Zman
Toes in the Water

Prologue

It was the 5th day in the 3rd tenday of Mirtul, the temperatures were already warming foreshadowing an unseasonably hot summer to come.  With the unseasonably warm weather people were already shedding the traditional thick clothing of people accustomed to many cold months.

Nearing the outskirts of Hillsfar the the sun in its apex a band of unlikely adventurers nears the outskirts of the bustling trade city.  Outside the walls of the city a bustling of commerce was already in full swing with a great plethora of races taking part for none would be allowed within the walls.  Hillsfar has two concrete laws, Respect fair trade and only Humans shall be allowed in Hillsfar.

Tents, wagons, and carts filled with those wishing to sell their wares from fine silks, to weapons and armors of all makes, to those necessary provisions that none can live without.  In between the cracks of sprawling commerce the poverty and despair that affects those who live outside the cities is evident.  Though the wares may be sold here to those that cannot enter, it is obvious that those selling these wares are not wealthy enough to live beyond their basic necessities.  There are a few humans traveling from gates, some are traveling, others appear to own the wares that are being sold, and everyone of them looks more well off that those around them.

This is the sight the welcomes a group of adventures to Hillsfar.  A party of five, three human women of young ages flanked by a stout dwarf and willey gnome.  What lies in store for this party of adventures...

 
 Spoiler 

OOC Thread
 http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showt...1#post13483291 

Ok, please post a detailed description of your characters(physical, dress, mannerisms etc).  You can use this prologue to roleplay your purchasing of wares, etc.   I'll also use it to supply the necessary information to get the adventure started.  You can rest the night in an Inn called called the Bedded Mare outside of the city.  It is here you will see a request for aid for a small town.  It is also during this RP that the group will encounter Valen.  Then you will take a small ship across the Moonsea to Melvaunt and travel towards the small ton of Linwood which lies about ~25miles north of Hulberg and southwest of Glister ~35miles along the Galena Mountains..

During the prologue there is no need for rolls, just try and keep things in the realm of possible.  Obviously, you can't be stealing things, acquiring wealth, etc that isn't included in the 1000gp that you started with.

Lets have fun, and ask any questions you need in the OOC thread.

I ask that all OOC comments, rolls, or explanation of actions take place in Spoiler Tags.  Feel free to be descriptive of how your actions play out, if there ever is a problem we can edit it.

In reference to general posting

If is perfectly ok to state an action in a spoiler with a roll, look at the result and then describe how it takes place.  I will be supplying the base AC of the enemies you will be fighting so you can determine if you hit or not.  I'll probably be listing their HP as well.  I think that will work better for PBP then having to wait for me every action.

for example posting only

(Spoiler)
Attack goblin 1 (roll)14+3 = 17 vs AC 15
Crit Confirm (roll)
Damage (roll) 8+2 = 10 vs HP 5
(Spoiler)

and going back to edit your post into something like this

With a howl of pure joy, Ken slide his trusted long sword masterfully through the poor goblin's throat, right past its meager attempt to defend itself with its buckler.  With a quick retraction of his bloody blade Ken turns to face his next victim; a look of pure adrenaline fueled ecstasy on his face.

(Spoiler)
his rolls
(Spoiler)

As to perception, search, and spot rolls.  Please declare when you are using them, if you don't I may well do it for you.  It will be located in a Spoiler tag.  If I haven't seen a post from someone in 24 hours and it is their action, especially in combat I will post a simple action or delay their action for them.  It won't ever be anything stupid, but will keep things moving.  If there are problems with the actions I take on part of the player, we'll find a way to work it out to everyone's satisfaction.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia walks beside Mithril, barely reaching up to the wizard's chin. She readjusts her black hair, tying it back into a ponytail before sadly looking at her beloved leather coat. It had served her well but was finally ruined in the last battle before they escaped; one of the short flared "tails" had been ripped off and the other was noticeably charred. Still, she loved the design and hoped to find its equivalent in the city. At least her bracelet and weapons were unharmed.

 "Supply run. Can't split a crossbow among three,"  she says with a smile to Miriam and Mithril while stating the obvious.
Athedia
Mithril smiled back at Natalia.  She never expected the girl to end up saving her life when they first met, it was amazing how a simple journey could turn into such an adventure.  She felt Whiskers nuzzling into the back of her shirt, tired out from the journey to the city.  No-one would be able to notice him there, his reddish-brown fur blended in with her hair.    "You're right, I do need something for when the glass is empty."    She laughed a little then winced, years in the city studying indoors had not prepared her for the sun.  Even though the group had spent little time outdoors, she could already see the sunburn glowing on her arms.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Magic for all, more cups means less being emptied,"  she says cheerfully, coiling her smooth silk rope around Mithril's pale arms to shield them from the sun. Natalia then frowns when she remembers that the city wouldn't allow Kurt and Shiny within their walls. She mutters,  "Foolish humans,"  under her breath, thankful that the ones who taught her everything about traps were a halfling and a kobold.  "Bored with everything monotone, though they'll never know it." 
Cavelcade
Kurt smiles a bit at their interaction, before looking ahead with a scowl. This town wasn't where he had hoped to end up but their adventure had left them with little choice but to try and restock quickly - this place was the only nearby town they could get to.

 "Maybe we can get something to make you lasses sturdier, too, eh?"  His axe, of course, hidden nicely away.
achinca
Miriam, her black hair floating in the wind looks at the circular wall of Hillsfar with her azure blue eyes.
"  I do not like but it is fair punished for what we did. This place is not a good place. Calric told me about it. They do not like anyone. They do not like non-humans, they do not like anyone who disagree with their rulers, basically they only like themselves. I was told they have a gladiatorial arena where people they don't like ends up. I think we get what we need and then we leave this place ....  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pales when Miriam mentions the gladiatorial arena. That was one place she definitely didn't want to end up. Still, she wanted to get back at this place in her own sneaky way. Natalia looks at the rest of the group, grins at the dwarf and gnome, and says,  "Shiny and Kurt, right under their noses?"  If nothing else, Shiny would love the idea.
achinca
Miriam looks frightened at Natalia's idea "  Natalia, did you smoke lotus leaves? We cannot do that. They cannot take that risk. They could lose their lives. I will not be able to protect them. Let's get what we want and let's leave....  "

With begging eyes, she adds "  .... please ....   "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and looks to Shiny and Kurt. Of course Miriam was right.  "Your choice. Disguise and fool, or not?" 
Zman
As the group advances a small gnomish boy approaches Mirium, his hands outstretched.  His cloths ragged, his skin covered in dirt,  "Copper for... food?"  his lip quivered.

Looking past the boy to the left the group youncan see other boys and girls of varying races grouped together in the shade, all as dirty and hungry looking as this one.
achinca
Miriam sees the poor kids and immediately her heart melt.

She tells the boys "  bring you friends. I will not give you copper but will create great food out of bad food.  "

She kneels and tells them. "  Find me some food from the garbage and I will turn it into a delicious meal.  "

She is fighting a tears and is slowly choking, thinking ' Calric, is that the right thing to do? '

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam is planning into using her Purify food and Drink spell
 
CoffeeIncluded
Staring at the group of starving children, forced outside of the walls simply because they weren't human, Natalia suppresses a snarl and instead shoves her hand into her pocket. She's about to drop the money into the child's hands when Miriam speaks.

 "...She will cure you like us,"  Natalia says to the child.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia leans over to Miriam and asks,  "You can make something out of little, but something out of nothing?" 
Zman
The boy looks at Natalia, then up at Miriam, his eyes like saucers,  "But why would someone throw away food?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't respond with anything but a shrug.  "...Don't need it all." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia '  I am not strong enough to create something out of nothing. This is the type of magic Mithril and the Shining Liar can do. All I can do is purify the spoiled food.  '

She turns toward the boy '  Because some people are wasteful or buy too much food and it spoils ....  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia actually laughs loudly as Miriam gives Shiny a new title.

 "Magic grows with time, right?" 
achinca
'  Yes Sister. The more you practice your magic, the more things you can have magic do. Same with tinkering. You more you tinker, the more complex the tinkering traps you can create. You are really smart, Natalia. Never forget that.  "
Zman
The child's plight has obviously touched Mirian's heart.  As the group of children see her heartfelt response they all seem to move towards the group of woman, each bemoaning their circumstance and pleading with empty bellies.  One small half ellen girl, her ear tips covered in dirt, approaches Natalia in pleading.  She can't be more than 6 years old.
CoffeeIncluded
This one certainly confuses Natalia.  "But...half-elf means half-human...Your parents?" 
achinca
Miriam's eyes are getting teary and it is getting hard for her to speak.

She waves to all the children. '  Let's ... go .... on a hunt for scraps ....and ... tell me ... your stories .... where are you parents? siblings? Why are you here?  "

If Miriam cannot have quick access to spoiled food, she will pull out her rations from her backpack and will distribute them in an orderly manners (if possible).
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks over at Mithril, who is also visibly upset. Nodding to the wizard and motioning to her bag, she pulls the last of her rations out of her backpack and gives them to Miriam.

 "Then resupply,"  she says to Miriam.  "Shiny is...entertaining?" 

Natalia wants to help these kids out too. But she doesn't want to become the impromptu head of an orphanage. And yet some of these children are so young...
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia, Mithril then Kurt and finally Shiny.

'  We cannot take them on right now. We have to help them but we are limited in what we can do. We need to find out what their story is. I will ask if there is a Church of St. Cuthbert around but I doubt it....  .'

She stops and thinks for a while before saying '  may be it is St. Cuthbert wish for me, to set up an orphanage in Calric's name. I will pray for clarification tonight. In the meantime, let's see if any of these children need healing  ."

Miriam will heal (using the heal skills) any children that need it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles at that. She's not exactly the maternal type but she certainly sympathizes.  "A good goal." 
Zman
More and more children gather round till there are nearly a dozen of them.  Amazed the children look with eyes wide as the party pulls out their aging traveling rations, enough for twice as many children as we're present.  Shocked gazes from passerbys as Miriam prayed to St. Cuthbert purifying and blessing their feast, healing the children's wounds, and ultimately showing them a level of kindness they hadn't seen since they possessed a caring parent.  A few adults of varying races stopped to thank the group of adventurers for their kindness.  Others, mostly human looked on in disgust.

Another child, a rather unfortunately ugly half Orc who favored his father, looked Kurt squarely in the eyes and wispered in a voice far to gruff for a child of four,  "Thrank ru!"  as Kurt passed his rations to Miriam.
achinca
Miriam's shakes her head at the disgusted look she gets from the humans.

"  I will never understand how people can hate because of appearances ....   " she tells the group.


She turns to the group of children '  Now boys and girls, listen to me ... My friends are I are not going to stay for a long time but we promise we will be back ... We will be looking if we can find you a place where you will feel safe and will not go hungry. In the mean time, pray to St. Cuthbert to give me strength and bring me luck. If you not sure how, just listen to your heart.  "

She rubs  the head of the half-orc child "  eat. You need to grow strong to protect the innocents and the poors.....  "
Zman
The little half elf girl whispers,  "Momma made the same promise..." 
achinca
Miriam's heart melts and she gives a huge hug to the little half-elf girl.

'  I know, sweetie, I know. And your momma meant it. May be she is looking for her way back. I promise, no I swear on St. Cuthbert that I will do everything I can do to come back and provide you a home  ." She raises her holy symbol and kisses it.

"  Now you need to make me a promise that you will stay as a group and help each other and be like a family until I come back. You need to know that you have each other and that although they are bad people out there, there are also good people ready to help you. Now, who is ready to hear the most amazing story they ever heard?  "

She looks toward Shiny, hoping the imaginative gnome gets the cue.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stays silent, as Miriam can communicate to the children much better than she could hope to. She glares at the humans but wisely stays silent. There's no hope for those types. However, she does correct Miriam and says,  "We. We'll be back." 
achinca
Miriam looks at the young rogue with tears in her eyes and whispers " thank you Natalia ... "
CoffeeIncluded
Smiling a little, Natalia pats Miriam on the shoulder.  "Can't raise twelve alone." 

(OOC: Hey, uh, can you give us more details on these kids? There's a gnome boy, a half-orc boy, and a half-elf girl, but anything else?)
Athedia
Mithril could not speak, she had seen beggars before, but her city had shelters for the children.  Holding Natalia's arm she turned from the group and whispered   "They look like my little brothers and sisters.  How could... how could people not take them in."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just closes her eyes and shakes her head.  "...Can't see beyond the species. They're blind."  She wishes she could say more to her friend.
achinca
Miriam smiles at Mithril and Natalia "  I am proud to count you as friends, Sisters. Your good heart is a blessing in these trying times ...  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just nods. When Miriam continues handing out food, the rogue asks Mithril,  "Your options?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril, how many siblings?" 
Athedia
  "Four older, three younger, it's a large family. The two littlest would have just turned 9.  They were a surprise.  The rest of us have grown up now."[/SIZE]     Turning back Mithril pulled out her old rations,   "This is all I have left, but I do have a spell that may help.  I have used it to repair my sister's necklaces, maybe it will work on clothing."  
 
 Spoiler 
Mithril would like to try to use Mending on the clothing in the worst condition that she can see.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't help but whistle softly at the size of Mithril's family.  "Must have been loud."  She feels somewhat lost; she gave the rations and now there isn't much more she can do. Natalia does give some money to the children though.

 "After, we should help ourselves. Then we can help them more." 
Zman
With Miriam busy with the food, Mithril picks the child with the worst looking clothing, the half Orc boy.  With a few words and some somatic gestures she was able to repair the tattered cloths to the amazement of the children.

A couple of the other children lined up I front of Mithriil, all trying to be the next to have their cloths mended.  The only thing that pulled some from here was the coppers Natalia started dividing out...


A large burly and unshaven human guard shouts from a nearby patrol,  "Best keep close eye on your valuables, those urchins know how to treat kindness." 
 
 Spoiler 

If each of you check you will all be missing something minor, as this is the prologue there will be no rolling.  Remember You still start with everything you purchased, as that happens after these events.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Rolling her eyes, Natalia makes an, "Alright, alright," gesture that abruptly stops when she digs through her pouch and says,  "! Two candles! Gone!" 
Zman
The little half elven girl brings her hands out from behind her back, holding two candles covered with dirty fingerprints pressed into the wax.  As he holds her hands out she cannot make eye contact with Natalia.  "Sowwyy..." 
Athedia
Upon hearing Natalia's discovery, Mithril searched her belongings.  Looking up crossly she said   "Could whomever took my pouch return it to me.  I would attempt to sew some of your clothes but I seem to be missing my needle and thread."    She didn't hold it against the children, but she liked that pouch.  It was just the right size to hold all the small odds and ends she picked up and tied nicely to her belt.
CoffeeIncluded
Her face set in stone, Natalia holds out her hand, waiting for the girl to return the candles.  "Trustbreaker,"  she says in a noticeably more stilted voice than before.

After a moment, she sighs and soften slightly. She understood why, but to betray their trust like that...Still, if she were in the same situation...
Athedia
Hearing Natalia's tone Mithril spoke to the girl   "Earlier you said your mother promised to help you.  You trust her on her word.  We promised to help as well, and you appear to have trusted us.  But why should we trust you now."    Mithril placed a hand on Natalia's shoulder trying to comfort her.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia returns the comforting gesture with a soft smile and her own hand on Mithrils arm. She hols the other hand out and says,  "Return." 
Zman
The kids shuffle around and as they do Mithril sees her pouch laying on the ground.  One of the children must have dropped it.

Another little girl responds to Mithril,  "We didn't think think you'd miss some little things...we could have gotten half a loaf for it." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just shakes her head.  "Not things, but behind the things. Why help again?" 
Zman
Miriam
Miriam stands as sternly as her small frame can manage and speaks with an authority and conviction,   Everyone please calm down, this will serve as a lesson about trust.  Trust is a powerful force children, but fragile.  We were here to help, but you betrayed Ourtrust, and that will have to be repaired...  

Miriam enters into a sermon, sitting all of the children down as she motions to the rest of her friends to go their separate ways and to meet at the Inn they saw at dusk.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles a little as Miriam begins her sermon. Hopefully they'll learn to trust people, just like she was learning right now. Touching Mithril's upper arm, she says,  "Supply run?" 
Athedia
Mithril picked her pouch up, dusting it off and returning it to its spot on her belt.  "What my friend means is by taking these small items you also took away what trust we had in you.  But more than that, how do you know if something is small.  This pouch looks cheap and old, but I bought it for myself with the first money I earned at my home.  This means more to me than the finest, embroidered pouches."    Mithril felt her speech was wasted on the children, she hadn't understood the value of such objects at their age.
Athedia
Needing to cool off, Mithril nodded "Lets, I need a couple of things in town.  Kurt make sure Shiny doesn't get himself into trouble.  Shiny be careful.  Lead on Natalia." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Magic, weapons, armor,"  Natalia says happily as they walk into the city.

 "Thanks, for teaching magic..." 
CoffeeIncluded
As they walk through the humming streets of the crowded city, something shiny in the window catches Natalia's eye. Turning around, she finds an obscenely expensive suit of mithral armor on display. She presses against the window in awe. Natalia waves over Mithril; when the wizard arrives she says,  "...Your namesake." 
Athedia
Mithril stared at the suit of armor in wonderment, and then pulled Natalia away from the window   "Yes, but staring will only make us want it.  I certainly have no use for a suit of armor, and I think Kurt and Miriam do enough clanking without you joining in.  Still it is pretty isn't it."    Looking around she found the first store they were looking for, a shop filled with class vials of potions.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just shakes her head as they enter the store. She missed the entire point.  "Beautiful..." 

Looking around the store, the shelves of healing and defense potions catch her eye; she picks up a few basic healing potions (3 cure light wounds potions) and something called...

 "Mage Armor?"  she asks her friend.  "Liquid mithral?" 
Athedia
  "Not quite as strong, but the general idea yes.  You saw me use it when I had ran out of spells.  I would not dare go into combat without it. It can be very useful."     Mithril took one vial of the cure light wounds potion, most of the other potions she could replicate on her own with her spells, but healing was the one thing she could never do.
CoffeeIncluded
So that's what that spell was.  "The arrow bounced off,"  she says as she grabs one of the mage armor potions off the shelf.

Natalia still has four doses of the spider venom; she had distributed some of it to her friends. However, seeing what this place was like, she wouldn't dare sell any of it off.

Turning around, she finds shelves of scrolls, and several spellbooks, each clearly marked with the spells they contain, tethered to the table for wizards to copy for a fee.  "Mithril!" 
Athedia
Mithril's eyes widened, she had never seen so many spells in one place.  Lost in her own world she started browsing the spells while muttering to herself.    "Which ones? I can get two... Shield would be nice, just like another Mage Armour.  But Summoning would be so fun... and who can resist fire shooting from hands.  

She read what each of the spells did and retrieved Whiskers from where he was sleeping behind her neck.  He stretched and made a coughing yap to say he was unhappy.  "Crankypants, I want your help deciding. I already chose Shield. Should I summon some friends for you, or shoot fire from my hands.    Whiskers glared at her and then walked over to the Burning Hands spell and feel asleep on it.  Sighing Mithril picked up the Whiskers and turned to the owner  "Two spells, Shield and Burning Hands please.   She placed Whiskers back in his usual place on her neck as she went to pay.


 
 Spoiler 
Mithril didn't buy any spells, but I am going to say Mithril "bought" the two new ones Mithril learned is that if that is okay Zman.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grins at the little game between Mithril and Whiskers.  "Why not both? Or all?"  She turns around and picks up a scroll with the words "Shocking Grasp" marked on it and immediately decides to buy it.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril, a lightning spell, right?"  Natalia asks as she shows the shocking grasp scroll to her friend.
Zman
Th two young woman walked down the crowded streets, streets crowded with humans as they had to pass into the city proper to find a semi reputable magic shop.  Ten minutes of walking and the two women found Boran's Spell Compendium located in a small shop just off of the main bazaar.

The shop was filled with a modest amount of spells, mainly scrolls which could be purchased for spell acquisition.  Rows upon rows of scrolls separated by spell, and type of spell, we're stacked up the walls.

A short fat man with a ragged beard and thick potbelly was talking to a prospective customer in a boastful voice,  "These are just my basic spells, first and second circles respectively... all hand scribed, I guarantee no mistakes...my private stock is a bit more potent...I've been known to dabble in the fourth circle of magic.  If you require access to that stock, I'm sure we can reach an agreement. 

He barely glances at the two young women as they enter his shop.

 
 Spoiler 

The spell level someone is capable of casting is also known as a circle of magic. Only the most powerful of mages can access the eight and ninth circles.  Most mages in the world can't pass the third circle until advancing in years due to their average intelligences.  People passing the 6th circle are extremely fearsome and rare.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia eagerly runs into the shop, motioning for Mithril to come along. She had helped the rogue learn how to cast from a scroll, and while Natalia was far from adept she was much more confident than just a few weeks before. Easily identifying (with a bit of pride at this feat) the more basic scrolls, Natalia eventually selects two: a scroll of Color Spray, a spell which Shiny had used to great effect, and a scroll of Shocking Grasp, for lightning had always fascinated her.

 "Two kinds of bolts,"  Natalia says to Mithril with a smile.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia eagerly runs into the shop, motioning for Mithril to come along. She had helped the rogue learn how to cast from a scroll, and while Natalia was far from adept she was much more confident than just a few weeks before. Easily identifying (with a bit of pride at this feat) the more basic scrolls, Natalia eventually selects two: a scroll of Color Spray, a spell which Shiny had used to great effect, and a scroll of Shocking Grasp, for lightning had always fascinated her.

 "Two kinds of bolts,"  Natalia says to Mithril with a smile.
Cavelcade
Kurt stares after them, retrieving his pouch of bullets from the children as he does.  "Take care of Shiny? What do they expect me to do - reason with you?"  Said with a laugh rather than any malice, though, he's more relaxed around the strange halfling after their time fighting.

 "What do you think, Shiny, should I put you in a sack, maybe?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Wanting to save the rest of her gold on new armor and possibly a better weapon, Natalia takes the two scrolls she has decided upon and goes to pay, eager to make her purchases so she can see what and how Mithril will select her spells.

When purchasing the spells, she asks,  "Shocking Grasp...Color Spray?"  to confirm her selection.
CoffeeIncluded
Wanting to save the rest of her gold on new armor and possibly a better weapon, Natalia takes the two scrolls she has decided upon and goes to pay, eager to make her purchases so she can see what and how Mithril will select her spells.

When purchasing the spells, she asks,  "Shocking Grasp...Color Spray?"  to confirm her selection.
Athedia
Mithril looked over the spells carefully, she had to choice well.  During her fights she had realized that hurting someone directly made her feel ill, but she could not trust the mind warping that Shiny did.  Noticing some summoning spells her eyes brightened.   "Whiskers wake up.  I need you to help me chose some spells."   She flipped through the scrolls, reading each description carefully, pausing to separate the spell from the rest when Whiskers nipped her neck.  Anyone near her could hear a running dialogue, apparently with herself.

   "Burning Hands? Really? Well I guess it does go well with Shield if they get close.  You just chose that one to see monkeys, didn't you.  Oh that is useful, saves me money on horses too. Why that only rich people have servants, why should I need one.  That is a nice one, I could finally read the dwarven texts of stone magic.  Okay I think that is enough choice for you, I am not going to learn that spell.  Natalia, do you have a spell you think I should take? I heard you talking about one earlier.   The best part, thought Mithril, is that she can tell me without biting me.  The beauties of speech.

 
 Spoiler 
Realized I should put what she is speaking about  : In order all 6 of the ones she has chosen are Burning Hands, Shield, Summon Monster I, Mount, Unseen Servant, Comprehend Languages
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just leans against the wall of the store and watches Mithril's conversation with Whiskers with a smile; it may seem strange to others but something about it seems impossibly cute to the rogue. When Mithril calls her name, Natalia straightens up suddenly; her excellent sense of balance prevents her from falling over.

 "Oh! Uh,"  she holds up the two scrolls she purchased, Shocking Grasp and Color Spray,  "Volts for me, and this one if Shiny runs out..."  she trails off as she sees another scroll on the table behind Mithril. Curious, Natalia picks it up and spends a few minutes puzzling over the spell. Her face splits into a grin as she finally deciphers it and hands it to Mithril.  "Slip and slide!"  she says happily.

(It's Grease.)
Athedia
  "Slip and Slide? I see, nice idea Natalia.  As long as I am careful with it."    Mithril smiled, and gathered up the scrolls.    "Lets see, Burning Hands, Shield, Summon Monster I, Mount, Unseen Servant, Comprehend Languages, and Grease.  These should be fun.  


As she purchased them she looked around in wonder, there were more spells here then she had ever seen before.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Kid in a candy shop,"  says Natalia, obviously sharing in Mithril's delight.
Zman
Valen

Having little coin left in his possession and a full day before his ship was to depart, Valen decided to pass his time perusing the shops.  Walking he saw Boran's Spell Compendium, a small magic shop... That would do. He alwaysed liked how uncomfortable he made Wizards.  He couldn't blame them, a large muscled man wearing nothing but traveling leathers, a polished greatsword, sturdy bow, and pair of daggers walking into a magic shop was bound to cause an amusing rise out of the proprietor.

As Valen walked into the door he noticed an aging rotund man with a presence filled with all too much self importance, two young women, one an obvious practitioner the other.... Was something entirely different and filled with blissful wonderment.  The proprietor looked mightily uncomfortable as the half naked man, looking every part the the barbaric warrior, walked through the door.  Valen looked the savage, but his eyes and presence gave him away for he was more, a noble savage.

Valen, framed in the doorway and surveyed everything around him, before stepping through, simply for its dramatic effect. A small smirk entering his face.
Athedia
Mithril did not notice the man coming into the store, she was to busy flipping through her new spells.  Natalia's statement had been correct, and Mithril knew she could stay here all day if there had been time.

Her head bent over her spells, eyes reading the script and head spinning with possible uses she started to walk toward where she remembered the door being.   Distracted she ran into something.  Looking down she saw the feet, looking the stranger in the face she noticed his smirk.    "Who are you? And why block the door?  People walk through there."  
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing Mithril's voice, Natalia turns to see a veritable wall of muscle blocking the entrance to the shop, and staring down at Mithril. Quickly stepping next to her friend, worried if this man is quick to anger and remembering from Kurt just what that blade could do to her, Natalia swallows before looking up at the giant half-naked warrior, noticing the look in his eyes and says,  "...Why? ...Here for a reason?" 
Zman
Valen

Looking down at the two young women...

  One tall and thin, atractive in her on right with her nose in her scrolls... One was even smaller with an odd form of speech, almost slow, but her piercing analytical eyes meant that she wasn't and he would be wise to treat her with respect  

With a big smile,  "Little ones, my name Valen, and I mean no disrespect. 

With a word in Draconic, his eyes flash a subtle gold as he looks at the pile of scrolls in Mithril's hands,  "Shield, a valuable spell... Young Wizardess. 

In a polite fashion with a very slight bow Valen moves to the side to let the woman pass.

 
 Spoiler 
Valen cast Read Magic, all of his spells, what few he knows are spoken in Draconic.
 
Athedia
Mithril's eyes widen in shock, she grabbed Natalia's arm and tried to speak without the man hearing her.    "Did you here that?  He spoke, you know...Dragonspeak.  How does he know that?"  

This strange man, Valen he said his name was, did not look like a wizard.  It would be obvious Mithril realized that he could identify her as one.  Who else would be so distracted in here.  But Draconic?  Natalia was the first non-magic user she had met to speak it, but she had had a teacher who spoke it, and she seemed to have a grasp of the idea of magic.  But this muscly giant of a man?
CoffeeIncluded
 "Smarter than you look,"  says Natalia with folded arms.  "Your teacher?"  She motions to Mithril--this man is certainly interesting.
Zman
Valen

Making direct eye contact,  "I've learned that you cannot make such judgements rashly.  As to my teacher, I shall not utter his name here, lest he be made aware, for he would give you nightmares little one."  as he speaks he maintains the eye contact, a sudden cold truth to his words.

Surveying them both a little more closely, noting their provisions and manner of dress,  "And what are two young does doing in suchan inhospitable place?"  
CoffeeIncluded
If a man like this was afraid of his mentor, she'd rather not meet him. Ever. Motioning to her torn armor but not wanting to say too much, Natalia says,  "Supply run...And you?" 

This man, Valen, didn't seem as bad as she first feared. Nevertheless, she wants to stick close to Mithril.
Zman
Valen

The young woman had an aura about her, one that invoked the gentleness of dealing with a child, but hinted at a much greater intellect.

 "Adventures can be dangerous little one..."  she had an innocence about her that reminded him of his childhood.

With a smile Valen murmurs again in Draconic as he touches the piece of torn clothing.
 
 Spoiler 
Mending...she's just too innocent to not invoke niceness out of him
 
Athedia
Mithril noticed Natalia's unease and positioned herself so she could protect her if needed.    "Your mentor, why are you afraid of him.  And if he is so dangerous, why have him teach you?"    Mithril twitched as she felt Whiskers bit her neck, projecting feelings of nervousness into her mind.  Even a weasel didn't want to ask those questions.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says in Draconic, though she still intends to get new armor. Maybe she could just have this one upgraded instead...

 "...Not taught by choice?"  she replies to Mithril. Valen certainly seemed like a wanderer, and maybe he ran away. It's hard for her to think about; Torin and Karik were wonderful teachers, even if they had a poor idea of boundaries.
Zman
Sensing the tall girls wariness Valen attempts to diffuse her agitation with a smile,  "All I'll say is that it was an opportunity for an education that I just couldn't  refuse." 
Athedia
Mithril raised an eyebrow, but decided to leave the conversation at that.    "I think we got what we needed here.  We should leave this city before they decide females are slaves too.  I saw an elf selling crossbows outside the gate.    She said this in part because she wanted to finish shopping, but she also wanted to gauge Valen's reaction to her statement.  That would tell her more about whether he was trustworthy than all the sentences in the world.
Zman
With a hearty laugh,  "Lucky for you Lass, savages like myself pay little heed to the laws of bigots.  And I doubt the two of you would take kindly to being enslaved." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's grin is nearly smirk-like.  "...I like him. And no, wouldn't."  It was good to see that not everyone around here was a blind bigoted jerk.
CoffeeIncluded
Still, even a wandering barbarian mage had to have a goal at some point. Wanderlust only went so far; even their group was going to find to find some heroic task once they restocked. It was probably too much to ask, but she couldn't resist. So Natalia asks,  "Wanderlust, or a goal?" 
Athedia
Mithril started to leave, she still had things to buy and didn't want to spend anymore time in the city.    "Catch up with me when you are done, the merchant is just outside the gates you can't miss him."    With that Mithril left the store in and made her way to the elf she had seen earlier.

  "Hello, I was wondering if you had any crossbows a person like me could use?  Also what would be good for a sneaky type.  One of my friends saved my life and I want to get her a thank you present."  
CoffeeIncluded
Nodding a farewell to Valen as she says,  "...Good luck,"  Natalia makes her final purchases and leaves the store. Her armor jacket was in good shape now thanks to him; hopefully her other friends had made their purchases outside the gates of the city. The place would be nice, if not far all the racism and general sketchiness. And the general stink. So actually it wasn't very nice at all.

At the gates to the city, Natalia sees Mithril, silhouetted against the sun, her shadow cast long against the walls. She slows down as her friend is talking to the elven merchant, hoping not to interrupt her.
Zman
Valen

Another broad smile crossing his face,  " You are an inquisitive thing little one, I go where my feet take me, and some times I enjoy when they walk into trouble." 

Guiding her out the door with his large sting hands,  "Tell me a story little one, and I'll escort you back to your friend." 
Zman
Red the half elven crossbow merchant

 "Welcome, welcome, welcome, I have something for everyone, some of the finest halite if you have the coin, others more than adequate for protection on the long dark roads." . He gesures to rows of crossbows including some small hand ones.  Some were of fine workmanship, others serviceable, others yet grossly misused, one evn had what looked like cakd blood on it.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
 Valen

Another broad smile crossing his face,  " You are an inquisitive thing little one, I go where my feet take me, and some times I enjoy when they walk into trouble." 

Guiding her out the door with his large sting hands,  "Tell me a story little one, and I'll escort you back to your friend."  
 

Natalia thanks the barbarian mage, then bows her head in thought.  "A story in my village...Lisk, the girl in the wheat, but...It's long...Need to remember it all... 

She lets him escort her partway, at which point Natalia says her farewell to Valen and goes the other way out of the city; they're headed in slightly different directions (at which point the previous post happens?).
Athedia
Mithril examined the crossbows carefully, moving away from the older ones and then pointed to her selection.   "Some of these are interesting. I'll take that clean light one for myself, with 30 bolts and one of those odd small ones for my friend.  Add 20 bolts for it too.  How much will it cost."    She braced herself for the inevitable price that everything would cost, but it would be worth it to stay alive.

 
 Spoiler 
The light crossbow for Mithril is MW.  The hand crossbow that she will be giving away a little later is not.
 
Zman
Red
 A fine choice, they will serve you well. Be that you are heading into danger? . Though the total may not have been what Mithril wanted to hear, it was fair.  The finished th transaction shortly before Natalia arrived.
Admiral
  
 Spoiler 

If each of you check you will all be missing something minor, as this is the prologue there will be no rolling.  Remember You still start with everything you purchased, as that happens after these events.
 
 

When the others notice their possessions missing, Shiny checks his pockets and shrugs.  "Nope, nothing gone."  He gives a sly wink to the nearby urchin whom he notices pocketing one of his platinum pieces.

Shiny has traveled a long way with his companions, but while his boots show a little wear, his face and eyes are overflowing with energy. At 3'7", he's very tall for gnome, and despite his young age his hair and beard are an unnatural white. Still, his charm and endless enthusiasm give him a certain attractiveness.

When Nuts and Mithril leave, Shiny gives a couple of eager hops and then spins around to face Kurt.  "Time to spend some of this gold weighing us down!"  He bounds his way off to find a store willing to trade with a gnome and a dwarf.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril!"  Natalia calls to her friend when she sees her making her purchase. Running over to the half-elven merchant, Natalia begins inspecting his wares, eventually settling on a beat-up though reliable crossbow.  "Price?"  she asks, inspecting it thoroughly and finding nothing seriously wrong with it.
Athedia
Mithril quickly put her purchases in her pack.  She wanted to surprise Natalia with the present.    "Valen gone then?  After this we had better go look for the boys, Miriam is probably still trying to reform those orphans."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia agrees with Mithril's sentiment.  "Always slept through sermons. Too long, too still. I prefer doing."  She relates the short talk they had after Mithril left, finishing with,  "Need to remember Lisk's Tale, for later. Not just Valen, but for you, all of us." 

Natalia doesn't know that Mithril got a crossbow for her. She's going to be very surprised (and pleased) to find out.
Cavelcade
Kurt just smiles at him, following after the mad gnome quite happily. He's yet to get them in serious trouble, after all.  "Yes, I'd like to change my armour, I think. This is starting to be...a little worse for wear,"  he says, looking at the chips and chinks in the mail, along with a rather large hole in one side.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Find the others?"  Natalia asks Mithril as she fiddles with the crossbow, tightening some parts while loosening others.
Athedia
  "Or we could go find an inn to stay in, until we can find someone who with a job for us."   Although we are not likely to find a human around here to offer one, Mithril thought as she scanned the marketplace looking for a person she recognized.
CoffeeIncluded
 "For Shiny and Kurt too? Maybe somewhere else..."  Another reason Natalia doesn't want to stay too long is that she plain doesn't like this place much.
Zman
The afternoon is dragging on, the sun begins to set.  Though it is unseasonably warm, the days are not yet as long as they all be at the height of summer.  The Bedded Mare is only a moderate walk away.

 
 Spoiler 
The Bedded Mare is the in that Mirium said you should be meeting at, it's the most reputable looking establishment of its type outside of the city.

Fr Kurt and Shiny. You will find someone to sell you what you are looking for, may be even black market, bits it's available.  Feel free to RP it out as you like, even the NpC dialog.  I'll be available to add anything you need.

We can move role play along at any rate you guys like.
 
Athedia
  "Miriam did say to meet at the Bedded Mare.  They might already be there."    Noticing Natalia's unease she tried to reassure her   "We won't be staying long, this place is unpleasant for all of us."  

Mithril turned back to the crossbow seller   "Where might I find the Bedded Mare?"  
Zman
Red

The unshaven half elf with a rust colored hair points a couple hundred yards off to the east,  "Best bet would be try the inn over yonder with that name."  he says with a smirk on his face.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs in relief.  "Thank you,"  she says.

At the merchant's statement she quickly claps her hand over her mouth.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Grand trek to the inn?"  Natalia laughs behind her hand.
Athedia
  "Alright, I couldn't see the sign.  Just don't mention it to Shiny, please."    Mithril was a bit peeved to have been so unobservant, and she started walking in the direction of the inn.
CoffeeIncluded
 "I won't,"  Natalia promises as they head inside.  "But you have two sets of eyes,"  she teases to her friend.
Athedia
Mithril sat down in the back of the inn, keeping an eye out for their friends.  Lifting Whiskers off her shoulders, she set him down on the table so he could stretch.
Zman
Walking int the Bedded Mare in th two young women encounter the pleasant smells of warm cooking, the bar may have been a little greasy, the floors dirty, but it had a solid roof, and looked respectable enough to reasonably assure a safe nights sleep.  There were maybe a half dozen patron scattered around the dimly lit room, a couple of extra tables, and a screwd looking woman behind the bar.  She had greywing hair and a hard look, which softened a bit as she saw the two young women enter alone.

 "Afternoon, welcome to the Bedded Mare...can I get ya anything. 

The bar earned its name as the Bedded Mare due to originally being a small horse barn giving it a lofted ceiling.  The rooms had been built in an addition as well as a partial loft enclosed and above half of the common room.
Athedia
  "A cider for me and some bread, we are waiting for some friends.  If you could bring a small bowl or plate, I would appreciate it."   Mithril didn't want to eat to much, she could wait until everyone else arrived.  She stroked Whiskers back as he stretched, thinking of all that had happened during the day.
CoffeeIncluded
Though the inside of the inn was as warm as the outside, here... "Mmm. Smells good." 

Natalia sits down, boots scraping against the stone, and, asking permission from Mithril first, scratches Whiskers at the base of his skull. When her friend orders, Natalia looks up and says,  "Cider too, please." 
Zman
The aging woman was more than happy to oblige as a few coppers hit the table, hurrying around the busy kitchen, occasionally barking at the young woman she had as a wench.  A few minutes later some bread and cider appeared, the woman looking disapprovingly at the weasel,
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes a longer-than-necessary look at the serving woman before swallowing and muttering a thanks. She immediately turns to the food and begins downing it with a lot more interest than just a few minutes before.

 "Irf goodf,"  she says to Mithril around a mouthful of hot bread.
Athedia
  "Don't choke. And don't worry about scratching Whiskers.    Mithril carefully divided her bread giving a little to Whiskers, and poured a little of the cider onto the plate for him.  Starting to eat it herself she found herself quickly wishing she could eat it forever.    "This tastes much better than the rations."  
Zman
Belinda

*Cough*
As the young serving girl glared at Whiskers.
Athedia
Mithril glared back at the girl.   "This weasel is more intelligent than half the people in this inn, what is more he is my most faithful of friends and I would appreciate it if you let him be.  Unless you not welcome any magic-users to your fine establishment."  
Zman
Belinda the serving wench

 "He may rightly be smarter, but he ain't got coin ands goin to drive away those that do." 
 "At least keep him off of the table..."  she concedes to Mithril's glare.
Athedia
Mithril felt a smirk cross her face as an idea came to her.  She fished around in her purse and gave some coppers to Whiskers.  Sitting up he took one in his mouth and looked at the serving girl.    "He has coins now.  But I will concede."    Mithril fluffed her pack up, setting it next to her.  If Whiskers sat on it, he would just reach the table.
CoffeeIncluded
Wisely deciding not to get into the argument, Natalia hold out her arm, laughing as Whiskers skitters up and down her arms, his tiny claws tickling her skin.

 "...And you're prettier than her..."  she whispers to Mithril once the server leaves.

Once Mithril implements her idea Natalia nearly bursts out laughing.
Zman
Belinda

 *Blank Stare* 

Walks away... To snickering from the background.

 
 Spoiler 
Whoever saw this must have been cracking up!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "All he needs is a cup,"  says Natalia. Instead, she pours a bit of cider into a small hollow in the table for Whiskers to lap up. She also folds a small hat out of a scrap of paper in her coat, and places it atop Whiskers' head.
Athedia
Mithril started a little at the compliment, but quickly laughed.   "Thank you."    Whiskers ignored the conversation and dropped the coin onto the tabletop, playing around while occasionally eating some of his bread.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Weasel mascot,"  she says.  "And...true." 
Zman
The playful scene of two adventuring woman got quite abit of passing glances from patrons, who grew in number as the evening passed along.  Some were renting rooms and the inn was filling.

 Miriam 

Miriam walked in and glanced around the Inn, her eyes alight looking for her traveling companions, a ling slender bundle wrapped and slipped into her belt.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia spots Miriam first, happily waving over their cleric and asking,  "Your sermon? We got spells." 
Zman
 Miriam

"Children are exhausting...I hope I managed to do some good with them... 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Badly? Any good today?" 
Athedia
 "What did you buy?"  Mithril gestured to the bundle in her belt.
Zman
 Miriam

Miriam takes a seat, "An aid for Divine magic..a simple stick so blessed that it can heal our wounds and save our lives." 
 
 Spoiler 
KUAS!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia throws her hands up and all but shouts,  "Yes!"  at Miriam's purchase. After a second she blushes and seems to shrink down into her seat.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Got crossbows,"  says Natalia.  "No more sharing against spiders!" 
Athedia
Mithril waved the serving girl over.   "Can you bring my friend some bread and cider?"   Upon seeing the girl coming back Whiskers stopped playing and picked up the coin again.
Zman
The young woman brough another mug of cider, placing it in front of Miram, and reluctantly holding her hand out for Whiskers.
Athedia
Whiskers dropped the coins into her hand, pick each one up from the table to do so.  When he was done Mithril started scratching him absent-mindedly behind his ears.
CoffeeIncluded
Still chuckling at the antics of the little weasel, Natalia asks,  "How did you meet?"  She also breaks off a piece of her bread and hands it over to Miriam.
Athedia
  "You know the story, girl meets boy, boy hurts weasel, girl rescues weasel, parents say no, girl turns brother's hair pink, parents say yes, girl fixes hair, girl keeps weasel, weasel becomes familiar.  Same old story been told a thousand times."  
CoffeeIncluded
After several minutes of blinking, Natalia says,  "...Pink?"  And then, quietly to herself, she stares at her hands and says,  "...The boy?" 
Athedia
  "Got off with a broken nose.  I would have done worse to him if his parents hadn't stopped me."    Mithril's face grew distant and angry, her eyes, an odd gray already, grew steely.   She could not stand people who abused those smaller, weaker or gentler than them.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia instinctively draws back a bit. It's usually not a good idea to interfere with someone in that type of mood, especially if they can set you on fire with a few hand gestures. But still, Natalia places her hand over Mithril's and looks up at her, soft brown to steely grey.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Deserved it,"  she says.  "...He, I mean. No hurting little weasels,"  Natalia amends after a moment.
Zman
 Miriam

"Manywho are strong prey on those who are weak, it is the way of this world, as it is the way of good perplex to balance such injustice with right action and good intent."
 

Miriam's face sets with her conviction, be believes it is her duty to help and protect those around her who cannot help themselves.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Still in preacher mode?"  Natalia jokes. Actually jokes. She must be getting really comfortable with her new friends.
Zman
 Miriam

"Always dear Natalia, always..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yes, but, preacher and...Preacher."  Natalia waves off whatever she was going to say next.  "Did it sink in? How's food?" 
Zman
 Miriam

"Those children have me in a mood.....I hope so, for their sake.  But you can only lead a horse to water, not make them drink." 

Miriam is visibly exhausted from an emotionally trying day.

After taking a couple of bites,  "Nourishing..."  between mouthfuls.
CoffeeIncluded
 "They have to drink eventually,"  Natalia says in an attempt to comfort her.
Athedia
Mithril's eyes soften,   "Sorry if I scared you.    She sat looking at the table for a bit, before starting eat again.
Zman
 Miriam

"Will you two get a room?" 

Miriam continues eating with obvious hunger.

 "We'd better before th Inn fills for the night."  She adds between mouthfuls of food.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Miriam

"Will you two get a room?"  
 

Natalia flushes nearly incandescent before the actual meaning of Miriam's sentence becomes clear.  "...Y-y-yes,"  she stutters as she gets up and walks over to the innkeeper to request a couple of rooms.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia walks back with an update on room reservations.  "Should have talked earlier...Four mattresses in the loft." 
Athedia
  "I guess we will have to draw straws when everyone arrives."   Mithril sighed, she was starting to miss her old bed, a mattress would never compare.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Kurt and Shiny are small..."  Natalia doesn't really want to  want to share a bed with Mithril or Miram.
Zman
 Miriam
 
A large smile crossing her face,  " I don't think anyone should be subjected to sleeping with either tiny or Kurt, I'll share my bed with whoever is willing." 

Sensing Natalia's discomfort,  "Mirthril?" 
 
 Spoiler 
True to Miriam's values to share whatever she has when someone would be in need.
 
Zman
As the afternoon progresses and twilight begins to fall the Bedded Mare begins to fill for the evening.  The Innkeeper can be heard having to turn down a handful of people looking for a bed.  To anyone who is listening you can hear under her breadth wishing she had asked for more coin form those who have a bed already.

The common room is loud, mostly non humans, travelers, and merchants.  A few rough looking people, most of which can be hear discussing a poster attached to a beam near the center of the bar.

It reads:  "We, the desperate denizens of Linwood, beseech any with strong arm and strong stomache to come to our aid.  Orcs continue to raid our town, we fear loss of life and livelihood.

We, the good people of Linwood, are willing and able to pay:
2 gold a head and 250 gold for the to the man who beheads this threat.

We beseech any in need of coin, or anyone with good will in their heart to come to our aid.  We have furnished transport, the Lazy Goat, to depart at dawn on the 6th day of the third tenday in Mirtul.

Sincerely,
Elder Ransforn"  
 
 Spoiler 

When you read the poster it is a plea for help from a Town, Linwood, across the Moonsea.  They have been under assault by orcs, raids are growing more frequent and they fear further loss of life and livelyhood.  Their  The town has chartered a boat which leaves at dawn.

If you ask around you will find that Linwood is a town of 40 score people(~800), currently tied to Hulburg, a larger city in direct competition with Glister in that area.  Hulburg must be unable to sufficiently aid Linwood at this time for them to have requested outside help, especially mercenaries.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hm?"  Eager to forego the discussion of sleeping arrangements, Natalia gets up and walks over to the small crowd, ducking between large bulky warriors to read the notice posted on the central beam. Her eyes widen when she reads it and she quickly waves over Mithril and Miriam, saying,  "Come look." 
CoffeeIncluded
If there are multiple copies of the notice posted, Natalia rips one off and returns to the table with it. If not, she says,  "A job, look." 

She also asks the others mulling over the poster,  "Linwood?" 
Zman
Natalia motions to a pillar surrounded by men, maybe a half dozen in total.  Two seem to stand out, a young man, maybe 16 years old wearing an unweathered short sword scabbard on his hip; the leather still bright and tender.  Another is a burly, large bellied, middle aged man who sways with drink.  Bits of bread in his beard.

They can be overheard discussing the town across the Moonsea and the general political structure of the area.
Athedia
  "It looks like a good opportunity. But lets see what Kurt says, after all I am not going to be the one doing the beheading."   
CoffeeIncluded
New to the Moonsea area, Natalia  listens in to the conversation, contributing little because...well, she doesn't really have anything to contribute. She also pays closer attention to the youth and the older man, wondering why they caught her interest in the first place, other than their information about the area. Were they working together? The young man seems even less exposed to combat than her and her friends, and that was saying something.

 "Yeah, you're blasting, Whiskers is biting,"  Natalia banters back to Mithril.  "Should wait for everyone." 
Admiral
Shiny jogs over to the nearby bazaar, where dwarves, elves, gnomes, and other non-humans are trading their wares outside of the racially restricted bounds of the city. He lectures a stout dwarf blacksmith far too much about about the life story of Shiny Appleseed, orchard steward and recovering gambler, before the shopkeeper is able to sell him a chain shirt and rapier and send him on his way. The craftsman who sells him a crossbow and crossbow bolts is similarly regaled by the history of Shiny Wrenchmaster, plumber and registered middleman. By the time he's obtained everything he's looking to carry, he's started a few rumors about the talkative stranger who doesn't know how to keep to himself.

 
 Spoiler 
Normally would be happy to roleplay in more detail, but I know we're keeping things up a bit.

A clarification- is the Inn in the city limits, so that we'd have to disguise ourselves to get to it?
 
Zman
As dusk begins to settle, Shiny Broadfoot, professional Winemaker and grap squasher, makes his way towards the Bedded Mare.  The fading light signifies that Shiny had been out far longer than he planned and he didn't even make it into the city proper.

As he enters the in he sees a large room full of patrons.  It takes his sharp eyes a moment longer to locate his companions as his height has its disadvantages.  Miriam, Mithril,and Natalia are all seated around a large table filled with empty plates and mugs .

 
 Spoiler 
The Inn in outside the city.
 
CoffeeIncluded
The rumors about the talkative stranger whose story changes every time you speak to him reaches The Bedded Mare by nightfall. When Natalia hears of it, she shares a wry glance at her two friends. They've found Shiny.

When the gnome walks in, Natalia waves him down and says,  "...That's some reputation, Shiny Sureshot." 
Athedia
Mithril looked up, than down towards Shiny, "  "Shiny, do you want to add Orcslayer to your list?"   She gestured to the poster hanging on the wall.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The rumors about the talkative stranger whose story changes every time you speak to him reaches The Bedded Mare by nightfall. When Natalia hears of it, she shares a wry glance at her two friends. They've found Shiny.

When the gnome walks in, Natalia waves him down and says,  "...That's some reputation, Shiny Sureshot."  
 

 "Actually, Shiny Sureshot is my cousin." 

Shiny takes a look at the poster on the wall and pauses for a moment.  "I don't know the list you speak of, but of course you know that Shiny Headchopper, bounty hunter and guillotine repairman, would never shy away from such a challenge." 

Shiny orders himself a beer and hops up onto a seat next to Natalia, Mithril, and Miriam.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Sure Kurt's up to it,"  Natalia says as she suppresses a slight shudder, recalling the way he basically made the enemy kobolds explode.
Cavelcade
Kurt shrugs and nods, dropping his back, new armour and shiny new axe beside the table as he sits down.  "They need help and we can offer it."  When he hears about the bed dilemma he just chuckles.

 "The floor and my bedroll are good enough for me. There'll be no need for anyone to share."  The successful day of shopping with Shiny seems to have him in a pretty good mood.
Admiral
Shiny watches the party gathered around the pillar, and listens carefully to their conversation while trying to avoid their notice. He's curious if they plan to seek the same reward.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and shows her new equipment as well. When Kurt says he'll sleep on the floor she sighs in relief.
Zman
The group around the pillar is distracted by a new comer, a lithe blonde haired man who had taken it upon himself to proclaim himself an expert on killing orcs.

 "...and then, as the fire turned to embers and it grew even more dark, I was able to sneak up on the three orcs.  A fourth even looked right at me and didn't see me in the dark.  An I snuck, I was lucky that they didn't feel my breath in their backs.  I drew my trusty sword...  He pats the short sword on his hip.
 "I had to swing high, bot the godamned thing must have bee 7, no... 8 foot tall. They didn't know I was there till the head hit the ground... . By this time the people are watching him with fascination as he tells his tall tale.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia leans back and sips her cider, waiting to hear what happened next. She is curious about two things: Whether this man is exaggerating or not, and when exactly Shiny's going to try to one-up him

 "Four minutes,"  she stage-whispers to her friends.
Cavelcade
Kurt stares at her in confusion for a bit, trying to figure out what she mean.  "Four minutes? Four minutes until what, Natalia?"  Speaking loudly enough to be heard over the din of the other guy's talking, not particularly impressed with it. Shiny could spin a story like that in his sleep. And had, often.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Until Shiny Psuedobard takes the stage." 
 "Orcs' lair?"  she shouts out to the man regaling his feats.
Zman
Boris the Braggart

Hearing a woman in the distance,  "Ay, a lair their was, a band 100 strong. Killing their scouting party was like kicking a hornets nest....if hornets had battle axes he adds with a chuckle.  They chased me for three days and nights, I got a knife wound on the second night,"  he draws a line across his right hip.   "Even though I had been wounded, I managed to get behind their lines and backtracked to their base...  his motions and enthusiasm getting more and more exaggerated as some of the listeners were looking doubtful, others were still listening.

 
 Spoiler 
Shiny can feel free to interject with a story of his own if he would like anytime.
 
CoffeeIncluded
A hundred of them? Okay, there's no way this guy isn't exaggerating.  "When's a battleaxe a knife?"  Natalia almost heckles, just waiting for Shiny to hop in as she knows he will at some point.
Athedia
  "At least Shiny is somewhat believable."   Mithril whispered to the Natalia,   "He could never fight 100 orcs.  I could probably beat him."   She thought for a little than amended her statement   "With only one persons help."  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by athedia 
   "At least Shiny is somewhat believable."   Mithril whispered to the Natalia,   "He could never fight 100 orcs.  I could probably beat him."   She thought for a little than amended her statement   "With only one persons help."   
 

 "...Can I be that person?"  Natalia asks.
Athedia
  "Sure, if you really want too.  But lets see if Shiny can quiet him first."  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by athedia 
   "Sure, if you really want too.  But lets see if Shiny can quite him first."   
 

 "Agreed."  Natalia sits back and waits for Shiny.
Admiral
 "Eight feet high you say?" 

A gnome's voice rises up above the crowd, bringing the first hush of the night, and all eyes turn to Shiny. He looks up from his beer, and to the party's surprise, he has somehow gained an eyepatch in the last thirty seconds.

 "Uh, yeah,"  says the braggart, his confidence only slightly lessened.  "But I guess we all look about the same height to you!"  Some laughter echoes around the tavern at this response.

Shiny hardly seems to notice the response.  "You care so much about height, I'm guessing you've never seen a gnome kill a stone giant before. 12 feet tall, use your '8 foot tall' orcs like they were toothpicks."  Shiny's voice makes it clear he doesn't believe for an instant in the braggart's tales of freakishly tall orcs.  "Where I grew up, in the wild hills west of Nod, we didn't have to seek out combat and glory. Giant-killing is as important to your survival as eating or sleeping, and gnomes are taught to kill before they are taught to read." 

