Time had passed quickly, and all was in readiness. D'Amboise had several wine skins of blue paint, the passage of the Hetmen to the temple had been reported the day before, and the party was crouched in the woods staring across the marshy, humid landscape at a totem clearly dedicated to the goddess Hel in her fish-aspect as worshiped by the Taku Taku.

The totem stood six and a half feet tall, a thick spear stuck in the ground, the fish mask affixed to the shaft, with a collection of feathers, beads and arrowheads hanging from around it's neck, along with a string of small leather pouches, each containing what appeared to be two small stones.

The professor was at your side, though he was progressing no further. Brudher is particularly happy that they are no longer required to wear the masks.

Shank had doubled back several times, and is fairly certain that your party has not been trailed.

Thatch had closed his eyes out at one point to get a sense of the surrounding magical atmosphere, but had fought off a headache ever since.

Ovo was tensed, aware of the approaching potential for combat.

"That will put you pretty deep in their territory," the Professor explained, the line the Taku Taku shared with their rival tribes a good two miles to your left. (Southward.) "Don't let that fool you, they are jealous of their prerogatives. We are probably past where the city sinks under the surface, but there is no way to be sure. I suggest you go in about a mile, the drift left for awhile. If you don't find the opening, tread back to the north."

Unless someone has last words for the man who had guided you thru the lands to this point, he will head out, leaving you to the myriad ways a jungle can kill a person, not even gounting the natives.

"I'm particularly fond of my own prerogatives," D'Amboise mutters with feeling, but offers hand and thanks to the professor who has been of such great help to them in their quest.  "You have our thanks, and I most fervently hope we'll live to see you again and share another meal."

Once their guide has retreated, the priest will take a deep breath and indicate to Shank and Brudher to scout ahead, while he, Ovo and Thatch wait anxiously for the all clear for them to advance.

"Jungles are too much like forests for my taste," Odo says, but that's all he says.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 3):

Lol quick note found a moment to sneak on-line

Thatch shrugs, rubs his forehead. Well I will not be much help offs silly. But I will do what I can we move out shank-n-bruhder scout and stay mid to point and Ovo And re a.m.  eager ready


EDITED BY DM - Not sure I got what you were saying there thatch, feel free to correct if I got something wrong.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:41, Mon 21 Sept 2015.

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 4):

Loc found a hot spot n a gamer to let me post again.


Thatch commented between his headache that he would not be able to use his magic but would do what he could with his dagger, his wit and support where ended.

Shank and bruhder lead. Thatch then ovo and d amBoise

Shank and Brudher took the lead (I assume) gesturing for the others to remain in place while they scout out the boundary. Both quickly find traps laid out, but they are ill tended, and several have already been activated on hapless animals without being reset.

Given an hour, the two managed to carve a decent path thru the twenty feet of traps, past which more have not been found.

The rest of the party creeps forward thru the opening...

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 6):

Thatch does his best to keep watch for more traps along the route plus remembering this as a way out.  thinking as he looks about i hope we see no living sentries along this path.   Grips his dagger and looks about as he slowly follows Shank and Bruhder.

Shank moves easily through the brush, searching for more traps.  This is what a scout should be doing, not negotiating from behind some stuffy mask, not standing toe to toe with those as make their living killing folk and not standing by while others say their prayers or cast their magicks.

The traps seem to be localized in a band, like a wall protecting what's within.  Of course, Shank didn't assume for a moment that there were only traps in that band.  He makes the effort to backtrack frequently to let the others know what meager tidings he had to share.

Ovo's grumbling is low, but audible.

D'Amboise remains tense, holding his tongue and making an effort to move quietly when the signal comes to advance.  He leaves Ovo and Thatch to look to the fore so that there are two pairs of eyes that might see any trouble approaching the exposed scouts, while the priest concentrates on the rear, praying that the Abu'Chik have not betrayed them.

Once passed the traps the party slid into virgin territory, in a sense they might have have expected. The jungle is pretty much the same as before, but there are no signs of the city that once stretched, according to their maps, for several miles further north then they had reached.

Heading slightly uphill, the scouts found few signs of human occupancy. Spoor was old, though animal spoor was rich and fresh. Whatever animals normally trod these grounds kept their distance from the intruders though.

The opening should be to the south of them, should the party wish to head that way, or they could continue west up the long wide mound they had found themselves crossing.

"Could the city have been buried ?" D'Amboise suggests, staring at the maps with frustration.  "Perhaps it now lies beneath this mound ?" he eyes the offending geographical feature with distaste.

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 12):

hhmm, that is an interesting thought, but is not the area sinking?   We shall continue a few on this west direction but if we do not find something soon, we should turn South for the opening.  be careful and on the look out, just in case.

Shank, all senses focused on anything that might harm them primarily, and on what they seek secondarily.  He continues to the west, fading a bit southwardy here and there.  On occasion, he drops back to compare notes with the others, but since the traps, there's little enough worth the effort of reporting.

Brudher parallels Shank's movements, moving slowly and carefully.  He tries to stay about 20 yards left of where Shank is, scouting a bit further to the south.

Ovo grumbles some more.  ". . . 'n I just wanna hit somthin'" he mutters.

As if on cue, a lithe, long legged jungle deer of some sort dashes from the south thru the party and within second vanished off to the north.

Those with a quick enough eye noticed it had a small spear protruding from it's shoulder. Within moment several silent-as-the-night hounds appear, stopping suddenly in their tracks at the sight of party. Hounds, yet not, long weasel-like bodies, cat like heads, fangs bared, about a foot and a half at the shoulder and three feet long.

As the sight sinks in, their masters appear, Orcs? Perhaps, though smaller than the norm, with a light spotted fur on their naked bodies. Three males, two females, armed for the hunt, sweat glistening on their bodies.

These creatures show no hesitation, nor pause for even a moment, instantly changing their target from their previous prey to you five, their war-cats quickly on their heels...

Ovo's growl deepens an octave, and big grin spreads across his face.  Holding his battle axe in both hands horizontally with respect to the ground, he raises it up and down rhythymically, as if timing the orcs' approaching steps.

He appears quite ready for armed conflict.

Brudher draws his weapons and moves to flank the charge.

Shank quickly ducks into the nearest source of concealment.  If not spotted, he'll ready his bow and arrows and watch covertly for a good chance to let his shaft fly.  If he is spotted, he'll move while under cover, twisting and turning as the cover allows before he readies his bow and arrow.

In reply to Shank (msg # 20):

Thatch sighs and while pulling out his dagger, moves behind D'mboise some then he speaks to the "Orcs" in Orcish - You spoil our hunt! we hunt bigger game, gold and gems then that small pitiful deer, join us or go chase your deer and sternly points his dagger be gone if you choose the deer before I call the earths magic on you and starts weaving his hands and Dagger mumbling like he is gong to cast a spell (but not for that would be disastrous right now).

Like the Dwarf, the priest would almost welcome the certainty of a fight, rather than this perilous hunt though enemy territory ... but he knows that this battle would be at best a distraction, and at worst might bring the Taku-Taku down upon them should there be any of the tribe left behind.  He knows not what Thatch says to the Orcs, but adds his own succinct ultimatum in the Common Tongue, as he gestures with his axe.

"Leave us, join us or die !"

There is no hesitation on the lithe young warriors who careen head on into the trio of D'Amboise, Ovo and de facto on Thatch who stands behind the other two.

Even the cats follow the Orc's lead, the ranger and Shank apparently unnoticed due to their stealthy nature.

The females let fly with their spears, one missing Ovo by a hair's breadth, the other slicing Thatches arm high on the left shoulder, rending his robes and drawing blood.

The males opt for a more feral form of attack, tearing at their foes with claws and fang. Ovo's armor withstands the claws the attack on his form, while D'Amboise feels the feet on one striking his chest in an attempt to knock him down.  The third male feigns an attack on the dwarf, then rolls to one side, clearing planning on attack the mage the next rounds.

The cats, having hesitated, now charge forward, teeth and claws flashing hungrily!!!

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 23):

Ouch Ouch Ouch
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:29, Tue 13 Oct 2015.

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 24):

Thatch is casting a spell on the male attacking him - Magic Missile - knowing this will hurt him as much as the Orc.

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 25):

Two missile flash out of his hands and streak toward and strike the Orc making the end around run on Thatch - the bolts sizzle then fizzle smoking upon impact releasing a punishing electric shock.

Thatch screams after the missiles launch from his hands and starts waving his hands about as smoke resonates from his hands screaming ouch ouch ouch then grabs his head and moans loudly swaying a moment then does a slight jump in the air going oohhh ohhh ewww then prepares another spell for next round as he eyes the combatants with a low growl ... his hair is a bit out of sorts and his hat is on cockeyed now (Jim Carey look)

The priest barely manages to stay on his feet as the big orc slams into him, his words lost as the impact drives the breath from his body.  Indeed it is all he can do to swing his axe in a short arc that does naught but give him the second's breathing space he needs to steady himself.

From his concealment, Shank fires a couple of arrows at the orc moving to attack Thatch.

OOC:
09:36, Today: Shank rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Attack 1.  Hits AC 3
09:37, Today: Shank rolled 6 using 1d6.  Damage 1.
09:36, Today: Shank rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  Attack 2.  miss

Ovo launches a powerful swing at the nearest orc, then immediately swings his axe back in the other direction for a second attack.



  Not sure of the Orcs' AC

07:30, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 14,11 using d20+3,d8+3.  Strike Orc.
Hits AC 5

07:31, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 15,4 using d20+3,d8+3.  Second Strike on Orc.  Hits AC 4

Brudher leaps forward at the nearest cat, plying Slicer and Gutter with a will.  He leaves the orcs for Ovo and D'Amboise.  He hopes that everyone stays relatively quiet.

His stab with the shortsword called Slicer misses.  HIs thoughts are savage.  Stupid!  It's called Slicer!  NOt Stabber!  But he ends close enough to bring Gutter into play and hot blood spills.

ooc: 08:49, Today: Brudher rolled 7,6,17,6 using d20+1,d6+2,d20+1,d4+2 ((6,4,16,4)).

Mystic bolts of energy flew from the hand of Thatch, swirling unsteady in the air, but both struck home, knocking his target back to lie dead in the thick pile of leaves on the ground.

The stalwart scion of Woton staggered half a step, but held his ground at the bouncing attack of the male Orc, who rolled to the ground and rose in fresh attack, raking his claws against the chest plate of his target, drawing no blood for his efforts.

Shank, bow in hand, managed, just, to change his aim to wound the orc that D'Amboise faced.

Snick-snack, Ovo sliced his opponent in half with ease, letting his swings go wide enough to slay the Orc that Shank had wounded.

Unfazed, the two female Orcs let fly with their spears, stinging Ovo and the cleric with the finely sharpened tips!

Behind the females the cats are surprised by the onslaught of the ranger-goblin, whose sharp blades whirled at the first, drawing blood, and caught the attention of the second. Both turned to face him, fangs bared, claws extended to their fullest!
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:17, Thu 22 Oct 2015.

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 31):

Thinking, wow those missiles were effected but they still struck true so game on - Thatch looks to see which Orcs and cats are left to gain who he may attack next.

Ignoring the wound from the spear, the big priest surges forward to swing his axe at the head of another of the orcs, though the blow is clumsy ...

Ovo snarls at the spear thrower who drew blood, charges her, and strikes.

Strikes effectively, at that.


10:42, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 16,11 using d20+3,d8+3.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 34):

Not knowing what lay before them, Thatch changes tactics and launches a surprise dagger attack at the cats from behind hoping the surprised charge attack puts the foul little beastie cats off there mark as he slashes at one of there backs.

No yelling or any sound until he strikes the cat with his dagger then a quick hiss and "scat cat"

Shank, unmolested, decides quickly that Brudher is in the most need for help, so he turns his attentions to those attacking the goblin.

13:56, Today: Shank rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Attack 1.
57, Today: Shank rolled 1 using 1d6.  Damage.
13:56, Today: Shank rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Attack 2.

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 35):

OOC - correction since Thatch cannot get to the Cats - he will attempt to attack a female Orc if Not be ready in case a surprise attack from the flank/rear watching the area Shank is in for other movement then the battle before him not totally turning his back.

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 37):

OOC correction of the correction to correctly correct Thatchs correct action see it was corrected.

Thatch turns about and makes sure the area behind and around the group including what he can see where Shank is is secure and no more surprises are awaiting them from the noise of combat - ready to alert the group or take actions as required.

Seeing no immediate threat to himself, and confident in the marital prowess of his comrades, Thatch took a moment to make a strategic survey of the battlefield. Seeing no additional threats, the mage made his observations known to the others, a pattern Shank and D'Amboise were familiar with from years of combat together.

For his part, Shank fired two arrows in the direction of the cats, animals clearly also used to combat, who used their agility and cat-reflexes to avoid the shafts.

Focused on the combat at hand, Ovo steps forward towards the cat-woman who attacked him, teeth bared, claws extended as she flew threw the air. His mighty blade sliced forward, sending her backwards into the grass, a fatal slice to her midsection spilling her orc guts out on the ground, an angry scream on her dying lips.

D'Amboise steps forward to face his foe aiming a decapitating blow, or so it would have been had she not ducked and rolled, leaping up upon him and raking his face with one clawed hand!  Legs wrapped around the clerics waist, she clung to him in a manner both erotic, and quite dangerous.

