It's a fantasy role-playing game.

DM: You are Scanlan Shorthalt, a gnome bard . You are the member of the famous group of adventurers. Previously, They stumbled upon a small hive of basilisks that surrounded an obelisk of Ioun, which gave them their first clue as to the location where this sphinx could be found. They battled the basilisks, destroyed their underground hive, or at least the exit from it, via Fireballs and Stone Walls and other such endeavors.
DM: Nine points of piercing damage. All right, that ends that orc's turn. This one, the one that seems more decorated with the gem-encrusted headband runs out and starts shouting orders.
Player: Did the two that were on me attack?
DM: He's going to come forward and begin to attempt to attack your orb as well. All three strike at the orb, trying to cut through.
Player: Can I act like they're hurting me?
DM: If you want to.
Player: Ugh! Ah! Ooh! Oh!
DM: Make a deception check.
Player: Deception?
DM: Deception, yes.
