<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/de/80/99de80dd4fb18a5a2b5229f5fe73ae72.jpg)</div><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Part 1: Journey to the Crypt (An Orc Ambush Cont'd Round 2/Round 3)</strong></span><br/><br/>Exceedingly good show, everyone.  That was a very quick turnaround for the first round.  I would like to take this opportunity to inform everyone that I will not usually be able to respond as frequently as I have in the last couple of days, and also to remind you that the posting expectations are still "post at least once per week."  However, as long as we are able to move through this fight at breakneck speeds, I will encourage it.<br/><br/><strong>Rulings</strong><br/><br/>Iona moves west, through her newfound ally and the shrubbery, and climbs up the rockface with the simplest of ease.  Given your new vantage, you were entitled to an unknown skill check.  Thus, a secret roll was rolled on your behalf for unknown purposes, but nothing came of it.  Here, the hillside is empty of any enemies, and indeed, you do not see anything of interest near you.<br/><br/>Ria, although your post came after Ballantha's, I will go ahead and position your post before hers so as to avoid issues relating to ranged attacks against enemies who are in melee with allies.  This makes sense since Ballantha is technically in her second round, while you've yet to complete your first.  However, please be aware that you will need to pick up the feat, Precise Shot, in order to avoid a -4 penalty in the future.  Your aim is true, and you hit Orc #3 squarely between the eyes.  However, he is not down and out.<br/><br/>Ballantha, your first strike is true and, were it not that you were facing this particular orc, deadly.  The orc is dying, but he's not down, simply staggered.  Bleeding profusely from his new cranial crater, the orc manages to say--  "Is that it?" before he is whisked from the living experience by your second cruel blow.  Ballantha, it takes a moment for the crimson mist to follow the felled orc.  You step through the mist, confronting Orc #3.<br/><br/>Regarding Emerald, she is also entitled to an unknown skill check, not due to proximity like Iona, but due to personal experience.  Will she be successful? Alas, no.  The purpose of the secret roll, as well as the result, shall remain in the GM's confidence!<br/><br/>Jilly, try as you might, you are unable to scale the stone wall before you.  However, you have been positioned right next to Iona.  Perhaps she can give you a helping hand?<br/><br/>Serana, you take aim at the prone Orc #2 and fire a bolt from your crossbow.  You fire through ally squares at a prone opponent, with an attack of 12.  The orc has an AC of 13, but is currently at a 17.  Prone enemies have a +4 to AC against ranged attacks, unfortunately.  The bolt whizzes over the orc's head, lands with a springy thong against the fallen tree behind him, and...<br/><br/><strong>The Enemy Round</strong><br/><br/>Orc #1 has perished.<br/><br/>Orc #3 takes a diagonal five-foot step SW to avoid incurring attacks of opportunities from Ballantha.  He then draws his javelin, and hurls it at poor Ballantha.  He rolls an 18!  Oh, so close.  The shaft glances against Ballantha's armor, falling harmlessly to the side.   "I was close!" it shouts.<br/><br/>Orc #2 gets up (move action), drops his javelin (free action), and draws his greataxe (move action).   "Yes, yes," he hisses in orc as he mentally prepares himself for the upcoming charge.<br/><br/><strong>And Now</strong><br/><br/>All right, maidens!  It's your turn to act.  And I almost forgot, here is a map of the field as it currently stands.<br/><br/><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/caeWLdg.jpg)</div>