Whatever is left of the group after the night heads out at first light.

It's about 40 miles north-northeast over and around hills to reach Old Owl Well, so it'll take around 11-12 hours to get there, depending on how much you hustle, and barring any interruptions along the way.

Will Victor once again take the lead?

To start, Victor says, "I don't know some of you very well, and you don't know me. If anyone feels they should lead this here band, let me know. I prefer guarding the rear until a fight breaks out, anyway, to make sure the mages don't get ambushed. If we make a plan for battle, don't wait until an orc is breathing down yer neck to let us know you didn't like the plan. Speak up at the start, or stick to the plan. The rest of our lives may depend on it. That says, no plan survives contact with the enemy. If you cannot fulfill your roll in the plan, improvise! And last but not least, you all know where you belong in a fight. If we come across something simple, like a handful of goblins or a couple of ogres, don't wait for me to come up with a plan, just do your thing! Now, if I haven't talked you lot to death, are. You. Ready?"

Prizzard nods at key points and grins at the end, speaking loud enough for all to hear "I think the main battle plan is: Do what you do best, we'll come to understand each other in time.  By the looks of it, this party isn't exactly green."

And if it turns out we have enough mounts to make good time, Prizzard will offer turns in his saddle to help prevent fatigue, but nodody packed heavier than he is: 250lb with backpack and full gear.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Mon 23 Mar 2020.

Thressa sighs.

" You seem like a good leader to me. Just remember a good leader learns what members of his group fit what roles. "

"I'll take the lead," Mithra speaks up. "We don't seem to have a scout in the group, so we'll just have to take things head on."

"That's all right by me--that's the way I like it."

She finishes putting things back in her backpack, slings it over her shoulder and then looks around to see if everyone else is ready.

Victor says, "So, Stormraven in the lead, me in the back, Clothar and Sulaanin are mages-- I have a bit of magical training, myself, though I'm better with weapons-- anyone else? I know Wildflamme has some healing, as does Raventree. As for our more recent acquaintances, Prizzard is good with a blade... what about you, Ubo, Charoum?"

Charoum nods looking to victor. "I am capable of scouting and hunting, but also skilled with my blade and crossbow. He looks to his horse and smiles. "I have a few tricks to use while hunting evil as well."

The beautiful redhead pats the mace at her belt. "And though I may know how to heal, I also can smite discordant evil where it may stand", she says. "I can defend myself or stand in the front when needed."

At that moment, a tall humanoid figure with scales and two curved horns and a row of spines along his jaw makes his way to the party from the distance. He has a dark blue tint to his scaly skin and is clothed in a rather large leather armor set, with a backpack having a few supplies, alongwith a quarterstaff slung crossways across his huge frame and a handaxe in its holster in a loop of the belt of his simple worn cloth pants. His eyes are piercing & reptilian, with one having a blood red color, and the other of a strong yellow shade.

He approaches the group tentatively and speaks in a low soft baritone,
"Hello, I heard about your adventuring party, and I was hoping to join you guys and help you the best I can. I know a few neat spells, but I know my way around staffs and axes. I can defend myself and others as much as possible"

"Well aren't we popular, these days," says Victor after the scaled stranger speaks. "I'm Captain Victor Harkness, Neverwinter Infantry 42nd Division, retired. Who might you be?"

The scaled stranger subtly flares his nostrils before replying "I am Krivcrath Sparkfyre, belonging to the natural showmasters' clan of Clethtinthiallor. You can call me Kriv or Sparky. I come from a small offshoot settlement of our clan about a ways south from Neverwinter beyond the seas. I have come here to strike a fresh start and make my clan proud. For that, I would like to help by doing good to others, one adventure at a time. I suppose you could use an extra hand?" and slowly extends a large clawed & scaly hand, but in a relaxed posture.

"Damn confluence!" Mithra mutters under her breath.

"We really hope we don't need another hand," she replies to Kriv, "but the Fates seem determined to make it mandatory."

"Hello, Kriv. I'm Mithra Stormraven. Our adventuring group, as you called it, have been... um, requested by Sildar Hallwinter, the sheriff for this area, to see if there are any more Orcs around. We ran across a large force of them a few days ago, but, if there were that many then, there could be more by now."

She didn't have any reason to trust this newcomer, other than the fact that he wasn't an Orc, but, by her count, there had now been 42 'adventurers' that have entered this area since the core group--her, Victor, Cunaar, Lureene, Ero, and Thressa--had left Neverwinter as guards on those wagons... what was it? A week ago? Make that 44 with Charoum and now Kriv.

The spirit of adventure didn't seem to affect... or should that be infect? ...evil sorts. Not that they weren't around, but they weren't adventuring, they were looting or raiding.

She then introduced the others: "That's Lureene Raventree, Thressa Wildflame, Ero Sulaanin, Cunaar Clothar, Prizzard, and Charoum, who just joined us. Surprised you two didn't run into each other on your way here. Actually, I'm more surprised that you even found us, since we didn't know where we were going until last night."

"Anyway, welcome aboard. How about you take up a position in the middle of the group and guard the spellcasters? I'm not saying they need it, but it spreads out our fighters a little better."

"In that case, Prizzard, you can take point with me and help me scout."

"Can do, Mistress Stormraven." He mounted, as it seemed they were ready to move,

Kriv retracts his extended hand, but not before making a two-fingered salute of respect to the party. He advances towards the center position of the party and speaks, "Thank you, Mistress Stormraven. You're right by the way. The townsfolk only pointed in the general direction and it took me the better part of two days before I got lucky and found you guys. And you're also right in me taking the center position, and like I said, I'll do my best"

While Kriv was talking, he loosened the quarterstaff across his back, and twirled it around and made a few simple moves, taking care not to hit anyone. A faint yet unmistakeable cracking of bones could be heard from his wrists during this routine. Finally, he stopped his routine and kept the quarterstaff as a walking stick, which he did while he uttered his assurance of doing his best. With that, he methodically plodded to the center, making brief eye contact and smiles to all the party members before uttering,

"Shall we proceed?"

Victor gave Kriv a smile and a nod as he took his place. As the party began to move, he took up the rearguard, his trusty shield ready, and Lightbringer hanging at his hip.

Charoum mounted his horse looking around as they began to move. "You did little to hide your trail. I just made a few guesses as to the paths you would take." The nomad shrugs looking to Mithra. "Where would you have me Madam?"

As the party started moving, Kriv wondered, Mithra seems averse to having more help, so clearly neither I nor Charoum were the first to approach this party. Also, the way she talked about being 'requested' by the sheriff makes me think that there is more than just Orcs looting and pillaging here. Best case, its just a wild Orc clan leader. But, could it be something more?..............Well, we have to wait and see. One thing is strange though, Theresa looks odd. She seems to be magically touched, and not in a good way. Could she......could she be? She might know what I seek, but I need to wait and gain their confidence. Bahamut guide me
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Fri 27 Mar 2020.

11:56, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 12 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 8.  Investigation check.

Kriv decides to look around & on the path for any tracks other than the ones made by his newfound party.

13:20, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 14 using 1d20 with rolls of 14.  Insight check.

13:20, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 13 using 1d20 with rolls of 13.  Perception check.

13:19, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 3 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 1.  Nature check.

He mulls upon the strange way Mithra spoke about their mission, while also darting his vision about and trying to recall anything about the new landscape while also noticing if anything is amiss as the party continues to tread on.

"Right. Another addition to our group," she replies to Charoum. "I'm not much of a scout, either; I just take the front to provide a good target for any ambushers."

"Suppose, then, I hang back and let you and Prizzard scout ahead of us?"

Kriv could have heard some of the tales back in Neverwinter and Phandalin.

This area south and east of Neverwinter was a reasonably thriving area until the Orc invasions about 300 years ago laid waste to most of the region. It's only recently that the village of Phandalin was resettled. While the original group escorted wagons from Neverwinter to Phandalin, they were ambushed by goblins. They defeated the goblins and made it to Phandalin.

They were then asked to search for the missing Dwarven Rockseeker brothers whose own wagon to Phandalin never made it there.

In the course of searching for the Dwarves, they ran into a large contingent of Orcs. Over 100 encamped in between some hills. There were around 20 adventurers in the group at that time. After that epic battle, some took their loot and went back to Phandalin, some went off in search of more Orcs and adventure, and some continued looking for the Dwarves.


There isn't any path that the adventurers are following. There was only the trail that they left as they circled around one of the mountains. There is still no path in the direction they are heading. They are just aiming between the next pair of hills, heading for a place called Old Owl Well, which is at the head of a shallow valley about 40 miles away. It's just someplace to start, and it might be a place where Orcs go to get water.

The hills that you are passing through are the foothills of the mountain range to the south.  They are rolling hills, some a bit steeper or higher than others, mostly grass and scrub covered, but there are small stands of trees here and there.

Kriv finds no trace of animals, no tracks of Orcs, nothing out of the ordinary... except...

It's the lack of animals that concerns him. Small animals are still there, but nothing larger than a chipmunk or a vole seems to be around. Even most of the birds are absent from the area. That usually means there is some large predator around. He just hasn't seen any trace of it yet.

"I am not a trained scout but an extra pair of eyes would not harm our chances. Let us move, for the march is long."

Kriv took in his observations and spoke to Prizzard, "The best techniques are passed on by the survivors, Prizzard. We are all training now, out in the open."

He straightens up a bit, and pulses his scales before adding, "Speaking of an extra pair of eyes, I sense that there might be something larger and more dangerous than a bunch of Orcs nearby. Please be on the lookout for the same, Charoum and Prizzard. I'll stay in centre and keep looking for anything else."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:15, Sat 28 Mar 2020.

Anyone with Nature skill knows that 'larger' is relative to the area. Something like a panther can roam a larger area than its size would indicate, whereas a large monster would threaten a smaller area but do so more intently.

Kriv's evaluation indicates that it probably is a large monster. If it's nocturnal, though, it would be resting or sleeping in the daytime.

The group heads out, warily keeping an eye on the surroundings and terrain. The biggest problem with a large monster isn't an ambush but accidentally stumbling across them.

Passing through the dip between two hills forces the group to go almost due north, but the map indicates that Old Owl Well is a bit farther to the north anyway.

It's just as you round the hill that Charoum spots the two ogres. They appear to be camped in the dip between two hills off to your east. Since it was a possible route, Charoum was looking in that direction to begin with. Since he's in the lead, he is able to keep the others from coming into sight, but the ogres are busy eating 'breakfast' and don't spot him.

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 24):

Thressa nods and smiles as she is introduced then goes back to an alert status as she continues with the group.

Charoum does indeed return to the group and gather them close. "There is a pair of ogres a head on the trail currently they are eating. Would you like to go around or through them?" He whispers.

Prizzard remained ahead to keep a still and silent eye on the ogres.

Kriv hated the fact that he was right about his analysis, especially the fact that it was ogres. Right now, he had only one idea.
"I think it's best if we split up, but we take the same path. The first group will go forward, while the second will tail the first some distance behind. I suggest that Victor, Charoum, Wildflamme & Clothar will go first and Mithra, Prizzard, Lureene, Sulaanin & myself will go afterwards. This is just a suggestion, mind y'all."

"Am I to understand that we shall go through the ugly brutes, then?" says Lureene. "Before they find less well-armed goodly folk to prey upon? 'Tis a wise idea, and I am fine with your plan of two groups, though perhaps we should put most of our well-armored folk in the first and those with spells and projectiles in the second, along perhaps with someone to guard them."

Kriv startles a bit, then recovers and replies, "Actually, I was planning not to tackle them at all. I forgot to specify that we would go around them. However, you're right Lureene. It's better to kill these right now, than let them kill others. And you're right about the pattern we should follow. As for someone to guard, it'll be me."

Krivcrath then thinks for a few seconds before replying to Lureene, "I suggest that Mithra, Victor, yourself and Thressa go front. I will come alongwith Clothar, Sulaanin, Charoum & Prizzard. As far as orientation, Stormraven and Harkness will shield you and Wildflamme. For the second group, Charoum and Prizzard will lead, Clothar and Sulaanin will follow behind the scouts but slightly beside them, and I'll follow at last, sort of like a pentagon."

He then pauses and says, "These are just ideas, I think Harkness should decide on what would be best. We'll all follow his word."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:25, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

Although Mithra felt she was just as capable of taking point as Victor, she was well aware that he had more battle experience than she did, though, of late, she seemed to be catching up to him!

"It's always possible that the ogres will be reasonable," Mithra whispered back. "Yes, they have a well-deserved reputation for being savage brutes, but that isn't always the case."

"What I'd do is send the spellcasters up over the hill to attack them... if necessary... from above. The fighters can go forward, make noise, and otherwise distract the ogres until the spellcasters are in position."

"I'll let each of you decide which group you want to join. I'll be in the fighter group."

"Oh. One other thing. Does anyone know what language ogres speak? Can anyone here speak it?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:50, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

" Sounds good. hopefully I can get some better armor and a better weapon soon. "

In reply to Mithra Stormraven (msg # 32):

Krivcrath replies, "I'll stand with the mages. I'll keep watch and make sure they aren't overpowered. And, although I can't speak ogre, I can cast a spell to understand what they're speaking. Might I scout with either Prizzard or Charoum and learn what they are talking about, if any? That should help us understand their intentions in general."

He then readies himself with his hands ready to cast, and then tells to Stormraven, "Waiting for your command"

"Sometimes, they speak common. If they don't, chances are they'll attack anyone else who comes through here, if only to avoid being attacked first. We can try speaking to them, and if they are willing to simply let us pass, then we leave them be. Hells, they might even know something about orc activity in the area, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Either way, I'll go in front this time, so if they attack, they'll attack me. I can put up a momentary magical shield to deflect the initial assault, if need be. Better to use my meager spellcasting skills before taxing our healers," said Victor.

Those who can cast arcane spells have the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end as a surge of wild magic suddenly seems to flood the area. A few of you may recognize the sensation as similar to the ones that you felt in the mine when people were teleporting in and out... apparently randomly.

And here it goes again!

Five adventurers reappear all at once, standing next to each other, looking as surprised as the rest of you. You recognize Tas and Ezguar and Vilderhardt and Axia and Wendell. Then they flicker and are gone again.

Then Aria Moonshadow drops... literally, having been teleported about 5 feet in the air and dropping to the ground.

Then Myrtha and Rihala materialize several feet away.

Then Maldor and Zhao appear, followed a few feet away by someone you don't recognize.

Aria vanishes just as Marianna and Mikal materialize.

Rihala vanishes as a golden stag appears in her place.

Zhao disappears, as does Mikal and Myrtha.

Then Maldor vanishes. A few seconds later, Marianna and the golden stag also vanish.

That leaves only the person no one recognizes.

Before anyone can react, there's a roar from up ahead as two ogres stomp around the hill, bellowing.

[Language unknown: "Eiro t ill o pasaof a?"] one of them yells.

The second one responds: [Language unknown: "Na, oul, Onect! Aiilos!"]

The tiefling that appeared, a young woman, looked around in confusion, and closes her eyes with more annoyance than anything. She looks at the others with a smile. The young girl had black hair, shoulder length, with dark horns sweeping back over her head. Her eyes are a mix of light blue and misty white.

Her clothes consisted of dark leather boots, grey linen pants and a dark purple robe with white and light blue trim. In her hand was a staff of oak topped with a light purple orb on the end.

She looks at the sounds of the ogres and again winced. "Oh damnit." she mutters
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Sat 04 Apr 2020.

Prizzard mounts and returns at a full gallop, bow ready.

Well, that answered the question of what language the ogres spoke, as Ero recognized the bellowing as Gigantic.

"The first one is confused and the second one thinks we are lunch," Ero explained to the others as he stepped forward.

[Language unknown: "Ul wereauous waos t linthutho t meri ver in rianck ive o lliohetawa prooutoreeauher!"] he yells up at the ogres in Gigantic.

