SwordCoastTaxi
 OOC 
 Dice Rolls
 
    "A FISTFUL OF GOLD!"    
 Day:  Moonday
 Time:  Evening
 Weather:  56° &amp; Sunny
 Location:  The western edge of the Southern Fangwood

As the golden Sun hovered on the horizon and birdsong echoed over the area, the adventure duo Bohan and Brawn Bomin rode slowly under the massive canopy of the Southern Fangwood. The two had been laying low in the great forest ever since they barely escaped a cabal of angry thieves in Tamran not a week ago. Plus, their pockets would be bulging with coin if Bomin didn't have to bail Bohan out of prison for swindling the aforementioned thieves.

Over the last days in the Fangwood, the duo have encountered several military units of the Nirmathas army using the vast forest terrain for concealment from Molthunian invaders. There were also small clans of peoples living in the forest, human along with halfling and elven.

Bomin and Bohan were headed due west following an announcement they had heard in Tamran: because their forces were so strained battling Molthune, the Nirmathas government was looking for "experienced men" to help defend the nation's western border near Skelt from ork and hobgoblin raiders. It was guaranteed work for a month with guaranteed money that would spend very nicely once the contract was complete.

As the sun fell behind the Mindspin Mountains shadows crept across the land and blue sky was washed away by a sea of stars, Bohan and Bomin hear a monstrous roar! Roughly 150 feet to their north a massive Dire Bear was squaring off with a bald warrior in green armor swinging a sword back and forth at the beast! Twice the size of a grizzly bear, a dire bear normally required a  team  of warriors to down them! Not good news for this lone warrior ....!
Ameraaaaaa
Bomin was singing a old tribal song when he spotted the bear and baldy.

He jump out of his horse and started running towards the bear, "hey! Why don't you leave the poor man alone and take on a man your own size!"

Bomin attempted to use his momentum to do a jumping kick in between the bears eyes. A hopefully devastating kick to the head.
paddyfool
Bohan readies his halberd and follows at an angle to outflank the bear, flashing a smile at the swordsman while giving them an appraising glance as he approaches.

  Good morning !  he calls out.  Do you often pick fights with bears? 
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Moonday
 Time:  Evening
 Weather:  56° &amp; Sunny
 Location:  The western edge of the Southern Fangwood


The twelve-foot-long, 2000-pound snarling monster-bear turns to Bomin just as the warrior kicks it in the face! It roars and shuffles backwards ten feet shaking its head in anger!

Bohan and Bomin both notice now that they've gotten closer that the bald warrior is a  SHE : a pretty she-warrior wearing olive-green chain mail armor with matching boots and gauntlets! Unlike most women she wears no earrings or makeup but she does have tattoos on her neck. She's swinging a pristine two-handed sword that looks almost too big for her near-six-foot frame! She looks startled when Bomin kicks the bear in the face and says to Bohan,  "We're having a disagreement over what's for dinner! Are you this beast's mother or wife?!?" 
Ameraaaaaa
Bomin laughs and speaks as he's about to suplex the bear

"Forgive bohan. He loves silly remarks. Almost as much as you seem to love silly comebacks."

Bomin get's ready to suplex the bear.

"Hey big guy. What about i show you a wrestling technique. Maybe you can show it to your drinking buddies if you survive. I'm sure the other bears would be impressed."

Bomin tries to suplex the bear right into the bears head.
paddyfool
 Hah! I’m unmarried, as it happens, and I’ll let my blade do the talking now , replies Bohan, and with a stylish flourish… he misses the enormous bear entirely.
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day : Moonday
 Time:  Evening
 Weather:  56° &amp; Sunny
 Location:  The western edge of the Southern Fangwood

The giant bear wobbles then darts off in a full-gallop away from the warriors! The female warrior lowers then sheaths her sword while looking Bohan over,  "I'm sure I've never seen anyone slam a dire bear that way. Who are you two? My name is Vaaldya, the scourge of Nidal." 
Ameraaaaaa
 
 Originally Posted by SwordCoastTaxi 
 Day: Moonday
Time: Evening
Weather: 56° &amp; Sunny
Location: The western edge of the Southern Fangwood

The giant bear wobbles then darts off in a full-gallop away from the warriors! The female warrior lowers then sheaths her sword while looking Bohan over,  "I'm sure I've never seen anyone slam a dire bear that way. Who are you two? My name is Vaaldya, the scourge of Nidal."  
 

