Myrrick, somewhat surprised the creature in front of him is still standing, spins and uses the momentum to swing at him again. The pumpkin head would have to be dealt with soon.


15:23, Today: Myrrick rolled 15 using 1d10+5.  hurt.

15:22, Today: Myrrick rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  hit.

Kullonar, Half-Orc Priest of St. Cuthbert

Upon seeing the arrival of the "old man" Kullonar knows he needs to focus on the creature with the pumpkin head. Unslinging his...erm...sling, he loads one of Selene's silver bullets, whips it around his head and lets fly.

18:17, Today: Kullonar rolled 11,6 using 1d20,1d6+1.  Sling to Pumpkin.

OOC:  Seer I think I've questioned this before, but I don't recall what reasoning I was given to hold the initial initiative throw as the initiative for the entire battle. 

Uthecar swings his axe around at the next creature that comes within range.

21:32, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 16,11 using 1d20+6,1d8+10.  to hit and damage

Gildan also focuses his attacks on pumpkinhead.

OOC:
08:08, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  Damage 2.
08:07, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage 1.
08:07, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 16 using 1d20+7.  Bow attack 2.
08:07, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  Bow attack 1.

The first thing you note is that there aren't many Zombies left - merely four. And that becomes three when Myrrick takes the head off one of the deaders.

With three left, gaps have opened and the slow moving deaders have have difficulty keeping up. Ulrich rushes to pumpkin head; despite his efforts, he misses as the pumpkin head jumps back from the Pal-a-deen.

At the same time that Ulrich rushes forth, Gildan looses two wonderfully aimed arrows at the giant jak-o-lantern. Unfortunately, a sudden gust blows both arrows awry.

Bruno finally gets the team on the board against the varsity: attacking the J-o-L, he strikes true and firm for 11 points of damage. One thing strikes everyone, the facade of the naked J-o-L disappears, replaced by a another fellow of similar resemblance to the one that was gated in. Two of them now size you up with eager anger in their eyes.

Zan fires off two more magic missiles from the back row and lands ten points of damage on the second fellow (Max damage on both missiles. Both are reeling, but still in the game. But...at the same time as Bruno and Zan cause the two bad guys some indigestion, they in turn bring their own form of heat: The artist formally known as JoL attacks Bruno, while the other attacks Ulrich.

Unfortunately, Ulrich feels the brunt of diabolical anger and takes 6 points of damage.

Bruno, the little tank that could, however, feels a hard ping reverberate through his armor, but remains unscathed.

Kullonar decides to use fancy dancy silver bullets. Somewhere a werewolf growls in London...Sadly, he is off the mark.

Back toward the shelter, Gregors gets a flanking attack on one of the slow moving deaders: The young man is proving himself a brave fighter: another deader goes down leaving just two left.

That leaves Uthecar: The brawny dwarf has been itching to get into the fray, and here is his chance, the chance of a lifetime, the chance to bring the hurt on bearded fellows carrying pole arms. Since he only gets one shot, he takes off like fireworks on the fourth of July and explodes into action against the artist formerly know as JoL (Jak o lantern in case anyone missed it). The first baddie takes 11 points of damage from Uthecar's blade.

Round four:

Inititive:
Myrrick: 8 -
Ulrich and Gildan: 6
Zan and Bruno: 5
Kullonar and Gregors: 4
Uthecar: 1


R U Ready to Rumble!!!!

In reply to The Seer (msg # 187):

Bruno finds himself amused by the annoyance that his comrades attacks were causing Mr. Natural and Mr. Natural formerly known as JoL, "You came here for play, but don't like the song my ladss play? Next time, maybe make sure your band stays long enough to finish a single stanza, maestros!"

Finishing his taunt he thrust his short sword one more time at the same target.

OOC:

23:29, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 8 using 1d6+7.

23:28, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Short Sword Attack.

The attack roll one better than the last, but damage just a one. While I don't like it I appreciate the balance inherent in it.

Uthecar continues his attack not letting up.

21:19, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 26+1 to hit and 12 damage and, 25+1 to hit and 16 damage.

I love the bless spell Bruno.  Always good to have the extra 5% across the whole party.

In reply to Uthecar Hornskin II (msg # 189):

"Here comes the Pal a din Jack!"

07:39, Today: Ulrich Aelgrimm rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  to hit.

07:38, Today: Ulrich Aelgrimm rolled 5 using 1d8+3.  damage.

07:38, Today: Ulrich Aelgrimm rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  to hit.

Deciding the join the fray, Kullonar hefts his morningstar and wades in. Whether it be a zombie or one of the twins, he attacks...and misses pitifully.