His intent was to confuse and distract the ogres for a moment to allow his fellow adventurers a moment to regroup.

Victor takes as non-aggressive posture as a heavily armed and armored man can take. He ignores the tiefling for the moment. No one hostile had teleported into the midst of his group so far, so he figured the ogres for the bigger threat. "Do you speak common?" Victor shouts at the Ogres, followed by, [Language unknown: "San shesanher Ver?"]

The tiefling, seeing the ogres weren't attacking straight away, and the elf and humans began making her way towards the humanoids. She didn't know any of these people but knew her saftey lied with them.

When she made her way to them, she turned looking at the ogres, but spoke to the others. "Never thought when I woke, I'd be sucked through a portal in front of ogres." she smiled as she grasped her staff.

"I'll help however I can."

"Here we go again," Mithra mutters as new people suddenly start showing up.

"Okay, old people, new people, and whatever the heck that stag was about!"

As she waited for the others to either parley with the ogres or for the ogres to attack, she eased over to the newcomer... a female Tiefling.

"Mithra Stormraven. We're searching the whole area for the return of Orcs... at the behest of Sheriff Sildar Hallwinter of the Lords' Alliance."

"Are you here treasure hunting or just adventuring?"

Thressa, being an Aasimar was a little concerned about the new Tiefling. Her hand gribs her Great axe tighter.

The tiefling smiled at Mitha, seemingly not phased by the woman's irritation of someone new. "Well met Mithra....I was once known as Galeyrn, but now go by the name 'Hope', a lovely name my adoptive father gave to me when i was young. He found me on a...."

she looked at the serious woman, and smiled weakly. "Sorry, i digress. Anyway, i was reading a tome from Margo the healer and returned it to her. While walking home I heaed a buzz and saw darkness....next thing i know i am between you all and some ogres."

She looked at Mithra with an apologetic smile. "I am sorry, but i've never heard of Sheriff Sildar Hallwinter or the Lords' Alliance. In fact I don't even know where 'here' is!

She noticed the assimar looking at her and Hope smiled and waved. "Hello"  It was clear she either didn't notice the tightening grip on the greataxe, or was not phased by it.

"Nah, he don't speak no Common," the first ogre seems to reply to Victor. "We eat you for lunch!"

He then looks at Ero.

"What is... gastro... what you said. Gestion... bad for tum-tum! Ha-ha-ha! We eats anything!"

Somewhat unexpectedly, he takes a sudden swing at Ero... but his aim is way over Ero's head.

[Language unknown: "Il. T mawert sssana ee hat ec les.] "Sulaanin, behind me!" He steps forward and swings Lightbringer at the ogre's knee.

22:10, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 20,12 using 1d20+6,1d6+6 with rolls of 14,6.  Lightbringer attack,  damage.

"Lureene Raventree, priestess of the Lady Firehair", said the lovely redhead in gleaming mail armor. Her mace was in hand, as was her shield with the effigy of Sune. "If I may interject, further introductions and explanations should await after we deal with these ogres!"

Krivcrath, after hearing the clear intention of the ogre to eat him, immediately takes a battle stance. He readies a small flicker of purplish flame in one hand and takes his trusty dagger in the other hand. He then greets the newcomer tiefling, "Good to meet you, Hope. I'm Krivcrath Sparkfyre, call me Kriv. We'll show these ogres what we're made of, shall we?" and gives a toothy smile before quickly narrowing his eyes and focusing on the ogres
This message was last edited by the player at 05:35, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

The tiefling, nodding at Kriv and Lureene, reached into a pouch into her hip, speaking in a strange elemental language. In her hand, a small diamond, she held it out in front of her.

Within seconds,  a small sphere of yellowish energy erupted, speeding towards the ogres, but shooting between the two. Hope's smile of casting this  spell first time faded as it missed.

<OOC: Hope rolled 9 using 1d20+7 - attack (Chromatic orb)>
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Wed 29 Apr 2020.

Although the spell was impressive, Kriv knew that this would attract the full attention of the ogres. However, they need to keep the offensive pressure on, now that it's started, so he runs towards the ogres until he's close enough and focuses on the purplish flame in his hand, making it into a huge ball of eldritch energy before blasting it at the ogre to the left, but it whizzes past the ogre's arm. Cursing, he suddenly looks back before vanishing in the blink of an eye and reappearing back by Hope's side.


Action: Eldritch Blast on left ogre
14:02, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 11 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 5. 

Bonus Action: Cast Misty Step, return to original position

This message was last edited by the player at 08:35, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

Calling an ogre 'dim-witted' was an insult to dim-witted people everywhere, so Ero hadn't expected any indication of intelligent ratiocination from the two barbaric brutes before him.

As the combat specialists stepped forward, Ero stepped back, managing to duck under the one ogre's swing. After all, he wasn't one of them!

He quickly ran through his daily repertoire of spells, deciding that with the sudden increase in size of the party, he didn't need to use his more powerful spells. He could save them for the masses of Orcs they were bound to run into.

He held out his hands, thumbs touching, fingers spread, and muttered his arcane incantation.

"Ipso facto! Zippity-doo-dah!"

A 15' cone of flame shot out from his fingers at the farthest ogre as he directed the cone in such a way that it would avoid striking Victor.

14:09, Today: Ero Sulaanin rolled 4 using 2d6 ((2,2)). Holy Crappola! That dice roll sucked! Oh, well, it could have been worse... could have rolled snake eyes. Bleh. And he still gets to save for half!

Maybe I should try different magic words...

Prizzard slid from his horse and attempted to fire his bow on one, but nocked the arrow poorly and it went nowhere. He nocked again, shooting this time but firing badly. (Action Surge)

rolled 6,7 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 1,4.  Attack: Longbow.
rolled 7,4 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 2,1.  Attack: Longbow.

Not that she had much experience with ogres, but Mithra didn't see how this was going to turn out any other way.

She charges forward and swings at the ogre on the left.

23:00, Today: Mithra Stormraven rolled 20,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((15,4)).

That should be a hit! She'll spend one of her superiority dice for a distracting strike.

23:02, Today: Mithra Stormraven rolled 7 using 1d8 ((7)).

That should be 14 points of damage. Plus, if Victor attacks, he has Advantage against the same ogre.

((OOC: Thanks to everyone else's bad dice rolls! Usually, Mithra's the one that rolls badly!))

Thressa smiles and then casts Guiding Bolt. The target is wreathed in light , making next attack on target have advantage.

" Burn in the Holy Light of Aumanator. "





22:47, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 14 using 4d6 with rolls of 2,5,6,1.  Guiding Bolt damage.

22:47, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 22 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 16.  Guiding Bolt.


This message was lightly edited by the player at 07:11, Sun 19 Apr 2020.

Lureene charged with her mace and, calling to the Lady Firehair, followed up after Mithra and struck the same ogre with all her might. Unfortunately, she missed completely and had to stumble to avoid an ungraceful fall.

OOC: 01:44, Today: Lureene Raventree rolled 6,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 1,4.  Attack upon the ogre.

Oof.

The first round of combat turned out to almost be a draw, as half of the adventurers didn't fare too well. Even the other half was barely successful.


The first ogre is on the right as he came forward first. The second ogre came up behind him on the left. Victor, Ero and Mithra all managed to hit the ogre on the left. Even Lureene had targeted that one... and missed.

It was the ogre on the right that Thressa targeted. Anyone who attacks him will have Advantage.

Although surprised at the 'unexpected' resistance of the adventurers, the ogres recover a bit more quickly than expected, and swing their great clubs at the attackers.

ATTACK: 18:40, Today: StarMaster rolled 25,21 using 1d20+8,1d20+8 ((17,13)).

DAMMAGE: 18:45, Today: StarMaster rolled 13,16 using 2d8+4,2d8+4 ((3,6,6,6)).

Oh, great! So the dice roller saved the GOOD dice rolls for the ogres!

The ogre on the left attacks Victor... and hits for 13 points of damage.

The ogre on the right, because no one else was engaging him in melee, can only swing at Mithra, who came up behind Victor on his left. It hits her for 16 points of damage.

Victor will also have Advantage attacking the ogre on the left due to Mithra's distracting hit.

Hope was distracted by the new people, and the simple fact she had never cast that spell threw her a bit. Despite that, she saw the ogres attacking people and her resolve steeled. She grasped her orb and again chanted, the orb in her hand growing hot. She fixed her gaze on the ogre attacking Mithra, and holding the orb out straight, sent three red bolts of energy out.

The first hit solidly to the ogre, the second missed, and the third hit again.

<OOC: Hope rolled 22, 15 using 1d20+7. Attack - Scorching ray 1
Hope rolled 11, 13 using 1d20+7.  Attack - Scorching ray 2
Hope rolled 21, 10 using 1d20+7. Attack - Scorching ray 3

Hope rolled 8 using 2d6.  Damage - Scorching ray.
Hope rolled 5 using 2d6.  Damage - Scorching ray.>
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Wed 29 Apr 2020.

As soon as the ogre on the right attacked Mithra, Krivcrath immediately points a scaly clawed finger at him as a reaction and immediately engulfs the ground beneath that ogre in hellish flames. He then readies and launches a purplish blast with barely hits the ogre, thereby just singeing a small part of the ogre's thick hide.

Cursing his luck again, he decides to forego spellcasting for the hands-on hack-and-slash method and unholsters his dagger and handaxe and keeps it in his left and right hands respectively, ready for his next move.


Reaction: Hellish Rebuke on right ogre. DEX save of 14, 17 damage on fail, half on success
Action: Eldritch Blast on right ogre for only 1 damage (smh stupid dice roller)

11:14, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 17 using 3d10 with rolls of 8,6,3.  Hellish Rebuke Damage.
11:12, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 19 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 13,11.  Eldritch Blast Attack
11:14, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 1 using 1d10 with rolls of 1.  Eldritch Blast Damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Sat 18 Apr 2020.

Even though she was more-or-less expecting the blow from the ogre, the impact spun her around and nearly knocked her to the ground, but she somehow kept her balance. She could probably only take one or two more hits like that, though, so time to make it count!

The flashing blade of her rapier snapped out at the ogre again, this time with a Commander's Strike. And missed!

ATTACK + DAMAGE: 19:01, Today: Mithra Stormraven rolled 7,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((2,4)).

Seeing the success of the newcomer, Kriv, and his drawing weapons, she decides to direct the Commander's Strike benefit his way... to see what he's made of.

"Damn! Missed! But that's your opening, Kriv! Stick him where it hurts!"

Kriv gets a reaction attack against the ogre and adds +1d8 to the damage.

Victor shook off the pain from the ogre's attack, and retaliated with an attack of his own, and then, in a surge of speed, pressed the attack.

Bonus Action: Second wind to heal 5
Action: Attack ogre with Lightbringer, hitting AC 21 for 9 damage.
Action Surge:  Attack ogre with Lightbringer, hitting AC 23 for 9 damage.


15:24, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 9 using 1d6+6 with rolls of 3.  Lightbringer damage.

15:23, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 23 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 13,17.  Lightbringer attack,  advantage.

15:30, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 21,9 using 1d20+6,1d6+6 with rolls of 15,3.  Lightbringer attack,  damage.

15:25, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 5 using 1d10+4 with rolls of 1.  Second wind.

The crowd grows thick around the ogres so Prizzard tosses the bow in a safe direction and moves to join Victor. With all of the people around he may need to weave a bit.

rolled 11,17,13 using d20+5,d20+5,1d8+5 with rolls of 6,12,8.  Acrobatics, Attack: Rapier.

Willem had been tracking the ogres for days, ever since he’s found what was left of the hamlet they had all but destroyed for their sport. The survivors had pointed out their direction of travel and he had followed. He wanted to help, but he was no healer and certainly no builder, so the best he could do was slay the beasts and prevent them returning for another sortie.

The ogres had not been difficult to track, leaving a trail of destruction behind them. Broken trees and large footprints, even one with basics skills such as he was able to follow their path. But they were faster than he had surmised, and he had yet to lay eyes on them.

Finally as he crested a rise he heard a noise. Battle! Somewhere up ahead was the sound of steel clashing. He dug his heels into the flanks of his steed, Draxus. The bay gelding picked up the pace and he began to canter down the path. Turning the bend he saw the fight ahead. Two giant ogres, surrounded by a motley assortment of... well, all sorts from what he could see. Adventurers, probably, seeking fame and fortune. No matter, they were doing him a service if they had delayed the monsters.

He dug his heels in again and picked up the pace, urging Draxus into a gallop. As he approached he begin to swing his mighty hammer, preparing to strike. As he charged he hollered, “Torm guide my hand!”

——

Anyone looking up the path will hear and see a warrior dressed in grey on a horse, charging down and looking likely to enter the fray. He has a grey shield and is swinging a mean-looking warhammer.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:27, Sun 19 Apr 2020.

Lureene gasps at the sudden appearance of the Torm-worshipping knight, but she has her own battle to attend to. As neither of the warriors by her side seem to be critically injured, she decides the best course of action is to prevent further injury as fast as possible. "Sune's grace come to my aid", she invokes, and her golden transluscent hammer appears by her side. This swings at the ogre targeting Mithra, while she continues to attack her own opponent.

OOC: Cast Spiritual Weapon as a bonus action, then attack with mace.

23:33, Today: Lureene Raventree rolled 25,8 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 20,5.  Mace attack.

My, I do believe that is a crit! Since I rolled the wrong die for damage (maces do 1d6), I'll just roll 2d6 for the crit:
23:35, Today: Lureene Raventree rolled 12 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,3.  Mace damage (with critical hit).

23:36, Today: Lureene Raventree rolled 13,11 using 1d20+6,1d8+4 with rolls of 7,7.  Spiritual Weapon attack and damage.

It wasn't so much that he was reluctant to enter the fray, it was just that he was horrible at melee combat. He could take a hit or two, but he was so bad at hitting back that it wound up being 7 or 8 hits. Seven he could take... maybe. Eight would certainly kill him.

Besides, it was getting a bit crowded.

Most of the effort seemed to be directed at just the one ogre. Guess it made sense. Finish off one at a time.

He tried another Fire Bolt on the other ogre, though, just to distract him.

11:07, Today: Cunaar Clothar IV rolled 16,9 using 1d20+5,1d10 ((11,9)).

Now that's what I'm talking about! A hit (I hope!) and lots of damage. Usually when he hits, it's only for 1 or 2 points.

"Take THAT, you filthy animals!" he shouts at the ogres.

Somehow, he and Cunaar had wound up next to each other. He doubted the pair of them presented any great threat to the ogres, but it made things... interesting.

"I was contemplating a similar strategy, Friend Cunaar, but considered a more frigid incantation to be effective, particularly in conjunction with your own incandescent invocation."

"Sim sala bim!"

11:25, Today: Ero Sulaanin rolled 25,1 using 1d20+5,1d8 ((20,1)).

An astonishing approbation! Most certainly a hit, and, if I understand the GM's house rule correctly, a critical hit does maximum damage (even if the actual roll sucks)! Makes sense, too, with the 'fire and frost' attack. So, 8 points of damage to the ogre!

Oh, and the ogre's speed is reduced by 10 feet until Ero's next turn.

The 1-2-3-4-5 attack from Hope, Krivcrath, Victor, Prizzard and Lureene dropped the ogre to -12 hp (from the 74 he started with).

...Just as another newcomer comes charging onto the scene. Since an ogre on horseback would be absurd (and require a really BIG horse!), and an ally of the ogres almost as absurd, the newcomer is most likely another 'lost' adventurer.

The remaining ogre was targeted by Cunaar and Ero, but he's still standing. ((Ogre #1: 68hp -14 (Thressa) - 9 (Cunaar) -8 (Ero) = 37hp remaining.))

Because of everyone's positioning, Ogre #1 can't quite reach any of the melee combatants even though his pal has fallen down. Additionally, the three attacks against him from all from range, so he can't reach them. But, they are the ENEMY, so he rushes forward to attack them. He just can't cover that much ground in one round.