Bomin laughs, "i know not of Nidal. But i know that you seem to know your way around a sword. What's your reason for being here? Anything we can help with?" He says in a very jolly manner.
paddyfool
Bohan’s eyes widen at Vaaldya’s introduction, followed by his most charming smile - this does not seem like someone he’d want to offend, after all.  A fearsome and legendary title indeed. My name is Bohan, and my bear-tossing friend here is Brawn Bomin. We are soldiers of fortune, seeking good fights with which to make our own names in the world, on behalf of those who have the kind of problem where no-one else can help but those who know the ways of battle. 

A shaft of sunlight makes Bohan’s long hair shine like gold as he talks, helping him to look almost at his very best.
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day : Moonday
 Time:  Night
 Weather:  51° &amp; Clear
 Location:  The western edge of the Southern Fangwood


Vaaldya looks at Bohan,  "How heartwarming. Well, you'd have my thanks if I didn't already have that bear right where I wanted it."  She grins at Bohan,  "Now: you're standing in my campsite." 

She walks several yards to a nearby thicket and drags a dead deer from her hiding spot. She looks at Bohan,  "Bears. So annoying, right? Will you be staying for dinner or moving on, traveler?" 

The shadows grow longer and darker as the sun dips below the horizon and night falls on the Southern Fangwood ....
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Moonday
 Time:  Night
 Weather:  49° &amp; Clear
 Location:  The western edge of the Southern Fangwood

The trio enjoy roast deer and share stories of their amazing adventures across Golarion. After midnight and Bomin's snoring loudly, Vaaldya succumbs to Bohan's charms and the two share an enjoyable, intimate moment ...


 Day:  Toilday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  49° &amp; Cloudy
 Location:  The western edge of the Southern Fangwood

When the warriors awaken they find their fire smoldering out and Vaaldya gone! Bohan sees an ornate master-crafted knife laying on his chest (the way the metal hilt is crafted is unlike anything Bohan has seen before. Also there are strange inscriptions running along both sides of the long blade)! A distant whistle reveals the early-morning maneuvers of Nirmathas forces in the area.

Would Bohan pursue her or will the two adventurers continue their trek for Skelt?
Ameraaaaaa
Bomin wakes up. "Ahhhhh. Where did that lady you made love to go?"

Apon realising she left bomin speaks "look Bohan. We're friends. So if you want to chase after her we can. But can i just say we should be heading to our destination. And yes i can see her horse tracks. But it's up to you. Chase some girl you known only a day, or get to town and get payed for what you do best. Smashing peoples heads in."
paddyfool
 Unless this is some odd romantic tradition of her culture that I’m unaware of, when someone leaves they generally don’t want to be hunted and tracked down. Especially when they lay claim to being a “scourge of Nidal” and likely need to be secretive in their movements. Let’s track down some employment instead , agrees Bohan, as they pack up their things.
Ameraaaaaa
"Good choice. Let's get going then. " agrees bomin.
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Toilday
 Time:  Morning to Midday
 Weather:  59° &amp; Rainy
Location: The Marching Springs

Spurring their mounts, Bomin and Bohan gallop across the damp terrain where geysers spew water hundreds of feet in the sky! Racing the sun above them the two adventurers passed unbelievable beings composed of psychic water! Pushing their steeds hard would get the duo to Skelt just at sunset, better than night.

But around midday the traveling companions would encounter an unexpected scene: a horse, draped in the banner of Nirmathas, laying wounded on the ground! Just ahead several meters was the uninjured horse of Vaaldya! Several meters ahead yet was Vaaldya herself, sword drawn, stalking a man crawling away as if his life defended on escape! This man, like the downed horse, wore the colors of the Nirmathas government!