Both cats, having dodged the arrows, plunged onto Bruder, slashing and biting with claw and fang, drawing blood from several spots. The goblin was apparently caught off guard, failing to deliver a return blow as he tried to stagger backwards out of their range.

Grunting, both from the pain of the deep scratches and no less because he's having much difficulty in breathing, D'Amboise tries once more to strike his opponent, but his efforts are by need geared more to getting her off him than in inflicting any real harm.

With a grunt of surprise, Ovo rushes to Bruder's aid.  "C'mon, ye mangy cats!" he taunts, delivering two blows of increasing effectiveness.

11:32, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 15,8 using d20+2,d8+3. (Round 3A)
11:32, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 16,10 using d20+2,d8+3.  Round 3B.
 

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 41):

In a quick decision everyone knows he does at times in need to help turn the tide of battles in a hope to help D'Ambiose fight off the Female crazed Orc, Thatch turns and steps at the Orc and swipes his dagger across the Orcs exposed side.


20:30, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 14 using 1d20.  attack.
20:31, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 2 using 1d4.  damage.

Shank continues to shoot his arrows at the nearest of the cat creatures.

09:18, Today: Shank rolled 5 using 1d20.  attack 1.
09:18, Today: Shank rolled 14 using 1d20.  attack 2.
09:18, Today: Shank rolled 3 using 1d6.  damage 2.

Brudher falls into a defensive crouch and feints then attacks with Slicer and Gutter once more, though his attacks seem mostly ineffective.  No wonder that hero died.  These blades are crap.  I should switch back to my spear

But he does not because he is hard-pressed and cannot afford the time.

08:04, Today: Brudher rolled 3,5,13,3 using d20+1,d6+2,d20+1,d4+2 ((2,3,12,1)).

The cleric landed an awkward blow on the female Orc, as she grabed his face and bit his nose, sharp fangs digging into his flesh and drawing blood.  Stepping to his comrades aid, Thatch dug his dagger into her side, causing her to release her hold.  Hitting the soft ground and rolling away deftly...

Shank fired his arrows at the cats attacking Brudher, one arrow striking the side of the rearmost cat. The beast rolled to it's side biting and clawing at the piercing shaft, allowing Ovo the time to step forward and slice it in twain with one might blow of his axe!

Before he could deliver a blow on the second cat it launched itself on Brudher with a snarl! Brudher staggered backward, then vanished, cat, blades and all!?! The remaining Orc huntress turned and fled into the jungle!

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 45):

Stunned for but a second, Thatch yelps, Shank shoot her down then turns to where Brudher was, dang again that has happened to us.   sighs, D;Amboise Ovo, secure the dead orcs and see what they have on them, looks to the fleeing Orc, this means we have to move quickly now.   Slowly goes over to where Brudher was and searches the area for any signs, trying to be careful not to step on any triggers or traps.

Shank, hearing Thatch's order, does his best to follow them, sending another brace of shafts through the air.

19:39, Today: Shank rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Attack 1.
19:40, Today: Shank rolled 5 using 1d6.  Damage 1.
19:39, Today: Shank rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Attack 2.
19:40, Today: Shank rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage 2.

Ovo grabs his throwing axe and launches it at the fleeing orc.

Well, he throws the axe . . . It can't really be said that it was at the orc.  It might even be argued that whatever he did cannot be characterized as a throw.

"Incoming!" he yells in a feeble attempt to warn his comrades about the wayward weapon (which he will endeavor to recover despite its wanton tendencies).


08:20, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Throwing Axe.

Shank succeeds in bringing the fleeing Orc down, and the battle has ended.

The bodies are searched, but nothing of real value is found, unless you could the necklace the largest male was wearing, consisting of colored stones.

A search of the area where Brudher vanished from shows a sink hole, already collapsed in upon itself. Any attempt to dig him out fails as the pit continues to fill in as you dig.

Ovo, ever the sentimental dwarf, appears to be fighting back tears at the loss of his comrade.

Shank, looking saddened by the loss of their companion, merely states, "Mind your steps."

Realizing he couldn't do much of anything for the fallen Brudher, he turns his attentions to the fallen foe.  Seeing the necklace on the largest male, he collects that.  Between his poor archery and how the enemy responded when he did hit, there didn't seem to be a lot to be gained by searching for his arrows, they'd stirred up enough commotion and he was more interested in preserving his manhood than his arrows.  He does take a quick look at the weapons to see if they're worth keeping.  Spears certainly weren't his weapon of choice though.

The spears were primitive, hand-worked flint for the tips, well balanced and light. Clearly more for small game that combat.

Finding nothing on the orcs that might assist them, D'Amboise motions Ovo to help him drag the corpses into the ungrowth to conceal them, then kicks dirt over any telltale patches of blood, hoping to cover them as best he can.

The loss of Brudher weighs heavily upon the priest's mind ...

"The city we seek ... if it is sunk beneath the ground, then our goblin friend may have inadvertently discovered an entrance.  I pray as much, for if so he still may be counted among the living.  The question is - do we dare risk that hope and follow the path he has taken ?"

Shank shakes his head.  "If we take that path, I don't see any way to get back out.  Better we don't to down with all the baggage that carries then to get down there and have no way back.  We keep n the way we were and look for a route that's no so final."

The party pokes at the sink hole and decide that it is no longer open and that Shank's suggestion is probably the best, despite the sadness of leaving a companion behind. Some might suggest heck, he was just a goblin, but to others he had become family.

Continuing the path south by south-west, the party slows slightly due to the loss of perhaps their best pair of eyes for this type of journey, but Shank keeps the party safe by routing them around several traps.


Totems with human skulls and crude Orcish etching are soon found. They all say some variant of  clearly marking a boundary. The party can skirt these to the east or west, or continue thru land claimed by what one must assume are the tribe of the Orc's already met in combat.

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 55):

OOC here just R/L got me, will post Monday/Tuesday ......

The priest bows to the counsel of the scout, if not gladly, for even if Brudher yet lives, he is alone, but somewhat thankfully, for to follow would seem much like stepping willingly into one's own grave.

"Which way does our path lie ?"  D'Amboise asks Shank.  "If we must enter the lands of the orcs then so be it."

"I 'tink we must, don't you?" Ovo says, but he doesn't explain why he thinks this.

Perhaps it's just that he hates orcs.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 58):

Looks about in a circle after helping check the area Brudher fell into.

South, we go South now.  The opening might be that way and enough up hill walking.  Smiles and prepares to move on - Shank keep scouting if you like Ova, you may get to hone in on that Orc fighting skills,

D'Amboise, do we need any healing passed aboutas Thatch takes a quick look at his own wound.

Still with his blood up after the last fight and looking for the next, the priest had scarcely felt his own wound, let alone thought of his companions ... but Thatch's question brings D'Amboise back to more practical matters.

"Aye," he nods.  "How badly are you hurt ... and anyone else ?"

"I'm nicked, is all."

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 61):

Chuckles at Ovo's comment Nicked is all.  Well, I am a bit more fragile then my sturdy friend Dwarf from all my time in studies but I think I will survive?  how about your self D'Amboise as Thatch looks over D'A,boises wounds.

OOC - Damage report Mr. Scott?

Shank shakes his head.  "You guys took the brunt of it, no damage on my part, and not all that much inflicted either."  He smiles ruefully.  He may have been in the army, but he'd never been a front line soldier, he was always looking to avoid fights, not win them.

OOC allowing D'Amboise to his next post to cast a heal if he opts to, but moving things along anyway.

Opting to shift their route from W-SW to due south to allow for their passage thru the heart of the lands of a tribe of jungle Orcs, the party proceeds past the warning skulls and into dangerous territory.

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 64):

Thatch looks nervously about and whispers, maybe this was not the best route? as he looks at a fresh skull.

"Just warnings, m'lad . . . just warnings."

Like the Dwarf, D'Amboise regards the shallow puncture wound from the spear and the deep scratches on his face a mere inconvenience.  Even so, he brushes aside Thatch's protests that his own wounds are not worth the trouble, offering up a prayer to Wotan to cure the mage.  "You lack our metal," he jests with Thatch, tapping his breastplate, "I'd rather be sure you were a step further from Hel's door if our foes return." 

"Warnings ?  Or taunts, perhaps ?" the priest stares back at the skulls belligerently.  "Such tokens do not trouble me."

Shank looks at the skulls, trying to determine how fresh they are and if they're human or not.  " Best buck up, from what we've heard, I'd expect a lot worse further on."

In reply to Shank (msg # 68):

OOC - Um, I think Thatch took 4 ho damage, not sure D;Amboise or Ovo damage but also, how many CLW do we have?  Deciding how to prep as we go further.

OOC: Don't know if DM lets us share specific numbers -- just say I'm approximately 80% of full health.

A short distance into the lands of the jungle Orcs, Shank calls a halt.

Shank's voice is ow.  "We're getting into a pretty well traveled area of orcs and cats.  If we keep straight on, I suspect we'll wish we tried the sinkhole."

"Skirt the area," D'Amboise trusts his friend's assessment of the path ahead.  "Give them a wide berth."

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 73):

Whispers in agreement, Shank, skirt the traveled paths or we pull back and circle more outside the main areas of Orcs.  Whispers to D'Amboise, too bad Orcs as a whole are not keen to outsiders else we can not communicate with the Orcs and maybe get the lay of the land better.

Duly warned, the party skirted the Orc tribal lands by moving a bit west and north, then followed the edge of the tribal warnings until they turned south.

As night fell, Shank decided to lead the party a bit further away from the present and known danger, finding a a nice large wide bodied tree within which they could harbor themselves.

A dim fire could be started, if the party wished, the tree being deep enough and the forest think enough to limit the spread of the light.

Distant drums sounded for much of the night...

OOC everyone heals one point per level.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:28, Tue 24 Nov 2015.

Ovo keeps gazing beyond the camp's perimeter, as if daring (hoping?) orcs venture into sight.

The priest sees no reason to tempt the Fates by lighting a fire, for all warm food would be welcome.  Besides, he has no appetite with Brudher missing, and has to force himself to choke down a few dry mouthfuls.

While not sharing Ovo's enthusiasm to take on any more orcs, the priest takes a turn at watch.  D'Amboise will heal himself and the Dwarf ... Thatch too should the mage's wounds still trouble him.  If the night passes undisturbed, save for the everpresent drum beat, come morning the priest will take time to pray to Wotan for his help once more, before rousing the rest that they might swiftly move on, seeking the entrance to the city below.

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 77):

Surveying the group, Yes D'Ambiose, go ahead and cast your cures on all of us till we do not need the healing, better to use your gods blessing before you are bestowed new ones for the day.   OOC - Cast all your CLW until everyone is healed or would be healed with the nights rest.

Yes, no fire - just do not want to chance it out here.  We have had to deal with worse.

Sighs, why an Orc tribe in there territory?

The group can tell Thatch is half thinking half acting as he goes through some of the motions of setting up camp, verifing watchs and checking out everyones status.  You can se him wince every now and then or rub his head or temples in pain but as always with this group he too shrugs off the issues and keeps focused on the group and survival.

Looks to Shank, good job scouting and avoiding any more contact. I hope to avoid them best we can.

Walks to Diamboise and puts a hand to his shoulder - D'Amboise, a word if you I I may ask.  Would you be able to gain any insight from Woton the status of Brudher?

Given his curse, Shank spends little time struggling to get a few hours of sleep.  This leaves him free put in extra time standing watch, giving the others a bit more chance to sleep.  Besides, he'd not suffered injuries in the fight, so he needed less time to recover than the others.

The priest shakes his head in response to Thatch's question.  "Some priests of my order, after years of study and devotion, might prevail upon the Valkyries to impart such wisdom ... but such is beyond me for the moment."

The mage's request for the blessing of his god to heal their wounds, however, is something he can manage, and will gladly do so.

Thatch studies late into the night by the light of a well covered candle.

As soon as he finishes, we will move onward!

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 81):

OOC Yup our Glorious DM is correct.  Thatch once the group is settled, goes in to something only seen rarely by Shank and D'Amboise (who have been with thatch the longest) as Thatch huddles in the corner with a dim candle and his spell book first leafing through the pages in the front which he does every night once in a while moving his hands and shrugging his shoulders so forth other times tapping his knee in count and once a whispery magical rhyme is heard. Then as he turns the pages further into the book Thatch starts to rock a bit back and forth and stare deeply into his book is true meditation and  you figure only the death cry or despearte call of a group member will tear him from his studies.   Somewhere in the night, Thatch closed the book and sits deep in thought then pleasdes off to sleep with a smile on his face though there is still that pained dark look to his eyes from what this place is doing to Thatch when he weaves his magic.

Dawn comes, the night life of the jungle goes quiet, and the morning creatures have only begun to stir, the sunlight coming thru the canopy of threes in dribs and drabs.

Cautiously the party awakens, stretching, and nibbling on cold rations, before continuing on their trek.

Shank keeps the party clear of the Orc lands, and no sign of the far edge of Shondra's territory is found.

Eventually, after several hours, Shank has the party hang back as he creeps forward to explore something unusual.

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 83):

Thatch mkes sure Ovo is to one side and d;Amboise to the other as he stays in the middle ready to direct support.

The priest moves where he is directed by Thatch, the tension of the hours of travel, looking around, expecting ambush at any moment, now as nothing as he waits upon their scout's signal to advance ... else to rush forwards to Shank's assistance should trouble find him.

Ovo sniffs the air, as if trying to smell the foul stench of orcs

Shank makes his way back.  As he draws near, he makes his presence known.  As jumpy as they were, he didn't want to give Ovo or D'Amboise cause to swat him before he could tell them to stop.