However, if Grey wants to distract the ogre with his charge, he can do that.

Krivcrath tries to attack the Ogre that is still standing with a ranged magic blast, but he is distracted by the arrival of the newcomer on horseback that his aim goes way off.

08:36, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 8,6 using 1d20+6,1d10 with rolls of 2,6.  Eldritch Blast Attack & Damage.

Prizzard manuvers into range and out of the way of the heavy hitters, then throws a dart wide.

rolled 7,7 using d20+5,d4+3 with rolls of 2,4.  Dart Attack.

Again holding out her staff, the crystal orb at the end the focus of her power, she spoke almost from instinct, a blue white orb erupting towards the last ogres, missing the beast, the tiefling furrowed her brow in frustration
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Wed 29 Apr 2020.

As Draxus galloped forward, Willem saw one ogre fall. The other had been wounded by the group of adventurers, but still stood. It was enraged and advanced upon them. Sensing an opportunity, Willem adjusted the reins with his shield hand and surged past the ogre, swinging his heavy warhammer in an arc as he did so.

His plan worked. The head of the hammer slammed into the head of the beast as he rode by, catching it a nasty looking blow.

He galloped upon to a safe distance before wheeling his mount around and surging back for another go.

Mounted attack with warhammer (1H) and shield.  To sure if any modifiers apply so please advise if necessary.
08:02, Today: Grey Willem rolled 10 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 5.  Bludgeoning damage from warhammer.
08:00, Today: Grey Willem rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13.  Attacking ogre while charging on horseback.

Victor moves forward to engage the Ogre, but misjudges the beast's movements, missing with his mace.

02:15, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 7,9 using 1d20+6,1d6+6 with rolls of 1,3.  Lightbringer attack,  damage.

"That spell went well, didn't it, Spinner?" Cunaar addresses the spider perched on his shoulder.

"How about it, Ero? Shall we try that again?"

The fire and frost combination had worked well last time, so perhaps it would again. Thus, once more, he cast Firebolt at the ogre.

14:38, Today: Cunaar Clothar IV rolled 22,6 using 1d20+5,1d10 ((17,6)).

I do believe that's another hit! Cunaar and his familiar thank all the rest of you for your misses, for without them, I'm quite sure he never would have hit anything.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a vague glimpse of the other ogre's movements, which seemed to be a tad sluggish... not he had been particularly quick to begin with. Perhaps that was one of the reasons he had chosen to advance toward the spellcasters... the ones that had hurt him... rather than towards Mithra and Victor and the others... she was still trying to sort them all out in her head.

And then the charger had arrived! She'd lost all ability to be surprised by now, after having triggered that pent up magic in the mine. At least, he hadn't suddenly materialized via some errant teleport surge. That was almost refreshing.

And he'd wailed into the ogre with a ferocity that seemed to have a tinge of vengeance to it. Interesting.

Like Victor, she had to close the distance to the ogre, and did so, swing her rapier once again.

14:50, Today: Mithra Stormraven rolled 15,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((10,7)).

Ha! A decent stab for a change!

"Most assuredly," Ero confirmed his willingness to repeat his and Cunaar's previous spell pairing.

"A reiteration of our spell confluence may eliminate yon creature ere he confounds us with that deciduous truncheon he endeavors to bludgeon us with."

15:02, Today: Ero Sulaanin rolled 14,1 using 1d20+5,1d8 ((9,1)).

A frosty strike for pitiful damage! However, his slowness continues!

Grumble, grumble. Wrote this post once and went to post it and it vanished into the ether due to a Gateway error. And there's some sort of delay with my keyboard now.



So... Wow. 4 hits and 4 misses. I was waiting for the others to post. And it looks like Charoum has been teleported out.

Krivcrath missed.

Hope missed.

Prizzard missed.

Victor missed.

However, another newcomer came charging in--Grey hit the ogre for 13 point of damage (ogre: 37-13=24hp).

Then Cunaar's Firebolt struck for 6 points of damage (ogre: 24-6=18hp).

Mithra then hit the ogre for 7 points of damage (ogre: 18-7=11hp).

Ero's Ray of Frost struck  for 1 point of damage (ogre: 11-1=10hp).


This time, it was easy for the ogre to know who hurt him the most, and, fortuitously, the mounted warrior came charging back. The ogre swung his club at the charging Grey and scored a hit--for 15 points of damage.

18:05, Today: StarMaster rolled 23,15 using 1d20+6,2d8+4 with rolls of 17,6,5.

Hope watched on as the newcommer was hit hard by the ogre. Up until now, Hope had been lucky, her innate magic holding to her whims. She closed her eyes and centered her mind, holding her staff with the orb on top, she again cast a spell, sending a blue orb cascading to the beast

<OOC:Casts chromatic  orb - cold damage

Hope rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13.  Attack - Chromatic orb.

Hope rolled 15 using 3d8 with rolls of 7,4,4.  Damage - Chromatic Orb.

This message was last edited by the player at 22:55, Wed 29 Apr 2020.

Krivcrath, seeing the newcomer on horseback get struck down, realises that errant shooting will cost a life, so he takes a deep breath, focuses, and launches a large magical blast of energy at the ogre head-on


Action: Eldritch Blast

11:22, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 15,7 using 1d20+6,1d10 with rolls of 9,7.  Eldritch Blast Attack & Damage.

Thressa attempts to Eldritch Blast again.



23:08, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 4 using 1d10 with rolls of 4.  Eldritch Blast damage.

23:08, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 20 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 14.  Eldritch Blast

Willem’s satisfaction at striking a hefty blow on the ogre was short lived. As he turned his horse to return for a second attack he realised to his horror that he had wheeled early. His haste cost him, and before he could swing his shield into a defensive position, the beast’s huge cudgel slammed into his side.

He grimaced in pain and aborted his attack, instead urging Draxus out of the fray. Now out of harms way he turned again to face his foe. As he did so he regathered his thoughts and prepared to charge again. He paused momentarily to observe the adventurers launch a volley of magical spells at the beast. Clearly they were well versed in the mystic arts!

Used Second Wind to regain HP.
07:32, Today: Grey Willem rolled 7 using 1d10+3 with rolls of 4.  Second Wind.

Victor knew the battle was almost done. He circled the ogre, waiting for the moment it began to fall, raised his shield and shoved with all his might to ensure it didn't fall on anyone.

The 1-2-3 spell attack from Hope, Krivcrath and Thressa easily finished off the ogre... dead before he hit the ground as directed by Victor's effort to keep the ogre from falling on anyone.

Under the circumstances, it's easy enough to avoid the ogre falling on you. Most of the group isn't even close enough.

The 26 points of damage to the ogre from the three spells dropped him to -16hp, so it's pretty obvious that he's quite dead.

As the second ogre collapsed to the floor, apparently very dead indeed, Willem circled his mount and approached the group. He lowered his hammer, but didn’t yet sheathe it.

“Well met adventurers! My thanks go to you all. I’ve been tracking these beasts for days after they destroyed a village over yonder.” He gestured behind him with his grey shield. “I am Willem, of the Holy Protectors of Torm.”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:22, Sat 02 May 2020.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Krivcrath.", the draconic individual says, giving a short welcoming salute.

Victor raised his fist to his chest in a warrior's salute, "Captain Victor Harkness, Neverwinter Infantry 42nd Division, retired. Well met, Willem. We were sent from Phandalin, hunting orcs, but if these brutes destroyed a village, I'm more than happy to have helped put them down."

Hope, sighing with a smile, looked at Kriv. "That was the first time I've really used them spells...."

She looks over the dragonborn with a smile. "Never met a dragonborn either....my lucky day"

She looks at the other newcomers and smiles. 'My name is Hope"

Kriv returns Hope's smile and extends his hand, "Pleased to meet you and to fight alongside you, Hope. There's always a first time for everything is it not?", while giving a short bow.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:44, Sat 02 May 2020.

" I am Thressa Wildflamme, or the Wildflamme Thressa, a Warlock of Aumantator. May the Wisdom of His Brilliance guide your steps in life. "

Thressa steps forward and extends her free hand as her Great Axe disappears.

"Hail and well met, Willem! I am Mithra Stormraven," the warrioress says.

"We actually started out as guards for two supply wagons leaving Neverwinter for the town of Phandalin. We got drawn into the search for the lost Wave Echo Cave by offering to find and then rescuing two Dwarves. As Victor said, we were also checking the area to see if the Orcs had returned."

"While we've encountered a small Orc army and defeated them, we have yet to determine if they are back in force or if that was just some sort of advanced scouting party."

"That's what we were about when we found these two ogres. I really didn't want to kill them, but they didn't leave us any choice."

Hope looked around with a bit of a sad face, then back over her shoulder. "I would love to stay and help you all, but this has shown me that I'm not yet ready for my own adventure."

She smiled at the group. "....at least I can tell my father I helped kill a couple of ogres. "

The woman sighed, and turned walking down the path. She turned and waved to the group and continued.

<OOC: don't fear people....i will be back, just not as hope>

Walking after his errant dart, Prizzard waved with a short introduction: "Prizzard"

After a quick survey of the area, Ero speaks up.

"Greetings and felicitations! I am Ero Sulaanin, Wizard par Excellence," he introduces himself to Willem even as Hope departs.

"*sigh* Was it something I said?"

"I do not perceive any convenient excavatory location to inter these beastly corpses, so best we drag them aside and let Nature take care of them."

"Perspicacious observation of the creatures' temporary abode reveals a captive. It might only be a large rat, but we should examine it post haste. And, while we are at it, we can rummage through their meager belongings for interesting valuables."

"A giant rat, you say?" Cunaar peers in the direction Ero was looking.

"Wait! You mean it's still alive? Not that I'm a big fan of rats, but I don't like seeing animals tortured. Come on, Prizzard! Let's go see what's up with the ogre camp! From the way those ogres smell, better hold your nose!"

Cunaar heads for the ogre camp... or what passes for it. He's still wary, though. Probably not any more ogres, but who knows what else could be lurking. He wouldn't put it past an ogre to have a pet warthog or something.

"Are those supposed to be bedrolls? A dirty tattered blanket...  Ewww! I don't want to know what those stains are! And a rock for a pillow! Well, I suppose it's softer than their heads!"

Entering the ogre camp you see the captive in question, but this was no rat.

Struggling against numerous bonds a dimunite figure moved around, grunting a groaning, their back to you. Struggling, the figure turns to reveal a female gnome.

The woman stopped struggling to look at you, her black choppy shoulder length hair mirrored her hazel eyes, a look of determination and anger at her predicament now turning to suprise.

Her clothes were simple....black linen pants, a dark grey tunic that had sleeves that just came to her elbows. The figure had dirt covering her, as well as rope tied at her wrists, ankles, thighs, arms and torso as well as a gag in her mouth.....it was apparent they wanted her to stay where she was.

Not too far from her against a rick was a pile of gear, judging from their size, hers. A set of dark grey studded leather armor, a pair of black leather boots, a belt that held several weapons including a short sword, several daggers and a hand crossbow and a backpack.

The gnome looked at the party and her face of surprised turned to a scowl of irritation, grunting and raising her eyebrows, shru

At the mention of a 'giant rat', Mithra scowls a moment before striding over to the camp to see for herself.

"Ha! A rat, indeed!" she exclaims upon spying the trussed up Gnome. "More like an appetizer. No wonder the ogres wanted to eat us. They were expecting us to be the main course. I guess we just didn't agree with them. Ha-ha-ha!"

She continues on over to the Gnome, decides the rope isn't work saving, draws her dagger and begins cutting it off the Gnome.

"Harumph. I don't, but Victor rescues damsels in distress. I guess Willem does, too."

"You can tell us your story in a bit," she adds as she offers her waterskin to the woman.

"I'm Mithra Stormraven. Adventurer, scout and warrior, as the situation calls for."

The gnome woman rolls her eyes as Mythra cut her bonds, and removed her gag with a gasp. "Damn me it's good to move again!" she glared at the human with a frown. "What in the gods name were ye doing with those stupid oafs....fighting them or playing with them?"

The gnome stood wincing, stretching her arms, going over to her gear, smiling. She slipped on her boots and armor. "My name is Nyssia." she says, taking stock if her gear. She smiled when she noted it all there, but swore shortly after. "The brainless goblin kissers broke two of my vials....i told them to be careful!" she placed her hands on her hips, sighing and shaking her head. "...at least there's three left." she said to herself.

She looks around and moves from one rock to another, stopping at the third rick, a large one. She smiled. "Stupid bastards have no imagination" She looks at the new group.

"Help me move this rock....i saw them put something under this."

Victor heads over and begins trying to move the rock, introducing himself on the way."Captain Victor Harkness, Neverwinter Infantry 42nd Division, retired," he said, as he clearly had so many times before.

"That's one of the reasons I studied magic," Cunaar quips. "I need magic just to lift a broom!"

"So, don't look at me for help moving that rock."

Krivcrath looks at the gnome with vague interest and says, "I could give you a hand to help, if you'd like"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Mon 04 May 2020.

"Ha-ha. Yes, wizards are known for their strength of mind, not strength of arm," Mithra responds, but she moves over to help with the rock.

"If Victor and I can't get it, then we may need your help, Krivcrath, although I'm not sure all of us can get a handle on it. The ogres had an advantage of height."

The ogre has a Strength of 19 (+4) but he was also proficient in Strength due to his size and leverage. In order to move the stone, a combined modifier of +6 was need. Nyssia, of course, wasn't much help, but Victor and Mithra both have a +3 modifier, so the two of them are able to wrangle the stone out of the hole.

It looks like the stone had been embedded in the ground to begin with, and the ogre had picked it up and moved it aside, scooped out a couple handfuls of dirt, and then replaced the stone after depositing a sack in the hole he'd scooped out.

If anyone was expecting a treasure chest or a pile of gold jewelry, they are sadly disappointed.

The dirty and rough burlap sack holds whatever the ogres considered valuable, which could be rocks and sticks and dead animals.

The rogue watched on as the two moved the rock,revealing the area. Without hesitation, she nimbly reached in and took out the empty looking sack.

Nyssia almost had a disapointed look as she opened it and reached in, looking at its contents, removing anything that is in it for everyone to see

Once the sack is lifted out of the hole, it's clear that it isn't empty, both by the lumpiness and the weight, which is more than just an empty sack.

Nyssia reaches into the bag to pull out what is in there. She doesn't want to just dump it out in case there's something breakable in there.

The first thing she pulls out is a copper brooch with a small red stone in the center. It doesn't look all that valuable, but it does seem like something an ogre would consider 'pretty'.

Since there appears to be more in the sack, Nyssia reaches in and pulls out another item. It seems larger and heavier and it's... a sword!

Nyssia pulled out the brooch, eyeing it with a trained eye, and placed it on the ground. She reached in again and her brow furrowed.

"What in the nine hells..." she muttered as she pulled the next item from the sack.

...a sword.

She looked around, but placed it on the ground, feeling more in there, continued

The gnome keeps pulling out items of the sack.

Next item is a ratty looking brown hat, which she looks at with confusion. Next is a red cape which she raises an eyebrow at. Following us a set of horseshoes tied together with a pair of leather. As she placed them on the ground, she speaks. "This sack is more than it appears...holds more than it should."

She continues pulling items out and placing them on the ground. A small chime, a red leather pouch, a pair of gloves, a set of studded leather armor, a brown pouch, a pair of metal gauntlets, a mace, a maroon pouch, a small bottle, a small metal circlet and finally a cloak.

She reached in and nods. "That's all of it "

<OOC: what was pulled out of the sack

A set of Horseshoes, a bottle, a mace, a hat, a pair of Gauntlets, a long sword, a circlet, a small chime, a Brooch, a cape, a Cloak, a set of Studded Leather and a pair of Gloves>
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:42, Mon 04 May 2020.

Willem greeted the adventurers, snapping a smart salute to Victor when the old soldier offered his formal greeting. Seeing that they planned on entering a large cave he dismounted, securing his shield and hammer on the saddle.