The man yells at Bohan and Bomin,  "PLEASE HELP ME! This she-devil accosted me under the guise of friendship and now tries to take my life! I am a scout of the Forest Marshal himself! I was charged with braving the Mindspin Mountains and gauging its threat to Nirmathas. I must reach my lord because -" 

Vaaldya kicks the man then looks back at two adventurers,  "Zon-Kuthon take my soul. Bomin, that deer meat was certainly delicious, wasn't it? I could have poisoned you, took your life. I didn't. That you survived a brush with the Scourge of Nidal could be a tale you tell your grandchildren.

You as well, Bohan. I'll admit I was a bit taken by your charms, but I'm not some rural sow seeking the blessings of a man. Like yourself I am a creature of business. You are here pursuing yours and I, mine: squishing this little insect will bring me a packful of gold. Enough for you and I to get lost together once our business is done, yes?" 

A slow rain begins to fall on the area .....
Ameraaaaaa
Bomin stares for a bit then he laughs harder then most people expect even from a man of his size.

He walks forward to protect the man while saying calmly "you got me wrong lady, if i cared about stories I'd be a bard like my friend there, and while I'm happy that you didn't kill me back then, well, I'm not scared of someone dumb enough to worship a guy called the dark prince, no, I'm not afraid, see i don't worship any god in particular, but when one faces evil, he has gotta act."

And he stands in front of the scout, bomin says "and if you think stories are so great, maybe you'll tell the story of how bomin kicked your ass. I'm sure the fiends would to hear it. Come on! Let's fight!"
paddyfool
 Or… you can just ride away,  suggests Bohan.  I entered this business to protect people, and owe Bomin my life, Vaaldya. If we come to blows, there’s no question which side I’ll choose. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Ride away. 

Bohan moves slowly forward, into position to protect the downed scout.
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Toilday
 Time:  Morning to Midday
 Weather:  59° &amp; Rainy
 Location:  The Marching Springs

As clouds filled the sky a light rain washed over Bomin and Bohan as they defended the terrified scout! Vaaldya frowned, took a long look at the scout, quickly sheathed her sword and smiled while walking back to her horse. Mounting it, she nodded at Bohan,  "Very well, lover. But that's twice now you owe me. Pray we don't meet a third."  She galloped off towards the east in the direction of the looming Mindspin Mountains!

The scout sighed,  "Oh thank Erastil! You've saved me! I am Roelic of Tamran, currently serving in the army of Nirmathas as a scout. I owe you my life, noble sirs, but I must get to Skelt immediately! I have grave news!"  He stands and looks back at his downed horse,  "That she-devil slew my steed! May I ride with one of you?" 
Ameraaaaaa
"Yes you may. Sit next to me on my horse, today you shall be protected by brawn bomin and bohan." Bomin proudly proclaims.
paddyfool
 Indeed,  ride with us and we’ll see you safe,   promises Bohan.  We’ll take turns to jog and ride,  he suggests, shrugging off his armour now that Vaaldya is a safe distance away and directing the scout to his horse.
Ameraaaaaa
 
 Originally Posted by paddyfool 
  Indeed,  ride with us and we’ll see you safe,   promises Bohan.  We’ll take turns to jog and ride,  he suggests, shrugging off his armour now that Vaaldya is a safe distance away and directing the scout to his horse. 
 

"Oh bohan. Thanks for having my back there. Your a good battle brother and a better friend. Well now. Let's get going then."
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Toilday
 Time:  Sunset
 Weather:  53° &amp; Partly-Cloudy
 Location:  Skelt

Riding through the rain and sloppy terrain for hours, the trio eventually closes on the hilltop fortress of Skelt! It was actually a small encampment that over time has become one of the most impenetrable bases in all Golarion. Constructed by a union of human and dwarven technologies, as well as defended by soldiers of both cultures, Skelt is the Nirmathas' vanguard against the inhuman threats of the Mindspin Mountains. Giants, trolls, ogres, hobgoblin and orc clans battle for territorial supremacy while vigilant Skelt protects the western border and any nearby trade routes. The roar of the nearby Shining River can be heard from nearly a half-mile away.

