Lacking the tabaxi's natural speed as well as his enthusiasm, Therarak trails behind Lazaret by quite a distance on route to the tree. Unfortunately for him, his progress is somewhat more noticeable than anyone else's.

23:03, Today: DM, on behalf of Therarak Gemfinder, rolled 6 using 1d20+2.

Posted by DM on behalf of Therarak.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:09, Mon 17 Apr 2017.

Lazaret, Celador, and Therarak circle around the scene at a distance in hope of gaining cover from the lonely tree to the south (still slightly southeast) of the cart. Thorfire, meanwhile, goes for the more direct approach, sneaking in directly from behind (from the east).

As they quietly close in on their positions, it appears that the cart puller, a human, has stumbled to his knees.

One of the two orcs on the near (south) side of the cart growls in frustration at the fallen human. "This is taking forever. This worthless pile of dung is too weak."

The largest of the three orcs is the one carrying the whip. He stands on the north side of the cart and growls back at the first orc. "We wouldn't need him to pull it if you and M'guk didn't slaughter the horse." he growls. "I should have you pull it instead."

The first orc spits back at the largest. "Well at least we'd get there if I was pulling. I may die of old age by the time this worthless human gets it there."

While the argument continues, the tabaxi successfully makes it to the trunk of the tree and hunkers down, just 50 feet from the cart.

Thorfire makes it to within 25' and holds his ground.

Therarak, however is spotted on his approach. The third orc, not participating in the argument, catches a flash of the svirfneblin and raises the alarm. "What is that?"

Just as the third orc points, Celador unleashes an arrow, but it misses. The second orc turns to him. "There's another!"

The three orcs each move toward the two targets they can see. One of the two orcs approaches Therarak and the other Celador. Each carries a great axe.

The larger orc drops his whip and draws a battered longsword. He runs along the back side of the cart, at one point only 15 to 20 feet from Thorfire, but does not notice the stealthy Halfling.
23:46, Today: Secret Roll: DM rolled 8 using 1d20.  Large orc perception of thorfire. Note: I only made this roll because Thorfire failed his hide in plain sight. Had he passed that, the orc wouldn't have even had the chance of seeing Thorfire.

OOC: Roll for initiative (except for Celador, who has a 17 already) and post round 1 actions .
Lazaret is behind a tree 50 feet from the closest orcs. 70 feet from the big orc.
Therarak is 30 feet behind the tree (80/100 feet from the orcs), slightly east of it.
Celador is 99 feet behind the tree (149/169 feet from the orcs), slightly west of it.
Thorfire is 25 feet east of the orcs. One of which is running past him.

All orcs are dashing toward either Celador or Therarak, meaning they will travel 60'. The first 2 will pass the tree and the third will be (unless somebody else does something) 10 feet north of it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:17, Mon 17 Apr 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 50):

Lazaret remains still as a stone behind the tree. Hearing the orc conversation he waits for the first orc to pass then leaps out and attacks him with his rapier.

06:42, Today: Lazaret rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  Rapier Damage.
06:42, Today: Lazaret rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Rapier attack.
06:41, Today: Lazaret rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

OCC: Since Celador did such an excellent job at being steathy, (nat 20) I do believe that means that he made an attack without being seen and therefore should have done so with advantage:

08:07, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Attack with long bow.

damn.

And also, given such an excellent job of hiding, (did I mention nat 20?) it could be argued that his first arrow comprised a surprise round. Just in case, here is a second set of rolls for first round of combat:

08:09, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Attack with long bow.
08:09, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 10 using 1d8+4.  damage with long bow.

Thus endeth my turn, I eagerly await round 2

In reply to DM (msg # 50):

Once two of the orcs pass the tree Therarak lobs alchemists fire.

It effects all creatures within 5'. They get a DEX save.
22:03, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 3 using 1d6. Fire Damage.

Therarak then retreats to get behind the melee.