Upon entering the cave he looked around, wrinkling his nose upon the foul smell. Before he could offer to move aside the heavy stone the others had set to the task, displaying a feat of some strength to move the large rock.

As the newly rescued gnome began to deposit trinkets upon the floor he couldn’t help but be drawn to the gauntlets. His were old and worn, though still serviceable, so he walked over and picked them up, inspecting them for damage to see if they were of interest.

As he looked he greeted Nyssia. “Well met milady, I am Willem. How is it that that sack held all these things? There is no sense to it.”
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Mon 04 May 2020.

"Magic, Wardancer. A magic bag." By now Prizzard had retrieved his bow and horse with time to spare for getting his clothing in order.

Victor said, "I wouldn't recommend putting any of that on 'til we've had a chance to identify it, folks. Some curses are entertaining, but not many."

Though Nyssia was curious about some of the items, she had to agreed with the knightl She didn't live as long as she did by being stupid, and if one (or all) had magical properties, she didn't want something bad happening.

...She would buy her time.

The gnome picked up each item, returning it to the sack. "Until we can rest for the night and sort this out, I'll hold it for you. Now....what in the gods name are you doing out here?"

She looked at cunaar. "Your a magic user....can you see if this stuff is magical and what it can do?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Mon 04 May 2020.

"Discerning eldritch enchantments is my specialty," Ero says to Nyssia. "I am the erudite wizard Ero Sulaanin. While no doubt Cunaar can do so as well, I would be delighted to peruse those peculiar ogrish treasures for arcane dweomers. Alas, I cannot do so while they are ensconced within yon material receptacle."

Once Nyssia has withdrawn the items from the sack again and laid them out of the ground once more, Ero picks up each item one at a time and examines it in detail, starting with the sack itself.

"The sack is definitely magical with an aura of conjuration. Given its propensity for containing far more than it should reasonably be able to, I feel safe in stating that it is a legendary Bag of Holding. While it can hold innumerous items, once must exercise extreme caution in putting anything with a sharp point or edge into it."

"Such as this sword. You will notice how particular attention was made to encase it in its scabbard and further secured by a peace-bond. I doubt if it could come out of its scabbard while in the bag, but it was perspicacious of someone to make sure that wasn't a possibility. And, yes, the sword is definitely magical in nature. As I draw it out of its scabbard, I am detecting an aura of abjuration."

"Next is a set of horseshoes. Four of them you'll notice... not two, not three, so clearly intended for use on a four-legged hooved animal. Shiny and silvery with symbols of clouds and personifications of the wind, they also have an aura of transmutation. It is, therefore, not unreasonable to suppose these are Horseshoes of a Zephyr."

"As I can see that Nyssia's own cape is a bit the worse for wear, I shall next peruse this faded red-and-gold cape. It is indeed magical... an aura of conjuration. I do not know what that signifies, however."

"This cloak, on the other hand, is clearly a Cloak of Elvinkind. I would know, wouldn't I? You'll notice the distinctive weave of green, brown, and rust-colored leaves."

Ero next picks up the gauntlets that Willem had been examining.

"Most assuredly magical," he says as he slips them on. "Transmutation aura, but I do not feel any different. If they are what I think they are, then they must be attuned to the wearer."

"This ordinary-looking bottle, despite its odd shape, appears to be full, and yet, when I endeavor to pour forth the contents, nothing comes out. However, it is magical with an aura of transmutation. I suspect it needs a command word to function, but I would guess it contains either water or smoke."

It has taken him the full ten minutes of the spell to examine those seven items, some having taken longer than others.

"That is all I can discern from that single casting of the spell. Perhaps Cunaar would care to try his dweomercraft on the remaining items?"

Willem approached Ero, understanding about every other word the verbose wizard said but understanding the gist of the diatribe. “Perhaps I may try them as you have detected no foul magicks. I am now most intrigued.”

Assuming Ero hands them over Willem will try on the gauntlets to see how they feel, he will then draw his great sword and give it a swing to see if he notices any difference.

Ero hands the gauntlets to Willem before Nyssia can stuff back into the bag.

"As I said, they probably have to be attuned to you first," Ero explains. "Most eldritch devices require only 24 hours of close proximity, but some can take as long as a week. In the case of the gauntlets, you'll probably need to wear them for those 24 hours. I was not able to detect if they were cursed, but if so, you won't be able to take them off after the 24 hours. What they'll do then is anyone's guess."

"As Ero said, I'm not particularly greedy either," Mithra says, "so keeping these items is not going to happen if they belong to the village that the ogres attacked."

"I have a few questions for you, Willem. Were there any survivors in the village? How sure are you that these are the ogres that attacked the village? I ask that because we encountered another pair of ogres ere we entered the Lost Mine, indicating that there may be more in the area. Do you think it likely that any of these magic items might belong to the villagers?"

"In any case, I can't help but be amused at this odd assortment of items. If those gauntlets are what I suspect them to be, then it would make sense that the ogres wouldn't have bothered wearing them."

"The rest of the items are almost as ludicrous. Like the horseshoes. I've never heard of an ogre riding a horse... hell, for that matter, I've never heard of a horse large enough to carry an ogre. He'd need an elephant. And even if the horseshoes could be fastened to an elephant's feet, I simply can't imagine an elephant flying."

"The mace would have been too small for them, like the sword, which also would have required more finesse than ogres are normally capable of."

"The studded leather would never have fit them."

"The brooch, chime and circlet would have just been valuable trinkets to them. And the cape, cloak, gloves and hat are fashion accessories way beyond an ogre's sense of decorum."

"Since this stuff has no practical use for the ogres, it makes me wonder why they are even carrying it. That said, I'm wondering if the ogres even knew it was all in the bag. Maybe they acquired the bag and had no idea what was in it."

"Lureene, Thressa… would you mind examining the bag to see if you can tell how long it might have been in the possession of the ogres?"

The wizards could possibly have done a similar evaluation, but Mithra was wondering how much debris and garbage and stains and dried blood was on the bag. The longer the ogres possessed the bag, the more of that there'd be.

Willem listened carefully to Ero’s explanation about the magicks. He paused briefly at the mention of curses, but then shrugged. He was already cursed, so one more test would just be something else to bear. “I will take the risk,” he said stoically. He then paused again, looking over at Mithra and Captain Harkness. “Unless you would rather? I make no claim on these items, no more than any other. I have no interest in treasures and trinkets, only tools to help me in my lifequest.”

When Mithra asked about the village he replied, “Aye, there were survivors to be sure. They told me they were attacked by a pair of ogres. No reason to it, and they took naught but a brace of goats each. It seems like it was mere sport to them. The villagers were poor peasant farmers, so I doubt that any of these treasures belonged to them. Farmers would have no use for magic bags or flying horseshoes, they’d prefer a heavy bag of coins or the promise of a bountiful harvest.“

To the question of whether or not these were the same ogres, he was less certain. “I tracked them for two days and nights, but I am no King’s Ranger or Elven scout. I believe them to be the same pair, but could not swear to it. But if you took down another pair then at least the region is rid of four foul fiends, and any others in the area will be more wary in future once they learn the news. Maybe we should put their heads on spikes as a warning to others?”

"I have heard of such practices, but more often than not, they have the opposite effect," Cunaar responds to Willem.

"A hundred ogre heads on pikes might do the trick, but would be a waste of a hundred good pikes!"

"Now, lets check these other items."

"Okay, this headband... not sure if it is meant to be decorative or functional... I suppose it could be used to keep long hair out of your eyes. Electrum, I think, with a sunstone. Magical, of course, with an aura of evocation. Could be a number of things."

"The gold brooch is magical, too. The triangular shape is odd, but would still work to fasten a cape or cloak. Abjuration aura. Abjuration is normally protective magic."

"There aren't too many magical chimes. One sort of plays on command. It's supposed to be soothing and helps you go to sleep. Oh, wow. This is a hollow mithral tube! The transmutation aura is consistent with a Chime of Opening. Striking the tube activates a Knock spell."

"Studded leather armor... it's quality workmanship. Ah! An illusion aura! It probably needs to be attuned before it'll work for the wearer."

"Now, just so you all know, these gloves can't be worn under the gauntlets. One or the other won't work if you do. Very lightweight. I'd guess they are woven of spider-silk. Transmutation aura. Totally consistent with gloves. Wizards have a saying: form follows function. Boots make good jumping magic items, gloves not so much. So, I'm guessing the gloves enhance some aspect of the wearer."

"Hats are the same way. A hat might make you smarter, but it'll never make you stronger. Not that it matters to us, but I'm pretty sure you have to have a head to make use of the hat. Ah. Illusion aura. Probably makes you look different."

"And the last item... oh, by the way, those three pouches aren't magical but the maroon one was has something magical in it. Okay, the mace. Magical, conjuration aura. Have no idea what that means."

He pauses for a moment while he opens the maroon pouch and empties the contents into his hand. It's jewelry: two bracelets, a necklace, another brooch and two rings. He separates one of the rings from the rest.

"And this ring is magical. I'm detecting a conjuration aura... healing... good!"

Nyssia looked on as the magic users did their work, clearly impressed. She looked at Ero with a straight look. "Lots of fancy words there elf. Easier to say 'Nyssia...heres a magic cape.'"

Standing and taking a step as she picked up the red cape. Her smile faded as she looked down at her feet, shifting her left foot again. She looked to the sky and swore in gnomish.

"Those damn bastards....if  they weren't already dead, I'd kill them!"

She stood on one foot and took off the boot. The sole came away, clearly damaged beyond repair. She sighed mourfully. "These were my favorite too."

She threw it on the ground and looked at the group. "None of you would have an extra pair of boots on you? " she slipped off the other one, still a little upset at the loss.

"...they probably won't fit too well, but better than nothing until we get to a town."

"Diminutive epigrams encourage confabulation," Ero replies to Nyssia.

"It was a good thing we didn't find you naked."
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:35, Mon 04 May 2020.

The gnome looked at the elf with narrowed eyes, then the others, pointing at Ero. "Two questions....did anyone understand what in Sune's left butcheek he just said, and does he always speak like that?"

She pointed at the elf. "...and if I was naked, I can tell you now mister fancy words, I'd be more dangerous and irritated than I am!"

"Funny you should ask, Nyssia," Cunaar replies. "I still have my old boots in my backpack. The ones I'm wearing are ones I've acquired along the way since we left Neverwinter. I think they came from those other ogres, but I'm not sure any more."

"I haven't done anything with them yet, but they are magical, which means they'll change size to fit you."

He sits down on the rock, opens his backpack and extracts his old boots. Although they aren't new, they are still in good condition. He then takes off the boots he's wearing, casts his Prestidigitation cantrip on them to clean them and freshen them, then hands them to Nyssia.

He puts his old boots on.

"Well, hello, old friends," he addresses his boots. "You still fit."

The gnome looks shocked as Cunaar hands the magical boots over. "Really!"

She slips the boots on, the items magically resizing to her feet. She stands and steps a few steps, feeling their weight and lightness almost enhance her very steps.

She raises her eyebrows with an impressed look and smiles at the human. "You have my thanks, and when I can I'll repay you in kind. Nyssia is a woman of her word."

Prizzard sat nearby through the examinations and banter, laughing a little at Nyssias reaction to Ero. "Mind him not: He means well but is too educated for his own good." Prizzard seemed to be a duelist of noble upbringing. While his gear is practical and short on embellishments, it is all a significant step up in apparent quality over the common adventurer. He speaks up a bit to address the entire gathering: "I say, with all ofnthe wild magic randomly adding and removing members of this party, it may be best if we split the hoard sooner rather than later. Personally I prefer the bid and draw method at times like this."

"I was thinking the same thing, Prizzard," Mithra concurs. "We shouldn't keep everything in one place. That way, we can't lose it all at once."

"On the other hand, when it comes to this much treasure, there's usually no good way to divide it up... well, equitably."

"Personally, I think we should start with each of us stating which item we might be interested in. If everyone chooses a different item, then problem solved. If that doesn't work, then we can go with your suggestion."

"I'll toss my two coppers in for the bottle."

Now that things had calmed down, she triggered a second wind.

02:20, Today: Mithra Stormraven rolled 10 using 1d10 ((10)).

Nyssia shrugged, increasing the red cloak.

"I'd like this red cape, if someone else wants it, then the elven cloak."

Krivcrath politely cuts in and tells, "If you wouldn't mind, Nyssia, I would really like the Cloak of Elvenkind"

"I wouldn't mind trying that sword out. Someone else could could carry Lightbringer, for awhile" He indicated the magic mace he had used against the ogres.

"Indeed, that is part of the bid and draw method. Perhaps I am using the wrong name for it in this region. It prevents anybody feeling as though they need to give up on an item just because another called it first. Personally, I would prefer to know more of what these items do before claiming one. One which could improve upon my celerity would be preferable"

"Just because Willem and Prizzard are the only two of us with horses doesn't mean they have to choose the horseshoes," Mithra also explains.

"Sometimes, you just need to give a magic item to the person who can use it best."

"Anyway, we should at least take a short rest here."

"Well, should it turn out your choice doesn't suit you after the items are identified, trades could always be made,"
Victor suggests.

"Hard call.. perhaps the gloves or ring I could best put to use. I have heard of such horseshoes in my travels and could occasionally benefit from them, but I would put my survival before such luxuries. It is a rare moment indeed that I would be in enough of a hurry to require crossing a lake rather than riding around it. And the attention a floating horse would attract! Hm, I'll gamble on the gloves." He hasn't moved from his spot nearby and seems in no hurry to claim these magical valuables.

“Aye, perhaps you’re right.” He had only been half serious. Hopefully the four slain ogres would serve as warning enough to others in the area to leave the peasant villages be.

"I do not want to sound like I am looking a gift horse in the mouth, whether it has magical horseshoes or not, but that seems like an awful lot of magic for three ogres to have collected. And I am not sure they would have the sense to peacebond a sword before putting it into a bag, whether it was magical or not. Perhaps they collected the bag from someone else and were unaware of its contents? Mithra's right, let me have a look, there might be something distinctive about some of these things."

She bows to the newcomers. "I am Lureene Raventree, a priestess of the Lady Firehair."

The gnome nods her head at the clerics wisdom. "I think if they had have known, then they would have used the sword and mace at the least. I think they found the sack and thought to use it....something as dumb as that would never have hidden one magic item under a rock, let alone all of them"

"I just assume anybody with such wealth would not part with it easily, that they are dead or worse. If finding the proper owner is easy enough, sure, it's the right thing to do. Otherwise, all things considered, we would likely put this haul to better use." Just a practical observation. Anybody inept enough to lose such a hoard and not make big news trying to reclaim it likely doesn't have the capability or intention of putting it to good use.

One by one, Lureene examines all the items. They all look to be in pristine condition, but that's to be expected of a magic item. They don't usually wear out. She can find no indication of crests or symbols on them; they could have been marked (if not embedded) but probably not etched.

There is no dirt or similar material on them that might indicate where they'd been recently (within six months).

The exceptions, however, are the bag of holding itself and the three pouches. The bag has a bit of dirt on it, but not as much as one might expect from an ogre that kept burying it in the ground. There is a bit of reddish clay on it. So, it isn't likely that the ogres had it for very long... a couple of weeks at most.

The three pouches, on the other hand, are fairly dirty if not outright filthy, caked with dirt and other 'stuff', and have several stains on them. The contents of two of them are merely coins. One was overstuffed (110sp, 58gp) and the other about half full (76cp). The jewelry in the third pouch looks nearly pristine--there is some dirt on it, as if handled by dirty hands that then tried to wipe it off.

"Good points all of you made," Cunaar agrees. "I don't even think the word 'peace' is in an ogre's vocabulary. Even if they had known the sword and mace were in there, they probably would have considered them too puny to use. A great sword, on the other hand, would have been right up their alley."