Skelt's massive hill cannot be ridden and access only comes from travelers clearing the base guards, then riding the WaterRise lift up to the fortress itself. The 8-man base guard unit defended a 100-ft. x 100-ft. area next to the lift surrounded by a 20-ft.-tall metal fence with spears jutting out the bottom-10-ft. of the fence to keep attackers away. Inside the lower base-camp, the area was littered with all forms of weapons, used by the guards to repel assaults. The base of the hill was grassy with massive rocks making up the formidable hill structure. The area was wet from the rain smelling like humid outdoors. The lift itself was composed of wood and metals: its platform was 30-ft. x 30-ft., sturdy and supported by giant dwarven-forged chains that rotated cargo and passengers up or down. The fortress itself was 300 feet above the base and the WaterRise took roughly 60 seconds per one-way trip. The lift was operated from the fortress above as the base guards kept watch.

As the setting sun cast the hillside's long shadow east Bomin, Bohan and their scout friend arrive at the base camp fence. The scout dismounts and rushes ahead yelling,  "GUARDS! GUARDS!! I am a scout with news of the Mindspin! Take me up, immediately!" 

The guards check the scout's credentials and opening the gate they wave Bohan and Bomin inside. As he jogs to the lift the scout tells the adventurers,  "I can't thank you enough. Will you accompany me to meet with the commander or do your travels take you elsewhere?" 
paddyfool
 I would like to come with you and meet the commander, I think  replies Bohan with a smile.   Can’t let any assassins get you between here and there,  he continues with a wink.
Ameraaaaaa
"Correct! We shall protect this scout from the evil assassin who escaped."

Bomin puts his right hand on the scouts shoulder. "You can rest assured that bomin and bohan are the mightiest bodyguards you'll ever meet."

Bomin spreads his left arm wide from right to left to demonstrate how wide his legend spreads "no threat will come your way friend. Now march forth and tell your superiors the crucial information! Time is of the essence!" Bomin says hyper dramatically.
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Toilday
 Time:  Sunset
 Weather:  53° &amp; Partly-Cloudy
 Location:  Skelt


The trio boarded the lift platform as one of the guards whistled repeatedly and a raven flew from a nearby tree straight up towards the fortress-town far above. Seconds later, the great chains began grinding and the lift started to rise from the ground! The trio watched as the basecamp, its guards and their horses drifted away as the lift rose higher and higher. The adventurers were treated to an amazing view of western Nirmathas and the great Fangwood forest in the distance.

Within a minute the WaterRise had brought the scout, Bomin and Bohan 300 feet to the fortress-town of Skelt! The trio see guardsmen, polearms, mounted crossbows, large mounted ballistas, and stone-carved machicolations lining the upper edges of the fortress as they reach the top. Within its surrounding walls Skelt was a small town that sprawled across the top of the expansive hilltop hundreds of yards. There were houses, dogs, shops and other manner of buildings most serving the defense effort.

Roughly twenty armored and armed troops, half human and half dwarf, greeted the trio with suspicious stares. Roelic revealed his mission into the Mindspin Mountains and nearly being slain by the inhuman clans there. An older human soldier in 'decorative' armor arrived identifying himself as Commander Jurmos. Roelic presented his credential (a letter with the seal of the Forest Marshal) and revealed that an immense army of undead under the control of a dark witch was forming in the mountains! The witch was making skeletal slaves of orc, hobgoblins, ogres and even giants! Escaping with his life, the scout was within sight of Skelt when he was attacked by the assassin whom was repelled by his companions, Bomin and Bohan!

