'll be doing that then. Even if I can't get the 8 hours rest now, I've got at least one spell back today thanks to the memento magica. Then I'll take the 8 hours rest later, or use the magica again. Or whatever happens.

And I'll go to Rosla now then. Is that ok, do you want to do it now?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia's mind gears into overdrive as she sees the tunnels, and imagines what the pumps might look like. It's definitely impressive, but that's not what she's focusing on now. She asks the guard, urgency in her voice,  "Where else are...vents? And...can I see blueprints? Pumps where air made? Please?"  It's not just clean air that could get through...or not. 
 

 "How many protocols you want us to break in a day, lass?"  the guard says, irritated. He hasn't heard of the chemist, either.

 
 Spoiler 


 I'll be doing that then. Even if I can't get the 8 hours rest now, I've got at least one spell back today thanks to the memento magica. Then I'll take the 8 hours rest later, or use the magica again. Or whatever happens.

And I'll go to Rosla now then. Is that ok, do you want to do it now?

 Come to think of it doing it in the IC morning will be a bit easier for my schedule.  
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "I know machines. And drow...looking to sabotage, break. That what I stopped before. Air flows from somewhere. But what if...what if pumps break? What if things...other than air? What if air stops?"  She pauses, hoping the dwarf understands what she's trying to say.  "Need to see, need to know where...to guard." 
Admiral
 "They're not going to let you in the maintenance rooms!"  the guard says loudly, as if it's obvious.  "There's one or two in each wing. If you want to go sit outside the door of one, I guess no one can stop you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head. Please, let them listen, it's life or limb here.  "One drow had mist spell. Turned self...to gas, and back. When mist, get through pipes. Sneak through pipes, carried by air. Please, at least tell, warn, guard both, inside...and out!" 
 
 Spoiler 
I am going to make lots and lots and lots of traps. And I have a hundred caltrops too.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "There  is  hardly any talk to ban, it's like you saw this morning. People think they are a silly superstition, fitting only for scaring kids at most. And the Church...discourages even that. If someone were to openly proclaim their existence.." , the crooked mockery of a smile finds its way back to his face,  "Well, I am sure they could come up with something to stop it." 
 "But it makes no sense, does it? I mean, even if these gods are evil, they... They do not disappear if you pretend they're not there, do they? Knowing one's enemy is the first step to make a stand against them, isn't it?" , there is a frantic tone in his voice.

 "But... this  is  the first time I've come across even a symbol of these deities in whole Eldgar. Not even the barbarians.. Not even the Horde worship them."  
 

 "This symbol here"  Mithril pointed to the depiction of the eye in the book.   "The orcs that murdered a young man I was friends with, they worshipped him.  I saw a cleric with this symbol." , her voice was choked as she remembered that day.

 "Your church claims to work for good, but how can they even define that without evil.  The two need each other for balance to be kept.  I understand why Boccob is not welcome there." 

Avarlynn had said she would find the right questions to ask, maybe this was it.  This division that had been bothering her, this constriction around knowledge.   "Rhenner, could the Voice be in the church?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Where are Mithril and Rhenner, where did they run off to? She hopes they'll be back soon.

Traps. She needs traps. They need to lock this place down, just for the night. She asks the guards.  "Do you have Deldon map? I help guard tonight." 
 
 Spoiler 
If I can't do Rosla tonight, what else can I do?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "This symbol here"  Mithril pointed to the depiction of the eye in the book.   "The orcs that murdered a young man I was friends with, they worshipped him.  I saw a cleric with this symbol." , her voice was choked as she remembered that day.   
 

 "I...am sorry for your loss" , Rhenner says with real compassion in his voice.  "But, where was this? In Eldgar, or your homeland?" 

  "Rhenner, could the Voice be in the church?"  

 "I do not know, but..."  The next words he speaks slowly, and again in Celestial, but it is evident that even in this sacred language saying them is painful to him.  [Cel]"But I haven't had any faith in the Church for a few years now."[/Cel] 
CoffeeIncluded
Think, think,  think!  There's no way she can patrol Deldon alone, and there are so many places for a small group of sneakers to get in, especially if they live far beneath Deldon like Rhenner had said. She only just found out about these vents right now! Natalia doubts there will be an attack tonight, not when everyone's ready for it, but the price is far too high. But she's only one person, she and her friends are only five people and even if all the samurai and the slavers and their supposed allies from Hulburg help out that's still fewer than thirty people, and that's still too few. They need a way to quickly know where drow are attacking, if they decide to, and then congregate there.