"It does bring up the point, though, of how the ogres came by the bag. Who would have had that much magic in a bag without using it? I can see justifying some of it... the sword if he already had a better one, the mace because he couldn't use it, the armor because he either had better or couldn't use it. If he's running around in armor, the hat would have been useless. If he didn't have a horse, then the horseshoes were simply being carried. Same for the bottle. Gauntlets and gloves if he was, again, wearing armor already."

"Hmmmm. I wonder if this was some sort of payment or gift intended for someone of importance? Not sure we'll ever know the answer to that."

"Anyway, if the ring is some sort of healing device, I suggest it go to someone other than Lureene. That way, all the healing isn't with just one person."

Nyssia looked at the sack and contents, scratching her chin. "I don't this would be payment of some kind. This type of bag is useful for holding lots of stuff with little weight....something favored by thieves. No, I think this may have either been an adventuring party's loot after some raid, or a thief stole these items."

She shifted her newly dined gear again, looking at them. "If the ogres knew they were magic, they would have used the weapons at the least.....I think they didn't even know about them. Look here...." Pointing at the red clay "I'm no expert, but that color soil isn't from here, and if these ogres had hoarded this bag, it would be dirtier. They've had this w week, two at most."

She looked around. "This many magical items, going missing....if the locals or anyone owned them, you would have heard by now."

She crossed her arms, furrowing her brow. "As if the items, Ye can keep the ring....the cape interests me. But may I suggest we either divide up quickly and move or divide later....those two ogre corpses will attract animals and more."

Thressa looks at the Gnome.
" My apologies, sometime I get lost in thought. I am the Wildflamme, and my name is Thressa Wildflamme. I wield arcane magic from the realm of Aumanator. Hmmm I could probably use the Armor actually. If not that the headband. "

"You may have a point, Nyssia," Mithra replies. "So much for a short rest."

"But we are dividing it up quickly. Other than just tossing things to people randomly, we're doing the best we can."

"Okay, this is what I've heard so far," Cunaar explains.

"Bag of Holding is requested by Krivcrath...
Bottle is claimed by Mithra...
Brooch is claimed by me...
Cape is claimed by Nyssia...
Cloak of Elvinkind is claimed by Krivcrath...
Chime is unclaimed...
Circlet is claimed by Thressa...
Gauntlets are claimed by Willem...
Gloves are claimed by Prizzard...
Hat is unclaimed...
Horseshoes are unclaimed...
Mace is unclaimed...
Ring is claimed by Prizzard...
Studded Leather is claimed by Thressa...
Sword is claimed by Victor."

"So, this is subject to change once we've identified what the items are."

"The only thing up in the air is... can anyone use a mace?"

Nyssia looked at the items with a sniff. "I could use the chime, but I have skills to open locks myself. the hat could be useful if we need information."

"I'm good with the Bag of Holding & the Cloak of Elvenkind, thank you"

Nyssia nods and smiles. "I'll take the cape and hat."

Willem had no interest in a magic hat or chime. “I am proficient with most arms, though I must confess that the mace is not my preferred weapon of choice. However, if it has magic properties then I would be happy to give it a try, unless any others would claim it.”

Assuming no objection, he picked up the mace and gave it a casual swing, to get the feel of it. Generally he preferred the hefty sword slung over his back, but this might suffice as an alternative, especially for close quarter work.

He then had a thought. “And the coin? I know that as adventurers some of you will wish to claim the coin, but giving some to the villagers to help them rebuild would be most welcome. Alternatively, a donation at a nearby temple that serves the poor and needy.”
This message was last edited by the player at 06:34, Thu 07 May 2020.

"Lots of folks can use maces. Just swing and let the weight do the rest. I already have one magical mace, great for killing undead, and arguably better than a non-magical longsword on anything else, but I'm hoping this sword, with its abjuration enchantment, will be more suited to my style," says Victor.

"Several of us can use a mace, but we don't tend to prefer it," Mithra adds.

"I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I'm not really doing this for the money. A little bit is good, of course, to pay for a room for the night or a nice hot meal, or even new clothes when the ones your wearing get shredded by monsters. I'm in it for the adventure... and because it's a good thing to do."

"As I understand it, there's a wizard spell call Knock which opens door and such, but I don't believe Lureene can cast that spell, so perhaps she can use the chime... if it's what we think it is."

"But, as the others said, we'll wait till we identify them before we make any final decisions."

Nyssia sniffs at Mithra. "I'm one for adventure, but coin is good as well, if he will have me, I think I can help. I like coin, don't get me wrong, but to have an adventure and kick some monster but...sounds fun."

She looked around the others. "I have skills with traps and locks as well as hiding, so hopefully if he will have me, that chime won't be needed. As for any gear that's not claimed, we can sell it, donate it to a church, whatever takes our fancy...but I think we should keep the mace. Undead seem to resist bladed weapons and arrows from memory....something I read, and my weapons favor that. In a pinch facing skeletons someone can use that."

She shrugged. "...just a thought"

"Did anyone search the ogres?" Cunaar asks.

"I'm guessing the small pouches of coins were theirs, based on how filthy they are. But if the rest of the contents of the bag isn't theirs, did they have any treasure of their own?"

"Not that I'm expecting any, but you never know."

"I'm also wondering where they came from... other than from somewhere to the east. Anyone know anything about ogres? Like, where they normally live. Could they be part of the new Orc intrusion? Or do you think it marks a bigger movement of monsters into the area?"

The gnome nods at the wizard "I can have a look"

Tthe gnome goes to teh bodies of teh ogres and begins looking at them, giving them the odd kick as she mumbles. "Fer wrecking my favorite boots"

<OOC: Nyssia rolled 20 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 16.  investigation.>

Krivcrath doesn't explicitly state it, but he also searches the bodies of the ogres

09:02, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 22 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 18.  Investigation check.

"Enough money to get by is enough. I certainly don't like it enough to get that close to an Ogre's loincloth!" chuckles Victor.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Sun 10 May 2020.

A typical ogre's garment is the one-shoulder tunic because putting on something with two arm holes is often beyond an ogre's ability. It hangs down almost to their knees and serves double duty as a loincloth.

These two ogres have that type of tunic but over both shoulders, and a piece of rope used as a belt. The tunics are made of brown rough-cut sackcloth. Naturally, they are quite filthy, with dirt and burrs and things crawling in them. They are also wearing crude sandals--slabs of leather threaded with more rope that ties them to the feet.

While Nyssia searches the first ogre, Krivcrath moves to search the second ogre.

Nyssia kicks the ogre before she searches it, and is partly relieved but not surprised that she gets no reaction, assuring her that it really is dead.

Tucked inside the tunic, held in place by the rope belt, Nyssia finds another pouch and half of a brain with a few bites out of it. The pouch seems to have a few coins in it and some type of container. The half-a-brain is actually a type of shelf fungus that just looks like a brain. In the pouch, there are two platinum coins, a larger gold medallion sans chain, and golden ceramic jar.

As she's checking out these items, she can't help notice the 'bumps' under the tunic up by the ogre's throat. Somewhat concerned about what the bumps may be, she is surprised to discover that they are a copper necklace with 5 reddish-orange beads.

Krivcrath finds a similar pouch in the ogre he searches along with two halves of a brain. He quickly realizes, as well, that the brains are just a fungus that looks like a brain. Within the pouch, he finds 3 platinum pieces, a shiny blue crystal gem, and three glass potion bottles. Technically, there are only two left as the third one is broken.

With the ogre prone on the ground, the lump on his chest is obvious, whereas when he was standing up, the loose-fitting tunic concealed it. It's a small silver statuette about 8" tall, hung around the ogre's neck by a leather thong wrapped around the statuette's neck.


The ogres are fairly simple creatures; nothing they had was intentionally concealed, it was just the only way they had to carry it conveniently, since neither of them had a backpack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:18, Sun 10 May 2020.

The rogue looked over the brain with a sniff and horrified look, then moved to the pouch  removing the items, she smiled at the platinum pieces, placed the medallion on the ground and looked at the jar.

She spied the unusual bumps in the ogre and quickly removed the necklace, placing it in a pouch, she then gathered the items and returned to the others.

"Ugly brute didn't have too much...a half eaten brain which he can have, these..." holding out the platinum pieces, medallion and the jar. "...and a copper necklace."

She reached in her pouch and held out the necklace

"Interesting necklace," Mithra comments.

"We're moving on now, still heading for Old Owl Well. I'm estimating we want to go about two miles from these ogre bodies before we make camp."

"Our wizards have to study the Identify spell; then they can figure out what we've found."

"Sounds good! As usual, I'll stay in the rear, in case we get ambushed," Victor said.

Willed had no real interest in the trickers found on the dead ogres. When mention was made of a camp he spoke up. “If you are agreeable I would like to accompany you. I know not this Old Owl Well, but would appreciate some time to rest.” He clearly hadn’t slept properly for a several nights, and was still suffering the effect of a mighty blow from the ogre.

He paused for a moment. “On our journey would you wish me to scout the trail? I can be faster ahorse that a group on foot.”

The gnome won't argue with Grey...being on a horse he could scout ahead well. The gnome instead nodded. "My eyes are sharp...i'll watch behind."

"Aye, we should go on to camp and identify the items. I do use a mace regularly", said Lureene, "though I am leery of using unknown magic and risk wasting it, or worse, fall afoul of a curse. Perhaps it would be best to identify the items thoroughly before making use of them. Does anyone require healing from the Lady's grace before we travel?"

When Lureene spoke up Willem indicated that he was in need of some medical aid. It would heal itself in time, but he had taken a nasty blow from the ogre.

“Good lady, if you want the mace I will happily offer it to you. I make no claim.“ He offered up the mace.

OOC - I need 8hp worth of healing please.
 if you want to take the mace now then feel free, if not I will keep it until it has been identified and you can decide then. If I keep it it will most likely only be a back up weapon anyway, I prefer my greatsword.

Thressa walks up and over heals Willem. The wash of radiant power almost feels overwhelming and blinding but no permanent effects.




09:58, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 16 using 2d8+4 ((4,8)).

Out of combat, all healing is at max, the equivalent of taking 20.

So, Willem gets 18hp back.

There's no trail for Willem to scout ahead, but taking the point from horseback would be a good idea. You are in the rolling foothills of the mountain range to the south, so the only route is pretty much through the valleys between the hills. As long as you head east, you'll eventually come to the trail on which lays the Old Owl Well.

But, you won't reach it today.

After walking the two miles--a 'safe' distance away from the ogre corpses, you make camp.

((OOC: Not up to dealing with the Big Words today. Sorry.))


"Okay, I can cast Leomund's Tiny Hut to somewhat protect us during the night," Ero offers.

"Unfortunately, it can't include the two horses. Anyone else that it covers can enter and exit freely any time they want."

"Also, I can make it any color. Since it'll be at night, should I make it black? It'll still be transparent to those inside it."

"Anyway, if you want Cunaar and I to identify the items in the morning, neither of us should stand watch. We'll need the time to rest and study our spells. I believe each of us can study Identify four times, so the rest of you should decide which items you want us to identify."

"That will deplete our 1st level spells for the day, though."

Prizzard unpacks for the evening, revealing a large pot, cooking untensils, tinderbox, hooded lantern, 2 oil flasks, 5 waterskins, 3 hunting traps, fishing tackle, and soap

"I don't mind taking the morning watch, I'll need to collect my traps and prepare whatever is caught anyway. But for now, I'll see about fish if there is any water nearby. Help yourselves to these supplies, if needed."

He walks off with the tackle, traps, soap, and 2 waterskins. The horse is tethered on 20' of rope and free of its burdens for the night, barding pinned under what's left if the saddle bags and saddle.

Nyssia walked behind the group the few miles to the new camp. At the mention of the hut and magical items she said nothing....she was new to the group and decided to let the others decide.

When time came to decide watch, she spoke up."I see well at night, and darkness favors me. I'll take the middle watch."

She then gets her pack, removing her few cooking items, a small pot and fry pan, some utensils and a plate.

She removes what little food she also had left with a scowl. "Supplies are gettin' low....when next we hit a town I'll need some supplies. have dry rations fine, but tonight be the last of my meat. I have enough get ye all but beyond that it will be in danger if spoilin' "

She removed a package of paper,and unwrapped it revealing a side lion of pork. She also took our a end of a loaf of rye bread and some cheese.

Slicing the raw pork, she handed it out. Looking at Ero, she spoke. "If ye decide to check some of the magic, I'd appreciate th' cape looked at. Gets cold about and to walk without a cape or cloak will get cold fast...and maybe th' copper necklace if it holds any enchantment"

"We haven't been back to town in... hell, I don't know how long," Mithra says. "Lost all track of time down in that damn mine."

"I expect Prizzard will bring some meat back. Not sure what he'll find in this area. Squirrel, rabbit, maybe quail or pheasant. Hopefully he won't find something that'll eat him!"

"Victor and I are fairly versatile when it comes to watches. Even without Ero and Cunaar standing watch, we've got enough people to put two on each watch. With Prizzard taking the morning watch, I'll take the morning watch with him if you take first watch, Victor."

"Once Ero casts his hut spell, we'll all be safe inside it, but I think the watch needs to be outside... for the horses."

"Sure, black is fine. Anyone walks by will just say, 'look at those horses, left alone in the woods, tied up next to that large gap in creation.' Or make it yellow. Show that we're confident enough not to need to hide, so you better leave our horses alone! In any case, I'm an early riser, I'd prefer the morning watch if you don't mind, Stormraven." Victor said as he made camp.

When Nyssia offered him the pork, Victor said, "Thanks. Been a few since I had fresh meat." He browned the pork in his mess kit, saved the jerky from his ration for a later time, and boiled the rest with the pork. He knew it wasn't the best way to treat pork, but he'd been eating rations that way since he enlisted, and unlike comrades who ate their hardtack dry, Victor still had all his teeth.

Willem felt the warming healing energies course through his body, healing the bruises and knitting together broken skin. He looked over at Thressa. “Thank you my lady, that was most appreciated.”

On the path he kept a brief distance ahead of the group, spying the layout of the land and regularly returning to report on the geography. He was no army scout, but could give enough detail. When they reached their camp site he busied himself feeding his mount and ensuring he would not stray. When Ero mentioned a magic dwelling he simply shrugged. “I am happy enough outside with the horses, I wouldn’t want to impose. I am also happy to take the first watch. I can take any, but those with eyes more accustomed to the dark might be better suited to the task. As to your magicks, I would consider saving some for later in the day, you never know what we may find. But when you have the chance, the enchantment on this mace would be nice to discover.”

When Prizzard mentioned fishing his eyes lit up. “If you don’t mind I shall join you, I do enjoy the peace of the riverbank.”

He quickly retrieved his own fishing tackle and accompanied the Duelist in search of a stream to fish.

Unfortunately, the nearest river is over 40 miles to the north. There aren't even any streams coming down off this side of the mountains.

The traps, however, catch 2 rabbits, and Prizzard and Willem actually stumble across a large bevy of partridges roosting in a pear tree... actually, three pear trees close to each other. They manage to bag 6 of them, as well as gather a dozen pears.

When the coins are divvied up, everyone gets 8cp, 11sp, and 6gp; Grey, Krivcrath, Nyssia, Prizzard and Thressa each get 1pp.

The non-magical jewelry is passed around between Nyssia and the wizards to evaluate.
ring #1: gold and silver bands woven into a Celtic knot; 3gp.
ring #2: rune-etched copper band with green stone (bloodstone); 4gp.
necklace #1: 3 interwoven silver chains with ankh pendant; 6gp.
bracelet #1: 5 thin copper bands linked with gold claw; 2gp.
bracelet #2: platinum band  with three heart-shaped amethysts; 20gp.
brooch: silver peacock with 12 small diamond and 6 larger emeralds; 100gp.

The gem is a 75 carat faceted sky blue skystone, worth about 30gp.
The bronze medallion without a chain is cast with an image of a flying horse on it; it's worth maybe 3gp.