In reply to DM (msg # 50):

As the larger orc passes, Thorfire backstabs him with his rapier and wonders to himself, I might need some help with the big orc...

22:40, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Initiative.
22:44, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 21 using 1d20+5. Attack with Rapier.
22:47, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 5 using 1d8+3. Damage with Rapier.
22:50, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 3 using 1d6. Sneak Attack Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Tue 18 Apr 2017.

The orcs charge with nasty guttural roar. Racing toward Celador with saliva dripping from his teeth, the first orc takes an arrow square in the chest. He staggers for only a second before continuing to charge with even more hatred for the elven archer.

As the same orc passes the tree, Lazaret springs from behind his cover and slashes his wounded enemy. His rapier cuts deep and the orc falls to the ground with a thud.

The second orc races past the tree on the other side toward Therarak. The svirfneblin alchemist lets loose with a vial from his satchel. The vail shatters across the chest of the onrushing orc in a ball of flames. The orc howls in a startled rage while the deep gnome retreats to a slightly safer position.

The largest of the orcs, focused on the adventurers on the other side of the tree, races to add his rusty longsword to the melee, not noticing a halfling already standing within arm's reach. As soon as the whipmaster passes Thorfire, the halfling springs to action with his rapier, backstabbing the leader of the evil trio.

The large orc snarls and turns, slashing wildly at his attacker. The rusty blade connects with a vicious reply, tearing into his halfling foe (OOC: Thorfire takes 8hp damage).



23:06, Today: DM, on behalf of Therarak Gemfinder, rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
21:50, Today: DM rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Orc Initiative.
21:50, Today: DM rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  CONDEX saving throw vs. BlindnessAlchemist's Fire.
23:39, Today: DM rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Large Orc vs. Thorfire.


One down, two still standing.
The second orc is 10' south of the tree facing Therarak. He has taken 3 damage.
Therarak is 40' south of the second orc.
Lazaret is 20' west of the second orc.
Celador is 89' south of the second orc.
Thorfire is in melee with the large orc, directly east of the cart, 50' north of the tree. Large orc has taken 8 damage.

Please post your 2nd round actions!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:07, Tue 18 Apr 2017.

Seeing that Lazaret has helped finish off the first target, Celador sets his sights on the large orc in combat with Thorfire.


OCC: I assume I am within 150' of Thorfire and the large orc

00:15, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 8 using 1d8+4.  damage with long bow.
00:14, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  attack with long bow.

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 56):

Help Thorfire!

Lazaret rushes over to the large orc and swings his rapier at the back of the orc's neck.

06:28, Today: Lazaret rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  Rapier Damage.
06:27, Today: Lazaret rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Rapier attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:28, Tue 18 Apr 2017.

In reply to Lazaret (msg # 57):

Since the large orc is now in melee with an ally, I can use sneak attack again...While the large orc is distracted by an overgrown cat, Thorfire makes a weak attempt to sever his spine with his rapier....if only he would have hit.

11:46, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Rapier Attack on Large Orc.
11:46, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  Rapier Damage.
11:47, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 5 using 1d6.  Sneak Attack Damage.

Therarak pulls another vial from his satchel and throws it at the advancing orc. The snarling beast tries to dodge the vial, but it shatters on his shoulder, filling the air with the stench of burnt orc.


01:02, Today: DM, for the NPC Orc 2, rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  DEX save vs. alchemical fire.
01:05, Today: DM, on behalf of Therarak Gemfinder, rolled 4 using 1d6.  Alchemical Fire Damage.

Thorfire, badly wounded by the largest of the three orcs, attempts to deal another blow to his adversary. His rapier misses the mark however, leaving him open to a deadly counterstrike from the jagged sword.

The largest orc roars with his sword high over his head, ready to deal the decisive blow against the stealthy halfling, but before he can an arrow lands squarely between his shoulder blades. The orc stares at Thorfire for a moment, wondering what just happened, then crumples to the ground in a lifeless heap.