Commander Jurmos stared at the scout,  "A witch? In the Mindspin? How? Baba Yaga herself couldn't tame those mountains! Scout, have you been drinking?"  The men gathered in the area laughed loudly at the Commander's jest. But the scout pleaded with the Commander swearing on his immortal soul that his words were true! Jurmos looked at Bohan and Bomin,  "Are you soldiers, deserters or spies? And what of this assassin?" 

At that, the men surrounding Commander Jurmos gripped their weapons, preparing for his order ....
Ameraaaaaa
"Bohan care to explain to the men. Your better at words then me." Bomin said. In their travels typically leaves the act of diplomacy to bohan.
paddyfool
Bohan presents the case in straightforward, almost military fashion.

 ”Commander Jurmos, we are soldiers of fortune, between employers. And the assassin we drove off had proclaimed herself to be the Scourge of Nidal.”  Bohan pauses for just a moment to let that sink in.   “We had previously encountered her the night before, when she would have been happy enough to be taking on a twelve-foot long bear alone had we not thought her an ordinary traveler and intervened to drive that beast away too.”  
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Toilday
 Time:  Sunset
 Weather:  53° &amp; Partly-Cloudy
 Location:  Skelt


The Commander cringed,  "The Sc--!?!?"  He looked around and stared at the Mindspin Mountains in the distance as the last rays of sunlight flickered over the horizon. Jurmos looked back at the trio,  "Come with me!"  and quickly walked away from the station towards 'town'! He shouted,  "I want basecamp reinforced immediately, and DOUBLE the evening watch!"  Men began shouting orders almost at random as the area became a swarm of activity!

The Commander was followed by a pair of men keeping within two steps and often gazing at Bohan and Bomin curiously. Jurmos continued as he walked,  "I've been in conference with the Forest Marshal myself within weeks. We suspected such a thing: Nidal! Those soulless snakes, the Black Triune! We considered either or Cheliax or Nidal joining forces with Molthune to plunder Nirmathas. If the Scourge is here, now, clearly Nidal has declared war on us secretly hoping their most feared assassin could strike first, eliminating the truth of their deception by slaying our scout!" 

His men echo the Commander's words, mumble concerns of national security and whisper about the Scourge of Nidal. The younger (late 20s) of the two assistants looked at the adventurers,  "How did you survive meeting the Scourge of Nidal? It's well known that hundreds perhaps thousands have been killed by that demi-demon manslayer. What did it look like? I've heard it has the eyes of hell, with blood-red skin and razor-sharp talons that drip poison? Did you sell it your soul to escape?" 

The conversation continued as the group rushed from the main station down across the grass-and-stone hilltop that wound nearly a hundred yards into a small stone and wood town where dogs, chickens, men and dwarves wandered. Outside lanterns were being lit as darkness spread across western Nirmathas. The Commander, the scout Roelic, Bohan and Bomin walked on through the fortress-village with Jurmos' men telling everyone they passed that security was paramount!
Ameraaaaaa
Bomin laughs "sell my soul! Nah! I was about to fight her! Until she ran for unknown reasons! And she was a normal girl in fancy armor. No big deal. Was looking forward to kicking her ass. But alas. It wasn't meant to be."
paddyfool
 ”Of course, we only have the assassin’s word for it that she was the Scourge of Nidal. It’s possible she wanted to mislead us as to her true employer… although her hairstyle, or lack of it, did fit with what little I knew of that nation”  mused Bohan.
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Toilday
 Time:  Sunset
 Weather:  52° &amp; Partly-Cloudy
 Location:  Skelt


After walking several minutes through town passing shops and houses, the group arrive at a large stone and wood house with an older man lighting its exterior lanterns. Black smoke billows from the stone chimney as a raven takes flight from the roof. Commander Jurmos tells the old man to keep watch and allow no visitors. The smell of cooked meat drew the men inside .....

Entering the well-lit large home there's carpeting, furniture, a living room, kitchen area, dining room and rear rooms down the back hallway. A small fire crackles in the living room as a large prone Wolfhound chewed a big bone relentlessly. The dining room table was crowned with a platter of roast turkey, cooked bread, vegetables and a jug of wine. Everyone dropped their coats and weapons near the door as Jormus' assistants went into the kitchen, returning quickly with wooden plates for all.