She opens her eyes and sighs. As much as she wants to, there's no way she can trap the whole fortress in just a few hours, especially without approval of the Iron Guard.

The Iron Guard!

 "Shiny, Kurt, think I know where to help! Iron Guard! Thank you,!"  she shouts to the dwarven guards before taking off, motioning for Shiny and Kurt to follow.  "You...can help too!" 

Of course, she immediately gets lost. Conveniently, she gets lost in the Artisan's district, where there are maps of Deldon for sale. She grabs the top one and immediately locates where she is, then runs off to where the map says Cordrey and Stanton are likely to be.

 
 Spoiler 
I always worry I'm missing out on something important, but is there anything else that can be done here?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Think, think,  think!  There's no way she can patrol Deldon alone, and there are so many places for a small group of sneakers to get in, especially if they live far beneath Deldon like Rhenner had said. She only just found out about these vents right now! Natalia doubts there will be an attack tonight, not when everyone's ready for it, but the price is far too high. But she's only one person, she and her friends are only five people and even if all the samurai and the slavers and their supposed allies from Hulburg help out that's still fewer than thirty people, and that's still too few. They need a way to quickly know where drow are attacking, if they decide to, and then congregate there.

She opens her eyes and sighs. As much as she wants to, there's no way she can trap the whole fortress in just a few hours, especially without approval of the Iron Guard.

The Iron Guard!

 "Shiny, Kurt, think I know where to help! Iron Guard! Thank you,!"  she shouts to the dwarven guards before taking off, motioning for Shiny and Kurt to follow.  "You...can help too!" 

Of course, she immediately gets lost. Conveniently, she gets lost in the Artisan's district, where there are maps of Deldon for sale. She grabs the top one and immediately locates where she is, then runs off to where the map says Cordrey and Stanton are likely to be.  
 

As she scans the map, she spots the Iron Hall, where she recalls Cordrey mentioning the meeting of the guards would be, located a few hundred yards from the room she'd had breakfast. She runs off and is able to find the room without much trouble.

The large iron doors of the room are still closed, and after checking with one of the guards in front of it Natalia learns that the meeting is still going, and is restricted only to the guards. She hangs around for a couple of minutes, until the doors burst open and armored dwarves pour out. She spots Stanton heading in the direction towards the front gates, and sees Cordry still in the meeting room, poring over some documents and maps.


  
 Spoiler 
I always worry I'm missing out on something important, but is there anything else that can be done here?
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
If there is, I'll make sure to have it occur to her in retrospect as the axe comes down on her elbow.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head at that suggestion, planting himself against the wall opposite the cell.  "You go, I'll stay."  From the expression on his face that's likely to be all he has to say on the matter, Daybreaker unconciously moving from hand to hand as he burns a hole in the door with his gaze.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Okay. Kurt, promise careful, please. And...mayor is long whitebeard dwarf. Stunted." 

Natalia watches the dwarves of the Iron Guard leave, following Stanton. She peeks her head in and sees Cordrey pouring over some maps and documents. Nervously, Natalia steps inside.

 "Uh, Cordrey?" 

Natalia swallows and waits for the chief of the Iron Guard to speak. She hopes she remembers her, and she hopes it's in a good way.

With a gulp, Natalia steps out into the open, where the captain of the iron guard can easily see her.  "Cordrey, about..meeting earlier, and drow, and plans, I..."  She stops and falls silent, licking her lips in a futile attempt to slightly moisten them. Cordrey hadn't said any thing in her or their defense the entire meeting. Would every tangled word that came out of her mouth just make things worse? Natalia starts to sweat. Was this just a huge mistake?

 
 Spoiler 
Is Shiny with her? And that's just mean, Admiral. You better have a clockwork arm ready for me then!

Why did you come up with that idea anyway?

Hm, maybe I should use that Detect Evil scroll on the mayor. Wonder if he'd ping.