Therarak, meanwhile, lobs another vial of alchemical fire at the final orc. The vial explodes in flames on the orc's shoulder, however the nasty beast seems to just travel faster under the circumstances (OOC: Aggressive. As a bonus action, the orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature it can see), closing the gap between he and Therarak in the blink of an eye.

The orc swings at the deep gnome, but the shifty alchemist ducks under the deadly path of the great axe.
01:04, Today: DM, for the NPC Orc 2, rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Great axe vs. Therarak.

Lazaret, having seen the large orc toppled by Celador, turns his attention to the final orc, currently matched against his svirfneblin companion. The tabaxi closes the gap with alarming speed. His rapier connects, slashing deep into the torso of the orc, who howls, then falls to the ground.

Combat is over. Three orcs defeated. Not an easy task for 4 first level characters!
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:28, Wed 19 Apr 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 60):

Well done, men! Thorfire, did you see Thererak's flames?! That orc was upon him so fast, but he stood his ground and just incinerated him. I've never seen anything like it.

And Celador, your arrows! Brilliant. I mean, after that first one anyway. Pretty sure Thorfire owes you his life today.

Did any of you see me slay the smelliest orc with my blade? Very satisfying.

Thorfire! You, uh, hid well for a time. Amazing. And you, uh, bleed better than any of us. Here. Allow me to tend to your gash.

After magically healing Thorfire, Lazaret turns his attention to the cart.

I'll bet those glass jars are on the cart somewhere...


06:26, Today: Lazaret rolled 6 using 1d8+3 ((3)) Cure Wounds - Thorfire regains 6hp.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:27, Wed 19 Apr 2017.

Celador puts his bow back over his shoulder, picks up his shield and quickly walks to where his companions are tending to Thorfire's wounds.

"That last arrow hit just in the nick of time, eh? I am glad I could put it to good use friend."

He walks around to the man who was pulling the cart, along the way, puling the first arrow from where it stuck in the side of the cart after missing the first orc. After close inspection he replaces it in his quiver.

"How are you, good sir? We came across your wife and children on our way out of Westbank and they informed us of your predicament. We sent them along to town. They should safely be there awaiting your arrival."

Celador offers him a drink from his waterskin.

In reply to Lazaret (msg # 61):

Turning to Lazaret & Celador While you poached my kill, I thank you for your help with the large orc.  He sure packed a punch with his rusty blade....I wonder if I should get a tetanus shot?

After returning his rapier to his belt, Thorfire turns to the man.  Hello my friend, we glad we found you alive.  Your wife and children are worried about you.  While we love hunting and killing orcs, we are pressed for time today.  On your recent journey, did you run into a hooden man or noticed any caves in these parts?

Whispering to Lazaret, Hurry up and grab your vials, we need to keep moving if we are going to get to the hooded man's cave and back before time runs out for the Kevril.

In reply to Thorfire Shortankard (msg # 63):

Let us continue in great haste.

Therarak searches the body of the fallen orcs to see if they carried anything useful or interesting.

19:27, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 7 using 1d20+3. Perception.

The man struggles to his feet and slides out from under a series of ill fitting straps and loops that he had used to clumsily pull the cart as far as he had. He takes a sip from Celador's waterskin, then staggers, suffering the effects of a clear beating at the hands of his captors. "I thank you, good friends. Your arrival is well timed. I don't think I would've survived much longer with those foul creatures. The news you bring of my wife and kids in good health and safety lightens my heart."


"I'm sorry, my halfling rescuer. I remember no hooded man from our journey. Nor any caves, although we stayed on the road for the whole of our journey for safety." He chuckles. "For what good that did us." He grimaces painfully, lowering himself to a knee.

Lazaret walks to the back of the cart and examines its contents. It contains various normal items: clothing, tools, a well crafted longsword, some small pouches, a backpack, and a chest. If there are any magical potions, they are concealed.