The Commander nodded at the adventurers telling them and Roelic to help themselves. He and the scout discussed the bizarre army of undead forming under the dark spells of the evil witch. The witch only ever seen at night but her undead forces stalked the mountains constantly. Any orc, hobgoblin, ogre even giant slain by the hundreds of skeletal warriors were eventually raised by the witch to serve her eternal army of darkness.  In just a week her dark magic spread the Mindspin like wildfire. Roelic escaped and as he neared Skelt was attacked by the assassin.

Jormus indicated he needed to send word to the Forest Marshall as soon as possible and outlined a plan with his men:
 
 Joelic or Skelt's fastest rider must leave immediately for the Southern Fangwood to pass the news of the witch 
 A small unit can be dispatched into the Mindspin Mountains to resume reconnaissance of the witch and maybe kill her 
 the hill's basecamp must be fortified against any coming attack 
 they needed a battleplan for the coming of the witch's army and any demi-humans fleeing the mountains 
 
The Commander reaches under the table and snatches a large map from its hiding place spreading it open on the floor. Setting chairs around the map of the Mindspin Mountains, Jormus drew his pipe which is lit by one of his men using a candle. He puffs and Roelic the scout points at where he found the witch's forces:

 The Bloodsworn Vale : Once a prosperous trade route the Vale had fallen into disuse after a failed Chelian conquest ruined the terrain. The entire area was currently overtaken by wilderness .... and the undead. It was roughly sixty miles from Skelt, a day and a half ride through the most treacherous region imaginable.

The Commander and his men debated routes of attack, numbers of men, supplies and Jormus took a long puff then offered his pipe to Bomin asking if he or his friend Bohan had opinions .......
Ameraaaaaa
"I can't think of anything. I'm a fighter. Not a strategist. Bohan? Anything pop in that brain of your"
paddyfool
 ” If you’d like to employ us, we could help with the reconnaissance force. Besides being warriors, well, my colleague Bomin is a skilled tracker. For my part, I might serve as both  infirmation gatherer, if we should encounter other people who could tell us more of the witch, and potentially an emissary, should we encounter the witch herself and should there be any form of parlay that may be achieved. Although you would have to tell me what license I might have to negotiate, in that case.

Or we might also serve in the defence of Skelt, if your need is more for two more men to hold the wall.  
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Toilday
 Time:  Night
 Weather:  50° &amp; Partly-Cloudy
 Location:  Skelt


Commander Jormus nods and sets the plan in action by having two of his men immediately ride for the Southern Fangwood with his credentials to inform the Forest Marshall of the witch. Tonight Bohan, Bomin and Roelic can rest in the Commander's spare rooms, then before dawn, they can equip themselves and set out for the Mindspin Mountains with Roelic leading the way.

The old man wanders into the back rooms to light the lanterns and tidy them a bit. Jormus leaves with his assistants to brief his troops, then he'll return to rest. Once the old man returns he tells the adventurers the rooms are ready and then he starts cleaning the dining area ....

 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Pre-Dawn
 Weather:  51° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Skelt

After weeks on the road, Bomin and Bohan rise from the near-luxury of sleeping in a comfortable bed. After getting ready and greeting a groggy Roelic, the crew meet with Commander Jormus who escorts them back to Skelt's fortress stronghold. There they gather gear, ride the WaterRise lift back down to the basecamp and head out the gate with the blessing of Skelt's chaplain. The sky just begins to shift from star-lit darkness to early morning blue and the scent of the wilds fills the air.

Riding to the Shining River, the trio met a two-man Skelt patrol guarding a large raft, which the adventurers pilot themselves and their horses to the western shore. Another guardsman greets them and warning them of increased demi-human activity, wishes them luck. Remounting, Bohan and Bomin, with Roelic leading the way, proceed up into the precarious Mindspin Mountains.