 Is Cordrey a co-captain?  Sorry, I forgot Cordrey's the chief, and a girl.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "I...am sorry for your loss" , Rhenner says with real compassion in his voice.  "But, where was this? In Eldgar, or your homeland?" 
 "I do not know, but..."  The next words he speaks slowly, and again in Celestial, but it is evident that even in this sacred language saying them is painful to him.  [Cel]"But I haven't had any faith in the Church for a few years now."[/Cel]  
 

 "Thank you."   Mithril was silent for a while, calming herself and processing what Rhenner had said.   [Cel]"I don't know if you know anything about history, but were the gods involved in the, I can't remember what he was called, the necromancers war.[/Cel] 
CWater
Rhenner twitches slightly when Mithril mentions the war.  "[Cel]I...do not know. The...Necromancer was an arcane caster, as were any other of his...followers. I've found no reason to think these gods were involved in it, even if I... did look into it. I'm not sure I could have found any mention of them, even if that were the case. Though, I don't recall...[/Cel]" 

He stops, before continuing again in the common tongue.
 "The War of Unlife...is quite a trauma for the whole continent. Though when a conversation takes an appropriate tone, people often like to discuss it, recall and share memories together. I guess they find some comfort in that."

"...I'd rather not remember it." 
Athedia
 "I am sorry."   Just as Rhenner had been respectful of Henry, Mithril was tried to respect whatever had happened during the War of Unlife as he called it.

 [Cel]"Do you think that you could help me?  I think the church has more information about this then they let on.  But I am not allowed in."[/Cel]   She rubbed at her guildmark as if trying to make it disappear.      They won't let in me or Boccob, to afraid of mages instead of what is under their own nose.  
CWater
 [Cel]"You mean about this Voice?"  Rhenner considers this.  "I see no reason not to. On the contrary, if even half of what you fear is true.. It is a very disturbing thought."

"Though maybe I should mention that I am not in that good terms with everyone in the highest seats" , he says with small lopsided smile,  "But I am still a member of the Church as much as anyone else. If I can help you, I will."

"Could you then...tell me if you come across anything about these evil gods, and, why are they kept hidden? But I advice not to publicly discuss it, even if you carry the mark of the Institute."[/Cel] 
Athedia
 [Cel]"I will try to find out more about them.  I am now sorry I did not pay more attention to those books.  The gods just seemed so boring."   The libaries in the Institute builds should have  something .   "And don't worry, I will not tell anyone about your interest in floral arrangement."[/Cel] 
CWater
 [Cel]"Thank you, I appreciate it. I'm not kidding when I say that if the higher ups in the Church knew I have it, I would be lucky if they'd just kick me out."

"So you understand the trust I've now placed in you. But I had to know."[/Cel] 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  [Cel]"Thank you, I appreciate it. I'm not kidding when I say that if the higher ups in the Church knew I have it, I would be lucky if they'd just kick me out."

"So you understand the trust I've now placed in you. But I had to know."[/Cel]  
 

 "So will you travel with us then?  That would allow us to share information as we get it." 
CWater
 "..It has been a while since I traveled with people" , Rhenner mutters. He holds his holy symbol and looks straight at it, even if it hurts his eyes a little now, since it is lit so bright.  "But maybe that is what Fharlanghn would have me do. I've been praying he'd show me a path that would lead to some answers.." , he looks back at Mithril,  "Well, it certainly sounds practical at least, and I have no other plans. Where are you headed? Granted that we ever get out of here." 

He pauses.  "What...would you tell your friends?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Got the god's name right just from memory for the first time! :D
 
Athedia
 "That you want to travel and help us stop whoever is causing this war."   Mithril let the second part of her sentence go unsaid.  We could also use someone with the ability to heal now Miriam is...   She stopped herself mid-thought.  Miriam had been more than that, even if the the two of them had not understood each other they had been there for one another.
CWater
Rhenner nods. He feels there might be something the mage didn't say, but decides not to pry.

 
 Spoiler 
We wrapping up?
 
Athedia
 "Well I need to sleep if I am to use those spells tomorrow." 
 
 Spoiler 
I believe we are
 
CWater
 "Yes, I wouldn't mind sleep myself, it has been a long day."  He opens the door to let Mithril pass.  "Would you ask someone to stand in guard, to shout a warning if any drow are seen. Or if the mayor approaches with a slashing weapon. I would like to still have all my limbs when I wake up." 
Admiral
Cordrey looks up and seeing Natalia, then raises her hands in alarm.  "Hey! Back! Back!"  she says, pushing her hands out as if shooing away a cat.