Therarak, meanwhile, examines the orcs. In total, they have 9 gold pieces and 46 silver. Each orc wears around his neck a leather strap with dark red tooth hanging from it, perhaps a symbol of some tribal affiliation. The necklaces have no value. The large orc wears a ring on his finger. It doesn't look magical, however it does contain a small emerald (estimated value 15 gp).
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:51, Thu 20 Apr 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 65):

Good sir, your wife mentioned some glass containers that you carry. She did not know exactly what they were and I see no glass containers here. I have traveled extensively and have always had a fondness for unusual or uncommon items. My friends and I have gone to great lengths to find you and, quite honestly, we have gone out of our way and perhaps have jeopardized our original task. Perhaps you would be so kind as to let us gaze upon your jars?

Still kneeling, still grimacing, Nordal looks up at the curious tabaxi. "Gaze upon my jars, eh?" He shakes his head. "Well, I suppose you're entitled. Help me to my feet and I will show you."

Out of the earshot of Nordal as he rummages through his belongings for this glass jars, Celador makes a case to the other adventurers that they need to be getting back on track,

"My friends, we mustn't stay too long here. I believe we were only half way to the bridge when we took this detour and we have lost maybe an hour of daylight. We should return to the road the way we came as best to not lose our direction and continue on toward the bridge. If we hurry we might still make it by midday. We can help this poor man get back to the road and we can try to get the cart back to the road as well, but I fear that will further delay us"

Celador looks back to the cart and Naldor.

"Thorfire, were you able to talk to the boy Kevril last night after the rest of us left the dungeon at Sister Gwenelon's? Did you get any additional information from him?"


22:57, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Insight to detect if Thorfire is telling the truth.

OOC: I assume we traveled due west off the road to Alaka at a distance of approximately 1 mile and we are approximately 1/2 the distance to the bridge from Westbank. Are we able to see any landmarks that would give the ability to travel in a north-easterly direction to get back toward the bridge and save a little time versus retracing our path from the road? Do we get bonus xp if we help get Naldor's cart back to the road?

This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Thu 20 Apr 2017.

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 68):

To Celador,

I know, my friend. We will be back on the road quite soon. Just a quick look though.

And to Nordal,

I hate to impose, but we are in quite a rush. Say! We saw your sword work back on the road. You are quite skilled. Perhaps you could join us? We are headed to...well...we are on something of a quest to find a cave...perhaps I've told you too much already, but we could use your blade. It will only take a day as we have to return to Westbank very soon. Your wife and children will be there waiting for us.

What say you?

06:40, Today: Lazaret rolled 21 using 1d20+5 ((16)) Persuasion
This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Thu 20 Apr 2017.

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 68):

"Celador my friend, Kevril didn't say much more than he told us.  To get to the cave, we turn west at the bridge, but there's not really a trail.  We continue to journey to the bigger hills and go over one or two of them.  We then look north, for an opening about 1/2 way up on the south side of a hill.


Thorfire gets his bearings and tries to find a path to the northeast rather than backtracking to the road.

09:34, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 10 using 1d20+0.  Survival.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Thu 20 Apr 2017.

Therarak reaches into his satchel and pulls out a healing potion and hands it to Thorfire.

Here my friend. This will help with your wounds, if you wish.

"Your offer is tempting, my good friend," Nordal responds, still kneeling. "Very tempting. However I'm afraid I won't be of much use to you as I am. The last ten hours at the end of that orc's whip have cost me dearly." He tries to stand, but fails, and with clenched teeth returns to a knee. "I'm afraid it will take all of my remaining strength simply to make it to Westbank."

Thorfire gazes to the north and examines the lay of the land. There are no obvious landmarks, however there are also no major obstacles to the north and east. The land is fairly flat and it wouldn't be difficult to take an angular path and eventually meet up with the Northern Trail.

OOC: It is a little before noon. Days are still long in these northern climes. Sunset about 7:00pm.