Shiny seems to peer deep into his drink.  "Fact is, height don't make a difference if you've got your wits about you. Some gnomes'll tell you that the trick to killing a giant is to run around its ankles with a length of rope, tangle it up so it falls over, slash its neck on the ground. And half the time that'll do the trick. But whatever you hear, giants aren't stupid, and some will just stop moving if they're tangled up, and then throw a couple boulders at you until you're smeared across the hillside. No, you want a giant to hit the ground, you need to slash right through the tendon under the calf."  Shiny mimes swinging a rapier across the table.  "Not hard to hit for a gnome. Any gnome you ever meet, you ask them about the space above a giant's ankle. They'll know it like their mother's face." 

Shiny stares down the braggart with his one eye.  "I've killed thirty one giants in my life. Ain't no bragging about it, just the way it is. And I can tell you the details of each and every last one of them, while I bet you couldn't tell me even a single date when you faced an orc. And I used to think that giants were about the toughest beasts a fella could face."  He lets forth a brief sigh.  "Until we faced the dragon, that is." 
 
 Spoiler 
To be continued.
 
CoffeeIncluded
At this point Natalia knows Shiny well enough not to say things like,  "What dragon?"  but doesn't have enough confidence to reliably offer details--she's not good at this like Shiny is. She does, however, crack a grin.
CoffeeIncluded
But then again, Natalia does fully expect Shiny to whip around and ask them to corroborate his story.  "Dragon details?"  she whispers to her friends, hoping that they can come up with some consistent details should Shiny call on them.
Admiral
Shiny takes a long sip from his tankard- the tavern is hanging on his next words but he doesn't seem to notice. He puts the drink back on the table and slides off the seat. He moves with confidence but he just barely favors his right leg.

 "It was in the city of Vern that I met two of my companions here- Kurt, a barbarian whose rage proved too fearsome even for his own clan, and Miriam, a powerful servant of the god of justice and retribution. A gang of bandits was attacking the royal family when we intervened- my allies' weapons and my enchantments made short work of the bandits. You may have heard of this battle- it was but six weeks ago." 
 The three of us accepted a quest from the king- a mission whose details I am not at liberty to divulge, for our enemies have ears everywhere."  He takes a suspicious look around the tavern, and half of the patrons look over their shoulders almost involuntarily.  "We had to journey to a dungeon twenty miles outside the city- where we would face a mysterious enemy of immense and ancient power." 

Shiny takes a breath.  "We were but a few miles from the city when we came across the orc raiding band. They counted twenty strong- I've never faced a hundred orcs, but then again neither have you!  He points an accusing finger at Boris.  "A hundred orcs... Every orc hunter alive knows that an orc hunting party never includes more than twenty five rangers, lest the noise of their movement alert the quarry!"   Shiny has not the first idea how many orcs are in an orc hunting party- 25 is just the size of a team in Gnomish Pebble-Whack. But still a murmur of agreement moves through the tavern, for Shiny speaks with such confidence and authority that anyone would feel like a fool to contradict him- even an orc chieftain would simply nod and raise his glass.

Shiny starts pacing again, the braggart no longer worthy of his attention.  "We were greatly outnumbered, but the orcs blocked the only passageway to the dungeon. We were developing a plan when two patrolling orc guards were, to our astonishment, snatched into the air by an invisible force! I later learned these orcs had been caught by a set of ingenious snares, leaving them dangling harmlessly in the trees. In the same moment, a crossbow bolt flew into the neck of a third guard, and, most impressively, a ball of flame engulfed the orcs' main tent! Seeing our opportunity, the dwarf and the cleric charged forward and battled half the remaining soldiers, while I cast an enchantment that caused the others to fall asleep in their tracks. And that was how we met Natalia, the cunning crafter of traps, and Mithril, the dazzling master of the arcane arts. 
 
 Spoiler 
To be concluded.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Despite herself, despite knowing that wasn't how it happened at all, Natalia somehow finds herself leaning forward, trying to grasp every word uttered by Shiny, the master storyteller. And besides, Natalia, the cunning crafter of traps? Mithril, the dazzling master of the arcane arts? And Kurt was certainly terrifying in battle.  "...I like it,"  she says.
Athedia
Mithril was impressed.  It was all lies she knew but somehow she could see the story playing out in her head.  Whiskers nuzzled up against her, as she leaned forward to hear how their story ended.
CoffeeIncluded
Leaning close to Mithril, sharing knowing grins with her, Miriam, and Kurt as their fictional exploits are mentioned again and again, Natalia can't help but envy the Shiny, the gnome with a thousand and one personas.
Zman
Simply put, the room was enthralled by the tale Shiny was weaving.  Even Borris them Braggart had been caught in Shinys web.

Only one man in the common room seemed to take Shinys story with a heaping mound of salt.  The aging fighter had fought orcs, and worse in his day.  Now, he'd been reduced to cheap mercenary work to supply himself drink, room, and board, which was about all he was good for.  Something he was painfully reminded of as he leaned to hard on his bum leg.

Anyone who notices him sees that he is taking in both stories with a calm mask of uttter grim experience.

 
 Spoiler 

This is one of th men gathered round that I pointed out earlier.
 
CoffeeIncluded
An odd patch of silence, of a different feel than the enthralled hush everywhere else in the room, catches Natalia's attention. In the corner the older man she saw before is staring at Shiny, and she's not sure she likes the stare. The older man doesn't seem hostile, but he's certainly not friendly either. Nervously, Nuts runs her hand over the copper wire bracelet.
Athedia
Mithril eyed the man nervously.  Maybe Shiny was going to far with his story. She leaned over to Natalia,  "I may need to borrow your bracelet.  I will give it right back I promise." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "For what?"  Natalia asks, though she trusts and likes Mithril enough that she's already pulling it off her wrist.
Athedia
 "A short message, that's all."   She held her hand out underneath the table.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Magic? Okay,"  Natalia says, carefully placing her wire into Mithril's hands. Her fingers are much shorter than Natalia's.
Admiral
Shiny's eyes turn dark.  "We found and breached the dungeon, a mysterious crypt by the name of the Shrine of Aquatos. The dungeon sprawled underground and was laden with traps, most of which threatened a horrifying death by drowning. The temple itself was a sort of enormous trap- we could proceed through it only by changing the water levels, our careful calculation all that stood between us and a watery doom." 
 "What is there to say of the Shrine's contraptions and machinations, of the nightmares that it promised in every wheel and cog? We would not have survived a day without Natalia's mechanical genius; for she recognized every trap, however intricate, before it had the chance to spring. Well... almost every trap, for even the most genius of rogues can miss something..." 

Shiny bows his head suddenly, his face turned from the rest of the tavern. The party can see him make a few arcane gestures and speak a few words softly. Suddenly the tavern is filled with the subtle but chilling sound of rushing water. The sound gives the story a horrifying presence; only Mithril and Miriam recognize the illusion as a simple  ghost sound  spell.

 "We still don't know what activated the mechanism, but sound of rushing water suddenly surrounded us, and the trap's design became clear- oh! the horror! In mere moments the small chamber was completely flooded with water. I had charmed a kobold guard to serve as a guide, but he apparently had no knowledge of this trap- he failed to warn us of any danger, and he was the first to drown. Natalia frantically worked at the only visible panel of gears, her fingers flying even in the dark water, but she found no escape. Kurt saved the wizard's life by breathing what little air he had saved into her lungs. But the chamber seemed certain to be our watery tomb, and we lost hope and began to black out..."

"All of us, that is, except the one party member I have yet to introduce. We heard the dull sound of a distant switch being thrown, and the water quickly receded, leaving us gasping for breath. From a tiny hole in the wall emerged our savior- a soaking wet weasel named Whiskers, the wizard's familiar. He had found his way into the adjacent room and discovered the mechanism for evacuating the water."  Shiny gives the slightest bow back towards the table, in one brief gesture communicating his respect and gratitude for the familiar.

 "The cleric healed the injuries that the water had bestowed upon us, and Natalia, with time on her side, coaxed the door's mechanism into granting us passage. But escaping that nightmare, we soon found ourselves faced with a fate that seemed almost as inescapable- for we had stumbled upon the black dragon's lair."

"Have you heard of such beasts? Of their skull-like faces, the rotten skin that hangs off on their cheekbones? Do you know that they can spit acid to a hundred paces, acid that can dissolve your flesh in a heartbeat?  I daresay whatever you know cannot compare to the experience of seeing one yourself- watching it rise from the murky water, or arc towards you on leather wings. But we stood our ground, and the battle begun."

"My memories of that fight are but a blend- of fire and acid, arrow and blade. I know not how many times over I owe my life to Miriam's protective spells and healing, and I do not know precisely when Kurt charged into the fray, his eyes bulging with fury, screaming a war hymn that would wake the dead. I cannot comprehend the arcane powers that Mithril unleashed, a symphony of fire, lightning and ice. I lost count of how many enchantments failed me before one struck true, and gave Natalia the opening to fire a perfect, devastating shot into the beast's throat."

"I do remember the moment the beast clawed my eye out- for who can forget such a wound? I had crept under the dragon's feet, to kill it the way I had killed so many giants. My blade struck true, and unbalanced the beast just enough for the others to deal their killing blows, but not before it lashed out with its claw and found its mark. Once the beast was defeated, we healed the rest of our wounds, but the eye was lost permanently."  For a moment Shiny looks scornfully at the braggart's right hip, where he claimed to have been injured by orcs.

Shiny's voice begins rising to a final crescendo.  I cannot speak for the rest of my party, but the wisdom I gained that day was worth far more than what I lost. First, I learned the secret of the Vystera Jewels- though I am sworn to secrecy. Second, I learned that loyal friends are worth more than any skill in battle. You say you faced a hundred orcs- and let's pretend for a moment you speak truthfully- but you say nothing of the allies you fought with. Either you neglect to mention them and are a braggart, or you fought without any and you are a fool. Because,"  Shiny says as he sidles back to his table,  "you can keep your stories of your dubious solo adventures. I'll drink with the table of heroes." 
Zman
As the thin gnome finished his enchanting tale, the bar erupted to cheers of enthusiasm drowning poor Borris the Braggart.  The party is treated to many compliments, and someone mentions buying them a round.

One person yells,  "Will you be saving Linwood?!" 
Another responds,  "Of course they will!" 
A third,  "How can orcs stop those who've slain dragons?! 

The gruff aging man waks over, a visible limp slowing his strides.  He looks as if he carries too many years, too many pounds, and too many bad memories.  He flips a copper onto the table,  "A copper for your story tale teller, all it's worth."  as he makes his way to the back of the inn towards the individual rooms.
Cavelcade
Kurt just shakes his head and laughs a bit.  "I think I'll go to bed before we get asked too many questions..."  Picking up his gear, he walks up to their room quietly and quickly, hoping everyone's too busy to notice him.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows, silent. She loved Shiny's story, loved her heroic deeds told there, but...they weren't true. In reality, she had missed the simplest of pit traps while lost in conversation, and Shiny was the one who had fallen into it. She passes by the old man, clearly ill at ease from Shiny's tale, and whispers an apology.

 "...Sorry." 
Zman
Kurt and Natalia walk up the rickety stairs, as they climb they realize that the
loft is open to the bar below...meaning that they'd have to sleep through the racket until the tavern emptied for the night.  They also counts six straw mattresses, one of which was already occupied by a well muscled human who was cleaning a Greatsword and feeding bits of his left over meal to a long dirty gold colored lizard.

Natalia recognizes the man immediately...

 
 Spoiler 

Go bargain rooms.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stops short on the banister; whoever was following her upstairs nearly bumps into her back.  "...Valen? Here?" 
Zman
As the Dwarf and young woman climb the stairs Valen welcomes, "Evening....Little One!"  as he recognizes Natalia.

Valen lays his sword down adjusting his mattress.  To anyone to looks too closely, he sleeps with a dagger under his pillow.  He feeds the last of his scraps to Zo'or.

 
 Spoiler 
Zo'or in his lizard familiar.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Late too, for reservations?"  At Kurt's look of confusion, Natalia says.  "Valen. Mithril and I met him in the magic shop. Smarter than he looks. You'd get along well." 
Cavelcade
A moment of confusion before he grins and laughs.  "I won't take offence to it Natalia, thankfully! Hello to you, Valen." 
Athedia
Mithril grabbed her pack and picked up Whiskers, before following Kurt and Natalia up the stairs.  As she entered the room she startled,  "But...you...here?"  Natalia must be wearing off on her, normally she could finish a sentence.  Seeing Natalia she passed her back her bracelet  "Thank you, I didn't end up needing it."   Looking back at Valen she asked  "Is the lizard yours?  Does it eat meat?"   She held Whiskers close to her waiting for his answer.
Zman
Valen, with a large smile on his face,  " Well met, you must be the dwarves berserk of legend?" 

Looking to Mithril,  "Only when he is hungry, no worries, he's never killed anything that he didn't aim to eat or that meant to eat him.  Valen proceeds to stroke the back of the large lizard which looks like a miniature dragon with golden dark gold scales and small no functioning wings.
Athedia
Mithril hugged Whiskers closer and put her things on a pallet far away from the lizard.  Valen may have said no worries, but Whiskers did look like food to some creatures and she wanted him to stay safe.
Admiral
Shiny spends some time socializing with the patrons, and happily accepts the drinks that come his way. He also pays close attention to any useful information about Linwood that he can gather.

However, the identity of Shiny Giantslayer, warrior and cartographer, is starting to wear on him. Of all the masks Shiny wears, the most tiring is wisdom, since it is entirely an act- a pale imitation of the truly wise people he's known. The cadences and mannerisms are easy to imitate, but they are too shallow to stand up to scrutiny. Thus, before long, Shiny bids a gruff farewell to his new acquaintances and trods up the stairs to meet up with the party.
Zman
 Miriam 

Miriam follows everyone up.m it was feeling late and she felt the need to stay near Shiny, lest his tongue cause him trouble.  She was glad when he showed signs of tiring, following him up the stairs she addresses the group before even reaching the top,  "We should get to sleep early if we wish to catch the boat early enough." 
 
 Spoiler 
Shiny and Miriam both have heard even more about Linwood.  It's a town of roughly a 800 people, it's currently under the domains of Hulburg, but I'd they can't fend off the orcs, the may be forced to request aid and protection from Glister which would move more power into the hands of Glister.  Since there are kingdoms in the area, towns affiliate and become vassals to larger cities to stabilize the area.  Glister is currently more powerful than Hulburg and some wish to see the whole area fall under its rule.

Melvaunt and Thentia are locked in their own struggle along the coast.  They are both an order of magnitude larger than Glister and Hulburg and cannot be bothered to consolidate their power as far into the wilderness.  Though, they both benefit fom trade with all the cities and towns in the area.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  says Natalia as she puts the bracelet back on her arm. Leaning back against the wall, she listens to Shiny and Miriam explain the situation in Linwood more. At some point, Natalia turns to Valen and asks,  "Why...are you here?" 
Admiral
Upon seeing the new face, Shiny cracks a grin and trots over.  "I don't think we've been introduced! I'm Shiny Swiftrider, bloodhound jockey and beer taster." 
CoffeeIncluded
Okay, there is absolutely no way that one can be taken seriously. Her mouth drops open for a second before closing; Natalia nervously looks to Valen, unsure of what his reaction would be. If he was here the entire time, then he definitely heard all of Shiny's story. And he probably was here for several hours; she or Mithril would have spotted him in the bar...
Zman
Upon being addressed by the small gnome, Valen looks crossly at the gnome, "Shiny Taleteller... You tell exciting tales..." 

Looking at Natalia,  "I was planning on sleeping and eating a warm meal Little One.  I will not be in the area long. What are you doing here Little One?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Little One...Well, it's not like she's tall; there are elves taller than Natalia. And it's not meant in a cutting way.

Natalia looks at the rest of the party. When they don't tell her to keep the information to themselves, she says,  "To Linwood, to save them from orc bandits." 
Zman
 Valen

"Isn't that a mere petty job for dragon slayers, giant killers, masters of the arcane, master healers, and mighty berserkers?"  Valen chuckles, his face is not full of malice, but merely amusement at the group around him.

 "I too am off to save the town of Linwood for i could use the coin and prefer helping others to earn it.  Any place is better than this wretched place." .

  And it is hard to b found in the frontier wilderness...  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia jerks back.  "Same place, same job?"  The rogue turns to her friends and teammates and asks,  "Your opinion? Strength in numbers--a mutual goal?"  Another thought strikes Natalia. Eying Valen suspiciously, she asks,  "...Stalker?" 
Athedia
 "We are going to be paid per head, so less money overall. But cooperation is still a good policy, together we higher chances of survival than an individual who may have rather low chance anyway.  If what you said in the story is any clue."   Mithril answered Natalia's question, but reflected on her final statement.    Had either of them told Valen where they were going.  No, not that she remembered.  
Cavelcade
Kurt just shrugs.  "More members, more backup,"  is all he has to say on the matter, quickly hopping into his own bed.
Zman
 Valen

"Stalker?... I suppose that is a possibility.  It is a rather odd occurrence that after running into me, you've managed to end up at the same inn as me only a short time after I booked a bed here. You booked the remaining beds in my same room....now you tell me that you are following me across the Moonsea." 

Valen looks at NAtalia, a quizzical jesting look in his eyes,  "Are you stalking me Little One?" . Looking from Natalia to Mithril,  "Lass?" 
Zman
 Henry Hendersforth 

As the group is discussing the odd coincidence, the young man, maybe 16, that was gathered around the pole climbs the stairs to the loft.  The sounds of the common room below are beginning to dim.  He is thin, just past the gangly stage in his life, with a rich auburn colored hair.  His new shortsword, the leather scabbard still moist with oil, at his hip.

He eyes the room warily, his gaze lingering awkwardly on the three young women.  He looks at the gathered alotment of people,  "Good evening... Mamadams.  Names Henry"  he studders either from the excitement of sharing a room with such grand adventurers, or from the excitement of sharing a room with three young women.  Upon seeing the only unoccupied bed he claims it with a pack full of provisions most notably an old hunting shortbow.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses for a moment at Valen's turnaround, then smiles.  "Suppose so,"  she says as she thrusts out a hand.  "Cooperation for now?" 

Feeling a gaze upon her back, Natalia turns around to see a young man, the youth from before, staring at her and her two female friends. Natalia shifts uncomfortably; she's had men stare at her like that before, albeit very rarely, and while she did like the attention on some level...

She moves a bit closer to Mithril and notices the old shortbow in the boy's pack. What an interesting contrast between that and the new sword.  "...Why switch weapons?"  Natalia asks.
Zman
 Henry Hendersforth 
Looking confused for a second,  "Oh, I've had this Shortbow forever, it was my dads.  We used it to hunt all of the time.l.and I didn't have a sword." . The boys inexperience radiates through his weak expterior.
CoffeeIncluded
Wonderful, and this kid with no experience is marching off to face down dozens of orcs. He's going to get gutted. Wait, if the shortbow's here...  "...Your father?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head at the lad, mouth firmly shut as he rolls over on the bed, for once not butting in.
Athedia
This boy barely looked as though he could grow a beard, let alone fight. "Henry, do you plan to fight the orc's as well?"  Pity was crossing her face at the idea that this boy's father may have died, and the boy was heading off toward his own death.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Orcs are...dangerous,"  Natalia adds. Frankly she is growing more doubtful that they could match the feats Shiny regaled in his tale, and there's no way she'd let this kid several years younger than her (the youngest member in the group!) wander into near-certain death.
Zman
 Henry Hendersforth 

As the group begins to dissuade him,  "You are starting to sound like my father...who is very much alive, toiling on that god forsaken farm and dreaming of a better life. . He holds out his sword,  "That isnt the life for me.  I spent ever copper I had to make it this far and buy this sword.  I've made my decision, I'll live or die by it. All I ever wanted was that choice." 
Athedia
 "I understand, we all made the same choice at one point."  Mithril gestured to her comrades.   "But we had each other.  You heard my friends story, I almost died."   Well it was a partial truth, she had almost died but not from drowning.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, then nods in understanding.  "Free for your own choice. Can't fault you for that...But do you know the choice? And...Why a sword? Your hands know a bow better." 
 "Mithril's right,"  she adds.  "Adventurers...work in teams. Saved her." 
Zman
 Henry Hendersforth 
 "All I've ever had is myself.  I may be better with a bow, but only a fool goes into a fight with nothing else.  I know enough to know that." . He readies his bed, maybe a little more forcefully than necessary as he is visibly torn by his decisions.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's assortment of weapons, along with the memory of being forced to borrow Miriam's crossbow to fight a spider, clearly show the truth in Henry's statement.

 "Bigger fools fight without friends,  Natalia says,  "Find allies...Make your own team. Many others just like you." 
Athedia
 "We should probably sleep, Natalia.  We have a journey ahead of us tomorrow."   Mithril lay down on the mattress but didn't close her eyes.  Instead she decided to wait until everyone was asleep.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yeah...Right, Mithril. Rest for the day."  Natalia turns over, attempting to find a more comfortable spot on the mattress. Before going to sleep, however, Natalia says to the boy.  "More jobs, more chances. Not telling you to turn back. Telling you to prepare. One life, but many offers." 
Admiral
Shiny leans up on his elbows.  "No need to be so bleak! Even the greatest of adventurers started somewhere. You know what you're up against, don't you, Henry?" 
Zman
 Henry Hendersforth

"Orcs, never seen more than a half Orc in my life, but I figure I shoot one in the heart it'll stay down. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "And allies swarm you,"  Natalia mumbles.  "Your backup?" 
Zman
 Henry Hendersforth 

Looking slightly annoyed at Natalia,  "I was planning on staying near town and defending against raids until I find a group to bring the fight to them.  I'm not stupid." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Oh!"  Natalia pushes herself up on her elbow.  "That's...Different."  Well, they were out of arguments. And it certainly sounded like the town needed all the help it could get. Looking around, she notices that Mithril seems to be the only one still awake. Natalia nudges her friend and asks,  "Help him with others?" 
Athedia
 "If he stays near the town, he'll have plenty of company.  But if I am going to be risking my life anytime soon, I want one nights sleep on a real mattress."   Mithril rolled over and closed her eyes.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Uh...Okay...S-sorry..."  Uneasily, Natalia rolls over and slowly falls asleep.
Athedia
Once Mithril heard the slow breathing indicating sleep from the rest of the people in the room she slowly sat up.  Reaching into her pack she pulled out the hand crossbow and bolts she had bought earlier.  She put them on top of Natalia's pack before lying back down on the mattress and finally going to sleep.
Zman
It took a few moments before all of the rooms occupants fell asleep, the only sound that filled the room was the deep basso of Dwarven snoring.  In the dead of night Mithril snuck a present out of her pack for her close friend Natalia.

The party wakes to the smells of the morning cooking fire below as the Inn prepares for breakfast.  The sun is just beginning to crest the horizon as dawn approaches.

Valen gets up quickly and quietly, grabbing his few and already packed belongings before heading downstairs.

Once down the stairs you see the gruff man from the night before with gathered gear, already finishing his breakfast, leftovers from the night before. His beard is ragged, hard lines adorn his face.  His pack is worn, two fine swords and a shortbow can be seen attached to his pack accompanying the two daggers he wares on his belt.  He nodes to those waking before grabbing his gear and heading for the harbor.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia wakes up, inhaling the smell of smoke and meat with a yawn as she rubs the sleep out of her eyes. A glance at her pack causes her mouth to snap shut.

Lying on top of her pack is a hand crossbow, light and easily concealable. Despite being a generic model and well-worn, it fits snugly in her hand; she could easily shoot it in her right, off hand while wielding another weapon in her dominant left. It was obviously left for her, and even more obviously a wonderful gift. Natalia stares at her present for a while and murmurs,  "Who?" 

Thinking about it, Natalia starts to have a hunch, and the thought makes her smile even more. She'll ask later. For now, the rogue puts the crossbow in her bag, wakes up the party, and heads downstairs.

 "To set sail!" 
CoffeeIncluded
When they all go outside, Natalia asks the nearest person who looks like they might know the answer where the docks are, including the ship they need to take.
Athedia
 "Natalia, wait for a little.  Or do you think I will be able to memorize spells on a crowded boat."   Mithril pulled her spellbook out of her pack and sat down in a quiet corner to meditate.

 
 Spoiler 
 Level 0: Detect Magic, Message, Mage Hand, Detect Magic
Level 1: Alarm, Mage Armor, Magic Missile
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "O-okay."  Natalia sits down next to her friend. After a moment, she reaches over and hugs Mithril.  "Thank you,"  she says happily into her shoulder.
Athedia
 "What for?  I do this every day."  Mithril was confused as to what Natalia was talking about.  She had noticed the crossbow had been taken, but surely it couldn't be linked to her.
CoffeeIncluded
 "The crossbow,"  Natalia says.  "Talked to the merchant, knew just what fits me...T-thank you."  If Mithril looks up, she would see that Natalia is blushing.
Zman
 Valen

"Lass, we have little if we are all to catch the ship, you'll have time then, it's a long voyage."


 The limitation of learnedspellcasters is preparation, it's inflexible by nature...  
Athedia
Mithril put away her spellbook and headed toward the door. "Fine, as long people don't bother me."  Turning to Natalia she said  "I didn't want you to owe me." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks.  "...You aren't...Sorry,"  she says, hanging her head.
Athedia
 "I should have figured you would know it was me, don't be sorry."   Mithril smiled at Natalia  "Now I think you said we have a ship to catch." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I'll keep things quiet, for your magic,"  Natalia promises as the group runs off to catch the ship.
Zman
The group sets out on the short jaunt towards the harbor, the gruff man can be seen out ahead limping along.  A few moments later the young man, Henry, can be seen hustling behind in the clumsy disordered fashion of the young and inexperienced.  People are beginning to sprawl ontot he streets as the day is beginning, more and more light cresting the horizon.

As you approach the harbor you have no need for directions as the gruff man limps up to and onto a small schooner, the Lazy Dolphin.  It's an old vessel, most of its paint faded away.  Including all of your companions Linwood's salvation totals 11 strong.  There is the gruff man whose name can be heard in passing as a deck hand tells him his horse has been secured for a sea voyage, Mortin.  The young man Henry is standing near three others, rough looking men, trying not to appear too nervous.

 
 Spoiler 
Anyone who cares will notice the absence of Borris the Braggart and his ilk.
 

 
 Spoiler 
Also, we are officially exiting the Prologue as the ship sets sail!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Luck,"  Natalia says to Henry. At least he's appeared to take some of their advice and found allies. Then again, their group must look as inexperienced to this Mortin fellow as Henry does to them. As for other people...

 "Won the story contest,"  Natalia whispers to Shiny, who is probably smirking at the absence of his competitor--though he barely deserved the name.

When they get on the ship, she sits by Mithril and double-checks her two crossbows as her friend prepares her spells for the day. The wind blows her hair around and she can feel the boat gently rocking as they set sail.
Zman
Valen

Valen takes his meager amount of possessions, a characteristic Valen always prized himself for, and finds a spot on the small vessel.  He figures it will be a couple of day trip across the Moonsea, and another day or two before they can reach the town of Linwood.

He takes this time to study his new companions...
CoffeeIncluded
When Natalia finishes checking her weapons, she spreads out on the floor and begins sketching rough diagrams of traps, ways to upgrade her crossbow, and concept sketches of a gauntlet or wristguard that could conceal a small weapon or wand, releasing it for easy access. She also begins mapping out possible ways to defend the town--best to bring the fight to them than march off into enemy territory--but for that, she needs to know Linwood itself better. Natalia doesn't know how much time they'll have to plan once they get there; best to get possible defense ideas jotted down now; and she's definitely open to working with the others.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods unhappily as he sits on the boat, looking anywhere except the water. His hands are loosely wrapped around the haft of his axe, the reassuring strength of the wood giving him comfort as he feels the boat move slightly on the almost still water.

 "As long as it stays like this..." " Talking to himself, mostly.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up at Kurt, who is obviously ill at ease in the water.  "Need to sit?"  she asks.
Cavelcade
 "Ah...no. No, I'd prefer to stand for as long as I can, Natalia. I've just...never seen so much water. It's...well, I've never lost sight of land before. No earth beneath my feet." 
CoffeeIncluded
Ah, that made sense. Dwarves were deeply connected with the earth, after all. Natalia felt kind of wobbly as well.  "Land soon,"  she says.
Athedia
Mithril finished memorizing her spells and looked around.   "We should see if there are some bunks to claim."  She headed toward the nearest sailor  "Is there anywhere my friends and I can stay, so we don't get underfoot?" 
Zman
 Valen 

After boarding the small vessel Balen took time to examine and contemplate some of his newest companions.

  Miriam...mother....good natured, passionate, rigid...

Kurt... berserker...fierce...strong....dislikes water...

Shiny...deceiver.....devious...dishonest....decept  ive....fast thinker...faster tongue...fadt to subvert...tread carefully around the enchanter...

Natalia...little one...innocent...childlike...naive...dangerously intelligent...masked...

Mithril...lass...intense...intelligent...potential  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Why sleep now? Enjoy the lake."  Natalia leans over the railing of the ship, at the deep blue water and far-off land, wondering how salty the Moonsea is, if it is salty at all. She tastes the air to find out.
Zman
Once the entire group gets on the boat, the wry captain who was missing three fingers on his left hand started hollering at the men in an almost unique language which results in the men setting the boat to open water.  He says it will be a three day voyage as the sun fully crests the horizon.

 
 Spoiler 

Must have one rank in Profession: Sailer to understand most of what they are saying.

RP experience for being a great group.

Miriam: 75xp
Kurt: 75xp
Valen: 75xp
Mithril: 100xp
Natalia: 100xp
Shiny: 85 xp + 50xp(Story)
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tries to understand what the sailors are saying to each other, but it's no good. All she can make out is that they'll be on this boat for the next three days. As the sun climbs higher in the sky Natalia explores the ship, and cant help but notice Valen studying them carefully. Though he's probably just trying to get a feel for his new team members, she still wants to keep an eye on him for a while. Heh, this must have been how she and Mithril seemed to the rest of the group when they first met.
Admiral
For a while Shiny stands at the edge of the ship, peering out onto the waves as if he'd never seen water before.

After a little time passes he finds the captain.  "How are you, skipper? I'm Shiny Gearkeeper, watchmaker and amateur dreamer. Real honor to be on your ship." 
achinca
Having prayed and feeling the magic of St. Cuthbert in her, Miriam reflects on the prior days events.

To everyone and no one in particular, she says "  I have been thinking about the orphans. I told them that having evil done to them does not give them the right to do evil things. I told them that because the racists humans in that town expect them to do evil things, they should do the opposite. I told them that when people are helping them without expecting anything, they should realize it and appreciate it. I told them they were a family and they needed to stick together and do the right thing. I told them I will return and help them as soon as I gather some gold. But I am not sure they got it. I told them to pray when in doubt or pain or need. I am afraid they did not get it. They just nodded because I looked upset. I really want to help them ....  "

She approaches Natalia "  Be careful sister of the beautiful stranger. He is strong and knows magic but you need to be a little less trusting.  "

After that she goes to Valen "  Respectfully, Warrior-Sorcerer, I really hope that your intentions with Natalia and Mithril are good and honest. These are soul sisters for me and I want to let you know I will be watching. Do not hurt them emotionally .....  "

She sits next to Shiny "  Masterteller and Halfling Lawyer, I really enjoyed your story but you have to stop saying it. We both know that we ran our tail between our legs after facing the spiders in the Aquatos shrine. Stop the story with the dragons. We failed the king and I don't want him to know where we are ....  "

Finally she approaches Henry "  Young man, I might be a simple farm girl who knows nothing but I can tell you that you should be proud of what your father is doing on his farm. It takes of a lot of courage to farm the field every day to be able to feed a family. Adventurers have it easy. They are no responsibilities. They are not true heroes. So reconsider. I am sure your father could use your help. This is the wisdom that St. Cuthbert gave me today ..  "
CoffeeIncluded
(Natalia only hears what Miriam said to her, not what the others said.)

 "Will help,"  Natalia says, turning back from the railing of the ship.  "Will help, will return. Either trust, or the best surprise. Until then, help themselves. Prove the name wrong, or wear it with pride." 

When Miriam admonishes her from immediately accepting Valen on the team, the rogue just shakes her head and says,  "Thanks, but...Not trusting, not yet. Mutual goals makes them achieving them easier. I'm watching him like he watches us. And...Beautiful?" 
achinca
Miriam smiles at Natalia "  I know you will help the orphans if something happens to me ..... Regarding Valen, you are a young woman and must be feeling things inside you. I am not much older but have a little more experience ... and wisdom .... All I am trying to say is that when feelings take over, sometimes we make the wrong decision ....  "
Zman
  Valen

"Lady, to ill intentions, I have none.  I also respect your concerns.  Have I acted outside the bounds of friendship and of offering a helping hand?    Valen looks intently at the short woman, not letting her power of will intimidate him.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam smiles at Natalia "  I know you will help the orphans if something happens to me ..... Regarding Valen, you are a young woman and must be feeling things inside you. I am not much older but have a little more experience ... and wisdom .... All I am trying to say is that when feelings take over, sometimes we make the wrong decision ....  " 
 

Natalia clenches the railing of the ship.  "Don't say that. Nothing's happening to you. Or me, or us.  She blinks for a few moments, not quite getting Miriam's insinuations yet...When it does click, her eyes widen and she frantically shakes her head.  "No. No, wrong idea...V-very wrong idea,"  she stutters out, probably making it seem less convincing than it is. Her palms are getting sweaty, damn it. It's not like Natalia's ashamed of who she is, "Nuts," always bothered her more, but...It's always a bit awkward.

Is it just her, or is the crossbow Mithril gave her feeling a bit heavier in her pack?

Eager to move off the topic, Natalia quickly responds,  "No, no insinuations,"  to Valen.
achinca
Miriam looks up at the talk stranger "  Well Valen, you are quite strong and you have your way with magic. Two things that Natalia, a young girl would find attractive. She welcomed you quite easily. And to answer your question, you have not done anything wrong so far. That does not mean that you have not thought about it. I might a young girl from a farm that knows nothing but I am not innocent. I know about young girl crush. All I am telling you is that you do not take advantage of her.  "

Her neck still streched as she watches Valen, she wonders how she became such a matron being only 2 years older than Natalia.
achinca
Miriam nods profusely at Miriam, thinking she gets it "  I understand Natalia. No need to worry. No need to say more. I have been there to. Just know that you can count on me if needed.  "

She goes give the rogue a hug, totally clueless about the situation.
CoffeeIncluded
She thinks...She honestly thinks...

Forced to imagine herself herself with Valen, Natalia makes what is best described as an undignified squawk while forcing out,  "Won't! No taking advantage, not like that!" 

Natalia awkwardly returns the hug. Thinking about Mithril's gift, she says,  "...Maybe...Later..." 
achinca
Miriam pats Natalia on the back. "  It is OK sister. When both parties want it honestly, it is not taking advantage, it is the most beautiful thing in the world. Trust me on this. I miss that connection ..... so if both of your thoughts are pure, it is wonderful.  "

She gives a huge smile at Natalia, still having no idea of Natalia's true feeling.
Zman
  Valen  

With a wry smile and deep chuckle, Valen looks down on Miriam, putting one hand casually on her shoulder,   "Maybe 'Lady' is the wrong name for you, maybe 'Mother' is more appropriate."  
achinca
Miriam shakes her head "  I am only 21 .. I am not a mother ... but caring about my friends and sisters does not know age. I might be a simple farm girl who knows nothing but I do know that ....  "
Zman
  Valen  

Taking a step back to give the reddening young woman her space,   "Women...I've never traveled with so many women before... and none so complicated."    He says giving Miriam another passing glance.
CoffeeIncluded
A bit relieved at Valen granting them the extra space, Natalia sighs, though her mind is going over what Miriam just said. So she probably wouldn't give her any trouble...Natalia wasn't really expecting that, but it was still good to know. And though Miriam couldn't be more off on the object of Natalia's affections, she would still be a good person to confide in, considering that she'd been in this situation before and would be a good source of advice. Valen was right; she was quickly becoming the team mother of sorts. But...

 "Whom...Did you love?" 
achinca
At Natalia's question, a sudden veil of sadness and pain takes over Miriam's face ... "  He was an older man ..... a cleric of St. Cuthbert ..... he was my teacher ..... his name was Calric ..... he taught me how to communicate with my God ..... he was wonderful good man ... he gave his life to save me ...."  

She turns away ... fighting the tears .....
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Oh...I..."  She shouldn't have asked that. What could she possibly say to that?  "...Wonderful man...I'm sorry,"  she finally says as she embraces her crying friend.
achinca
Miriam cries in Natalia's arms and hugs her tight. "  Thank you. It helps to cry and to talk about it. May be one day I will remember the good and not the bad. Thank for listening my friend."  

She wipes her tears and forces herself to smile. "  so ......  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just lets Miriam cry it out, not saying anything. What can she say? Then, somewhat eager to change the subject, she pulls out the rough sketches she's been working on.  "Plan to defend the town. Want to tell everyone, especially Mithril...Need her help the most. Snares, lightning snares, all around the town. Trap the orcs, then zap the orcs." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia's plan "  Well this looks like a good plan. I am a simple farm girl who does not know anything about the art of war so I will let other who are more versed in the subject comment. However, where will you get the wire and what happens in an orc come through?  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bites her lip.  "Wire in town, some on my wrist. If not all around the town, then in important parts. Won't stop all, but most." 
achinca
Miriam's shakes her head "  If St. Cuthbert wants it ......  "
CoffeeIncluded
 "Why Saint Cuthbert? Why not yourself?" 
Zman
As the days draws on, the half dozen ship's hands follow the captains orders sailing the ship east along the coast.  The land, growing ever more wild in the the distance to the starboard side of the ship.
 
 Spoiler 
When asked, the ship's hands said the sail along the coast to the northern most outcropping before turning north and sailing across the shortest length of open water.  PS Starboard is right.
 


The sun is setting, the land growing more and more dark.  The ships hands are preparing to turn the ship north and follow the Northern Triad, the three bright stars signalling north for navigators in this part of the world.

 
 Spoiler 


Here is a rough Lazy Dolphin
 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...WV6RmtyeWRsRWc 
The Peach and Light Pink Squares can be moved onto, the center sorage and masts could, though there may be checks involved.

Spot and Listen Checks Please
Roll and consult this table, please use scouts honor, or don't practice meta gaming.

Listen
DC10: 
 Spoiler 
The Crew seems to be working harder than normal.
 

DC15: 
 Spoiler 
The Crew is having trouble staying away from shore.
 

DC20: 
 Spoiler 
The Ship keeps turning back towards shore and they are concerned the ship could run aground.
 


Spot
DC5: 
 Spoiler 
The Crew is working much harder than before.
 

DC10: 
 Spoiler 
The shore is getting much closer than before.
 

DC15: 
 Spoiler 
You swear that you see movement along the shoreline but cannot identify it.
 

DC20: 
 Spoiler 
You see hulking forms along the shoreline focused on the ship.
 

DC25: 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge check to recognize Lizardmen DC10
 

DC30: 
 Spoiler 
There are ropes attached to the boat trailing in the wake.
 

DC40: 
 Spoiler 
Well, I can't ruin this surprise... and you shouldn't be peaking if you didn't roll this high.
 

 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up at the clear night sky, listening to the cool breeze.

(Prepares for fail)

Spot:  (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Listen:  (d20+6)[ 23 ] 

(Huh, that actually turned out okay)

Natalia's contented smile slowly fades into a disconcerted frown. The sailors seem to be working much harder than before and to no avail--the ship is moving closer towards shore. Squinting out over the side, Natalia can barely make out figures, small black dots barely visible in the night. She jumps back, drawing her rapier and the hand crossbow.

Natalia shouts loud enough for everyone to hear, while trying to get a better look,  "Something on shore...Getting closer!" 

She loads her crossbow. Seems like she'll be using Mithril's gift a bit sooner than she'd like.
Zman
  Valen  

Enjoying the cooling evening air...Valen is nigh oblivious to the crew working frantically around him.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Listen:  (d20+5)[ 12 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 She sits next to Shiny "  Masterteller and Halfling Lawyer, I really enjoyed your story but you have to stop saying it. We both know that we ran our tail between our legs after facing the spiders in the Aquatos shrine. Stop the story with the dragons. We failed the king and I don't want him to know where we are ....  " 
 

Shiny takes a short walk around the ship, his features hidden in the shadow, before he returns to respond to Miriam.  "I'm pretty sure you're mistaken, holywoman,"   he says politely, as though speaking to a child.  ""If we never faced a dragon, then how did I acquire this injury?"  Shiny points to the eyepatch that has somehow become a permanent feature of his face ever since that night in the bar.
Athedia
Mithril had been watching the waves silently for most of the day.  She had read about the sea, but it was more majestic than she could have ever imagined.  As the day turned to night she looked around one final time.    The crew must be preparing to pause for the night, why else would they work so hard.  
 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+1)[ 4 ] 
Listen  (1d20+1)[ 11 ] 
EDIT: Forgot to add the +2 alertness bonus to both
 
CoffeeIncluded
Now that Natalia knows something is wrong, she alerts her friends to the fact that there's something moving around the shore and they're headed right for it or them! She also takes a good look at which way the winds are blowing and the waves are rolling, to see if they're being pushed towards the shore by natural forces or dragged by whatever is waiting for them. Regardless, afterwards Natalia calls out,  "Spyglass?"  to the nearest crew member and points towards the crow's nest.
achinca
Miriam smiles at Shiny and lift the patch, expecting to see a perfectly healthy eye.  "  As I suspected. You are a true master story teller, Shiny Masterteller and halfling lawyer!  "

She looks at the boat and the coast.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 

Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 


She does not notice anything as she listens but she spots something strange: "  Why are we staying so close or even pulling towards the coast?  "
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam smiles at Shiny and lift the patch, expecting to see a perfectly healthy eye. 
 

To her surprise, upon lifting the eyepatch Miriam sees a grisly hole where Shiny's eye should be.

 
 Spoiler 
Shiny cast Disguise Self when he snuck off, a cruel but very gnome-like prank 😏. While this technically counts as an opposed roll, it seems reasonable for Miriam to make a DC 15 Will save to see through the illusion. Either way the outcome is amusing!
 
achinca
Miriam Will Save
 
 Spoiler 
 (DC15)  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
 


She sees the empty socket but realizes it is a trick. "  Good one, Storyteller but if it does not fool me, it will not fool many others. I am a simple farm girl who knows nothing but I think you might want to reinvent yourself and tell a new story on the other side of the Moonsea  ."
Admiral
Shiny grins slyly and flips the eyepatch back over his glamered eye.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (1d20-2)[ 6 ] 
Listen:  (1d20-2)[ 10 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't even hear the conversation between Miriam and Shiny. She's the only one who seems to notice the figures on shore, and she is busy shouting to the entire ship,  "Pulling towards shore, something moving onshore!" 

Running to the captain, or whomever has a spyglass, she points to the small black figures darting along the coast and saying,  "There!" 
achinca
Miriam finally notices the figures on the shore that Natalia saw.

' What would we be without her sharp eyes? "

She looks around and says "  What are these figures? Are they enemies? Are they the reason we are staying so close to the shore?  "
Zman
 Captain Monroe 

The weathered merchant captain's sharp eyes immediately recognized the figures on shore,  "Lizards!  Men, with everything you are worth, don't let her run aground." . He starts barking orders with seasoned experience, his cres reaction is satisfactory.
 
 Spoiler 

Profession: Seamanship  (d20+7)[ 23 ] 
 

 "Watch yourselves, they'll attempt to board us.  Arm yourself! 
 Crew 

The crew is frantically trying to keep the ship from shore.  They are having trouble, but have stopped the ship from running totally aground, though still dangerously close to shore.
 
 Spoiler 

Profession: Seamanship  (d20+3)[ 16 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Lizardmen? Natalia frantically tries to remember if she knows anything about these creatures.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (?):  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 


No good; she's only encountered kobolds before. She shouts up the the captain,  "Dragged to shore by lizardmen, or pushed by wind and waves?" 

Her weapons are drawn and she is ready to defend herself and her friends. But which way is the wind blowing? Which way are the tides going?
achinca
Miriam is finally realizing that the situation is getting dire.

'  Captain! How can we help? Why can we pull away from shore? Do you want us to distract the lizards with our crossbows? Why would they attack us? Lizardfolks are usually not evil!.  "

The questions flow through Miriam's head. She is still in her learning more when she would ask endless questions and Calric would never tire to answer them.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Maybe talk?  Do they know Draconic?" 
Athedia
Mithril looked up sharply upon hearing Natalia.  Peering at the figures she tried to figure out if she had read about them.   "I could attempt a message if we got close enough.  But what would I say?"   She stroked Whiskers nervously, whoever these people were she didn't want to anger them.

 
 Spoiler 
How far is the ship from the creatures?
Knowledge (Nature)  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "They know we're here, talk before fighting? Get a clue from them?"  Natalia is not the person you want to ask for diplomatic matters, and she knows it.
Admiral
 "Lizards, you say? I'll defend the ship!" 

Shiny rushes to his gear to grab his crossbow, though he takes a little longer to find it with the eyepatch obscuring half his field of vision.
Zman
 Captain Monroe 

His calm fracturing,  "It's as if she is being pulled into shore, we are losing ground.  Get your weapons ready, we are nearing javelin range.  They may swim out and board.  If they take us, they are after our cargo more than our lives." 

The crew is frantically trying to turn the small vessel.  Some are checking the ship for problems.  Each has made sure they had at least a small knife with them.

 
 Spoiler 
The ship is almost within 90ft of shore.  I will need an initiative roll, and a description of your last pre initiative action.  Ie, everyone can take a full action before any combat begins to move, draw weapons, or both, etc.
 

 Kurt 

Kurt had managed to doze off before being rudely awakened by shouting.  He loads his crossbow and makes himself ready to defend the ship.
 
 Spoiler 

Listen (d20)[ 4 ] 
Spot (d20)[ 6 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia draws her rapier and hand crossbow, which is loaded. Paling as she looks at the lizardmen assembled onshore, she shouts to Mithril,  "Scare off, or something! Trick them into telling how we're here!" 

Natalia then runs to take cover behind the storage, if it's possible, and looks at the water, to see if there are ropes or something dragging them in--and if there are, can they be cut?

(Prepares for fail)

 
 Spoiler 
Initiative:  (d20+7)[ 22 ] 
 
Zman
 
 Spoiler 

Rolling Initiative
Miriam (d20+5)[ 12 ] 
Kurt (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Shiny (d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Mithril (d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Valen (d20+2)[ 6 ] 

Henry (d20+1)[ 14 ] 
Mortin[roll]d20+-2[/roll]  13 
Others (d20+0)[ 1 ] 

Captain (d20+1)[ 14 ] 
Crew (d20+0)[ 7 ] 

L1s (d20+0)[ 15 ] 
L2s (d20+1)[ 9 ] 
LK (d20+1)[ 4 ] 


Natalia
Kurt
L1s
Henry, Captain
Mortin
Miriam
Shiny, L2s
Crew
Mithril, Valen
LK
Others

Lets get that post for the pre round action, thanks to everyone's shouting, no one will be surprised or flat footed.
 
achinca
Miriam is trying to analyze the situation to lower her confusion "  Captain, how could the lizardfolks attract the boat toward the shore? Could they be using magic? Have you faced them before  ?"

She looks at the group. "  Kurt, if they get on board, I will make you big, real big to allow you to take down as many as needed and don't worry about them hitting you, I will be in the back of you healing you. Natalia, Mithril, Shiny, if they get on board, you take the higher group or go hide. You are not equipped for melee combat. I can create an obscuring mist to give us some cover. I think that making the boat slip and fall for them (OOC: using Grease) would be a good idea. But ultimately, if you could avoid the ship going ashore, it would be best. But I do not know how.  "

She grabs and loads her crossbow, murmuring a prayer to St. Cuthbert.

Inititiave:
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny loads his crossbow and leans it on the railing, ready to fire at the oncoming lizards.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia loads her light crossbow, leaving the loaded handcrossbow and rapier by her side for easy reach. She looks at whatever side of the ship is closest to shore, to see if she can spot something dragging there.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+6)[ 14 ] 
 


Unfortunately it's nearly impossible to see anything in the dark. Natalia says,  "Crowd control,"  as she prepares to fire.
Zman
  Valen  
  Lizardmen?    In a split second Valen realized that they were in danger, standing with a much practice motion he crossed his arms in a defensive posture murmuring in Draconic, using his inate power to renew the arcane protections surrounding his body.  Once complete, he picks up his massive polished blade and slings his sturdy bow and quiver to his back while moving to defend the vessel

  "Be ready, Mithril, protect yourself or take cover."  
 
 Spoiler 
Casts mage armor, arms himself, and moves, see map.
 
Zman
On the shore the group can see a handful of hulking forms, humanoid with long tails.  Some small ones are armed with nothing but a light shield, javelins, and their thick hides and claws.  Other larger ones are holding heavier shields, javelins, and other assortments of nasty looking weapons.

There is one very large Lizard off in the distance, he appears to be directing the attack.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge:Nature DC20 to recognize a Lizardmen King
 
 Spoiler 
A lizard king is a special lizardmen born every couple of generations, they are physically and mentally superior to their smaller brethren.  They are born to lead and often do for a couple of generations.
 

 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks nervously at her friends and the crew. Can they take them all? And the huge one in back...

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Nature):  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
 

 "How are we being pulled in?"  she shouts, adding upon recognition of the creature,  "Lizard king!" 
achinca
Miriam is starting to look nervous.

"  Natalia, what is a lizard king?  "
CoffeeIncluded
 "Great lizards, born bigger, stronger. Lead their brethren. Dangerous!" 
Admiral
 "Where are you hiding now, ye scurvy wretches?"  shouts Shiny. With the utterly unnecessary eyepatch blocking his vision, it takes Shiny a couple of seconds to figure out that he's peering off the wrong side of the ship, into the open sea.

Undaunted and unembarrassed, he vaults over to the starboard side, and again places his crossbow along the railing.
Cavelcade
Kurt grimaces as he shakes the sleep from his body, standing unsteadily he tries to find ropes or maybe somewhere he can shoot from. His heavy crossbow is loaded and his axe is ready to be used if he finds any ropes.

 "Does anyone see them?" 
Zman
 Captain Monroe 
 "Watch the rudder if they try and board us." 
 
 Spoiler 

Profession: Seamanship  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Spot  (d20+3)[ 20 ] 
 


After watching the rudder and side of the ship,  "They've attached a sea anchor to us, find and cut the rope!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Basically a cloth anchor that increases drag on one side of the ship
 

 
 Spoiler 
DC20 Spot 
 Spoiler 
to see the ropes.
 

DC25Spot 
 Spoiler 
To see that there are lizard men in the water and near the boat.
 

 
achinca
Miriam looks around to see if she can spot the anchor.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 


'  Sorry captain, the water is too dark and murky for me to spot anything .....  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Knew there was something!"  Natalia exclaims as she scours the water..  "Where..." 

(Prepares for fail)

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Search:  (d20+9)[ 15 ] 
 

 There!  Natalia shouts as she can just make out the cloth in the water.  "But how...did it get there?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wait..."  Natalia says with realization.  "Rope doesn't go there by accident!"  Natalia fires at the rope into the water.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ]  Plus sneak attack if applicable  (d6)[ 2 ] 
 
Zman
 Crew 
The crew works diligently trying to keep the ship from the shoreline.
 
 Spoiler 
Spot: (d20)[ 7 ] 
 

 Henry 
Henry looks shaken, pulls out his Shortbow and gets in position to fire at the lizardmen.
 
 Spoiler 

Spot: (d20)[ 14 ] 
 

 Morton 
Cool and collected, Mortin readies his finely made Shortbow.  Upon hearing the captain, he peers into the dark water...
 
 Spoiler 
Spot: (d20)[ 16 ] 
 


He moves his readied bow to take aim at the rope in the water.

 Other men 
Moving to the side of the ship, they ready their assorted bows and crossbows.
 
 Spoiler 
Spot: (d20)[ 18 ] 
 
Zman
 Mithril 

Mithril, startled begins to move as people around her start shouting.  Her first inclination is to dig into her mind and recall magic for an arcane armament before further taking stock of the situation.

 
 Spoiler 
Casts Mage armor and moves...somewhere, as always, if there is a problem it can be changed later.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt rushes forward to see if he can spot what Natalia's pointing at.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 8 ] 
 

 "Where is it? I don't see it!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Fire where we are!"  Natalia shouts, only if she hits.
Zman
With a thack Natalia's crossbow loosed the first bolt into the murky water...a whip nap responded as a rope was nicked, and then a second later snapped leaving only two ropes holding the sea anchor in place.

 
 Spoiler 
The sea anchor has been weakened, two ropes remaining.  The are AC 15.  You still need to spot them to shoot them.

Kurt is up, then some lizards, then all allied forces will move at once in a block initiate to move things along.  until the next set of lizards.

Is Kurt wearing armor?

Is shiny wearing armor?

Is Natalia wearing armor?
 
achinca
Miriam looks for something to shoot at.

Spot
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+5)[ 7 ] 
 


She does not see anything so she does not shoot.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pumps her fist in the air at the sound of her success and shouts,  "Two left!" 
Athedia
Mithril attempts to see what Natalia was pointing at.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+1)[ 6 ] 
 

 "I don't see anything."  Mithril yelled to Natalia.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia points to the rope she snapped trailing in the moonsea behind the boat.  "There,"  she says to her friend, as well as everyone else on the boat who can't seem to find them.  "Two more close by!"  As she found and broke the first rope, Natalia can use that to discern the relative location of the two other ropes. She can see the way that they disturb the water, and where the broken rope links to the intact ones.

Natalia reloads her crossbow. She also takes out her mage armor potion and hands it to Mithril, saying,  "Just in case. Don't get hurt...please." 
 
 Spoiler 
 Say, since Natalia found and broke the first rope, would she get a spot bonus to find the others? She knows their relative location...

Spot:  (d20+6)[ 10 ]  
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia calls over Mithril and points to where one of the two attached ropes is barely visible beneath the waves.  "Any perfect-accuracy spells?"  she asks.

Natalia points out the ropes to anyone on the boat within earshot. And she's yelling,  "There!"  while pointing at the snapped rope trailing limp in the water.  "Henry, better with bow, right?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt peers down again, trying to spot whatever it is she's talking about.

 "I can't see it, Natalia!" 
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 18 ] 

Kurt has his armour on.
 
Zman
 Kurt 

Peering over the side of the ship into the dark water Kurt is able to see the ropes, help daughter against the side of the ship.  He would have missed them if it had not been for Natalia pointing them out.  With his crossbow ready he takes a shot.

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20+4)[ 8 ] 

I figured you'd be taking a shot anyway.  Using move action to reload.  If this is not what you wanted to do, please let me know.
 


The sturdy dwarf was unaccustomed to aiming on the waves sea, his bolt traveling off its mark into the murky depths.  He quickly loads another bolt.
Zman
 Lizardmen 

With the  Lazy Dolphin  entering their combat range, the hulking forms of the Lizardment unleashed a hail of javelins, their sharp ends looking to find flesh for impact.