Gathering with the others, he shares what he found.  "There's a cave up ahead, well cave maybe isn't the right term because I couldn't see either side of it.  There was a drop of about thirty feet.  If we're looking for a big enough hole to swallow a city, I'm thinking we might have found it."

In reply to Shank (msg # 87):

Good, this may be it.  looks to the rest, we need to be careful getting there and think of navigating down into it.  Maybe we should skirt the edges a bit and see if there is a pathway or somewhat easy way down.

"At last," the priest can hardly contain his urge to press on, to find the lost city and the gardens they seek ...

"If there is an easier way, then it will be easier to follow us should our presence be discovered," he points out to Thatch.  "If the climb is too fraught, then we will use ropes.  The quicker we are done here, the quicker we can leave these lands."

Ovo looks ill at the thought of having to climb, but says nothing.

Shank shrugs, "It's only 30 feet, that's pretty darn easy of a way down, you ask me.  I'm with D'Amboise, the sooner we get down, the sooner we get done and the sooner I can get a decent nights sleep again."

In reply to Shank (msg # 91):

True true true but looking back at the two heavily armored members, we have to at least try to look for a bit of a better of an easier way down before going over the side, chuckles. but lets get moving, Shank show us this hole.

Shank works a few ropes into a makeshift ladder, then helps the others down, first Ovo (who still almost manages to fall off) then Thatch, and lastly D'Amboise. Scurrying back up the rope Shank unties the rope then lowers himself carefully into the waiting arms of the war-cleric.

Ahead of them, the cavern looms, wide and dark, and sloped quick a bit downward...

Ovo's countenance brightens at the sight of a cave.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 94):

Still a long way to go, Shank be careful scouting, D'Amboise, we need a light source once we get into the cave but I''ll carry the torch when there.  Ovo, Keep an eye for strange natural cave work in there.  If this is really made by mother nature we are fine but let's think and be ready for anything.

The cave in unlike anything Ova had ever seen, so wide the walls could not be seen, the roof more dirt and roots than stone, the scent more organic than even the jungle itself.

Shank checks for tracks and finds then few and far between, though almost certainly entirely Taka-Taka.

Thatch takes a brief moment to close his eyes and get a sense of the aether.

D'Amboise takes a deep breath, then glances at the others before heading inward, and downward into the bosom of mother earth, spending only a moment to pray to the All-Father that he might someday see the light of day again and not remain a prisoner of the goddess of the underworld and her follower.

OOC: Pausing to allow character comments, plans, etc.

"I dinna think this is really a cave . . . more like a 'ole in the earth."

Though he does not show it, the priest is as relieved as Ovo when his feet find solid ground below the makeshift rope ladder.  Settling his gear after the climb, he shakes his head as Thatch speaks.  "I have but a few ceremonial candles," he informs his friend.  "We can make do in a pinch, but hopefully someone brought a torch or lantern ?"

One thing about being in the army - very few battles proper were fought in the dark !

The Dwarf's comments are uncomfortably prophetic.  Indeed, the opening before them resembles nothing less than the depictions of the cold dark descent into Hela's domain.  D'Amboise's grip tightens around the handle of his axe ...

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 98):

I have a torch we can light once it get's too dark to see.   Well, we know the Taka Taka have been here a lot and come out so we should be OK though the lines of magic here are not as they should be.  Things feel out of whack so best I use my magic in hear as last resort, shrugs, hate to say that but it may be best practice for now.

Looks at the walls of the cave, yea, this is not man or humanoid made.   Chuckles, almost like the ground burped an air pocket out and this is the path it took.

Shank, keep tabs on traffic, foot prints and such to see how far the Taka Take or other animals/living things went within here.   Remember we have things to find and collect too.

Shank gives a snort at Ovo's observation.  "What is a cave but a hole in the earth?. He gives Thatch a nod.  "No one knows that better than me, Thatch.  I'm the one with the damn curse.  Not sure how far we'll get with the light we got"

The cavern slopes downward, with slopes varying from gradual to severe, but steering clear of cliff face. The entire time the ceiling remains a near constant ten to fifteen feet above the soft, organic muck which makes up most of the floor.

Periodically the party spots flames coming from the floor. Careful examination shows that each is over a vent in the ground emitting noxious smelling gasses. There seems to be no pattern, but pretty much at any time one or two is visible in one direction or another.

Ovo shows the others a tile he found, flipped over it showed an ornate spiral pattern.

Thatch remains silent for the most part, a sign from those who have known him the longest that he is perhaps feeling pain, or struggling with some deep thought.

At one point the party finds an entire building, one story, upside and partially buried in the mud. With very little work the party is capable of making it a secure little bunker within which they can build  fire whose light is not seen from outside. They decide to camp for lunch, as they had been traveling for several hours.

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 101):

At one point Thatch perks up and takes the time at lunch break to go over the list of items they need and why they are walking into this mess.  He pauses a lot as one can tell he is working hard to concentrate working through things obvious not 100% himself.

When done he looks to Ovo, we need more torches, can you and shank find items to make torches?   Spindles from steps or railings, chair and table legs within this building?  Stay together.

He pauses looks about, sighs rubs his head, I fear we need to hurry along, this place is just not right.

he then sets and stares off eyes at times looks to not be looking at anything in particular.

D'Amboise is concerned on the effect this place is having on Thatch ... and that it seems to be worsening as they descend.  Nor does the idea that they might find themselves in the dark appeal at all.

"Make it quick," he tells everyone as they stop for lunch.  "Our friend is correct, we cannot linger."  Chewing on a piece of dried tack, the priest goes through his own pack ...

"Five candles," he is able to provide an accurate tally. "They'll burn slowly ... but the light will be poor.  And a tinderbox."

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 103):

Looking like his cloths, ragged as he chews on a bit of beef jerky, with a mouth full of food Thatch thumbs through his pack and smiles, I have two Torches and 2 candles to.  And I think I can drum up a lantern too if need be.  then his face darkens a little.   We must press on soon, the Fey touch is worsening. 

Without going outside of view, Shank looks for things that might make a good torch.  "Any chance you could conjure up a bit of light?" Shank asks of Thatch.

In reply to Shank (msg # 105):

I have a lantern I can pull out of my cloak chuckles at that but I was hoping to hold off on using it till we really needed it.  We do have torshes to use right now and I think that should suffice.  Sigh, no spell available - maybe tomorrow with some studying i can try.

"We'll make do with the torches for now, and save the lantern for later," the priest decides.  "The spell we lack, but in any wise it should only be used if the need is dire, for this place will not be kind to any mage."

"Wotan willing, we'll find something we might burn as we delve deeper."

Ovo 'harumphs' in seeming approval.  It's as if he doesn't care about having light for himself, but recognizes his companion's need.

The priest smiles at Ovo's grunt of approval. "And in need our Dwarven friend can always guide us out, even if he must drag us unseeing every inch of the way !"

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 109):

Chuckles, one day maybe all of us will have those great night vision eyes of yours Ovo, but for now, we need the light for us poor visioned peeps.

Shank shrugs.  "Well, if needs be, I have some skill at moving about without being able to see much, but I can't say I'm fond of it.  So, we move onwards or what?"

In reply to Shank (msg # 111):

Yes, on wards.

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 112):

Oh and stay clear of those hot spots hate to get a hot foot right about now.


OOC - Thatch still here, hope all is still going well for all.

"There seems to be no pattern to the flames," the priest notes.  "so we must be careful if we are to pass them unscathed.  The true danger will come if we find ourselves needing to make a hasty retreat - though at least then we'll have the comfort that anyone pursuing us must risk the same hazard."

The party finishes it's snack, and briefly discusses their travel plans, then prepares to head out.

Shank goes first, only to spot a medium sized patrol of Amazons headed toward the inverted house!

Perhaps headed passed, but getting trapped in the building could be difficult. Those who remember their distant 'gold mine' experience might recall that nightmare.

Should the party hope these Amazons are passing thru, or should they prepare to launch an attack?

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 115):

Is there cover?  If we move further in?  will that get us cover or avoid them if they are doing a cursory search in here??

Not too loud, Shank, any cover to hide or maybe drop an ambush?

How many are there?


De'Amboise if no cover, do we attack outright for surprise and concentrate fire on one?  or engage them all so none try to run for help.

The parties recollection of the caverns was cover-lite, the occasional shrub, small rock, but nothing significant.

"Either we hide," the priest whispers, the look he gives Thatch and Shank enough to tell them only too well that D'Amboise indeed remembers their lucky escape from the goblin band that besieged them at the mine, and how he feels about a repeat of that disaster, "else we fight them ..."

The priest of Wotan grins savagely.  "In the All-Father's name, we fight !  Shank - take to the shadows and get behind them - we'll give you a start then Ovo and I will charge them.  Thatch - you stay behind us and cast your daggers ... hold off on your magics unless the need is dire."

OOC: If there is time ...

a) if we have 1 round, then cast Bless (C1)
b) if we have 2 rounds, then cast Sanctuary on Shank, then Bless (C1)

"There's about a dozen of them, small swords, a few short bows."

Shank backs into the darkness, disappearing into what cover is there.  Once he's well concealed, he readies his bow.

Ovo's face looks grave (no pun intended); he knows this will not be an easy venture.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 120):

Thatch motions to douse the lights, gives shank a thumbs up before the lights go out.  Moves to be with D'amboise and Ovo whispers strike quick with focus fire, you two attack the same one try to cut it down quick, i will try to cover any retreat sighs or at least slow them down.   my spells may be costly for me but I will do what i can.

Sound good?

"I have but axe and flail," the priest replies somewhat ruefully, and with a jealous glance at Ovo's crossbow, "though at least those fires we were cautious of seem to provide sufficient light."

"I can call upon Wotan to smite the foe, if such magics won't ruin any subterfuge you have planned ?"

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 122):

Ahm be careful with magic here, at least my magic is twisted and I will use it as last resorts - I think a charge once they are a little closer to surprise them if we can.   Now lay still and be prepared - let's see what they do then attack or watch. Sigh not our usual motif attacking butt....

Shank maneuvers out the backside of the upside-down house, and moves off into the shadows, swiftly vanishing from sight.

Ovo awaits the command of the others, his thoughts hidden behind his stern dwarfish gaze and stout warrior heart.
Thatch peers out of the shadows at the approaching women, finding no sign that they have been seen, while D'Amboise awaits the moment to call for the charge... the ladies grow closer... fifty feet, fourty-five...

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 124):

OOC how many female worriers are there?

Now that you are in a position to see them clearly and take some tome, it appears to be ten.

"I've not experienced the same difficulties as you with my pray ..." D'Amboise begins then breaks off as the patrol draws nearer, leaning back into the shadows, ready to leap forth if needs be, but preferring to avoid a fight if he can.

Despite his assurances to Thatch, the priest has his axe in his hand for the charge, should it prove necessary. electing to trust to his Wotan-gifted strength and battle prowess.

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 127):

Thatch moves back slightly into the shadows and whispers ten, then looks about desperate for cover then looks up to see what teh ceiling is made of then back.

Whispers, probably too late, maybe have some spells but this place twists things way too much and they are too close


idea -
everyone (the three of us - move against a far wall and I cast darkness to cover us in hopes they pass by?

At about thirty feet the group confers, then spreads out, weapons ready. Clearly now the house is their target destination. Were you somehow spotted on your way in?

Risking a glance, the priest curses as he sees the women take up position for battle. "They know we're here," he growls.

"Can we defend here ?" D'Amboise looks to Ovo.

OOC: house was described as "a secure little bunker' - how many entrances do we have ?  Thinking perhaps Ovo and D'Amboise could hold the line and let them come to us.

It is an inverted house, so the top (which was the bottom) is mostly open, say 80%. One wall has a door, all four walls have windows. The party was hunched down on the ceiling, which is at the bottom, where one main beam of wood transverses the length. There is a fireplace high up on one wall, but the chimney would come out underneath you buried in the dirt, and isn't really very wide. None of you would fit in there. There are two walls which separated the living room from the kitchen (where you guys were taking your break, lowest to the ground) and the sleeping area, which is slightly higher.

"Four windows, two of us," Ovo grunts in a whisper (or whispers in a grunt.)  "If'n dey get a mind to surround us . . ."

The dwarf leaves the sentence unfinished.  "Let's block de door at least, an' force 'em to use de windows.  Give us a fightin' chance."

He looks about for a means of blocking the door so it can be used by those outside.

Shank watches from his vantage point, hidden outside the house.  Perhaps once the battle was joined, he could help out with a few arrows or a dagger in a few backs.  But Shank wasn't going to be able to do much else, not yet.

In reply to Shank (msg # 133):

By chance does this house look like it just fell or recently landed here?

Whispers 4 wall, 4 windows, 2 doors,  we can defend one of the rooms and sighs, lets see what they do, They are out of my spell range as I guess things go weird here.

looks up, plan we all stay near the door to get out, avoid nets being thrown from above getting us by being up against the wall.  Let's make them come in the windows, that will slow them down.  If they rush to attack, let them waste themselves upon the walls and get spread out.   we take on the ones attacking the door and push our fight out while hoping they are trying to get in.  Hope this way some get in and some are outside and others are in between,  this way we do not have to fight them all at once.

