After taking care of a few things in town, the party, now six in number counting Kevril and Yasha, follows Kathel on the road south out of Westbank.

Lazaret and Therarak share the one of the horses while Celador and Thorfire share a second (OOC: feel free to change ridership if you'd prefer). Yasha rides the third horse, while Kethel and Kevril ride their own personal steeds.

The journey is fairly quick and comfortable for all except for Celador and Thorefire, who drew the unfortunate lot of riding Ol' Charlie, who the elf fights for most of the trip. The stubborn horse is last to start and last to stop, difficult to turn and generally just a miserable ride, but he still beats walking.

After about 8 miles (a little under an hour for the trotting horses), Kethel holds up a hand to signal all to stop. "We're almost there," she explains. "Around the next hill there's a sheer wall. Inside that wall runs a host of orc bandits."

As described by Kathel, a wall runs along the western  side of the road.  From the road to the top of the wall is a good 140 feet. To the east of the road, another drop, not quite as steep, into scrub and brush below. She warns the orcs they encountered fired out of multiple cave openings in the wall.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:04, Tue 10 Oct 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Thank you Celador for handling our fine horse, I think he tried to bite me a time or two.  Still it was probably better to ride with you than the damn tabaxi that won't ever quit talking....  I will quietly scout ahead to see what I can find.  If you hear me yelling, than I might need some help killing the orcs.

09:46, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 12 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Stealth.

OOC:  What time is it anyway.  I can't see to find my watch.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Sat 07 Oct 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Therarak dismounts his steed and secures it yards up the road before the bend in the road.He advances down towards the brush, careful to keep road between himself and the wall. Securing himself behind some boulders he spies the wall to determine the size of the enemy forces and a way in.


10:37, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 20 using 1d20+3. Perception.
10:33, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 8 using 1d20+2. stealth.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 3):

"And here we are. I hope you enjoyed my singing along the way. Pretty sure I heard you singing along a couple of times. The constant tummy rubs were a bit odd, but not unpleasant. Sorry you had to ride in the back, but you know, claws. I guess I was expecting Deep Gnomes to have clammy hands, so that was a pleasant surprise anyway. And I agree with you that Thorfire should ride back behind me as he just loves my stories. I knew everyone did, but I had no idea that he was my biggest fan.

"Now where do you think those orcs are?"


16:56, Today: Lazaret rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  Perception. (Passive=16)
16:56, Today: Lazaret rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Stealth (whoops).
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Sun 08 Oct 2017.

Celador hops of Ol' Charlie and gives him a quick pat on the neck, "there, there, old buddy. Thanks for the ride, I'm going to tie you up over here and I need you to be a good horsey and stay here until we get back."

Celador takes Charlie and ties him to a tree in a secure spot, out of sight of the road.

Does proficiency with land vehicles include horses? if not then subtract 2

22:49, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  animal handling + proficiency.


He then takes up his bow and draws and arrow from his quiver. "Hey you, Yasha? Was that what you said your name was? What is that thing you have there? Does it fight?" Celador motions towards the familiar sitting on the back of Yasha's horse.

"Let's see if we can find those orcs," he says to no one in particular as he follows Thorfire and Therarak, giving them time to scout ahead.


22:55, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  stealth.

clunkety, clunk

22:55, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  perception.

hopefully I'll see them just as they see me...

OOC: new map for group 9 is now available.

The party dismounts and takes cover against the wall, sneaking forward to catch a glimpse of the layout ahead of them. Unfortunately for the group, the horses are restless and Ol' Charlie especially makes a great deal of noise clomping and snuffing and stamping around.

Celador and Therarak both sneak ahead further (to about H8) to scope out the lay of the land. Both see a flash of movement in an opening in the wall far from their current position and a good 50' above the road (cave C). Neither can make out what exactly it was, but something was there for a second, then ducked back into the darkness.

Moments later, an unnatural tapping sound can be heard, like a wooden block being struck repeatedly. It's difficult to say from exactly where the sound is coming (the sound plays tricks on the ears against the tall stone wall).

A second cave (cave A) is closer and on the same level as the road. They see no movement there.