 
 Spoiler 

Shiny (d20-5)[ -2 ] 
Damage  (d4+1)[ 3 ] 
Shiny (d20-5)[ 8 ] 
Damage  (d4+1)[ 3 ] 
Others (d20-3)[ 16 ] 
Damage  (d4+1)[ 5 ] 
Others (d20-5)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
Crew (d20-3)[ 13 ] 
Damage  (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 


With a loud thwack, one of the hired men collapses, the end of the javelin portruding from his stomach while the man next to him takes a deep, but not critical wound to his arm. 
 Spoiler 
one is disabled, other wounded.
 
Zman
 Henry 
With the look of terror on his face as the man next to him was impaled, Henry attempts to take a shot at the enemy.

Whether it was clarity from fear, or blind luck Henry's shot contexts with brutal efficiency, nearly toppling the thick grayish green skinned lizard.

 
 Spoiler 

That is assuming he beats a DC5 Will save not to freak out.  He's not thinking clearly enough to do anything besides blindly attacking the enemy.
Will  (d20+1)[ 3 ] 
Attack an L1  (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
Crit Confirmation (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
Damage  (d6)[ 3 ] 
Damn!  Go Henry!
 

 Captain 
The captain continues to bark orders in spite of the combat starting around him as he attempts to keep the ship from going much further ashore.

 Mortin 

Set with a Grim Determination, Mortin carefully aims his bow over the side of the ship... His aim is true, the rope snaps.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (d20)[ 9 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 5 ] 
 
Zman
As Mortins arrow slices the second rope the entire weight of the sea anchor descends upon the single remaining rope, the tension incredible... Yet the thick rope made of strands of the Duravine plant hold... a testament to the Lizardmen craftsmen.

 
 Spoiler 

Strength Check (d20)[ 9 ] 

Miriam and Shiny are up.
 
achinca
Option 1:

Miriam finally can clearly see the rope and fires at it. Range warfare is not her forte but she hope St. Cuthbert is guiding her aim.

 
 Spoiler 
Shoot:
 (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Damages if needed:
 (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 



Option 2:
Miriam, incapable to really see the rope rushes to the man who as impale and use her healing skills to make sure he does not die.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal check:
 (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
 
Zman
Miriam rushes to the aid of the fallen man whose name she has yet to learn.  Upon arriving she swiftly assesses his situation.  The javelin protrudes through the right side of his abdomen.
 
 Spoiler 
Mirium moves to F7, took, the whole round, but I'll still give her the Heal check to assess his situation.  He is in great pain, but the wound will not be fatal, she is likely to survive and there is little you can do for him that time will not provide.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "One to go!"  Natalia shouts as a second rope snaps. She's not quite sure how she's keeping her head as javelins zoom by less than ten feet from her and...impale...two of the crew members. Nodding at Mortin, she reloads and aims again.
Zman
  Valen  

With the combat raging around him, Valen was prepared for their boarding and doesn't have his shortbow ready, but he eyes one of the javelins stuck to the deck behind him, its tip covered in the blood of the wounded crew member.
achinca
Relieved that the man will not die, Miriam gets ready for the next round of actions.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia had seen Miriam run to the fallen man out of the corner of his eye. She calls out,  "Survival?"  but keeps her eyes on the lizardmen and the sole remaining rope.
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head, muttering to himself as he reloads.  "Just aim for the big scaly things...then we can take our time with that..." 

(( OOC: Yeah that attack was fine - I just thought I hadn't been able to spot it which is why I didn't attack that time. ))
achinca
Miriam gives a thumb up to Natalia. "  Thanks St. Cuthbert, he will live!  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't see the thumbs-up, but she shouts,  "Good!"  in response.
Admiral
Shiny aims his crossbow and releases a bolt targeting the nearest lizard on the shore.

 
 Spoiler 

Targeting L2b (+1 base, +1 size, +2 Dex, -2 range):
Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
Damage roll:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 


After firing, he shouts in his loudest voice at the shore.  "You fools! Do you know what's on this ship? If it gets angry it'll kill you all!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Bluff:  (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
 
Zman
The small gnome, the master trickster, makes a quick shot, almost desperately selling his bluff long before he uttered the words.

 
 Spoiler 

L1s do not speak common and are immune to the bluff.
L2 Sense Motive (d20)[ 7 ] 
LK Sense Motive (d20)[ 1 ] 
*Without Modifiers
 


Some Lizardmen react as if they understood the small gnome, taking a step back... 
 Spoiler 
Lose one round worth of actions.
 


The large Lizardmen King is caught offguard by the claim and almost paralyzed by indicision... 
 Spoiler 
Loses two rounds of actions.
 
Zman
 Crew 

Diligently working to keep the ship from the shore...  The crew will still fighting a losing battle against the strong pull of the Sea anchor...though their hard work is delaying the ship running aground.

 
 Spoiler 

Profession: Seamanship  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 

Losing 10ft per round while the Sea Anchor is still in play.

Valen and Mithril are up in any order
 
Zman
  Valen  

Flipping his greatsword into his left hand, Valen siezes the javelin from its spot embedded in the side of a cargo crate and returns it towards the Lizardmen...

  "Ha ha ha!"   Valen's deep throaty laugh can be heard as he relishes the thrill of combat and the irony of using their own weapons against them.

The javelin misses wide as Valen again readies his greatsword, prepared for any Lizardmen that attempt to board the ship.

 
 Spoiler 

5ft step to F6, free action to switch hands, move action to pick up the javelin,
Attack L1a(Wounded Lizardmen)  (d20-2)[ 5 ] 
Critical  (d20-2)[ 15 ] 
Damage (d4+3)[ 6 ] 
 
Zman
 Mithril 

Not wanting to expend her only offensive spell, Mihrill runs up the stairs, past the Captain to get a good vantage point firing her loaded crossbow at the nearest Lizardman when she was ready.  She thinks she should have taken her time and aimed better.

 
 Spoiler 

Moves to F15
Attack against L1c  (d20)[ 5 ] 
Critical  (d20+1)[ 10 ] 
Damage  (d8)[ 1 ] 
 
Zman
 Lizardmen King 

Not willing to run away, but paralyzed to act by this promised retribution the Lizardman attempts to steel his will.

 
 Spoiler 
Giving him a DC20 Will save to get back into the action.
 (d20+3)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Her crossbow reloaded, Natalia takes aim and fires at the remaining rope.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ]  plus sneak attack if applicable  (d6)[ 2 ] 
 


Dammit! The two broken ropes trailing in the water throw off the aim of her crossbow bolt!
Zman
 Others 

After losing one man to the javelins, the two men retreat to the cargo in a attempt to gain cover before firing their weapons.  The wounded man attempts to crawl to the cover the cargo provides.
 
 Spoiler 

DC10 Climb (d20)[ 14 ] 
Attack (d20)[ 10 ] 
Critical (d20)[ 19 ] 
Damage Shortbow (d6)[ 6 ] 

Wounded mans DC10 Climb (d20)[ 2 ] 
Attack (d20)[ 18 ] 
Critical (d20)[ 2 ] 
Damage Light Crossbow (d8)[ 3 ] 

Crippled mans DC10 Climb (d20)[ 3 ] 

And any fail and fall, they will spend their action getting back up.

Darn, the one who would have hit fell before firing.
 
Zman
A scream can be heard from the crew as a handful of lizardmen begin to climb over the port side of the ship.  There are six in total, one two are larger and almost feral looking.  None are wearing anything besides a leather loincloth, their eyes alight with glee as they plan to rip flesh from bone with their claws.

 
 Spoiler 

They are climbing over the side of the boat.  They will be flat footed until they act on the bottom of next initiative.  The four smaller ones didn't have a Dex, but the two larger ones did.  That means they can be sneak attacked....if Natalia hadn't just shot at the ropes.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia curses as she hears the lizardmen behind her.  "Mortin, get the ropes!"  she shouts.
Zman
 Mortin 
 "Hrmf.."  as he knocks another arrow.
Cavelcade
Kurt sets his sight on the last one with a growled oath, deciding he doesn't want to go down with the ship - he can't swim anyway and wearing a breastplate doesn't seem like a good way start.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 


A sudden roll of the water knocks him enough off balance to miss the rope again.

 "Dwarfs aren't meant for water!" 
Zman
 Lizardmen 

The group of lizardmen throw their second set of javilens, most scatter harmlessly across the deck, but two catch Mortin off guard without the protection of his armor.  The wounds would likely have prove fatal for anyone less seasoned.

 
 Spoiler 
Will DC to be taken off guard by their leader
 (d20)[ 6 ] 
 (d20)[ 6 ] 
 (d20)[ 12 ] 
 (d20)[ 12 ] 
 (d20)[ 16 ] 

Followed by attack rolls, same distributions for attacks as before. Targets (5d10)[ 5 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 1 ](27) 

Attack (d20-3)[ 2 ] 
Critical (d20-3)[ 9 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 7 ] 

Attack (d20-3)[ 4 ] 
Critical (d20-3)[ 16 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 3 ] 

Attack (d20-3)[ 14 ] 
Critical (d20-3)[ 13 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 7 ] 

Attack (d20-3)[ 14 ] 
Critical (d20-3)[ 5 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 4 ] 

Attack (d20-3)[ 9 ] 
Critical (d20-3)[ 4 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 4 ] 

Ouch, Mortin takes two javelins for 11 damage!
 

 Mortin

"I'll live..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing Mortin's grunt behind her as two javelins impale him, Natalia shouts,  "Miriam! Injury!" 
Zman
 Henry 
 "Die you scales bastards, die!"  as he fires a second arrow at the wounded lizardmen.  He hits the hulking lizard again, it dropping to a knee before getting up again with its final javelin raised.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack L1a (d20+1)[ 16 ] 
Crit (d20+1)[ 5 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 3 ] 
 

 Captain 

Even with the chaos erupting around him, the Captain attempts to keep control of his vessel.   "Protect the rudder and wheel!" 
 
 Spoiler 

Profession: Seamanship (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
 

 Mortin 

His mouth erupting with curses not fit for a three copper wench, he looses his arrow at the final rope.  His aim is true, freeing the vessel from a watery grave.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20)[ 14 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The whole ship rocks as the rope is freed; Natalia can hear it lighten.  "Yes! Broken free!"  She picks up her rapier and hand crossbow, eager to fight off the lizardmen.
Admiral
The illusion will have to wait. Shiny springs over to the port side of the ship and splays out his hand at the pair of climbing lizards. A dazzling rainbow of colors springs forth from his palm, covering the two figures.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast  color spray  in a 15-foot cone covering L3 and L4 (they don't have more specific names).

Each gets a DC Will Save 16. (That's thanks to the beguiler's Cloaked Casting, which grants a +1 save DC bonus to a spell cast against a flat-footed opponent).
 
Zman
A dazzling rainbow of colors strikes the two lizardmen... One slumps unconscious to the deck, the other is blinded and stunned by the brilliant colors.

 
 Spoiler 

L3 Will Save (d20)[ 2 ]   (2d4)[ 7 ] 
L4 Will Save (d20)[ 5 ]  (d4)[ 3 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam moves toward Mortin, avoiding to give AoO to the lizardfolks.

Once she can touch the warrior, she starts her prayer "  St. Cuthbert, please grant me the power to heal this good man who is ready to die to keep us alive.  '

 
 Spoiler 

Drops endure elements to spontaneously cast CLW
 (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 


Her holy symbol starts to shine and a big part of the injuries caused by the javelin are being healed.
Zman
 Crew 

The crew scamper away from the lizardmen, while still trying to man the ship.

 
 Spoiler 
Onto Mithril and Valen.
 
Zman
 Lizardmen 

The two hulking forms which were initially taken aback by Shinys threat regain their wits throwing their Javelins at the Captain and those located by the wheel...

One of the hulking lizardmen targets Mithril chucking the javelin and clipping her solidly in the thigh...

 
 Spoiler 

Capt,Crew,Mithril (d3)[ 2 ] 
Attack (d20)[ 5 ] 
Critical (d20)[ 19 ] 
Damage (d6+2)[ 8 ] 

Capt,Crew,Mithril (d3)[ 3 ] 
Attack (d20)[ 17 ] 
Critical (d20)[ 17 ] 
Attack (d6+2)[ 7 ] 

Mithril takes 7 Damage...sorry
 
Athedia
Mithril gasped as the javelin caught her thigh.  Gritting her teeth she raised her crossbow pointing it at one of the lizardmen at the rudder. "Don't let them damage the rudder." 
 
 Spoiler 
 Stays at F15
Attack against L3 (on F17)  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Critical  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 


The pain threw her off and the bolt went wide.  Cursing her luck she loaded another bolt into the crossbow.
Zman
  Valen  

Spinning to face the new oncoming threat, Valen moves to engage him with five feet of polished steel, his rage building to incredible levels... He swings towards the lizards head with all of his might... topelling the fell beast...

 
 Spoiler 

Rage
Power Attack  (d20+6)[ 16 ] 
Critical  (d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Damage  (2d6+6)[ 11 ] 

Lizard reduced to 0 HP
 
Zman
 Lizard King 

The hulking behemoth collects himself and prepares to reeter the fray.
CoffeeIncluded
Growling at the sight of Mithril wounded, Natalia shouts  "Get away!"  as she reloads her crossbow and shoots it at the lizard that attacked her friend.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ] 
 


Of course, the bolt just barely grazes its scales.
Cavelcade
Kurt shoots the crossbow at L3 in anger, feeling his blood start to boil but keeping control - the ocean making him too nervous to rage. After that, he sets it down and takes out his axe.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  Attack.
 (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  Critical.
 (1d10+2)[ 8 ]  Damage.

Aw, no critical.
 


The attack lands solidly, giving him some satisfaction against the creatures who'd wounded his friend.
Zman
 Lizardmen 

With two Lizardmen stunned or unconscious, the third, severely wounded, attempts to roll off of the ship into the safety of the water... before making it to safety Valen unceremoniously brings the blade across his back and kicks its bloody form into the water.

 
 Spoiler 

L3a moves into water,
Valen AoO (Non Power) (d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Critical  (d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage (2d6+4)[ 9 ] 

at -7 and bleeding to death in the water
 


Another, a young one, forgets the rudder and tears into a crewman... dealing a nasty gash along his belly.
 
 Spoiler 

Move + Attack
Claw  (d20+1)[ 14 ] 
Critical  (d20+1)[ 5 ] 
Damage (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 


A ferocious beast remembers their orders and attempts to attack the rudder with both claws, working himself towards a frenzy...Dealing nothing but scratches is likely to drive the ferocious creature mad.

 
 Spoiler 

Full Attack on the Rudder
Claw  (d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Critical  (d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage (d4+2)[ 4 ] 

Claw (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Critical  (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage (d4+2)[ 3 ] 

Fails to damage against Hardness:5
 
Zman
 Others 

Upon reaching a safe position, they cowardly take cover and trade random shots with the Lizardmen across the shore.

 
 Spoiler 

Crossbow(Prone) (d20-5)[ 4 ] 
Critical  (d20-5)[ 3 ] 
Damage (d8)[ 3 ] 

Shortbow (d20-1)[ 4 ] 
Critical  (d20-1)[ 14 ] 
Damage (d6)[ 2 ] 

Crossbow (d20-1)[ 5 ] 
Critical  (d20-1)[ 8 ] 
Damage (d8)[ 4 ] 
 
Zman
 Lizardmen 

The Lizardmen peltasts prepare and throw their final volley of javelins.  One strikes home, leaving a loud wet thack sound as it impales Mortins shoulder.
 
 Spoiler 

L1s
vs Henry Javelin (d20-3)[ -1 ] 
Critical  (d20-3)[ 17 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 6 ] 

vs Henry Javelin (d20-3)[ 8 ] 
Critical  (d20-3)[ 9 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 5 ] 

vs Natalia Javelin (d20-3)[ -1 ] 
Critical  (d20-3)[ -1 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 3 ] 

vs Kurt Javelin (d20-3)[ 9 ] 
Critical  (d20-3)[ -1 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 7 ] 

vs Mortin Javelin (d20-3)[ 17 ] 
Critical  (d20-3)[ 15 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 6 ] 
12 Damage Crit, poor tough old bugger!
 

 "Divines!...that hurts like an Orcan concubine!"   Mortin shouts, he appears alright, though he is bleeding heavily.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal DC to assess Mortin's status.
5:  It looks bad, real bad.
10:  I think you'll make it.
15: It missed the bone.
20:  Ahh, it'll leave a nice scar.
 
Zman
 Lizardmen 

One lizardman, upon watching its brethren incapacitated leaps forward charging the small gnome who magicked them down swiping with its right claws, its nails warn from gouging far harder substances... his claw connects, barely missing Shiny's throat.

 
 Spoiler 

Forgot L3b who just had room to charge Shiny
vs Shiny Claw (d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Critical  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Damage (d4+1)[ 5 ] 
 

 Captian 

Releases from the sea anchor the captain has begun bringing the ship back out to sea.
 
 Spoiler 
Now takes ten for a 17.
 
Zman
 Mortin 

Reeling from his wounds, Mortin turned his bow to save the wounded crewman...his stot barely whiz zing past the crewmen to land solidly in the Lizards collarbone.

 
 Spoiler 


Shooting into cover from the boat
Attacks L3c  (d20)[ 11 ] 
Critical  (d20)[ 11 ] 
Damage (d6+2)[ 4 ] 

2nd Attack
Attacks L3c  (d20-5)[ 2 ] 
Critical  (d20-5)[ -2 ] 
Damage (d6+2)[ 8 ] 

Lizard down to -1
 
Admiral
If the claw slash hurts Shiny, he doesn't show it. He flips 5 feet backwards, stumbling as he does so and offering his adversary a chance to attack. He then rolls onto one knee, and lets forth another dazzling stream of colors from his hand.

 
 Spoiler 
DC 15 Tumble check to avoid AoO:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 

Whether the AoO happens and hits or not, once he's out of melee range Shiny casts another  color spray  at L3b, who gets a DC 15 Will save.
 
achinca
Miriam, seeing Mortin covered in blood cannot prevent herself for checking on the powerful warrior.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
 


She gives a smile to the man. '  I think you'll make it.  '
Zman
 Lizardmen 

As the noble gnome attempted to get away from the sharp claws the beast takes another swipe with its other claw... Which the gnome deftly avoids.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Critical (d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Damage (d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 
Zman
As the gnome nimbly avoids the blow, its sharp claws sloping off of the strong chain, he releases another wave of blinding light... Catching it squarely in the face before slumping unconscious.

 
 Spoiler 
Forgot will save
 (d20)[ 3 ] 
 
Zman
 Lizardmen 

The two veteran lizardmen on shore see theat the ambush on the ship has not gone well and target their second javelins at the Captain... One of the javelins catches the Captain off guard distracting him momentarily...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20-1)[ 18 ] 
Critical (d20-1)[ 9 ] 
Damage (d6+2)[ 5 ] 

Attack (d20-1)[ 6 ] 
Critical (d20-1)[ 9 ] 
Damage (d6+2)[ 5 ] 
 
Zman
 Crew 

Seeing the hulking brute trying to disable the ship the crew try and steel their will... The sight of the massived scaled brute is too much for the crewmen and they cower away...

 
 Spoiler 
DC10 Will
Wunded (d20-1)[ 1 ] 
Unwounded (d20-1)[ 2 ] 

If made, move and attack
Attack (d20-1)[ 15 ] 
Damage (d4-1)[ 1 ] 

Attack (d20-1)[ 2 ] 
Attack (d4-1)[ 1 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril pointed her crossbow at the other Lizardman by the rudder.  Her leg was feeling weaker, and her teeth gritted in pain.  It was worse than she had thought.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack on L4b  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 
Critical (1d20)[ 9 ] 
Damage (1d8)[ 1 ] 
I keep getting 1's for damage
I don't know if this hit, I don't know the AC for L4b
 
Zman
  Valen  

Hearing the Captains shout about the rudder Valen turns to see a blinding flash of light as another Lizardmen slumps over.  Valen rushes towards the rudder Valen stops to bring his heavy sword down upon the unconscious brute... The mighty blow opened a wide gash upon the lizardmans neck, likely a fatal wound...

Valen's eyes open wide, a primal glee as the blood of his enemies paint the deck...

 
 Spoiler 

Move to C11
Raging Power Attack  (d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Critical  (d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Damage [roll]2d6 +8[/roll]  13 
Drops Unconscious Lizardmen to -2
 
Zman
 Lizardmen King 

Furious than his prey was escaping, his plan foiled, and himself deceived the mighty Lizardmen heroes his javelin, aiming at the Sea Captain who thwarted him... His aim was true, dealing another long messy gash to the ragged old Captain Monroe...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Critical (d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Damage (d6+4)[ 6 ]  +2  8 
 
Zman
 Others 

The three men, two wounded take complete cover among the cargo as the vessel begins to turn away from shore signaling their salvation...

 Lizardmen 

With most of the ambushing Lizardmen incapacitated and the it's claws innefective at hurting the rudder, the ferocious Lizardmen works himself into a frenzy renewing its effort to disable the boat... Dealing larger gouges in the wood as he tears at it with pure savage fury.

 
 Spoiler 
Rage
Claw (d20+6)[ 25 ] 
Damage (d4+4)[ 5 ] 

Claw (d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Damage (d4+4)[ 6 ] 
Deals 1 damage to th rudder... Possibly disabled in one or two turns...
 
Zman
 Natalia 

Realizing that they were hme free if they can protect the rudder Natalia makes a quick shot and the raging Lizardmen... The excitement getting to the young rogue, her shot lined up perfectly...but the bolt glances off of the railing not two feet from leaving her crossbow.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (d20+4)[ 5 ] ?
Critical  (d20+4)[ 16 ] ?
Damage (d6)[ 6 ] 

Wow, new crossbow please?!

Ahh, Cavelcade is no longer online!  Kurt is up.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grits her teeth in frustration. Hopefully Mithril's crossbow would work better. They had to distract the lizardman from the rudder, and quickly. Sighing, she shouts in Draconic,  "Here, Ugly!"  and waves her arms.
Cavelcade
Kurt growls then, moving to carefully to face the lizard man, attacking him viciously with his axe, aiming to take him out in one hit if he can.


 
 Spoiler 

MOves to E16 and attacks.
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Critical:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+6)[ 14 ] 
 
Zman
 Henry 

Let's off another arrow at the distant Lizardmen.

 Captain 

Though wounded, the Captain maintains course away from shore.

 Mortin 

Mortin moves over, loosing an arrow over Kurt's short shoulders...  Dealing another superficial wound to the Lizards.  The coordinated attacks between Kurt and Mortin have weakened th raging beast, but not taken the irrational monster out...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (d20)[ 20 ] 
Critical  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Damage  (d6)[ 2 ] 
Lizardmen is down 16 to 14.

Shiny and Miriam on the initiative
 
achinca
Miriam takes her crossbow which she had loaded early and aims for the lizardfolk trying to destroy the rudder. She hesitates a little before pulling the trigger.

 
 Spoiler 
Shooting crossbow: +2 + 1 (being higher than target) = +3

 (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
 
achinca
to confirm critical and do damages:

 
 Spoiler 
[roll]1d20+3[/roll]

[roll]1d8[/roll]
 
achinca
Miriam is happy to see the bolt penetrate the flesh of the lizard folks but sadly the bolt does little damages.

 
 Spoiler 

to confirm critical
 (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 

damages
 (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny looks like he's about to cast a spell when his eyes are suddenly fixed on one point- the stairs leading up from below deck.  "It's too late!"  he screams.  "He's here!" 

Shiny dives in the space behind the stairs, as though for cover. Once there, he hurriedly works his arcane machinations.

A large figure seems to step out of the stairs, standing up from a crouch as though it had been too constrained below decks. The beast opens its wings which stretch to their full size, an intimidating 10 feet across, and turns its head to peer out over the water towards the lizardfolk on the beach. The creature's eyes burn with righteous fury.

 
 Spoiler 

This is a  silent image  of a young adult silver dragon. All who see it get a DC 15 Will save to recognize it as an illusion. Also, a bluff check for Shiny's most recent exclamation:

Bluff:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sees something flash out of the corner of her eye...

 
 Spoiler 
She probably knows it's Shiny anyway, but...

Will save:  (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
It's an illusion, but a well-done one. Natalia grins, just waiting for the lizardman's reaction as she reloads her crossbow and shouts,  "Dead!" .
Zman
 Lizardmen 
 
 Spoiler 
Miriam deals 2 more damage, down to 12.

Th crew already are too afraid to challenge the mighty Lizard. Onto Mithril and Valen.
 


As the dragon appears...Most of the Lizardmen on shore cower at the sight of the small dragon...putting thir weapons down..

The raging Lizard's fury is to great to be overcom by fear of the small dragon..
 
 Spoiler 

L4:Will  (d20)[ 10 ] 
L1s:Will  (d20)[ 5 ] 
L2s:Will  (d20)[ 9 ] 
LK:Will  (d20)[ 3 ] 

Wow, terrible...

All Lizardmen pass the sense motive, working under orders of their king grants a +10.
 
Zman
 Valen 

After felling the unconscious Lizardmen, Valen sees the ferocious Lizard engaged with Kurt... Valen begins a mighty charge, fouled by his rage...right past a small dragon... Driving his mighty Greatsword through the back of the Lizards thick torso timed perfectly with the Wizardesses arcane strike

 
 Spoiler 

Charge Power Attack Flank  (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Critical  (d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Damage  (2d6+6)[ 13 ] 

I fluffed it to be simultaneous with Mithril's Init
 
Athedia
Mithril summoned a blast of magical energy aimed straight at the lizardman, catching it just as Valen's greatsword descended.  Turning in response to the sounds behind her she saw the silver dragon.

 
 Spoiler 
Magic Missile  (1d4+1)[ 4 ]  auto hit
Will Save  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
 


She shook her head, recognizing the illusion for what it was.
CoffeeIncluded
Shouting,  "Yes!"  at Mithril and Valen's combination attack, Natalia runs over to the final stunned lizardman and knocks him over the head with the butt of her crossbow while kicking him into the Moonsea.

(More fluff tomorrow when I wake up)
Zman
  Valen  

Valen slumps,mhis rage expended, his shoulders sag.  He finally has time to process that there is a dragon before him... and no one around him reacts to it with alarm... Nor does it make a sound...

&lt;Draconic&gt;  "Your name, mighty one?  &lt;Draconic&gt;

][/COLOR]
 
 Spoiler 
Will save +4
Will  (d20+6)[ 16 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks up at the dragon in shock, not having been aware of its approach, even.

 
 Spoiler 

Will:  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
 


Shivering, he drops his eyes from the thing, barely holding onto his axe before he grimly fixes his grip and spreads his legs, forcing himself to look up again and meet the beast's gaze.

 "Bah. Live or die, never back down!" 
CoffeeIncluded
The last lizardman drifting in the moonsea, Natalia runs over to Mithril and Morton as Miriam tends to their injuries. She asks,  
"You okay? Injuries?" 

When she sees both barbarians interact with Shiny's illusion, she shares a snorting laugh with Mithril, who didn't fall for it either.

 "...Should we tell?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at the sudden dragon apparition.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
 


She stops for a second. ' Where did it come from? ' but she does not worry about it. Calric taught her that chromatic dragons are good. She is not worried about a silver dragon.

(If L4 is still alive) She shoots another time at the lizard, hoping to hit and do more damages than last time.

 
 Spoiler 
Shoot
[roll]1d20+3[/roll] +1 due to higher ground
confirm
[roll]1d20+3[/roll]
Damages
[roll]1d8[/roll]
 


Regardless of the outcome, she starts loading her crossbow.
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
Shoot
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  +1 due to higher ground
confirm
 (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Damages
 (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
 &lt;Draconic&gt;  "Your name, mighty one?  &lt;Draconic&gt; 
 

The majestic dragon turns its head towards Valen, opens his mouth, and answers in Common.

 "Scaly Silversnout, treasure hunter and cartographer!" 

The high-pitched voice clearly comes from behind the stairs, and is unmistakably Shiny's.
Athedia
Mithril doubled over laughing  "I think Shiny has that covered."   She then winced and grabbed her leg, sliding down the railing to sit on the deck.  Whiskers joined her, nuzzling her face to try and comfort her.   "Please remind me not to get in front of any more javelins." 
Zman
  Valen  

With enough time to think and a cooler mind,   "Shiny!"  
Zman
 
 Spoiler 
Miriam, all Lizards are gone, though you can describe it as shooting the stunned one that was just pushed into the water.
 

 Mortin 

Looking at the Dragon, Mortin turns his head and spits,  "Illusiins..." 
 
 Spoiler 

Will Save  (d20)[ 12 ] 
 

 Henry 

Hides behind the barrels, hoping that the Dragon isn't aware of his presence...

 
 Spoiler 

Will Save  (d20)[ 13 ] 
 

 Captain Monroe 

After the captain and crew cowered at the appearence of the dragon, and the illusion is discovered...

Barely standing and covered in blood,  "Mosley, come here and keep her north...we need to get the wounded cleaned up and bandaged." 
achinca
When Miriam realizes the silver dragon is an illusion, she nods to Shiny:

'  Well done Masterteller and Halfling Lawyer.  '

 
 Spoiler 
Miriam would not be shooting an unconscious body being thrown to the water.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt chuckles then, and shakes his head, forcing himself to disbelieve his eyes as his ears tell him something else.

 "Very impressive."  Could he even be a little red faced under his beard? If only there were less of it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns to Morton, who is being treated by Miriam.  "Thank you, with the ropes...She's good, saved us before."  Sliding down next to Mithril she winces at her friend's injury.  "...You okay?" 
Athedia
 "Just studying the effects of pain on aim.  Apparently crossbows are harder to aim, but there is no effect on magic."   Mithril tried to joke to keep the injury from overwhelming her.  She reminded herself not to attract the attention of the crazy lizards again.
Zman
 Mortin 

Hardly noticing the wounds as they are being treated,  "Don't waste your divine magics on me, I'll heal. Had much worse than this before..."  as he taps his right knee...

 "Damned Lizardfolk, normally leave people in peace.  But, folks have been pressing them hard the last couple of years....if that really was a King, then folks in thse parts may be in for trouble if he aims to start taking back some of their territory." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Heh,"  she laughs a bit as she tries to see if there's anything she can do to help Mithril before Miriam attends to her. If Natalia isn't sure what to do, she just comforts her friend.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal:  (d20+1)[ 12 ] 
 


Natalia shakes her head.  "Please. Heal faster, heal safer. Miriam, my help?" 

After Morton's comment on the lizardmen, she frowns.  "How far from Linwood? ...The orcs?"  Perhaps they were raiding for a reason...
Zman
 Mortin 

Looking at the young Natalia,  "At least two days to Melvaunt, the two or three days by horse, or four to five by foot.  As to the reason the orcs are attacking, my guess is it's the normal reasons... They're Orcs." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns.  "Perhaps, but...Sudden, so...With cause? Best to find the cause too?" 

She sighs in relief, glad that nobody on the ship was seriously injured.
CoffeeIncluded
Attempting to take Mithril's mind off her injury, as she wasn't taking it as well as Morton, Natalia says,  "Good rope, they used on the ship. Wish we had some left." 

...That probably didn't help at all.
achinca
Once the lizardfolks threat is considered history, Miriam will use her spell to heal as many people as possible.

When Mortin mentions the loss of territory she says '  It is the price to pay for expansion. You take your neighbor land and one day his sons come back for your sons to take back what was theirs once.  '
Athedia
 "What concerns me is the idea that the lizards and orcs might join together."   Brow furrowed she considered the idea.

 
 Spoiler 
using lizards to refer to lizardfolk
 
Zman
 Mortin 

Upon hearing Mithril Mortin snorts,  "Ha, orcs and the lizards are natural enemies.  They'd rather slit their own throats than work together."   
Cavelcade
 "Maybe, but something could be making them both want to attack at the same time. Not quite as bad but not good for us..."  Kurt speaks gruffly as he goes to retrieve his crossbow, still put out by being fooled so easily.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks at Morton's statement. She didn't know that. And there was an idea, if Morton was right and Kurt was wrong.  "Maybe point the orcs from Linwood to lizards?" 
Zman
  Valen  

Listening to the conversation,   "Seems a pretty complicated explanation, we are talking about small settlements on opposite sides of the Moonsea, being attacked by different races."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Oh,"  Natalia says, somewhat embarrassed. She didn't know about the distance between the settlements.
Zman
  Valen  

Walking over to Natalia, Valen sits down after having gotten Zo'or from his hiding spot among Valens meager possessions.

  "Little one, I'm glad your sharp eyes noticed the sea anchor, I'd rather have not been stranded on shore with those Lizardmen."  .  Valen sits with a large exhale, obviously still tired from the encounter.  As they talk, he begins to clean the sword while feeding bits if Jerky to Zo'or.
Athedia
Mithril picked Whiskers off her shoulder and hugged him close.  Valen's familiar still made her uneasy, and she could sense Whiskers unease too.  She was glad Natalia was sitting between them.
CoffeeIncluded
Nodding wearily, the adrenaline of combat wearing off, Natalia says,  "Me too...One-on-one, we'd lose."  Tilting her head at Valen's familiar, she asks,  "Won't hurt Whiskers...Right? His name?" 
Zman
  Valen  

Looking at the small rodent, Valen's grin widens,   "Not unless Whiskers starts it....that includes his food.  Familiars are like their Masters, and I know I don't like when people steal my food..."  . Ripping off a small portion if the dried meat, Valen offers it to Whiskers.
Athedia
Mithril loosened her hold on Whiskers.  He sniffed the meat and then grabbed it running to her shoulder to eat it.

 
 Spoiler 
By the way Weasels are in the family Mustelidae, not the family Rodentia.  Common mistake, I just happen to like mustelids and rodents a lot.  Here is the wikipedia article on  Rodents  and the one one on  Mustelids 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles as Whiskers perches on Mithril's shoulder, close enough that she can almost feel his whiskers tickling her ear. She almost wishes that she had a familiar, someone to talk to back home.

 "Your familiar?"  she asks Valen.
Zman
  Valen  

Holding the two and a half foot Draconic looking lizard over to Natalia,   "His name is Zo'or.  
CoffeeIncluded
Running a finger over Zo'or's scales, she is surprised at how smooth they are, though they are definitely shiny.  "How did you meet?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Running a finger over Zo'or's scales, she is surprised at how smooth they are, though they are definitely shiny.  "How did you meet?" 
Zman
  Valen  
  "When I was ready, Zo'or found me.   Valen answers plainly, as if it was all the explanation that was necessary.
Athedia
Mithril fished around in her pouch while the two next to her talked.  Pulling out a sewing needle and thread she did her best to temporarily fix the hole in her pants, left from the javelin's impact.  Actual mending could wait until tomorrow.

 
 Spoiler 
Not sure what skill sewing is.  She does have the materials needed.  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
 
Zman
  Valen  

Seeing the Wizardess using such a practical skill,   "Far more practical than most Wizardesses."   laughing he mutters in Draconic and a simple dismissive wave of his hand renders the sewing unnecessary.

 
 Spoiler 
Mending
 
Athedia
Looking down at the repaired hole, Mithril smiled.   "Thank you.  I had to learn to sew.  My mother said that even if I could do something the easy way, I had to know the hard way to appreciate it." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wish I had magic thread,"  Natalia says enviously as the tear in Mithril's pants vanishes with a wave of Valen's hand.
achinca
Miriam goes to see the captain and asks if she can heal him. After receiving the captain agreement, she put her hand on the captain wounds and lift her holy symbol with her other hand.

'  St. Cuthbert, grant me the power to heal our brave captain who kept the ship sailing the right way in the middle of a tense battle.  "

She will repeat the procedure if necessary.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the mended tear in Mithril's pants, then back up at her.  "Why fix the pants before you? ...They'll get bloody." 
Athedia
 "They already are bloody, so why walk around with bloody and torn pants. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "You're still bleeding...Heal through clothes?" 
achinca
Miriam approaches Mithril and puts her hand on the wizardress leg. "  Here you go sister. You were very brave out there! I am proud of you.'  

She holds her holy symbol and it starts shining and Mithril wounds heal. '  No more bleeding.  '

She approaches the thug who was badly hurt and asks for his permission to heal him. After receiving it, Miriam heals him. She does not say a word to him as she is not fan of thugs but she heals him regardless as she put her devotion to help other above personal feelings.
Admiral
Anyone who looks over at the illusion of the dragon, which has still remained visible beyond any need for it, observes a strange sight. Shiny is kneeling in front of the illusion, and seems to be conversing with it in a low but friendly voice, as natural as could be. The "dragon" watches him talk, and nods his head regularly as though interested.
Zman
  Valen  

Noticing that Siny is conversing with his illusionary Dragon...

  What an odd odd little man....  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just sighs and returns to watching Miriam's magic at work.
CoffeeIncluded
Smiling as her friend's wound knits together, Natalia asks,  "Better?" 
Zman
The next two days passed in a blurr of a rocking ship and and tending to the wounded.  It was just after dawn the the Lazy Dolohin rolled in the port of Melvaunt...

 Captain Monroe 

As the group gathered wih their belongings, preparing to leave the ship the captain called them together,  "I wanted to than you all, without your ad and bravery we would be dead and my ship lost, this is the least we can do." . He hands out portions of gold coins, totaling 20gp per person.  "A couple of penniless nights is well worth our live, this is all that we were paid to bring you to the town of Melvaunt.  Every last copper." 
CoffeeIncluded
The voyage across the Moonsea was quite nice after the fight with the lizardman. The sun paints pink streaks across the sky as the captain approaches Natalia, her friends, and the others who helped them. Realizing that they weren't going to be able to convince the captain otherwise, Natalia accepts the money with a hesitant smile and a,  "...Thank you." 

In some ways, she would have preferred that rope the lizardmen used. She had been thinking about it intermittently. It was so fascinating, completely waterproof and with excellent tensile strength. And yet it was snapped so easily. If only she could get some of that rope for herself...
Athedia
Mithril sighed happy to headed back to solid ground, Whisker's emotions of excitement running through her head.  He didn't like the water at all she had learned, maybe it made him feel to small.  When the captain gave her the money she took it amazed.  These men had done as much as them, after all they had risked their lives to carry them to save a town.  She split the coins in half,  "I can not take it all, at least repair the damages to your ship.  We owe our survival to you and her just as much." 
Cavelcade
Kurt does the same, muttering something similar to the captain, sighing in pleasure as his boots sink into the firm mud on the shore.  "This is much better." 
CoffeeIncluded
Happy to be back on solid ground, Natalia flops onto the ground and takes out her notes and sketches of tripwire.  "Road to Linwood?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Turning to Henry and Morton, Natalia says,  "Team up against orcs, like lizards?" 
Zman
 Mortin 

Refusing the Captains offer with a wave of his hand while holding up a heavy weathered flask,  "Keep th coins, I took yer flask as fair compensation." . He laughs before saddling and mounting his horse.

Looking at Natalia,  "Mayee Miss maybe, but you'll have to get there first and you have a three day hike ahead.  On worry, I'll leave a couple alive." . As h takes a big haul off the flask and his horse takes off at a brisk pace without any real indication to do so.  A small trail of dusk as he rides around the port heading norh on the only norther road towards Glister and Linwood.
CoffeeIncluded
Feeling guilty for her greed, Natalia gives half the coins back to the captain as well.

 "Catch up,"  she says to Miriam.  "More hurt than he let on, right?" 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head at the Captain.   I will not accept the coin. I did nothing. You fix your boat.  

Back o nthe ground, she puts back her armor and looks at the rest of the group   Let's get moving. We have honest people to protect from orcs.  
Zman
  Valen  

Following suit, Valen accepts half the offered coins,   "Your good will is easily worth half these coins."  
 Captain Monroe 

Looking at Miriam, Mithril, Kurt, Valen, and Natalia thanking thm for the returned coin,  "You are so generous, you have my thanks." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Our thanks for transport,"  Natalia says. Hefting her bag onto her shoulder, she asks rest of the group,  "Go now?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt grins, rocking back and forth on his heels, tossing his axe from hand to hand.  "Aye, I feel happy to get going about now! Ah, land, wonderful, beautiful solid land." 
achinca
Miriam will close the marching order.
Zman
  Vale  

Upon seeing the dwarves reaction to being on solid ground Valen heartily add,   "The reason dwarves are so fond of the mud, is because the stand so close to it!"  
CoffeeIncluded
 "And Shiny?"  Natalia asks of the lightfooted gnome.
Cavelcade
 "That must be why you humans spend time with your head in the air."  Kurt shakes his head at their overly energetic ways.
achinca
Miriam shakes her head in displeasure. '  No teasing please. You are on the same team.  "
CoffeeIncluded
 "Don't like rockslides,"  Natalia says in response to Kurt.
Admiral
 "Oh, no, I can't accept these, I insist!"  Shiny says graciously, after he's already stuffed the full reward deep into his pockets. He spins around and follows the others.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "And Shiny?"  Natalia asks of the lightfooted gnome. 
 

 "It's been so many years since Shiny Waveskipper, ship captain and weatherman, has set foot upon dry land... It'll be a while until I lose my sea legs."  Shiny stumbles forward comically, barely retaining his balance.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Lightfoot...your twin then?"  Natalia banters. Banters!
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Lightfoot...your twin then?"  Natalia banters. Banters! 
 

 "Lightfoot? Never heard of any Lightfoot..." 
Zman
 Captain Monroe 

Begins to hold out his hands as Shiny turns away...his mouth hanging open before turnng around and hollering at his men to start repairs and unload what little cargo they brought, a light load considering the number of passengers they had brought.
CoffeeIncluded
It's probably a good thing nobody else saw what Shiny did, as Natalia and her friends set off to Linwood.
Zman
As the group sets boot to the road it forks, one fork leading north around the city to the north road, the other leading into Melvaunt, another walled city which at first glance appears similar to Hillsfar.

You notice an abundance of humans, though unlike Hillsfar there are a couple of dwarves visible as well.

 
 Spoiler 
Untrained Knowledge: Local allowed for this basic check.
DC 10: It's a Merchant city.
DC 15: Controlled by guild lords.
DC 20: Often used for illegal trade.
DC 25: anything located here
 http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Melvaunt 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Melvaunt...Melvaunt...Has Natalia heard anything of this place?

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Local):  (d20+5)[ 18 ] 
 

 "Melvaunt...Merchant city, run by guilds,"  she says. Natalia's not entirely sure if everything that the city does is squeaky clean, but because of that uncertainty she says nothing.
achinca
 
 Spoiler 

Knowledge Check
 (1d20)[ 20 ] 
 


Miriam looks at Natalia '  It's a Merchant city, controlled by guild lords and often used for illegal trade. I do not expect good to be prevalent here.  "
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Knowledge Local:  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
 

 "I think your information might be mistaken. I believe Melvaunt is a circus town, run almost entirely by sideshow performers. Their mayor is the world's tallest dwarf, their sheriff is the world's shortest giant, and the local business leaders are a pair of conjoined kobolds." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs. Of course it would be.  "Resupply, or move on?"  She's got sixteen crossbow bolts left, but it's another couple days until Linwood.  "Melvaunt to Linwood?" 
Zman
  Valen  
 
 Spoiler 

 (d20)[ 12 ] 
 

  "I know little of this place and see little reason to stop.  We've got a couple of days journey ahead, I worry about your pace."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "Linwood now. Sidequests later." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "Linwood now. Sidequests later." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "Linwood now. Sidequests later." 
achinca
Miriam scolds Shiny '  Shiny Lieteller and Maker of Fake Dragons, stop telling stupid stories that might impress Natalia or Mithril. We are out the inn. Stop lying about things.  '

She looks at Natalia '  What side quest are you talking about Sister?  '
CoffeeIncluded
Shaking her head, Natalia says,  "...Never mind." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia and has a total confused look on her face. '  OK  '.

' Boy, she is getting stranger again. I thought she was getting better on the boat, getting all talkative with Valen but she is back to her strangeways .. '
Zman
The group has a 100 mile journey ahead ahead, over good terrain.  It is mid morning and the weather looks fair.

The Three other men appear to be in no hurry and are paying fair for a wagon bound for Glister to take them.

Henry appears to be waiting to see what others will do...

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny can make 18 miles per day with no I'll effects.
Valen can make 36 miles.
The rest 27 miles.

Mortin will likely make the journey in 3 days on a Light War Horse.
The Wagon moves 16 Miles per day.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Trying again, Natalia manages to say,  "Linwood now...Explore later. Agree?" 
achinca
Miriam finally gets it '  Yes Natalia. Linwood now, explore later. You got it.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Thank you."  Natalia looks at the sky, wondering how far they can go before nightfall.
Cavelcade
 "Maybe be less harsh on Shiny, Mithril. He is what he is. Just remember what his stories are and we won't be harmed by them"  Watching the little gnome curiously. He shifts his backpack around a little before shrugging.

 "Well, will we march or go by cart?" 
Athedia
Mithril looked up, shocked.  "What did I say?  I like his stories, they sound like the ones I used to read."   Looking at the long trek ahead of them, and then down at Shiny's short legs she said  "A cart seems to be the best idea, I don't think even the best storyteller can talk his legs into walking any faster." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns.  "Long walk. Maybe find stables? 
Cavelcade
Kurt's cheeks redden again as he mutters an apology.  "Sorry Mithril. I meant Miriam. Sorry." 
Zman
  Valen  

Responding to Natalia's question,   "I have little coin for a horse, and can keep up on foot if need be."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "But...Shiny's short, short legs,"  says Natalia.  "Linwood needs us." 
Athedia
 "We could try to find him a horse.  Merchants do have need of them." 
 
 Spoiler 
Rolling the knowledge check, forgot to add it into my last post and can't edit in rolls.
Knowledge local:  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Fair if horses for the rest of us too. Can't miss out." 
CoffeeIncluded
Looking at the sun again, Natalia mutters,  "Horses or no, should move on." 
achinca
'  I have no gold for a horse .....  ' says Miriam.
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Then we hurry,"  Natalia says, clearly eager to get going. Inwardly, however, she resigns herself to the fact that this is probably going to suck.
Athedia
Mithril groaned.  She was not looking forward to the long walk ahead.  While waiting for everyone else she double checked to make sure all her gear was secured strongly and her weapons within reach.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not liking this either,"  Natalia says as she doublechecks her gear.  "Maybe horses as reward?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt grins a bit.  "Don't be afraid of walking. The earth beneath your feet is good, it gives you strength as you keep going. If you feet get tired, take off your shoes and walk on the grass. Most refreshing." 
Zman
The unusual group of adventurers set out on the long northern road towards Glister, the dust of Mortin can be seen in the distance for the first hour or so before he disappears altogether.  Two hours into the walk, Henry catches the group on the back of an aging mare.

 Henry 
 "Well met."  as Henry approaches the group.  His old grey mare panting heavily.
CoffeeIncluded
Though she's happy to see a familiar face, Natalia doesn't really like the condition of the old horse.  "How long?" 
achinca
Miriam sees the old horse and says '  I am just a young farm girl who knows nothing but I can tell you Henri that you are killing that mount of yours. Shiny Equine Master and Horse Whisperer, why don't you tell him the nightmare the young lad will face if he kills his horse of exhaustion.  '
Zman
 Henry 

The young man seems to hear the woman's kind words about his newly acquired mount.  Patting the aged silver mare. On her neck,  "I'll treat her kindly, i won't run her too hard." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Okay,"  says Natalia. After all, they had managed to catch up to him on foot. Almost as an afterthought, she says,  "On the ship...Good job." 
CoffeeIncluded
She's about to suggest that Henry travel with the group, but one look at Miriam shows that their cleric isn't overly thrilled with the prospect. Natalia isn't sure why, but she swallows the request. Besides, for all she knows, Miriam might get the wrong idea from her suggestion. Again.
Zman
With a nod, Henry spurred on his grey mare as he tried to catch up to Mortin.  The day drug on, the sun grew hotter as the group made good time along th old dusty road.  Each mile further fom the coast and the land gets wilder and the road rougher.  There were few bastions of safety in the wilderness, each night the dangers will grow as the world around you grows ever wilder.

As the days drags on and your legs feel heavy the group decides to push on.

Valen, Miriam, Natalia, Mithril, and even Kurt appear as if they can keep going, but Shiny is reaching the point of being fatigued.  The group pushes on as they try and make good time to Linwood.

 
 Spoiler 

Fort Save DC 12 from Shiny.
Fort Save DC 14
Fort Save DC 16
Fort Save DC 18 each failed save is a d6 nonlethal damage which is cured when you stop for a good nights rest.

Takes four extra hours each day for the group to make it in 4 days by your estimates.  Left at 9:00 am roughly.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Hour 1: Save 12:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] , DMG:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
Hour 2: Save 14:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] , DMG:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
Hour 3: Save 16:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] , DMG:  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
Hour 4: Save 18:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] , DMG:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shiny takes 14 nonlethal damage (he has 16 HP total).
 


Shiny jogs merrily alongside his companions, his small legs scurrying to keep up with the swifter members of the party. Anyone who pays close attention notices that by the third hour he is breathing heavily. However, anyone who asks if he's OK is treated to a lecture about the fortitude of Shiny Longstride, marathon runner and apothecary.

At the end of the day of marching, Shiny turns to his companions, makes an almost inaudible comment about  "a good place to stop,"  and collapses to the ground. For once, the gnome is out of words.
CoffeeIncluded
With her keen ears, Natalia is the first to hear Shiny's comment. Turning around to see the normally talkative gnome collapse to the ground, barely able to walk, she turns to the others and say,  "...Should stop."  Her feet were also already starting to complain.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods in agreement, going over and squatting beside Shiny, offering him his waterskin.
achinca
Miriam nods. '  Agreed. If Mortin and the kid Henry can take care of the orc threat just by themselves, then it was not a real threat. If not, we will be welcomed. No need hurting ourselves just to get there.  '
Zman
  Valen  

Valen walked with slow long strides, feeling bad for his short legged compatriots,   "We should rest, and make camp.  Shiny should be given last watch, I can take first."  .

Valen sits down and takes out some dried meat to sate his appetite.
achinca
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
   Valen  

Valen walked with slow long strides, feeling bad for his short legged compatriots,   "We should rest, and make camp.  Shiny should be given last watch, I can take first."  .

Valen sits down and takes out some dried meat to sate his appetite. 
 

'  I will take second watch  '
Zman
The group stops and makes camp just off the road, sheltered under some large pines.  The days are warm, but the night will still get chilly.  The group can see the road and without a fire will be difficult to detect off of the road.

 
 Spoiler 
Fire?
Watch rotation?
Any other camp details?
 
Athedia
Mithril busied herself setting up the camp.   "I can take whichever watch you want, I also have a spell that can guard the area and warn us if there are intruders.  When would you like me to use it?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Sleep for spells, right? I'll take last watch, you and Shiny sleep...Alarm now?"  Plopping on the ground, she offers Mithril some jerky before gnawing on some herself.
Athedia
 "It's better if it is later, I won't know when the spell runs out if I am asleep.Wake me up for third watch and I will set it then." 
Zman
The night drowns on, through the first watch of Valen... through the second watch of Miriam...through the third watch of Kurt, and finally to the fourth Watch of Natalia...

 
 Spoiler 
Nothing has happened yet.  It is the beginning of Natalia's watch.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't know if Mithril set the alarm spell or not as Kurt wakes her. Somewhat groggy, Natalia sits up, shrugging off the bedroll which she had curled up in against the cool night air. The sky is just starting to fade blue to the east; Natalia places her loaded hand crossbow, light crossbow, and rapier in front of her for easy reach as she starts to keep watch.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+5)[ 23 ] 
Listen:  (d20+5)[ 18 ] 
 
Zman
Between the deep snores of the small gnomish man, you hear naught but a tiny little mouse scurrying about its business.  After a few moments, you can see him too.

The last watch goes by slowly, as the sun begins to crest the horizon lighting up the world in an amber glow.  It's a truly beautiful sight.
CoffeeIncluded
The last watch goes by peacefully as the sun rises and streaks brightly along the trees. Natalia greets each of her teammates as they wake up.
achinca
Miriam gets up, thanks Natalia, looks for a water source to wash herself and if not possible, will use her water. She will find a bush to hide to do that.

She will pray to St. Cuthbert and returns to camp. She will grab a few beef jerkies and will eat them slowly and methodically.
Cavelcade
Kurt wakes up and starts immediately chomping on his breakfast rations. When Miriam comes back he asks her if she found any water to have a wash - if yes, he goes and has quick one, if not, he just washes his face with his water.
Zman
Valen wakes earily, having no need to refresh his arcane well, he eats and makes ready, finding a small stream.  He quickly baths, having little modesty nor concern for the others around him.  Culturally, others apprehension with nudity is foreign to him.
achinca
Miriam is a little surprised by Valen lack of modesty but makes sure she looks the other way and makes a mental notes of having to be extra careful when bathing or making her water.
Athedia
Mithril pulled out her spellbook and found a comfortable spot to sit.  Reading the text she decided on her spells for the day.

 
 Spoiler 

Level 0:
Detect Magic
Light
Open/Close
Mage Hand
Level 1:
Alarm
Shield
Magic Missile
 
Zman
Once the group was up and moving, nearly ready to go Shiny finally woke from his slumber.  The silence was eerie...until Shinys eyes opened...

The morning is dim, the smell of rain on the horizon.

 
 Spoiler 

Looking for another day of walking, same checks apply.
Rain probably won't slow you guys down too much.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia forgoes the wash, especially when she smells rain on the horizon.  "Natural shower on the way,"  she says to anyone inquiring while she points at the sky.
achinca
Miriam stops and looks at Natalia '  Sister, did you realize you just said a proper full sentence?  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stops mid-stride and blinks.  "...Huh."  Guess she was getting more comfortable.
CoffeeIncluded
Looking at Shiny rub his feet and slowly stand, Natalia worries if three more days of forced marching would be too much for him, even if he does look better. She asks Kurt and Valen,  "Carry Shiny, if too much?" 
Admiral
 "To the contrary- I should be carrying one of you,"  says Shiny, whose face seems full of energy. He hops from foot to foot, anxious to get on the road again.
Cavelcade
Snorts a bit at that, shaking his head at the irascible gnome.  "He's definitely okay for now." 
Zman
As the dreary rainy day rolls on, and the wild wooded road seems ever long, the sun begins to set with an early twilight as the party has hours yet to go before thier feet may find rest.

You round a bend in the  rough and barly kept road, surrounded by thick overgrowth and woods...

 
 Spoiler 

Roll Spot and Listen.
Describe Marching order.

It's about 6:00pm, you have not yet forced march.

  And don't be afraid to add in some more dialog, ie rolls mid or end conversation, no hurry. Girlfriend imposed reduced computer time for the rest of the evening.
 