Ovo, on my mark you lead the attack out, cut and push your way out, D'Amboise, follow Ovo out and I last, chuckles closing the door behind me.  You two form a back to back fight till I get out then we try to avoid capture.   if you can cut or hurt as many as possible but keep moving and not concentrate on killing one at a time stopping our movement we may be able to fight our way out and wounded may be slower amd equal this fight.  Remember we have Shank and any exposed out there is his advantage.  D'Amboise if you have any helping spells cast when Ovo rushes the door.

sound good.

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 134):

Thatch takes another look at the doors/dorways and windows realizing one would have to climb in or out since he house is upside down.

As bad as the Goblin mine we got stuck in but I see no Bruhder here.

Lets thin of another option ....  And checks the progress of the women worriers

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 135):

We may need to bail out one of the windows opposit them before they spread out too far and surrond us.   Though, I can get us a door or window maybe a pit, I have one in here somewhere, as he roots in his cloak.

Think, run for it, try a sneaky way out or stand and parley with a bunch of amazon women.....

I can try to cast darkness 15' radius in front of them and we try to sneak out to one side though they can hear some of us clink, or drop it in front of the house?

D'Amboise you have anything???

The priest shakes his head at Thatch's question, considering the options.  "Nothing that will help," he avows.

"This place is not defensible."  That much is obvious.  "Even if we hold the door, there are simply too many other ways in," his gaze flicks between the four windows.  "We'd be quickly overwhelmed."

"Better we make a run for it, down one of the passages, so that we but have these Amazons at our backs, then have you use your spell to envelop them in darkness and hope that the spurting fires do our work for us.  They can't avoid what they can't see !"

"I can carry you if it proves necessary," his face shows concern at what the casting might cost his friend.

"Shank is too smart to get too close to them ... and skilled enough to keep to the shadows."

"Any objections, speak quickly - we've precious little time to debate."  The priest prepares to move out via one of the windows, away from their hunters and closest to a likely looking tunnel.

"Les' do it," Ovo says, with a not-so-subtle hint of a snarl.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 138):

OK, We run for it out the back away from them and once out and they start to run at us, I'll drop a Darkness 15' radius on the leading edge in hoopes they run into it and he fire.

Yes, I ma need assistance once I cast it but I will do my best to keep up.

We do not separate, we stick together on this.

Ready

"I'll stick wit' ya," Ovo says.  "Countin' down . . . three. . . . two . .  one. . . . GO!"

Shank keeps to his concealment, waiting to see what happens.

In reply to Shank (msg # 141):

Moving quickly to the back way out the best they can and still be concealed within the confines of the house, indicate for D'Amboise to help him get Ovo out - Ovo, once out move quickly using the cover of the house, I am hoping the angle is tighter since they have come in closer, your blazing speed should be sufficient for them to see you but allow us to be out to.  smiles Then, I help you out D'amboise and you start to get going. I'll climb out last, hopefully they will see Ovo then you D'Amboise and will be giving the chase and not expect Darkness upon them from me - I'll cast it then run - Ovo move down the path and last resort find a good defensable spot where those lava bursts make it harder to get more then one or two of them against us when we gather. D;Amboise keep an eye on here movement too and help direct Ovo.


Thinking, I hope his works and my spell does not waiver much, sighs, thinking at least Ovo should be a good tactician and find a spot to use as a defense if this does not work and Shank can weed them out from behind.

Counts down with Ovo

The priest follows Thatch's directions, but hangs back behind the Dwarf, ready to turn and assist/carry his friend should the spell casting overwhelm him.

After the counting pair reaches "one," Ovo sprints ahead with the gazelle-like speed for which his race is well known.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 144):

OOc  Oh I can see that now, Ovo sprinting like a gazelle....

Ovo heads out first, bounding across the cavernous veldt, followed by his companions. They are spotted pretty quickly, as the amazonian women had spread out pretty widely by the time the party had pulled the trigger.

Glancing over his shoulder, Thatch sees three of them to the left of the house, and four on the right, the others obviously hidden by the building. The three on the left had theirs bows at the ready, and he swiftly encompassed them in darkness.

OOC save: 18:06, Today: The Dreamer of Worlds, for the NPC Amazonian Archer, rolled 16 using 1d20.  save v. darkness. The darkness worked, but it is not attached to any of the Amazons.

A small flurry of arrows fly wildly out of the sphere, endangering no one.

The remainder of the Amazons rush forward...

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 146):

Do we see an obvious leader among them??

Grateful at least that his friend has not succumbed to the effort of using magic in this fell place, the priest urges his companions to hurry.  "They'll have to pause if they wish to shoot with any accuracy," D'Amboise prays this is true, "the more distance we can put between us, the harder it will be for them to see us !"

"Stay near the flames," all of them save Ovo will need the light to guide their steps, "and look for any narrowing of the way - see if we can stop them overwhelming us !"

Shank sticks to the shadows.  He wasn't sure what the others were up to, but it sounded like they were moving out instead of taking the fight to the warrior women.  Shank would have to wait until they were engaged, or until it was a matter of life or death, before drawing attention to himself.  He'd have to follow along behind, see what opportunities presented themselves.

In reply to Shank (msg # 149):

thatch looked to almost stumble when he cast that darkness but firmly held his own and started running easily catching up to the others.   Huffing between breaths, if you see a leader among them, point her out, I have another spell up my sleeve.

panting as they run, if we cannot find a good place to stand, we catch them in mid stride and turn around and do a rushing attack straight up the center to try to get those circling us to be out of range - watch the archers coming out of the darkness, that may be our next target after the center, let's see them fight us in hand to hand with bows. pants or we swing back to the darkness as cover?

Ovo saves his breath for running.

D'Amboise doesn't see much on the way back that he didn't see on the way forward, the cavern is wide and open, without side passages.

Shank watches the amazons rush after the others, their cluster becoming more of a strung out line as some have to go around the house. Two stop to glance inside the upside down house, while the three in the darkness have not yet escaped it's confines.

The priest glances back, but sees nothing.  "Half of them are out of sight," he tells his companions, slowing slightly. "and there's nothing here that might allow us to evade them."

"Do we head back now ?  Try to take these before the others catch them up ?  We might manage to take a couple down swiftly."

"Or do we keep running and hope to find some better options before their arrows take us ?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Sat 19 Mar 2016.

Shank watches those amazons that are still in sight.  With as many as five of them still in and around the house, Shank didn't think much of his chances of following the others and keeping pace with them.  He'll have to hang back, hope to catch up to them later.

In reply to Shank (msg # 154):

Growling with frustration at the predicament and no cover or bac door out thatch turns to D'Amboise & Ovo, let's turn on them now, make them become the prey and the hunted.   Concentrate fire on one at a time.  Ready......

At Thatch's command Ovo slows, chagrined to find that his lead over the others was not as great as he had imagined.  He joins his comrades and looks to their wake to identify targets.

A row of Amazons race forward, their confidence clear in the fact that none of them seem interested in waiting for the others to arrive.

On the assumption that Thatch maneuvers his way to the back, Ovo takes the lead with D'Amboise a slight distance behind...


Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 19, 14, 14, 17, 18, 19, 13 22, 20, 23


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    22          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    26*         11  <  11
Thatch         10     33    26*         13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message was last edited by the GM at 11:21, Thu 24 Mar 2016.

Ovo is moving with too much speed to aim accurately, and his first swing is well-wide.  His second swing hits the mark.


23:56, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 1 using 1d20.  Attack 1
23:57, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 17 using 1d20.  Attack 2.

23:58, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  Damage, Attack 2.

Two things: First, I found no house rule for fumbling on a natural 1; if I missed it apologize.  Second, I believe that my to hit chance is better than indicated (not that it matters on a 1) due to weapon specialization; again, if incorrect, I apologize.

The priest gives Thatch a curt nod as he turns and follows close on Ovo's heels as the Dwarf slams into the foe, lashing out with his flail against whichever of the warrior-women first strays too close.  "For Wotan !" he cries.

21:29, Today: D'Amboise rolled 13 using 1d20.  Attack.
21:30, Today: D'Amboise rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage.

OOC: D'Amboise has cast one CLW on Thatch per PM in msg #67 and 2 or 3 CLW on himself and Ovo per PM in msg #77 above, so hopefully we're all a bit better off for HP.  :> 

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 159):

Thatch follows hoping they can cull down the line before he has to do anything.

OOC - I did not remember how many HP Thatch got back from the spell .... so 26 would be right if it was already added and we did not have been able to heal us up any more.

Clearly surprised at foe that stands and fights instead of fleeing like prey, the first Amazon on the party's heels takes a swipe from Ovo's axe, as well as face-full of the Flail of the scion of Woton, knocking her on her arse, but not taking her out of the battle just yet.

The suddenness and devastation of the combined might of the two drove all thoughts of attacking from her mind, but the second Amazon, with a war-cry that echoes thru the cave, leaps up and drives her spear towards D'Amboise! The sudden collapse of her sister throws her off balance however, and she lands flat footed in front of the front line, her spear coming no where close to D'Amboise, who could have been standing their naked and avoided damage...

Thatch stood behind the two watching and waiting, his mind pondering strategic as well as tactical considerations, and reserving his eldritch might for the nonce...

Two more Amazons appear from behind the house, however the three in the shadows have still not reappeared.



OOC - I think we have a new Shank, and maybe two more.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:18, Fri 01 Apr 2016.

Ovo rushes to aid his comrade, but his inconsistency continues.

A narrow swipe that seemed destined to draw blood, but alas not in the end; this is all the dwarf can manage.


13:23, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 9 using 1d20.  Round 2 (10 to hit).

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 162):

Thatch keeps a look out for more amazons, knowing there are three attacking (two right now, one getting up) plus a bunch more to come.  He turns and states to the one heavily wounded Amazon(hoping the other here too), This is foolish, We will kill you all if this fight keeps up, alas we are not here to decimate your tribe, solely looking for a single person of high interest living here somewhere - stop this fighting now and help us and we can help you in turn.    he is ready to defend himself ....

D'Amboise hears Thatch's words, but does not heed them, instead doing his damnedest to finish the one on the ground before her sisters can regroup.  Yet his luck is no better than Ovo's and considerably worse, the tips of his flail slamming into the ground near the fallen Amazon and doing no more than churning up the earth as he barely keeps his grip on the haft.

Biting back a curse, the priest tries to brazen it out. "I could have killed her.  Persist and both she and you all will perish."

OOC: 22:06, Today: D'Amboise rolled 2 using 1d20.  Attack.

D'Amboise's threat seems to have no sting, as the standing Amazon stabs at him with her spear, slicing him painfully in the thigh!

A third Amazon leaps into the fray, stabbing at Ovo use uses his golden shield to deflect the assault.

The fallen Amazon rises, wiping blood from her face, and stabs, also at D'Amboise, her spear tip glancing off his armor...

Beyond them four more approach, and two stagger out of the sphere of darkness, attempting to gain their bearings.

Thatch watches, glancing behind himself nervously...



Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 195, 14, 14, 17, 18, 19, 13 22, 20, 23


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    22          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    23          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    26*         13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know

Ovo fails narrowly again.  Then, for a change of pace, he fails spectacularly.


OOC: I couldn't find any house rules regarding the consequences of a natural 1.

08:43, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 9 using 1d20.  Round 3A (10 to hit).

08:43, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 1 using 1d20.  Round 3B (10 to hit).

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 166):

Thatch calmly states, we got incoming behind us, so it is Time for some magic on these gals to help clear the way ...

Thatch swirls his hands about, growls at the amazons and casts Magic Missiles aiming one for the heavily wounded Amazon and the other two at the closet amazon who sounded D'Ambiose.

Magic missile Fire - looks like I did 5 HP damage and dropped to zero the heavily wounded one and dinged up the other one with 7 hp Damage total.

23:28, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 3 using 1d4+1 with rolls of 2.  Second Magic Missile on Amazon attacing D'Amboise.

23:28, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 4 using 1d4+1 with rolls of 3.  Magic Missile on Amazon attacing D'Amboise.

23:28, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 5 using 1d4+1 with rolls of 4.  Magic Missile on wounded Amazon.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Sat 02 Apr 2016.

The priest bites back a cry of pain as the spear cuts into his leg, staggering back a pace and clutching at the wound as he tries to adjust his stance, swinging his flail wildly more in an attempt to stave off the point of the spear than to connect with th foe.

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 168):

After casting, Thatch does gasp a bit and hold his head a moment right after the Magical missiles sail forth.  Muttering, keep pressing the attack if they do not parley we must remove them from the game.   Urgh, worry not about me, take care of them.

Sigh, were is Shank, he should be appearing soon, i hope he was the cause for fewer showing up out of my darkness.

Sorry for the delays, dealing with new players, etc., thought they might want to post.

The warriors miss with such flair and grace an observer might think it was some sort of primal dance, rather than combat. The Amazons destroy this idea however, as both spears manage to strike home! The unlucky female who arrived first, however, fails due to a mystical dark blue missile hitting her clean in the face, knocking her back on her behind.

Two more missiles follow, hitting the Amazon attacking D'Amboise, wounding her, but not reducing her ardor for combat...

The next Amazon is still approaching, followed now by the seven others, strung out across the cavern.

There is still no sign of Shank, but that is often a good thin.



Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 191, 149, 14, 17, 18, 19, 13 22, 20, 23


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    19          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    20          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    26*         13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 170):

OOC No worries about posting timeing, we are hanging in there ..

Thatch looks disturbed at the Amazons still alive after his barrage of magic missile fire, dang gals our tough buggers.   Ovo, D'Amboise keep pressing the attack, I'll deal with the one on her butt yet again and pulls out his throwing daggers and steps out and throws
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:04, Fri 08 Apr 2016.