As the sun pierced the horizon washing the landscape with daylight, the trio kept to a grassy valley between the mountain range's massive peaks allowing a quicker pace. After nearly an hour's ride, the riders spy a quartet of armed orcs roughly 300 feet ahead jogging north through the knee-high grasses of the valley! Roelic pauses,  "Should we hold and let them pass or press on? They seem to be in a hurry and don't seem to have spotted us. Maybe we can get the drop on them ..." 
Ameraaaaaa
"Hmmmmm. Well I'm not one for mindless violence. What do you know of the orcs of this area. Are they raiders? If so we should probably let them go. As much as i like a good fight we are on an important mission and we need to take minimal unnecessary risks. If they are more friendly we can try to convine them to join us. The more the merrier."
paddyfool
 ” They might be able to tell us something, even if they are hostile,”  suggested Bohan.  ”There’s too much we don’t yet know about the situation out there.” 
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


One of the orcs sees the trio and alerts his companions! They turn and stare momentarily --- then they charge shouting wildly, straight at the adventurers!
Ameraaaaaa
Bomin shouts "well if it's a fight you want orcs then sorry to say but this is where your story ends. Pity." Bomin says disappointedly. These 4 orcs were in bomins opinion below bomins league.

Bomin jumps off of his horse and does a run at the nearest orcs face to preform a jumping knee right into it's face.
paddyfool
Bohan is a little slower to respond, but is still able to take advantage of Bomin disrupting the charge, following him weapon in hand :

 ” You know, I’ve seen friendlier welcomes”  he states, lashing out at the next orc and finding his throat with a spray of blood; the halberd’s arc then continuing on to a third orc who is forced to attempt a hasty parry.
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


Catching the lead orc by surprise with his outstanding quickness, Bomin smashes the orc's face in and it drops to the ground unconscious! A split-second later, Bohan nearly decapitates another orc before it can raise its axe!

Stunned, the remaining two orcs AND Roelic stare at the twin mercenaries, standing in shocked horror at the unbelievable ferocity of the adventurers onslaught!
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


Snapping out of their shock, the remaining two orcs attack! One whips his axe at Roelic and misses! The other charges Bomin and strikes the big mercenary roaring in triumph! Roelic counter-attacks the orc that attacked him and strikes!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Bomin loses 4 Lifeblood (2 axe + 2 STR). By spending a HP, he can Shake Off the injury and regain 1d6 points. Bohan is next, then roll initiative again 😛
 
paddyfool
Bohan sees an opening after the orc attached Bomin, and cuts a bloody slash under his armpit.

 ” Let’s try and take this last one alive”   he suggests, looking at the Orc winged by Roelic
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


Bohan cuts down another orc! The last orc swings his axe at Roelic but the scout ducks! Roelic counter-attacks with his blade but misses!
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


Bomin rushes the orc, slamming him to the ground and pinning him! The orc yells and growls something in orcish, but he can't escape!

Roelic surveys the area looking for any more trouble,  "I think that's it .... for now anyway."  He sheaths his sword and begins searching the other incapacitated orcs.
paddyfool
 ” You fought bravely, but this fight is done,”  says Bohan sternly, looking down at the pinned Orc.  ” Surrender, and we can see if we can stop any of your companions from bleeding out.” 
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


The Orc looked startled Bohan spoke his language! Then he snarled,  "They were weak! Let them die!"  He gritted his sharp teeth,  "You fought stronger. Why do you spare me? Grot has no gold!" 

Roelic looked at Bohan, winked and nodded. The scout most probably spoke Orc as well, but remained silent ....


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Unless Brawn Bomin has Orc as his second language, he can't understand this conversation. Ameraaaa, you can choose Orc, or save your language choice for later.
 