"Well, it's enough fresh meat to split among everybody at least. A morning stew, perhaps, if anybody else is willing to gather some vegetables and herbs. My knowledge of plants is lacking."

The traps would likely be heard closing, and the rabbits struggling, caught and cleaned before dark perhaps. All easy enough animals to clean, too.

Willem’s disappointment at failing to find a fishing spot was quickly outweighed by their successful hunting expedition. When they returned to camp they had quite a haul, and he had enjoyed watching the more experienced Prizzard in action.

As others gathered firewood and vegetables he helped prepare the meat for cooking.

Thressa assists in gathering firewood and then once the fire is started sits by it and enjoys it's heat.

Victor will help with the firewood as well.

Nyssia, not very strong, was not one to help with firewood.  She, however, disappeared into the outskirts, flittering here and there with a few small things from her pack.


After a while, she returns. "Careful where you walk out there....i have set some trip wires to bells. anyone comes in here, we will hear them."

"As low-supplies meals go, this is quite the haul", opines Lureene. "I can perhaps contribute by helping with the preparation? I can cut pears without cutting myself, I'm fairly certain." She laughs lightly. "Just let me know how I can help. Or... does anyone have an instrument?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Thu 21 May 2020.

Until the camp is set, Ero keeps watch. The hut will last for 8 hours, and he and Cunaar will need it while they study their spells in the morning.

Rather than get in everyone's way, Mithra just kept watch as well. She wouldn't have been much help with the various tasks... well, maybe gathering fire wood.

She decided to patrol the perimeter while it was still light. Not too far out... still within sight of the camp, and made sure the others could see her.

She wasn't a ranger or druid, but she had a reasonable sense of nature... at least, she hoped she did... that she could detect/sense any disturbances... birds flying away, forest sounds suddenly pausing.

On the other hand, she didn't walk in a straight line or set path, swerving to the left for a bit, then to the right, and so forth.

Once the trip wires are set, Nyssia returns to the camp and goes to the hut, resting unti her watch.

Once camp is set, Ero casts his spell to bring the hut into existence.

Even though it appears opaque from the outside, those inside can see and hear through it with no problem.

Fortunately, the night passes without incident.

In the morning, Ero and Cunaar identify several of the magic items.

The cape is definitely the Cape of the Mountebank.

The mace is a Mace of Disruption.

The gloves are Gloves of Swimming and Climbing.

The studded leather is glamored.

The sword is a Defender.

The ring is a Ring of Healing. (You can 'lay on hands' for a number of hp per day equal to your level plus your Charisma modifier.)

The necklace is a Necklace of Fireballs.

The horseshoes are Horseshoes of the Zephyr, but they don't enable the horse to fly. Instead, it runs about a foot off the ground, meaning it isn't bothered by rough terrain and run over water or quicksand.

Victor will spend an hour to forge a weapon bond with the Defender, releasing the bond he had with his battleaxe.

Nyssia had heard of the rare hooded cape and gladly claimed it for her own, the dark red color a stark difference to her grey and dark clothes.

She also held the necklace of fireballs, admiring the spheres, and grasped that, looking at the others to see if anyone wanted it.

Krivcrath lays claim to the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, and takes it slowly, waiting for anybody else if they want it. He also takes the Ring of Healing, but only keeps it, not equipping it, waiting for anyone else to lay claim if needed

Prizzard, already reasonably atheletic, gives up the gloves, preferring either the necklace or ring, whichever is left over.

In the morning, Willem went about his chores to make sure his horse was properly fed and watered, and that all his gear was safely stowed. When the wizard began to explain about the properties of each magic item he listened carefully, especially for the items that he had shown some interest in.

Once concluded he offered up the mace again, happy to hand it over to no other takers. If nobody lays claim he will attach it to a loop on his belt. It will serve as a useful backup weapon, especially should he ever face foul creatures of the dark. He would also spend any avaialble time practising with the weapon to allow its magicks to attune to him. He also put the horseshoes in his pack. He had no desire to use them right now, a floating horse would attract the wrong sort of attention, but they might prove useful in the right circumstances.

Once the descriptions had concluded he approached Ero again. “Good wizard, did you have a chance to clarify the enchantment on these gauntlets. They are indeed most curious.”

"You can take the ring if you'd like, friend" Krivcrath smiles, and hands the ring over to Prizzard

While the dragonborn offers the ring, Nyssia also held out the necklace to Prizzard. "You take this...i have my crossbow with a few extra things to give it some kick." The gnome couldn't help but smile at the thought of the poison combined with the hand crossbow.

She looked at the ring and thought the potential of having that. Being able to heal as a rogue had potential. "If you don't want that ring, I'll claim it, but only If you don't want it."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:27, Wed 27 May 2020.

Necklace it shall be, if no other claimants step forward

"I think I will take you up on the mace, if you'll let me", said Lureene. "I use one in battle regularly, and it will do well to smite ugly and evil creatures with it."

" I could really use the Armor. Basic leather with my ability to dodge I am surprised I haven't dropped yet. Must be Aumanator's protection. "

my AC is 12.

In reply to Lureene Raventree (msg # 185):

Willem willingly handed over the mace. He was satisfied with his magic gauntlets, though he wasn’t yet certain of their properties.

OOC - as I understand it, the Mace ofDisruption  offers no attack benefit to normal enemies, only fiends and undead where it is really powerful. So not a great first choice weapon, but very good against the right opponent.

Such items as the Mace of Disruption are often the same as any other. This one was slightly different. The first thing that was learned by Ero was that it is Good aligned, meaning no evil creature can wield it or even touch it.

When you hit a fiend or an undead with this magic weapon, that creature takes an extra 2d6 radiant damage. If the target has 25 hit points or fewer after taking this damage, it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be destroyed. On a successful save, the creature becomes frightened of you until the end of your next turn.

While you hold this weapon, it sheds bright light in a 20-­foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet.

The second thing that is different is that apparently it was an enchanted mace before the Disruption ability was added, so it is +2 to hit, +2 to damage against all non-good opponents.

The third difference is that its Disruption ability increases proportionately to the wielder. It does 1d6 of damage per every 2 levels of the wielder after 1st, though, apparently, it still does 2d6 at 1st level. Thus, in Lureene's hands, it will do 3d6 radiant damage.

"While it would seem to make sense for the ring to be in the hands of one of our healers," Mithra comments, "it, perhaps, makes even more sense for someone else to have it. That way, if our healers go down, it could not only be used by anyone else, it could be used on the healers."

"I suppose the same thing holds true for the restorative ointment. Suppose we give that to Ero? He tends to stay out of combat with his spells, and doesn't get injured alot."

"Yes, that seems quite sensible to me, too," Ero agrees with Mithra.

He then explains his knowledge and understanding of the Necklace of Fireballs to Prizzard.

"This device appears to be nothing but beads on a string with the ends tied together to form a necklace. You can see, however, that the strand is really is cleverly magicked golden chain from which hang a number of golden spheres. The spheres are detachable only by the wearer, who can easily hurl one of them up to 70 feet. When a sphere arrives at the end of its trajectory, it detonates as a fireball spell (Reflex DC 14 half).

"This particular necklace--I believe the wizarding community refers to it as a Type III--has 7 beads: 4 minor ones (3d6), 2 strong ones (5d6) and a single powerful one (7d6)."

"I sure hope we don't run across anything that requires that last one!"

He lets that information settle in first before he adds:

"If are attacked by magical fire and fail to save yourself from it,  the necklace will attempt to save itself (with a save bonus of +7). If it does not save itself, all the remaining spheres detonate simultaneously!"

He then turns to Thressa and explains about the armor in more detail.

"As I said, it is glamored. What that means is that you can make it appear as any other type of garment that you want... from peasant clothes to a ballroom gown... yet it will still be magical (+2) studded armor."

Nyssia spies the unclaimed statue of a small silver raven and grabs it, holding it in her hand.

"Ero...what about this?"

"I couldn't identify it today," Ero replies to Nyssia.

"I did detect a transmutation aura, which is consistent with it turning into a raven-like flying bird... or whatever. There was also an aura of enchantment of the mind-affecting compulsion sort."

"However, I should point out that this figurine is considerably larger than normal. I don't know if that's significant or not. It just may be that the wizard who made this didn't know any better... or had some specific purpose in mind."

"I was thinking Lureene might want the figurine, though, as that's a symbol she has."

Nyssia showed great interest in the small figurine, but looked at Lureene to see if she wanted the figurine

She puts the armor on and it looks like the battle vestments of an Paladin of The Lawful Radiance also know a Amaunator.


She does a combat manuver just to see how it looks cause she is still a woman after all.

" This should work. Thank you all. This should allow me to be more capable in combat. "

Once the discussions were concluded, Willem packed up his gear and mounted his horse. Getting his bearings he looked down the path. “As promised I will scout ahead, not too far, just a bit to check the path.” He looked over at Prizzard, “Would you care to join me? An extra pair of eyes would be most welcome.”

Either way, once the party was ready to trotted off down the path, scanning in all direction to select the most appropriate path and look out for dangers.

Prizzard seemed only slightly surprised and thankful for the warning "I had not heard of these having different types of beads before, nor the danger of fire. I hope to not need these at all, thank you."

He simply nodded to Willem, set the necklace in place, and prepared his horse for the day ahead.

Once the wizards are done with their identifying, camp is broken down, the hut disappears, and Willem and Prizzard start scouting ahead from horseback.

While going up and down the hills could be done, it'd be more tiring than simply weaving a way around them. Only once do the scouts encounter a dead end and have to backtrack a bit and choose another route.

Just about noonday, when the group would probably stop for rest and lunch, the two scouts spot what appear to be ruins atop one of the hills... specifically a lower one just ahead and to the south.

All that is visible is one corner and half of the two stone side walls. The corner is only about 5 feet high and the stones all look like typical field stones, probably gathered from around the area. The group has passed many such stones as they went.

After riding back to the group with Willem: "I believe it is about lunch time, and I would rather  eat a little before checking out the ruins ahead." Prizzard remains astride his horse, expecting this could be a discussion.

"Sounds good to me. Lets just keep our distance from the ruins, in case there's some inquisitive nasties over there," said Victor.

Willem might never admit it, but he was enjoying having some company again. It had been a long time since he had had people to talk to. However, he maintained his discipline while scouting, avoiding unnecessary chat with Prizzard.

When the returned to the main group he agreed with the suggestion that they keep back from the ruins for now. No sense walking into an ambush on an empty stomach, and if anything was lying in wait there then they group hanging back might provoke them into a change of plan, which might prove foolhardy given their cover and high ground.

Nyssia walked with the group, scouting behind to keep them safe. She was good at scouting ahead but couldn't deny the fact that grey and Priz with their mounts were effective

When they stopped at the ruins, She looked at it. "Once we've eaten and rested, I'll go scout ahead. I can move quietly and without being seen...plus If theres any nasty suprises I will find them."

"Huh," Mithra comments as they stop for lunch and to rest the two horses. "I don't recall seeing any markings on the map that indicated there might be something here. With ruins, it often hard to tell how old they are. These might predate the Orc Incursions by a couple hundred years."

"Seems like an odd and out of the way place to build a keep. Could have been a wizard's keep. Once a wizard gets a reputation, people don't leave him alone, so they often move out into a wilderness area, as it isn't any problem for him to teleport into town."

"Just be extra careful, Nyssia. If you go alone, the rest of us won't be able to watch your back."

"I should not wish to be greedy nor lay claim to anything we find that is a raven or a tree on some sort simply because of my family's name. I have the mace -- another may have this prize."

---

"It's a good idea to scout the ruins, methinks, but we should send multiple scouts, with the rest of us following within earshot so we can help if needed, perhaps? But that's a task that should come after lunch."

" Family Names, wish I had one. But all the Wildflammes before me they had a title in place of a family name. But sure I shouldn't also get anything related to fire or the wild either. "

Nyssia quickly ate a small lunch, her gaze going to the ruins. She stood up, looking at a dagger, then sheathing it. "I'm going to check things out. Priz, stay sharp....should i call, you come running with the others."

With that, the gnome trotted off to explore the ruins, slowly.

<OOC: Exploring the ruins with as much stealth she can muster

Nyssia rolled 22 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 18.  investigation check.
Nyssia rolled 11 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 5.  stealth check.
Nyssia rolled 13 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 10.  perception check.


....not my best rolls>

As Nyssia headed off to scout the tower, Willem made sure his horse was watered, settling him near some grass for him to munch on. Once done he ate some his trail rations. As he did so he stretched his legs out and kept his eyes open, scanning all around in case something tried to sneak up on them.

Mithra felt she probably wouldn't starve in the wilderness, but she'd be the first to admit that most of what she knew was from tales overheard. However, as such, she had a tendency to push through simple things like lunch.

She ate her trail rations as she traveled... usually. This time, because of the horses, she'd waited until they stopped. The horses could have gone all day since they weren't pushing them very hard, but sighting the ruins had been fortuitous.

They weren't traveling the Triboar Trail or any other path, so it was no wonder that the ruins weren't on any map. To get in the shape they were in, they had to have been there for a hundred years... at least.

She wasn't much for clanking around in heavy armor, but she had never really mastered the art of stealth, so she respected Nyssia's effort to scout alone. Ruins weren't particularly good places for wild animals to lair, since there was no roof, but other creatures--such as Orcs--could be there.

She kept an eye on Nyssia's progress as best as she could.

Victor ate his rations quickly, and then remained on guard until Nyssia got back.

"One should not go alone. I may not be trained in stealth but I am quite agile." If urged to remain behind, Prizzard will without complaint.

rolled 10,5,7 using d20+3,d20+3,d20+2 with rolls of 7,2,5.  Stealth, Perception, Investigation.

"Stealth is rarely aided by numbers. Make sure you don't cause her to get noticed when she wouldn't on her own," says Victor.

Nyssia had no difficulty making her way stealthily up the hill to the ruins, though that may have been because there was no one there to see or hear her.

It was only the last 20 feet that was tricky because of the scattered debris. By the time she reaches the ruins proper, she's pretty sure that they were once a lone tower, no more than 40' high. What's left are only the four corners of the ground floor. All upper floors have long ago collapsed.

The only oddity is that most of the rubble is on the outside of the ruins. There is some on the inside, but not enough to account for 3 additional floors.


Just as she reaches the first corner, she realizes that Prizzard is following behind her, but not being very quiet.

After listening for a minute and not hearing any signs of creatures, she peers around the corner to what would be the interior of the tower. Other than the debris she expected to see, albeit a lot more than is actually there, she sees a complete oddity!

Still standing in the middle of what was probably a single room is a black mirror!

It's 4 feet wide and 6 feet hide, sitting inside a brass frame. It is not broke, cracked or even scratched. It's not even dirty or dusty.

The gnome snuck up to the ruins, flinching at a few if her own sounds as she approached. She crouched every so often, looking at the ground for tracks and seeing none, She looked in concerned.

She  heard the sound behind her and tolled her eyes. Looking back, She caught a glimpse of Prizzard and smiled, shaking her head. She looked at him and nodded her appreciation at his backup.

She approached the ruins and turned the corner, looking at the black mirror. Her instincts immediately put her on edge....such an item undamaged out here was clearly magical.

She looked back at Prizzard with a furrowed brow. "Get one of the magic users up here....something doesn't feel right."

The gnome sat at the corner, looking at the mirror, and decided to approach it side on, slowly looking and listening.

<OOC: ooohhh, creepy black mirror in the middle of nowhere. Not suspisious at all!>

Krivcrath goes up to the mirror, his eyes starting to glow violet as he senses the magic present and tries to ascertain what kind of magic this mirror is

I have Eldritch Sight Invocation, hence I am running Detect Magic right now
15:29, Today: Krivcrath Sparkfyre rolled 11 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 7.  Arcana check.