Ovo is not prone to despair, but the number of foes coupled with his ineptness weigh heavily on his spirits.

And a state of despair is not good when in battle; it has a way of perpetuating itself, feeding on itself, growing stronger . . .


08:51, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 3 using 1d20.  Round 4 (10 to hit).

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 172):

Having stepped out around the combat Thatch flings a throwing dagger at the amazon still hurt and down but still a threat non the less, plunks her a direct hit with the dagger to the stomach.

Now exposed Thatch prepares his next move to hide behind Ovo yelling stop toying with em Ovo get er done now and show em what a Dwarf can do strike hard strike true and strike to split rock my friend.  then prepares another spell

D'Amboise too is struggling to come to terms with the swift brutality of these women-warriors.  Gritting his teeth against the pain of the gash in his side opened by the point of the spear, his attempt to drive them back with his flail is doomed to the same fate as that of Ovo's blow.  Indeed, it seems the priest's prowess seems inextricably linked to that of the Dwarf.

"By the Eye of the All-Father !" D'Amboise bellows in frustration as he watches the point of the spear, trying to judge the moment of the Amazon's thrust that he might avoid further harm.

The mage's dagger finishes off what previous damage had started, reducing the foes to two, just in time for a new third to arrive...

None of their spears connect however, two being diverted by armor, and one simply missing cleanly.


Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 19, 149, 14, 17, 18, 19, 13 22, 20, 23


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    19          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    20          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    26*         13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message was last updated by the GM at 05:59, Mon 11 Apr 2016.

Luckier than he deserves, the priest swings once more ... and once more a stream of invective colours the air as his flail merely whistles through the air, failing to connect with the foe.

OOC: At least Thatch is doing well ...

13:24, Today: D'Amboise rolled 2 using 1d20.  Attack, please Wotan !

Slowly and silently, moving along behind the warrior women.  Knowing at this pace he can't catch up to his companions unless they are no longer taking flight. He stays in the shadows and keeps his eyes on the women, doing everything he can to not be seen.

Ovo flails, and his wild streak continues.  He delays his second strike, closes his eyes and summons the wisdom and learning of his forefathers.

He opens his eyes and places a mighty swing on his foe's shoulder.




19:34, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 2 using 1d20.  Round 4A (10 to hit).


19:34, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 16 using 1d20.  Round 4B (10 to hit).

19:34, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  Damage, Round 4B.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 178):

Seeing yet another round of wild swings by his companions, Thatch feels the desperate pulsation in the air around him and to this end he casts his last magic missile spell for affect.  His whips his hands about and points his hands with his fingers spread out sending one missile at the wounded Amazon and one at each if the next two Amazons in line hoping if nothing less then to give them pause to the magical power probably no seen around here in a while.  Then he once his casting is done he grunts in pain and almost misses a step but catches himself thinking that was a tough go but got to keep it up.

OOC - welp sound hits on two of them for 5 each.


23:00, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Magic Missile on Amazon attacking Ovo.

23:00, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Magic Missile on Amazon attacking D'Amboise.

22:59, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 2 using 1d4+1.  Magic Missile on wounded Amazon.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Mon 11 Apr 2016.

A trickle of sweat ran down D'Amboise's brow... the time spent in the hot, moist jungle had clearly made him rusty.

He couldn't remember a time when he had struggled so mightily. It wasn't even the gender of the foe, he had fought many a tough female in the past, human, orc and even Ogre, it had been over a decade since that had slowed his weapon...

Beside him his doughty companion Ovo finally found his footing, using a close miss to maneuver his opponent directly in the way of an unexpected riposte.

The amazon stumbled back, then lunged forward to return the favor, only to be killed by a dark blue bolt of eldritch energy, one of three that zipped past the warriors shoulders, striking each of the current Amazonian warriors.

The Taku Taku thrust their spears forward, both missing, but another handmaiden of death arrives, striking a solid blow to Ovo's shoulder!

In the distance the three Amazon's who had been using bows threw them to the ground and drew assorted savage looking bladed weapons, a war-cry on their lips... ulaalaalaalaalaaraaa!!!!





Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 19, (Ovo) 14, (D'am) 14 9,(Ovo)17 12, 18,   still racing forward... 19, 13 22, 20, 23


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    13          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    20          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    26*         13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message was last updated by the GM at 05:12, Tue 12 Apr 2016.

Standing in the shadows.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Mon 11 Apr 2016.

Perhaps it is desperation that inspires D'Amboise.  Perhaps it is the continuing barrage of magic from Thatch that drops at least one of the foe, perhaps more though the priest dare not risk looking around.  Or perhaps it is just a product of a lifetime of battles, when you're hurt and your back is to the wall, you never give up, never stop fighting as you try desperately to cling to life.

The priest's blow is clumsy, and would not have troubled a more skilled or wary opponent ... but hit it does, and what the blow lacked in accuracy it more than makes up for in strength as D'Amboise brings the flail whipping down with a grunt of effort.

OOC: Thank Wotan !

21:41, Today: D'Amboise rolled 13 using 1d20.  Attack !
21:42, Today: D'Amboise rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage !

The fates continue taunting the dwarf, thereby increasing his frustration.

09:24, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 9 using 1d20.  Round 5 (10 to hit).

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 183):

Thatch watches mix results from his fire for affect spell but glad to see a b of actin out of diamboise's Flair.  Now for Ovo to srike it rich and game back on.   He now has to contemplate the odds seeing yet another join the Frey while several more our on their way, should he risk his new spell. Fly in an attempt to draw a few away and or worse be ignored and leave his companions alone, will the spell work or be to risky.  He could do a lot with it but... his Flame Arrow or even his Blindness spell may be more effective right now.   Taking a quick look behind him to make sure nothing is behind them like he thought he saw earlier Thatch decides again to throw a dagger at Ovo's foe in hopes to weaken her further.  Daringly steps out and flings another dagger at his target, of course hoping to continue to cause some type of damage.   As always per Thatch he is thinking moves ahead and wonders if they press the enemy and he has a chance to bind the fallen's wounds maybe that could work to their advantage later on.  No, now back to the real thing, steps out and throws another of his throwing daggers.

As the dagger fly's off it's mark Thatch groans a moment then ducks back behind Ovo and D'amboise = Dang, guess I'll try a spell next round.


22:59, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  throw dagger at Ovo's opponent .
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Tue 12 Apr 2016.

Flailing about, D'Amboise stunned his foe, driving her back, but Ovo's ill luck seemed to have stuck firm, though his blow was close enough to give him a moments hope, the lithe warrior avoided the blow at the last second.

From behind them, a dagger flew past and landed with a clink-clank on the stone floor behind the wall of foes.

Another Amazon joins the fray, who would have though such scantily clad female warriors to cause so much trouble for the two men encased in steel, but they were indeed damsels of distress, as opposed to the kind on myths and fairy tales.

Each warrior now faces two opponents, and their spear-wall is getting quite imposing, they fight in unison, clearly not neophytes to the world of combat. Both spears connect with the body of Ovo, though only one touches skin, slicing a gash on the side of his neck. The newcomers over eager thrust misses D'Amboise, but his current dance part connects quite solidly, spinning the shaft of her spear an bringing the but down across the top of his helm with a resounding crash!

meanwhile, the rearmost Amazon stops in her tracks, and looks behind her. Confused, she walks back away from the combat, her gaze intent on the house from which you sprang...






Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 19, (Ovo) 14, (D'am) 14 2,(Ovo)17 12, 18, 19,  still racing forward...  13 22, 20, 23 22


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    09          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    16          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    26*         13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message was last edited by the GM at 22:58, Fri 15 Apr 2016.

Keeping  deep in the shadows

Ovo flails about with his axe (no pun intended, D'Amboise) and manages a grievous blow to his foe.  Encouraged, he tries to finish her off with an immediate return strike but alas! -- his excitement is too much and his blow 'whooshes' by, disturbing only the air.


09:29, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 11 using 1d20.  Round 6A (10 to hit).

09:30, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  Round 6A damage.



09:29, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 5 using 1d20.  Round 6B (10 to hit).

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 187):

Thatch watches as the next set of attacks does not go so well for Ovo nor D'Amboise but he is concerned about his friend Ovo as he is starting to show the affects of combat and D'Amboise though not much better off, seems to be in better shape at the moment decides to help Ovo with his next spell, pulls out of his memory his last resort (target) spell and casts it on the un injured Amazon attacking Ovo - Wiggling his ears, scrunching his face up and waving his hands around his eyes for a moment, Thatch calls upon the dark and the light powers and points at the un injured Amazon facing Ovo and deeply states, I take your light from your site and replace it with Darkness that only I can recall, your eyes now see nothing but Darkness for you are to be Blinded and see nothing by my fury and powers (Blindness cast upon the Amazon).

He then staggers a moment and shrugs in an attempt to regain his composure fully to see how the spell affected the Amazon.

That the women wear little is one of the last things on the mind of the priest at the moment, though he is thankful indeed to the All-Father for the protective shell of his own armour !

Spurred on that he has at last managed to strike his foe, D'Amboise presses on, swinging his flail once more and this time with a little more accuracy, for all the blow is again a powerful one, with his full weight behind it.

OOC: Yay !  :>

21:52, Today: D'Amboise rolled 14 using 1d20.  Attack.
21:52, Today: D'Amboise rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage.

Several  more arrows are seen flying from the darkness towards the furthest away Amazing, but they both miss her by so much that she fails to even notice them, as she is intent on examining the house.

Ovo's blow drives one of his foes to her knees, crushing her shoulder! The other stabs at him, connecting, but again the spear fails to penetrate his armor.

Thatch cries out to said Amazon, who only seems to understand his words when her vision clouds up. Screaming in fear she drops her spear and also drops to her knees.

Apparently finding his rhythm, D'Amboise slays an Amazon, but her sister succeeds in driving her point home, slicing his calf painfully.

Two more will arrive the4 next round...




Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 19, (Ovo) 14, (D'am) 14 ,(Ovo)17 3, 18(Blind), 19(D'am),  still racing forward...  13 22, 20, 23 22(Shank)


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    09          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    23          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    33          13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 08:55, Sun 17 Apr 2016.

In reply to The Dreamer of Worlds (msg # 190):

Thatch contemplates his next move.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Sat 16 Apr 2016.

Standing deep in the shadows.

Ovo determines that whatever distracted one of his foes is a signal to focus on the one that remains.  An expertly placed strike finishes her.


21:36, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 20 using 1d20.  Round 7 (10 to hit).
21:38, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  Damage Round 7.

In his enthusiasm to finish one foe, the priest overreaches, and not only does his awkward swing stray far from the mark, but also he is unable to dodge the spear point of the second that closes swiftly.

OOC: 15:03, Today: D'Amboise rolled 7 using 1d20.  Attack !

Catching his breath, Thatch took a moment to check out the darkness behind. Still, he saw nothing there... he does wonder if anything back there, sees him!

Ovo finished off one of his opponents just  in time for another Amazon to leap into the fray, this one with a sharp, short metal sword-like weapon. Her war cry was fearsome, but her blade went wide, missing the dwarf by a wide margin.

D'Amboise now faced two, one whose spear skidded of his armor, the other striking home sharply with her short sword!


Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP Dead,dead, dead ,dead , 18(Blind)(Ovo), 19(D'am), 13(Ovo) 22(D'Amboise),  still racing forward...   20, 23 22(Shank)


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    09          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    20          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    33          13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message was last updated by the GM at 08:25, Thu 28 Apr 2016.

Ovo greets the newcomer with . . . death.





09:56, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 19 using 1d20.  Attack 8A.

09:57, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 20 using 1d20.  Attack 8B.



09:57, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  Damage 8A.

09:57, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 5 using 1d8+3.  damage, 8b.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 196):

knowing how this battle could turn, thatch does the Thatch thing and steps out yet again and throws a dagger at the Amazon attacking Ovo's but does not retreat behind him, it almost look looks he is trying an end around run as he throws the dagger or is it to get his exposed back not directly into the rear where who knows what is there. 

Thatches Dagger fly's through the air true to it's mark and slices through the Amazons nose then across her cheek and finally slicing part of her lower ear lobe causing a large amount of blood to ooze from her sliced up face and ear.   OOC - Natural 20 by George, a solid hit!!



21:07, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 3 using 1d4.  dagger damage.

21:07, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  throw dagger.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Tue 19 Apr 2016.

Already struggling to find his balance and now facing two opponents, things could so easily have gone badly for the battling priest.  But he manages to move just enough that one thrust merely grazes his armour, even though he suffers a cut from the second of his foes ...

... and then Ovo finds his mark, with two powerful blows ... and Thatch's catch is as good as he'd ever seen the mage throw, for all D'Amboise cannot take the time now to applaud his friends.  But the renewed offensive perhaps disconcerts his opponents, else Wotan himself guides his servant's hand, for the priest's own blow, while not the equal of his companions, is at least one finally to be proud of as he lashes out at the spear-wielder.

OOC: didn't want to let the side down ...

20:24, Today: D'Amboise rolled 17 using 1d20.  Attack !
20:24, Today: D'Amboise rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:34, Wed 20 Apr 2016.

staying in the shadows watching.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Fri 22 Apr 2016.

In reply to Shank (msg # 199):

Thatch is planning his next move, again Thatch like creative use of his spells.


He is paying close attention to the Blinded Amazon and seeing how she is reacting and how close proximity to the other Amazons she is.