Athedia
Mithril shivered, the rain dripping down her neck onto the top of her pack.  Whiskers had climbed into her pack hours before, when the little weasel had determined that her hair did not provide enough cover.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Listen  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
+3 from wisdom, +2 from alertness
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia rubs the rainwater into her arms; her hair is matted to her head and is even stringer than normal, if that's possible. Her feet aren't sore yet, but they will be rather soon. When she hears Mithril's teeth chattering behind her, she asks, not in a loud voice,  "A coat? Blanket? For Whiskers too?"  Shiny doesn't seem to be having as much trouble as he did yesterday, at least not yet.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+5)[ 11 ] 
Listen:  (d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 


The rainwater dripping off Natalia's black bangs into her eyes obscures her vision, but even with the pitter-patter of the rain, her hearing is as keen as ever. Something does seem out of place, and she whispers to the one before her,  "Only travelers on the road?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt has the lead, humming to himself quietly as he walks along.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 7 ]  Listen
 (1d20)[ 13 ]  Spot
 

 "I think so, Natalia." 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (1d20-2)[ 17 ] 
Listen:  (1d20-2)[ 17 ] 
 
Zman
  Valen  

Walking down the road, letting the stubborn Dwarf lead...
 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Listen  (d20+5)[ 17 ] 
 
Zman
 Miriam 
 
 Spoiler 

Spot (d20)[ 10 ] 
Listen (d20)[ 18 ] 

Without modifiers
 


As the group moves along the worn road in the early twilight they round a bend in the road, looking down a small slope they see...

 
 Spoiler 

DC10 Spot: A mass of Grey on the road, about 100 ft down the bend.
DC15: A grey hors carcass

Listen DC5: You hear Kurt's heavy footprints.
Listen DC20: You hear a snap of brush ahead, this precedes your spot.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stops as she hears a snapping sound up ahead; Mithril bumps into her from behind. About a hundred feet in front of her she sees a large mass of grey, but the twilight, underbrush, and rain in her eyes makes it hard to figure out what it is. Nevertheless, she draws her rapier and hand crossbow, whispering to the others,  "Not alone, company up ahead." 

Her light crossbow is also loaded and is hanging off her belt for easy access.
Cavelcade
Kurt pauses for a moment, then takes out his crossbow and waits for the others to ready themselves before starting to move forward.

 "I wonder what kind of company it will be..." 
Zman
  Valen  

Surprised when Natalia and Kurt notice something that he missed, Valen quickly crosses his wrists in front of him in a defensive posture, muttering in Draconic before he draws his Shortbow, knocking an arrow on the strong, stiff bow.

  Did you see something?"   he asks to everyone and no one at once.

 
 Spoiler 
Casts Mage Armor
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Heard something, a snapping,"  says Natalia, looking around.  "Behind the grey...stone?"  It's too dark for her to identify that grey thing up ahead with any certainty from her angle.
Cavelcade
 "I just heard Natalia say something about company." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thought it strange, that we're alone,"  Natalia adds quietly. She isn't sure what the nature of this company is, but knowing her luck it can't be good. She trusts her ears, and her leather jacket, but can't quite make out the grey mass. Perhaps someone else can from their angle.
Athedia
Mithril muttered to herself, pulling out her dagger.   She hoped not to use it, but if Natalia was right and they had company she was better with it usable.


 
 Spoiler 
Casts Shield, +4 to AC, negates Magic Missile to the front no arcane casting penalties, applies against incorporeal attacks
 
Zman
The entire group stops, readying their weapons...

Natalia sharp ears caught a snap of a twig, and maybe a rustling of underbrush in the distance and she continues to listen...

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia Listen Check
Must beat  (d20+4)[ 11 ] 
Running as a complex skill check, unless I missed someone, she is the only one who heard something the first time.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tries to hear over the rest of the group and the drawing of their weapons.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (d20+5)[ 23 ] 
 


She definitely hears something...But what is it?
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia whips to the left, then slowly turns to the rear of the formation as she follow the source of the sound. It's almost impossible to see through the forest in the twilight but she tries anyway...

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 


No such luck. But still, Natalia whispers.  "Left, moving behind us. What's the grey mass? Stone?"  But there was movement on that mass that didn't suggest that it was a stone...
Zman
When you spend more time looking at the grey mass, or moving closer to it you will see that it looks like an old grey horse, but much of the flesh is missing, torn off by powerful jaws.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia jumps back from the sight of the horse ripped apart, the blowflies already alighting on its carcass. Quickly she whispers to her friends,  "Horse, grey horse...Henry's horse?! Ripped apart, powerful hunter...Are we hunted?" 
Cavelcade
 "Maybe. Can you see any sign of where Henry went? Is he dead, too?" 

He looks around warily, putting the crossbow away and taking out his axe, not liking the odds of seeing something sneaking up on them in this dense forest.

 "maybe we should find a clearing." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head, there's no clearing close by and... "Behind us, to the left."  As for Henry...She doesn't want to think about that. And for some reason Miriam has gone completely still at Kurt's question...
achinca
When Natalia identifies the grey mass as Henry's old beaten up horse and mentions it has been partly eaten, Miriam starts running towards the carcass.

Then she stops. She remembered the trick that costs Calric his life. Running to help someone is not always smart as it could be a trap. She gets her shield and mace ready and moves slowly towards the dead horse.

'  Kurt! Valen! Any idea what or who did that? Any sign of the dumb kid Henry? Mithril, Natalia, Shiny, stay back and be ready to run!  '

 
 Spoiler 
As we are not in combat mode, Miriam will move slowly toward the carcass, trying to spot or hear trouble.

Spot:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 

Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia steps back but shakes her head anyway.  "Not fleeing without you." 
Zman
  Valen  

Moving up, an arrow knocked Valen moves towards the Horse carcas examining his surroundings...

 
 Spoiler 

Search  (d20)[ 16 ] 
Survival (d20)[ 17 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Following Valen's lead, Natalia searches the immediate area while keeping alert of her surroundings.

 
 Spoiler 
Search:  (d20+9)[ 22 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny scratches his head as he peers out, but for once stays quiet. He follows in Natalia's footsteps, approaching the body and searching his surroundings.

 
 Spoiler 
Search:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam searches but it is not something she is usually good at.

 
 Spoiler 
search:  (1d20)[ 19 ] 

Survival:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril stayed close to the group, trying to see around the horse carcass.  If something could do this damage, what chance would she stand against it even if she fled?  Her blood ran cold, inside her pack she could feel Whiskers shifting around anxiously as her emotions transferred.

 
 Spoiler 
Search  (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  subtract 2 from this.  Should just be 21
Survival  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt also does a cursory examination of the ground, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious as well.

 "Hmm..." 
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 18 ]  - Search
 (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  - Survival
 
Zman
The group approaches the horse carcas, carefully, making sure to look for clues as to what had happened...

 
 Spoiler 

Search
 
 Spoiler 
DC 10: Henry is not here.
DC 15: Henry was here, it is his horse
DC20: You notice the contents of Henry's pack, 5 ft away in the brush.  The Pack is ripped to shreds.
 


Survival
 
 Spoiler 
DC 15: There at scuff marks made by a human boot heading down the road away from the carcas.
DC 20: A Dire wolf took the horse by surprise, Henry escaped.
 

 
achinca
Miriam's looks of worry dissipates a little.
"  Henri was here but did not get dragged by the huge monster who attacked him and killed his mare. Henri escaped on foot. Does one of us know how to track?  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Look!"  Natalia shouts as she and Mithril find Henry's shredded pack.  "Dropped while fleeing?"  Natalia's uncertain on that last point, she doesn't know how to track...

 "The beast, still here?" 
Athedia
 "He can't get far without his things."  Mithril pointed to the shredded remains of Henry's backpack.   "Do you think he would try to reach the town on foot?" 
achinca
Miriam nods at Natalia '  Probably ran away when the monster attacked his mare. Probably wet his breeches or worse. I know I would have .....   '

She turns towards Mithril   'I think that at this point he might be loking into getting back to his mother skirts anyway he can. He is a farmer. Why he is pretending to be anything else.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Maybe he's here?"  There's no point keeping their voices down; any beast around has probably sniffed them out already.  "Henry!"  she calls out.

At Miriam's comment the rogue blinks. That was uncharacteristically harsh.
achinca
Natalia notices that Miriam's tone and comments are harsh. Something seems to bother her, making her upset and angry.

What could be eating the cleric of St. Cuthbert?
CoffeeIncluded
 "Miriam?"  Natalia asks cautiously. They're all on edge, but Miriam's acting somewhat oddly.  "You...Okay?" 
achinca
Miriam stops and looks at Natalia, a sad look on her face. "  I am sorry sister, it is just ... anyway .... I am fine ... I'll tell  you one day ... it is just ..... darned boy, why he didn't just listen to reason ..... he should be proud to be a farmer's son  !'

She shakes her head and all emotions have disappears from her face except for two teary eyes.

'  Anyway let's find him and see if he needs our help .....  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "And lecture him?"  Natalia asks in a weak attempt at a joke. Miriam's hurting, and Natalia was never good at comforting people--she'd just make things worse.
achinca
Miriam forces herself to smile but it looks fake and does not match her tone of voice '  I was never really that good at lectures .... I just never had the right tone ..... I am just a simple farm girl who knows nothing about the world.  '
Athedia
 "And Miriam, I am a shopkeeper's daughter.  A parents profession does not determine ones path."   She looked at the pack nervously.   "Should we get that? If whatever did this is still around I don't want to be stepping off this road." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Torn and useless, best to leave it,"  Natalia says.  "Can't smell him on it." 
Zman
The group moves in to investigate the horse...

 
 Spoiler 

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...HR0S0VNNC1lNkE 

Here is a map, please mark your location.  And if Admiral would be so kind as to email it to achinca.  Thanks.
 
achinca
Miriam gives a bitter-sweet smile '  Yes Mithril, if this is what you want to believe, great for you. I see a lot of potential in you .....  "

She moves towards the horse to look at the carcass "(in G15)

 
 Spoiler 
Accessing from home (very rare) so I can see the map
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Parents bake bread,"  Natalia adds as she edges close to the pack, picking it up and then standing in the shrubs at the border of the forest to inspect the horse.
Zman
As the group huddles around the horse, trying to discern the fate of Henry, a massive charcoal black Dire Wolf steps out from the woodland where it had flanked the group, its jaws snap as its nape is covered in the blood of the downed horse.  It looks feral, and still hungry...

 
 Spoiler 
Steps out of woods at K23, Initiative!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hears the wolf first but is one of the last to react, thanks to her being in the undergrowth. She picks up the light crossbow and shouts for anyone who didn't notice,  "It's back!"  Adrenaline rushes at the sight of those jaws.
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia '  What is back?  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Ate Henry's horse and the pack!"  says Natalia as she points down the road at the coal-black fur and yellow eyes and bloody muzzle and large slobbering jaws.

Is there a tree nearby she can climb up?
Athedia
The blood drained from Mithril's face.   "A dire wolf..."   Her hands shook, and she could did not react as she tried to calm her nerves.

 
 Spoiler 
Just for fun the Knowledge (Nature) roll,  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Because she autopasses and depending on her score, does Mithril know any weaknesses of a dire wolf?
 
Admiral
The ever-enthusiastic Shiny is the first to react, hoisting up his crossbow and firing a single shot at the wolf.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
Zman
 Kurt 

Spotting the massive wolf, Kurt reacted more nimbly than expected, turning and charging the massive beast, raising his Greataxe for a massive stike...

 
 Spoiler 

Charge Power Attack  (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Critical  (d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage  (d12+9)[ 19 ]  20* 

Dire Wolf HP:24
 
Zman
 Dire Wolf 

Kurt's Massive Greataxe strikes true, driving a deep gouge into the beasts brisket...

The wolf, snaps his jaws in angry retort, trying to take Kurt to the ground and rip out his throat...

The wolf capitalizes on Kurt's reckless charge, sinking his fangs deeps and ripping the stout dwarf towards the ground.  Kurt may not be stronger than the beast, but he is stronger than his own flesh as he changes direction on the beast sacrificing a small mouthful of flesh to remain on his feet.

 
 Spoiler 

Bite  (d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Critical  (d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Damage  (d8+10)[ 17 ] 
Hits barely because he charged.

Wolf Strngth Check  (d20+11)[ 20 ] 
Just Strength Check  (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Go Kurt!
 
Zman
  Valen  

As the dwarf charged, Valen lost his line of sight.  Dropping his bow if favor of five foot of hardened steel, he advances upon the best while wrapping even more layers of arcane protection around himself.

 
 Spoiler 
Advances, Draws Great Sword, Casts Shield
 
CoffeeIncluded
(Athedia hasn't gone yet, but the wolf's done this turn and Natalia's next.)

Seeing Kurt dig his axe into the wolf and get badly bitten in return, Natalia realizes that she's got to enter combat quickly to help her friend; it would take too long to lay a trap for the wolf. So she runs out in front of the horse's carcass, next to Shiny, and fires her crossbow at the wolf.

 (Prepares to be useless) 
 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Crit Confirm:  (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ] 
 


The crossbow bolt lands solidly into the wolf's shoulder. (It's down to 20 HP)
Athedia
Mithril shook herself out of her fear, raising her hand and muttering the words to the best spell she knew.  A bolt of energy shot from her hand and struck the wolf on it's side.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Magic Missile:  (1d4+1)[ 2 ] 
 
Admiral
Without a word, Shiny reloads his crossbow and fires again.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Damage:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Cursing the wolf, Kurt settles himself steadily, shaking off the effects of the wound before swinging again, maintaining control for now.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+7)[ 20 ]  Attack.
 (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  Critical.
 (1d12+6)[ 16 ]  Damage.
 


Apparently trying to pull down a dwarf is a dangerous idea, as he strikes up into the wolf viciously from below.
achinca
Miriam is unsure about what to do. Do she run to heal Kurt? Does she charge the  wolf? Does she shoot her crossbow? Too many options and no one to tell her what to do. Life without Calric was not easy.

She tried to remember his teachings but she blanks. So she follows her instincts. She is a healer and care taker first and foremost.

She moves/runs toward Kurt and if she reaches him, will heal him.

 
 Spoiler 
No access to map so unsure of the movement. IF she can reach Kurt in one standard move, she will. If not she will use a double move. If not she will run (if possible towards him).

In case she reaches Kurt, she will drop divine favor to heal him

 (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
 
Zman
 Dire Wolf 

The shouts of Miriam running to Kurt's aid can be heard from behind as Kurt heavily brings his Greataxe into the beast yet again, the beast now on the defensive between Kurtsmaxe and the two incoming people, lashes out hoping to down his foe before retreating to safety..

The massive wolf catches the stout dwarf in his massive jaws, just missing the jugular and taking him down to the ground, one twist of its mighty jaws away from spraying the nearby ground in Kurt's hot blood.
 
 Spoiler 

Bite (d20+11)[ 19 ] 
Critical (d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Damage (d8+10)[ 13 ] 

Wolf (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Kurt (d20+4)[ 18 ] 

Kurt -6 and Dieing also Prone
 
Zman
  Valen  

Upon seeing the rugged dwarf felled so easily, Balen charges in, hoping to strike the beast down.


  "Arghhaa"  

Plunging his blade into the side of the beast, Valen toppes the creature off of the dieing dwarf, collapsing in exhaustion.  The beast lay dieing on the ground....

KurtnWakes moments later, barely able to remain conscious to the prayers of St Cuthburt.

 
 Spoiler 

Rage
Power Attack Charge (d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Critical (d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Damage (2d6+7)[ 16 ]  15* 
 
achinca
A teary Miriam is holding her holy symbol, praying to her god to heal the dying valiant dwarf.

'  St. Cuthbert, please grant me the power to bring back this mighty warrior back to life. He risked his life without thinking about it and is dying to keep us safe. He deserves to continue to walk this realms...  '

As Kurt wakes up, she gives him a hug 'I thought we lost you Master Dwarf ....'

She looks around as the group reassembles '  I am a simple farm girl who knows nothing about the art of war but even I know we need to be smarter in the face of danger. Rushing the monsters is the best way to get killed. We have skilled ranged fighters and we should take advantage of them to weaken the enemy before we engage it.  '

She stops, surprised that she actually remembers and understand what Calric was talking about when he was lecturing him about the art of adventuring.

She wipes her tears and adds '  I don't want to lose any of you .....  '
achinca
Healing Rolls

 
 Spoiler 
Last L1 spell (obscuring mist)  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  + 4 level 0 Spell.

Total healing: 4 + 4 =  8  Kurt at +6

Miriam has 1 domain spell left (Cannot be converted into healing spell).
 
Zman
 Dire Wolf 

With an audible heavy sigh... The massive wolf never inhales, it's eyes open and lifeless as ts lifeblood drains onto the ground.

 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler 
D100
 
 20
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sprints over to Kurt the moment he hits the ground, but the battle is over by the time she reaches his side. She sighs in relief, shaking all over as Miriam heals him.

When Kurt wakes up, Natalia nearly starts crying, saying,  "So risky..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia also turns to Kurt and Miriam and asks,  "Okay? Safe to walk? ...Can I help?" 
Zman
  Valen  
  Wolves usually travel in packs, we should move away from this place and watch our trail.  
 
 Spoiler 

Survival[rolll]d20[/roll]
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and helps Kurt to his feet. He seems better but if he starts having trouble walking she'll offer him her potion.  "Only as far as we need,"  she says to Valen.  "Find Henry too." 
 
 Spoiler 
Survival:  (d20+1)[ 11 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia '  Kurt is weak and would not survive another bite from one of these monsters. I think we have a choice to make. Do we move out of here and ensure we make good time to help these people from the orcs and keep Kurt alive? Or do we look for Henri to save him with the risk more wolfs or worse come find us?  '
achinca
Survival Roll

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt just laughs, shaking off the injury and shrugging.  "Death will get me someday. Not much I can do about it! If I let the archers attack it would have probably gone for ye first, couldn't have that. 

He then turns to Miriam for a moment, frowning before shaking his head and going back to the horse, looking carefully around it for signs of Henry.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam looks at the various signs and tracks and announces to the group '  I am not a ranger or a tracker and you know, I don't know anything but I believe that Henry has fled down the road. Based on how much the horse has been eaten, he has about at least a four hours lead. If he stays on the road, we might catch him. If not, he will make his mother cry. Kurt, you stay next to me because, if we encounter trouble, I need to heal you before you engage the enemy.  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "Let's go."  She hands her potion of cure light wounds to Miriam in case Kurt needs it immediately.
achinca
Miriam refuses the potion. '  I have the wand, remember?  '
Athedia
 "If we are to catch him, and make good time we should leave now."  Mithril pointed out to the rest of the group.

 
 Spoiler 
If the horse had a harness and bit, she will take it to return to Henry.
 
Zman
With what little they could salvage from Henry's belongings,mthe group set off after the young man, him having an extensive lead.


Valen can be seen taking a small amount of horse meat and feeding it to Zo'or.
Zman
As the group moves quickly along, Shiny is the first to feel the difficulty of the long trek...

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny DC12 Fortitude
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia puts the potion back in her pack and says,  "In case." 

Kurt seems okay as they walk, much to her relief.
Admiral
Shiny huffs and puffs as he keeps up with his longer-legged allies, but just barely manages to keep pace without undue strain.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
 
Zman
With the short legged gnome huffing and puffing, and the stout Kurt grimicing, the group keeps on moving, desperately trying to catch up to the young Henry.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny, DC14
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Fortitude save:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
Zman
With a stumble from shiny, the rout presses on...

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny is Fatigued.

DC16 Fortitude
 
Zman
The group presses on for two more hours, Shiny is dead on his feet, and the others begin to get weary...

 
 Spoiler 
For times sake
DC16
 (d20)[ 6 ] +3
 (d6)[ 6 ] 

DC18
 (d20)[ 7 ] +3
 (d6)[ 4 ] 
Taken 11 pts of Non Lethal Damage

Ok, to continue, Everone minus Valen gets a DC12 Fort, DC20 for Shiny...
 
Admiral
At this point, even the talented liar can't hide how beaten he is by the arduous trek. He stops short and leans forward to catch his breath.

 "Did someone say... something about... carrying..."  he pants.
CoffeeIncluded
The rushed walk down the road is beginning to take its toll on Natalia as well...

 
 Spoiler 
Fort Save:  (d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ] 
 


The past two days catch up to her and she bends over panting.  "Far enough...Camp? ...Please? A bit more, but not much..." 
Zman
  "Little Bastard grows on you..."   as he sweeps the little gnome off his feet without breaking stride,   "Shiny Birdbone the Levitation Specialist."  . Looking to the wearied Natalia,   "Can't stop yet Little One..."  
 
 Spoiler 
Valen only has a light load and doesn't have to check yet.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and says,  "...Okay..."  before moving along.

(But I'm headed to bed.)
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Fort Save  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Damage  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 


Mithril offered Natalia a weary grin  "I know how you feel.  The man walks so fast."   Her feet hurt and she wished they could stop, but they had lost time.  Whiskers let out an annoyed bark when she stumbled.  Cross, Mithril muttered back to the weasel  "No complaining unless you don't want the free ride." 
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
Fortitude:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] DC12
IF fails Damages  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 


Miriam has no problem walking hard but Shiny conditions worries her. She approaches Mithril '  I heard wizard could summon mounts. Is it true? Do you know how to do it? I think that Shiny Storyteller could use it .....   '
Zman
  Kurt  
The injured Dwarf trudges along... And as testimony to Dwarven stamina he keeps going... His face set in grim determination

 
 Spoiler 

DC12 Fort  (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 (d6)[ 4 ] 

DC14 Fortitude for everyone, unless you choose to stop?
 
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
Fortitude:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  DC14
IF fails Damages  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 


Miriam keeps going along. '  We cannot stop yet. We need to find that stupid boy Henri. He will not survive long on his own.  '
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Fort Save (DC 14):  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Damage if failed:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
HAHA! Just passed :D
 

 "I could. If I had the spell."  Mithril replied regretfully.
Zman
 Kurt 
Another hour passes by, the hearty dwarf is still unphased by the continued labor.
 
 Spoiler 

 (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 

 Natalia 

Poor, little, young Natalia again she stumbles dead on her feet.
 
 Spoiler 

 (d20+2)[ 11 ] 
 
Zman
With some of the party members starting to fall behind and stumble, the party continues to carry on in an attempt to catch poor Henry... Valen with his longs legs begins to tire as he carries the small Shiny...Kurt keeps moving in methodical strides... Miriam keeps an even pace despite nearly 12 hours on her feet... Natalia stumbles and Mithril fails to catch her as she slumps into unconsciousness with Mithril struggling to raiser herself back up.

  Valen  
 
 Spoiler 

DC 12  (d20+4)[ 14 ] 
Non Lethal  (d6)[ 4 ] 
 

  Kurt  
 
 Spoiler 

DC 16  (d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Non Lethal  (d6)[ 6 ] 
 

  Miriam  
 
 Spoiler 

DC 16  (d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Non Lethal  (d6)[ 2 ] 
 

  Natalia  
 
 Spoiler 

DC 16  (d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Non Lethal  (d6)[ 6 ] 
 

  Mithril  
 
 Spoiler 

DC 16  (d20+2)[ 3 ] 
Non Lethal  (d6)[ 5 ] 
 
Zman
  Valen  

His body beginning to ache, his strides slow, Valen sees the little Natalia stumble and fall right into a deep sleep, bone weary.

  "We must stop for the night, I can take first watch.  We can make camp here by the road and will have to take a full rest, they cannot keep going at this rate."  

Valen moves off to the side, setting Shiny down, and moving to carry Natalia off the road and give her a drink from her cantina to rouse her.
Athedia
Mithril stayed by Natalia's side.  The walk had been hard on her, but the girl had taken it the worst.  When Valen came back to carry Natalia off the road Mithril spoke  "I know we must hurry, but I don't think Natalia or I can go so fast tomorrow." 
achinca
Miriam stops and looks at Valen '  But what about Henry?  .

Then she sees that Natalia has passed out and Mithril looks ready to do the same. '  Sorry. I will not sacrifice them to save Henry. I will pray to St. Cuthbert to protect him tonight.  '

She approaches Natalia and performs and heal check (take 10) and concludes that rest is all she needs.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia refused to complain even as she became more and more tired. If Kurt could walk fine with those injuries, then so should she. Of course, she's the first to pass out unconscious, unused to walking so fast for so long. She barely notices that it's Mithril who catches her before she passes out dead on her feet.
Zman
The night goes by, each taking watch in turn.  Kurt grumbled and woke on his own, refusing Miriam's offer to take his watch.  Even with Henry's life at stake, the group had to take a much needed rest.  The sun already climbing in the sky before they wake and break camp.

 
 Spoiler 
Feel free to describe waking and breaking camp as desired.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sleeps more soundly than she has in a very long time, her coattails brushing the dirt as she twitches in her dreams.

She wakes up slowly, her legs still a bit sore but feeling much better. Slowly, Natalia becomes aware that she is laying on something warm and soft. Turning her head, the rogue jerks back when she finds herself looking at Mithril's closed eyes and upturned chin.

She...Passed out. On Mithril's stomach.

Feeling the wizard's chest rise and fall beneath her as she breathes, feeling Whiskers' brown tail tickle the crook of her elbow, Natalia doesn't move, even as her fingers twitch and her face grows more and more red.
Admiral
The moment is broken by Shiny's face popping into view above Natalia.

 "Up and at em, mischief makers! 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia jerks up at the sound of Shiny's voice; Whiskers goes flying off her elbow into her cupped hands.

 "Hey--Wha--We--Uh--Ah..." 
Athedia
 "Shiny is just teasing"  Mithril gave the gnome a push  "You passed out, so we decided to stop.  Are you feeling better now?"   She picked up Whiskers, stroking him to calm him down.
CoffeeIncluded
It takes Natalia a while to wet her mouth enough to speak.  "...Yes. Much...You?" 

She leans over and scratches the little weasel behind his ears, apologizing for throwing him in the air.

 "...Sorry,"  she says quietly to the group.
Athedia
 "Don't apologize, I would have passed out soon after you if we had continued.  Resting does us all good." 
CoffeeIncluded
Still...She was the first to pass out. Completely useless in battle. Pathetic.

And then she... "Landed? On you?" 
Athedia
 "I helped to catch you, we moved you here so I could rest and keep an eye on you and the camp, so no more animals attacked." 
CoffeeIncluded
They stopped for her...She made them stop when they needed to save Henry and the town.  "...Sorry...I...Made you stop. Need to do better." 
 "So nice to me...Good with magic..."  she says to Mithril. And she had caught her, stayed by her the whole time.

Her mouth drawn into a nervous grin, Natalia looks for a cold pond to bathe in.
Cavelcade
Kurt just smiles, watching out the entire time.  "We'd better be careful today. We'll keep an eye out for Henry but...don't want people falling down. Might be more wolves. So don't wander off alone." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia washes up quickly, walking back to camp with her hair still wet as she pulls her shirt over her head. She follows it with her leather jacket as she says,  "Won't. Don't want to have to be caught again, either. Don't drag everyone else down." 
Cavelcade
Shakes his head at that, the dwarf looks quite upset at her statement, going over and patting her shoulder heavily, muttering inaudibly before he goes back to stuffing his bag.
CoffeeIncluded
Does Kurt think of her as useless too? No time to think about that, she doesn't want him to get hurt again. Natalia walks over to Kurt and asks,  "...Feel better?" 
Cavelcade
He smiles and nods, making sure she can't see the wounds of course.  "Yes, I'm much better. Are you okay?" 
Zman
The group packs and quickly makes ready for the morning, preparing for another long trek today.

About a mike down the road you encounter a split in the road, a well kept road splits and moves towards Glister while th smaller less kept fork moves towards Linwood, it reads  31 miles to Linwood .

 
 Spoiler 

Miriam may want to Heal Kurt up a bit.  I think you naturally healed a bit as well.

31 miles is a long trek, 5 checks to shiny, 1 to the rest, but doable in a day.
 
Zman
  Valen

"Well make it in a day if we hurry, though it doesn't look like we'll catch Henry.  We can hope that he makes it to Linwood safely, but I doubt well catch him.  . Though most of the party looks weary, Valen is refreshed and ready to go.  On his own he is capable of traversing long distances before tiring and tu slow pace of the group is almost refreshing if the urgency didn't make it frustrating.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods. Maybe he headed there too.  "Hurry and be there by nightfall." 
 "I'm okay,"  she says to Kurt.
Cavelcade
 "We'll see how we go. If we collapse after arriving it's not so good."  He smiles at Natalia then.  "Sorry...I ah...amn't good at this..uh...making youf eel better." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia actually cracks a smile.  "Don't think any of us are." 
Athedia
 "Valen just promise me one thing.  Please don't make me fight any orcs before tomorrow."   Mithril rose from where she had been studying her book.  After the fight yesterday she wanted to be sure to have the proper spell if they were attacked again.   "And Natalia, Shiny, I have something that might help us from becoming exhausted today.  You just have to tell me the moment you think you are becoming tired." 
 
 Spoiler 
Level 0:
Resistance
Resistance
Resistance
Resistance
Level 1:
Mage Armor
Magic Missile
Magic Missile
 
Zman
  Valen  

Valen answers Mithril with a hearty laugh,   "What makes you think I'd go looking for trouble with the ugly ones?"  
Athedia
 "Your seemingly endless energy, I don't know how you do it." 
 
 Spoiler 
If Admiral or Coffee post with a request for me to cast the spell on them, Mithril casts resistance on them.  Giving priority to Shiny, as he has to make more saves.
 
Zman
  Valen  

Patting Mithril on the back and shooting her a grin,   "I am strong, with long legs, and carry little.  I'm uses to traveling faster and further than this when needed."  

Looking to Kurt,   "Are you well enough to travel?"  
 
 Spoiler 
Kurt recovered 4 HP that night thanks to natural healing and some long term care from Miriam assuming she makes a DC15 Heal check otherwise it is 2HP.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks, Mithril,"  Natalia says with a smile. She adjusts her jacket and is ready to go.
Cavelcade
 "Well or ill, I'll keep up with you as long as I need to."  Kurt just shrugs a bit, adjusting his pack.
Zman
The group keeps pace for a full 8 hours, crossing much ground.  Shiny is the first to begin to slow with hours left of their journey. Despite their rush, they encounter no sign on Henry...

 
 Spoiler 

5 hours to go.  That makes 4 checks for Shiny before anyone else has to make one.

Also, achinca, how much healing did you use on Kurt if any for today?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by athedia 
  "And Natalia, Shiny, I have something that might help us from becoming exhausted today.  You just have to tell me the moment you think you are becoming tired."  
 

Shiny laughs loudly.  "Tired? You're speaking to Shiny Mileskipper, long distance runner and cloudwatcher." 
 
 Spoiler 

I'm pretty sure that  Resistance  won't help, unfortunately (though it's quite thoughtful). The spell lasts only a minute, and these saving throws are for an hour's worth of walking.

Shiny's first four Fortitude checks:

 (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  Damage:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  Damage:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  Damage:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  Damage:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Looks like a total of 5 nonlethal damage. Not bad.
 
CoffeeIncluded
They press on, Natalia refusing to complain no matter how weary she gets.  "Hope Henry's ahead..."  she says to the group.

 
 Spoiler 
Fort save:  (d20+2)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 4 ] 
 


She feels much better today, and is able to keep up with everyone without breaking stride.
Zman
The group nears their destination, with barely an hour of walking ahead, they attempt catch glimpses when cresting hills of the town some miles away near the border of the Forrest ...

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny is Fatigued, one more check.

Everyone else gets a check.
Nice job Natalia!
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Fort Save:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 


Mithril felt better this time.    Maybe I am getting better at long walks   she mused, as she shifted Whiskers from one shoulder to the other.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Feeling fine?"  Natalia asks Mithril as she hears her friend behind her. The forest is thinning out; they'll be there soon.
Cavelcade
Kurt strides along purposefully,keeping an eye out as he does. Thankfully the walking isn't as hard today, fewer hills around.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam woke up early and spent an hour doing her prayers. After that, she looked for a private place to wash herself and do her water.

She returns to the camp and is smiling at the scene of Natalia sleeping on Mithril. Miriam is a little surprised that Natalia turns so red when she wakes up. She does not understand why.

Before Natalai get dressed, Miriam will do a heal check on her to make sure she is capable of walking.

She will them spend her time on Kurt:

 
 Spoiler 
Heal Check DC15 +2HP
 (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 

Cast CLW (drops obscuring mist)
 (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 

if needed Cast CLW (drops protection from evil)
 (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
 



After that she will walk in silence, lost in her thoughts.

 
 Spoiler 
Fortitude:DC12
 (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
Damages:
 (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
Zman
The party trudges on, the town is now clearly visible in the distance as you approach from the south, even as twilight begins to set.  Your feet grow heavy, and day dreams of a warm meal and soft bed fill your thoughts...

 
 Spoiler 

Spot
Listen Checks Please
Formation? Valen is usually up front.
 
achinca
Miriam closes the march as usual.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 

Listen:   (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril looked at the town, slightly obscured by Natalia walking in front of her, and  wondered how long it was until they reached the town.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot Check  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Listen Check  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns at the lack of a fence surrounding the town. That hampers her plans significantly, and she starts revising them in her head...

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Listen:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
 


...Which means she isn't paying much attention to anything around her.
Zman
 Shiny 
 
 Spoiler 

Spot (d20-2)[ 13 ] 
Listen (d20-2)[ 0 ] 
 

 Kurt 
 
 Spoiler 

Spot (d20)[ 16 ] 
Listen (d20)[ 12 ] 
 
Zman
  Valen  

As the group is walking, Valen snaps his head to the right, holding up a hand for silence.

 
 Spoiler 

Listen (d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Spot (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
 
Zman
As the group nears the towns silence falls over the woods...

 
 Spoiler 

DC 15 Listen 
 Spoiler 
You hear little, too little.
 

DC20 Listen  
 Spoiler 
You hear a snap off to the right
 


DC 10 Spot 
 Spoiler 
You see the town, about fifteen minutes walk ahead through the trees.
 

DC 20 Spot 
 Spoiler 
Mithril sees what she believes is an Orc off to her right.
 

 
achinca
  Miriam  

'  Good news every body. The town is only 15 minutes away. Hopefully Henri is already there. I have not heard nor spotted any danger.  '
Athedia
Mithril whispered to those nearest her,  "Orc, to the right."   Even as she spoke her hands were starting the motions for a spell.

 
 Spoiler 
Casts Mage Armor +4 AC for 2 hrs.
 no armor check penalty, arcane spell failure chance, or speed reductio
 
Zman
  Valen  

After hearing th sums, and then the word Orc, Valen draws his weapon and begins to weave his abjurative energies around him.
CoffeeIncluded
At Mithril's words, Natalia instantly draws her rapier and crossbow.
achinca
  Miriam  

She hears the word orc and immediately pulls up her shield and mace. She says. '  Stay close. If they are hostile, I will use St. Cuthbert to protect us a little against evil.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Part of a raid?"  Natalia asks in a whisper.
Zman
 "Probably, or they are watching the road for easy targets, this is the main supply road from Glister." . Valen speaks in a whisper, his eyes darting looking for any sign if the orcs.

 "We should keep moving, or at least find someplace defensible..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Depends how many..." 
Cavelcade
Kurt grimaces at the word orcs and draws his battleaxe.  "Let's keep moving. Maybe they won't attack a heavily armed group...keep an eye out, maybe?" 
Zman
Valen nods agreement dropping back by Miriam to act as a Vanguard,   "If we have to run for it, I can hold the rear...."   his demeanor serious and quiet.
CoffeeIncluded
 "How many?"  she asks Mithril.
Athedia
 "I only see one, can't tell if it has friends."  Mithril got her light crossbow out and loaded it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and sighs internally; they should have skinned the wolf and brought it with them. It would have been useful for something.  "Stay close, alert,"  she says to Natalia.
Zman
The group moves defensively up the road towards Linwood, entering the small town as the days light wanes from the south.  Linwood is a small town, located nestled and encircled on all sides by encroaching woods.  Only the fields on the southwest side of town are clear.  A handful of small guard towers circle the town, two ragged looking men at arms on each, ten men in total.  People hurry about their business, a few look at you with hopeful eyes.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia breathes a sigh of relief as they enter Linwood. But she's not happy at the complete lack of defensive structures. Plans and booby traps swim through her head, but she needs to string them all together, make them effective while not burning down the town.

For the time being, she shoves them aside as best she can, nods to the guards, and says,  "Orcs in the woods. Here to help."  Remembering Henry, Natalia adds,  "Others before us?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at the guards and inquires '  What is the situation in term of wounded, provisions and morale? How often do the orcs raid?  '
Zman
As the party enters the outskirts of town the encounter two guards positioned at the south guard post.  Both men, one young, one old look ragged, both are equipped leather armor and have short bows, a short sword, and a light shield.  Their equipment is thoroughly worn, their cloths dirty.

 Old Guard 
 "What do you mean there are orcs in the woods?!   At the mention of Orcs, he becomes immediately awake, his eyes scanning the treeline.

Turning to Miriam,  "You must be some of the rest of the Mercs, Orcs"  he spits,  " have been hitting us hard for the past three months, sometime minor harassment every day, other times its a ten day between seeing them.  We've got 12 of the bastards, but have lost 5 men in the conflicts.  We are fine on provisions, granary is still pretty full, though the farms on the norther outskirts have had to be abandoned and the reduced crop is going to hurt us if we can't reclaim those fields.  Doc Richards has been doing a good job patching people up."  
achinca
Miriam cringes a little at the sound of being called a Merc. She sees it as a humanitarian mission.

She asks the old guard '  Who is in charge of coordination all the people that come to help Linwood? Is there a mayor or an elder we can talk to? Finally, where can I find Doc Richards to see if I can help him?  '
Admiral
Shiny skitters forward with enthusiasm.

 "Yes, that's us! I'm Shiny Goldseeker, mercenary and acrobat, and this is my crew, the Asylum Rejects. You're in good hands: before you know it, your orc problem will be a thing of the past."

"Say- any other mercenaries get here before us?" 
Athedia
Mithril laid a hand on Shiny's shoulder trying to temper his enthusiasm   "I spotted an Orc as we approached, it did not attack us and I didn't see if it had company.  Have the Orcs been attacking from a specific direction?  That could help us find their camp." 
achinca
Miriam turns towards Shiny and is about to correct him but his innocent enthusiasm is enough to stop her from lecturing him. ' It is OK. He does mean well '
Zman
 Old Guard 

The man is about to respond to Shiny when Mithril mentions spotting Orcs to the south,  "Lad, go and get the Mayor, and get the second watch rounded up, Orcs have been spotted to the south!  Hurry!" 

Turning back to the group,  "You'd better tell the Benton all of this, he's the mayor.  Two other sells words already showed, an old hard looking bastard, and a young pup, exhausted and sleeping over the back of his horse.  They arrived a half day ago. Said more were coming..."  with an eyeing of the group  "Dragon Slayers.... Anyways, head to the town hall, that big building yonder." 
achinca
Miriam turns toward the group and focuses on Shiny '  No More Dragon Slaying Stories .. please?  '

After that she rushes toward the town hall, asking where to find Mayor Benton.
CoffeeIncluded
After a moment's hesitation, Natalia thrusts out a hand and says,  "Natalia Bolts...Good with traps."  She follows Miriam to the mayor, hoping to finalize a plan with him once she meets him. She also asks Miriam,  "Morton and Henry?" 

She then pauses and asks,  "...Asylum Rejects?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt smiles a bit at that.  "I like it. Let's go see the mayor I suppose. 
Zman
You leave the guardpost heading towards the town hall, a large building with an open hall, capable of fitting a good portion of the populace, as well acting as a shelter if need be.  Outside if the town hall stood a potbellied older gentleman, he walked with a cane and the bearing of importance.  All around him dreary eyed men were being assembled, all dressed in the same fashion as the two guards earlier.

 Mayor Benton 

Eying the group as they approach,  "Good day, where be the rest of you.  We were told three more are yet to come?" 
achinca
Miriam approaches the mayor.

'  Good evening Mayor Benton. I am Miriam, cleric of St. Cuthbert and these are my companions, Natalia, Mithril, Kurt and the gnome Shiny. I am not sure who you are refereeing to when you mention 3 helpers but we can here to aid you. I have learned that two other good Samaritans have already arrived. What can you tell us of the situation and how we can help you best?  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's never been good at social niceties. When Miriam finishes talking she holds up several sheets of plans and drawings and says,  "Plans for traps, six plans, trap the entire town. Let them fight for us, fewer people hurt." 
achinca
Miriam slowly calms down Natalia. 'S  ister, let's hear what the good mayor here has to say and then we can discuss your plans  in private .  '

The one lesson she will never forget from Calric's death is that sometimes, things are not what they look.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Didn't give specifics,"  said Natalia. And she did take a good look around before telling the mayor.
Zman
 Mayor Benton 
 "I was told that nine followed the two that already arrived." 

Looking to Natalia,  "Dear girl, we have little time for traps, you've just reported Orcs to the south.  We need to mobilize and catch their raid off guard for a change.  So far, all attacks have come from the North. But, we'll be ready!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and draws her light crossbow.  "Need more bolts, but I can fight too."  It's fine if there's no time for traps now, but if the orcs usually come from the north...
achinca
Miriam looks at Kurt and Valen upon hearing the mayor order.

'  Are you good with this?'   She is a little unsettled by the rush to action.

She looks at the mayor '  We reported a single orc. May be it is a decoy ... Let's not rush to judgement on so little information.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, she'd been thinking the same thing.  "Split in half? More people now." 
Athedia
Mithril realized who the mayor was talking about,  "There were more people on the ship that brought us. They took a wagon here.  I don't know how long they will take." 

Hearing the order, Mithril paused.   "Orcs are
not the brightest, but they can still plan ahead.  Even birds can create diversions." 
 
 Spoiler 
What knowledge roll to try to remember more about Orcs?
 
Zman
  Valen  

In response to Miriam,   "Orcs are brutes, warlike and ruthless.  But, I don't think we can discount a sighting.  If their are orcs there, they should be taken care of before they have a chance to attack.  
 
 Spoiler 

Knowledge Local (d20+1)[ 16 ] 
 
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

I response to Miriam,  "Dear lady, orcs aren't smart enough to run a decoy.  You say an orc, that disappeared instead of engaging an armed party.  Even if there is only one, a single Orc could cause a lot of damage, especially since we have few defenses to the south.  We will be leaving at least our normal guard, only the spare men will be going unless you can convince me why they shouldn't." 
 Mortin 

As the mayor soaks, an aging gruff man you recognize as Mortin limps up,  "Orcs aren't bright, but they aint dumb.  And they don't like light much.  Seeing one in the daylight, to the south....means itd have traveled around town during th day and couldnt see well enough to scout well anyways....that means I'd bet a platinum piece that there re more than one out there." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Need us too?"  Natalia asks. Turning to Morton, she says,  "Henry with you? We killed the wolf." 

They should leave before it gets completely dark, prevent the orcs from getting any advantage they can.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tries to remember what she can about orcs.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (local):  (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
 
achinca
Miriam is not sold but she knows her place.

'  I am just a simple farm girls who knows nothing about orcs so I will listen to you. The question becomes: do we go after them or do we set up a trap and wait for them?  "
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

Looking slightly frustrated at Miriam,  "That's why I hired you, I don't have the answers..." 
 Mortin 

Before he can finish, Morting interjects,  "Now, I didn't say we abandon this town and go running after that Orc, just that doing nothing with what I suspect is more than one Orc out there is just as foolish." 
Admiral
 "Then let's go,"  says Shiny, rolling up his sleeves with a grim and determined look on his face. His vestigial eyepatch had disappeared for part of the trip, but had apparently returned just in time for his new role as an efficient mercenary.  "How many guards are coming with us, and how soon will they be ready." 
Zman
 Mayor Benton" 

When Shiny speaks,  "Sir gnome, are you offering to lead a party of men to track down these orcs?  If so, we've got 22 men, ten are currently manning the guard posts working 12 hour shifts.  I could spare the 12, Mr. Mortin?" 
 Mortin 
 "I'll stay, my bum leg doesn't won't work so good anymore and won't handle romping through the woods, but my eyesight is fine and I can shoot true.  Wish I could go with, I've got a bit of skill with tracking." . He slaps his leg.  Whatever had hurt his leg hadn't been magically healed properly and left him permanently scarred.  It'd take a miracle to reverse such an old serious injury.

 Henry 
 "I can track well enough"   the young voice if Henry can be heard.   "Never tacked orcs before, but it can't be harder than a stag." 
achinca
Miriam says nothing and just shakes her head as the testosterone are taking over and her own team members are ready to go hunting orcs without any idea of what they will be facing and where.

When Henri boast his tracking skills, she whispers to no one in particular. '  Yep. Not much harder than facing a dire wolf  f'
Athedia
 "I hate to say this, but I don't think that heading out to confront the Orcs now is the best idea.  They are in their element right now and are familiar with the woods.  Whereas we are tired from a day of walking and have no clue of the surrounding area."   Mithril gestured around to her companions.  Turning to Mortin, she spoke again  "You said they don't like daylight. So why not strike when the sun is with us?  For I am sure Orc's can do a little more damage than stags, and I would like your men to return alive." 
Admiral
 "The safety of the citizens and their crops must come first. My crew and I will lead the hunting party. 12 men is an excellent contingent."  Shiny continues to speak in a clipped, efficient tone, a personality separate from his usual efficient self. He turns back to nod at the crew, and as he does he gives an encouraging wink.

He smiles when Henry offers to come.  "So you shall. Your tracking will likely be the key to finding these orcs." 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head but says nothing, thinking to herself  'Is that what I am supposed to do? Keep these fools alive despite their best effort to be killed? '

She approaches Shiny. '  If you are going to lead them into enemy territory, let me do this.'  

She touches him and cast cure minor wound (dropping purify food and drink).

  You are good to go now. Don;t waste your sudden surge in energy.  '
Cavelcade
There are far too many people around for Kurt to do anything other than stand there with his axe resting on the floor. He seems almost bored - except his white knuckled grip on the haft of his weapon.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and looks at her female friends. She has the same attitude as Miriam but realizes they probably can't do much against the surge of testosterone. She does say,  "Dazzled by sunlight, need sunsticks, bright torches. Very strong, a few would win against a  dire wolf, "  she says pointedly to Henry.  "Fel spellcasters, all fighters." 
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

To Miriam,  "What would you have us do lady?  They are outside our homes, on our lands, if we sit and do nothing they will ruin us.  You speak of enemy territory, there shouldn't be an Orc within miles of us! This is our home!" 

After his outburst the Mayor recollects his calm.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Go there, risk death, or let them come here to our traps, let them defeat themselves."  Of course, if she has no time to make the traps...
Athedia
 "Sir, all respect but it is their territory until we win it back.  Just like any other battle.  It is not your land until you feel safe letting children play there.  And what good is your land if you send your men to die.  Defense is easier than an attack, we can prepare and have the upper hand."   Mithril went to stand with Natalia and Miriam, to back them up.
Zman
 Mayor Benton 
 "They are raiders and pillagers, not making war against us.  We can't sit here and defend ourselves for much longer, that's what we've been doing and why we hired you!" 
 Mortin 

Chiming in,  "The mayor hads a point, we have foreknowledge of a raid, we have an opportunity.  If its no more than six, they could be handled by a small group, at least scare the, off their raid." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bites her lip, he is right. Willing to compromise, she says,  "how about searching from afar? Attack if a group, retreat if nothing or the camp. But sun sticks, torches first?"

Six or so per group 
Athedia
Mithril bit her lip, considering the situation.  Finally she spoke again  "If there are to many, we will retreat?" 
Zman
 Mortin 
 "Anything less than full daylight won't hinder them, just make them angry and give them targets for their arrows in the dark. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Then why call them sunsticks?"  Natalia says with a sigh. In response to Mithril's request, she says,  "With her." 
Zman
 Mayor Benton 
 "Of course, if there are too many retreat, we will never throw lives away needlessly.  When will you leave?  And will all of you be going?"  the Mayor turns to Mithril.

A sudden bout of apprehension at Miriam's concerns, "Do you really think them capable of such a ruse, if this were to be a trap? Maybe some more of the men should stay behind, just in case you miss them and they get around your hunting party.  Extra insurance..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Diplomacy would be a sound way to convince him to abandon the expedition.
 
Zman
  Valen  

After standing around, in his usual silent fashion he interjects,   "A small party could move quickly and still leave the town well defended, a few strong men should be able to handle a half dozen orcs, and retreat if there are more."  
achinca
Miriam shrugs at the mayor's question '  I said my peace. If you would rather follow the gnome and his wonderfully safe and inspired leadership, I don't care. I will do my duty and save as many lives as I can. We are full on heroes here in the comfort of the Town Hall. Let's see how this hold on the battle field.  '

She turns silent and not say anything more. She will wait until the party departs, staying close to Mithril and Natalia.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's worried about the size of the party.  "Us and the mayor's troops? Test us out? Should have brought the dire wolf..."  Still mulling over what just happened, Natalia comes up with an idea. She turns to the mayor and asks,  "Supplies. Sunrod, thunderstone?" 
Athedia
Mithril laid a hand on Natalia's shoulder saying quietly,  "What supplies they might have are probably drained by this point."  Talking to Valen she sighed  "Even though I think it is risky, I was the one that saw the Orc.  I will go with you, if only to finish that sighting." 
CoffeeIncluded
That makes the decision easier. Natalia says,  "Going with Mithril."  Still, she does ask the mayor,  "What supplies?"  They seem to be more straight fighters then aspiring trapsmiths like her.
Zman
  Valen

"Shiny, Mithril,"   looks at the grim look in Kurt's eyes,   Kurt, and myself will go.  Henry will track for us and well take a couple of men, volunteers with us?  The rest will stay here and stay vigilant?"  
 
 Spoiler 
uncharacteristic for Valen, but it helps ,I've things along.  He is a decisive guy...
 
Zman
 Mortin 
 "I'll stay and lead the home guard, should we disperse the men evenly among the guard posts, keep them to the south in case you cannot intercept them?  Or move all of the men to the North expecting a ruse? Or any other ideas?" . Though experienced and intelligent, Mortin dislikes leading men, he's seen enough comrades die over the years, his look is grim and focused.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bites her lip at the thought of sending Mithril by herself in such a dangerous situation; she remembers that the wizard was hurt badly against the lizardmen and the dire wolf nearly killed Kurt. Since Miriam's not coming, she presses her potion of Cure Light Wounds into Mithril's hands while saying,  "In case. Don't hesitate." 

At Morton's question, she says,  "Make it look like more people?" 
achinca
Miriam steps up to Valen '  You are not taking Mithril without me and Natalia coming along, Stranger. Someone needs to keep you guys alive and Natalia's ingenuity is priceless  '

She looks at Mortin   'Easy to send men to their death from the comfort of a Town Hall. Send the kid. May be he will not freak out like when he saw the lizardfolks  ' She points to Henry.

She looks at the rest of the group. '  Point is that we do not know what we are going after. Was is a single scout? He is porbably gone by now. Was it a raiding party? We could use a couple of extra hands. Was it an early camp settlement? Then we will need all the help we get. So basically, the testosterone loaded men are blind leading us who know where. I don't care who comes along. I just want to make sure my people are safe ....  '

She suddenly stops. Where did that anger came from? What was happening?
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels a flash of pride at Miriam's mention of her ingenuity that is forgotten in the cleric's anger. She places a hand on her shoulder and says,  "So stressed, why?" 
achinca
She looks at Natalia is silence as she calms down. '  Sorry. I am just afraid. Afraid to lose you or Mithril, even Kurt or Shiny. I still don't trust that Valen because I have not figured out what he wants. I do not think he wants you which is good  .'

She stops and looks at NAtalia in the eyes. '  I don't trust Mortin nor the myor or the villagers. I am VERY afraid that the orc danger will be bigger than expected and will cost us lives. I really want to send Henry back to his farm while he still breathes. I. Am. Jus.t Afraid.  '
Admiral
 "We're not going anywhere without our full crew. The cleric's saved our lives more times than i can count, and the troublemaker's the stealthiest of us all, and deadly with a crossbow.

 
 Spoiler 
Also, splitting the party is a total bummer.
 


Mayor: we'll take only a minimum contingent to make sure you're still defended. Give us only two warriors, but make them your stealthiest.

Listen closely: we'll have a way to communicate with you if necessary. I can send up colored lights that can be seen from a distance, much like torches. I'll use them in an emergency.

White means that we're in the middle of a retreat, and to prepare your ranged weapons in case the orcs follow us to the city.

Red means we are in trouble and cannot retreat, and to send as much backup as you can while keeping the city protected.

Blue means that the raiding party is a decoy and the city is about to be attacked.

Now, let's move, move, move!"  

Shiny has the talent to doninate a room when he wants to, and he's clearly in no mood for further deliberations.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pats Miriam on the back and says,  "Stick together, stay alive. Trust us, trust yourself."  

Shiny's plan is a good idea, and Natalia nods in assent, though she's a bit surprised at his complete change in attitude. Before they leave, she again asks,  "Sunrod and thunderstone! Plan!" 

(Bye!)
Zman
 Mortin 

Upon eating Miriam's words, the rough old man spits,  "Listen wench, don't you dare insult me or my courage, if I was capable of catching orcs in the woods, I'd do it in a heart beat cause ive done it before, and killed worse, since you suckled your mothers tit..  I signed on so I could sit here with my bow, and kill orcs before they ever get a chance to hurt anyone.  And in the meantime make a few coins and drink away my nights to memories of better days." . He slaps his mangled leg for emphasis, before turning and limping away angrily.
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

After Mortins outburst,  "Well give you our two stealthiest men, and we'll shore up the watch in the meantime, from all directions.  I'll make sure he takes his bow and puts it to good use at our nothwest guard post." 

Turning to Natalia,  "What do you mean sun sticks and thunder stones?" 

With a directive from the mayor, two men step forward,  both in their late twenties wearing the standard town guard uniform, one identifies himself as Mason, the other Ernest.
Admiral
Shiny nods curtly at the Mayor's words and turns to Ernest and Mason.  "Excellent. We set out in five minutes. But it's important that I be briefed on the defense of the city, so I need to check a couple details with Mortin." 

He sets off jogging after Mortin, staying inobtrusively quiet so that the old man doesn't pay him any heed. Once he's within 30 feet of the curmudgeon, he takes a quick look around for witnesses, licks his lips, rubs his hands together with relish, and casts  charm person  on the old man's back.

 
 Spoiler 

DC 16 Will save. This assumes a +1 for Cloaked Casting since he would right now be denied a Dex bonus to AC against Shiny ( unless  he has Uncanny Dodge, in which case it's a DC 15).

If his spell succeeds, Shiny will yell out "Mortin! Wait up a moment." If one can't tell when such a spell would succeed against an opponent whose back is turned, he'll yell it out either way.
 
achinca
Miriam looks at Mortin and opens her mouth but says nothing. He reminded her of the priests at the Church she was raised at until Calric found her. They would talk about poverty and famine while gorging themselves on food and feeding scraps to the servants.

She remembers Calric words ' Just expose their lies and hypocrisy. If the people around them cannot see it, there is nothing you can do' .

She looks at the rest the group with an absent mind '  ready to go when you are?  ' thinking to herself ' Wench? me? I have only known one man. Sucking my mother's breasts? They dumped me before I am even fully out of her body. '
Zman
Mortin walks a way briskly, an obvious limp fom years ago, he rounds a corner of the houses heading towards the northern side of town before suddenly grabbing his forehead, and jerking his head to look around.  His longsword free of his scabbard, his left hand on his shortsword... Seeing nothing he quickly keeps moving paying close attention to his surroundings, the deep lines of his scowl turning angry, he cautiously keeps to the open and avoids the shadows, his eyes vigilant.