Hiding behind one of the still-standing stone corners, Nyssia had peered around the corner to see the interior and spotted the black mirror. Wanting to approach it from the side, the best way to do that was to circle around the corner and move between the two corners on that side.

She does this but as soon as she's stepped out, she realizes the mirror has disappeared!


Krivcrath has made his way up to the ruins and now looks at the mirror with his Eldritch Sight. It is definitely magical and has strong conjuration and transmutation auras.

Out of curiousity, Victor goes to to take a look at what's causing all the fuss. He says, "Hmmm... at the academy, I studied in-depth the art of blowing stuff up. This tower blew up from the inside. The fact that only the mirror is unscathed is distressing. I would suggest treating it as hostile magic, to be safe."

Nyssia looks at the mirror from the corner, and though she was cautious, she was also curious.

She turned the corner to edge around.

...and it disappeared.

"What in the nine hells!" She mutters, and backtracks, waiting the spellcasters.

At Prizzard's notification, half the group seems to quickly climb the hill to the ruins. If there's no immediate threat, Mithra shrugs and follows the others. If nothing else, the hilltop should give them a better view of the area.

"A black mirror?" she asks upon seeing the item, unsure if what she is seeing is accurate.

"How odd! If this place exploded, as you suggest, Victor, it was a long time ago. See how the grass and weeds have grown up around all the debris? Even with good weather, it would take many seasons to get that overgrown."

"None of us have heard of this place before, either, though. I wonder what that means?"

Prizzard remains staring at the mirror for a while, apprehensive. If the subject comes up his immediate response is "I have no intention to approach the large creepy mirror."

"I should say this is wise, dear Prizzard. It could easily be a portal to another place, on this plane or another. If not, there are any number of things it could do... best treat it with caution." She glanced at Victor. "If the mirror is unscathed, could it not have been placed after the explosion?"

"How perspicacious of you, Lureene," Ero agrees. "On both edifications."

"If it was ensconced after yon devastation, it must surely have a nefarious purpose. Extreme caution is most certainly advised."

"Should it turn out be a gate or portal, perhaps it is the source of the ogres whether intentionally or not. Mayhap even the Orcs."

"That is beyond my knowledge," Cunaar chimes in. "So, what? Do we destroy it? If we can. Perhaps we can just bury it."

"Oh! I know! We can test it with a branch! Let's find something suitable and try to push it into the mirror."

"Or maybe it's one of those talking magic mirrors. No, wait! I've heard of a Mirror of Life Trapping. As I understand it, there's usually someone trapped in the mirror. The only way for them to get out is to trade places with someone one the outside, who then becomes trapped within. That we need to be careful about."

Victor grumbles, "Hmmm... my instinct is to stay away from the damned thing, but it may endanger others. After all, maybe the reason we've never heard of this place, is that no one who has approached it has returned to tell the tale."

Willem followed the others, curious to see what had grabbed their attention. A mirror, a strange one at that. He looked around at the building. “I agree that it looks likely that some kind of explosion destroyed this tower from the inside, not from without. Maybe some strange warlock’s meddling had an unhappy end... at least for the warlock.”

By now, everyone has climbed to the top of the hill. It wasn't a steep climb and no one really exerted themselves to do so. The two horses are still at the bottom... not because they couldn't climb the hill but because they would have trouble going back down.

So far, anyone who's looked at the mirror has done so at an angle, so they didn't see their reflection.

Neither Ero, Lureene nor Victor have stated that they are looking at the mirror, but Nyssia has.

After a bit of consideration... that the mirror disappeared when she went to look at it from the side, yet Krivcrath apparently could still see it, she finally realized that there was an odd appearance to it, above and beyond the obvious of it being there and being unblemished.

Putting the two facts together was almost a prodigious leap of intellect for her, simply because she wasn't trained in magic like the wizards were. On the other hand, she did know a bit of lore...

Eureka! Yes, that's it! The mirror is only two-dimensional! It can't be seen from the side because it has no side! It looked odd from the front because there were no shadows in the relief of the brass frame!

Nyssia, circling the mirror took a perplexed look as she looked on, seeing it all but disappear when she was side on.  she walked back towards the front and saw it reappear. She had a sudden thought, one she learnt from a mage friend long ago.

"Damn me....it's two dimensional. Maybe it's a portal?" She looks at the magic users as she says this.

Thressa continues along with the group silent but alert.

Based on his limited knowledge of the mirror he could glean, Krivcrath says, "I believe it to be a portal, but it could be to another relam. Also, I am picking up strong transmutation elements to this magic, so I think that rather than a doorway, it may also act as a conversion machine. Maybe some fiend could enter this portal and appear as a normal human. However, at this stage, it is just conjecture"

Willem kept back from the mirror. He’d heard tales of magic mirrors, all children had. Some were doorways to another world, others would grant you your hearts desire. Others, well, they showed your true self, and that was something he wasn’t ready to see.

For now he hung back, watching the surrounding area in case something tried to sneak up on them.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Fri 12 June 2020.

"If you didn't detect an abjuration aura, then it isn't a Mirror of Life Trapping," Cunaar offered.

"While the transmutation could be its ability to alter someone who stepped into or through the mirror, it is also the two-dimensional trait. Not really any way to tell the difference between the two."

"Has anyone seen any images in the mirror?"

Not having seen anyone more around behind it, Cunaar cautiously moves around to where he can see the back of the mirror, making sure he didn't pass directly in front of it where he could see his own reflection.

Nyssia was truly curious by the mirror and stood by the others suspecting what it might be, absorbing the information. Hearing the two dimensional trait is part of the school of transmutation, She raised her eyebrows.

Upon the question, She shook her head. "I just went as far as the side. I didn't want to get too close without more knowledgeable back-up "

"I wish to fire upon it, this would discover easily whether it is a gate or some illusion." he already had his bow in-hand and quiver shufted to a firing position.

"If that's the case, we all better stand back!" said Victor.

"Perhaps, before we try to shoot at it, or into it or through it -- should we not see what is on the other side? I am quite curious as to what the back of this mirror is like, if indeed it even has a back and is not visible from only one side. And if we do shoot at it, I'd suggest a slight angle -- if it is a mirror, it may well reflect more than light."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Mon 15 June 2020.

Cunaar moves around to view the back of the mirror. He quickly realizes that he's looking at an identical image. Again, it's only two-dimensional. There's no relief to the brass frame, no depth to it.

Mithra takes a look at the mirror just to see what everyone is talking about, but since it's out of her realm of knowledge or experience, she lets the others deal with it as she patrols the perimeter.

At one point, however, something occurs to her.

"Did any of you notice any footprints leading to or from the mirror?" she calls out to the others.

Back to patrolling, she considers what Victor had said... about the building or tower having exploded outward.

The next time she gets close to Ero or Cunaar, she has another question.

"Is there some sort of spell that would cause such an explosion? Could it have centered on the mirror yet not affect the mirror?"

Nyssia, crouching low with the group, looked at the mirror. "I saw no recent tracks up here. Any older were worn away by time."

She scratched her neck "Maybe a portal to a magic users home? Or a castle?"She looked at the magic users, posing the question

Willem stayed put, keeping guard. As he paced around the tower he flexed his fists in his new gauntlets, still getting used to the feel of them on his hands. He hated to admit it, but he was keen for a scrap to see what enchantment they might offer.

"You elucidate a significant observation, Mithra," Ero replies.

"My arcane knowledge of such an eldritch evocation is sparse at best. I do believe that might be the purview of the alchemist, however."

"Yes. Such contrivances are often deployed as portals. Greater control can be exercised over a teleport circle to restrict which personages can traverse from one mirror to another. They are also linked. Since the obverse displays a second mirror, I would estimate that there are two separate destinations."

"That's about what I was expecting," Mithra replies to Ero. "One hears tales, but you never know which ones are fish stories."

"Since there's no way to tell how old this mirror is nor how long it has been here, it's possible that the destinations are equally abandoned or destroyed."

"Unless one of you has any special knowledge of those destinations, I don't see any benefit to trying to go through the mirror... if it actually is a portal. It's just an idle amusement for the moment."

"And without any sign that it's been used recently, I say just leave it alone and let's continue."

The gnome looks at the mirror with curiosity, but when Mithra says to move on she almost looks almost disappointed. "Would be nice if it leads to a tower of a mage....some nice loot."

She placed her hand on her short sword hilt and sighed. She looked at Ero with a hopeful look.

"Any way you can tell where it goes?"

"The Tower of a Mage?" Cunaar responds to Nyssia's comment. "Ha! More like the tower of an archmage! And what if he's not one of the nice ones? He's just as apt to turn you into a frog as say 'hello'!"

"Three ways to tell where it goes: ask the wizard who built it, go through and find out, or possibly Lureene has a divination spell that might do the trick."

"Just remember, Nyssia... you might just get what you wish for!"

The gnome smiles at Cunaar. "could be very fun...find some treasure,  kick some monsters as, be heroes. or wander the place."

She looks at Lureene. "Can you scry where this goes?"

Thressa shrugs. " Could be all sorts of fun, or could be all sorts of pain. But it definitely sounds like a place that needs Aumanator's Light. "

Lureene pondered Nyssia's question. "I could ask the Lady Firehair for an augury so as the matter of our entering the portal, and whether she sees weal or woe in this course. Given time, I could prepare a clairvoyance spell, though I have doubts that this will work. I can perhaps cast it through the portal, but the destination will likely be out of the range of my spiritual perception. I suppose that would be information in and of itself."

Prizzard stowed his bow halfway through the conversation and seemed decided on his own feelings. "There is wealth enough to be found without chancing this disconcerting artifact. I would prefer we be on our way, but I will not leave those braver than myself to their fates if they choose to enter. I propose we make a vote on spending further time here or moving along. I vote to move along, perhaps we will be rewarded for reporting this location to a magical high authority."

Willem nodded along with Prizzard. “Aye. Meddling in strange magicks is a bad idea. Best to leave it be and be on our way.”

With a unanimous decision unlikely, the advice of the team leaders--Victor and Mithra--will probably sway everyone else to continue on.

Almost as if everyone was waiting for something to happen, though... SOMETHING HAPPENS!

A strange-looking creature comes flying out of the mirror! That's the first impression. Then you realize the creature is just running as if fleeing from something. You also realize it (he?) may have been jumping as his feet were a few inches above the ground before he landed.

You can now see that the creature is an oddly-garbed Goblin... green skin, red hair, almost a military suit, goggles on his head, and carrying a broken hand crossbow.


About 20 seconds later, an ogre charges out of the mirror. He halts instantly at the bright daylight, and then gets slammed into from behind by another ogre that charges through the mirror. The second one, also blinded, halts, and is also hit from behind by yet a third ogre. The second one also falls down on top of the first one, and the third one trips over the feet of the other two.

"An endless ogre-generating mirror, hooray. Unlikely we could outrun them. Instead, I suggest a skirmish until they get too close." By the end of his own input he had his bow out again and an arrow nocked, halfway aimed and ready to draw and fire at first confirmation.

Readied Action: ranged attack
rolled 24,9 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 19,6.  Attack: Longbow.

In case anybody is unfamiliar with the term, a skirmish is attacking amd retreating repeatedly, often with ranged weapons.

Hearing the commotion, Willem turned, just in time to see the mass of ogres pile through the mirror. Astounded for a moment, he collected himself and charged forward, roaring a guttural war cry. He leapt and slashed down hard with his heavy greatsword, the blade cutting deep into  thick, warty skin. He then withdrew his blade and swung again, this time biting deeper with a satisfying spray of warm, sticky goo.

Attack top ogre (ogre 3) with Advantage as opponent is Prone. Hit for total of 9hp damage.
Then second attack on same target using Action Surge, this time CRIT for 15hp damage
Total damage - 24hp

07:38, Today: Grey Willem rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20.  Action Surge, attack again.
07:38, Today: Grey Willem rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Action . (Oops, pressed roll button early!)
07:32, Today: Grey Willem rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Reroll the 1 - Great Weapon Fighting.
07:31, Today: Grey Willem rolled 7 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 3,1.  Hit! Damage.
07:30, Today: Grey Willem rolled 9 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 4.  Attack Ogre 3, with Advantage against Prone enemy.
07:30, Today: Grey Willem rolled 19 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 14.  Attack Ogre 3, with Advantage against Prone enemy.

Seeing Willem rush into action, Victor does the same. With a flurry of energy, Victor tears into the wounded ogre, stabbing into the one beneath it if he kills the first.

Transferring Defender's +3 bonus to AC, bringing AC to 22
Attacking twice, then using action surge to attack twice more. Will use reaction to cast shield if an ogre rolls higher than 15 to attack Victor (before modifiers.)

08:18, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 10 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 5.  defender damage.
08:18, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 8 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 3.  defender damage.
08:18, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 7 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 2.  defender damage.
08:18, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 12 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 7.  defender damage.
08:17, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 24 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 18,1.  Defender attack with advantage.
08:17, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 25 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 8,19.  Defender attack with advantage.
08:17, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 24 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 8,18.  Defender attack with advantage.
08:17, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 23 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 17,6.  Defender attack with advantage.

Thressa charges producing her Great Axe and misses.


" By the Light. "


11:37, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 6 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 3.  Greataxe.

Nyssia watched as the beasts came from the mirror. She raised her eyebrow with a half smile. "Didn't expect that."

She drew her short sword and held her hand out, singing a slight tune, the beasts lit up with a pinkish purple lining.

She smiled to herself as she looked at them. "Can't hide now."

She looks at Therresa and calls out. "You hit them girl...show them what we can do!"

<OOC: action - draws short sword and casts faerie fire

Bonus action - inspire Theressa>

"Are they even hostile to us?", wonders Lureene. "I'd wager they're as confused as we are." She readies her mace and approaches the ogres, holding her shield up. "Someone should see to that goblin. Someone fast, he's a speedy one. I should rather like an explanation."

Then she closes her eyes and begins a prayer to the Lady Firehair.

OOC: I am going to cast bless, targeting Grey, Victor and Thressa, since they're all attacking in Melee. That gives them +1d4 to their attack rolls and saving throws.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:22, Sat 04 July 2020.

The ogres are easy enough to hit, even when they aren't laying on the ground, but they are still tough. It takes both of Grey's attacks and all of Victor's 4 attacks to kill the top ogre.

If they weren't hostile to you before, killing one of them certainly made them so now!

The one on the bottom semi-recovers first, manages to swing his club at Grey's legs before rolling out from under the two ogres on top of him. Unfortunately, he's at a disadvantage, and doesn't manage to hit Grey.

17:27, Today: StarMaster rolled 7,15 using 1d20+6,2d8+4 ((1,7,4)).


By the time that ogre rolls aside and gets to his feet, everyone can get another action.

The second ogre has to push the ogre body off of him and then stand up, so he's not going to get an attack this round. On the other hand, he doesn't seem to realize that his buddy is dead. Unfortunately, his effort heaves the body right at Victor (who's to the right of Grey; Thressa is to the left).

17:36, Today: StarMaster rolled 13,15 using 1d20+6,1d10+6 ((7,9)).

He doesn't have the leverage of his height, so his makeshift attack with dead ogre misses as Victor easily steps back out of the way.

Thressa swings again.



So attack: 28 to hit, 10 great axe damage, 4 fire damage
28 or 14 due to advantage(flanking)


15:02, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 4 using 1d8 ((4)).

14:59, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,6.  Greataxe damage.

14:58, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.

14:58, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 4.  Greatsword attack.

14:58, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Bless.

14:57, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 21 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 18.  Greatsword attack.

"So much for a skirmish, or a sign." Prizzard stowed his bow and rode closer before throwing a dart into the nearest ogre.

rolled 11,6 using d20+5,d4+3 with rolls of 6,3.  Dart Attack.
rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Advantage.

As the ogre crawled back to it’s feet, Willem pressed his attack and slashed down hard, his blade cutting deep into the ogre’s side. He smiled with grim satisfaction as dark, sticky blood sprayed out and splashed his boots.