Ovo's weapon strikes home, smashing and bashing his foe into a puddle of blood and gore, an angry growl escaping from his lips as yet another Amazon leaps the face him, swinging her blade and connecting with a slice before Thatch's dagger slices the side of her face!

D'Amboise holds his own as well, striking a powerful blow to the Amazon he is facing. For a moment he is pleased to see no more approaching from behind their foes, but the glint in his remaining foes eyes makes his back itch...



Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP Dead,dead, dead ,dead , 18(Blind)(Ovo),19 11(D'am), 13(Ovo) 22(D'Amboise), 20 17(Ovo), 23 went somewhere 22 17(Shank)


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    06          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    20          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    33          13  <  14          -1

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message was last updated by the GM at 05:37, Wed 04 May 2016.

Ovo ignores his blinded foe and focuses on essentially ignoring the one that Thatch sliced with his dagger.


09:09, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 2 using 1d20.  Attack 9.

Setting aside his bow and trying to move to a different room to gain a better vantage.

In reply to Shank (msg # 203):

Thatch mutters into his hands a moment and a something floats from them then without further words he abruptly turns and does a leaping running rush (almost looks like he is not touching the ground much between bounds) and shoves the Blinded Amazon toward the rest of the Amazons.   It looks like he is off the ground with his last bounding leap as he shoves at the Blinded Amazon.   (it looks like another of Thatch's out of band magic using attacks he likes to do, which em luck it succeeds)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Thu 28 Apr 2016.

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 204):

With shoulders squared and a quick look to Ovo and D'Amboise with a grin, Thatch leaps and slams into the Blinded Amazon then in the same motion shoves her into the next amazon in line with a driving force as he lifts himself up by his Fly spell.  (of course the grin is replaced with a pained look for those who know casting higher magic is worse on thatch then the actual physical contact of his slamming shove.)

OOC - Thatch nailed that Amazon and should create some type of domino affect :)

16:07, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  A fly pushes an amazon.

The priest has no idea what in Hel's dark domain Thatch is up to, but is grateful that whatever his friend is attempting distracts the attention of the amazon he battles, allowing him once more to rain down a telling blow with his flail, grunting with the effort.

OOC:

21:41, Today: D'Amboise rolled 16 using 1d20.  Attack.
21:42, Today: D'Amboise rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  Damage.

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 206):

OOC - You know Thatch's way he fights always on the leading edge of "What the - no way - he actually tried that with that spell??"  Chuckle,so far so good on a lot of crazy ideas we have done....

Ovo pushes the attack on his sighted opponent, but she dances backwards avoiding the blow! her return swing digs a notch in his shield, but fails to connect.

Suddenly the blind Amazon stumbles into the way, knocking both of the Amazon's to the ground, and somehow tosses Thatch up into the air, where he brushes the ceiling and stays there...

His two opponents are thrown a bit off guard by it all, allowing D'Amboise to rain a crushing blow  down on one of his foes, driving her to her knees. Again his armor prevents him from taking damage himself...

Legend tells of clerics of Odin who lived their lives with profanity, D'Amboise might not be one of these, as the sound of charging Amazons from behind him certainly tests his restraint!





Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 5 Dead,
18(Blind)(Ovo),
19 3 (D'am),
22 (D'Amboise)
2017 (Ovo),
22 17(Shank)


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    06          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    20          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    33          13  <  14          -1
Shank           7     53    50          12  <  12          -2

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know

Ovo seizes the advantage . . . and quickly squanders it away.




08:57, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 2 using 1d20.  Attack 10A (10 to hit).
08:57, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 4 using 1d20.  Attack 10B (10 to hit).


(sigh)

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 209):

Thatch ducks his head to avoid flying into the ceiling then does a quick take of the surrounding area trying to locate Shank, any other amazons and get an areal view to figure out his next move, hopeing he gave Ovo an extra round or two and D'Amboise a bit of different help by his action.

PM

With the second of his foes getting ever closer to finding his flesh with the point of her spear, D'Amboise clubs at the other with the haft of his flail.  Badly wounded as she is, the woman is unable to avoid the blow that drives her to the ground.

OOC: literally just scraped through !  Minimum roll to hit and minimum damage.

22:15, Today: D'Amboise rolled 11 using 1d20.  Attack.
22:16, Today: D'Amboise rolled 3 using 1d6+2.  Damage.

Ovo continues to struggle coming to blows with the agile, lightly armored human females. His opponents have no problem connecting with their weapons, but again they fail to penetrate the armor. Strategically it appeared to be an even battle, if one did not take into account the pile of dead Amazons on the ground around the doughty dwarf!

Thatch glances around, failing to spot Shank, but spotting the band of charging amazons approaching from the rear of the combat.

Below the mage, D'Amboise finished off his stagger foe and turned to square himself against his remaining foe, while the blind Amazon curled up on the ground any wept at the loss of her vision.





Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 5 Dead,
18(Blind)(Ovo),
dead  (D'am),
22 (D'Amboise)
2017 (Ovo),
22 17(Shank)


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    06          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    20          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    33          13  <  14          -1
Shank           7     53    50          12  <  12          -2

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know

Ovo continues to familiarize himself with the complicated workings of the standard battle axe.

It's quite a struggle.



15:06, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 8 using 1d20.  Attack 11 (10 to hit).

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 214):

Thatch seems to have drifted back some behind the Amazons fighting Ovo and D'mboise angling himself down word ready to do something "Thatch's out of the norm combat way".

Hey he is a mage not a fighter and his grand ol'e master mage teacher of the patchwork tower of wonderous powers taught him to use hie abilities where normal men would not think to do that action during an encounter like this.

With but one of the Amazons to battle, D'Amboise attack is swift and brutal, the metal tips of the flail lashing his opponent.

22:03, Today: D'Amboise rolled 14 using 1d20.  Attack.
22:03, Today: D'Amboise rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage.

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 216):

Thatch silently swoops down from above and lift/swing/toss the Amazon facing Ovo into D'Amboises in hope of again messing up there attacks.

A Slight rustle  of wind and a swoosh are all you hear then a shadow falls upon the Amazon facing Ovo from the back side and a solid dark object appears in Ovos line of sight forming that of Thatch.  Flying off the ground in an areal swooping hawk like attack, arms reaching out, claw like hands grabbing Hawk like as Thatch falls upon his prey and intended target.  Using his surprise from behind areal assult, grabs for the Amazon and using brute force and momentum, again tries to shoove while lifting her and with a swing toss, hurtle the Amazon in his grasps into the one next to her while swooping back up.  He screams as he grabs her, then yells, look behind us, concentrate fire and regroup.


12:54, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 7 using 1d20.  a flyies strength.

12:54, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  A fly pushes an amazon.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Wed 11 May 2016.

Still trying to recover his balance he takes another swipe at the warrior woman.  "Damn" as he watches the blade cleave through nothing but air.


06:07, Today: Shank rolled 6 using 1d20 ((6)).

Ovo manages to drive his standard battle axe, combat, 1 each, into his opponent, though only thru the grace of Thatch, (aka the Flying Nut) and his skills at swinging blind Amazonians into sighted ones.

D'Amboise matches the feat, bloodying his foe as well.

The chaos keeps Ovo from suffering any damage, but the cleric doesn't have that edge, his opponents wicked blade also connecting, slicing a painful looking gash off his shoulder.... Ovo's foe had actually turned to swing at Thatch, who had been required to swoop almost down to the floor to pick up the blind one, and she took full advantage of her opportunity, slicing the mage clearly!




Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 5 Dead,
18(Blind)(Ovo),
dead  (D'am),
22 15 (D'Amboise)
2011 (Ovo),
22 17(Shank)


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    06          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    17          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    29          13  <  14          -1
Shank           7     53    48          12  <  12          -2

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message was last updated by the GM at 04:33, Wed 18 May 2016.

DM post...

01:10, Today: The Dreamer of Worlds, on behalf of D'Amboise, rolled 20 using 1d20 ((20)). Gonna make that max damage, seems fair.

As if infused by the power of his god, D'Amboise connected with force and precision!
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:02, Mon 16 May 2016.

In reply to Shank (msg # 220):

Now screaming ow ow ow from the nice sword work, Thatch ...  PM

Ovo watches his dance partner turn to strike Thatch.  The dwarf is enraged.  He snarls as she turns, disrespecting the warrior by implying that she perceives Thatch to be the greater threat.

"Think so little of me that you can turn away!?!?"

His rage magnifies as she draws blood on his unarmored comrade.  Snarling, he twirls the axe-head across her neck, finishing her.

09:57, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 20 using 1d20.  Attack 12A (10 to hit).

Following precedent, max damage -- which would be 11.


______________________________
Ovo attempts to follow up this impressive display with further carnage, but his skill cannot keep pace with the need for dramatic flair.


10:02, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 3 using 1d20.  Attack 12B (10 to hit).

Darting inside the amazons defense, thrusting his dagger in to her and removing it before she can register the prick of the blade.



23:20, Today: Shank rolled 14 using 1d20.  Attack.
23:22, Today: Shank rolled 3 using 1d4.  Damage.

Ovo dispatches his last foe, taking in a deep breath and glances behind him where six fresh Amazon's are rushing forward, looking a lot fresher then he feels, while D'Amoboise drives his opponent back with a brutal blow from his flail.

Thatch swoops in and distracts the Amazon, slicing at her with her dagger! Stunned, and taken off guard, she staggers back, then flees back down the tunnel...




Amazons
AC 7
HD 3
# At. 1
Damage by weapon
HP 5 Dead,
18(Blind)(Ovo),
dead  (D'am),
22 7 (D'Amboise)
Dead (Ovo),
22 14(Shank)

Amazons from the rear (6)
AC7
HD2
HP 14, 12, 15, 10, 14, 13
Dmg by weapon (d6)


               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    06          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    17          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    29          13  <  14          -1
Shank           7     53    43          12  <  12          -2

*note, this is based on your character sheet, if this is out dated. please let me know



This message was last edited by the GM at 08:28, Wed 25 May 2016.

Posted by the Dreamer

Glancing at his fellow follower of Odin, D'Amboise took the moment to call upon his lords might to close a few of Ovo's smaller wounds, and restore his spirit by some small measure.

OOC - Ovo's heals 7 hit points. (To be shown on the next wrap up.)

There is another round of calm before the next wave hit, but they will do so as a wave...

Ovo furiously grabs one of his hand axes and hurls it at the advancing Amazons.  It sails toward the legs of one of the women, but she nimbly steps above its path.




08:46, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 9 using 1d20.  thrown axe (13 to hit).

Maybe get some of those low rolls out of the system. :)

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 226):

From above them, Thatch grunts, I may try a all out charge on them form up high if I can knock them about like a bowling ball on pins, that may give you guys a fighting chance to team up on each one as they recover and once past them I should be able to get back out of there reach and circle back around with maybe a slight hitch to my fly, unless you guys think other wise  hhm   You see Thatch gauging the ceiling and distance to the charging Amazons and sliding into position...

In reply to Thatch Pathwork (msg # 227):

Thatch all of a sudden swoops down and awkwardly looking snatches a spear off the ground then flies back up over the group.  Change of plans

sighs, i guess it is 6 on 3 - back to back guys while i stay aloft above you all, time to dance.

Pm
06:01, Today: Shank rolled 3 using 1d20 ((3)).

The party takes the moment to take a deep breath. Ovo feels to power of Odin surge thru him, but he was still far from fully healthy, and he continued to bleed from several wounds.

Thatch hovers above like a flying monkey, spear in hand, though he glances behind you several times.

The on coming wave gains two more members, though there is something odd about them.

Most odd, the first one is a man, and dressed in tattered by civilized clothing. Behind him comes another female, apparently an elf, and unlike the Taku Taku, wearing leather armor.

The amazons closed the distance with amazing speed and impressive agility...

(OOC one more resting round, then more battle.)



               AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    13          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    17          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    29          13  <  14          -1
Shank           7     53    43          12  <  12          -2
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:33, Mon 23 May 2016.

Posted by the Dreamer

I'm gonna let the party decide, Bless (+1 to party morale and to hit rolls) or another Cure Light on Ovo.

"It looks like you all could use a few more capable hands, eh?" the man asked nobody in particular, pulling out a battle-worn two-handed sword from a sheath on his back. "Well I'm looking for a little vengeance, so let's get me some," he added, a twinkle of anger in his eyes.

Coming from the tunnel, the Elven woman narrows her eyes and shakes her head, not the least bit surprised at what she finds when she gets there. She only briefly passes a look of curiosity to her newly freed compatriot. Her eyes rove around, looking for the instigator, that is usually the right course when fighting these people. Lifting her bow, her eye finds a target and she fire, making first one shot, and then masterfully landing the second more accurately. With a playful smirk, she shoulders her bow and looks about for a useful stick, her dagger won't be as much fun to use up close and personal.

---

23:31, Today: Talis Rynn rolled 13,21 using 1d20+4,1d20+4.  Strike 1, Strike 2.
23:32, Today: Talis Rynn rolled 5 using 1d6. damage strike 2 only.
23:38, Today: Talis Rynn rolled 6 using 1d6.  Damage.

Fixed per GM schooling
This message was last edited by the player at 06:43, Sat 28 May 2016.

Smiling a little as she turns to run away, before sinking the dagger into her back.

Shank rolled 3 using 1d4.  Damage .
05:07, Today: Shank rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Attack

The scion of Wotan moves to heal his Dwarven companion one more time, but ovo demurs. "You need it as much as I do, big D, cleric heal thyself as they say where I come from."