10:40, Today: Kullonar rolled 4,9 using 1d20+1,2d4+1.  Morningstar attack.

Myrrick, seeing his friends press the attack, rushes alongside them. Attacking the first of the two "men" he comes to.



22:12, Today: Myrrick rolled 11 using 1d10+5.  hurt.

22:12, Today: Myrrick rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  hit.

Seeing that the group was now gaining the advantage, Zan decided that it was best to hold up on casting anything additionally a this point.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:36, Tue 07 July 2020.

Even as the two 'old men' try to gate in more of their fellows, the wrath of holy power against the forces of evil are too much for them bear. Under a hail of blows, the two are vanquished, pulled from this realm and thrown back into the unholy realm from whence they came. With their banishment, the skeletons and zombies meander in no particular order, and are easy pickings.

Nicely done. Had you guys a bit worried for a minute. Fun combat and a good start for you guys. We'll see how things go from here.

I will tally up some XP for you shortly. It will be posted in the rewards thread.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:42, Tue 07 July 2020.

Day 3 is done. Day four begins without incident. The land here grows upward, majestic peaks soaring high overhead while a fine mist shrouds the valley. It is a glorious sight.

Gregors takes the lead. His eyes are wide, alert for trouble, but he finds none. By midday, he locates the secret cave that has served him in the past. The opening is narrow, each beast of burden has to be led single file into the cave by the reins. Ulrich's great beast is balky, not liking being confined. Once in, though, you find a wide space that offers a defensible position and plenty of room for the entire party.

Once everyone is settled, Gregors speaks.

"We sit a bit more than a mile from the Valley of the Jarls. That big peak you took note of is called Three Horn Mountain. Beneath it is a deep ravine carved by a mountain stream down the face of the peak.

"Guarding the valley are totems that that represent each of the clans: Bear, Wolf, Boar, Cave Lion and Sabre-tooth Tiger. At first glance, you may not see them...they are overgrown with weeds and scrub-brush.

"The floor of the valley is thick with weeds and short, thorny trees. Two long mounds face each other on opposite sides of the stream. Each is bare, pocked with depressions and caverns, the depredation of time and flora taking hold. Faint runes can be made out, if you look hard enough.

"Aside from the gurgling of the stream, you will hear no other sounds. This used to be a holy place, peaceful. The gods only know what has become of it since our last folk came to visit. That was months ago.

"My job is to care for your mounts and do other tasks that need doing while you all explore. The gods grace you with their blessings. I would suggest making it a priority to get back before night falls. If you're gone more than 24 hours, I'll cast my prayers to the gods that they receive you...and make my way home."

It is just shy of midday. The sun shines above you without care for the drama that you will embark on. One final token, a hand written map of the surrounds - you note that it's marked with icons instead of words, but it's something.

"A final word: We are a proud people, we love our history and traditions. We seek to restore what's been lost, and need your help to do it. But the clans would consider it great insult if you defile the tombs and make this a search for loot. If you are successful, you will be well compensated."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:36, Tue 07 July 2020.

OOC: We Healers ought to be able to cure all of the wounds taken in the hours between the end of the JoL battle and morning of Day 4, no?

In reply to Gregor's warning Bruno nods solemenly, "Your words are well taken, my friend.

None of the gods my comrades and I worship would abide by destruction of your people's history or traditions. Nor would the Arch-Baron who sent us to aid your Jarl. I hope to see you again before nightfall!"

Uthecar nods agreement.  "If they lie in slumber we will tread careful to cause them no dishonour.  If they awake......" Uthecar trails off, not sure what to say to continue the sentence just shrugging as he says "We'll figure it out."

Kullonar listens and remains quiet, just glad to be outside for as long as possible.
And looking forward to a bit of exploration.

Myrrick nodded, "We will take nothing from the dead that isn't needed, armor if damaged or the like. I would not dishonor your traditions."

Gregors frowns at Myrrick's words. You get the sense that's not good enough, but he doesn't reply.

"No Myrrick, we take NOTHING from the dead. We will not desecrate the graves Gregor, not even if we need it."

"Fellows!, I believe there's been a misunderstanding here and squabbling amongst ourselves serves no purpose."

He takes a deep breath, "Come, we all agree that we are not here to pillage these graves and shall not do so, now, comrades, let's get moving."

Ulrich leads the way, for now, to the valley, detecting evil as he goes.

OOC: Just as a reference here's our marching order, Seer!

Uthecar -- Ulrich
Bruno -- Gilden
Zan -- Kullonar
Gregors --  Myrrick

Gregors is staying back - he'll be taking care of the animals while you explore, and cleaning weapons and armor and other such tasks when you return.