Hit with a CRIT again! 15hp damage to Ogre 1. Forgot about Bless but luckily didn’t need it.
NOTE - I have not accounted for my magic gauntlets so please adjust damage as required.
07:27, Today: Grey Willem rolled 25 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 20,5.  Greatsword attack on Ogre 1 with Advantage.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:34, Tue 07 July 2020.

Nyssia scowls at the cluster of people attacking. It was useless the little gnome trying to get in, so she sheathed her short sword and took out her crossbow.

Taking aim, she carefully took aim, firing into the ogre scrum

<OOC: sheaths her sword, takes out crossbow and fires.

Nyssia rolled 11 using 1d20+4 - attack, crossbow>

Victor slashed twice, beginning with the ogre Willem had hit, once again applying the defensive magic of his sword. "No Ogre can touch me!" he taunted.

Attacking twice, hitting AC 27 for 10 damage, then AC  17 for 12 damage. If the first ogre is felled by the first attack, he will attack the next nearest ogre. Will use reaction to cast shield if an ogre rolls higher than 15 to attack Victor (before modifiers.)

07:19, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 12 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 7.
07:19, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 10 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 5.  defender damage.
07:17, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 2 using 1d4 with rolls of 2.
07:17, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.
07:16, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 15 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 8,9.
07:16, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 24 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 16,18.  Defender attack with advantage.


This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:29, Tue 07 July 2020.

Seeing her allies had the ogres well in hand, Lureene followed her own advice and tried to locate the goblin, lest he somehow slip away before they could get an explanation.

((Apologies for the delay. It's been a bad week for posting ever since last Tuesday when I lost internet due to the server being down. After that, RL just kept cutting into my time.))


I forgot to take into account Prizzard's hit on the top ogre before, but it wouldn't have changed the outcome. The ogre would have had only 1 hit point left when Victor hit it with his fourth attack.

Ogre #1 is dead.

Thressa easily hits Ogre #2 (65hp - 14 damage = 51hp).

Prizzard's dart also scores a hit on Ogre #2 (51hp - 6 damage = 45hp).

Grey then hits Ogre #2 with a critical hit (45hp - 30 damage = 15hp).

Nyssia manages to just barely hit Ogre #2 (15hp - 5 damage = 10hp).

Victor's first attack hits Ogre #2 (10hp - 10 damage = 0hp), killing it.
   He is able to switch his second attack to Ogre #3 (66hp - 12 damage = 54hp).

Cunaar, Ero, Krivath and Mithra haven't acted yet. They can still do so before the last ogre gets a chance to attack.

Lureene has chosen to corral the goblin that the ogres were chasing. Being a bit more graceful than the ogres, it didn't trip as it emerged into the sunlight but it also couldn't stop its headlong rush and wound up running down the hill. He managed to glance behind him just in time to see the group attack the ogres.

That was his undoing--he missed a step and went tumbling down the hill. The fall stunned him, and that's when and where Lureene caught up with him.

Once again, Mithra was slow to act... or even react. Maybe she was getting tired of all the fighting.

Then again, the others had pounced upon the bumbling ogres with speed and far too much zest. had Lureene been right to wonder if they were even hostile? Mithra had never heard of a nice ogre.

Anyway, with the ogres rather bunched up, there wasn't really room for her to attack. And Victor was like a hurricane of death being visited upon the ogres.

Guess she'd stay in reserve... for now.

It really wasn't his nature to react with violence... just because of a few ogres. Perhaps as Mithra was doing, he'd stay in reserve.

But then again, there was no reason a little spell couldn't be helpful. He unleashed another Eldritch Blast at the remaining ogre.

00:21, Today: Krivath Sparkfyre rolled 9,5 using 1d20+3,1d10 ((6,5)).

Then again, maybe not. His blast completely missed the ogre, dissipating harmlessly in the air a few feet beyond.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Sat 18 July 2020.

Willem turned to the remaining ogre and swung hard, but his aim was off and his blow narrowly missed the target.


08:58, Today: Grey Willem rolled 10 using 1d4+9 with rolls of 1.  Add bless. Ignore, rolled in error.
08:57, Today: Grey Willem rolled 10 using 1d4+9 with rolls of 1.  Add bless.
08:57, Today: Grey Willem rolled 9 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 3,4.  Attack ogre 3 with Advantage.

Nyssia, seeing the remaining ogre, tried to get a clan shot, but with the bodies arouund it attacking it, held little hope. She saw an opening, as brief as it was, and fired. The bolt struck true, hitting the beast in the hip solidly

<OOC: Nyssia rolled 16 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 12.  attack - crossbow (Advantage).
Nyssia rolled 16 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 12.  attack = crossbow (Advantage)
Nyssia rolled 6 using 1d8+2 with rolls of 4.  damage - Crossbow.>


This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Sat 18 July 2020.

Thressa casts  Sacred Flame on last ogre.
" I call upon the flames of Aumanator to fall from heaven upon mine enemy."



Sacred Flame
cantrip evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V S
Duration: Instantaneous
Classes: Cleric
Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 radiant damage. The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw.

The spell's damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th Level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8).


09:17, Today: Thressa Wildflamme rolled 6 using 1d8 ((6)).

((OOC: A bad week and a half for posting and then I had company show up for 4 days...))


Krivcath's spell misses the ogre.

Grey's attack misses the ogre.

Nyssia manages to hit ogre #3 with a crossbow bolt (54hp - 6 = 48hp).

Thressa also cast a spell at the ogre. It can't dodge the Sacred Flame (48hp - 6 = 42hp).

Mithra is holding her actions in reserve, but Victor, Prizzard, Ero and Cunaar can still act.

Ero was well aware of the long reach of an ogre, which is why he had no intention of getting close unless he had to.

Keeping his distance, he cast a Ray of Frost spell at the ogre. It was going to take a combined effort of all of them to whittle down the tough ogre.

21:26, Today: Ero Sulaanin rolled 4 using 1d8 ((4)).

As if coming to the same conclusion as Ero, or perhaps prompted by his fellow wizard's actions, Cunaar also cast a spell... a counterpart to Ero's. They'd done this before and it had worked out quite well that time!

He cast Fire Bolt at the ogre.

21:31, Today: Cunaar Clothar IV rolled 15 using 1d20 ((15)). Spell attack.

21:36, Today: Cunaar Clothar IV rolled 2 using 1d10 ((2)). Damage.

Not so good this time!

Nyssia, still on the outskirts of the battle, reloaded her crossbow and took aim. "C'mon, ye Big-butted Buffoon...give me a target." she muttered to herself as she took aim.

She briefly saw an opening, and without hesitation, fired.

<OOC: Fires her crossbow (With advantage)

Nyssia rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  attack - crossbow.
Nyssia rolled 4 using 1d8+2 with rolls of 2.  damage - crossbow.>
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Wed 29 July 2020.

The outline of faerie fire was quite helpful when throwing into a crowd. Prizzard threw two darts true thanks to the magic!

rolled 9,11 using d20+5 with rolls of 4.  Attack: Longbow.
rolled 15 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 10.  Longbow, Advantage.
rolled 5 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 2.  oops, dart.

rolled 19,12 using d20+5,d20+5 with rolls of 14,7.  Bonus Attack: Dart.
rolled 7 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 4.  Dart Damage.

Lureene looms over the goblin in her armor, holding her mace -- but not threateningly, yet. "Now, goodsir, before you leave, we'd appreciate a chat with you, so as to the place whence you came from, the portal you use, and the the nature of your hurry. If you'll be so kind as to walk back to the others with me..."

Hoping to finish of the final ogre quickly, Victor let all of the Defender's power flow into the next two attacks.

Action: Attack 1 on Ogre, hitting AC 26 for 15 damage
Attack 2 on Ogre, critically hitting for 22 damage.

00:46, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 22 using 2d8+8 with rolls of 8,6.  defender crit damage.

00:45, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 15 using 1d8+8 with rolls of 7.  defender damage.

00:45, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 29 using 2d20+9, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 20,2.  Defender attack with advantage.

00:45, Today: Victor Harkness rolled 26 using 2d20+9, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 17,16.  Defender attack with advantage.

The combined assault on the remaining finishes it off with Victor's last attack. It takes a few seconds for the ogre's brain to register all the damage and 'realize' that it's dead! It topples over for the last time!

"Whaddya mean, 'the nature of my hurry'? You saw them! Those big ugly brute ogres!" the goblin responds to Lureene.

"They was chasin' me! I had no intention of being lunch! Well, maybe only a snack, but still! Not my idea of a good day, know what I mean?"

"I was just walking down the road, minding my own business, when those three brutes stepped out from behind a big rock. Quite naturally, if you ask me, I took off running! I'm pretty fast, but, in case you didn't notice, I'm a bit on the short side!"

"My short legs versus their long legged strides? Weren't gonna happen! I was about to turn and fight my last fight when I spotted a building at the base of a cliff. I ran in; they followed."

"We played cat-and-mouse for a bit, running around through all the rooms in the dark. I thought they had me once again... ran into another dark room... turned out, it was this portal thingie."

"I wasn't planning on hanging around until they caught up to me! I had a head start again cause they got blinding by the light and didn't figure it out fast enough. I just wanted a place to hide. Ogre ain't too smart. Could've tricked them if they stopped chasin' me long enough."

"Glad to see you dealt with them."

"No, to your other question... I was in Burdock, headin' to Nightstone, cause Goblins get treated a bit better there, or so I heard."

He looks up at the sun at that point, then glances around the area.

"Nope, not on Eberron any more. So... WHERE AM I?"

The gnome bard breathed a deep breath as she let up her crossbow. The woman walked over towards the ogres and began searching them. As she did she spoke to the goblin.

"So, this mirror is a portal to another tower?"

<OOC: Nyssia rolled 23 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 17.  Investigation check.>
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

"I've never heard of those places. You're not from Faerun, are you? You're speech isn't Cormyrian, or Calishite. You're definitely not from Waterdeep-- you haven't insulted any of us yet."

OOC: I can't recall where we are exactly, but if Victor knows, he'll gladly tell the goblin.

"We're south of Neverwinter, but north of Waterdeep," Ero explains.

"This fellow's not from around here, that's for sure--he's from another world, if we can believe him."

"I've heard tales of this place called Eberron, but I didn't believe them. Flying ships, magic carriages that travel on iron rails, some sort of house glyphs."

"Flying ships? Now that sounds like a great place to spend my retirement. Wait, a sec, little fella, what can you get for a gold piece where you're from?"

Willem prodded the ogres to make sure they knew they were dead, and smiled with grim satisfaction. Once done he sheathed his great sword and began to help Nyssia search the bodies to see if they had anything useful on them.

As others began to speak to the little goblin, Willem kept an eye on them portal mirror, just in case anything else decided to step out.

Nyssia and Willem search the ogre bodies.

The first thing you realize is that these ogres look considerable different from the other two ogres you killed. These have shorter, stockier, stubbier legs, which might explain why the goblin could outrun them for a short distance.

The second thing noticeable, which wasn't important or relevant in the heat of battle, are the tattoos. All three ogres have a dozen or more tattoos. About half of them are crude, but the other half are more sophisticated that you'd expect from ogre culture. The crude ones appear to be of animals or 'people' that the ogre probably killed. The sophisticated ones are things like a howling wolf against a moon, a butterfly, a lion's head, a wolf's head, a bear's head, a skull and crossbones, a red rose in a circle of thorny vines. One has a dragon tattooed on his back, another has a 'flying ship' tattooed on his back, and one has an eagle tattooed on his back. One has a snake tattooed around his arm and another has a chain tattooed around his waist.

All three have the identical fancy tattoo on their chests... rather elaborate scrollwork.

The third thing you realize is that each ogre has a dozen or so shrunken heads hanging from the rope belt that keeps their loincloths in place.

All three were carrying greatclubs but none had javelins. All three had large sacks tied across their backs kind of like backpacks.

Ogre #1 has 6 copper pieces, 6 silver pieces, 6 electrum pieces, 6 gold pieces and 6 platinum pieces; 6 brass candlesticks, 6 black candles, 6 moonrods, 6 sunrods, 6 hooded lanterns, 6 haunches of beast, 6 wineskins.

Ogre #2 has 50 copper pieces, 3 silver pieces, 27 gold pieces and 1 platinum piece; an astrolabe, a sextant, a music box, 3 torches, a 1-hour hourglass, a spyglass, a battered cittern missing two strings, a shovel, a crowbar, a folding ladder, a bear trap, a half-eaten cheese wheel, a keg of rum, 6 feet of chain, and 100 feet of silk rope with grappling hook.

Ogre #3 has 22 copper pieces, 17 silver pieces, 65 electrum pieces and 12 platinum pieces; 7 daggers of different styles, a short sword, a long sword, a bastard sword, a great sword, a warhammer, a sickle, a mwangana, a battleaxe, a morning star flail, a spiked gauntlet, a cutlass, a scimitar, a hand crossbow, a katar, a boomerang, a bola, a whip, a powder horn, and a pistol.

You realize, too, that none of this equipment or weapons is sized for an ogre. Nyssia also noticed that Ogre #1 had 6 fingers on his left hand.

Nyssia searches the ogres, a little confusion at the difference in them and the previous ogres that caught her. The tattoo's peaked her interest....more the well done ones than the crude ones.

But the items in the sacks are the things that peaked her interest. She dragged all atoms in a pile and looked at the casters. "I doubt any have, but can ye see if any of this stuff is magical?"

She collected the coin in separate pouches

He walked over to the others talking to the goblin. "If what you say is true, and I'm thinking it might, then this could lead to quite an adventure. flying ships, new lands..." She holds up the pistol and power horn. "These are rare in this land, and the few I have seen are crude in comparison to this one. Those ogres are unusual as well."

He looked at the goblin. "one ogre has six fingers on his hand, and I noticed they have some elaborate tattoos on them. do you know anything of these ogres? maybe a part of a warrant or something."

<OOC: want to confirm my math is right.

Total coin

78 copper, 26 silver, 33 gold, 19 platinum, 71 electrum

Plus the gear>

"I still feel we should find a way to contain or destroy this portal, it could be a major threat." Everything about these ogres seemed strange, could another land really be so different? The duelist did seem slightly interested, but far more concerned.

Victor balked. "Destroy it? You sound like an old general I knew. Though, someone should definitely keep an eye on it. Anyone here happen to be able to contact a wizard who can zap a squad of men over here to secure this place?"

Willem completed his search, piling up the odd assortment of weapons. Some were familiar, others looked strange. Three stood out to him and he picked them up, the great sword, the bastard sword and the warhammer.

Strange, they all felt light in his hands. As he thought about it, all of the weapons did. He looked down at his new gauntlets, the ones the wizard’s had said we’re magical. He gave the new weapons a casual swing. They felt no heavier than a rapier or shortsword. “I don’t know if these weapons are made of some strange metal I’ve never seen before, or if it the enchantment from my new gauntlets, but these weapons seem very light.”

He looked over at Victor and offered him a random weapon from the pile. “Here, what do you think?”

He looked at the magical mirror, regarding it properly for the first time. “If this is indeed a portal then it is a great opportunity, but also a grave danger. Anything could come through there. Foul beasts, an invading army, anything. It must be secured or destroyed. Can we move it? Maybe we can relocate it somewhere where any movement in or out can be monitored and controlled, like a prison cell.”

OOC - my gauntlets of ogre power have now attuned so everything seems light to me!

Victor tested the weight of the weapon, "Feels normal. Must be your new mittens." He went over to the portal, to see if he could grasp the edge of it.

In reply to Victor Harkness (msg # 286):

Willem thought for a moment and looked around, then picked up a fist-sized rock. It did indeed feel as light as a pebble. “I think you are right, this rock feels no heavier than a coin. Curious indeed!”

The gnome, still holding her crossbow, looked at Grey and victor, smiling a half smile as she shook her head. "Boys and their new toys. There are three ogres here, a portal to another realm, and they talk about a pair of gloves."