Cordrey walks to the door and for an embarrassing moment it seems like she's going to slam the door in Natalia's face, but she actually steps out into the hallway to follow Natalia, and closes the door behind her.

 "Can't be having anyone walk into the Iron Hall like that,"  she says apologetically.  "We've got maps of positions and patrols all over it, and some say there's a  spy  about." 

She looks over Natalia carefully.  "You were in the meeting, weren't you... fairly sure you're one of the ones saved Camden's life. Oh, you were the one thought arguing with the mayor was a bright idea."  As the dwarf speaks, Natalia notices the mark of the Firm on her right hand, and a one-handed waraxe on the left side of her belt: an exceptionally crafted weapon of a dark hue, with intricate sigils engraved in in the hilt. From her studies Natalia guesses it might be adamantine.

 "What can I do for you?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tenses and raises her hands in defense when Cordrey shoos her out of the room, but relaxes at the apology.

She looks over Cordrey, and her gaze lingers on the axe for a moment. Then she says.  "I not the spy. But yes, saved Camden, and food too. Twice. I know bomb used, tried...telling mayor, but couldn't." . She balls her fists and screws her eyes shut.  "Why bloody axe mayor?!" 

Natalia remembers where she is and hangs her head.  "Sorry. Just...ugh."  she sighs.  "Cordrey, what plans...for guarding tonight? I can fight, know traps, can sneak. Want...to help." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Yes, I wouldn't mind sleep myself, it has been a long day."  He opens the door to let Mithril pass.  "Would you ask someone to stand in guard, to shout a warning if any drow are seen. Or if the mayor approaches with a slashing weapon. I would like to still have all my limbs when I wake up."  
 

 "I will ask Natalia if I see her."   Mithril walked back to the area that the group was staying in.  Kurt's armor sat next to his bed, he had not had the time to put it on.  Mithril lay down, staring at the metal as she fell asleep.
Admiral
 "If you never been down in a mine, don't go telling a miner his business,"  Cordrey says in response to Natalia's complaint about the mayor.  "You know how long Marcos has been in charge of Deldon? Two hundred and eighty four years, as long as there's been a Deldon to rule. You keep a city alive that long, then maybe you can tell him how he should lead." 

In response to Natalia's second question, Cordrey nods in thought.  "You're volunteering, then. Listen, I'll give you a route you can patrol if that's what you're looking for. We're a few guards short tonight."  She mutters a few words in dwarven that sound like a rushed prayer.

 "But Deldon has security measures that have been built over centuries of work by expert craftsmen. The routes in from the gates have alarms and traps, both mundane and magical, that you didn't even see on your way in. We're not looking for a few more tripwires." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But to maim us?"  That's all Natalia says, and she listens quietly to what Cordrey says. Nearly three hundred years. That's a really long time, she never knew dwarves lived that long and the surprise is plain on her face.

Still, age and time served shouldn't decide everything, Natalia thinks as she hears cordreys request.

Natalia nods.  "Give me partner and I'll patrol. Good job, promise."  she blinks at the mention of traps.  "What traps there? And what about...near air pumps? Don't know if...drow came through doors." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "But to maim us?"  That's all Natalia says, and she listens quietly to what Cordrey says. Nearly three hundred years. That's a really long time, she never knew dwarves lived that long and the surprise is plain on her face.

Still, age and time served shouldn't decide everything, Natalia thinks as she hears cordreys request.

Natalia nods.  "Give me partner and I'll patrol. Good job, promise."  she blinks at the mention of traps.  "What traps there? And what about...near air pumps? Don't know if...drow came through doors."  
 

Cordrey scoffs.  "Put yourself in my position. Someone new shows up who wants to help, but first wants to know all the details about what's keeping folks out of Deldon. Let's start with guard duty. If you want to work your way up from there to security engineer, well, it took Cartwright back there eighty years to do that." 

Cordrey knocks on the door and steps back inside, gesturing for Natalia to wait. After five minutes she comes back out with a sentry, a young dwarf wearing a dull breastplate, who nods politely at Natalia.

 "Natalia, meet Choros. You can join him on his patrol, which is a seven minute circuit near the entrance to the diamond mines- I've reassigned his usual partner." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Cordrey scoffs.  "Put yourself in my position. Someone new shows up who wants to help, but first wants to know all the details about what's keeping folks out of Deldon. Let's start with guard duty. If you want to work your way up from there to security engineer, well, it took Cartwright back there eighty years to do that."  
 