 
 Spoiler 


Shiny, he made his will save, by a lot.  Nat 20, be careful.  He knows something just happened, but not quit what, he will be on guard.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia snarls at Morton's outburst, but holds her tongue. She turns to Miriam and says,  "show him, beat him at his best. Make him apologize when he sees. Dont deserve that."
 
CoffeeIncluded
She says to the mayor,  "Fake our location, light here, us there." 
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

To Ntalia,  "You'll be a mile away, I doubt we will be able to convince them of a ruse." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Going with Miriam and Mithril." 

(I'm about to go too.)
Admiral
Shiny returns to the group, his expression no different than when he left.  "Let's get moving." 

With a gesture he starts heading off in the direction they'd come from.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods with a choked sound of agreement.  "Lead the way." 

(( OOC: Sorry for very poor responses the last few days, been finishing up my thesis writing - done with it now! ))
achinca
Miriam gives a forced smile to Natalia. '  Don'tr worry. I have heard worse things from the like of him. One day he will need me and he will have to eat his words ... Let's go and make sure this orc encounter is only a raiding party.   '

She turns towards the Barbarian Dwarf   'Kurt, you lead the way. And please no rushing to the enemy unless we all rush ....  '
Zman
With Shiny's return the group begins moving, quickly heading down the road to the spot where the orcs were last seen.  The light of day is  fading quickly.....

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks as you walk...

Are you being stealthy? Or moving quickly, if not I'll rewrite the details.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt grins a bit.  "I can hardly know if you're all rushing after me if I'm in front. I'll just trust ye."  His helmet is on tighter than usual, cutting off the sounds of the outside world, as he keeps his eyes on the road as well, trying to keep quiet and to the shade, doing a pretty okay job for a clanky dwarf.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 7 ]  Spot
 (1d20)[ 7 ]  Listen

If we're being stealthy.
 (1d20-2)[ 10 ]  Move Silently
 (1d20-2)[ 14 ]  Hide
 
achinca
Miriam follows in silence:

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  Spot
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]   Listen

If we're being stealthy.
 (1d20-4)[ 2 ]   Move Silently
 (1d20-4)[ 0 ]  Hide
 
Admiral
On hearing Miriam's loudly clanking armor behind him, Shiny tenses up and looks around nervously.  "Maybe you could change?" 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Admiral, I think you mean Miriam.  Mithril doesn't exactly wear armor.
 


Mithril attempted to follow Shiny as silently as possible.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  EDIT: Nice natural 20
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 

Move Silently  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Hide  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
 
Zman
  Valen  

Valen takes point with Kurt, trying to be as stealthy and attentive as possible...Unfortunately he can't hear anything over the clanking of illfitting armor.

 
 Spoiler 

Listen (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Spot (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Hide (d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Move Silently (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny shrugs. Stealth might not have been in the cards. He recalls a spell he's heard of suppresses all sound within a large sphere, and makes a mental note to learn it sometime.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (1d20-2)[ 11 ] 
Listen:  (1d20-2)[ 11 ] 
Hide:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Move Silently:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows along, trying to be as alert and stealthy as possible.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+5)[ 20 ]  (Useful)
Listen:  (d20+5)[ 11 ]  (Useful)
Hide:  (d20+7)[ 27 ]  (Useless unless I can salvage it) (Nice!!! Though of course you guys make it moot.)
Move Silently:  (d20+7)[ 23 ]  (Ditto)
 


Miriam and Valen's clanking armor makes it hard for her to hear what's going on, but her eyes are decent even in the failing light, and her black hair and brown jacket make her nearly invisible in the darkening woods. Motioning to the rest of the group, she breaks off slightly from them, hoping that she at least can catch the orcs by surprise. Natalia looks to Miriam and Mithril as she separates slightly from them, seeing if they hear anything she doesn't so they can warn her.
Zman
The two soldiers from town attempt to sneak with the group while Natalia silently disappears off of the road... It's a sad state of affairs when these two were the best the Mayor could offer.

 
 Spoiler 

Hide (d20)[ 3 ] 
Move Silently (d20)[ 8 ] 

Hide (d20)[ 12 ] 
Move Silently (d20)[ 10 ] 

You can choose if you want them going with.
 
Admiral
The moment he hears the two soldiers clumsily trying to shuffle off with Natalia, Shiny snaps his fingers quietly to stop them. He turns toward Valen and gives a head tilt.
Zman
  Valen  

Taking his cue from Shiny, Valen moves off to cover Natalia, Greatsword in hand...
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia notices Valen covering her. Though Shiny was a bit more stealthy, Valen's physically stronger and better able to go one-on-one against orcs. She again slips into the shadows and out of sight, almost impossible to see or hear.
Zman
The main group moves up the road, not five minutes outside of town, making little effort to be quiet.  The road slowly bends gradually to the left around a large outcropping of rocks maybe ten feet tall.

 
 Spoiler 

Anyone that beat a DC 15 Listen check can hear something around the bend out of sight behind the rocks, unfortunately Spot checks won't help.

Natalia and Valen are still within sight, maybe 50ft away, off the road in a position to flank the rocks.

There will be a map eventually...
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks to see the reactions of her friends by the rocks, to see if they can hear or see something she can't from her angle. She moves a little bit closer, about 20 feet, so she can get there in seconds if she has to.

(So Natalia's 30 feet away from the rocks, she can get there and attack in a single round. And still be invisible.)
Zman
A sudden tension fills the air as most of the group members stop, hearing the presence of others.  Its doubtful that they aren't aware of your presence.

 
 Spoiler 

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...zNnJnbFE#gid=0 \
This should make things more clear.

For Natalia, when Initiative is rolled, you will be able to sneak attack for the first turn against any Orc whose Initiative you beat.
 
Zman
  Valen  

Stopping, Valen points to his ear, and holds up 2 fingers pointing towards the rock outcropping.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia inches forward, her rapier and light crossbow already loaded and drawn. She's all but invisible to the orcs and she knows it.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bursts out from the undergrowth and scrambles on top of the rock, attacking the nearest orc with her hand crossbow, taking it by surprise.

(Of course, it's all moot if I miss...)
 
 Spoiler 
 Attack:  (d20)[ 18 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20)[ 19 ]  (Yes, yes. YES!!!)
Damage:  (d6)[ 1 ]  plus Sneak Attack!  (d6)[ 3 ] 

Attack:  (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d4)[ 4 ]  plus Sneak Attack!  (d6)[ 1 ] 

Even if I barely did any damage, I still did 8-13 depending on whether or not the crossbow bolt hit! 
 


After she attacks, Natalia takes cover behind a tree if possible (+2 to AC, +1 to reflex saves)

The crossbow bolt hits home, taking the orc completely by surprise! It slams into the orc's chest and it goes down.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pumps a fist in the air as the crossbow bolt fells the orc; she makes a mental note to thank Mithril later. One down, five to go, and that was one of the weaker ones.
achinca
Miriam is embarrassed with all the clanking noise she makes. When Shiny comments, she snaps back '  I am sorry, OK?  I am not making all that ruckus in purpose. This not high quality armor but I need it. Who will keep you alive if I go down?  '


Miriam see the orcs. Some old veterans and some young ones. '[i[When will they stop glorifying war and death? Are they that much in a hurry to join Gruumsh?'

She focus on the perceived leader, loads her crossbow and shot.
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
funny. The roller did not work


 (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 

damages:  (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 
Zman
 Orc Pups 

In response to the quick and deadly rogue, the two remaining adolecents move to attack Natalia... the first nimbly moving along the rocks and dealing a nasty gash to the young rogue.  The other can't move quickly enough through the brush and wild terrain to reach her and scowls menacingly.

The young orcs wear little besides their weapons, a greataxe and falchion respectively.
 
 Spoiler 

Climb (d20)[ 20 ] 
Balance (d20)[ 7 ] 
Attack (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Critical (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Damage (2d4+4)[ 10 ] 
 

 Orcs 

The first of the mature Orcs leaps onto the rocks and attempts to deal death from above as he attacks Kurt from an advantageous position... but he slips and falls, swinging wildely from the ground.

The second moves around the rocks to attack Kurt from the front... and his mighty Axe fails to connect with the surprisingly reactive Kurt.

The mature orcs are wearing what looks like studded leather armor, terrible condition, both wield great axes.
 
 Spoiler 

Climb (d20)[ 4 ] 
Balance (d20)[ 2 ] Falls
Attack (d20+6)[ 19 ] -5(4 for prone, loses height advantage) Just missed
Critical (d20+6)[ 25 ] 
Damage (d12+4)[ 11 ] 

Attack (d20+5)[ 16 ] Hit
Critical (d20+5)[ 12 ] 
Damage (d12+5)[ 13 ] 
 

 Orc Veteran 

The veteran and leader of the raiding party moves around, building himself into a rage before swinging wildly at Kurt with his jagged looking Falchion.

He is wearing what looks like finely crafted Hide armor, finely crafted for an Orc.
 
 Spoiler 

Rage
Attack (d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Critical (d20+8)[ 28 ] That could have been BAD!
Damage (2d4+6)[ 8 ] 
 
Zman
 Guards 

Both guards move in to pounce on the fallen Orc...  Dealing quick and efficient wounds to it...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+1)[ 17 ] 
Critical (d20+1)[ 5 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 4 ] 

Attack (d20+1)[ 17 ] 
Critical (d20+1)[ 15 ] 
Damage (d6+1)[ 7 ] 

He's now at 0/11 gets one action per turn.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt pauses midstride to let the attack of the veteran pass in front of his eyes, then roads his own challenge and laughs maniacally, hefting his axe as he lets the pent up frustration and anger from the village out.

 
 Spoiler 

Rage.
 (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  Attack
 (1d20+9)[ 29 ]  Crit
 (1d12+9)[ 21 ]  Damage
 


(( OOC: Oh come on. I guess this is what I get for him missing too. Assuming it does miss. ))

Putting all his force into it he swings upwards two-handed, aiming to cleave the orc veteran in twain from the crotch up.
Admiral
Without hesitation, Shiny raises his hands and aims a  sleep  spell right between the two young orcs, catching Natalia in the spell as well.
Athedia
Mithril started backing up, shooting a bolt of energy at the orc attacking Kurt as she did so.

 
 Spoiler 
Magic Missile  (1d4+1)[ 3 ]  auto hits cuz it's awesome.
And moves to I13
 
Zman
  Valen  

Believing that Shiny and Natalia could handle the two young orcs, Valen quickly leaps and scales to the top of the stones, before bringing his blade down upon the felled Orc... Valen brings his great blade down upon the staggered Orc, causing it to bleed out on the ground painting the rocks dark red.

 
 Spoiler 

Assuming Shiny will sleep the Orcs
Moving to J16
Climb DC15 (d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Balance DC5/7  (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Attack (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Critical (d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Damage (2d6+6)[ 9 ] 
All moot if I fall!

Waiting for Shiny to edit.

Then Natalia and Miriam.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Aaargh!"  Natalia involuntarily cries as the falchion slices through her shirt and flesh, embedding itself halfway through the muscle in her right arm. Gasping in pain, she manages to lift her head and snarl at both orcs,  "Already dead...Just don't know it." 
achinca
Miriam looks left and sees Kurt bleeding and right and sees Natalia bleeding.

 
 Spoiler 
What is each PC HP situation?
 


' Decisions, Decisions! Who lives and who dies today? ' she thinks to herself.  Then she realizes that Kurt blood is from his opponents.

She smiles relieved and moves toward a sleeping Natalia, yelling at Shiny '  Go help the others, I will heal her and wake her up  '.

 
 Spoiler 
 Option 1: Kurt is closer to death: move to G14 - heal Kurt - drop bless  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  

Option 2: Natalia is closer to death: double move to N14
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels Shiny's magical effects reach into her mind and only has time to shout,  "Wait, you--!"  before the magic drags her down into unconsciousness.
Zman
 Orc Pups 

The small gnomes sorcery is enough to overcome their weak wills as the slumber, unaware of the combat around them.

 Orc 

After one is felled, the other renews his attack against the stout dwarf... Missing wildly.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Critical   (d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Damage  (d12+4)[ 5 ] 
 

 Orc Veteran 

After taking a magical bolt of force, the raging hulk of greenish flesh swings his Falchion wildly unphased... He manages some heavy wounds against the dwarf.
 
 Spoiler 

Attacks Kurt
Attack  (d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Critical   (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Damage  (2d4+7)[ 14 ] 
*I used the wrong values last round.
 
Zman
 Guards 

One guards moves over the body of the fallen Orc to attack the next... Though hi nimbly navigates the rocks, he cannot land a blow.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to H16
ClimbDC10 (d20)[ 19 ] 
BalanceDC7 (d20)[ 19 ] 

Attack  (d20+1)[ 9 ] 
Critical   (d20+1)[ 2 ] 
Damage [roll]d6+18/roll]
 


The other attacks the same foe... His ally giving himself an opening as he slides the blade under the Orcs armpit...
 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (d20+1)[ 21 ] 
Critical   (d20+1)[ 17 ] 
Damage [roll]d6+18/roll]12!
 
Admiral
Shiny gets a huge grin on his face when he sees the orcs fall into slumber. He then hops forward and starts shaking the sleeping Natalia.  "Wake up, sleepyhead! This is no time for a nap!" 
Zman
  Valen  

Scaling down the rocks and flanking the final standing orc, Valen attempts to thrust his greatsword through its back while its attention is turned... a tip of crimson steal pokes through his stomach, though not fatal, the wound has taken much out of him...

 
 Spoiler 

Flanking Power Attack (d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Critical  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Damage (2d6+6)[ 12 ] 

Just hit he has
AC13: 10 +2 Dex +3 MW Studded Leather -2 Rage
HP: 12/27

Miriam and Mithril, I'll likely NPC them if necessary since we know their actions.
 
Zman
  Mithril  

She hurredly casts another bolt of arcane force at the large and intimidating orc.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Magic Missile
 (d4+1)[ 4 ] 
He is down to 8HP
We are on Kurt to seal the deal.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt's face grows even angrier as he shakes off the effects of the powerful blow, returning his own fierce attack.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack -2 attack +4 damage
 (1d20+9)[ 10 ]  Attack with flanking.
 (1d20+9)[ 27 ]  Crit
 (1d12+12)[ 14 ]  Damage
 


Unfortunately, all his power dissipates through the air as he misses.
Zman
  Miriam  

As Shiny shakes Natalia, Miriam whispers a prayer to St. Cuthbert, Natalia will awake to,   ""My dear sweet...careless girl..."  
 
 Spoiler 

Healing (d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The spell quickly dissipates as Shiny slaps her conscious, and Natalia wakes to Miriam's soothing words and the cool touch of her magic knitting the torn muscle and blood vessels together, leaving only a shallow scratch. She glares at Shiny and says,  "Friendly fire!"  but saves her ire for later, when they're out of combat. She also says,  "Thank you,"  to Miriam.

Getting up and stepping over to the sleeping orcs, Natalia kicks aside their dropped weapons, one of which is stained with her blood. She then takes her other crossbow and fires into the fray at the lone standing orc, knowing there's no way she'll hit but figuring it's worth a shot anyway.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20)[ 19 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ]  plus Sneak Attack if applicable  (d6)[ 4 ] 

I know I'm not going to hit, but I figure it's worth a shot--you never know, and I am in Nevada right now. 😛 And kicking aside the weapons would be a free or swift action, right?

EDIT: Woah! I actually hit! And...Did I critical?!
 


Somehow Natalia makes a nearly perfect shot! The crossbow bolt slams into the back of the orc's neck, and he topples over with a spurt of blood. When everyone turns to see where the killing shot came from, Natalia responds with a little wave.
achinca
Miriam smiles as the suddenly awaken and healed Natalia is landing a perfect shot. She also makes a mental note to talk to Kurt and Valen about Shiny carelessness with his magic.
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes off the rage by viciously swinging his axe to behead the now dead leader, sighing a little as he does before cheering.

 "Well done girl! A fine kill!"  He then blinks a bit, looking down at the deep wound the orc inflicted on him.

 "Bastard!"  Leaning on his axe for support he gives the head a good kick, sending it sailing (by accident) towards Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

To have it land right in front of her/hit her? I think that's pretty uncharasmatic. Er...an improvised weapon? That's thrown so...add strength? So the modifiers cancel each other out?
[roll]1d20[/roll] Attack!
 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Forgot you can't edit rolls into posts.
 
Zman
With an angry grunt Kurt sends the severed head of the Veteren Orc bouncing across the rocks towards Natalia and Miriam, it Mists the air with a vile ichormas its blood covers the rocks.
achinca
Miriam stops the bleeding severed head with her foot before it reaches Natalia. Then she taps it in toward the rogue. '  Here is the trophy of your kill, girl. Enjoy it  '

She moves toward Kurt '  Do you healing my dwarf friend?  '

She turns toward Shiny. '  Shiny Storyteller and Mighty Orc Killer, how about you help Natalia tie the two sleeping orcs?  '

Assuming Shiny obliges, Miriam will approach Kurt and Valen and whispers to them '  Guys, can you have a little strategic talk with our careless gnome? His lies might be tiring but when he starts engulfing allies in his spell, he become a huge danger. I am a simple farm girl that knows nothing so I do not believe he would listen to me but coming from two males proven warrior, he might listen. If not we might need to take action next time ....  '
Zman
  Valen  

In response to Miriam,   "I know little of the spell he used, but it seems to have saved the Little Ones life."  
 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft (d20)[ 8 ] Failed...
 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head '  I know nothing but I disagree with you. I was here to heal her. She could have withdrawn. You abandon her because you knew the situation was under control. Anyway, what do I know? I am just a simple farm girl  .'

After that she turns around and go watch Natalia tie the orcs.
Admiral
Shiny cracks his knuckles and then starts tying up the orcs with Natalia, whistling softly as he does so.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny will Aid Natalia on the Use Rope skill. My understanding is that the check won't be rolled until/unless the orcs try to escape.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt shrugs a little, still leaning on his axe.  "I'll try, but I'm ah...not very good at convincing people..."  Wincing as he puts his hand over the wound.  "And some healing would be perfect. Please." 
achinca
Miriam touches the dwarf face and starts her incantation, holding her holy symbol with her free hand.

The wounds of the barbarian heal partially.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast CLW  (1d8+2)[ 5 ](7) 

Drop Protection against Evil
 


'  That is it. I only have 4 very small healing spells left.  '

 
 Spoiler 
If we are retiring for the night, she will use her 4 cantrip on who ever need the most. She will also do a heal check on Natalia and Kurt to see if she can help them heal faster.

Kurt
 (1d20+4)[ 8 ](12) 

Natalia
 (1d20+4)[ 18 ](22) 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head.  "I think we should try and make it back to the town if we can."  He smiles, then.  "Thank you, Miriam." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia steps back from the severed head of the orc with a disgusted look on her face. She then realizes that she killed two...people today. Even if it was to protect her and her friends, she's not sure she likes the feeling.

She'll talk it over later. For now she ties up the orcs and says,  "Spell made me sleep. Get weapons, armor? Some seem good."  Natalia talks more to the rest of the group than Shiny, she's still upset at his carelessness, even if it did stop the other two orcs.
Athedia
Mithril came forward from the spot she had retreated to  "I am fine, I stayed out of the way of their weapons."  She headed over to where Natalia and Shiny were tying up the orcs, carefully stepping around the head as she approached.  "Natalia are you okay? I saw you go down." 

Mithril tried to to think what the spell Shiny had used had been.  Hopefully it wasn't a mindbending spell, but it still unnerved her.

 
 Spoiler 
Spellcraft  (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Made me sleep,"  says Natalia as she finishes tying up the orcs and picks up their weapons. Mithril's eyes light up in recognition; she evidently knows what spell that is.

 "Fine,"  she says, somewhat pleased at Mithril's concern.  "Your bow helped me." 
Athedia
Mithril was relieved that it was just a sleep spell, she had seen those used before.   "It's your bow now, but thank you.  I am glad it helped."   She helped pick up the orcs weapons.   "Can anyone speak to them?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Searching both orcs, Natalia says,  "...No."  She also searches the other orcs, and tells the others to strip them of their weapons and armor. She doesn't want to look at the falchion stained with her own blood for long.
Zman
The three dieing Orcs cease breathing, their wounds too great.  The two pups are still asleep, now bound by Natalia and Shiny expert hands.  Searching the bodies yields little, though the Oldest and now headless Orcs armor and weapon are handily better than the rest.

 
 Spoiler 

One masterwork Greataxe,
One masterwork set of Hide Armor,
Two sets of studded leather,
Three sets of poorly made leather armor.
Three rusted falshions, two grataxes.

15 gold pieces worth of coins, a gold necklace(crusted in blood) worth 10-20 gp(depends on appraise skill).


Also, I'll need a Spot and Listen from everyone.
 
Admiral
Shiny stretches and looks out at the horizon.  "Let's talk to them here. I can't wait to hear what they have to say." 

Shiny kneels next to one of the orcs that has been tied up, and shakes him awake.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm assuming Natalia and Shiny have already tied them up, since Coffee mentioned searching them. ETA: Ah, just saw ZMan's post, so they are tied up. Good.
 
achinca
Miriam just watches the group do their scavenging and securing part of the job.

She stands there doing nothing. She is not really into scavenging and she is proud that she has not taken a life yet, although Calric warned her that the day will come.

She instead focus on being a sentinel.

 
 Spoiler 


Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ](15) 

Spot:   (1d20+5)[ 5 ](10) 
 
Admiral
Shiny takes a moment to look around for other dangers before he wakes up the orc.

 
 Spoiler 

Listen:  (1d20-2)[ 10 ] 
Spot:  (1d20-2)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia calls over Kurt, Valen, and the guards, pointing at the armor and asking,  "Useful?" 

She looks at the dead orcs, two of them killed by her hands. They'll have to bury them.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Listen:  (d20+5)[ 9 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril looked over the poorer armor.   "I don't expect any of us will use this.  Might the village have a use for it?"  She listened for a response from her companions as she once again scanned the surroundings.  She felt Whiskers claws remove from her shoulder as he relaxed.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Listen  (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Stretched thin, need help." 
Zman
Looking at the weapons and armor of the fallen orcs, Valen looks to the two guards,   "Well fought."  
 
 Spoiler 

Listen (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Spot (d20+2)[ 21 ] . Glad someone beat DC 15 Spot or DC20 Listen
 


Looking up to the north,  "Look.  Smoke from Linwood?"  
achinca
Miriam screams '  NOOOOOOOOOOO  ' as Valen points to the smoke.

'  Linwood is under attack. Let's forget about the orcs here and let's go help the town. What the raiding party just a decoy?  '

She starts running towards Linwood repeating to herself ' No one dying on my wath tonight, no one dying on my watch tonight .... '
CoffeeIncluded
With wide eyes, Natalia tosses the orcs' weapons to Kurt, Valen, Miriam, and the guards. She then runs to Linwood, reloading her weapons.

(Dammit! Dammit! I wanted to booby trap the town...)
achinca
Miriam does not pick up the weapon that Natalia throws to her as she does not want to encumber herself.
Athedia
Mithril ran after Miriam and Natalia, pulling out her crossbow as she did so.  She cursed herself.   If only we had stayed behind... 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Smart enough for this ambush?"  Natalia says in disbelief.
achinca
Miriam replies '  May be someone smarter is telling them what to do .....  '

She says to herself ' When will they learn and listen to me, Calric? '
Zman
  "Let's the guards take care of those Orcs, wed better hurry to catch her!"  
 He makes sure the high quality gear is packed before heading off after Natalia quickly catching the girl.
 
 Spoiler 
I'll assume the gold and the MW items were kept and taken with.

It took five minutes  to get there, we can make it back in 2 if we hurry. 1 if you accept fatigue...
 
Admiral
Seeing everyone sprint off, Shiny spins on his toe and follows them, leaving the young orcs tied up.

 
 Spoiler 
I say we aim for 2 minutes. Fatigue would hurt us too much in the battle and we'd be useless.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt growls and starts running, not quite flat out.  "We have to trust them hold out - can't turn up and die out of breath!" 
Zman
The group runs to town quickly, making sure not to exhaust themselves if there is a fight to come.  As the near the town they can see smoke billowing out of the granary. Villagers can be seen running about...
 
 Spoiler 

Refer to he Linwood gross scale map, you'll be approaching from the south.

Spot check
Miriam (d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 8 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 6 ] 
Natalia (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Valen (d20+2)[ 12 ] 

Natalia and Valen see that there are villagers running to put the fires out.  There are no apparent signs of a fight.

We are on the outskirts.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia almost stumbles when she sees what's going on.  "Grain fire!"  she exclaims.  "...No fight?" 

Natalia runs to the nearest villager and asks,  "Fire? Orcs?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt keeps his eyes wide open as he moves with the group, looking for signs of fighting.
achinca
Miriam is so preoccupied feeling sorry about herself and thinking how no one listen to her that she does not spot a thing.
Zman
 Guard 

Upon approaching the South guard post, only one guard is there, the older man you had met earlier.
 "Damned glad to see you, place is in chaos. Orcs hit us from the north, set fire to the Granary... If we hadn't been warned and doubled the guard we may have lost it and the lumbermill. We dodged an arrow today." 

He sighs, obviously shaken by the chaos around him and managing it with practice and experienc,  "Almost a dozen of them came, only the northern two guard posts could mobilize in time, Mortin led them in a fierce fight...thank god he was here, saved a lot of lives and livelihoods." 

With a gesture,  "They are making sure the fires out, tending to the wounded...we've got casualties...you'll have to go and see, I don't know much more." 
Cavelcade
 "Miriam, you can help more than us here...we'll be ready to guard your back if you need time. If they come back, I mean." 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head in disgust 'I thought the raid was a decoy ..... Glad we helped a little .... Let me go see who I can help ..'

Miriam rushes to attend the wounded to the best of her abilities.

If she sees Mortin in the process, she will tell him '  It seems that I was wrong about you Warrior. I hope you accept the apologies of a foolish simple farm girl who knows nothing.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pales and says,  "Smashed southern raiders, two hostages back there. Get them?"  This is more Miriam's forte than hers; she should go with the others and retrieve the hostages.

If Miriam apologizes, Natalia says to her with a frown,  "Why roll over? Stronger than that." 
Zman
Upon nearing the granary, you see people running with water to put out the smoldering corner of the granary.  There are 4 bodies of guards, lots of blood, and three men being stabilized, their conditions critical..  All have long gashes of one form or another, one dead man is missing a leg.

Nine orcs lay scattered across the ground, four filled with arrows, five with slashes and gashes.  Some are intermixed with the fallen guards who could not be saved.

You notice that the gruff Mortin as absent when the young Henry come running up,  "Glad you take alive, it was bad, they came out of nowhere, Mortin and a couple of guards fought the bulk of them while he had the others defend the buildings...."  Henry gets noticeably upset,  "he killed at least five of them himself...but...but they got him...he fell...and they took him." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia claps her hands to her mouth at the sight. The stench of blood is rank. How many were there? After Henry speaks, she says,  "...Need info, rest. Then Morton. Promised to help Linwood." 

Miriam's running to help; Natalia can't do much here. The rogue turns to her friends and says,  "Get the orcs, weapons?" 
Zman
  "And how long can Mortin survive with the Orcs? If he's even still alive.  We could catch two burdened and possible wounded orcs."  .

Valen itches at the thought of sitting around and not giving chase...
Cavelcade
Kurt snorts a bit.  "I agree. Find him now, or leave him to his fate. 
achinca
Miriam is healing the people she can (let me know if you want rolls) and as fast as she can.

When she talks to Henry, she wants first to smack him and order him to go back to the farm but instead she says nothing and smiles. ' Remember, it is his life. You do not know anything, farm girl! '

She tells him '  I am sure you tried your best. It is not your fault Henry. We are all learning.  '

After that she joins the discussion about Mortin '  My first reaction would be not to go after him until tomorrow because we are all tired and out of spells and if they wanted him dead, they would not have captured him. On the other hand, I do not know anything about orcs and may be, our inaction is condemning him. I know my role as a simple farm girl who knows nothing so I will go with the rescue party whenever that party leaves.  '

She thinks to herself: ' Remember who you are girl. You are not a fighter nor a wizard. You are a simple farm girl that knows nothing and who has been raised to take care of a farmer and being him babies. '
Athedia
 "Why don't those who are skilled in combat follow those orcs.  As you said, it is just two orcs.  The rest of us can try to help out here." 
Cavelcade
Looking up at Valen, Kurt nods.  "We can move quickly enough to catch up to them I bet. Natalia will you come too?" 
Zman
  "Then we should hurry. Time is of the essence."  

Valen crosses his arms and speaks in a clear and deep bass, the words in Draconic, as he renews his arcane protections.
achinca
Miriam looks at them with resigned eyes. '  Although I have little healing magic left, I will be there to try my best to keep you alive ....   '
Athedia
Mithril laid a hand on Miriam's arm.   "I will them my potion, that should help them.  You do not need to see more death today."   Searching through her backpack, she pulled out her potion ((CLW)) and offered it to Valen and Kurt.
achinca
Miriam looks at the Warriors. '  Are you OK with Mithril plan?  '
Zman
  "My lady, if you don't remove that armor, you'll never keep up.  We have little choice if we are to save Mortin."  . He responds to Mirium.

Turning to Mithril,   "Thank you Wizardess, this may save a life today."  . Valen takes the potion and stashes it in his belt.
achinca
Miriam nods, in agreement as Valen exposes her sad uselessness. "  I understand warrior. I will be praying for all of you for a safe return ....  '
Cavelcade
Kurt grins at Miriam and Mithril.  "You will save lives that we can't, and we will save lives that you can't, don't be sad over who we are." 
Zman
  "If we are to go, it must be now!"  

Valen looks to the woods,   "Stay safe, save lives. And question those orcs."  
 
 Spoiler 
Anyone else joining us?  Looks like we will have to split the party, not a problem, just make sure to post your location in bold on the top of your posts.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Woah, that escalated fast. Still, it doesn't take Natalia long to decide.  "Swift enough to catch orcs. Mithril...Said you're with me? Or safer here?"  Natalia does want Mithril to go with her, unless she'll be in serious danger.

 "Not useless, save people,"  she says sternly to Miriam.  "Find, question orcs. Take their gear too. Promise we'll return, safe, alive, with Morton."  She's not certain about the last part, but...
Athedia
 "I would be safer here.  I will help Miriam as much as I can." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bites her lip. It's true, but she wants to spend more time with her...Ah well, she should have a chance later. Hugging Mithril, then Miriam, she says,  "Stay safe. Please, get orcs. Find supplies for traps?" 

Other words begin to flit into the dark recesses of her mind, too quick and insubstantial for her to get more than the slightest shadowy glimpse. She ignores them for now.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses. This is a terrible idea, and she says it.  "Bad, terrible idea. Walking into danger, injured, no Miriam to soothe us, no Shiny to stun, no Mithril to use magic. Why take Morton alive? Why not kill him here? Reason, and we may not catch up now." 
Cavelcade
Kurt struggles with the answer, frowning to himself.  "If we lose them...we'll turn back. If we find his body...we'll bring him back. But...he fell doing good. This town stands and we...can do some good. So we should. I think." 
Zman
  "Dead or alive, well bring him back.  Doesn't have to be a good idea to do the right thing."  . Valen, quickly checks his gear, and a lot with Kurt and Natalia heads off to the North.

 
 Spoiler 

We could use some Survival checks. And a fort save.
 Mainly well just run north hoping to see them.

Survival (d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Fortitude (d20+4)[ 10 ]  If needed.
 
Zman
 
 Spoiler 

Spot check

Kurt (d20)[ 6 ] 

Natalia (d20+6)[ 9 ] 

Valen (d20+2)[ 5 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt sighs a bit as he gets ready for another quick march, keeping an eye out for tracks.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  Fort
 (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  Survival
 
Zman
 Orcs Trail 

As they run, Valen has trouble tracking the Orcs but Kurt seems to have a bead on their direction.  The group moves quickly and the trek is likely to prove exhausting if they cannot find the orcs.

 
 Spoiler 

Nice Survival Kurt.
 
Athedia
 In Village 

Mithril watched the group go before turning to Shiny.   "I think Miriam has the healing covered, but I doubt we would be much help with that. I am going to try to fetch those orcs we captured if you want to join me." 
Zman
 
 Spoiler 

Spot check

Kurt (d20)[ 8 ] 

Natalia (d20+6)[ 25 ]  And that is why we brought her along!
 
 Spoiler 

Natalia sees the orcs off in the distance, about 400' away.
 


Valen (d20+2)[ 18 ] 
 
 Spoiler 
Sees them at 200' though I'd hope Natalia mentions it first.
 


And a second try as we are on the right trail.
 
Cavelcade
 TRAIL 

Kurt grins a little as the trail stays fresh.  "See them?" 
achinca
 Town 

Miriam spends all the time needed to heal the injured. After that she rejoins Mithril to look at the orcs.

'  Anyone speak orcish?  '
Athedia
 Town 
 "It wasn't one of my pursuits.  I am starting to regret that now."   Mithril sighed as they set out to find the orcs.  Hopefully they will not have gone far.
CoffeeIncluded
 Trail 

Natalia pauses for a second and holds out her hand.  "Orcs, four hundred feet off,"  she whispers. Both her crossbows are already loaded.

(Does she see Morton? How many orcs are there?)
Cavelcade
Kurt loads his crossbow too, squinting at the orcs.  "Do we close in on them or shoot from here and risk hitting Morten?" 
Admiral
 Linwood 

Shiny nods to Mithril and heads back with her to find the bound orcs.

 
 Spoiler 

I think we left the two guards to watch them; is that correct?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 Trail 
 "Two, with Morton,"  she whispers. Natalia personally wants to get a little closer; she doesn't trust her aim at this range. But if they get closer, they risk detection...
achinca
 Town 


Having finish healing and caring for the wounded, Miriam goes with Shiny and Mithril to retrieve the two orcs prisoners.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 2 ](5) 

Spot:  (1d20+5)[ 11 ](16) 
 
Zman
 Orc Trail 

Looking where Natalia points them out,m  "They haven't spotted us yet, we've got to get closer, I can't make this shot."  

With his stout bow out and arrow knocked, Valen begins to creep through the woods as they attempt to head the orcs off...

 
 Spoiler 

Hide (d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Move Silently (d20+2)[ 16 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia creeps along, hoping for her luck to continue.

 
 Spoiler 
Hide:  (d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Move Silently:  (d20+7)[ 26 ] 
 
Zman
  Kurt-Orc Trail  
 
 Spoiler 

Hide (d20-2)[ 4 ] 
Move Silently (d20-2)[ 9 ] 
 
Zman
 Orc Trail 

As the three stalk their prey the cut the distance down to half. Before the Lead Orcs eyes focus in on them...

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative

Lead Ord (d20+2)[ 6 ] 
2nd Orc (d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Natalia (d20+7)[ 27 ] Go Natalia!
Kurt (d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Valen (d20+2)[ 18 ] 


Acting in block initiative, all three of us get to go first, they are flat footed.  Cannot be a sneak attack as it is outside of 30' Sorry.

We are 200' away, don't forget range increments.
 
Cavelcade
 Orc Trail 

(( OOC: Since we're acting in block initiative and I'm here, after Natalia and Valen take their action Kurt does the following. ))

Kurt growls at his loud movements, then goes as far towards them as he can before shooting at the second orc.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+2)[ 3 ] Attack
 (1d20+2)[ 16 ] Crit
 (1d10+2)[ 8 ] Damage
 


Unfortunately, he can't see them as well as he'd like, his bolt getting lodged in a tree.
CoffeeIncluded
So much for stealth. Natalia runs forward and attacks, though she doubts it will hit.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20-2)[ 7 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 5 ] 
 


And it looks like her luck's run out.
Zman
Valen moves up to Natalia to cover her,   "Foolish girl, retreat  when they advance, stay out of melee!"  . Valen barks, concerned for the young girl as the Orcs begin to advance,  he quickly takes aim with his mighty bow, hoping that it be true...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20-1)[ 8 ] Nope, this isn't good...
Critical (d20-1)[ 16 ] 
Damage (d6+3)[ 5 ] 

We are now 170' away

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...zdoS1l4Q2RJU2c 
 
 Spoiler 
Meta Knowledge check: Kurt is an even match for the one carrying Morting, Valen and Natalia are an even match for the other, let's aim better next round.  Good luck!
 

 
Zman
 Outside of Town 

As you approach the guards and the prisoner orcs, you hear,  "You bastard orcs!"  as they both start kicking the now conscious Orcs.

 
 Spoiler 

Orcs trying to break free...
 (d20+3)[ 6 ] 
 (d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny approaches the cluster of guards and orcs with a big grin on his face, waving them off gently.  "Well, that hardly seems necessary, does it? They're already tied up. Let's take a bit of a break." 
 
 Spoiler 

Diplomacy check if appropriate:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril looked over the orc's trying to see if the kicking had hurt them to badly.  Satisfying herself that it would just bruise them she knelt out of reach of their squirming.   "Do you understand Common?"   She showed the orc's her hands trying to demonstrate she was unarmed and would not hurt them.
CoffeeIncluded
Stepping forward ten feet or so behind a large tree, Natalia reloads her crossbow. Saying to Valen,  "Already planned on it,"  she fires at the orc not carrying Morton. Even though few bolts are likely to hit from this distance, anything would help once they got to melee--Natalia knows just what a blow from these orcs could do to her.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20)[ 9 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 7 ] 
 


Oh, COME ON! This really isn't funny anymore...

Natalia sighs as the bolt goes wide. Hopefully she can at least prevent herself from burdening Valen and Kurt--one unconscious body is enough to drag back to Linwood.
achinca
Miriam's blood start boiling when she sees the guards beating up the tied orcs. She yelss '  STOP IT! NOW! I MEAN IT! YOU DO NOT HURT BOUND PRISONERS! IF  YOU WANT TO DO THAT, JOIN THE ZENTHARIM!  '

She turns toward the orcs. '  AND YOU! I DON'T KNOW IF YOU UNDERSTAND COMMON BUT YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THIS  '

She puts her mace against the face of one orc, pushing it against its skulls then the other. At that, she goes get the severe head of the orc veteran and smashes it like a water melon with her mace. Then she puts the bloodied mace right in their face.

She yells '  NO MORE! UNDERSTOOD?  '

 
 Spoiler 
Intimidate roll (hoping the DM is nice enough to give me RP bonus on this roll):

 (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 
Zman
 Outside of Linwood 

Shinys diplomacy is enough to stays the Guards hands,  "Sorry, sir. It just so damned frustrating lagging here with these... these creatures, while Linwood burns, and our friends die."  


With a large squishy splat Miriums mace crushes the decapitated head of the war leader, the orcs instantaneously stop squirming, though they seem to be unable to understand the words, they understand the meaning.

Her display of ferocity causes the guards to step back, abandoning all hopes of torture.
Zman
 Orc Trail 

The first bolts and arrows whiz through the air, Kurts impacts a tree, Natalia's is deflected by a branch, Valens sails high as the vicious looking Orcs advance...

 Orcs 

The first Orc moves quickly and carefully along the edge of the thick woods, using the bursh and interposing trees as cover as a second bolt from Natalia whizzes through the air, he is building for a tremendous charge...
 
 Spoiler 
OL to H6 AC15(+2) HP:30
 


The second Orc, drops Mortin with an audible thud, moving through the trees and staying to cover...
 
 Spoiler 
OV moves to L5 AC15(+4) HP:20/23
 
achinca
 Outside of Linwood 

Her point being made, Miriam looks at all the people present and just says '  Let's go  '.

She motions the orcs to get up and tells the guards. '  You go first. Then the orcs then my friends and I. We will be back in Linwood in 5 minutes and we can puts them in jail. Does Linwood has a jail?  '
Zman
 Orc Trail  
 Spoiler 
I'm NPCing Kurts action since I have some time to be online right now and may not be on till later due to going back to work.

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...4Q2RJU2c#gid=0 
 

  Kurt  

Kurt quickly loads another quarrel, smashing back the string with a quick stomp of his boot.  He takes aim, hoping that Natalia and Valen can hold the furthest Orc...
 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Critical (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Damage (d8)[ 7 ] 
Vs AC 21(with range)

Well this hasn't been going too well for any of us, now has it.  Can't expect to hit that well in the woods, but I'd expect it to be better than 5 misses!
 

  Valen  

Seeing the orcs advance and the inevitable conclusion, Valen tosses his bow down as he moves to draw the orc off of Natalia, reinforcing his Arcane defenses along the way.  He holds his sword high, and shouts an insult in a deep reverberating language that his attackers would never understand.

 
 Spoiler 
Casts Shield, moves.
 
Athedia
Mithril fell backwards in shock after Miriam's display.  The normally nice cleric had  scared her speechless.  Her words finally sinking in she went to help hoist the orcs to their feet.
Zman
 Orc Trail 

The Orcs restraint falters as they close the difference quickly, willing to expose themselves to taste their enemies blood quicker...

 
 Spoiler 

Orcs move closer, now within melee range(of Kurt and Valen), both are AC13 as the lose their dex when they are running since they don't have the Run feat(Hint Natalia).

Natalia is up, I'll wait for her or until this afternoon so she can rethink her action giving the current situation.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Kill or be killed; Natalia thought she'd have a chance to set a quick snare--but the orcs ran too quickly and now she's out of time. She takes her rapier and hand crossbow, flanking the orc attacking Kurt and praying that she'll actually land a hit while the orc is distracted.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (d4)[ 1 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 3 ] 
 


The crossbow bolt goes wide like all the others, but the rapier sinks deep into the orc's shoulder. Natalia then ducks back behind the tree if she can.
Cavelcade
Kurt drops the crossbow and takes his axe out, grinning as he faces the orc head on.  "Better! No more hiding!"  Desiring to end the fight as soon as possible, he sacrifices accuracy for power.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack: -2 to attack, +4 to damage. -2 cancels out flanking bonus.
 (1d20+7)[ 26 ] Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 19 ] Crit
 (1d12+10)[ 12 ] Damage
 


He grins at the satisfying crunch his axe makes as it connects.  "That's more like it!"  Even without raging, his blood seems to boil.
Zman
  Valen  

As the Orc closes the distance Valen works himself into a Fernzy, whipping his great blade in violent powerful arcs... His first clips the large Orc at the knees and his follow though bleaves an oblique arc down its body.

 
 Spoiler 

Whirling Frenzy(1)
Power Attack -1  (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Critical  (d20+6)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (2d6+9)[ 17 ] 

Whirling Frenzy
Power Attack -1  (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Critical  (d20+4)[ 9 ] 
Damage  (2d6+9)[ 19 ] 
 
Zman
 Orc 

The Veteran Orc moves quickly and is taken off guard by a precise rapier stike from his side which the barbarian capitalizes upon with a mighty swipe of his axe.  The Orc attempts to fell his foe before being overwhelmed... But the piercing stab to his shoulder causes his tremendous blow to miss its mark leaving himself open.

 
 Spoiler 

Power Attack -2  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Critical  (d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Damage  (2d4+10)[ 17 ]  Wowsers!

Natalia is up, probably want a 5ft step then flank sneak attack for the kill.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Watching her attack quite possibly save Kurt's life, Natalia ducks to the side of the orc and attacks with her rapier, then flings her dagger at him.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6)[ 3 ]  plus Sneak Attack  (d6)[ 5 ] 

Attack:  (d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (d4)[ 2 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (d6)[ 1 ] 
 


The rapier blow somehow misses, but the dagger lodges between the orc's ribs; he drops to the ground in a quickly growing pool of blood. With a sigh, Natalia pulls out her dagger, wipes it clean, then sheathes it. The rogue turns to Kurt and says,  "Looking for Morton, back soon." 
Zman
 Orc Atrail 

When another quick jab of her rapier the second Orc falls, bleeding to the ground.  The orcs fell to their aggression...and the blades of their enemies.

 
 Spoiler 

Well, that was easier than expected. Any one Crit could have killed us!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Nodding to Valen as he stops whirling around and hacking an already-dead orc to bits, Natalia says to him,  "Both down, finding Morton. Scavenge!"  When she finally comes across Morton...

 
 Spoiler 
I know, that was close!

I guess one heal check is coming up in a moment.
 
CoffeeIncluded
When Natalia comes across Morton, she tries to ascertain his condition. If he looks like he's dying from his wounds, she tries to stabilize him, mimicking what Miriam did to help heal her and her friends.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal:  (d20+1)[ 16 ]  (Awwight!)

I don't expect to make this check, but you never know. I'm posting it right now because I'm headed to dinner any minute.
 


If Natalia can't stabilize Morton and he's dying, then she pours her potion of Cure Light Wounds down his throat.

 
 Spoiler 
Cure Light Wounds potion:  (d20+1)[ 12 ]  (Sorry, wrong roll, though I guess it doesn't matter since I stabilized him if he was dying)
 


If Morton is alive, stable, and not dying, then she rouses him and says,  "Safe, killed captors."  She also says that if she poured her potion down his throat and woke him up that way.
Zman
 Outside of Linwood 

The group leads the orcs the short trek back to Linwood, the orcs and guards scared into obediene by Miriam.  They are greetd by the Mayor and another two of the Veteren guard.

 "You..you, took captives? 
Admiral
Shiny nods.  "It's the only way to gain further intelligence on the orcs, and to find and save Mortin. Let's get them to the jail without delay." 
Zman
 Linwood 
 Mayor Benton 
 "Fine, take them and question them there, we can execute them tomorrow morning." . The mayor coldly responded, his disgust at the Orcs visible.
Admiral
 "Does anyone in this town speak their vile language?"  As is his nature, Shiny had already adjusted his manner to accommodate his audience's attitudes.  "If not, interrogation will be trickier, though not impossible." 

Shiny escorts the orcs to the jail, where he makes sure they're locked in before he starts his interrogation.
Athedia
Mithril followed Shiny to the jail.  She waited until the other villagers had left before speaking.   "Will they really execute them, even if they are helpless?  It... it doesn't seem fair."   She looked away at this last statement, embarrassed at her unease.
CoffeeIncluded
Upon feeling Morton's cold shoulder and the lack of flowing blood from his deep wounds, Natalia jumps back. A few minutes later, Valen and Kurt see her hauling Morton's body somewhat gingerly. She places him to the ground and shakes her head while closing her eyes.

Natalia begins carefully searching the orcs' bodies (take 20 on both for 29) and says,  "Take our time, no more reapings today."  Her voice may be quiet, but her thoughts are angry, buzzing, and leaning in one direction.

  I knew something was up, I knew there was a trap of sorts, I knew we should have stayed and booby trapped the whole damn town and defended our home turf, if we did maybe the guards and Morton wouldn't have died...Why didn't they listen to me or Mithril or Miriam?!  
achinca
Hearing the mayor's reaction freeze Miriam's blood. She also notice how Shiny attitude and tone has switched.

She whispers to the wizard '  I think they should be kept prisoners and may be used as bargaining chips but I have a problem with executing them without a trial. If we do that, we are no better than an orc tribe.'  

She cleans her mace from the blood and bones of the orc veteran's head while thnking ' What teaching did Calric told me about such a situation? Damn you, Old Man, why didn't you prepare me for situation like this? '
Zman
 Mayor Benton-Linwood 

Looking at the small Gnome,  "We'd best fetch Max, I think he might speak it.  He runs the inn. Over yonder."  The Mayor points to the large Inn on the northwest side of town.

The mayor again looks at the Orcs, "Get that filth out of here.". He starts moving away, trying to direct th remnants of chaos around him.
Zman
 Linwood-Town Hall 

Mithril and Shiny are led to a small room off the Town Hall that served as it's jail, a simple room with wooden walls and a thick wooden door.  A small hole in the door allows you to see in.  Once the Orcs are inside the Guards close and bar the door, saying in place, obviously not accustomed to operating in this capacity.
Zman
  Valen-Orc Trail  

 At seeing how distraught Natalia is, Valen comes over t her and Mortins body.  "He died well, few can ask for more. Well bury him in Linwood as a hero."  

Before moving the body he mutters in Draconic opening his eyes wide as they glow in faint gold.  He examines the body for some time before stripping Mortin of his possessions, then putting the potbellied man over his shoulder with careful, measured, respectful, actions.

Valen also looks over the Orcs closely, leaving the bulk of their possessions to be carried by Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Detect magic, once or twice if needed.  Takes all items of interest off Mortin.
 
Admiral
Once the orcs have been locked in, Shiy bids the nearest guard to fetch Max as a translator, and waits for him to come.

After the disgust the others have shown toward the orcs, Shiny has decided to play the good guy in his interrogation. He sits cross-legged in the jail across from the orcs, watching them intently, his face betraying a hint or sympathy.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses as she strips the second orc of his possessions, pocketing the odd gold pieces and unknown vial to identify later. She drags him back along with his things and says to Kurt and Valen,  "Only mostly dead. Found these on him,"  she says, holding up the vial and gold pieces, and also the bag of gems on the other orc.  "Leave him and fight him again...What to do?"  She thinks for a moment and says,  "Interrogation? Leaders know more than minions."  And Natalia wants more proof that she was right and it was a trap and they should have listened to her and the girls. But also... "No more killing today...Please?" 

At Valen's reaction, she asks,  "Magic items?"  And at his words she says,  "But still dead." 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks at the orc and then sighs.  "Do you have rope?" 
Zman
  Valen-Orc Trail

"Leave the animal to his fate, if he's strong enough, he'll live. I won't carry him."   Valen is stern, his distaste for the Orc evident as h stands there, Mortins corpse laying over his shoulder.
achinca
Miriam waits for Max to arrive. Then she will have a series of questions:

1) How big is your tribe?
2) Do you have shamans and wizards?
3) Who is the leader?
4) Why attacking now?
5) Are you willing to give up fighting?
Cavelcade
 "We cannot let him free if he's just going to come back again."  His unhappiness with the situation showing through his beard and helm, his voice troubled as he speaks up.
Zman
 Linwood Town Hall 

The smell of stiff ale announced the appearance of Max, a worn tall broad chested man who looked somewhere between 40 and 50.  He had the bearing of a man who once walked difficult roads. He still wore his barkeep apron.

 Max

"I hear yous are to thank for saving the town a few bariel plots. Names Max." 

He exchanges a few words with the group befor posing his first question.

 (Orcish)"How big is your tribe?" . Th Orcs responds in sharp guttural responses,  "He says 'Many', plus a couple of insults that don't translate very well."

"(Orcish) Do you have shamens or mages?" . An Orc responds, in a longer more fluid response followed by what sounds like laughing,  "He says something along the lines of 'Grumsch will piss on our corpses.'" 
Admiral
Shiny hates rudeness more than almost anything. Without warning, and from his same relaxed position, he twists his fingers into a series of arcane motions, speaks a few words, and casts  charm person  on the orc who had just answered.

 
 Spoiler 

DC 15 Will save (16 if he's flatfooted, which I'm not sure of), and he gets a +5 to the save for being threatened.
 
Zman
 Linwood Townhall 


In an instant the Orcs demeanor changes,  (Orcish)"I am sorry friend, for my rudeness.  I will be as helpful as I ca...."  his speech is cut off as the other Orc attacks him, tying to beat his traitorous companion to death,  (Orcish)"Traiterous bastard!" 

Max does his best to translate as even he is caught off guard by the Orcs sudden change in attitude.

Caught off guard by both Shiny and the Orcs action, the first Orc has already been knocked unconscious as the first tries to beat the life out of him.

 
 Spoiler 

Will Save (d20+3)[ 12 ] 
 
Admiral
Shiny reacts to the new situation without expression, swiveling back and aiming a  sleep  spell towards the cell.

 
 Spoiler 
If I aim it past the orcs, couldn't Shiny keep Miriam and Mithril out of the radius? Either way, 4 HD of creatures will get a DC 15 Will save.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia says,  "Can't leave him, or we'll have an angry orc. I say interrogate and decide then...Please Valen, Kurt, no more killing,"  she finishes lamely, with a slight whine at the end of the sentence. Natalia looks down, trying to figure out what was off about the gold pieces and seeing if she can identify the vial.

 
 Spoiler 
Appraise (Vial):  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Spellcraft (Vial):  (d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Appraise (Gold pieces):  (d20+4)[ 15 ] 
 


With a smile Natalia scratches off the dried blood from two coins and mutters,  "Platinum in disguise. 38 gold, 58 from before included." 
Cavelcade
 Orc Trail. 
 "Natalia, rope?"  Kurt gives her shoulder a light poke to remind her of his presence.  "If we can tie him up, could carry him...maybe. Slowly." 
Zman
 Linwood Townhall 

With another burst of arcane energies, Shiny steps forwrd and attempts to put the Orc to sleep,  but has difficulty aiming within the small cell catching himself in the drowsy blast.  The Orc fury shakes off the enchantment.

Max quickly throws open the door...
 
 Spoiler 

Will Save (d20-2)[ 16 ] 

The cell is very small and anyone around the doorway is fair game, I'll roll randomly for who gets hit
1: Miriam
2: Mithril
3: Max
4: Shiny
 (d4)[ 4 ] guess shiny stepped too close trying to cast that spell.

Well call this Mithril and Miriam's turn.
 
Admiral
Shiny lunged too far forward with his sleep spell and caught himself in the blast, hardly the first time it has happened to the careless gnome.

 
 Spoiler 

Will Save:  (1d20+1)[ 4 ] 
 


Shiny drowsily raises his finger in a calming motion.  "Not to worry. I can fix-"  He then unceremoniously flops backward into oblivion.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and takes the silk rope, tying it under both of the orc's arms and using it to drag him back to Linwood.
Athedia
Mithril shook the little gnome awake  "See what those kind of spells do.  Let me cast a more resistance on the four of us, before you try something like that again.  Max translate for me, if you kill that orc then you will get the same treatment, mindbending and death." 
Admiral
Shiny is unusually tough to wake up, as he mumbles groggily in his sleep as though in a dream.  "Yes...... I'm Shiny McShine, shiner of shines and shining shine.... 

Finally he snorts awake and looks up at Mithril.  "Oh." 
CoffeeIncluded
The orc's body is heavy, and Natalia's barely able to drag the orc half-slump over her shoulder, half-scraping the ground. She grunts with exertion but doesn't say anything; Valen and Kurt are carrying enough and this was her idea.

However, the orc is too heavy and she is soon tapping Kurt's shoulder and asking,  "Help?" 
Zman
 Orc Trail 

Seeing Natalia Struggle, Valen feels for her, but he is already carrying enough to make the trip back difficult,   "There is a simple solution, one where he will never threaten another again..."  
Zman
 Max-Linwood Town Hall 

After opening the door, Max reacts quickly, pulling a dagger out of his belt and attempting to stop the maddened Orc,  (Orcish)"Back!"  as he swipes at it with the dagger... Though he has aged much the last twenty years his arms still knows the feel of a blade and it slips between the ribs of the Orc, it cries out in pain and falls back against the wall of the cell.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (d20)[ 8 ] 
Critical  (d20)[ 6 ] 
Damage (d4+1)[ 5 ] Drops it to 0HP
The other orc is merely unconscious and is alive and still charmed.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt just shrugs a bit, thinking about it.  "Natalia, can you tie my load onto the orc? I will carry them both." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia does so, then picks up the orc's feet.  "Help out too,"  she says as they head back to town.