The warrior-priest hesitates, but as the amazon approaches, does as his friend suggests.


            AC     HP    remaining  THAC7 base   STR   Dex  Spec.
Ovo             4     22    13          10  <  13    - 1        -2
D'Amboise       4     36    24          11  <  11
Thatch          5     33    29          13  <  14          -1
Shank           7     53    43          12  <  12          -2

After counseling D'Amboise Ovo maintains his reliable consistency, missing with another axe.

20:07, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 4 using 1d20.  throw another axe (13 to hit).

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 236):

Thatch pivots up and turns mid air.  D'Amboise/Ovo we got more company

Ho folks, I am guessing friend not foe, we can introduce each other later but first if we do not mind, let's take these gals out and make proper our greetings,

Then turns while watching the two new folks and hoovers or flies on a really really really tight circle just to the right and above Ovo - Ovo, I'll poke down from above and try to get one distracted and maybe cause one a headache too.

We have to work on that throwing part Ovo, and chuckles.

From beyond the Amazons, the raggedy looking unarmored man waves his two handed blade and calls out, "It looks like you all could use a few more capable hands, eh?"  He continues to run, awkwardly as if his legs were in a bot of pain. "Well I'm looking for a little vengeance, so let's get me some,"

One of the Amazons stops as the sound of his voice and turns to meet him.

The remaining five continue forward, though the one on that parties far right gets nailed by two arrows from the female elf, and stumbles to the ground, badly injured but still alive.

The remaining Amazons charge, war-cry echoing thru the chamber!!!

Two slam into Ovo, who manages to not get bowled over, but is pushed back a step by the fury of their blows, his golden shield moving like a blur fending off both of their vicious blades.

D'Amboise is not as lucky, the two coordinating their attack, high and low, both succeeding!


Gonna let you guys post first, then if D'Amboise hasn't returned I will roll his attack.




Amazons from the rear (6)
AC7
HD2
HP 143(R), 12, 15, 10, 14, 13(M)
Dmg by weapon (d6)

          AC.  HP   THAC7 base  STR  Dex Spec.
D'Amboise  4  17/36  11 < 11
Mordecai*  9  14/14  12 < 12
Ovo        4  13/20  10 < 13    - 1       -2
Rynn**     7  22/22  13 < 13
Shank      7  43/53  12 < 12          -2
Thatch     5  29/32  13 < 14          -1

*Mordecai has amnesia and does not know his own name.

This characters name is Talis Rynn, but I am using her surname so that the first initials remain unique.





This message was last updated by the GM at 10:44, Sat 28 May 2016.

Swinging at the amazon who approaches him, the young half-elf looks to exact some vengeance.

He is apparently over excited.

04:57, Today: Mordecai Delmorn rolled 5 using 1d20.  Attack vs Amazon.

Ovo swings his axe awkwardly, causing his foe to laugh hysterically at his ineptness.

But her laughter leaves her vulnerable to Ovo's return strike, which leaves a gash along her thigh.


09:31, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 4 using 1d20.  Attack 14A (10 to hit).


09:31, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 11 using 1d20.  Attack 14B (10 to hit).

09:33, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  damage 14B.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 240):

Half hovering half flying Thatch pokes his spear down upon the Amazon attacking Ovo and misses her ear by that much.

2:54, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 3 using 1d6.  damage.

22:54, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 9 13-4 using 1d20.  Spear from above.

PM

In reply to Shank (msg # 242):

AM   lol

Sorry had to do that post after the PM.   Could have said midnight or morning too.

Thatch is eyeing D'Amboise after those two heavu hits upon him while he makes another stabbing attack from the air at the Amazon after Ovo, hoping they all can take the punishment.  (ooc will make next rounds actions and rolls next round of course :)

Though the woman would much rather have talked her way out, it seemed not in the cards this time. Oh, well, her luck had to dry out sooner or later. These newcomers were something fancy and she would normally have chattered off if it weren't for the chaos that went on about her.

"Gi, l'belbolil nind gumash inbau!" she mutters to herself in astonishment, a language that seems just slightly off from the common Elves.

Letting the bow slip easily back to her hand, she takes advantage of the chaos to fire another round at the poor soul still standing from her last volley.

"Ooops" she says in slightly accented common.

---

20:36, Today:  Kit L'Rynn rolled 3 using 1d6.  DwB.
20:36, Today: Kit L'Rynn rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Ping (AwB).
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Sat 28 May 2016.

Coming from a dream...

D'Amboise swings his mace at the less attractive of the amazons, but misses as she ducks under the blow with a feral grin...

With practiced ease the Elven female draws the string of her bow back to her ear and lets fly with a precise shot that slays her wounded prey. The death cry sets her feet running forward toward the fray.

The strange fellow with the awkward gait lets fly with his mighty weapon, but the Amazon he faces dodges it with ease, and slashing out with her short, razor sharp blade, slicing painfully him on his leg.

The main body of the combat continues to rage, Ovo fending off blow blows, while slashing the more aggressive of his foes across the thigh, a savage blow that would no doubt kill her if it doesn't get bandaged, but which doesn't seem to be slowing her ardor to kill the dwarf.

At his side D'Amboise managed to avoid damage, thank Odin, but he also fails to dish any out. As if he were some sort of guardian angle, Thatch hung above his comrades shoulder, stabbing with somewhat more success with his spear.

The mages stomach drops at the sound of racing footsteps from behind, but a quick glance over his should shows it to be Shank, racing, perhaps to the rescue.




Amazons from the rear (6)
AC7
HD2
HP D(R), 12, 158, 107, 14, 13(M)
Dmg by weapon (d6)

          AC.  HP   THAC7 base  STR  Dex Spec.
D'Amboise  4  17/36  11 < 11
Kit        7  22/22  13 < 13
Mordecai*  9  14/12  12 < 12
Ovo        4  13/20  10 < 13    - 1       -2

Shank      7  43/53  12 < 12          -2
Thatch     5  29/32  13 < 14          -1

*Mordecai has amnesia and does not know his own name.

This characters is the Elven woman





This message was last updated by the GM at 06:11, Mon 30 May 2016.

"Might wan' ta get that looked at, lass," Ovo says.  He then fans his foe's wound, as if the rush of air generated by his axe will provide healing benefits.

07:47, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 9 using 1d20.  Round 15 (10 to hit).

The half-elf's rage is fed even further when he gets stabbed, the blood loss causing some adrenaline to flow through his veins as he opens a nasty wound in his foe.

10:19, Today: Mordecai Delmorn rolled 20 using 1d20.  Attacking again (c'mon 12+).

10:24, Today: Mordecai Delmorn rolled 7 using 2d4.  Damage (critical).

I don't know how you guys handle criticals so I just rolled normal damage.

In reply to Mordecai Delmorn (msg # 248):

With a quick sigh being relieved it is Shank to the rescue and not more Amazons, thatch continues his aerial assault hoping to be as effective as a flying Mage can be as he stabs down again upon his foes heads.

5:48, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 3 using 1d6.  damage.

15:47, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 14 using 1d20-4.  attack. 

With at least one threat out of the way, Kit turned an eye from her previous companion and back to the main battle. It seemed they might need a bit of help and she had already used her skills to aid this one before. Without another thought, she moved closer to the larger battle, keeping her eyes alert.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:14, Mon 30 May 2016.

From the dreamer...

Shank pauses a moment to consider the battle before him, but finds no safe targets to fire his bow at.

He does notice two people that aren't Amazon's, and apparently fighting on your side though. That could be determined later though, as he rushed forward.

from the Dreamer...

Half a mind pondering the apparent new allies, D'Amboise focuses on the foes at hand, swinging his weapon with success.

23:10, Today: The Dreamer of Worlds, on behalf of D'Amboise, rolled 4 using 1d6+2.  damage.

23:10, Today: The Dreamer of Worlds, on behalf of D'Amboise, rolled 14 using 1d20.  attack.

The raggedy man connects with a powerful blow, cutting his foe open and dropping her to the ground to bleed out her life!

The Elven female rushes past him, hoping to attack the amazons from the rear, the way they had hoped to attack you.

Ovo misses his opponent by a margin one might imagine might have have broached had D'Amboise called upon Odin's blessing a few moments ago... he manages to avoid one of the two blows coming at him, but the two work well together, and the other manages to connect.

Working together well themselves, Thatch connects with one of the remaining Amazons facing D'Amboise, and distracting her enough that the cleric managed to slay her. He was unable to defend against her sister in arms, however his armor did deflect her blow...








Amazons from the rear (6)
AC7
HD2
HP D(R), 12(O), 158(O), d(D), 14(D?T), d(M)
Dmg by weapon (d6)

          AC.  HP   THAC7 base  STR  Dex Spec.
D'Amboise  4  17/36  11 < 11
Kit        7  22/22  13 < 13
Mordecai*  9  14/12  12 < 12
Ovo        4   9/20  10 < 13    - 1       -2

Shank      7  43/53  12 < 12          -2
Thatch     5  29/32  13 < 14          -1

*Mordecai has amnesia and does not know his own name.

This characters is the Elven woman

Bow up and arrow knocked at the ready, moving slower looking for an open shot, as he continues to close the distance to his friends.

The young man will rush the closest amazon, looking to end the fight as quickly as possible.

[]

In reply to Mordecai Delmorn (msg # 255):

Having to adjust his flight from above Thatch concentrates more on regaining his place above the amazonsz then hitting one and thrusts his spear into the air above one of there shoulders, dang, missed ya this time,


13:13, Today: Thatch Pathwork rolled 5 using 1d20-4.  attack.

Kit pushes forward, distinctly aware of the sound of footsteps behind her (referring to Mordecai just behind). She's not much for close quarter sparring, but sometimes one must take a risk. When close enough, she surveys the scene before her to determine a best course of action.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Wed 01 June 2016.

Ovo grunts as the latest wound is inflicted upon him.  He grunts as he lamely strikes out with his axe, wounding only air.

And he grunts as his axe crushes his foe's ribs and buries itself in her organs.



10:50, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 6 using 1d20.  Round 16A (10 to hit).

10:51, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 14 using 1d20.  Round 16B (10 to hit).

10:52, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 11 using 1d8+3.  Damage (Round 16B).

The party, with their unexpected reinforcements, rapidly put paid to the amazons, slaying all, either in combat, or with flights of arrows at the two who attempt to flee.

Several did escape however, and it seems reasonable they may return soon...

Ovo leans on his axe, huffing mightily.  He keeps a watchful eye on the newcomers, however, as he knows -- contrary to the old adage -- that the enemy of one's enemy is not always a friend.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 260):

Thatch does a quick check, any of the Amazons still alive (at 0 HP)?

Will fly/drag them to the group.

Lands, we have these still alive (if any)

Looking at the two newcomers, So, I would say thank you for your aid in leveling the playing field and helping to dispatch these Amazons.   Unfortunetly they did not want to talk/parley.

he smiles, Thatch is my name, and indicates we have traveled a long way to get here but our stories can wait at the moment - pauses, awaiting introductions:


If none awkwardly states, we and pauses for acknowledgement, need to continue moving, I am sure those that escaped will be back with reinforcements.

If introductions are passed around, grins, well meet though I fear we need to keep moving and we can talk as we go.

"I would introduce myself, but I can't remember anything before they captured me three days ago. There is, however, no doubt in my heart that these women are the enemy, and as long as you all are fighting them, you will have my aid. All I ask is that you wait for me to get my armor on, as I saw you needed the help so I waited to don it," the young man requested, heading back to his pile of belongings and gathering up his armor to put on.

Huffing from exertion as he runs up joining the rest of the group.  "You've made new friends" Smiling as he sucks in air.

In reply to Shank (msg # 263):

Yes, by all means armor yourself and welcome friend we will wait then move on and we can talk about how we all got here.

Shank, as always your timing was impeccable.

He looks to the female Elf and smiles ....

Kit cocks a brow, looking at the group as if seeing them for the first time. Folding her arms over her chest she walks around them, sizing each one up with curious eyes before she's made a full circle. "Dos xun naut lor saph nesstren dal ghil." she murmurs to herself, reaching out a hand she tentatively reaches to touch the fabric of one of Thatch's sleeves. "Folt b'vecko ky'huras dos lann!" she muses, but by the tone of her voice it is clear she is fascinated with them. Finally satisfied, she stands back nodding.

"Kit." she says slowly, indicating herself. "Kit" she repeats, as though she's not sure they will understand her meaning. Of what they say, she understands bits and pieces, mostly making connections rather than really connecting one dot to the other. It's been a long time since she had been around someone like them.

The nameless man returns, armored and munching on rations from a bag he had taken from the amazons.

As if from a dream...

"I am D'Amboise, humble servant of Odin, All-Father. Your arrival is welcome."

He glances down at the dead bodies.

"I would not want to fight another such battle, but I will be honest with you, our path leads us deeper into the tunnels. While all help is welcome, we will understand if your path should lead you back to the surface and safely away from this accursed place."

D'Amboise is a large man, and for all the he is a priest, he is clearly a man of war as well. He has taken several wounds during the battle. He had a bandage on his left hand, but it had come loose during the battle. As he re-wraps the finger, the newcomers notice it is almost entirely black, as if infected.

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 267):

Smiles at Kit.   Kit, Kit good.  then speaks in Elvish with a questioned look:  Friend, understand me?.   looks to see if Kit understood that better?

back in common, D'Amboise speaks truth, we head further in to look for some one, alive or dead and find material components we were sent to find.