Natalia looks and is disappointed, but doesn't press the issue. She does have a point after all. Still, while Natalia nods, she says,  "I...understand. But please...check air vents. One drow...could turn self into gas, travel that way, maybe."  She prays Cordrey will understand her, she seems to be able to do so regardless.


 Cordrey knocks on the door and steps back inside, gesturing for Natalia to wait. After five minutes she comes back out with a sentry, a young dwarf wearing a dull breastplate, who nods politely at Natalia.

 "Natalia, meet Choros. You can join him on his patrol, which is a seven minute circuit near the entrance to the diamond mines- I've reassigned his usual partner."  

Natalia smiles and holds out a hand to Choros.  "Thank you. I...Natalia. Help you tonight. I...fight dual-wield, two blades, fast and sneaky. You?"  Knowing how he fights would be immensely helpful.

There's another thought. She asks Cordrey,  "Can we...borrow items? Or potions to help, in case? Return in morning if all clear?" 
CWater
Rhenner collects the scattered books and puts them back in the bag,  Ancient Flower Arrangement  going deep in the pile again. Then he sighs, takes off his armour, cancels the spell on his holy symbol and goes to bed.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia looks and is disappointed, but doesn't press the issue. She does have a point after all. Still, while Natalia nods, she says,  "I...understand. But please...check air vents. One drow...could turn self into gas, travel that way, maybe."  She prays Cordrey will understand her, she seems to be able to do so regardless.



Natalia smiles and holds out a hand to Choros.  "Thank you. I...Natalia. Help you tonight. I...fight dual-wield, two blades, fast and sneaky. You?"  Knowing how he fights would be immensely helpful.

There's another thought. She asks Cordrey,  "Can we...borrow items? Or potions to help, in case? Return in morning if all clear?"  
 

Choros tilts his head a bit at Natalia's manner of speaking, but doesn't comment on it. He holds up his greataxe.  "Well, they train us to swing this at whoever we're looking to hurt. Not much to it." 
 "Choros has your standard issue of potions: two small healing potions, a defensive potion and a strength potion,"  Cordrey answers Natalia, and hands her a small pouch with a pair of vials.  "It used to be a bit more, but we're low in stock since the siege started. Now if you'll excuse me..."  She steps back into the Iron Hall and shuts the door behind her. Choros tilts his head to indicate the direction they should proceed, then heads down the hall towards the mining section.

 
 Spoiler 
Choros's pouch contains 2 CLWs, a shield of faith +2, and a Bull's Strength. Naturally Cordrey expects it back at the end of the night unless it's used.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "I fight with speed. I help, flank with you, if anything. Hope isn't." 

She nods to Cordrey and Choros as he shows the potions.  "Thanks. Choros, I...fight with speed, not strength. If a fight...you take that one."  She nods to Cordrey then follows Choros down to the patrol.

 "So...diamond mines?" 
Admiral
Rhenner steps back into the men's quarters, where he is shortly afterwards joined by Shiny, coming up from the prison. The gnome bids a brief goodnight, then clambers up onto a bed himself, and soon the room falls quiet.

Natalia follows the dwarf guard as he leads her into the roots of Deldon, where the fine craftsmanship gives way to the grimy utilitarianism of the miners. The route is short and somewhat uninteresting, and she would much rather be crafting traps and alarms that could protect the city more actively, but she tells herself that she just wants to help.

Kurt leans against the cold stone wall as he glares at the cell door, staying long after Brander arrives and brings Ezra and Calric Jr. away. There are many standing guard in Deldon tonight, but the dwarf knows where he is most needed.

And Mithril lies in bed, Whiskers curled up at her feet, as the nightmarish events of the day playing out in her mind. The tragedy of Miriam's funeral, the horror of the murdered guards, the terror of the gunpowder plot... As she closes her eyes, she hopes that tomorrow will bring brighter fortunes.

-----------

  "Wizard, wizard, wizard..."  

The words are soft and patient, only a whisper in her mind.