In response to Valen, she says,  "Please. Information, not more death." 
Cavelcade
Kurt sighs to himself as he marches onwards, not wanting to tell Natalia what he suspects will happen to the orc when they get back to town.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia figures that the people of Linwood would be more interested in learning about future attacks than desiring more bloodshed at the moment.
Zman
 Outside of Linwood 

Natalia, Kurt, and Valen trudged back to Linwood, the Orc regained consciousness near the edge of the Town, though it was in too rough of shape to put up a fight.  All three of them dead on their feet.

Valen lowered Mortins lifeless form down onto the ground near the center of the town he died defending, a hero.

  "He died well."  
Admiral
Once Shiny is up, he points to the unconscious charmed orc, his cunning already returning despite his recent misadventures.

 "He'll be charmed for hours. We can use this attack to our advantage. We should get him outside the cell- he won't run or fight while he's under the influence of the spell. Take him-" 

Suddenly he looks disoriented while staring at the two orcs, as though he can't tell the difference.  "It was  that  one we charmed, right? Anyway, let's do it." 

Once they get the orc out of the cell, Shiny asks the guards to keep a lookout outside the prison.  "If anyone comes in here and sees an orc free, they might attack him. That could break the spell and put everyone in danger. As long as we all stay friendly to him, he'll be friendly to us. Max: You especially will have to be kind to him." 
Cavelcade
Kurt keeps dragging the orc on for a few steps before he realises the others have stopped.
achinca
Miriam rolls her eyes at MAx translations '  LEt me guess. He is saying what he will do to my mother and all kind of things he will insert in our various orifices. So creative! Don't he get it we are his last chance?  

Before Max can answer, Shiny charm one orc and then puts himself to sleep. She sights and when Shiny wakes up, she taps him on the shoulder. '  Listen, little gnome. This is the second time today you put asleep a party member. You cannot keep doing that. I cannot prevent you from using your magic, short of constantly knowing you unconscious but I want you to make me a promise. Before you use a spell near one of our friend, ask yourself the question: Will Miriam be happy I did it? If the answer is no, may be you might want to . hold off the spell. And for example, the last two times you cast sleep, Miriam was not happy.  '

She turns around and thinks to herself ' Why did I do to inherit such a child???? '

She looks at Mithril. '  I am afraid that the orcs natural violent behavior will be enough for the Mayor to order their them to their death. Given what they said and did and Max as a witness, I cannot really defend them and keep them alive. It is clear that they are still in battle mode. I cannot even use the information we get as a proof of surrender because it was gained under a charming spell.  '

She turns to Max '  Let's restarts the question. And give me a sing if there is any mention of doing unconscionable things to my body or my mother's  .
CoffeeIncluded
When the Mayor comes over, Natalia's anger and frustration releases.  "Died defending a trap, a trap we knew about. Trapmaster knows traps! Should have stayed like Miriam, Mithril, I said. Fewer deaths that way." 

She sighs and points to the barely conscious orc she and Valen are restraining and says,  "Killed one leader, captured weapons and other. Leaders know more raids than minions." 

She had cautiously tasted the contents of the vial on the way back to Linwood, ready to spit it out and flush her mouth if it had the bitter vile taste of poison. But instead the cut on her shoulder stung a bit less; Natalia figures it's some sort of healing potion.
Zman
 Max-Linwood Town Hall 

After the turmoil and quick action you take a good look at Max, he's nearing 50, walks like a man worn to the bone.  But, it's his face which holds your attention, some deep scars and one eye had been removed in a violent fashion.  He begins to question the Orc again...

After a few moments of discourse,  "He says they are led by the Eyes of Gruumsch..."  he visible falters, clenching shut the place where his eye once was,  "he says one is a strong warrior, and the other is a mighty priest to the father.  I think i met this priest in my younger years, fanatical and vile for an Orc, uses jis own removed and desicatedeye as a talismen to his vile god.  Their tribe has somehow come to an uneasy peace with the other powers in the area, the Ogres, the Gnolls, and Hill Giants.  This has let them focus on removing the 'softskins'.  He also says, they will never stop fighting, they are Orcs..." 
achinca
Miriam nods at Max. '  So we have a strong warrior as the front man while an insane evil cleric of Gruum'sh pulls the strings. If he is fanatical enough to pull out his own eye, we are in for a fight to the death.  '

She continues '  I am also concerned that they were able to make a peace with gnolls, ogres and hill giants. As Calric taught me, these races are not known to compromise. Things could get ugly for Linwood. Can we get a sense of how big the tribe is and where the nest it?  '

Finally she adds '  I think that this is still an open war and these two are warriors who have not surrendered. I will let the mayor do what he will have to do. I wish they understood I could have helped them.  '

She turns to Max '  Anything you can tell her on that Gruum'sh cleric?  '
Zman
 Max-Linwood Town Hall 

Max composes himself,  "He says the tribe is small but strong, maybe five score warriors.  He doesn't know why there is peace, only that they can now retake the human lands." 

In response to Miriam's second question, Max hesitates obviously drawing up some bad memories, "I was much younger, had it in my head to look for my Great great granddads legacy, up in the mountains and hills to the north. We can a small group, skilled adventurers like yourself..... One day we were ambushed.....he killed and tortured each one if them in front of me..lslowly....the things he did to that priest of Tyr.....then he plucked out my ee and set me free...'To spread the gospel of Gruumch'... 

Max stops, shuddering....
achinca
Mirian puts her hand on the shoulder of the older man and then give him a hug. '  It is OK, Max. I am sorry I brought back these memories. May be you will get a chance at revenge and peace .....  '

She turns around Mithril and Shiny '  I am concerned this is now a holy war. That nasty Grummsh priest might be on a mission to reconquer the lands. This would mean total war and not end unless they win the land or die trying. Holy war are never pleasant. It brings fanaticism and horror. I hope I am wrong.  '

Finally she adds '  remember, I am just a simple farm girl who knows nothing so I am probably seeing things which do not exist. The danger is not likely as bad as I think.  '
Athedia
Mithril shook after hearing his story of the past.   "Miriam, what about the others.  They went after the orcs, do you think this cleric got them?
" 
achinca
Miriam's turns white '  No. Please don't say that. St Cuthbert, I beg you, please make sure that Natalia, Kurt and Valen comes back in one piece. Please .....  '
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Before Max can answer, Shiny charm one orc and then puts himself to sleep. She sights and when Shiny wakes up, she taps him on the shoulder. '  Listen, little gnome. This is the second time today you put asleep a party member. You cannot keep doing that. I cannot prevent you from using your magic, short of constantly knowing you unconscious but I want you to make me a promise. Before you use a spell near one of our friend, ask yourself the question: Will Miriam be happy I did it? If the answer is no, may be you might want to . hold off the spell. And for example, the last two times you cast sleep, Miriam was not happy.  ' 
 

Shiny nods, apparently engrossed.  "Don't you worry. You can trust Shiny Lawlover, obedience trainer and nobleman, to act appropriately and with caution."  He pats Miriam on the back reassuringly and, the moment his eyes flicker away, appears to forget she exists.
Zman
 Max-Linwood Town Hall 
 "Thank you... Swing by the inn tonight, I'll give you all a hot meal and a bed for the night.  I may even tell you the tale of my great great grandfather over some ale."  He responds to Miriam's hug with one of his own that lasts perhaps a moment longer than it should have.


One of the younger guard enters the hall and announces that the others have seen sighted in the distance carrying someone and dragging another.
Cavelcade
Kurt shrugs at Natalia's words.  "Maybe, maybe not. We sprang the trap on our terms, at least, and made them pay. Come on, I'm sick of dragging this one. I just want to sit down."  The normally stoic dwarf seems subdued, his shoulder slumped a little as he starts dragging the orc forward again.
achinca
Miriam does not give a second thought at Max' extended hug. After all, she was taught by Calric that older men tend to give longer hug. She tells the one eye ma '  I will stop by if I can. I would be more than happy to the stories about your ancestors'  .

When she hears that the others are in view, she says '  Mithril, Shiny, see what other information we can get from the charmed orc, thank to Max here. I will meet the other to see if they need my skills  .'

She rushes at the encounters of the others, ready to provide first aid care if needed.
Zman
  Valen  

Seeing Miriam, the mayor and some guards heading towards them, Valen call out,   "No rush lady, the only me in need to attention is the Orc."  
achinca
Miriam takes a deep breath and finally gives Valen a real smile.

'  Good to hear! I was so worried about all 3 of you. Now what about .....'  

She stops as she sees Mortin's body, answering her questions. With a lot of sadness in her voice, she says '  I am not sure if he was a good man as I am a farm girl who knows nothing but even I know that he died a hero.  

She approaches Natalia '  How are you doing Sister? Mithril will be happy to see you.  '
Athedia
 "Does this cleric have a name?"   Mithril wanted to see if she had ever read anything about this orc, they featured in many historical texts, mostly as the enemy.
Zman
 Max-Linwood Town Hall 

In response to Mithril,  I've only ever called him Old One Eye, and I can't quite pronounce the name he gave him." .  In reference to the Orc.   "Bastard is pure evil, don't matter what his name is." 
Cavelcade
 "The orcs were tired and Natalia probably saved my life, but we are unharmed."  Kurt smiles a little for Miriam.
Admiral
Shiny continues his interrogation.  "Ask him where the orc camp is,"  he tells Max.
Zman
 MAx-Linwood Town Hall 

Following Shinys lead,  "HE says, it's northeast along the Mountains.  Follow the the range north until you see the great bird stone, maybe 15 miles..." 
achinca
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "The orcs were tired and Natalia probably saved my life, but we are unharmed."  Kurt smiles a little for Miriam. 
 

She approached Kurt '  Master Dwarf, are you in need of my services?  '
Admiral
 Linwood Town Hall 

Shiny continues through his interpreter:  "How many orcs guard the camp? How many go in each raiding party?" 

Once he hears the answer, he follows up with  "Tonight was the worst raid the town has seen. Is another raid planned for the future?" 
Cavelcade
 "No, no I'm fine. Her aim was true, first to his arm and then to his throat." 

Nodding back to Natalia.
achinca
Miriam looks back at Natalia and jests '  So our trapmaster is turning into quite a killing machine. Valen, are you giving her secrete training sessions?  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels a twinge of pride at Kurt's complement, then squirms uncomfortably at Miriam's jest.  "Dunno...Just glad you're safe..."  She rubs her shoulder, which is still bleeding a bit, and smiles when Miriam says Mithril is concerned about her.
Zman
  "What we do in secret is little of your concern dear lady of the land and lay people, for you are naught but a simple farm girl."  Valen add with a wide whit toothed smile and a wink to Natalia as he expects a sudden and strong reaction from Miriam.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can actually feel herself flush all the way down to her shoulders. She tries to open her mouth but only a strangled wheeze can be heard. Valen--She--That is--No. No. No no no no no.
achinca
Miriam straightens up and go stand in front of Valen '  Listen Warrior, I might be a simple farm girl but II have had my eyes on you since you crashed our party. We already have had this discussion. If I ever found out you took advantage of Natalia, you will hear from me! Understood?  '

Before the hunky barbarian can reply, she walks toward Natalia and asks her in a whispers '  Natalia, do you need to drink Moon Tea?  '
Zman
Valen let's out a huge throaty laugh at Miriam's response.
Zman
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  Linwood Town Hall 

Shiny continues through his interpreter:  "How many orcs guard the camp? How many go in each raiding party?" 

Once he hears the answer, he follows up with  "Tonight was the worst raid the town has seen. Is another raid planned for the future?"  
 

 Mac-Linwood Town Hall 
 " If our warriors do not come home, the Eyes of Gruumsch will turn their sight here, and this place will burn.  You should leave friend."  Max translates for the Orc.
CoffeeIncluded
Moon...Tea? It takes a moment for Natalia to figure out why Miriam wants her to drink it, and when she does the rogue actually yelps,  "Ack! No, not happening!" 

She really needs to tell Miriam, to prevent any more misunderstandings.
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head a bit, frowning.  "Miriam her fighting is her own. Believe me, she fights like no brute force barbarian type I know of. Trust her."  Too many people around, for him, he's having trouble forming his thoughts in a more...jovial way.
Zman
 Mayor Benton-Edge of Town 

The shirt and fat man approaches with a few guard,  "How did it go......  he trails off as he sees Mortins body and the wounded Orc,  "Shame, we could use every sword we can muster.  Another Orc for the dawn.... On that note how is the interrogation progressing?"  he finishes by addressing Mirium.
achinca
Miriam nods at Natalia. '  Well Sister, this is not shameful. If you need it, I can brew it for you. Don't be afraid to ask. I would never judge you. I used it.  '

She nods at Kurt '  Glad to learn that she starting to develop on her own. People with her skills can be very deadly.  '

Miriam approaches the Mayor '  Sir, I left before the interrogation was over to see if any of this group needed healing. What we learn is not good. The orcs tribe has made peace with the other evil races like the gnolls, ogres and hill giants. Their official leader is a strong warrior but the real one pulling the string is an evil cleric, Old One Eyes. He is cruel and evil to the core. Things get worse. The orc tribe is on some kind of Holy war, ready to reconquer the human occupied land for Gruumsh. This is not a raid. This is war. I do not know the size of the orc forces but I would expect them to be quite big  .
CoffeeIncluded
Miriam's taken moon tea? Well, she did say that she had had a boyfriend...

Natalia pales at Miriam's information. She had been expecting raiding parties of ten to twenty at a time. She doubts even her traps can withstand nearly a hundred orcs at once, or even if she has the supplies for this kind of job. And if they had made peace with the gnolls, hill giants, and ogres, then just removing the orcs would make things worse. If only Torin and Karik were here...The rogue bites her lip and twists her long fingers together.  "Need more information. Need to discuss options." 
achinca
Miriam looks at the wounded orc they brought back '  May be this one will know more.  '

She turns to the Mayor '  I want to insist that this is a war they believe they can win easily. The two prisoners were defiant and showed no intention to surrender.  I was surprised to see such a behavior from two prisoners.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Fanatics?"  she asks Miriam,  "Their own influence or the cleric's?" 
achinca
Miriam replies to Natalia '  Orcs are simple creatures that can be easily manipulated into fanatics by the right priest. Now, what is driving his fanaticism is  mystery to me. May be Shiny and Mithril found more information.  '
Zman
 Linwood Town hall 

The prisoner's interrogation continues a while more, you believe there is little more that he can tell you besides their party was due back in five days time. Mid they fail to return, a full scale attack is likely, probably two or three or four score warriors led by their leader, maybe more.  Though, they are likely to send scouts first.  Also, the Orc mentions a hooded one, one he does not know that has been seen around his leaders. He doesn't have anymore information on him/her.  In his charmed state he is willing to lead you to his leaders.


 
 Spoiler 
Feel free to exit the Town Hall and join the conversation outside.
 

 Mayor Benton 

In response to Miriam's information,  "Things are dire indeed.  There is no way we can standup to a full scale invasion.  We must have aid....we shall send another messenger to Hulburg....though, they've been engaged in hostilities on multiple fronts already, their roads and outlining settlements have been facing trouble.  I've even heard the hill giants have attacked their mining operations in the North and east.  We could petition Glister for aid, though it'd cost us any comfort we know and empty bellies, they have one of the finest armies around.  Can Linwood count on your aid?"  the Mayor seems to be unraveling slightly under the pressure.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Mayor Benton 

In response to Miriam's information,  "Things are dire indeed.  There is no way we can standup to a full scale invasion.  We must have aid....we shall send another messenger to Hulburg....though, they've been engaged in hostilities on multiple fronts already, their roads and outlining settlements have been facing trouble.  I've even heard the hill giants have attacked their mining operations in the North and east.  We could petition Glister for aid, though it'd cost us any comfort we know and empty bellies, they have one of the finest armies around.  Can Linwood count on your aid?"  the Mayor seems to be unraveling slightly under the pressure. 
 

 "It can."  Shiny is approaching the mayor from behind.

 "We've learned much from the captive orc. We learned that their tribe is made up of five score warriors, stationed northeast along the mountains, by the great bird stone. And we learned that the party that attacked was due back in five days. If they don't return, a full invasion is inevitable. Whatever plan we enact, we have to do it quickly. But we'll be right there with you." 
CoffeeIncluded
And the hill giants are attacking? Orcs and the other creatures don't make peace easily, and for them to band around a common target without any sign of provocation...Natalia asks the mayor,  "Any provocation? And help how we can, but not to death." 

If the mayor denies, which he almost certainly will, Natalia turns to her friends. It's so unlikely that the orcs would ally themselves with gnolls, hill giants, and ogres, and then attack on several fronts, there has to be some sort of outside force.  "Find the puppetmaster,"  she says to the entire group once they return, probably before Mithril and Shiny can fully report.
achinca
Miriam nods at the Mayor   'We are on. Although 5 versus 50 is a lost cause. The hooded man makes senses. First he makes the evil races to accept a forced peace. Then they each attack various town to prevent an unified answer. I will not tell you what to do about Glister as it is not my future I would be mortgaging.  This is a bigger problem than just a few raiding orcs. This is a methodical war. We have 5 days to prepare or take the flight to them. I would defer to the fighter around me to suggest battle strategy. I am after all, as Valen like to say, just a farm girl who knows nothing  .'

After that she takes a step back.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Allies against allies,"  says Natalia.  "Return hostages, or prepare for siege. Find the puppetmaster, trap the town for war."  Despite the dire situation, the rogue finds herself a bit giddy at the chance to put her skills to the test.
Zman
  "We do have three captive Orcs.... In five days time we could find some enemy to attack, leaving Bly their dead and three orcs as evidence..."    Valen adds his suggestion, a grimm proposal.
achinca
Valen's proposal takes Miriam by surprise. '  You want to break the truce by attacking a monster race and leaving our dead prisoner as a decay to pretend that the orcs did it. I am not sure how I feel about that  .'

She takes a step back, thinking to herself. ' Calric, help me here. Is this as evil as it sounds? Dammed you old man, you die too soon, I have so much you have to teach me. '

After a long silence she says '  I will need to pray to St. Cuthbert and asks for His advice.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "And take on giants?"  Natalia hesitates before adding,  "...Too much? Traps and reinforcements, but ask about the puppetmaster,"  she says, pointing to the unconscious orc. This is quickly getting out of their control. Who wants Linwood wiped off the map, and why? They need answers.
Zman
  "We take our three prisoners, find a band of Gnolls, or a couple of Ogres, quickly attack, end it decisively.  And then we leave our prisoners...they were to be executed anyway...where they will be found.  They might as well die for our noble cause."  . Valen can see the immediate internal struggle within Miriam.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia likes the idea of the trap, but she still has some hesitations.  "And if they aren't found, or the anger is still directed at us? And not before more information."  She needs to know just what they've got themselves into. Besides,  "Is it only orcs against Linwood?" 
CoffeeIncluded
After a few moments' thought, Natalia realizes something else.  "Wait! Not a one-sided peace; what if a gnoll, ogre, hill giant puppetmaster too?" 
Athedia
Mithril spoke up, she had followed Shiny out of the jail.  "The first thing we must do is send the old, children and all those who can not fight away.  If we must fight a large force then our first job is to make sure they are safe.  We can send some of the people who know how to fight with them to ensure their safety and ask for more people to come help.  Whatever we do, we should sleep now.  Minds work better for thinking if they are not up all night." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia agrees with Mithril with an additional reason:  "No accidentally triggered traps."  She also whispers in Mithril's ear,  "Found some magic items."  They only have a few days to act, and have to work quickly.
achinca
Miriam stays silent listening to her friends discussing. Nothing make sense to her. She does not know how Valen plans to find gnolls or where Mithril thinks she can put the defenless one into safety or how Natalia can thinks she will have the ressources and the time to set up efficient traps.

But she says nothing. She knows her role. Keep them alive. And stops them from doing Evil. That last past is really eating her as she wonders if Valen is not secretely evil for suggesting such a ruse.

She is also worried about the gnome jumping on an idea and going nuts with it.

So many worries. Her forehead frowns as she has so many concerns but she stays silent. As Calric told her many time, she is a farm girl that knows nothing and needs to learn by listening.

So she stands there in silence, listening.
Cavelcade
Kurt considers the plan, then frowns a bit.  "Shiny...you can disguise us as orcs? Then we attack. Use the charmed one to lead us there, maybe? We can leave the other's bodies there as proof." 

His tone coming out more gruffly than intended, he doesn't like the idea of executing them like that, but it does lead to an idea he prefers.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt considers the plan, then frowns a bit.  "Shiny...you can disguise us as orcs? Then we attack. Use the charmed one to lead us there, maybe? We can leave the other's bodies there as proof." 

His tone coming out more gruffly than intended, he doesn't like the idea of executing them like that, but it does lead to an idea he prefers. 
 

 "No such disguises, not for all of us anyway... but if they're usually enemies, I reckon I could talk them into attacking on their own!"  Shiny breaks out into a wide grin. Despite the subject matter, his smile isn't bloodthirsty or fiendish- he looks more like he just remembered a classic joke from his childhood.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is still worried, and convinced that there's someone, or multiple somebodies, pulling the strings in the background.  "Something made peace, can they remake it? We...Need more information. Ask the leader about the puppetmaster." 

Natalia runs her spindly fingers over each other, then over her stone necklace, feeling the smooth black obsidian slowly warm from blue to red under her fingers. If her plan to hunker down and prepare for a siege is to work, they'll need items. She asks the mayor,  "Supplies left?" 
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

To Shiny,  "I am glad that you are willing to aid us, noble Gnome." 

To Natalia,  "We live a simple life and do not seek trouble with the Orcs, nor any thre.  We wish to simply live in peace.  You believe that a single person, this puppeteer is responsible for all of the trouble, both here and in Hulburg?  That is a troubling thought." 

To Miriam,  "You also believe that this is the metholodical plan of an evil mastermind, how troubling indeed...  We are not at war, we are a simple town of little value.  If this is a war, we cannot fight it.  Even with all we can spare we couldnt have stopped today's attack without outside aid.  We need Hulburg...or Glister.m they have soldiers, men at arms, experience." 

He looks a bit confused at Natalia,  "We have little in ways of armaments, but we have a lumbermill, and a general store.  But most of what we have is owned by citizens.  I cannot authorize any of their properties use." 

As Valen introduces his idea, the Mayor seems a bit squeamish before hardening to th idea,  "Whether they die here tomorrow morning, or 40 miles away matters little to me.  If it can turn these Eyes of Gruumsch, im willing to help in any way I can." 

As Mithril begins to speak, the Mayor quiets Natalia,m "Girl, you are too excitable!.... We have no where to end the women and children...maybe to Hulburg, but that in itself is not guaranteed safety.  Most would rather stay, their homes and this land is all they have." 

Ass Shiny and Kurt start to create a plan,  "If you follow through with this pan, you'll be close enough to Hulburg to petition them for aid.  Though they are busy, they may have more men to spare when they find out how dire themcircumsrances are." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bites her lip. She can't do her best work without a lot of materials. She says to the mayor,  "Open the shop's contents for us?" 

In response to his other question about the single man, she says,  "Or one puppetmaster for each. Find out more from our captive."  Again, she states her preferred plan,  "Go to Hulburg, allies against allies. Learn about the puppetmaster, prepare for a siege. Evacuate, but to return."  She is open to other plans, but this is what Natalia feels is the best option.
Zman
 Mayor Benton 
 "I do not have the authority to give you someone else's property.  What materials do you require?  And how would you trap a town against an overwhelming force of Orcs?  And how will you guarantee the people's safety? Evacuation is the last resort, doing so will ruin all of our livelihoods." 
Athedia
 "Mortin rode in on a horse, didn't he?  If one of us could use that to report back to Hulburg to try to raise troops, and the rest of us tried to shore up the towns defenses..."    Mithril trailed off as she tried to remember what she knew about Hulburg.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge History  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs. With this many orcs, it's only part of a plan...And he is right, while such a task is intellectually feasible, it may not be practical, unless...

At this point Mithril speaks up, and Natalia's hopes are raised. She says,  "Defense with offense. Snares, lightning and fire traps, improvised explosions, tanglefoot bags, caltrops, poison, weaken and confuse, then mop up with Hulburg and us. List and help, we'll do what we can." 
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

In response to Mithril's question,  "I'm sure we can come up with horses to use for everyone if your are going to Hilburg, out Town Watch maintains a half dozen horses for use.  As to the man's horse, it hasn't let anyone touch her since..." 

Looking to Natalia and ignoring most of what she says,  "A diversionary attack against them may delay retribution.  A raid against them may put them in the defensive..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs.  "A direct attack...Is suicide. No. Sneaky and cunning, like foxes. Wolves stalk, bring down larger prey."  Mithril seems to remember a lot about Hulburg, more than her, and so Natalia edges closer to her friend.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (Local): [roll]d20+5[/roll] (17)
 
achinca
Miriam stays silent listening to the various plans. None of them make sense to her but she knows she is not a strategist.

Instead she wonders what she remembers Calric telling her about Gruumsh.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Religion
 (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 


Nothing. She remembers nothing about Gruumsh.
Cavelcade
Kurt thinks back to his own lessons as a warrior, then nods a bit to himself.  "Build a wall. Even wood would do. Or...a palisade? I think that is the word...build that. Have entrances - and trap them. Pits with spikes, tripwires. Teach your people a specific way in and out, mark it somehow and then get your people to help Natalia build the traps around it. Five days, and everyone helps." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Read my mind. Snares, oil fire traps, I have some poisoned caltrops. Tools fall, flour explodes, floors collapse underfoot." 
achinca
After listening to the various conversations, Miriam finally speaks up.

  Now, I would like to say something if you think I can add value.  

She waits until everyone pay attention or if people will just ignore her, she will not say anything.

She clears her throat and starts. '  I am not a strategist but someone much smarter than me once taught me that it is best to have a primary plan but you might want to add a secondary and tertiary plan in case your first plan is a failure. Now, I am the only one who expressed issues with the evilness of Valen's plan. Everyone else seems fine with it. Considering that I do not know much, I'll accept that this is the case where smarter people that me understand the situation better. So the idea is that, using horse, Valen, Shiny, Kurt and I, with the 3 dead orcs in two, will go find some gnolls, kill them and make it look like it is the work of the orcs. In the meantime, as a secondary plan, I propose that Natalia and Mithril set the town defense. Nothing like holes with spikes in it to break a charge. And the third plan would be to go to Hilburg and beg for help. Regardless of what we do, we have 5 days. The night of the 5 days will be when the horde starts moving ....  '

She takes a step back and concludes '  I pray to St. Cuthbert that one of these plans will work or Linwood will be nothing less than ashes ....  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs. Why hadn't Miriam spoken up earlier. She says to Miriam,  "Always have a second plan, but...I feel...the tricking is...too risky, not alone in opposition. And we need to...interrogate this one first."  She turns to the mayor and says,  "Why put noncombatants into combat? Linwood is safe, but Trapped Linwood is...no place for children." 

Her sentences are full of hesitations, but they are more coherent and connected than usual. Now more than ever he needs someone to take her for more than an idiot, more than Nuts.

Finally, she adds to the conversation,  "All the Linwood fighters? Need to know allies' strength, and Hulburg allies too. Supplies from there would help." 
Athedia
Mithril spoke up from the back of the group where she had been thinking.   "Hulburg has had problems with Orcs and their new allies  before.  I believe that they would try to stop their city from being destroyed again.  The plan that you have Valen, while good, sounds morally grey. But other than whether it is ethical lies the question, how long would it take news to reach the group we are trying to instigate?"  Mithril took Whiskers from his spot on her shoulders and hugged him close, nervous about the day's to come.
CoffeeIncluded
Again, Mithril added an excellent point.  "Orcs know us, know they were here, but not gnolls, not there." 

That came out badly, even for her. Natalia looks down and scuffs the dirt with her boot, imagining it scorched black with fire traps, the heat so intense she can feel its redness dozens of feet away. Funny, she's always been more interested in lightning. But then again that can spark a fire just as well as a lit match.
Cavelcade
 "Whatever we decide we should probably do tonight. We should set out early, with a purpose in mind." 

Kurt sighs then, leaning against his axe, he just wants to find some room alone for a while if he can.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia falls silent as well; the exhaustion has finally caught up to her. Right now, she just wants to sleep and not dream.
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

Listening to all of the ideas,  "Are we sure that there will be an outright attack?  They've done nothing but raid us till this point.  If only Hulburg would could send aid, we wouldn't look like such an easy target.  I wish I knew what to do..." 
achinca
Miriam looks at the Mayor and gives him a look ' heck if I know the answer '.

She looks at the rest of the group '  So rest and hope St. Cuthbert give us the vision of what to do?  '
CoffeeIncluded
If they had only interrogated the ones Shiny knocked out, then the young pups would certainly boast about their power to the humans, whether real or now. They were probably hopefully thinking that their tribe would come to save or avenge them, that they wouldn't be forgotten. Natalia points to the barely-conscious orc she, Kurt, and Valen brought back and says,  "Need to know for sure. Leaders know more than minions."  How many times has she said this? Natalia's starting to reluctantly admit that trapping the entire town would probably do more collateral damage than it's worth, if it is even feasible. But they can't do anything without more information.  "Can't set a snare anywhere." 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head at Natalia '  The orc you brought back is in no shape to talk. I will not heal him or use supplies knowing what the town will do to him tomorrow. At this point, this is all the info we have ....  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Miriam.  "Please...Only lead, excellent lead. Don't let opportunities go." 
achinca
She crosses her arm standing in front of Natalia. '  I am out of magic. All we can do is use the wand. It is not my property. It is a group decision. I am against it.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Oh, Natalia hadn't realized.  "Drained cup?"  She turns to the mayor and asks,  "Healing potions? Enough to wake up." 
achinca
Miriam sights and tells Natalia   'Let's not wait precious healing potions. Let me check how badly you injured that orc.  '

She kneels next to the unconscious orc and checks his wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
heal check  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
 


'  I think he is not as badly wounded as I thought. Someone tie him up and have Shiny ready to charm him and Max ready to translate. Once this is done, I will heal him.  '

Once the orc is tied, Miriam will drop two cantrips to bring him to 1.
CoffeeIncluded
Of course Natalia does the tying, binding the orc to a nearby post, his hands on the opposite side from his body.
Zman
 Orc 

The Orc is tied to the post as Miriam heals him just enough to awaken, he doesn't even fight against the restraints and expends most of his energy in a simple snarl...
achinca
Miriam looks around for the trickster gnome '  Shiny Storyteller, Orc Charmer and Halfling Lawyer, when Max arrives, would you mind convince that orc into cooperating with us?  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia asks the orc,  "...Speak Common?" 
Zman
 Orc 

As Natalia addresses him, the Orc spits a vile , disgusting greenish colored ball of snot at her... Catching her right in her mouth and splattering the side of her face.

 
 Spoiler 

 Ranged Touch Attack (d20)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gags and, snatching the nearest canteen, swills out her mouth and spits right back on the orc. She wipes her face with the back of her hand and rubs it on the wall. Glaring at the orc, she steps back.
Zman
 Orc 

As Natalia spits back the Orc growls in rough common,  "Filthy little bitch!" 
Zman
  Valen  

Raises his sword to execute the Orc...

 
 Spoiler 
Probably need someone to stop him..
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...He speaks!"  she says, throwing up her hands. Natalia's words are unusually sharp,  "Praise for winning...Spitting contest?" 

Seeing Valen raise his blade, Natalia turns and holds out a hand.  "Wait...Join in contest? Bested him in blades, now best him in spit." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's burning with questions, but she can't do subtlety or diplomacy like Shiny can, even though his form of questioning might not be appropriate. So she keeps her mouth shut; she already told everyone else what questions she thinks they can ask.
Zman
  Valen   scowls me menacingly...

 
 Spoiler 

Intimidate (d20+5)[ 22 ] +situational modifiers
 
achinca
Miriam puts her hand on Valen's shoulders. '  Not now. Let the Mayor, who has the authority, sentence him first. Then you can cut his head off.  '

She looks towards Natalia '  There is no reasoning with these. They are on a Holy War. They are not afraid to die. We either charm them or judge them. They won't talk and I will not stand torturing them.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the orc, who is unmistakeably a lighter shade of green than a few moments ago and says,  "Or Valen...Speaks their language." 
CoffeeIncluded
Glancing significantly at Valen and his still-drawn blade, Natalia decides to start off the questioning and asks,  "Raiding time now, not before...There weren't...always raids...why now?" 
Zman
 Orc 

Scowling at Natalia,  "Ocs are strong, pink skins are weak." . His common choppy, rough, but understandable.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shrugs and says,  "Didn't...Seem that way."  She pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts. Common is definitely not this orc's first language and she knows how hard it can be to understand her. Natalia says carefully,  "Then why not...months, years ago? Why choose now? Other tribes, other targets first?"  Natalia knows what she wants to ask the orc next, but wants to feed him the idea first. And who knows, they might get something else useful out of him this way.
Zman
 Orc 

The Orc answers Natalia's questions only after a gander at Valens blade...
 "Orc string leader, orcs always take from pink skins, Orc with strng leader challenge pink skins." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods. Getting closer...

 "Strong leader now...How strong? How many?"  It's getting clearer. Mithril and Miriam had told her about Max; if that orc cleric was in power then along with the barbarian, but the tribe hadn't attacked until recently, then there must be someone else behind...The man in the robe, the likely puppetmaster.
Zman
 Orc 
 "Hes strong enough to kill you all, he's great leader, brings glory to gruumch. Many warriors, more than pinck skin warriors. 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Orc 
 "Hes strong enough to kill you all, he's great leader, brings glory to gruumch. Many warriors, more than pinck skin warriors.  
 

And now...  "Which one?"  He probably means the cleric, but...
CoffeeIncluded
 "Barbarian leader,"  Natalia mutters in Draconic before turning back to the orc and asking,  "Cleric of Gruumsh...and man in robes?" 
Zman
 Orc 

He speak a name in Orcish with revernc, it's syllables and meaning difficult to capture,  "He has been faithful for many years, stong faith." .

At the mention of the robed man he spits though gritted teeth,  "Filthy halfbreed! Speaker of honeyed words. His skin is too pink to be strong." 
CoffeeIncluded
Ah, so the cleric and barbarian have been working in tandem for years, and the cleric has been an adviser to this powerful barbarian. An Eye of Gruumsh...Natalia has an idea of what that means and it makes her very nervous to face this orc.

So this new man in the robes is a half-orc, and likely a spellcaster too. Natalia continues to question the orc. Making the words come out is getting a bit easier.  "Pink skin, green skin from where? If too pink...Then why close to your leaders? Power they lack?"  Ugh, enough with the pink skin thing already.
Zman
 Orc 

At the insinuation that his leaders are weak he roars,  "Leaders not weak, leaders strong! He giver of knowledge, tell us to stop attacking dogmen and bigmen.  That they fighting people east, in walled city.  And people not help puny town, we take what we want from puny town. Scare you away, take town. Our land." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns around to look at her friends, then smirks triumphantly at the successful springing of the verbal trap. She then turns back to the orc and continues,  "And when did the halfbreed giver of knowledge...Appear? One...appeared for dogmen, big men too?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods approvingly at her traps. Perhaps it's her odd way of thinking that lets her trap people in that way, not knowing what to expect from her must put them off balance and let her get through to them. He doesn't know what to say in this situation at all - he wants to know something about how they fight, will they really attack in five days, do they know much about traps - but every time he goes to open his mouth, his throat seems to close up and he ends up making a strange coughing noise to clear it, shifting uneasily to see if anyone is paying undue attention.
Zman
 Orc 
 "He arrived four moons past, he walked right past our guards, knows little fear...  at the second part of Natalia's question he simply returns a blank stare, obviously confused by the question,  "Half blood with us, not others? You stupid?" 
CoffeeIncluded
No, she was far from stupid, but here it was best to let the orc think that. It would leave him more open, more likely to say something he shouldn't. Natalia continues to question based on this new information,  "Know what halfblood said...To gain peace? Make more raids?"  In response to the second part, she said,  "Another...second knowledge giver for dogmen, bigmen?" 
Zman
 Orc 
 "ive never spoken to halfbreed. Halfbreed not boss of us, halfbreed not tell us to raid! We raid! I have no care for Dogmen or Bigmen!   the Orc is getting upset with the questioning.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs. Evidently that's all he knows, though it's definitely something. She supposes it's time to start wrapping this up. Time for the next question.  "Then why little drops? Raid droplets like rain, easily caught. What would make orcs a...feared flood?"  Goad him, make him give away too much, make him give away exactly what they want.
Zman
 Orc 

The Orc simply looks at Natalia, failing to understand what she is saying.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and buries her head in her hand. What a wonderful time for NutsSpeak to return. She takes a deep breath and tries again.

 "Only...small raids, easy raids. Why not...big ones, feared ones, real orc ones? What...would make big ones?" 
Zman
 Orc 
 "Orcs not many no more, big raids dangerous for orcs, need to regather strength.  Small raids smart." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Smart, smart greenskins, smart and strong...But...How many is not many? And if...you don't go back? Then what? Big raid then?" 
Zman
 Orc 

The orc responds with a laugh,  "Then we are weak, and they will not mourn us.  Our tribe has less many warriors than we once had, too much fighting.  Now, enough for raiding, not war.  Today's losses hurt us, when we don't return those that live and are strong will take our mates to bed and make more!"  he laughs... The Orc seems to have accepted death with a form of sadistic humor.
CoffeeIncluded
Misogyny aside, this orc has contradicted what the pups told Mithril and Miriam and Shiny. She's almost done here.  "In five days?" 
Zman
 Orc 
 "In five days, back or dead. We are dead, never go back." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "And they...Won't come? No revenge on Linwood?"  She probably only has one or two more questions after this.
Zman
 Orc 

He laughs, and shrugs,  "You guess, I guess, I know not!" 
CoffeeIncluded
So it's not a certainty, but they can't take any chances. Especially with that leader. One last question.  "Anything that would...Stop the raids? Stronger pinkskins, too many failed raids?" 
Zman
 Orc 

He laughs again,  "Kill all of the orcs...breed with greenskins till your skin is no longer pink!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia closes her eyes. This orc's views have not cheered her up any. She looks to Valen and the mayor and asks,  "Any more?"  If Valen approaches to kill the orc straightaway, she holds out a hand to stop him.

 
 Spoiler 
Zman, do you mean breed with greenskins, not freeskins?
 
achinca
Miriam listens in silence, happy that Natalia strange way of speaking has confused the orc and beaten his defense.

She says to the rest of the group. '  My understanding is that we had the typical situation where the various evil races were fighting each other with the occasional raid on towns happening once in a while. Then a few weeks ago, a hooded creature, not sure he is a man or woman, appeared and convince the orcs to stop fighting the other races and attack the humans. He did the same things with the other races and convince them to attack the other town. This left Linwood for the orcs. However, they are not as strong as they were once and thus have not attacked. The raid tonight diminished their strength significantly. The leadership is waiting for 5 days and then will decide. If none return, it might make them think twice that a force of 16 orcs were all wiped out. This could buy us time. Or not. We are still at the same point, expect we know that someone is manipulating the evil races to attack the towns in the area.  '

She takes a step back, wondering if she just stated the obvious ......
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia makes a noise of agreement and adds,  "Hooded half-orc, probably male." 
achinca
Miriam shakes her head. '  Miriam, don't assume anything. Look at our friend Shiny here. Illusions are a tricky thing. May be he/she /it wears a hood because it cannot maintain the half-orc illusion all the time.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks. Of course.  "But still...Better acceptance to go as an orc."  She holds a finger to her mouth in thought.  "Robe, not hood. See his face?"  she asks the orc.
Zman
 Orc 

Looking at Miriam inquisitively, obviously confused by so many words,  "Halfbreed talk to Dogmen and Bigmen?? Halfbreed a traitor? You know this!?"  he begins working himself into a fit,  "Halfbreed a traitor! You in league with halfbreed!!"  as he throws himself against the ropes, the ropes creak and begin the fray as the effort knocks him unconscious and opens his wounds again.

 
 Spoiler 

Str Check  (d20+4)[ 22 ]  missed by 1!
And he is unconscious and dieing again.
 
achinca
Miriam approaches the dying orc and sights as she tries to heal him.

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 

I heal check fails, she will burn a cantrip.
 


As she does that, she says '  May be we could make him believe that we are in bed with the hooded man. We could set up him to accidentally hear us talking about it. Or admitting that we are working with him and have him accidentally escape. This is all about trick and illusions and it is Shiny territory.  '
Admiral
Shiny has listened the whole time with rapt attention, briefly forgoing his usual enchantments. Once the orc knocks himself out, he beckons to gather the other members of the party around him.

 "Nice work, Natalia Nutcracker. Now, our excitable orc friend has given me an idea."

"We've got to trick the orcs into going back to war with the giants. What if we let him escape? He gets back, spreads the word about the hooded one's betrayal, and gets them distrusting him. Or hold on-"  Shiny briefly cracks up, his gnome self showing through his thin mercenary facade-  "We give him even more reason to think we're working with the hooded one- we let him witness a conversation! One of us disguises ourselves in a hood- or maybe I just use an illusion, all smoke and mirrors- and when the orc wakes up, he sees us talking to him! Imagine what'll happen when he gets back to camp!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt nods slowly at that, frowning some as well, though.  "But how do we let him 'escape'? It has to be convincing...but not put anyone at risk." 
achinca
Miriam looks at the group, looking very insecure. '  Well, I could pretend to be a naive cleric and sick of death and killing and having promise me he will live a good life and stop killing people. If he swears, I would free as I am walking him to his execution. Of course, I would cast Sanctuary on me in case he tries to repay my kindness with murder. Does this make sense? Probably not ....  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia regains her voice, pleased yet exhausted at her successful interrogation. She asks Shiny,  "Need to make no danger to humans...But if a torrent against the robed fake halfblood? Need to warn the shore first."  She paces in a circle.  "No weapons, no choice but to escape, warn his true fullblood allies?"  She looks up.  "Wait. Robe color, style? Looked long and hard for my jacket." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt nods slowly at that, frowning some as well, though.  "But how do we let him 'escape'? It has to be convincing...but not put anyone at risk."  
 

 "He's not the sharpest pebble in the batch, and he doesn't seem to think too much of 'pinkskins.' Maybe if one of us just releases him, and pretends it is out of some kind of 'mercy,' he'll just write it off as the weakness of other races." 
Zman
  Valen  

Valen readies his blade as the Orc tries to escape, looking for any excuse to bring his blade down.

Once the Orc is unconscious, Valen responds to Shiny,   "Trickster has a point, he is likely to see any mercy as a weakness to be exploited.  If he is barely able to walk he will pose little risk and can easily be dispatched."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs her fingers over each other before speaking again.  "Give him a false warning." 
Cavelcade
Kurt waits for a few moments of silence before he pipes up with his suggestion.  "Have one person release him and the rest of us chase him? That should give him the motivation to keep running, right?" 

He grins the butt of his axe against the pavement as he watches the others consider it, nodding a little to himself.
Zman
 Max 

Max finally walks up as the conversation dies down,  "You've all had a long day, come in have a pint and a warm meal.  Lave that thing till the dawn." 

At the hint of a warm meal the rumbling of Valens stomache is audible,    it'd be far easier to I'll these foul things, now we are setting them free....    Valen lowers his blade, sheathing it as the Orc is no longer a threat for a night.

 
 Spoiler 

If everyone is ok with it, you can move in to the inn.  Standard fare for the inn, food and drink are on Max, I'll pipe in with Max once people head in.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Once they get outside the inn and tavern, Natalia loudly and repeatedly spits into the dirt.
Athedia
 "Good job Natalia, the information you got was very valuable.  I think one Natalia should release him, he seems to get along with her, spitting aside."   Mithril spoke as she waited for Natalia to finish ridding her mouth of the aftertaste of orc spit, hunger and exhaustion making her slowly drift inside.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia slips inside and rubs her tongue on a napkin a few more times before sitting down next to Mithril. She slumps forward, her hands resting in the middle of the table as the day's exertion finally catches up to her.

 "To exhaustion...too..."  she mumbles, letting out a quiet laugh at Mithril's comment.  "Just...sic Valen." 
Zman
The party enters a large worn inn, a dozen tables circled by rickety chairs in the kerosene lit space.  Two dozen patrons including the young Henry are seated drowning their sorrows.  The overall mood is dour and taste of stale ale.  As you look a round the bar you see Max's prized possession, a rough looking walking stick sits atop the fireplace mantle, a small engraved plaque reads "Alabastor's Wizard Staff of Arcane ower".

Max greets you quickly with a bowl of stew, rabbit, and warmed apple cider perfectly aged.  He says little, knowing the filling of your bellies to be of the upmost importance, a seasoned bartender.

The ciders warmth can be felts as it fills your belly, it tastes sweet with a strong hint of age.
achinca
Miriam is confused that the group leaves without making the orc believes that they are in bed with the hooded half-orc.

But she goes with the flow, thinking to herself ' That was another of my dumb idea. I really know nothing. '

Once in the Inn she smiles and goes see Max '  As promised Max, here I am. You can tell me your stories ....  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia eats and drinks sloppily, a bit of rabbit stew splashes on the table and the neckline of her shirt is damp with cider. She runs her fingers around the edge of the bowl and picks up a bit of the broth. It feels thick, though the color of this thickness is very similar to thinner stews. The rogue looks up at the staff and her eyes widen a bit. Excitedly, she nudges Mithril and points at it.
Athedia
Mithril nodded at Natalia and handed her a scrap of cloth for a napkin.   "Max, could you tell where you found that staff?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says as she tries to eat more carefully.
Zman
Among the commotion, Valen sits and stares at the staff, obviously perplexed...

 
 Spoiler 
Detect Magic
Spellcraft  (d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just asks directly.  "What arcane power?" 
achinca
Miriam truly enjoys the refined flavors that the rabbit stew contained. She is not sure what spices they used but the root vegetable perfectly matches the flavor of the meat. She takes each sip of the cider slowly, enjoying the perfect temperature and the right amount of cinnamon. After all these days eating dry meat on the road, she really appreciate a real cooked meal.

For once, she is smiling and the smile looks real. She does not seem to worry about others or feeling sorry about herself. She is just enjoying a really good  tavern meal.
Cavelcade
Kurt sits patiently with the others, cracking each joint one-by-one it sounds like as he twists his body into weird and disturbing shapes. As he finishes, he sits back with a relaxed sigh that ruffles his beard before tucking into the stew and cider.

Once they're sitting and Max has gone for a moment, Kurt speaks up.  "How will we do this, then? Maybe Shiny, you could disguise Natalia as the orc using your magic and then let him see you talking to 'him'...keep to the shadows and it should work..." He shakes his head after a moment, wondering about how to go about bluffing the orc, then shrugs. "Miriam, you're kind...you should release him after the half-orc has gone...then the rest of us can come along and chase him off, if he tries to hurt you." 

He looks around nervously, his small eyes glancing at each of their faces as he recites the bits of everyone's ideas he thinks are good. No-one else had seemed to be wanting to talk about it but...they have to do it tonight.

 "I think that what everyone suggested was good. So...the only question is when." 
Athedia
 "If nothing else, Whisker might be able to chew through his ropes.  Although I don't know if the orc would try to eat him..."   Mithril chewed her food slowly, savoring the flavor.  The warmth of the stew was making her sleepy and she could feel herself nodding off as she ate.  Whisker's had already eaten his fill of her stew and was sleeping in her lap, his little snores comforting Mithril after the long and bloody day.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt sits patiently with the others, cracking each joint one-by-one it sounds like as he twists his body into weird and disturbing shapes. As he finishes, he sits back with a relaxed sigh that ruffles his beard before tucking into the stew and cider.

Once they're sitting and Max has gone for a moment, Kurt speaks up.  "How will we do this, then? Maybe Shiny, you could disguise Natalia as the orc using your magic and then let him see you talking to 'him'...keep to the shadows and it should work..." He shakes his head after a moment, wondering about how to go about bluffing the orc, then shrugs. "Miriam, you're kind...you should release him after the half-orc has gone...then the rest of us can come along and chase him off, if he tries to hurt you." 

He looks around nervously, his small eyes glancing at each of their faces as he recites the bits of everyone's ideas he thinks are good. No-one else had seemed to be wanting to talk about it but...they have to do it tonight.

 "I think that what everyone suggested was good. So...the only question is when."  
 

 "I don't have any magic that can disguise anyone else, only myself."  Shiny says thoughtfully.  "But I  could  construct such a figure out of light and shadow, if only we know what he looked like." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia scratches her head.  "Could talk to him, then tell you in Draconic."  She sighs and looks at her weapons. Three.
Admiral
 "He's not the sharpest arrow in the quiver, but he still might see the connection. You'll have to be clever about it. Ask him what it looks like, look puzzled, and say 'Yes, I have seen him talking to the mayor.'  Shiny is starting to look stressed- he's not used to dictating lies to others, and would rather be telling them himself.  "Maybe I should be the one to ask him- he hasn't talked to me yet, and for all he knows I'm just as uncomfortable around humans as he is. Once I've tricked him, I'll leave and cast the illusion myself such that he can see it from the window of the cell." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "NutsSpeak isn't great for lying, but Shinytalk is." 
Zman
Valen responds to Natalia,   "I have no idea."  
 Max 

Max grins from ear to ear and is more than happy to respond to Mithil's question, a look of intense pride on his face,  "Aye, now that is a story... Belonged to my great...great....great....grandfather, Alabaster the Mad Artificer. . He pauses at the right point, giving emahasis,  "Legend says he had a haven hidden in the mountains to the North.  When I was younger, me and a few adventurers sought his hidden haven.  All we found were Orcs, and lies of them.  But, first we did find that staff, and let me tell you, it didn't always look like that."  he puts up his hand towards the staff.
achinca
Miriam listens to the story with round eyes while enjoying her stew and cider.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sits up and listens intently to his story.
Zman
Max continues,  "It once was made of the finest oak, plated in gold, and adorned by a huge gemstone.  It was the finest thing I'd ever seen, prize of an Orc Chieftens hold I'd say.  Once we found it, we lent it to our wizard, a brash an arrogant young elf to see, he wielded it with devastating effect against the orcs bearing down on us..."  Max looks up and makes eye contact with the group,  "Looked like we were going to make it out ok...but in our time of need the staff failed in a blinding flash of light.  All that was left was was two dozen angry and dazed orcs and that walking stick; poor Lorien, dead, his arm burnt to the elbow."   . After finishing this part of the story Max goes around and refills each of your drinks.
achinca
Miriam's smile sloqly disappears she hears the end of the story. '  Yes, magic can be pretty destructive force if yielded by the wrong people.  '

She looks at Shiny then Natalia and sights.
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "He's not the sharpest arrow in the quiver, but he still might see the connection. You'll have to be clever about it. Ask him what it looks like, look puzzled, and say 'Yes, I have seen him talking to the mayor.'  Shiny is starting to look stressed- he's not used to dictating lies to others, and would rather be telling them himself.  "Maybe I should be the one to ask him- he hasn't talked to me yet, and for all he knows I'm just as uncomfortable around humans as he is. Once I've tricked him, I'll leave and cast the illusion myself such that he can see it from the window of the cell."  
 

 "But we don't have to let him actually see the half orc, just see someone in a robe hunching down to talk to you, Shiny. Just say something about the stupid orcs falling for your plan and walk off...or something like that. Be convincing, you're good at that. " 

Kurt struggles to get his point across in between Max taking their drinks and going to refill them, he thinks it should work at least but convincing others of his ideas has never exactly been a strong point.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia swallows roughly as her eyes move from the burnt-out staff to Mithril, Shiny, and Valen. Had any of them heard of something like that happening before?  "Dead magic,"  she says in a low mournful voice.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "But we don't have to let him actually see the half orc, just see someone in a robe hunching down to talk to you, Shiny. Just say something about the stupid orcs falling for your plan and walk off...or something like that. Be convincing, you're good at that. " 

Kurt struggles to get his point across in between Max taking their drinks and going to refill them, he thinks it should work at least but convincing others of his ideas has never exactly been a strong point. 
 

 "Need to figure out the color of the robe first... anyway, are we going to try it tonight?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's response to that is to slump down a but more. And yawn loudly.
Athedia
Mithril had wandered over to the fireplace during Max's story.  She quickly pulled her hand away from where she was about to touch the staff when he reached the part about the elfen mage.  "Shiny the plan will still work in the morning, even better since the orc will probably not sleep well.  But wouldn't the trick be ruined if our hooded figure fell asleep halfway through the conversation?" 
Admiral
Shiny wags his finger at her.  "Hey, are we going to bring that up again? I've got it under control! Sheesh, you put a few people to sleep and no one wants to stand within ten feet of you..." 
Zman
Valen consumes an entirely ridiculous amount of food while listening to the collective plan.    "Wouldn't the plan work of just as well if there is a second robed man, talking about collusion with the other.  Eliminates the worry about duplicating the halforcs appearence."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up and chimes in.  "Smart ambush, smart for orcs. Set by the robed man? Fought off well because we wandered in."  She smirks.  "But...He doesn't know that."  Natalia also chuckles at Mithril and Shiny's remark.  "Could use it to help me sleep..." 
achinca
Miriam clears her throat and says '  I could openly scold Shiny for his careless use of magic and threat him to kick him out of the team become he is useless and dangerous. This way, his resentment toward the team and his desire to befriend the orc might be plausible ....  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "That...Good idea,"  says Natalia, surprised at Miriam's deviousness. She hadn't thought her capable of that.
achinca
Miriam looks a little ashamed of her idea '  .... well, Shiny needs a scolding for endangering team members during combat. How he plays my sermon to him towards the orc is up to him .... that is not being bad right?...  '

She seems concerned that her team members will think less of her.
Athedia
 "Don't worry, I am sure all the scolding will turn into a wild story about how you tried to save his soul, but he could not give up his trickster ways."  Mithril wanted to give the gnome a good talking to herself.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia places a comforting hand on Miriam's forearm.  "Smart, very smart,"  she reassures the cleric.
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Need to figure out the color of the robe first... anyway, are we going to try it tonight?"  
 