Ameraaaaaa
"There's no need to kill you grot. Especially since killing a already defeated foe brings no glory. Glory only comes from defeating a superior foe. Not from defeating those lesser at fighting then you. I was hoping we could work together to fight the undead threat. But seems like that's a unlikely team up."
paddyfool
 ”We spared you because we thought you might know something. There is a witch in these mountains with an army of undead at her command. What do you know about her?” 
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


The Orc sneered at Bomin's remarks, but grew more measured when Bohan spoke. He turned his head spitting blood on the ground, then gazed at Bohan,  "The witch! She has cursed the mountains and turned Grot's clan into mindless slaves! Grot and these others were traveling to meet with a distant clan near the Tourondel (river). With more Orcs, we can kill the witch! She has made Bloodsworn Vale her home and her army of undead defends it. She seems to only emerge at night but her magics are very powerful! Even the giants fear her as she has taken some of them under her spell! Our scouts say her army is preparing to move. You should do as Grot and leave this region, as the Dwarves and Hobgoblins are doing. Grot has told you what Grot knows, now let Grot go!" 

There was motion overhead, then two vultures landed nearby and eyed the fallen orcs ...
Ameraaaaaa
Bomin had a pitying look on his face.

"Let him go. He lost his tribe. As a tribes person myself i understand the importance of that. You may go."
paddyfool
 ” Very well. You should know, though, that whatever force of Orcs you manage to assemble, you might not be the only ones seeking an end to this Witch.” 
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


When Bomin releases him, the Orc quickly rises and grabs his weapon! He looks at the adventurers, then to the north. A cool breeze cuts across the valley making the tall grasses wave. The vultures stalk closer to the orc corpses. Grot looks back at Bohan,  "Grot doesn't like that other clan. Besides, you are better warriors. If you will help Grot kill the witch, Grot will join you." 

Roelic is visibly shocked as he stares at the adventurers ...!
Ameraaaaaa
 
 Originally Posted by SwordCoastTaxi 
  Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


When Bomin releases him, the Orc quickly rises and grabs his weapon! He looks at the adventurers, then to the north. A cool breeze cuts across the valley making the tall grasses wave. The vultures stalk closer to the orc corpses. Grot looks back at Bohan,  "Grot doesn't like that other clan. Besides, you are better warriors. If you will help Grot kill the witch, Grot will join you." 

Roelic is visibly shocked as he stares at the adventurers ...! 
 

"You are making a great choice grot. Welcome aboard!" Bomin laughs happily. "Never fought by an orc before. This will be fun."
paddyfool
 ”Very well,”  replies Bohan, his eyes weighing up the Orc.  “Welcome to the team, Grot. My name is Bohan. We have a mission to learn more about just who the Witch is, what she wants and what she is up to. Anything we can learn together may be vital.”

“Ah… are there any funeral rites you would like to carry out for the dead?” 
SwordCoastTaxi
 Day:  Wealday
 Time:  Morning
 Weather:  54° &amp; Clear
 Location:  Mindspin Mountains


Grot looks at the fallen orcs,  "They were ... Grot's friends. Now, they have joined the army of Gruumsh. They will find revenge with my axe! We must go now, and maybe we can reach the Vale before nightfall."  Grot begins running west at a speed few humans could keep!

Roelic mounts his horse and looks at the adventurers,  "Well, it's a good thing I was here to save you two."  He smiled and rode off after Grot! Most of the day would be spent crossing the valley, which covered many miles. Once he found his stride, Grot never paused, his long powerful Orc legs pushing him towards Bloodsworn Vale, with Roelic riding only yards away! The Sun crept west swiftly overhead as the quartet entered a wide forest area in the late afternoon, where Grot paused. He caught his breath and drank water from his skin. Roelic spoke,  "We're close now. Maybe two hours' distance. This forest is excellent for an approach but the witch's undead soldiers sometimes patrol it, so we must be cautious."  Grot speaks,  "And the hobgoblins with their pet firedrakes! They are hard foes!" 
Ameraaaaaa
"cautious we shall be. And thanks for warning about the firedrakes. They are extremely dangerous i hear. Best we keep an eye out for any danger. Right bohan?"
paddyfool
 ” Right indeed. Do you know if the hobgoblins are allies with the witch?”   Bohan asks Grot