  "You're a very long way from home."  
CoffeeIncluded
How many times has she passed this walk in the past hour? At least eight, maybe ten or more. Her eyes glazing over, Natalia shakes herself awake and alert. She looks over to her partner, hoping he might be able to break the ice. And if not, well, maybe she can keep herself alert by imagining where she would put traps, and what kinds she can place here. That'll keep her aware of the surroundings too.

 
 Spoiler 
should I make any rolls?

Also, **** **** ****! The voice is invading Mithril's mind??

And this isn't a double post, right?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Rhenner steps back into the men's quarters, where he is shortly afterwards joined by Shiny, coming up from the prison. The gnome bids a brief goodnight, then clambers up onto a bed himself, and soon the room falls quiet.

Natalia follows the dwarf guard as he leads her into the roots of Deldon, where the fine craftsmanship gives way to the grimy utilitarianism of the miners. The route is short and somewhat uninteresting, and she would much rather be crafting traps and alarms that could protect the city more actively, but she tells herself that she just wants to help.

Kurt leans against the cold stone wall as he glares at the cell door, staying long after Brander arrives and brings Ezra and Calric Jr. away. There are many standing guard in Deldon tonight, but the dwarf knows where he is most needed.

And Mithril lies in bed, Whiskers curled up at her feet, as the nightmarish events of the day playing out in her mind. The tragedy of Miriam's funeral, the horror of the murdered guards, the terror of the gunpowder plot... As she closes her eyes, she hopes that tomorrow will bring brighter fortunes.

-----------

  "Wizard, wizard, wizard..."  

The words are soft and patient, only a whisper in her mind.

  "You're a very long way from home."   
 

Her eyes shot back open and she froze.  A feeling of cold ran from her limbs toward her heart as her stomach churned.   "No, no, no.  You can't be in my head, you can't be."   Her eyes welled, why had this happened to her, why her?

 "Who are you?"   Her whisper felt like the loudest sound in the world, reverberating off the silence in the room.
 
 Spoiler 
This is as close to her worst nightmare as one can get.  EDITED the post, see above.
 
Admiral
  "I've been called a demon, I've been called a muse. Just today you yourself called me a puppetmaster,"   the voice intones gently.   "But I would rather consider myself an  advisor . It is with such advice that I come to you now."  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
   "I've been called a demon, I've been called a muse. Just today you yourself called me a puppetmaster,"   the voice intones gently.   "But I would rather consider myself an  advisor . It is with such advice that I come to you now."   
 

 "How long have you been in my head, what have you heard?"   Mithril started to cry, not moving from the position she had been in when she had started to fall asleep.  She felt sick, if he had been in her head since the gunpowder....
Admiral
  "You're asking the wrong questions; you could not begin to process the scope of what I know and comprehend. But your concern is well placed."

"My advice is this. You are young, capable, intelligent. But you have wandered into a war you are not prepared for, in a world more dangerous than you can perceive. It is not too late to extricate yourself, and your friends. There is no reason your journey has to end this way."  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
   "You're asking the wrong questions; you could not begin to process the scope of what I know and comprehend. But your concern is well placed."

"My advice is this. You are young, capable, intelligent. But you have wandered into a war you are not prepared for, in a world more dangerous than you can perceive. It is not too late to extricate yourself, and your friends. There is no reason your journey has to end this way."   
 

 "As soon as Henry died it became to late."   Mithril balled a fist up under the blanket.   "And now Miriam is dead.  If I can stop you, I will try.  Now I want you OUT!"  She swung the fist toward her own head, trying to knock herself out.

 
 Spoiler 
Damage  (1d3)[ 2 ] 
 
Admiral
Mithril's fist slams into her own nose, and she sees flashes as the pain overwhelms her.

  "I am disappointed in you, wizard. You cannot escape me with methods as crude as that. Just ask Shiro Minamoto."

"But as I said, I speak to you only to grant advice, and it is to your peril that you cannot listen."  
Athedia
Mithril swore as she held her nose, that had not been a thought out plan.   "Then tell me what is happening and stop being cryptic." 
Admiral
  "You know all that you need to know. But you are caught up in your short-sighted vision of this conflict, and so you insist on viewing me as your enemy. I have no enemies. I have no allies. You are all pieces in a puzzle I am trying to solve."

"I'll leave you to your rest, wizard. But I'll have my eye on you. Take heed of my advice."

"You don't want to end up  lost in the flood. "  
flat_footed
  The Fullmetal Mod   : Raise Thread 