 "If we do it tonight, it'll be dark...colours don't matter in the dark."  Kurt chuckles a bit at that, nodding to himself.  "Dwarfs know a lot about that type of thing." 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia '  Thank you. Wise may be. Not smart. Smart is people like you and Mithril.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "I'll join you,"  Natalia mutters. After all, she was the one caught in the first spell's crossfire. In response to Kurt's question, she asks,  "Darkvision...Is it in color?" 
Cavelcade
He shakes his head, sipping from his drink a little before continuing.  "Aah...no, we just see the shape of things, not the colour if you understand." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hm."  Natalia traces her fingers along the rough grain of the table, noting how the color in her head overlaying the brown wood shimmers and slightly changes when she hits knots and gaps in the planks of wood. If she had darkvision, would she retain this ability? Natalia thinks so. Even though she can't see a thing in the darkest part of night, she can still feel how her warm neck is brighter than cool metal, or the springy green of fresh vines and tightly coiled springs.  "...Understand, I think,"  she says to Cavelcade.  "But I can't comprehend. Don't think I'll ever. I feel...I feel colors in shapes, temperatures." 
Cavelcade
He watches her trace it, seeing at once the living colour of the thing and the pure shape, how it contrasts with the wood around it. Explaining it to someone who sees just in colour would be impossible, to really get them to feel the distinct parts, separated from each other.

 "The colours won't matter. Maybe even the exact shape. The orc wants to believe the hooded one is a traitor...we just have to help him..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's already sketching out a plan in her mind.  "Bait tonight. Let him stew, then...free him at dawn. No choice but to run, think he's saving his own." 
Zman
  "Wed better make a decision quickly, it'll be getting late and we all need rest.  PE it go now,mor let it go in the morrow, matters not to me."  . Valen sits, mostly listening to his companions and resenting the idea of letting the Orc free.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks to the rest of her comrades and says,  "Your opinion?" 
achinca
Miriam

'  Let him go at night. 3 plans: 1) Miriam does an act of "mercy". 2)
Miriam scolds Shiny who repays her with an act of "mercy" 3) Shiny does his trickster illusion. What do you think Natalia?  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Or the raid...Well prepared, but maybe...Make him think we were warned?"  The orc doesn't seem like one for mercy or merciful acts.
Cavelcade
Kurt nods at Natalia's suggestion.  "That's brilliant...we can use it all. Have that be the conversation..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Decided?"  Natalia asks before yawning loudly. They need to come to a consensus soon.
Cavelcade
Later that evening...


Kurt waits deep in the alley, just away where they can see the orc, or be seen.  "Alright...well...will we start..?"  Now that he's there he almost wishes that he hadn't pressed to do this tonight. He's tired, he has knots in his back and it's so damn cold.  "Gods, let's just get it over with and go to sleep..." 
Admiral
Shiny leaps to his feet.  "Let's get a move on. This will be easiest if I do the talking. Miriam Merryweather: come heal him enough to be awake, say a couple of words of pity, then leave. I'll stay behind and chat him up a bit." 
achinca
Miriam follows Shiny, use a cure minor wounds on the orc and leaves.

 
 Spoiler 
Feel free to change this post if it is not the plan.
 
Admiral
Shiny starts to follow Miriam out of the room, and at the last moment stops and turns around, taking a couple of steps back towards the bound orc.  What were you saying about a hooded half-orc working with this town?"  
 
 Spoiler 
If necessary, Diplomacy:  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hangs back; apparently they're using the first plan.
Zman
After a restful, yet fitful night of dreams you all awake, sprawled out in the two rooms Max was kind enough to provide.  Your first sounds of the morning are of a commotion, the bound Orc seems to have escaped in the middle of the night.

With the seed of conspiracy planted in his head, you've helped to release him and watched as he headed off a north into the woods and dark.  Even wounds his superior nightlight let him move nimbly though the brush.  After the deed was done, you've all returned, some helping themselves to the stores of spirits Max had stored once the common room was clear.

You hope that the seed of panted mistrust will be enough to cause a rift in the my, fracturing their trust and loyalty.  Any thoughts of a leisurely morning are extinguished as you remember the two Orc pups are to be put to death at dawn.  And there is work to be done.

 
 Spoiler 

Feel free to take your morning time as you wish, pray, memorize, watch an execution, etc.

Sorry about just skipping ahead, envy thing bogged down too much and I was a bit confused.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia wakes up first, her sleep more fitful and restless than the others. She hadn't killed a sentient creature before yesterday.

Her arm is still a bit sore, but the wound has scabbed over nicely and it's not really bothering her anymore. Natalia's shirt is still ripped though, and anybody who wakes up within the next fifteen minutes or so will see her sitting cross-legged on her bed, with only her rough blue pants and white cloth wrapped around her chest, as she stitches up the slash in her goldenrod-colored shirt.
achinca
Miriam will spend the morning praying and healing who ever needs healing.
Athedia
Mithril studied her book, the words flowing through her mind like streamers.  She remembered the items the group had found the day before and planned accordingly, cursing the fact she had not invested in pearls when she had the chance.

 
 Spoiler 
Level 0:
Detect Magic
Detect Magic
Detect Magic
Light

Level 1:
Mage Armor
Mage Armor
Magic Missile
 
Cavelcade
Kurt wakes up, stretching and popping his joints once more. As soon as he spots Natalia though, he immediately drops back and rolls to face the other direction, pretending like he's seen nothing and is going back to sleep dammit. Of course, his cheeks are on fire beneath his beard.
achinca
Miriam sees Natalia and approaches her and puts a garment on her shoulder to cover her breast.

'  You are not a savage girl. Don't go on acting like one. Unless your thing with Valen is changing you.  '
Zman
  "About time someone acts civilized."   Valen jests at Miriam.

Valen chuckles as the shy dwarfs reaction.


  "Breakfast must be eaten, and Mortin burried."   as Valen gets up, gathering his meager possessions about himself,   "Young Wizardess, I require your expertise after your morning study.  

Valen leaves to quickly eat and burry Mortin.
Athedia
Mithril rose from her studying re-orientating herself to the room, Natalia sewing reminded her of home and she bit back a wave of homesickness.  This was her dream and her family would be fine without her.

With this in her mind she went out to find Valen, to see what she could help him with.
CoffeeIncluded
Realizing that she's not alone in her room, that she's just been wearing nothing but her bra in front of the entire group, Natalia swallows roughly and hastily pulls the repaired shirt over her head. She follows Mithril and Valen out of the room, wondering how they'll identify the magic items they removed from Morton's corpse, and wondering if she can be of any help.
achinca
Miriam smiles at Valen's jest and is happy of Natalia's reaction of sudden self awareness.

She does not join them in the other room as she has no idea what they got, which is a good thing.
Cavelcade
Only then does Kurt get up and do the needful things for the day, washing and breakfasting, checking his weapons and armour before he goes out to look at the others.
CoffeeIncluded
Trying to peer over the shoulders of the tall Mithril and taller Valen, Natalia asks,  "How to...Identify magic items?" 
Athedia
Mithril looked over the items that Valen, Kurt and Natalia had brought in.  She had a sinking suspicion of where they had come from but didn't mention if to the rest of the group.   "I prepared a series of basic identification spells, I do not have the material's for the more elaborate ones but these should tell us what is worth keeping.  What items do you want me to look at?"  

Processing the fact that Natalia had followed her in she moved aside to allow some space for the girl.   "The simplest explaination for this spell is that I concentrate on the items and they... glow isn't exactly the right word but I see if they are magic.  You know how you were saying certain colors have shapes or temperatures?  Well this is similar, for instance I can tell general strength of magic or the type of spell used.  If I focus hard enough I can even tell which school of magic was used.  All this information combined can give us an idea of possible function and whether it should be kept or not." 

Whiskers followed her into the room, walking for more than a few feet on his own for the first time in the last few days.  He was gaining a noticable belly, which Mithril regarded ruefully, the more he weighed the less her shoulders enjoyed carrying him.   "Natalia, Valen have you been feeding Whiskers scraps under the table?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens intently to Mithril's explanation, then shakes her head at her question about Whiskers. She does say,  "I can test what's benign." 
Admiral
Shiny hops to his feet upon waking, but doesn't stay around long. The excitement of the previous night's deception had left him with an enthusiastic restlessness, and he was looking forward to getting on the road.

He darts out the door after only a few minutes and paces around the village. He tries to avoid the burial of Mortin, as solemnity is not his most convincing disguise, but he is shamelessly curious about the execution.
achinca
Miriam walks around Linwood to see if she can help common folks. She will stay away from the execution and will not attend Mortin funeral unless there is no cleric to run a funeral service.
Zman
 Healer's House 
Miriam moves around looking to help people where she can, making her way to the local healer's home.  Inside, the most wounded men from the previous day were recovering.  The healer greats you warmly as she applies salves and whispers words over the men, she is an aged old woman with little aura of power.

She greets you with a wobbly old voice, obviously being worked harder than she was used to caring for the guards,  "Good day deary." 
 
 Spoiler 

DC10 Heal check to notice that she has a basic understanding of medicine, also she has some very basic divine magic, think adept with access to Orison healing max.
 

 Outside Town Hall 
Shiny finds himself s spectator as the two Orcs are brought, bound from the Town hall.  They are to be beheaded with little ceremony outside of the City hall to the south.  They are choosing to use a stump for the grisly deed.  One of the veteran guards is using a crude axe, one he likely used to fell a tree that winter.

The mayor and a handful of guards are surrounded by a small crowd of onlooking citizens, none showing sympathy for the adolescent Orcs.   "Good day Master Gnome, come to watch justice done?" 
 Max's Inn-Common Room 
Valen, Mithril, and Natalia find themselves at a table in the empty common room of the Inn.  Max had left shortly after dropping off a loaf of bread and jug of Milk for the party as he went off to bury Mortin and watch the execution.   "Help yer self, leave some coins if need more." 
Zman
As Mithril described the basics of what he and her were about to attempt, he lays out the items on the table, a finely made long sword, a short sword, short bow, suit of studded leather(still smelling of spirits), a thick ring, a worn traveling cloak, one small bag of powder, two vials of a silvery liquid, and two small potions filled with an intensely bluish green liquid.

  "Let us see what we can divine about the enchantments present.  I will aid you, maybe together we can be sure."    Not wanting to leave the innocent Natalia out of the conversation,   "Maybe you could use your keen eyes to search these for any inscriptions and such?  Or sample those potions?"  

Valen mutters a few words in Draconic before his eyes begin to glow and he fixates on the items one at a time.
 
 Spoiler 

Casts Detect Magic
Aiding Mithril's Spellcraft
Spellcraft (d20+2)[ 10 ]   Just enough, Mithril gets a +2

Lets hope Mithril rolls high!

Natalia can choose to sample the potions, also she can SEARCH the items for clues.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and takes her time searching all the items, starting with the studded leather (take 20 for 29). As she searches, she dips her pinkie into the silver and blue-green potions, sucking on them carefully. She's ready to spit on the floor if the contents seem dangerous.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen as she tries the green-blue potion; the residual soreness in her arm and a small scratch on her finger immediately vanish. She sets both potions aside and says,  "Strong healing." 

When she tries the silvery potion she wishes that it had been before the healing potions, as her breakfast rolls over in her stomach. Natalia spits on the floor and sticks out her tongue with a,  "Bleugh."  She doesn't know yet that it's stained silver.
achinca
Miriam helps the healer to the best of her abilities.

 
 Spoiler 
[roll]1d20+4[/roll]

Reroll because bad coding:

[roll]1d20+4[/roll]
 


She notices the old lady is minimally skilled in healed.   'Let me help you Wise Lady.  '

She checks bandages and changes then as necessary, looking for infection or any other bad signs.

'  Do you need help with anything else, Old Wise Healer?  '
achinca
 
 Spoiler 
Forgot you cannot edit and reroll.

 (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
 
Zman
After a precursory examination of the items, Natalia continues to examine them more closely, again finding nothing of note for all of her labor.  As she sticks out her tongue, its stained silver.

  "You rival the gnome for the one with the silvered tongue!"   Valen laughs to himself before continuing his own arcane examination of the items.

 Healer's Home 

Miriam checks over the old woman's work and finds it quite adequate, her only fault is being over worked.  Only the manifestation of divine magic would speed up the process.

 "Thank you Deary, any healing you can provide would be be helpful.  Any of these men we can get patched up and on guard again, the better." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Zman 
  Outside Town Hall 
Shiny finds himself s spectator as the two Orcs are brought, bound from the Town hall.  They are to be beheaded with little ceremony outside of the City hall to the south.  They are choosing to use a stump for the grisly deed.  One of the veteran guards is using a crude axe, one he likely used to fell a tree that winter.

The mayor and a handful of guards are surrounded by a small crowd of onlooking citizens, none showing sympathy for the adolescent Orcs.   "Good day Master Gnome, come to watch justice done?"  
 

 "You best believe it,"  says Shiny gruffly.  "'Everything useful we could get out of those two has already been gotten." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head as she examines the other items and says,  "Only magic to read magic."  Looking down crosseyed at Valen's quip, she jerks her head back and replies,  "Pour it on his, warn the world!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt steps up to Shiny then, angling himself soas not to be heard by the others present.  "Shiny, ah...can you help me? I want them to understand they can defend themselves...build a palisade, that sort of thing. But crowds...are more your speciality. I think we could really make this town defensible. But I need...help. Help?"  The last word lilting upwards, trying to get his desperation across to the gnome.
Zman
 Mayor Benton 

Before Kurt approaches,  "And we appreciate all of your help." . Looking at the approaching Dwarf,  "Morning master dwarf." 
CoffeeIncluded
Mithril and Valen appear to be taking a while to identify these weapons. Suddenly, Natalia comes up with a thought.  "Maybe tell by using."  She wouldn't be trying this if Morton hadn't been using these weapons; the fact that he did told her that they probably wouldn't curse her or try to take over her mind or anything. What's the worst it could do, stain her hands blue?

Unless Valen or Mithril tell her they spotted something dangerous on the blade, Natalia gingerly picks up the shortsword, which has caught her eye along with the studded leather armor, ring, and cloak (but especially the studded leather armor) and gives it a few experimental swings, seeing if she can feel anything about the sword.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt steps up to Shiny then, angling himself soas not to be heard by the others present.  "Shiny, ah...can you help me? I want them to understand they can defend themselves...build a palisade, that sort of thing. But crowds...are more your speciality. I think we could really make this town defensible. But I need...help. Help?"  The last word lilting upwards, trying to get his desperation across to the gnome. 
 

Shiny puts a reassuring hand on Kurt's shoulder.  "We all have our roles to play,"  he intones, as a vague imitation of the kind of thing Miriam might say.

 "I thought you were coming to Hulburg with us. Do you mean to inspire them to make these kinds of defenses while we're gone?" 
Athedia
 "Aih! Put that down.  Inside is not the place to swing those things."   Mithril jumped at Natalia's excitement.  Carefully taking the sword from Natalia, Mithril laid all the items in front of her with some gaps between.   "Okay, I will do a general check first and focus as things look more interesting." 
 
 Spoiler 
She uses Detect Magic
Spellcraft  (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  (her bonus is +8 and then Valen's assistance.)
Wow that kinda sucked, at least spellcraft is just the class of the items.
 
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Shiny puts a reassuring hand on Kurt's shoulder.  "We all have our roles to play,"  he intones, as a vague imitation of the kind of thing Miriam might say.

 "I thought you were coming to Hulburg with us. Do you mean to inspire them to make these kinds of defenses while we're gone?"  
 

 "Yes. You can speak to people's hearts, Shiny. Stir them up...I can show them what to do, but they need to want to do it."  He nods to the mayor then.  "Ah...yes, good morning." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wasn't aimed at you,"  Natalia says.  "Sharp, very well balanced...Can't tell anything else."  As Mithril and Valen inspect each item with their magic, Natalia squirms a little bit before amusing herself playing with Whiskers.
Zman
As Mithril and Valen concentrate and pool their knowledge while looking at the items they detect faint auras from each....

 
 Spoiler 

Longsword-Faint Evocation-Most likely a +1 Longsword
Shortsword-Faint Evocation-Most likely a +1 Shortsword
Shortbow-Faint Evocation-Most likely a +1 Shortbow
Studded Leather- Faint Abjuration-Most likely a +1 Studded Leather, though it could possess some other resistance
Ring-Faint Abjuration-Most likley a Ring of Protection or Mind Shielding
Cloak-Faint Abjuration- Most likely a cloak of some kind of resistence
2 Vials(Silver)-Faint Transmutation-Most likely Silversheen
Bag of Dust-Faint Conjuration-Most likely Dust of Appearence
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens intently as Valen and Mithril discuss what the items could be.  "How to pool?"  she asks them.
Athedia
 "Detailed identification will have to wait until I can afford some pearls, but these are magical.  The ring may offer one of two forms of protection, a shield around the mind or around the flesh, I am unsure which.  Either way we should report these to the rest of the group.  It's funny I don't remember the orcs carrying such nice items." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia says,  "Give Shiny the ring, see what happens."  When Mithril finishes, the rogue glances nervously at Valen.
Zman
  "This equipment served Mortin well, may it serve us better.  And i doubt that Mortin would be as concerned with protecting his thoughts over protecting his body, he was a figthing man."    Valen utters as he looks over the items, looking at the ring, and cloak.

He picks up the shortbow, and effortlessly pulls it back,   "Bahh, for weaklings."   as he sets it back down.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Sword?"  Natalia asks Valen.  "And not for weaklings, Morton wasn't a weakling."  She pauses and looks at the assorted items.  "Most...Most seem to fit me best."  But she doesn't want to take everything for herself; it just wouldn't be fair.
Zman
 Town Hall 

A large gasp immediately followed by a wet  "Thwack!"  can be hears as the axe falls on the first Orc.  Its a bit dull and doesn't seem to cut cleanly through, though still effective in its designed purpose.

One person sounds as if they are going to be ill, the guards begin to remove the body of the first Orc preparing for the second.
Admiral
 "Once the execution's finished, that's our opening,"  Shiny whispers to Kurt.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia fumbles with the shortbow for a bit. Though it doesn't look terribly difficult for her to learn, she's more comfortable with her rapier and crossbow. She doesn't even bother with the longsword.
Athedia
 "Mortins... oh."  Mithril was saddened at the realization that the old man was really dead.  He had been gruff, but still brave in his way.   "We shouldn't tell Miriam, I don't know how she feel about using his gear."   Mithril picked the ring up examining the surface,  "Mind or body, which do you protect.... Say, does anyone know if Shiny can read thoughts?   Mithril considered the ring some more, something that protected against such charms would be handy.

Putting the ring back on the table she flitted back to a thought from the previous day  "Valen, Natalia since most of this is not useful to me I will leave it up to you to decide how to divide it.  The weapons are of no use to me, as is the armor."   After this Mithril set out to find the stables.  Men had talked about Mortin's horse the day before, and Henry seemed to be good with animals, at least in the short time she had known him.  A horse deserved someone kind, and (at least in Mithril's mind) Henry owed Mortin the duty of helping care for his horse.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods in agreement.  "Miriam...watches, worries enough.  As Mithril flips the ring back and forth between two fingers, Natalia smiles and replies,  "Now or later, he will soon." 

She shakes her head when the wizard considers leaving the job to the two of them. "Not fair. Let everyone know, choose."  Truth be told, Natalia wants pretty much all of the equipment, or at least a larger portion of it than everyone else would get--and for good reason; she's probably best suited to use most of Morton's equipment. But the rogue feels guilty for thinking so greedily.

 "Going where?"  Natalia asks as Mithril turns to leave.
Athedia
 "I have some loose threads to fix, don't worry I won't fight any orcs without the two of you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Fix what?"  Natalia asks. She looks down and coughs nervously.
Athedia
 "Mortin's horse.  No animal should be left alone during grief." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Oh."  She'd forgotten all about his horse.  "Carrots aren't enough..." 
Zman
 Town Hall 

The guards, obviously not used to such gruesome of tasks remove the body of the first Orc, the secon knowing what's coming struggles furiously against his binds... To no avail.  The night of restraint and interrogation, not to mention the beatings had sapped all of the strength from the Orc.

The guards move him to the improvised block, a thick ancient Oak's stump.

 
 Spoiler 

 (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
 
Zman
Valen snatches the run from Natalia slipping it on his finger,   "Ring for me, Cloak for the Wild One, Small sword and armor for you, Potions for the Wizardess, sell the rest.  Keep secret from the Trickster and the Nun? "  . The thought of deceiving Shiny makes Valen smile.
  "Or give the Bow to the Littlest one and the sword to the Lady to sell for her causes."  
 
 Spoiler 

Note, I'm not a huge fan of lieing to the party or doing this, but it is something Valen could justify... And he would believe that first choice should go to those who earned the items.
 


When Mithril and Natalia begin talking about Mortins Mare,   "We could use his horse to reach Hulburg, or give to Henry, he has need of a horse, may she fair better then his last."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia vehemently shakes her head at Valen's first suggestion.  "Bow for Shiny Silvertongue...or if too big, then for Kurt and Miriam?"  She's a bit more upset at the idea of choosing for Mithril.  "Discoverers get first pick. Let everyone trade for theirs, get something useful." 

If pressed for an idea of distribution, she points at herself, Mithril, and Valen in turn and says,  "Shortsword and armor, ring or cloak, other one,"  then adds,  "Potions and dagger for Miriam, shortbow for Shiny Silvertongue, longsword for Kurt." 

At the suggestion of Henry and Morton's horse, Natalia says,  "Maybe...let Miriam know then? Farm girls know horses better than shopkeeper girls, baker girls." 
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Once the execution's finished, that's our opening,"  Shiny whispers to Kurt. 
 

 "I'll follow your lead, Shiny."  Kurt's eyes drift past the headless body being dragged away, just another in a long line set to continue.
Athedia
Mithril nodded at the suggestion and went out to look for Miriam.  From what she knew about Miriam she would head to the place where she could be the most use so Mithril asked around where the wounded were being kept.  She also kept an eye out for Henry, if he was to be involved, better sooner than later.
CoffeeIncluded
Not having much better to do, Natalia says to Valen,  "Arranging other affairs,"  and follows Mithril to the makeshift hospital. It would be best for them to handle item distribution as a group once everyone got back.

When they get there Miriam is busy tending to the wounded with an older woman, her face set in deep concentration as she applies her healing magic.
Zman
As the girls leave Valen gathers Mortin's possessions and stows them away.  Once packed he ventures out to find the others.  He heads towards the town Hall.

 Town Hall 

Another final  "Twack!"  signals the end to the executions.  Without delay the Orc bodies are hauled towards the others west of town.  With a wind from the West the stench will be blown away from town, almost washing it clean of the Orc taint.

Valen approaches Shiny and Kurt as they are near the Mayor,   "The deed is done."  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Miriam,"  Natalia says, raising her hand to attract the cleric's attention.

If Miriam doesn't respond, or only gives a brief response, Natalia turns to Mithril and says,  "Shouldn't disturb...Where's Henry?" 
Athedia
 "I'll check the stable, or he could be at the execution."   Mithril paled at the thought and shook her head to clear her thoughts.  As she set out to the stables to look for Henry she saw Whiskers scampering towards her.  Figuring she had forced enough exercise on him for the morning she scooped him up in her arms and continued.

Once she reached the stable she peered inside to see if there was anyone there.  Large animals made her slightly nervous, she had never been around them much as she grew up.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Apples or carrots?"  Natalia asks Mithril as she fishes around in her pockets.

The slightly sour earthly smell of horses begins to fill her nostrils as they approach the stables. Thankfully horses smell better than cows or chickens. Natalia's been around chickens a few times, when they needed to get eggs quickly for baking, and it's an experience she'd rather avoid as much as possible. She's sure Miriam would agree with her, chickens smell vile.
Admiral
 "Well done,"  says Shiny loudly once the second Orc is dead.  "But these two were weak and young. What will you do once full wrath of the orc tribe comes crashing down upon us like a flood?" 

He steps out into the center of the small cluster of villagers, seizing his moment.  "Our crew has seen villages like yours before, under attack by orcs and worse. Some towns survived the onslaught, and held on to their homes and families, but some did not- and we were forced to retreat with the few survivors. And there is one thing that separates the towns that survived from the ones that didn't: they  listened to us. ." 
 "Take Mortin- the toughest sonuvagun you could ask for."  Shiny points out towards where Mortin is being buried. At least, he thinks it might be the direction to Mortin's burial- he hadn't been paying much attention.  "He was a natural fighter and killer, and saved countless lives. But he fell to the onslaught. Why? Because  tough ain't enough. "  Shiny suddenly licks his lips, as though savoring his latest accent and attitude.  "When your homes are on the line, you'll fight like wild beasts, down to the man, but that won't be enough to stop the onslaught." 
 "But you  can  stop them- with preparation and strategy, traps and tactics. You need to prepare this town right- build palisades and trenches to stem an assault, set the battlefield to your advantage. My dwarf associate here knows exactly what you need to assemble such fortifications- it will take hard work and resources, but it's the only way to survive the coming invasion."

"Any muscleman with an axe can kill an orc. But you get a muscleman with a brain-"  Shiny points to Kurt theatrically-  "you can kill an army." 

Shiny turns and walks off, his bluffed expertise temporarily spent. As he passes Kurt he pats him on the arm.  "All yours, Kurt Koboldkiller." 
Zman
 Stables 

The stables are empty, with the exception of their usual occupants and Mortin's beautiful  mare .  She is large, strong, and has a beautiful golden brown coat.

But, Henry is not in the stables.  He can be seen off in the distance helping to finish bury Mortin and the other fallen guards of Linwood.

 
 Spoiler 
I am going to try and add the occasions pictures here and there to help with settings and picturing things.
 
Zman
 Town Hall 

Upon completion of the execution Shiny grabs the attention of all.  Grumbling and general malcontent can be heard throughout the crowd as the Mayor attempts to calm them down.  "Calm down, calm down.  The Orcs are going to launch a full assault.  We've beaten the immediate threat.  Aid will come from Hulburg."   Before the crowd turns on the Mayor he adds,  "But, it doesn't hurt to be more prepared." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the horse, out to the graveyard, then at Mithril and asks,  "Morton or his horse?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt steps forward, then, his lips cracked and dry before he's even spoken his first word. Looking over the crowd, he sees children, though, clutching their mother's skirts and mothers gripping their husbands' hands tightly. It gives him courage, to say what must be said.

 "If...we can set up teams. Everyone can help. Women, children, everyone can play a part."  He's glad of his beard to hide the redness of his cheeks, and the droplets starting to form there.  "Men, you need to and chop the trees around here. Make a killing field. And use them to erect a palisade around your town to keep you safe. Others need to dig - a huge trench around the village, and use the earth to make a dyke behind it. Women, children, everyone can help - even if it's just bringing water." 

He pauses then, to lick his lips, looking around to see if they understand, he nods.  "I will show you what needs to be done, and my companion can show you how to lay traps. But you have to do it."  He hurries away then, breathing as if he'd ran a marathon.

 "Shiny how do you do that every minute..?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt steps forward, then, his lips cracked and dry before he's even spoken his first word. Looking over the crowd, he sees children, though, clutching their mother's skirts and mothers gripping their husbands' hands tightly. It gives him courage, to say what must be said.

 "If...we can set up teams. Everyone can help. Women, children, everyone can play a part."  He's glad of his beard to hide the redness of his cheeks, and the droplets starting to form there.  "Men, you need to and chop the trees around here. Make a killing field. And use them to erect a palisade around your town to keep you safe. Others need to dig - a huge trench around the village, and use the earth to make a dyke behind it. Women, children, everyone can help - even if it's just bringing water." 

He pauses then, to lick his lips, looking around to see if they understand, he nods.  "I will show you what needs to be done, and my companion can show you how to lay traps. But you have to do it."  He hurries away then, breathing as if he'd ran a marathon.

 "Shiny how do you do that every minute..?"  
 

Shiny pats his dwarf friend on the back again.  "What can I tell you- I'm Shiny Silvertongue, diplomat and horse thief. Maybe one day you'll see the world as I do." 
Zman
 Mayor Benton 
 "The dwarven engineer is right, we can build up defenses around this town.  We can't rely on others to defend us.  We must defend ourselves!"   The mayor may only be a small town politician, but he begins working the crowd with a sill Shiny could even appreciate,  "We WILL build a  Palissade  and an earthen bank.  We WILL all help, and we will survive this onslaught." 
 
 Spoiler 

Diplomacy (d20)[ 12 ] 
 
Zman
 Town Hall 

Valen listens to Shiny working of the crowd, even he felt like picking up his sword and taking action.    "Those able who have yet to pick up a weapon shall learn to defend themselves, and those who believe themselves skilled will learn as well.    Valen slams his right fist into the palm of his left hand lending a certain certainty to his statement.

 
 Spoiler 

Intimidate (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
 
Zman
  Henry -Stables 

The young man with light sandy hair sees Natalia and Mithril approaching the stables and runs over,  "Can I help you madam?"   he doesn't even fumble over his words is is surprisingly charming as he addresses Mithril, a stark contrast to the farm boy you met only a short week ago.  But, his eyes tell the story of how frightened and naive he knew he was, his world a much wider scarier place.

 
 Spoiler 

Charisma Check (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Objectively speaking, Natalia can tell that Henry is a handsome man, or that at least he has the potential to be. He doesn't seem to be as much the nervous boy she saw just a few days ago. Hmmm...Maybe there's another reason Miriam is so uncharacteristically curt with him. Regardless, it doesn't matter to Natalia as she says,  "Looking to...help Morton...once more."  Noticing afterwards that he addressed Mithril, the rogue steals glances sideways at her friend, gauging her reaction.

She can hear a commotion over in the town square and decides to check it out once this is taken care of.
Athedia
Mithril looks deep into his eyes, recognizing the the gain of knowledge that still echoes within hers.   "Henry, you have proved yourself capable in battle.  Mortin was capable as well, and now that he is dead his horse is alone.  I happen to remember a man who knows how to ride horses.  Maybe neither of you should be alone anymore." 
Zman
 Henry 

Henry answers Mithril without losing her gaze,  "Well, she doesn't belong to me, but she will be in good hands.   as he tries to maintain the eye contact,  "No one deserves to be alone..."  he lets the last word hang on the air before breaking eye contact and moving towards the Mare.

 
 Spoiler 
Couldn't help myself!
 
Athedia
Mithril stepped forward and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I don't think she belongs to anyone, be friends.  There is nothing more I can ask of you."   Stepping back to Natalia she spoke once more  "I would invite you to join us, but our story has already begun.  If we meet on the path one day, I would like to hear what yours has become." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia steps a bit closer to Mithril, her jaw shut a bit more tightly than before.  "Isn't,"  she mutters, then adds,  "Miriam...does care. She'd...be relieved." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Going where?"  she finally asks Henry, somehow hoping that he wouldn't cross paths with them for some time. She then mentally rebukes herself for thinking that; he seems like a genuinely nice person; to be honest Morton was a jerk. Especially to Miriam, who hates herself enough as it is.
Athedia
Mithril listened for his response.  She wouldn't mind meeting him again, he seemed bright enough now he actually knew what battle was like.  A thought came to her  "Natalia, the items we... found.  None of us can use the shortbow... We should ask the others." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses. True, she had thought about that for a moment, but... "Got his horse,"  she says. No matter how they distribute the items, it's likely that Shiny's going to be gipped, unless Valen decides to take the longsword or shortbow for himself.
Zman
 Henry 

In response to Natalia,  "I'll be staying here to help defend the town."   Looking at Mithril whispfully,  "I'm not supposed to say anything yet, but the Mayor has asked me to scout out the Orc and warn the town if they indeed come." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia bites her lip. Henry didn't strike her as the particularly stealthy sort.  "And if spotted?" 
Athedia
 "When you say scout do you mean kill the one that escaped?"   Mithril's eyes grew darker, if the orc died, then the plan would not work.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Said we should tell,"  Natalia mutters in Mithril's ear.
Zman
 Henry 
 "No, no, I'm not ready to head off Orc hunting all by myself, but I plan on watching from a distance for any Orc activities, and give Linwood the warning it would need if they march. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Green skin, green forest. How well can you blend?"  she asks Henry. It wouldn't be any good for Linwood to have a tracker who stands out when trying to hide.
Zman
 Henry 

Getting a bit defensive with Natalia for the insult,  "I've been stalking around the forest since I was half your height, I'm better than any one they've got for the job and I didn't see you volunteering." 
Athedia
Mithril stepped between Natalia and Henry,  "I don't think she intended to insult you, we are just concerned. Even the best of us make mistakes, so be careful." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Only saying, many better than one."  She waves vaguely at her clothes.  "Brown clothes, brown bark. Blend too. Two to blend, not one. Your green clothes blend too. More ground to cover that way." 

That wasn't going to work.  "Didn't know. Sorry." 
CoffeeIncluded
Awkwardly, Natalia walks forward and places a hand on the young man's shoulder.  "Good tracker, good scout...Brave to volunteer. Morton's horse will help." 
Zman
 Henry 

As Natalia moves to put her hand on his shoulder he turns his back to her and starts to check the Mare's shoes.
CoffeeIncluded
Rebuffed by Henry, Natalia looks around the stable and finds half a carrot in a bucket behind the door. Stepping close to Henry, she holds it out for him to take.  "...Heart through stomach."  She feels bad for being rude to Henry, even if it wasn't intentional, and wants to make amends with him.
Athedia
Mithril place her hand on Henry's shoulder, turning him toward her. "We should not part on a sour note.  We simply fear for the safety of those who are our friends.  Be safe, one burial is to many."   With that she gave him a quick hug, before turning around to rejoin the others.  She hoped that Henry would be nice to Natalia, the girl had done so much for her and had become a close friend in the time they had spent together.  She feared Natalia's odd way of speaking distanced strangers.
Admiral
Shiny walk back to Max's house, leans against the front of it, and waits idly for the others. He's excited and ready to get moving for Hulburg once the preparations are complete. The mission suits him well- the thought of an town's survival depending on the strength of his arguments, and the success of his deceptions, is simply thrilling.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and says,  "To Hulburg, to get aid."  She doesn't say anything else, she's made enough of a fool of herself. One more person to call her Nuts.
achinca
As Miriam finishes healing the wounded, she looks at the old healer. She thinks to herself ' Is that what I am destined to become? An old, wrinkled, lonely woman without husband or children, just here to heal other and no one to heal me? Is that what St. Cuthbert wants for me? Well, as Calric said, I should be happy with what I am. I am just a farm girl after and definitively not the pick of the litter. '

She thanks the old woman and wanders around. When she sees Natalia and Mithril at the stables, she joins them. She sees Henry acting all adventury. '  So Henry, instead of a good productive life, you decided to copy Mortin? Are you OK with ended buried in a place like this, with your mother never knowing what has become of you? You are ashamed to be a farmer and you will die because of your shame. However, I wish you can find solace knowing that your doomed destiny chagrined me.  '

She shakes her head when she realizes that Mortin's horse is his now. '  I hope you will take better care of that animal than the poor grey mare. After all, as a farm boy, you must have some experience with animals.  '

Her expressions is even more somber and formal than usual, as if the rain storm over her head had tripled in size.
Athedia
Mithril cringed at Miriam's statement.  The cleric always said she was a simple farm girl, and it didn't make sense why Henry's situation was different.  He was a nice person, and know he knew what the realities of exploring were, he had a better chance of survival.

She nervously hugged Whiskers, trying to calm her nerves.  Finally calming enough to speak she said softly,  "Miriam, do your parents know where you are?" 
achinca
Miriam replies to Mithril's question with a sad, slow, broken laugh. '  My parents? Where I am? They don't care. They left me on the steps of a church when they realized they did not food for all their children.  They took the one that was worth the least and dumped her. I guess I must be thankful they did not dropped me to a brothel or sold me to some sick pervert. No, I know who and what I am and I happy with it.  '

Her last statement comes out as false as possible.

She motions the two women '  Sisters, I think we should get moving if we want to stop the number of burial in this town ....  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia steps back. Well, this is...different. Or maybe it was underneath all long and is now being brought to light, like a deeply-buried infection. She stands between Miriam and Henry and says,  "Finally, drain the poison. Farm boy, farm girl, what...says you walk to danger and he runs to safety? Do you...care about him...more than you?"  She points at herself.  "Nuts at home, Nuts here, but a different Nuts."  Natalia then points at Miriam and adds,  "More than farm girl, more than...than..."  she fumbles for the right word for a very long time before finally saying,  "Withered...lecturer. Miriam, but Miriam can be what she wants. Make her own purpose, let us, let Henry too. Not excess, not...what Morton said. Wrong." 
Athedia
Mithril looked at Natalia astonished.  That was the longest string of words she had ever heard at one time from the girl.  And her speech made sense, it was what Mithril had been thinking, but didn't know how to say.
achinca
Miriam smiles at Natalia, her tired, heavy smile. '  No I do not care about him. It is just that I wish he was looking at the downside of adventuring. He soiled himself on the boat, nearly died at the claws of the direwolf and lost his mentor, Mortin. Hopefully he will settle here and defend the town.  '

She shakes her head at the last comment. "  Mortin knew. He exposed the truth of who and what I am. And you are not nuts. You are Natalia and should be proud of it.  '
CoffeeIncluded
With a grown in the back of her throat Natalia stands on her toes, adding a couple more inches to the one she already has over Miriam and says,  "Then you, the same! Miriam, and proud of it! Not the truth...just a jerk! Still breathing if he listened!  Setting back down, she sighs and says,  "What...poisoned you?"  She knows. Like years and years of Nuts Nuts Nuts, this had to have been systematic.
Athedia
Mithril spoke up from the back of the group.  "We have time to figure out who we are, but maybe we could search on the road?  If we are to make it to Hulburg in time we will need to hurry.  I will find Valen, Kurt and Shiny.  Goodbye Henry, and good luck." 

With that she hurried out of the emotion filled barn and into the fresh air.  Finding the men, she filled them in on the current ownership of Mortin's horse, leaving out the tense situation in the barn.
achinca
Her smiles looses some of her sadness and she gently caress Natalia's face. '  Ah Sweet Natalia. Your heart is truly golden. I am not poisoned. I am what I am and I will be fine. It is St. Cuthbert's will.  '

She moves away from the rogue. '  Let's follow Mithril and rejoin the other. Valen is waiting for you.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Left behind with Henry in the barn, Natalia gives him what she hopes is an apologetic look before leaving to rejoin the others. As she walks, she says to herself, half-hoping Miriam can hear her,  "Cleric...for a god who wills your misery...why?" 
achinca
While walking toward the inn, Miriam replies to Natalia in a very formal voice '  Because He knows better ....   '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not a sacrifice, not a martyr,"  she replies.
achinca
She shakes her head "  .. if it is what He wants ......  "
Admiral
Shiny nods intently while Mithril fills him in.  "So what are we going to ride? I wonder if this town has any dogs. Sure, I'd prefer my usual mount, but I guess Shiny Wingrider, pegasus jockey and lifeguard, will have to settle for what's available." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "How...do you know?"  She was missing the whole point.
achinca
Miriam puts he hand on Natalia's shoulder and in the most ceremonial voice says '  I know .....  '
Athedia
 "Dogs probably, but I doubt they would like to carry you.   Valen, can you keep pace with the horses?  That would cut down on the amount needed, and you might be able to carry Shiny... Speaking of which have you reached the end of your accomplishments?  And you seem to have worsened, no longer champion lifeguard I see." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by athedia 
  "Dogs probably, but I doubt they would like to carry you.   Valen, can you keep pace with the horses?  That would cut down on the amount needed, and you might be able to carry Shiny... Speaking of which have you reached the end of your accomplishments?  And you seem to have worsened, no longer champion lifeguard I see."  
 

" I think I'd rather ride a horse with someone than a Valen by myself. And what's this about a lifeguard? I'm Shiny Starnamer, astronomer and manicurist." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't help but roll her eyes.  "Saint Cuthbert...Spoke magic in your mind, said...Be miserable, long-suffering martyr nobody...nobody asked for."  She shakes her head.  "What poison, can't have...always been. Good, sunshine Miriam, ever? Ever bright flash lightning, not cold gray rain?"  Hadn't she said something about her fiance several days before?
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia with the look that a parent would have trying to explain why is the sky blue but cannot find the words. She twists her hair with her left index and finally says solemnly '  One day you will understand and it will all make sense.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Same for you,"  she replies.  "Not a sacrifice. Let the poison drain." 
achinca
Miriam cannot control herself and gives a big hug to Natalia '  Thanks for caring about me. Natalia, I swear, one day I will understand Nutspeak as you call it. Although I wish you would call it Natalia's Poetry.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Care for yourself, too,"  Natalia replies. With Miriam's last sentence the rogue isn't even sure she completely understood what she was saying, and curses her inability to effectively and clearly communicate.
Admiral
 "All right, Miriam Melancholia and Natalia Neverclear. Let's keep our minds at the task at hand."  Shiny stops while he's briefly fascinated by something just beyond the horizon, then continues.  "You"- he points at Natalia- "have to go help the dwarf get the villagers started on their defenses- set the traps and the like. The rest of us will round up and prepare some mounts. In half an hour we set forth on the road to Hulburg!" 
achinca
Miriam nods "  Of course Shiny Storyteller, Dragon slayer and Halfling Lawyer, Grand Master of Communication! Let's get ready to go to Hulburg  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and walks off with Kurt. As she passes Valen and Mithril she whispers,  "The shortbow? And items for Miriam?" 
Zman
 Henry 

Henry does his best to remain quiet throughout the women's dialog.  His shell is momentary broken by Mithril's caress as he returns the c fort with a hand to her upper arm.

 Town Hall 

Valen answers in a riots tone,   "O can keep up, but may be diminished if we encounter trouble or are forced to push.  I will do what can be done.... And will NOT carry the gnome."   
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia replies,  "Horses for all,"  then goes off with Kurt to speak to the mayor and help with defending the town.
Zman
 Town Hall  
 Spoiler 
The Mayor can be persuaded the lend the horses of the stables to the group.
 There are  (d4+4)[ 5 ]  horses available excluding Mortims Mare.  Edit: looks lik Kurt and Shiny have to share...or Mithril and Natalia....
DC10: all but four
DC15: all but two
DC20: all but one(includes privately owned)
DC 25: all(includes privately owned)
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns around and decides to bring Shiny along for this.
Admiral
Shiny jogs along, bringing Natalia to meet Kurt.

 
 Spoiler 

Who is currently at the center of town? Let's get the trapmaking started quickly (couple of posts) so we can hit the road.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Leaving the negotiation of horses to Shiny, Natalia shows the mayor a map of Linwood she obtained last night, annotated in pencil with lines and hatch marks, with circles around holes in the lines.  "Barrier around Linwood, digging behind to make them fall. Snares by the entrance gaps."  She stops and pants, exhausted by the effort to make everything come out coherently.
Zman
 Town Hall 

As the three members approach, the Major greets them,  "Well met, we need to petition Hulburg for aid...again.  Will any of you be able to make haste and bring their aid?" . The Mayor has subtle emphasis on the parts he's already promised to the town.
Admiral
Shiny walks up to the mayor.  "Mr. Mayor, I understand what a difficult situation you face in this time of war. Your people have seen so much hardship already, and we do not ask for their possessions lightly. But now is the time for commitment. Your salvation lies in Hulburg, more than a full day's journey away. We must ride there, or your city will be overrun, and  all  its possessions will be forfeit. We must therefore ask for as many horses as your town has." 

He looks the mayor deep in the eyes (though he himself still sports an eyepatch).  "One day the bards will sing of this journey, and they'll sing of the day we come charging back into town with fresh reinforcements- of the relief and the joy that our mission will bring. They'll sing of the day when the last of the orc scourge is defeated, and your town is left to prosper in peace. All we ask is that you make it possible." 
 
 Spoiler 

Diplomacy:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 

Edit: I forgot that my bonus is +12, not +8. This roll is thus +4 higher.
 
Zman
 MAyor Benton 

Looking Shiny directly in the eye, Mayor Benton,  "You are right, you have everything can spar.  Take the horses, well get them saddled and make haste for Hulburg! Please." . The mayor flags down a aging man and directs him to prepare the horses for travel.

Turning to Natalia,  "His means little to me, show this to Max, maybe he can make sense of it.m we will do what we can." 
CoffeeIncluded
Nodding, Natalia goes over to Max, shows him the map he helped her draw the night before, and says,  "Know this place, know good trapping spots?"  She then adds.  "Off to Hulburg for allies...Crossbow bolts for danger on the way? Please?" 
Admiral
Shiny nods.  "Good choice, Mr. Mayor. You'll see us return in a few days time." 

He goes to wait with the horses until the others are ready to set out.
Zman
 Max 

Looking over the plans with Natalia,  "I think we can manage most, especially the walls...but I don't know how much of the technical stuff we can manage, but well do our best." 

When Natalia begins begging for bolts, Max pulls out a bundle of quarrels,  "Used them for dire rats, if they can kill a fourty pound rate they'll wor just finek." 
CoffeeIncluded
With a nod, Natalia says,  "Snares for me."  When Max hands her the crossbow bolts, Natalia smiles and replies.  "Thank you. Return...What I save." 
Cavelcade
Kurt directs them on what they should be doing in the meantime, before he goes to join the others.  "Hm. Not quite enough horses." 
achinca
With her unpolished scale mail and her dusty heavy wooden shield on her back, Miriam looks a little ragged as approaches the horses, waiting to take one.

When Kurt mentions the shortage of horses, she replies '  How about Mortin's horse? We could put it at a better use that him.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head, feeling bad enough about how she and Miriam treated Henry already.  "Needs to scout,"  she says.
achinca
Unconvinced but not caring enough to argue, Miriam replies. '  If you say so. I am ready to go when ever you are ready.  '
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Unconvinced but not caring enough to argue, Miriam replies. '  If you say so. I am ready to go when ever you are ready.  ' 
 

Replying with a nod, Natalia somehow manages to scramble her way onto and off one of the horses.  "Good to go?" 
Athedia
Mithril looked at the horses carefully, finding one that looked calmer than the rest she approached it.   "Please be a nice horse."   She put Whiskers on the saddle before nervously climbing onto the horse.   "The sooner we head out, the better I will feel about riding.  Waiting will make me terrified." 
Zman
Valen moves with them, eyeing the horse warily....  "I'm not a huge fan of beasts of burden, but haste is necessary."  

As he skillfully climbs onto the horse after packing it.  A process which is quickly accomplished with his meager possessions.
 
 Spoiler 

Ride:  Take ten for a 14
 
achinca
Miriam climbs on the horse. It is obvious that she is an average rider at best.

 
 Spoiler 
Ride: Take ten for a 11
 
CoffeeIncluded
Despite her relative inexperience with horses, Natalia's naturally lean, agile body helps her balance on the beast.

 
 Spoiler 
Ride: Take 10 for a 13.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Realizing something, Natalia rides over to Valen and says,  "Morton's, orcs' gear. Orc gear for Miriam, bow for Henry?"  They were right, Miriam would not take their using of Morton's gear well, it was best for her to sell the orcs' supplies and use the money as she pleases.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt directs them on what they should be doing in the meantime, before he goes to join the others.  "Hm. Not quite enough horses."  
 

 "Plenty of room for two!"  Shiny yelps enthusiastically, and then scrabbles his way up a horse.  "Come on! History is waiting!" 
 
 Spoiler 

You can mount or dismount a horse without a Ride check!
 
Cavelcade
Kurt just grins and gets up with the irascible Shiny.  "We are the shortest, only makes sense." 

He looks around at the others and nods, ready to get going.
CoffeeIncluded
If Valen agrees to distribute the items now, Natalia says,  "Split the job faster,"  takes the bow, and heads over to the stables where Henry is.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Taking 10 is no fun!

 (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
 


In his enthusiasm, Shiny tries to shimmy up one of the horse's legs and slips right off to land in the dirt. He shakes his head a bit before standing up and climbing back up.
Zman
  "Do what you like, I'll take what is fair."   Valen responds to Natalia.


With the horses prepped, and Shiny riding informe of Kurt the group appears to be ready to leave.

 Mayor Benton 

Come back over to the group looking nervously at the empty stables.  He carries a piece of heavy parchment written in his own curt script.  Handing it to Shiny,  "Please Master Gnome, deliver this to the King, we beseech their aid as granted to us under our stewardship. Please, make haste." 
 
 Spoiler 

When read the script describes their current situation and officially asks for aid.  It cites a few passages where Linwood has promised 15% of their yield for protection.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Back in a bit,"  she says to Valen before heading to the stables where Henry is still spending time with Morton's horse. She hands out the shortbow to him and says,  "Morton's bow, Morton's horse. Defend on the run." 
Admiral
 "We will, Mr. Mayor. You can count on us."  Shiny says, grasping the man's hand firmly. The smudge of dirt left on his face from the fall, not to mention the uncomfortable way Kurt and Shiny have to balance on the same horse, do slightly lessen the dignity of the moment.

He turns towards the horizon, and kicks the horse.  "To Hulburg we ride! HIYA!" 
 
 Spoiler 

To see whether he pulls off this cool moment:

Ride check:  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
 


He slips almost all the way off of the horse. As he climbs back on, he intentionally ignores the Mayor's gaze and waves to urge the others forward, before the Mayor can change his mind about trusting them.
Zman
Valen silently laughs to himself as he takes off in style...Bringing his horse to its hind legs and walking it a few steps before following.
 
 Spoiler 

 (d20+4)[ 22 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Hearing Shiny's shouts all the way from the stables, Natalia says,  "Luck. Traps with scouts,"  to Henry before running back to the group, where Shiny is barely hanging on to the horse, Kurt appears to be growing more uncomfortable of riding with the gnome by the second, and Valen is having his horse rear up on his hind legs.

Natalia takes the shortsword and studded leather armor that she by now assumes has been allotted to her and climbs on the horse. For a moment her vanity gets the better of her...

 
 Spoiler 
Ride:  (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
 


Natalia doesn't even get the chance to do something cool because the hilt of the shortsword presses into the horse's flank and she bucks. Somehow she manages to hold on to the horse and her new gear at the same time.
Zman
 Henry 
As Natalia runs up to him handing him a finely crafted short bow, Henry attempts to respond, but the spastic rogue has already turned and starts running away,  "Th...thank you!  he called.
CoffeeIncluded
Before that near-pratfall on the horse, Natalia pauses and turns back with a smile and a nod, indicating she heard Henry.
achinca
Miriam watches Shiny and Natalia to act like heroes and fall or early fall from their horse. She shakes her head , ' This is what happens when one does not know who or what they are. ' she says to herself

Then Valen has his horse on his hind legs, like the heroes of legend. ' Exactly' .
Athedia
Mithril watched the antics of the group as they as she patiently waited to leave.  She pulls out the ring that she had decided to take from the items they had found and slips it onto her finger, holding her hand out to admire the look.  As they set out she gingerly guided her horse along.
Zman
 The Road to Hulburg 

As the bean to climb in the sky, threatening its apex, the group of unlikely companions set forth on the Eastern Road to Hulburg.  The weather was fair and they can expect to make solid headway on their journey.

 
 Spoiler 

Without increasing speed it will take about 1.5 days.  Could be done in one with a lot of hustling and some hurting horses.

Lrs have some RP etc. mill post later.
 
achinca
Miriam follows the group, concentrated on the riding, trying her best not to make her fool out of herself as Shiny then Natalia did in  front of the Mayor.

She asks the group '  Who here likes to haggle with merchants? I want to sell the equipment we took from the orc and give the proceeds to the widows of the men killed in the attack.  '
Cavelcade
 "You have to ask who likes to haggle?"  Kurt just chuckles, patting Shiny's shoulder.  "I hope you're not too offended, Shiny." 
CoffeeIncluded
The sky is clear and the road is relatively smooth, which is a comfort to Natalia as she tries to get used to riding. Seeing Mithril slip the ring over her finger, she remembers that they have to distribute the individual possessions. Riding forward to Shiny, she hands him the bag of potions and says,  "Strong healing, liquid silver, and glitterdust inside."  With a bit of effort she manages to somehow give the longsword to Kurt without injury. Finally, Natalia gives the fine dagger to Miriam with an apologetic look as she says,  "Orc gold and gear, all yours,"  in compensation for the mediocre "prize."

But when Miriam says she wants to give away all the money, Natalia frowns and says,  "But...nothing for you?" 
achinca
Miriam looks at Natalia surprised '  Why would I keep the gold? These widows will have to face a life of hardship. The few coins will not replace the man they lost in the battle but it will put some food on the table. I am fine with what I have.  '
CoffeeIncluded
She frowns.  "No protection from danger?"  Pressing the dagger into the cleric's hands, Natalia says,  "At least...keep this." 
achinca
Miriam smiles at the young rogue '  I can heal. Remember? it is a big advantage. I have no use for daggers. If I need to fight, my mace is plenty enough! This will bring gold to people who can use it ....  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head.  "Backup, contingencies. Keep yourself safe, keep us safe. Keep us alive,"  Maybe that would convince her, since Miriam clearly doesn't care too much about her own well-being. Another though strikes her.  "Promised...orphans too. New promise every week?"  The people of Linwood would support each other, but those kids don't have anybody.
achinca
When Natalia mentions the orphans, Miriam stops dead in her track and starts thinking ' She is right. I promised Calric. I promised the orphans. But these widows will need the gold. Are my promises as empty as my heart? '

She restarts the horse, still lost in her thoughts and finally says '  You are right. I made that promise. I will make a deal with you. I will keep half for the orphans and half goes to the widows. But none for me. They have dire needs. I don't.  "
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia replies,  "Gear for us, not for you...Not fail. Not safe for you, not safe for us, keeping us alive."  She adds on to that,  "More than cash, a place to stay." 
achinca
Miriam seems to appreciate Natalia's effort. "  I am safe. No need to worry. My equipment is good. I don't need much. I can live with very little. I don't need much. Some hay, some scraps. I can use my magic to survive. I am a farm girl after all  .'

She tries to change conversation '  So, I noticed you have been cold and indifferent to our naked savage. Everything OK?  '
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "You have to ask who likes to haggle?"  Kurt just chuckles, patting Shiny's shoulder.  "I hope you're not too offended, Shiny."  
 

 "To be perfectly honest,"  Shiny says without a hint of irony,  "it's not something I've ever liked- it's just something I needed to do."

"I was born with no possessions to my name except a single pebble. When I was eight months old, I found a gnome in need of ammunition for his sling, and traded the pebble to him for a fishing rod made of a stick and twine. This I traded to a cook for half a loaf of bread, which I gave to a hungry blacksmith in exchange for a small, dull, dagger. In this way did I trade each item for the next, each a slight improvement from the last."