Not sure your story but We can help each other out, as it looks like we need all the friends we can get.

The look on Kit's face when Thatch speaks Elven is positively priceless. It's clear she has no idea what he said, though bits of the language he uses seem similar to her own local dialect. Lifting her eyes to the sky, she mentally works something out in her head and very carefully: "Understand this language very goodly. Goodly? Wrong word." she nods to herself, but it is not important. "I speak it not so much. You go further?" she indicates the tunnels with an elegant point of her hand.

"I go too, make sure you hold on to family jewels!" she grins broadly, clearly not understanding that such a phrase may be entirely inappropriate among strangers. They can discuss that and how she learned it later.

Hungrily munching away at some of the food he had in his pack, the young man listens to the others and watches the priest as he rewraps his finger. "Is there something wrong with your hand?" he asks in between bites, continuing, "I will be willing to follow you at least until these she-devils are vanquished. At that point we can discuss further our own goals and whatnot."

"You know timing is just one of my specialties. "   Looking around at the others.  "I'm Shank.  Now that we've made introductions I saw we move before their friends show up."

Seeing the others accept the newcomers decides it for Ovo.

"Me name is Ovo.  Nothin' too complicated 'bout me.  Jest a dwarf with an axe."

He stares at his weapon, accusingly.

"An' sometimes, I hit me enemies with it."

He then wanders about, picking up his wayward axes and seeing if the fallen foes have anything of usefulness (or value.)

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 272):

Thatch lightly laughs at Kit, we do plan on keeping our jewels, family jewels are very important.

I see you do not know Elvish, but I had to try, I will try to speak common so you can understand me better.



Yes, we should move on, Kit, nameless-guy you know the way down here?

We are looking for a man, sighs, a specific man and some ingredients.

Thatch, urges them to move on once they have looted the bodies, recovered all the thrown weapons and finished greetings.

We are looking for a man named ....... (ooc - sorry, I am having trouble getting back to old posts to get his name)  and these ingredients.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:58, Mon 06 June 2016.

The priest shakes his head, the name escaping his uncertain memory also. "We seek the gardens of Aloyebakis in the heart of the city of Kturumthirr where our patron's paramour was last heard from."

"These gardens, it seems, are now below the ground, far from the light of day."

"My finger ..." he regards his hand grimly.  "A reminder of my shame," he tells the raggedy man, reluctant to speak of it, but not shying away.  "I must suffer the affliction until that debt can be paid."  D'Amboise snorts.  "Until the fell priest Samanus dies or I do."

"Your help is a blessing," he tells the newcomers, gratefully. "We should hurry, though ... the Amazons will back and in numbers."

"But first ..." turning to Ovo, the priest calls upon the All-Father to heal his friend and comrade, raising a questioning brow to see if anyone else has been badly hurt.

Kit smiles brightly to Thatch and nods her head. "Sound good. We teach another time." she says with a wink and turns her eyes, which widen quite brilliantly as D'Amboise uses his gift of healing. "Neitar xunus dos telanth d'nindol, helothann," she whispers in fascination. The darkened finger doesn't seem to bother her at all.

Respectfully declining the healing, the half-elf readies himself for more combat after finishing his food and drink. "You're right, we should get moving, as much as I would love to rest peacefully, my desire for the destruction of this tribe is tenfold."

Ovo's panting has subsided, and he watches gratefully as D'Amboise applies his healing powers.

"Whatcha got against these women?  An' what do you know about 'em?"

"Other than the fact that they clubbed me in the head three days ago and erased my memories, not much other than they have a distaste for men, if that wasn't blatantly obvious," he responded, rubbing absently at the back of his skull. Hopefully he would regain some of his memories, but only time would tell...

Kit clucks her tongue and shakes her head somewhat disapprovingly. "They were not kind to him. I tried, no luck. " she just sighs and stands there as a pretty ornament until they are ready to move on.

Once the newcomers had made it clear that they wished to stick with their new friends, the party was ready to head off. Rather than head directly down the corridor, they marched crosswise, the tunnel being about a mile wide, this allowed for the detour. The middle stretch was darker, but there was still enough light available from the flaming jets of glass off to the sides.

At one point, the party heard approaching feet, so they took to the shadows. About a hundred amazons passed by to their left, and they were glad to avoid that conflict.

Once the large party of Amazons passed out of ear shot, Thatch calls a quick meeting.

"Tell me what if anything about this place."  Looks to the new guy. "I know you lost your memory but anything you can drum up is good.   Kit, you know more of this place.  what lies ahead, how for to the gardens of Aloyebakis in the heart of the city of Kturumthirr??"

"What about a good hiding spot up ahead when we need to rest, if we rest?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:33, Fri 10 June 2016.

Kit shakes her head, eying the area about her almost reverently "No. Know very little. We keep to ourselves. " she pauses and thinks for a moment.

"Most do." she corrects, her voice even hushed as she looks about her with eyes like a child.

There is a clear discomfort, as well as a sense of awe and curiosity.

"We?  Most?  Who ye talkin' 'bout, lass?"

Kit blinks in surprise at the question. "People like me!" she says simply, as if the answer were obvious.

"And who would that be, exactly?" he asked, looking interestedly at the woman. Clearly she wasn't from around here, as indicated by her loose grasp of common.

"Do your people share this place with this tribe? "  Looking at the young woman.

Looking uncomfortable, Kit shifted. "No, no, we live in same land, different directions. Kit likes to wander." she urges, distractedly.

"Leave her be," the priest rumbles gently, seeing Kit's obvious discomfort and wishing to spare her.  "We will learn together what lies ahead."

"And best we keep moving - I'd rather not be here if those Amazons return.  I can probably handle about half of them," the old soldier's banter comes easily to his smiling lips, "but I'm not sure the rest of you can deal with the other half !"

Nodding, the young man tightened his armor and prepared himself for the journey forward. "Yes, let's be on our way. Glory waits for no man. Or woman," he states, giving Kit a grin.

Ovo scoffs at D'Amboise's aspersions, but out of respect keeps his mutterings unintelligible and only barely audible.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 290):

"Kit, no worry, we jut try to grasp as a group what we know.   you wondered, good, you are better for it."

chuckles at D'Amboise, maybe half, "but we would not want to strain you so we will only let you take on 1/4 of them as I think Ovo and our new friend and his big sword can handle all the rest for us.  Anyhow, my bag of tricks has run dry at the moment and smiles.

Yes, lead on Shank, we all shall see what no outsider has seen since these Amazons came here."

He rattles off the ingredients they need, more to make sure he remembers them all but hopes one or two may be found by others.

"Shank, you can lead, Ovo and our big sword guy up next, me an Kit then D'Amboise.  Smiles at D'Amboise, that will keep you from killing more then your share as we go."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Fri 10 June 2016.

"If you will promise me a quarter share of the foe, then I am happy to give you a head start," the priest grins broadly, settling his pack on his shoulders as he waits for his companions to lead off.  "Unless, of course, they come from our flanks in which instance I may not be able to restrain myself from the fray ..."

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 292):

Chuckles at D'Ambiose, oh I would expect nothing less if they dare oout flank us.  Though leave a few for us to fell important and smiles.  Lea on Shank, look for a way down further but be learly of new tracks, I do not ant to be on one of there more well traveled ways.

Kit listens as the others speak, giving D'Amboise a grin of appreciation for relieving the sudden tension she had felt. From her perspective, it was a bit over-whelming. The newcomers were the strangest things she had seen for quite some time, to see so many of the warriors was also a bit startling. Absently, she pulled her bow from her back, checking the string to make sure it was firm and making sure the wood was sturdy, a habit she'd picked up long ago.

The party continues along, moving swiftly and keeping one eye out on the path behind them.

The tunnel slopes downward, often nice and soft, but at other times nice and rough.

At one point the slope becomes near cliff steep, but the roof continues fairly straight, causing the space below to open up in a vast, jaw dropping panorama, the lost city of Kturumthirr had left impressive ruins on the land above, but nothing to compare with the massive area lying at the bottom of the cliff.


Towers and spires, temples and other large buildings. There, a giant statue of a many armed women, across the city a placid eyeless figure of a seated man which gave the appearance of being carved from a single piece of stone, or of coming to life and walking away. Wide swathes of gardens, one of which (fingers crossed) is their destination. In the center of the city lay a giant oval structure, clearly of great importance to the builder, but resembling nothing more then a giant gemstone, wrapped in an intricate setting of what might be silver, or platinum, though from this distance it was hard to tell.






Smoke from fires sprang up from some parts of the city, but perhaps most unexpected to the eyes of Thatch and D'Amboise, the clear markings of an end to the land claimed by the Taku Taku, half a mile away, but on the far side of the war camp of the castrating amazons...

"I havena seen the likes of this.  It shows craftsmanship . . ."

His voice trails off before he confronts the question of whether it is better than dwarven construction.

Looking down upon the city, his eyes were opened wide as if to take in more of the scenery. "There is a powerful magical force here, saturated into the ground the city was built upon. Whether the founders knew of it and planned to use it, or were simply drawn here for some inexplicable reason, I do not know, but all the same, we must be wary. There might be any number of things in there that do not appreciate our coming," the young man explained.

In reply to Mordecai Delmorn (msg # 297):

Looking to the the young man with the rather large sword, "Very true, the magic forces here are almost too strong for me to be here."

Looking over the city and everything around it, "now what? Suggestions before we proceed."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Wed 15 June 2016.

"I could sneak in and scout out a safe path"

Kit is silently looking at the city with large and reverent eyes, there is no sign of recognition on her face, but the enormity of what she is seeing has left her awestruck. She bows her head, making some inexplicable gestures with her hands before closing her eyes. "We move quickly. Very important, but not sure why. Almost familiar." she says when she lifts her head, her eyes hardly straying from the view.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:32, Wed 15 June 2016.

Ovo wouldn't have volunteered a suggestion, but since Kit made the one he believed, he echoes it:

"I agree with the lass.  Feel like a sittin' target, jus' hidin' here off to the side."

(But then, Ovo has always been a bit impetuous.)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:24, Wed 15 June 2016.

The priest stares at his blackened finger for a moment, almost thoughtful, rather than puzzled.

"That building," his gaze takes in the oval structure faceted like a gem, "somehow it calls to me.  Not a warning, more of a ... beckoning."  D'Amboise shakes his head.  "It has the feel of a trap to me."

"But Kit is indeed correct - if any in there knows we're here then best we not await them, but advance to meet them on our own terms.  We cannot risk either yourself or any delay," he tells Shank.  "We go together.  Head for the nearest of the gardens."

In reply to D'Amboise (msg # 302):

O, Shank find s the best path down with our present groups makeup.  "Kit, this is a powerful area.

We go down in this order. Shank, Ovo, D'Amboise, Kit, Myself and our fine worrier friend.   Do we need rope?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:15, Thu 16 June 2016.

Having caught their breaths, and taken in some small measure of the fantastic sight below them, the party began to move carefully down the cliff side...


OOC: I need everyone to make a dex check for the climb down please.

Nimble as your average mountain goat wearing chain mail, Ovo traverses the hazardous cliff side as easily as if he were walking on level ground.

21:35, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 1 using 1d20.  dex check w/ penalty, so 12.

For once, the dice roller's penchant for low numbers inures to our benefit!

As if trying to make Ovo look even better, the young man completely screws up his climb down.

22:39, Today: Mordecai Delmorn rolled 16 using 1d20.  Dex check with penalty (14).

In reply to Mordecai Delmorn (msg # 306):

Thatch seems to be very focused as he watches each group member make the climb down, floating just above the ground like a hawk ready to swoop in until it is his turn then turns to help the young worrier down stating in a strained voice, never waste a spells abilities and smiles as he helps him down.

OOC - if someone falters ahead of him, he would swoop down to try to help them down without too much noise.

Never the most agile or confident of climbers, and hampered by his armour ... nevertheless, D'Amboise's relief at traversing the lands of the Taku Taku, if not safely then at least with no losses, seems to add strength to his hands, and for all his feet fumble to find purchase, his grip never falters.

OOC: 21:17, Today: D'Amboise rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Dex check (need 10 or less).

Kit takes a moments notice to watch Thatch with a curious look, before she to begins to work her way at climbing down. She is capable in her footing, if not a little slow, distracted by her strange companions, the landscape, and a sudden suspicion that leaving this place will mean never returning. There is only a moment where she pauses, and then without another hesitation, she makes her way slowly down.

09:04, Today: Secret Roll: Kit L'Rynn rolled 12 using 1d20-4.  Dex check.

Corrections made for error is tabulations ;)

Clearly in his element, Master Goldenshield moves swiftly to the bottom, followed by Kit, and D'Amboise. The nameless one struggles however, clearly the pain and suffering endured over the last few days showing in the awkward movements. He slips, and seems destined for a painful fall, however the mage swoops down and catches him, lowering him gently to the ground.

A quick glance shows they have yet to be noticed, the distance to be traversed still seemed dangerous, and if anything looks longer when surveyed from ground level. The city beckons beyond however...

D'Amboise grits his teeth as the nameless man loses his grip ... then breathes a short sigh of relief as Thatch catches him, stopping his fall.

"We have far to go," the priest muses staring into the distance. "But at least our feet are now on solid ground.  Come ... if this is a snare then let those who would hunt us rue this day !"

"Thank you, mage. That was... too close," the young man states, patting Thatch on the shoulder before turning and preparing to head out.