"Many hundreds of trades later, I gave an armada of battleships to the crown in exchange for a dukeship and dominion over the western third of the kingdom. Unfortunately, later that night I got terribly drunk and traded my title and power for a single pint of ale. And thus ended the spree of Shiny Swapmaster, haggler and ex-royal." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just says  "You die, then we will soon after,"  before seeming to give up. When she asks about Valen Natalia replies,  "...Got...items with him and Mithril this morning,"  before listening to Shiny's yarn of the hour.
achinca
Miriam smiles at Natalia. '  It is OK if you do not want to talk about it. It is none of my business.  '

After listening to Shiny's story Miriam says in a very official voice '  It is too bad Your Highness Shiny Storyteller that you traded your title. You would have been an impressive Duke with your eye patch!  '
Admiral
 "Oh, I lost my eye years after my misfortune at the Tavern of Endless Cheer- 'twas in a brutal knifefight. I was walking home one moonless night when a stout, silent, thick-bearded dwarf sliced me across the legs- no provocation at all! Of course I drew my own dagger and tried to reciprocate, but it seemed to have no effect on him; he simply returned every injury threefold. Desperate, I tried to tackle the dwarf to the ground to get the weapon away from him, but however I wrestled him he just continued stabbing me. I lost my eye and what must have been three tankards worth of blood, and finally passed out." 
 "It wasn't until morning that they found me, unconscious, tangled in the shrubbery at the side of the road. It turned out that the 'dwarf' was just a particularly thorny rosebush." 
achinca
Miriam tries to fake concerns as much as she can '  It is the danger of alcohol, your former highness. I know that all you care about is the truth but bards sing songs about dragons, not thorny rosebushes. May be you could embillish the story to make it a dragon that took your eye.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tries to hold back her laughter at that last statement. Finally, something Shiny said that was probably true! Or at least partially based somewhat off of a true story that may have happened once!
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by achinca 
 Miriam tries to fake concerns as much as she can '  It is the danger of alcohol, your former highness. I know that all you care about is the truth but bards sing songs about dragons, not thorny rosebushes. May be you could embillish the story to make it a dragon that took your eye.  ' 
 

 "A dragon? That sounds a little unbelievable. And besides, it would be lying." 
achinca
Miriam pretends to think about Shiny's comment then replies '  You are right. May be a Chimera would be better. And your patch is on the wrong eye .....  '
Admiral
 "I think I know which eye I lost,"  says Shiny haughtily.

He then thinks for a minute, tries switching it to the other eye, then switches it back with a confident nod.
Cavelcade
Kurt throws back his head and laughs at that, having to calm the horse a little at the sudden noise. A loud, booming laugh from his stomach at the entire situation and story.

 "I am simply glad it wasn't a dwarf after all, my friend." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Unless you knew from before,"  Natalia replies.
Zman
 The Eastern Road 

After hours of travel the troupe makes haste along the road to Hulburg...

As the sun begins to set and the horses begin to weary the dangerous twilight covers the ground and all open their eyes and ears to their surroundings...

 
 Spoiler 

Spot Checks
Miriam (d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 4 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 8 ] 
Natalia (d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Valen  (d20)[ 14 ] 

@Miriam, Natalia, Mithril
 
 Spoiler 
You see about 300' in the distance three lumbering forms, they look humanoid, but about 9-10ft tall.
 


Listen Checks
Miriam (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Kurt (d20)[ 20 ] 
Shiny (d20-2)[ 11 ] 
Natalia (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Mithril (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Valen  (d20+3)[ 18 ] 

@Kurt, Natalia, Valen
 
 Spoiler 
You hear a crashing in the distance, in front of you and to the left of the road.
 


@Shiny 
 Spoiler 
You are oblivious to any danger.
 

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...lc24yMlE#gid=0 
 
Athedia
Mithril slowed down, motioning for the others to do the same.   She didn't know what those creatures where, though she had a few guesses.  The one thing she was sure of was that she didn't want them getting to close.
Zman
  Valen  

Hearing movement in the distance, Valen holds up a hand and begins to search the distance as he wraps arcane protections around himself.
Admiral
Shiny slows down his and Kurt's horse when Mithril signals, though he doesn't see or hear a thing.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stops short when she sees the three lumbering forms and hears the crashing noise in front of her and to her left.  "Bigmen,"  she whispers, checking to make sure both crossbows are loaded, thankful that everyone had gotten Morton's old gear earlier that day.
Cavelcade
Kurt takes out his axe, fingering the haft nervously.
CoffeeIncluded
Realizing that there simply isn't enough time to set up a tripwire, Natalia says,  "Weaken by range,"  then orders her horse to dash forward as she fires her crossbow, knowing that it probably won't hit but also understanding that it's the only thing that might soften up the ogres (or giants, they're too far away for her to be absolutely sure) before they get too close. Natalia does not want to be within melee range of them if she can help it.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20)[ 4 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20)[ 5 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia curses as the bolt goes wide.
achinca
Miriam stops and points forward '  Large creatures .. humanoids ... could be giants, ogre, ettins, trolls ... we should be carfu....  '

She does not finish her sentence as Natalia fires her crossbow.

"  Natalia, you supposed to be stealthy. firing a weapon that has no chance to hit them and giving away our position is not the stealthiest thing around. Not that I know anything. After all you know who and what I am.'  

She looks annoyed at the rogue impulsivity.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head and shouts back,  "Crash says they followed, already saw us." 
Athedia
Mithril hurriedly cast a spell as she sat on the horse befuddled about what to do.  She didn't dare cast one of her showy spell for fear of scaring the horse's but couldn't think of anything else to do.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Mage Armor on self
 
achinca
Miriam still not getting it asks '  Who is crash?  '
Zman
 Ogres 

The Ogres lurch forward in response to their new enemies.  Heir lumbering strides closing in on their prey.  Two are quicker than the third, not encumbered by the thick Hide armor that adorns the last of them.  All carry a javelin in hand and a huge mallet club on their back.  As they rush forward they let out bellows which frighten the horses.

 
 Spoiler 

DC5 Ride to stay in saddle.  Or you fall prone.
 
achinca
Miriam

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+1)[ 14 ] 
 


The roaring ogre scare her horse but the kind cleric is able to stay in the saddle and calm her mount.
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Ride check:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
 


Shiny's nearly gets knocked off when the horse rears, but he is just barely able to keep from falling.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
ride  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
 


Mithril manages to stay in her saddles, even as her horse rears in shock.
Zman
  Valen  

Valens horse begins to startle, but Valen easily calms the horse slipping off its back and drawing his taught bow.  Calming loosing an arrow at the first attacker... The arrow missing wildly.

 
 Spoiler 

No need for a Ride check, I automatically pass.
200' -4 for range.

Attack (d20-1)[ 4 ] 
Critical (d20-1)[ 12 ] 
Damage (d6+3)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
 "Well, that was a bit too exciting." 

Shiny hops down from his horse, raises his crossbow, and fires a shot at the nearest ogre, which bounces harmlessly off him.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack (including range mod):  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Crash bang calling card of ogres!"  Natalia shouts above their roars, riding back to the group. Crap, she's been getting cocky. A cocky trapsmith is a dead trapsmith. Trying to stay in the saddle, Natalia reloads the crossbow and fires over her shoulder, again knowing it's probably useless but figuring that something is better than nothing..

 
 Spoiler 
Ride:  (d20+3)[ 14 ]  (Watch as I need anything but a 1 to pass and just get a 1)
Attack:  (d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+2)[ 22 ]  Why.
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ] 
 


Natalia doesn't even need to look back to know that she missed.
CoffeeIncluded
Having gotten a good look at their foe, Natalia shouts back to the rest of the group,  "Ogres!" 
Cavelcade
Kurt curses, slipping off the horse and landing beside Shiny, he prepares to defend his allies from by charging the Ogres as soon as they get into range, not having his crossbow out unfortunately.
achinca
Miriam gets off her horse and ties it to a tree or bush.

She yells at the rest of the group '  Be smart with your ammunition! Don't waste them on a distance so great. And if you engage them, try to flank them  '

She thinks to herself ' Where does this come from? Am I learning from previous fights? How can I? I knows nothing. '

 
 Spoiler 
Move: Get of the horse
Action: tie the horse
Let me know if rolls are needed
 
CoffeeIncluded
Instead of reloading and firing her crossbow, Natalia rides back and dismounts as she says,  "Soften at range, knock them down. Clubs are nastier than Kurt's axe, Valen's blade." 
Athedia
Mithril dismounted and tied up both her and Natalia's horses to a nearby tree.  While doing so Whiskers assumed his usual place on her shoulders, claws digging into her shirt as he stared down the ogres.
Zman
 Ogre 

The two swift Ogres quickly advance, one darting off the road to try and gleam some cover from the trees and brush as the bolts and arrows whiz through the air.  Shinys bolt hit hime, doing little to deter the fearsome Ogre.  The third, slowed by his hide armor advanced along the road after them.

The raise their javelins as they prepare a pre charge throw.
 
 Spoiler 

Trees grant cover for O2.
 
Admiral
 "Let's slow them down a bit,"  says Shiny. He winds up and casts  sleep , targeting the closer of the two ogres still on the path.

 
 Spoiler 
O3 gets a DC 15 Will save.
 
Zman
 Ogre 

The Gnomes enchantment struggles to gain hold of the brutes mind.... The beast is only infuriated more by the assault on its mind...

 
 Spoiler 

Will (d20+1)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says to Mithril as she prepares to reload her crossbow. No way would they be able to shoot down the ogres in time...Seems like she's going to have to test out Morton's old gear a bit sooner than she'd like. It's funny though, how well the studded leather fits her, even though it still smells of booze. Natalia supposes it's probably just a product of the magic woven in the leather, that it seemed to shift ever so slightly to fit her lithe figure and hint of curves instead of the stout frame of a large man.
achinca
Miriam loads her light crossbow and unleashes it, aiming for the ogre on the road. '  Go away, spawn of evil ....  '

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 


She nearly loses a finger and hit Natalia before the bolt get lost in the woods.

'  Oops .... Sorry ..... I mean it when I say I am a farm girl who knows nothing. I think I should stay away from crossbows!  '
CoffeeIncluded
 "Ack!"  Natalia shouts as she manages to duck under the bolt. She doesn't even bother responding to Miriam; the ogres are so close. Her crossbow loaded, Natalia tries shooting at the ogres again. This could get nasty...

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 2 ] 
 


This bolt actually hits the ogre, but unfortunately it lands in the fleshy part of its arm instead of a more critical location.
Zman
  "Don't let them charge you!"   Valen commands as he moves into the woods, using the trees to dull any charge attempt swapping his bow for his mighty sword.  As he quickly moves, he reinforces his arcane protections and prepares for a difficult fight to come.

   Today is a bad day to die...   
 
 Spoiler 
Move to C10

Cast shield 12/12 remaining
 
CoffeeIncluded
Following Valen's lead, after Natalia shoots her crossbow bolt she swiftly steps behind the nearest tree.
Cavelcade
Kurt guides his and Shiny's tree into the woods, tying it somewhere it should be safe and waiting for the Orgres to get within range.
 
 Spoiler 

(( OOC: The image amuses me so I'm not going to change it - just assume it reads horse like it should. ))
 
Athedia
Mithril retreated to the side of the road, hoping that the thick bushes would provide her some cover.
Zman
 Ogres 

The armored Ogre has little to do but to run in hopes of keeping up with his quicker comrades.

One whips his Javelin at Natalia before drawing his Greatclub and advance preparing to charge the following round...  But, Natalia is able to niftly dodge the crude weapon, the saddle of Valen's horse isn't so lucky though...

The other throws his Javelin at Shiny, who hopes to be hidden within the brush before advancing with his massive club.  Shiny Giantsbane barely escapes being impales as his chain shirts takes the brunt of the damage.

 
 Spoiler 

Vs Natalia
Attack(+8-4) (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Critica (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Attack (d6+5)[ 7 ] 

Vs Shiny
Attack(+8-4) (d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Critica (d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Attack (d6+5)[ 8 ] 

Shiny dodged a bullet...errr javelin there.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia easily ducks under the javelin and can't help but laugh as it somehow sticks straight into Valen's saddle without damaging the horse wearing it. She stops laughing, however, when the second javelin scrapes past Shiny's torso. Her fear turns to relief, however, when she sees  that it just scraped the chain mail and knocked a couple of rings loose, but barely even scratched Shiny himself.

 "Anything to say...for yourself?" 
achinca
Miriam reload her crossbow and shoots again at the nearest ogre.

If it makes sense, she will take a 5 feet to increase her cover.

 
 Spoiler 
Move: Reload
Action: Shoot
Free: 5 step

 (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 
achinca
  Miriam  

'  Watch out, I am shooting  '. She closes her eyes as she pulls the trigger and to her surprise, the bolt ended in the ogre skin, not across Natalia's skulls.

'  Well, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.'  
 
 Spoiler 
Damages:  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not blind!"  Natalia responds, having to brush the skinny branches away from her face so she doesn't end up with leaves in her mouth.
Admiral
Looking a little more anxious than he usually does, Shiny winds up and fires another  sleep  spell at the Ogre in front.

 
 Spoiler 

If he's flatfooted, it's a DC 16 Will save.
 


Seeing another ogre shrug off his sleep spell, Shiny retreats back into the forest.
Zman
Shiny fires his sleep spell at the hulking behemoth in front, his armor smells of rotted meats and the Ogres personal stink...

 
 Spoiler 

DC 16 Will  (d20+1)[ 21 ] 
 
Zman
Valen, feeling the pressure of the ogres charges out, whipping his blade about in a frenzy.

A solid exhalation of breath, and Valen plunges out...

 
 Spoiler 

Enter Whirling Frenzy Round 1/5
Charge Power Attack (d20+8)[ 22 ] 
Critical (d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Damage (2d6+9)[ 15 ] 
 
Cavelcade
Kurt feels his blood start to rise as the battle is taken to them. His fingers stop drumming on the haft of his axe and his voice is raised in a rough dwarven battlecry as he charges out to meet the onrushing Ogre in the mail.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack for -2 to hit, +4 to damage, charging for a +2 to hit, -2 to AC and raging for +4 str, +4 con, +2 will, -2 AC.

 (1d20+9)[ 27 ]  Attack
 (1d20+9)[ 10 ]  Crit
 (1d12+13)[ 14 ]  Damage
 
Zman
The Ogre takes the brunt of Kurt's mighty blow, disabled, yet not defeated.

 
 Spoiler 
O1 at 0/29, disabled

Couldn't of rolled a 2?!

Mithril and Ntalia are up.
 
Athedia
Mithril considered the tree next to her, asking herself if she should just climb it.  Seeing the thin branches she gulped.  Never mind, that was not a favored option in her book. Instead she reached into her bag for her crossbow and a bolt, loading the crossbow as she tried to keep her hands from shaking.   
 Spoiler 
Uses her move action to retrieve her crossbow, takes a move action in place of a standard action to reload the crossbow.  Now we have a wizard with a loaded crossbow, everyone watch out... if there are still ogres to shot next turn.  Also Coffee if you want Mithril to use Color Spray it will take some convincing. As of now she is paranoid of illusions and enchantments
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia reloads her crossbow when she sees Mithril shaking nervously beside her. She touches her friend's arm gently and says,  "All okay. I'll...protect you."  Peeking out from behind the tree, she fires.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20+4)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Of course, what was supposed to be a moment is ruined when she misses. Again. Natalia sighs and hands the loaded crossbow to Mithril.

 
 Spoiler 
If she can do that. Can she do that? At least that way we'll get another attack in this turn. And maybe drop the ogre, though I doubt it.
 
Zman
  Mithril  

Mithril touches off the trigger in far less time then she had thought, sending a bolt sailing.... Far off into the distance...

 
 Spoiler 

Attack 1
Attack  (d20+4)[ 11 ]  Dang, even DM trickery didn't work.
Damage  (d8)[ 1 ] 
 
Zman
 Armored Ogre 

Having no where to go, the armored Ogre risks quaffing a healing potion... but he is cut down by both Kurt's axe and Valen's sword fury.

 
 Spoiler 

Kurt AoO
Attack (d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage (d12+13)[ 18 ] 

Valens AoO
Attack (d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage (2d6+7)[ 16 ] 

If he lives
Heals (d8+1)[ 2 ] 
 
Zman
 Ogres 

As one falls, the other two step up and attempt to flatten Valen and Kurt into thin specks of red paste...  Both barbarians are caught off guard and nearly knocked off their feat...the most memborable thing is the sound of bones breaking and the eerie joyful laugh coming from an Ogre's throat...

 
 Spoiler 

O (d2+1)[ 3 ]  Vs Kurt

Attack (d20+8)[ 26 ] 
Critical (d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage (2d8+7)[ 15 ] Ouch


Other O vs Valen
Attack (d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Critical (d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Damage (2d8+7)[ 16 ] Ouch

Randomized for fairness, since one is wounded.

Ok, Kurt, Valen, Miriam, and Shiny are up.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces and gasps as she hears the ogres laugh while they smash Kurt and Valen's bones.
Cavelcade
Kurt staggers from the blow, then turns his rage on his attacker, aiming to chop it down to size.

 
 Spoiler 

Power attack -2 for +4. Still ragin.
 (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  Attack
 (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  Crit
 (1d12+13)[ 18 ]  Damage
 
Zman
  Valen  

As the huge club comes down on Valen, he attempts to deflect a small amount of the damage with an expenditure of arcane energy... before retaliating his his mighty sword...

 
 Spoiler 

DC16 Concentration (d20+4)[ 9 ]  and an expended spell slot to negate 5 damage


Attack (d20+6)[ 18 ] 
Critical (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Damage (2d6+9)[ 14 ] 

Whirling Frenzy
Attack (d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Critical (d20+4)[ 20 ] 
Damage (2d6+9)[ 14 ] 
 
Zman
Kurt's mighty swing takes out the Ogre at the knees and leaves a bloody mess behing, while Valen manages to wound his attacks....though without assistence the human will fall...
Admiral
Seeing the second ogre go down, Shiny frowns regretfully.  "You get to have all the fun."  He then reels up again and targets another enchantment burst at the one remaining adversary.

 
 Spoiler 

 Sleep  targeting O2.

DC 15 Will save:  (1d20+1)[ 21 ] 
 


Upon seeing his enchantment fail and his allies injured, Shiny steps out from behind the tree. He knows that his only chance is to shout some awful insult in Giant, something that will make the Ogre forget his friends and attack him.

 "OOGA BOOGA BOO!" 

Upon reflection, Shiny remembers that he doesn't actually speak Giant. He tries instead in the common tongue.

 "BETCHA CAN'T HIT ME, YOU HAIRY LOUT!!!" 

He waves his hands tauntingly.

 
 Spoiler 

Unlikely to work. But it's what Shiny would do.
 
achinca
Miriam walks to Galen and heals him.

 (1d8+2)[ 8 ] 
CoffeeIncluded
Cursing her uselessness at the moment, Natalia dashes out of the undergrowth and fires her hand crossbow, ready to draw her blades and spring into action as soon as she gets close enough...

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (d20)[ 20 ] 
Crit confirm:  (d20)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d4)[ 4 ] 
 


The bolt somehow slams several inches deep into the ogre's thigh; Natalia pumps a fist in the air at this turn of events.
Athedia
Mithril reloaded and aimed her crossbow more carefully this time.    Don't miss, don't miss.  If Valen or Kurt die... No just don't miss  
 
 Spoiler 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 
Crit  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
Damage  (1d8)[ 6 ] 
 


Mithril's bolt slammed deep into the ogre's throat, piercing the thick skin.  As she recovered from the shock, she noticed the other wound left from Natalia's arrow and smiled.  They had managed to bring the giant creature down.
Zman
A loud gurgle marks the passing of the Harriet fight the group had encountered as the Wizardess' bolt piercs the massive humanoids throat.  A red fountain mists a large arc across the landscape.

Valen slumps, deeply fatigues as he leans on his sword whispering silent thanks followed by,   "Thank you..."   he whispers.
CoffeeIncluded
A whooshing sound by Natalia's ear alerts her to the perfect strike which tears open the ogre's throat and saves Valen's life. As Mithril staggers out of the bushes Natalia leaps on her with an embrace as she shouts,  "Yes! I love you!"  The instant those words come out of her mouth Natalia's cheeks flare red; she turns her head and coughs awkwardly into her fist.

When she hears Valen and Kurt groaning behind her, she asks,  "Everyone alive?" 
achinca
Miriam heals Kurt.

 (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
achinca
Right Die used.

 (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
Cavelcade
Kurt wavers unsteadily on his feet as he comes down from his rage, blinking around a bit before he feels her healing touch.

 "Ah...just in time Miriam. Thank you." 
CoffeeIncluded
With a nervous laugh, Natalia pulls herself off Mithril and looks for a distraction. Searching the dead ogres seems to be a good one, and she quickly finds a bag containing a hundred gold and a second of gems worth about as much before searching longer to see if any others had been carrying potions like the first one.

 
 Spoiler 
Take 20 on search for a 30 now! 😁 And huh, I thought someone would comment on Natalia's outburst.
 
Zman
As Miriam's healing tough soothes the pain Balen faces, he glances at Mithril and Natalia,   Love, ehh....  

Once her prayers are finished, Valen stands tall, bone weary and sore, but alive.   "Thank you La.....Miriam."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia happily waves two small vials in the air.  "Bitter healing,"  she says, recognizing them as the foul-tasting healing potion that that one orc carried.
achinca
Miriam just replies. ' That's my job .'

She looks at the 3 dead ogres 'T hat was easy. '

After that she goes to her horse, untie it and get on it.
CoffeeIncluded
What?  "Bitter healing,"  Natalia says, pointing to the thick green liquid within the vials.  "Soothing healing,"  she says, pointing to Miriam as she goes over to untie her horse.
Cavelcade
Kurt blinks a little and glances at Miriam.  "You think that was easy?"  In his enraged state he'd completely missed any outburst from Natalia - shrugging off his fatigue he goes to get his horse ready to go again.
achinca
She looks at Kurt ' 3 dead ogres. 6 of us. 4 untouched, 2 requiring some healing. Yes, that was easy. Imagine how easy if Shiny did know how to master the sleep spell. '
Admiral
Shiny stares at his hands as he snaps his fingers a few times, his lips moving in pantomime, then suddenly grins in comprehension.  "Got it! I had the left and right hands mixed up,"  he cheerfully lies.
Athedia
 "And friend and foe, I think."  Mithril joked in good humor.  The exhilaration had not left her and she wanted to jump up and down in joy, but she managed to restrain herself.
CoffeeIncluded
 "New sureshot,"  Natalia says to Mithril; the red still hasn't entirely left her cheeks.  "Sureshot for spells too." 
Athedia
Mithril snapped back into focus as the past few seconds caught up with her. She hugged Natalia back,  "I don't know what I would do without a friend like you."   She then went to her horse to try to calm it down.  Any astute observer would notice a weasel stretched along her neck, appearing to hit his face with his paw as she walked away, but they would probably think it a trick of the light or some other shiny object.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia just hugs Mithril back.

Natalia is certainly astute, but she misinterprets Whiskers' gesture and says,  "Leave them for flies soon,"  as she hops on her horse.
CoffeeIncluded
Wanting to shake off the awkwardness, Natalia says atop her horse,  "To Hulburg before dark?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt hops onto his own horse and nods, reaching to help Shiny up.  "Yes. Let's get going." 
Zman
Valen gingerly, though he tries to hide it, climbs up on his horse and agrees,   "Agreed, we should make haste.  Though, the horses will struggle to keep up the pace without healing.  And we are still injured."  
achinca
Miriam climbs down from her horse, heals who needs to be healed, including the horse and gets back on her horse.
Admiral
Shiny climbs up next to Kurt.  "Onward!" 
Athedia
Mithril started to climb back onto her horse and then paused,  "Should we bring a token from the ogre to Hulburg, they may be more receptive if we show we removed a threat from their walls?"
   Going back to the dead ogres she looked for some trinket that would prove that they had fought the ogres.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia goes over to the horses as well and says,  "Weapons?" 
Admiral
 "Heads."  says Shiny suddenly.  "Nothing will get their attention like heads."  He blinks, and then starts mumbling to himself.  "Shiny Headhunter... Shiny Ogreslayer...." 
Zman
Valen chimes in,   "Hard to beats heads for proof."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods in assent. It may seem gruesome, but the ogres are already dead.  "They'd do...Same to us. Grind our bones to make their bread."  Or was that giants?
Athedia
Mithril looked at her weapons.    A quarterstaff? No, that might break the heads off eventually but the resulting mess... her crossbow? again that would not work.    Her eyes brightened   the dagger! Of course!   She considered the ogres large necks and looked back at the small dagger on her waist   second thought...   "Kurt? How good are you with that axe?" 
CoffeeIncluded
The sun's already starting to set; they better finish this quickly.  "Three for three,"  Natalia says as she walks over to Kurt and asks,  "Borrow your blade?" 

After Kurt hands over what was formerly Morton's longsword, Natalia swings it back and forth experimentally, surprised at the relative ease with which she swings the long heavier blade.   Even just a few weeks can bulk up muscle.   Still, she prefers lighter weapons in combat. They're faster and easier to keep track of, which is critical when fighting with two blades. Besides, her strength lies in dexterity and finesse rather than sheer force; a blade like this that required a lot of physical power behind it would be largely wasted on her.

Still, this isn't combat, it's a way to bring proof of their victory to Hulburg, and hopefully show its leaders that their group and their request is to be taken seriously. Steeling herself, Natalia brings down the blade on the dead ogre's exposed neck.
Cavelcade
He grimaces slightly as he hops down.  "I don't have to be good. They're dead and my axe is sharp."  He quickly does the deed, then wipes the axe clean with a scrap of cloth he discards on the side of the road. He gathers up the heads and hands them over to the other riders before hopping back up on his and Shiny's horse.  "Now let's go." 
Zman
 On to Hulburg 

The group mounts up and continues the treck towards Hulburg.  Hours go buy, th horses begin to slow and in the distance the Western gates of Hulburg can be seen.  Shieldsworn are visible upon the battlements, sworn to protect the city of Hulburg and defend the great Griffenwatch Keep which sits atop a rock outcropping to the East over looking the Moonsea.  Little movement outside of town is visible as the city is pretty well locked down.
CoffeeIncluded
Finally, and not a moment too soon; the horses look like they're on the brink of exhaustion.  "Tell of presence,"  she says to the rest of the group, trying to recollect what she knows about Shieldsworn.

 
 Spoiler 
I got a 19 on the knowledege roll in the OOC thread.
 
Athedia
Mithril looked around at her weary and somewhat blood-smeared companions.  Maybe their appearance would help support their story, but it may also cause the guards to turn them away.  She swayed in exhaustion and went back to focusing on staying on the back of the horse.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Shieldsworn,"  Natalia says, recognizing the guards.  "Sworn guards of Hulburg...Army for Hulmasters." 

She wonders how many people inside Hulburg's walls are human.
achinca
Miriam stays silent on her horse.
CoffeeIncluded
Well, only one way to find out. Making sure her hands are free and clearly not holding any weapons, Natalia waves to the guards.
Zman
 Shieldsworn 
 "Who goes there?  We've little room nor tolerance for brigands?"   One of the guards shouts in response to Natalia's gesture of greeting.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head, though she's not sure how well the shieldsworn can see. Not wanting Shiny to say something reckless that they won't be able to back up later, Natalia just says,  "From Linwood, in peace...Against ogres, orcs!"  she adds after a moment's thought before falling silent again.
Athedia
Mithril waved to, one hand keeping a firm grip on the reins of her horse. "We come to request aid against the orcish alliance." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at Mithril, then the guards again. Did they even know that the orcs had allied themselves with the other tribes?
Zman
Both of the guards look quite perplexed at the mention of an Orcish alliance,  "Come again Miss?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Don't know...of alliance,"  Natalia whispers to Mithril before she turns back to the guards and says,  "Talk to...Hulmasters about ogres, orcs...Fought, beat three here." 
achinca
Miriam watches in silence.
Admiral
Shiny had given the others time to start the introductions, but it wasn't going too smoothly. He dismounts from his horse and starts walking towards the guards. He walks slow enough to be unthreatening but still confident.

 "Greetings, shieldsworn of Hulburg. I assure you we are no brigands- we are a contingent sworn to protect the town of Linwood. We bring a diplomatic proposition and a tribute, both of which are important to Hulburg's interests. We ask an audience with your leaders." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods along with Shiny's statement. Until about halfway through. She turns to the rest of the group and mouths,  "Tribute?" 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Making a Diplomacy check is probably a good idea:

Diplomacy:  (1d20+13)[ 33 ] 
 
Zman
 Shield sworn-  Hulburg  

A burly man in his late 30s who looks as if he's spent too many hours on the cold battlements, and not enough time in a soft bed responds,  "I see, I'll Snd a message to the Captain and let him know that you have important information.  Open the  gate ." 

With the order the gates are opened, two young squires come running as you approach offering to stable the horses.  They eye the fatigued state of the horses.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pats her mare's flank as she's led off to the stables. She turns to Miriam, who has been awfully morose all day and asks,  "You okay?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Seriously Achinca, is everything alright?
 
Cavelcade
As soon as Shiny is off the horse, Kurt edges the horse backwards, falling in amongst the rest of the group as he lets the gnome work his magic - this time magic solely of words, thankfully. As soon as the gates are open he rides up and helps him back onto the horse.

 "I think that was your best performance yet. But maybe you should have saved it for the lord."  He's grinning as he mutters it to him, he doesn't doubt that Shiny will be more than able to wow this lord into helping them.
achinca
Miriam forces a smile to reply to Natalia. " Yes. I have this strange feeling. As if St. Cuthbert is trying to tell me something. I will be fine. "
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Sense Motive:  (d20+1)[ 21 ] 

...I get a 20 for this? Dammit, stop wasting my natural 20s on frivolous things! 😛
 


Natalia knows that Miriam is lying, but her outburst in the stable sticks in the rogue's mind. So Natalia just looks over at her friend and says,  "Maybe...Telling you to...love yourself. Can magic...talk to him?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "I think that was your best performance yet. But maybe you should have saved it for the lord."  He's grinning as he mutters it to him, he doesn't doubt that Shiny will be more than able to wow this lord into helping them. 
 

 "Hardly my best yet. I once talked a halfling into giving me his own shoes. And he wasn't even  wearing  any! Why do you think they call me Shiny Shoeswiper, con artist and footwear enthusiast?" 

Shiny gets off the horse with Kurt once the stableboys take them away, and proceeds forward into the city.
Athedia
Mithril checked her feet to make sure she was still wearing shoes, before getting down from her horse.  She stroked the horses flank, trying to inform it what a good job it had done, while waiting for the squires to take over.
CoffeeIncluded
While waiting, Natalia fidgets nervously. At least twice she pulls the cyan ribbon out from her ponytail and detangles her deep black hair with her fingers before tying it back again. Still, this does little to make the ends less split and stringy, and the moment Natalia puts her hands down and turns her head the shorter hair in the side and front come loose and hang around the side of her head.
Zman
 Hulburg 

After the two stable boys managed to take the horses and provide adequate care, a young squire hurried over...

 Bert 

Looking little older than twelve, the red hairs boy says in a short curt manor,  Pplease follow me, Captain D'Arnise is in the Barracks. 
Cavelcade
 
 Spoiler 
A Kurt manner, huh? :P
 


Kurt just nods, figuring if they're going to a barracks he can hold onto his axe and more than a little reluctant to relinquish it. He waits for the others to leave before following after.
CoffeeIncluded
This place seems a lot more formal than Linwood and they've only been here a few minutes. Natalia quiets down a bit, not wanting to commit some diplomatic faux pas that would leave them expelled from the city or worse.
CoffeeIncluded
Wait a moment. Natalia asks the group in a rushed whisper,  "Ogre heads?" 
achinca
As the horses are taken care off and the group is walking toward the captain of the guard, Miriam leans in and whispers to Natalia '  Sorry for the silence sister. I am trying to go through the feeling of doom I have in my stomach, as if dire things were waiting for us. I prayed and prayed to St. Cuthbert but I did not hear anything. Either I am going nuts or it could be that it is that time of the month. Or someone or something is really trying to tell me something and I am dead and blind to it.  "

She stops and then whispers '  When you said to Mithril that you loved her, where you saying that because she saved Valen or for another reason?  '
Zman
Valen follows along, keeping his eyes open and searching the surrounding area.



As you are being brought to the barracks, you see people rushing about.  It appears that the Military of Hulburg is on a full alert.  Guards are heavy on the battlements, old and young are moving around donned in the chain shirts and chain mail of Hulburg.  All armed with long swords, maces, flails, daggers, and heavy wooden shields.  Some only with short swords and bows.

Even the citizens of Hulburg seem to contributing to the war effort.  You estimate that you can see at least 50-100 military men.

You pass the stables as you near the barracks and you notice squires running about, especially around the nicest and largest section of the barracks where you are headed.
CoffeeIncluded
It looks as if Hulburg's in the middle of a siege. Natalia hopes they won't be thrown to fight some giants; three ogres was enough as it is. She replies to Mithril,  "Our bolts hit home...Answer that way?"  Natalia's never been particularly religious; she simply doesn't know how to answer Miriam's concerns.

At the second statement, Natalia turns red. Mithril is right beside her, so she leans over and says into Miriam's ear,  "...Later." 
Athedia
Mithril stared at the activity going on around the barracks.  She had grown up in a city, but never one like this.  The most the city she had lived in had was the guards, who mostly consisted of retired soldiers looking for an easier life.  The most they had to deal with was the occasional thief and smuggler.  Here was a different story.  She looked around to try to spot any fellow magic users, if she could swap spells with some of them that might bring favor to the group.

 
 Spoiler 
I figure this is where I could learn the two free spells, and maybe trade/buy for more if I can find any other wizards.
 
achinca
Miriam eyes are getting bigger and bigger as it is the first time she is in a city this size. She looks around at the military force and is truly impressed.

She is impressed by the size and the perceived luxury, the way a farm girl would be.

When Natalia replies, Miriam misunderstands later for latter and replies '  OK, then. When you feel like talking, I will be there for you.  '
CoffeeIncluded
Smiling, Natalia looks around the city. She's not sure whether this or Melvaunt is bigger, and it's far too soon to say with certainty which one she prefers, but they've allowed Shiny and Kurt here, so so far Hulburgs' looking a lot nicer to her.
Cavelcade
Kurt, on the other hand, watches the people - in particular the fighting folk, judging them on the state of their equipment and the way those who are training train. He uses this to help him block out the sheer size and number of people surrounding him, or it might overwhelm him.
Zman
Kurt notices that most of the men seem to know what their doing, and their equipment is in fair condition.  There are some older, some younger, but most of the men of ahulburg are of a good fighting age.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not so different,"  says Natalia as they walk.  "More...Motley." 
Admiral
Shiny smiles as he looks around. He seems more comfortable here among the crowds than he was in the lonely town of Linwood.
achinca
Miriam eyes as big a gold coin as she watches the Hulburg guards '  So many soldiers .... so many weapons ....   she is utterly impressed.
CoffeeIncluded
All these people trained for fighting...Hulburg must have been under attack for a while, or at least must have been under threat for a very long time.  "Giants, ogres...For how long?"  she asks their escort.
Zman
 Barracks 

In response to Matalia's question,  "It's been a rough couple of months, but there always has been tension in the region.  The captain can tell you more." 

The squire opened th broad doors revealing a large room furnished with a large table.  There was only two men, presumably the Captain and his direct Leuitemant.  Both men were dressed in heavy platted armor which was polished to a light sheen, dents depicting obvious use have been pounded out over the years.  Both stand over a map covered table depicting military forces in the area.

The squire politely informs the Captan that he has visitors.

The thick well armored man in his late forties with salt and pepper hair,  Greetings, I am Captain D'Arnise.  What news of Linwood?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Hmm...Well, the timeline seems to fit up with what that orc said yesterday. Tense, Natalia studies the map and miniatures scatters all over it before breaking away and bowing. She says,  "Stopped an orc raid...found ogres here."  Her mouth is dry with tension and the fear of messing something up and screwing up their welcome. She lets Shiny pick up the rest of the proceedings, and figures she'll only have to step in if the others, especially Valen and Mithril, let Shiny get too outlandish.
achinca
Not sure of what to do, Miriam bows to Captain D'Arnise. "  Good evening, Captain. I am Miriam, priestess of St. Cuthbert. We are coming to Hulburg to help save the poor town of Linwood. It has been under attacks from the orc tribe, as you have been under pressure from the ogres and other evil races. We believe the increase in the attack is not an accident and is indeed coordinated. We need to coordinate our answers and Linwood desperately needs your help. I will let the more eloquent members of my group go into the details.  

After that, she bows again and take a step back.
Cavelcade
Kurt eyes them up and down, nodding in satisfaction that the people in charge of these guards are fighters themselves. Hopefully they might be convinced about sending some aid to the village...something about how the orcs are behind it all might do the trick.
Athedia
Mithril blurted out, far from eloquent  "We do have a letter.  It's from the mayor."   Realizing that this was probably not the proper way to speak to a Captain, she blushed and stepped to the back of the group.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Proof of...coordination, cooperation,"  Natalia adds hesitatingly.
Admiral
 "Greetings, Captain,"  says Shiny eloquently.  "I'm Shiny Lionheart, and this is team of brave warriors, the Eternal Watch, tasked with the defense of the city of Linwood against the orc scourge."  At some point Shiny's eyepatch seems to have disappeared, though no one can remember whether it was before the guards greeted them at the gates or afterwards. With it has vanished the mercenary persona with which Shiny graced the town of Linwood- in manner and speech he now more resembles a knight.

Shiny draws forth the letter that Mayor Benton gave him.  "We bring a message from Mayor Benton explaining the town's precarious position. More than that, we bring military intelligence that will be of use in your own city's defense, and an offer of allegiance that will help secure both of our homesteads." 
CoffeeIncluded
Though she's impressed with his performance like always, Natalia can't help but think that the whole eyepatch thing is a bad idea. Someone's going to find out he faked it eventually.
achinca
Miriam clears her throat as she is still very uncomfortable of Shiny's embellisment of the group abilities. '  Actually, we have reasons to believe that it is not an accident that all the various towns are being attacked at the same time and it is in everyone's interest to ensure that we face the issue united.  '

She shakes her head as it did not come out right ' shut up farm girl ... you are WAY OUT OF your league .... remember  your teachings ..... '
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and adds,  "Orcs and ogres and giants ally, we ally back." 
Athedia
Mithril piped up again, now that Shiny had elaborated on her small outburst.  "Miriam is right, apparently there is a hooded man that allied the groups together.  And we suspect he is a half-orc, which is even more dangerous as he has a deeper understanding of humans." 
Zman
Valen simply raises an eyebrow and attempts to look as impressive as Shony makes them sound.



Captain D'Arnise stands tall and proud, and looks at Shiny, Miriam, Mithril, and Natalia quizzically, not quite knowing what to think,  "You have prof of this cooperation?" . He takes the envelope and silently reads the Majors words, obviously still listening to the group.

 
 Spoiler 

Sense Motive (d20)[ 5 ] Even with some modifiers, he is buying what you are selling.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and speaks up. After all, she was the one who interrogated the orc.  "Caught and asked one during raid...Told us himself. Said...Made peace with dogmen, bigmen,"  she says carefully, trying to recall the orc's words as best she can.
Admiral
Shiny nods in response to Natalia.  "Indeed, we interrogated several orcs in a raiding party that we captured in Linwood, who each corroborated the story independently. Two of the orcs were executed, and the third we allowed to escape as part of a disinformation strategy. It is that very strategy that brings us to your grand city."

"The hooded figure who, using magic and deception, joined these two races in allegiance represents a grave danger to both our cities. We think our best hope is to disrupt the allegiance by sowing distrust and discord among our enemies. The orc who "escaped" our city was convinced that the hooded half-orc planned to betray the orc race in favor of the giants. With your assistance, we can plant similar information on both sides and restart the orc-giant war."

"I am sure that what I am telling you lines up with your own intelligence on the giant threat- why have they stopped fighting the orc race and focused their energy so efficiently on our innocent cities?" 
achinca
Miriam seconds Natalia's statement' we captured an orc after defending Linwood from a raid and got it to talk. It mentioned a hooded half breed man who was manipulating the leaders of the orcs tribes to go after the human settlements. It mentioned that the hooded man has made peace between the hills giants, the ogres the gnolls and the orcs. This way they could focused on attacking the town instead of attacking each other.  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia adds to this.  "Puppetmaster. Why here, why now? Something behind it all."  She's still convinced that the half-orc had help doing this.
Cavelcade
Kurt clears his throat, then, figuring he ought to at least add something to the mix.  "Ah...Hilburg already saw the wisdom of what we say. Theyh ave taken our advice on defence and traps. They saw the value of working as one. You are obviously a soldier with a long history so you don't need our advice - but we can lead your men out and give them the experience and power to end the threat of these men to innocent souls. You're needed here, a general has to lead from the back. We can lead them to the source." 
Zman
 Captain D'Arnise 

Being an astute and tactical man,  "All you have is Orc testimony and assumptions.  All this mastermind has done is stop the Orcs from instigating the other races, hardly diabolical." 
 Lt. Arnot 

Piping up, a younger looking version if the Captain, a man with less weight on his shoulders and blood on his hands, Lt. Arnot interjects,  "Hardly diabolical, but effective if true. Though, our scouts have made no reports or reference to a hooded man." 
 Captain D'Arnise 
 "And Orcs are the least of our concerns, how dire can Linwood's need be if you've routed the most serious threat they've seen?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head. She speaks slowly, making her speech as clear as possible.  "Affects you too. Less time fighting others, more time fighting us. Human trouble with ogre alliance, at...the same time."  She holds up four fingers and counts them off one by one while saying,  "Orcs, ogres, giants, gnolls. Four for peace, four for alliance, not just one. More hooded men. One bigger master for the four puppetmasters."  It may not be the only possibility, but to Natalia it's the most likely one.
achinca
Miriam shakes her head. "  We never said we dropped their biggest threat. We stopped their raid at the price of quite a few lives. There is between 50 and 100 warriors according to the information we get. They are lead by a cruel cleric of Gruumsh and nasty barbarian fighter. We will not stop without your help. Listen, I might be a simple farm girl who knows nothing but even I know that once the orcs take Linwood, they will stop there. Hulburg will be next. They will join the ogres and the giants and the gnolls. If you think you can stop them, I hope you have enough clerics and that St. Cuthbert brings you good luck.  '
Zman
 Captain D'Arnise 

Standing up tall and proud at their implied incompetence,  "I am not afraid of 50 Orcs, we have 300 professional soldiers and can call upon 700 more militia to defend our armored walls.  Currently, those 300 soldiers are engaged in maneuvers meant to protect this city and the surrounding areas.  Don't be mistaken, Linwood can fall and we will survive, but if we lose his war, they will surely perish or fall to enslavement under Glister, begging for scraps from Lorrax's table." . He slams his guantleted hand upon the table for emphasis.

Calming himself,  "Please, do not tell me how to do my job." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs at Miriam's faux pas.  "Not like Henry, no smooth insults...Who...taught you that?"  she whispers.
Admiral
 "Your military might is clear,"  says Shiny humbly, after waiting just a few moments for the tension to subside. "So many hundreds of men, led by so competent a general. But as even you yourself admit, this war against the giants could still be lost." 
 "You are indeed excellent at what you do- the best of your class. I'm sure my friend the cleric was not implying otherwise. But let me tell you a little about what we do. I've made platoons tear themselves apart because of a whispered rumor of shapeshifting spies. My associate, Bolts-"  he points back at Natalia-  "has delayed armies for days using a single, precise act of sabotage. Stories still circle through the goblins in Kurt's homeland, who call him the Mad Dwarf."  Shiny points back at Kurt, and as he turns to his party his expression changes. He has a sort of pleading, desperate look in his eyes, and the message is clear:  "If you let me ever have one lie, let me have this one." 

He turns back to the captain.  "Tricks and deceptions, all... but ones that save lives. You fight battles in fields, roads, forests- we fight them in the minds of our enemies." 
 "I don't have to convince you of the effectiveness of such tactics. You're a man who keeps strict discipline, who expects and receives total obedience from those in your command. You know that in an army,  discipline is as important as ammunition, and that discord is as fatal as a plague. We can plant that discord in the ranks of our mutual enemies." 
 "But we can't do this alone. The enforcers in my crew are strong, but too few against the numbers we face. To execute our tactics, we need to capture orc raiding parties, gain intelligence, make incursions, work illusions and diversions... we cannot do it alone. Lend us soldiers- enough to support our mission, for long enough to discover who this hooded man is and instigate war between the orcs and the giants. If we are wrong, and there is no way to start such a conflict, you have lost the use of a small fraction of your soldiers for only a short time. But if we are right..." 

Shiny leans towards him.  "Think what it will mean if we are right. Think what it will mean for your city if the orc-giant war starts again. Can the giants fight Hulburg on one front while battling orc raids on the other? You are an master in war. But I'm asking you for a chance to bring peace." 
 
 Spoiler 

Diplomacy check, drum roll please.........

 (1d20+13)[ 14 ] 
 
Zman
 Captain D'Arnise 

His face suddenly stern,  "Lt. Please escort these chareletons out of my barracks." 
 Lt. Arnot 

Moving to follow his orders, Lt. Arnot stops,  "Captain, what about Inwood, the request for aid is genuine. Are we not better than Glister?" 
 Captain D'Arnise 

With a forced exhale,  "Lt., you are out of line." . Before his subordinate can answer,  "Send as few men as can properly satisfy their entitlement." 

With that, the Lt. motions for the group to lave, th look on his face tells you to be quiet.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia closes her eyes. That hadn't gone nearly as well as she had hoped.  "...Bit much, Shiny?" 
Admiral
As they get escorted out of the room, Shiny shrugs with the shameless smile of someone who had been kicked out of plenty of towns before.  "I think it went pretty well!" 
CoffeeIncluded
He's not serious, is he? He's Shiny, of course he's not serious. But how could he joke about this?  "Not a...Not a play, not a game,"  Natalia says to him.  "Lives and towns at stake!" 
Admiral
Shiny looks into Natalia's eyes.  "And I take that responsibility seriously,"  he says gravely.

He furrows his brow for a moment, and then starts over.  "And I take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness."  He takes a few short breaths and then tries again, like an actor rehearsing his lines.  "And I take- And I treat that responsibility with all the weight it deserves."  He takes another moment-  "I, Shiny Stonewill-" - and finally lets it drop.
Cavelcade
Kurt bows to the captain, an ungainly, jerky affair that shows he must be sincere, if he's willing to look so stupid.  "These men will save the lives of those folk. Thank you, captain." 

He turns then and leaves, an honest sense of relief in the set of his shoulders, the relaxation around his eyes.

He pats Shiny outside, as Natalia bursts his bubble for once.  "No. The captain is a military man, Natalia. He will send the bare minimum needed to keep the men he sends alive. Anything else is a waste." 
Athedia
Mithril shrugged as she stepped back into the barracks proper.  "Could have been worse, he could have arrested us.  Now it will take some time to get the men he does send ready to go, so who wants to go shopping?"   She didn't even wait for a reply, instead jogging out to the marketplace to find a magic shop.  The familiar sights of business calmed her and she could almost imagine she was back home again, running errands for her parents.  She was so wrapped up in her memories she failed to notice the lack of pressure on her shoulders, where a weasel was not.  Whiskers had a plan, and he didn't want anyone interfering.
CoffeeIncluded
Calling over Miriam Natalia says,  "Supply run!"  as she runs over to Mithril. The two of them head to the marketplace when Natalia slows down for a moment as she catches  the smell of baking bread.
achinca
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia sighs at Miriam's faux pas.  "Not like Henry, no smooth insults...Who...taught you that?"  she whispers. 
 

Miriam whispers back "  I do not know. I have been taught to listen and obey to older men because they know best but I got frustrated by his reaction. Linwood could be burning right now and he is acting all mighty and puffy.  '
achinca
Miriam leaves the barracks, depicted and defeated.

She turns toward Shiny '  Good effort Shiny Storyteller. I nearly bought it and you surely did the best we could.  '

She stops and looks at the group. '  I am sorry. As you can see, I am a simple farm girl who known nothing and I should know my role in the presence of experienced, older men. I am sorry I made the mission failed if it was not for Shiny.'  

Miriam will go with Mithril and Natalia sell the orcs possessions.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia rears back with a very strange look on her face.  "So I don't know. Mithril doesn't know...Know yourself, learn yourself, then learn and know more."  She's getting a better idea of what's going on with Miriam, but not enough to really be sure.

The smell of baking bread is stronger, and so alluring...
CoffeeIncluded
At Miriam's second comment, she says,  "Neither helped. Botched the mission." 
Zman
 Lt. Arnot 

Once out of the presence of his superior, Lt. Arnot asks,  "Did you truly route Ogres this day? Do you have proof?" 

Upon being shown the Ogre heads he will reward the party with a single platinum piece per head.  His demeanor will also become for favorable.

Turning to Miriam,  "You worship the Cudgel Priestest? We have another, a wise woman who has served us well for over a decade.  I will send Mary to the stables to aid with the longevity of your horses.  Having another around of the faith must b comforting, for the both of you."  je adds with resect for the elder healer.
achinca
A genuine smile appears on Miriam's face for the first time in a long time.

'  Thank you Lieutenant. I will be more happy to meet a fellow priestess of St. Cuthbert. I will wait for her at the stables as I heal the horses.  '

She turns toward Natalia and Mithril. '  Sorry but your shopping trip will have to go without me. Sell the orc stuff. Half for the widows of Linwood, half for the orphans or Melvaunt.  '
Athedia
Mithril

Mithril revealed in the scents of the marketplace, the freshly baked bread, imported perfumes, oils used to make armor and weapons gleam.  Spotting a store that sold armor she spun around, hopping from foot to foot as Miriam and Natalia caught up.

Whiskers

Whiskers had slipped off Mithril's shoulder as they where leaving the barracks.  His keen eyes had spotted a familiar looking building as they had entered the barracks and he slid through the crowded marketplace to see if it really was the place.  Yes, his eyes hadn't deceived him, the all seeing eye of Boccob stared back at him, placed upon the pedestal of knowledge, surrounded by the sign of magic.  What could appear as a smirk passed over Whiskers face.  As a worshiper entered the temple he slipped inside, invisible in the shadows.  And there it lay, he had tried to get to this goal before, when Mithril had visited a temple, but she had always caught him before he got to far.  He scurried to a ledge near the fount and dived in.  The water surrounded him as he swam around taking mouthfuls of the liquid.  He was satisfied, this had to be the tastiest water he had ever had.  Why had Mithril never let him enjoy it before?
Cavelcade
Kurt just coughs as he looks at the stuffed marketplace and shakes his head.  "Ah, I'll wait for you at the inn."  He heads back with the lieutenant, then sets to work cleaning his armour, humming at the dents left from the blow the ogre gave him.  "Better than my head..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Thank you,"  Natalia says to the Lieutentant as she takes the three platinum pieces.

As Miriam goes off to meet the other woman of her faith, Natalia holds her back for a moment and says,  "Miriam...Families more than gold for Melvaunt." 

Natalia stops by the bakery stall just as the owners bring out several more loaves from the oven. The thick aroma of of hot bread and fresh garlic makes Natalia salivate, and she immediately buys one of the larger loaves before catching up to Mithril and, tearing it in half, hands her a piece. The hot bread is soft and almost spongy in her hand.
Athedia
Mithril gladly accepted the bread, it had been a while since she had eaten, the journey had consumed the whole groups attention.  She bit into the bread and gestured toward the store, eager to sell the armor and weapons.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes a large bite and immediately makes a soft happy sound in her throat. The cooked dough is thick and rich, and the heavy--but not cloying!--smell of garlic fills her nose and mouth.
Zman
 Stables 

As Miriam is tending to the horses, expending the final bit of her divine on the horses healing, a woman, 35 going on 50, approached.  She was quite plain, long brunette hair with a bit premature grey to compliment her faded deep blue robes.  She wore a holy symbol to Saint Cuthbert and locket around her neck.

 "A sister of the Cudgel, well met."  the woman greeted in an even and almost melancholy tone.
Zman
 Merchant Sector 

After a delightful loaf of fresh bread, the crust thick and a deep dark brown, the smell delectible, Natalia and Mithril move onto the stores to sell their spoils.  Three main stores catch their eye, Moral Armory, Victor's Armaments, and Roch's General Store.  Each looks as respectable as can be expected with Roch's store looking the worse for wear as most resale shops that deal in lower priced items and items not usually bought or sold by the more specialized shops...or the items not legally acquired.
Zman
Valen moves off to follow Kurt, nursing his own set of wounds from the day before,   "I wish I could pound out the Ogre's dents from my ribs..."  . He gingerly feels the spot along his left Sid,nowhere the bones had been snapped and roughly repaired just as quickly.

   Fitting that healing by the divine will of the Cudgel hurts just as bad as the original injury...   
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia licks her lips, getting as much of the crumbs as possible while she looks at the orcs' gear and the three shops. She glances over at Mithril and asks,  "Try all three?" 
Zman
 Temple of Boccob 

During shopping Mithril will get the feeling that Whiskers s in scared to be followed by a feeling of utter peace from him.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia mistakes the sudden tranquil expression on Mithril's face and so says,  "...Good bread?" 
Athedia
 "Let's try Moral Armory and Victor's first. Whatever we can't sell at those places, we can get a hopefully get a little for at the general store."   Mithril looked over the items,  "I do think these are worth something." 
 
 Spoiler 
Mithril hasn't experienced Whisker's feeling yet.  Trust me, I have a reaction planned, but I want to let Whisker's have some fun first.
Appraise (untrained):  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "Better used by us."  She follows Mithril into the armory.

 
 Spoiler 
Appraise:  (d20+4)[ 8 ] 

Oof...At least Mithril got a 19. And I didn't even roll well enough to use Aid Another. Sorry...

Oh, we're selling Natalia's old masterwork Studded Leather too!
 


Natalia really doesn't know how much these will sell for; she doesn't know how badly the orcs treated their gear.
Athedia
 "Natalia, the general store will give us the worse price.  My parents only used them when needed, specialists tend to have better items and will pay more." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia quickly shakes her head, trying to snap herself out of whatever reverie she's in.  "Right. Sorry." 
 
 Spoiler 
I meant to type armory, sorry.
 
Athedia
 "Don't worry, I only know because I am a merchant's daughter.  It can have its benefits."   Mithril hoisted some of the gear into her arms.   "Okay, lets get those orphans and widows some gold." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia laughs and says,  "And bakers' girl knows breads."  She takes the other half of the gear, including her old armor, and manages to gather it all in her hands without dropping an axe on her feet.
achinca
Miriam has mixed reactions as she meets the priestess of St. Cuthbert. On one hand she is happy and proud to find a sister in her faith but on the other hand, seeing the woman looking 35 going on 50 and full of melancholy is a few of the future that scares her. The same way the old healer in Linwood scared that it will be her future, seeing that woman does not help her.

'  Hello, I am Miriam. I did not expect to meet a follower of St. Cuthbert in Hulburg. There is not that many of us in these parts of the realms. Actually, you are the first one I meet since I left the church I was working at to follow my teacher. Is there a temple of St. Cuthbert here? Do you have followers? And why did you decide to settle here?  '
Zman
 Mary of the Cudgel 

Looking at Miriam with a level of familiarity to her life,  "No, there is no temple for many miles to the West.  I too traveled with a teacher of mine until He decided to bless me with a life here."   It is difficult to determine who she meant by "He".
achinca
Miriam smiles back "  I had a great teacher too. He taught me so much about who I am and my role in the realms. Sadly, he joined St. Cuthbert before we could make our life together. He was a great wise man. I wish I could have gone adventuring with him.  '

She stops and takes a deep breath to fight the melancholy before asking '  Out of curiosity Sister, why choosing Hulburg to settle? And what happened to your teacher?'  ,
Zman
 Mary 

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

IC II Thread
 http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showt...4#post13923344 
 
flat_footed
  The Fullmetal Mod   : Raise Thread 