OOC: If you want to inspect around the corner, you'll have to move further south (H10), fully exposing you.

In reply to DM (msg # 6):

Thorfire sort of sneaks up to the group, and strains his eyesight and hearing to determine where the creatures are, what the noise is, and where is it coming from. I am fairly agile, do you guys think I should I climb up the slope and check out that cave up there?

10:04, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 22 using 1d20+2, rerolling ones.  Perception.
10:04, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 10 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Stealth.


OOC: Just out of curiosity, how was a caravan with wagons, etc. going to travel on this road?!?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:09, Tue 10 Oct 2017.

In reply to Thorfire Shortankard (msg # 7):

"You are agile, but not as stealthy as some. I can help you."

Lazaret casts Invisibility on Thorfire.

In reply to DM (msg # 6):

Therarak, moves carefully further along the cliff to get a better view of the surroundings.


22:16, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 14 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.Perception Stealth. I roll with advantage and I assume that along the cliff would count as rocky terrain.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Wed 11 Oct 2017.

The heroes shimmy up as far as they can while still receiving cover from the rock wall on their right. Behind them, Kathel has a short arguement with Kevril, ultimately covincing him that he needs to stay with the horses, which he reluctantly does.

Therarak uses his Snirfneblin ability to blend in with stone to sneak further ahead. Thorfire, with the aid of Lazaret, disappears entirely and also moves around the corner.

From what they can all see, there are 3 caves, none of which show any signs of life at the moment. Kathel suggests, however, that more than one are home to a pack of orc bowmen.

The wooden tapping noise has ceased. Before it does, however, Thorfire gets the impression that it originated at the furthest cave (cave C), some 200 feet away.

Both the Gnome and Halfling see, as they come around the corner, a fourth cave opening (cave D). This cave, like two of the others, is quite a way up the cliff. The opening is dark and there is nobody there by the looks of it.

OOC: regarding a caravan travelling the road, good question. The road is actually wider than the skinny trail picture. Referencing the map, the road itself is 10 to 12 feet wide and there is a good 10 to 20 feet of (fairly) level ground on either side of the road before the stone wall (on the west) and the dropoff into the scrub and brush (on the east).

Also OOC: The map has been updated to show current positions. I made Thorfire's morker gray instead of black to show he's invisible.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:44, Wed 11 Oct 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 10):

To Kethel, "The little fellows will sneak forward and find the orcs. We should know in a minute if Thorfire has found something because a dead orc will come flying out of a cave. The Darjeeling gnome will probably pour acid on one of the poor bastards. Pretty awful when you think about it. Not sure what we are supposed to do. We'll think of something."

After another moment, "The horses are going to die, you know. They never make it out alive from these sorts of adventures. A shame, really."

Celador looks at Lazaret with a look of -...why would you say something like that?!?...- in response to the comment about the horses.

He then moves to where he has some cover a the point where the wall curves and if he were to go much further he would be exposed to attack. He nocks an arrow and sets his sights on the cave higher up the face of the wall and close enough that he believes it is within range of his bow.

"I guess we will wait and see what happens." Celador sighs.

"Yasha, where did you go?"


Celador moves to square H9 which is roughly 150' to cave B and takes half cover at the edge of the rock wall. He readies his bow in anticipation that something will pop its head out.

Kathel stiffnes as the Tabaxi waxes poetically. "By the white gauntlet of Torm," she finally cries through clenched teeth at Celador. "Does he ever shut up?"

In reply to DM (msg # 13):

Yasha and his blue fimilar will walk right behind Celador and Yasha will look prepared to cast an Eldridge blast.
His fimilar will wave at Celador and his familiar will with a shrill voice say"Heyyy, I'm Mr. Meekseeks look at me I am here because Yasha asked me to translate for him. Look at me" Then Yasha will move 30 feet up the road along with his meeseeks both ready to fight some orcs.



23:53, Today: Yasha rolled 8 using 1d20.  Stealth. Oof

23:55, Today: Yasha rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Mr meeseeks stealth roll.

In reply to Yasha (msg # 14):

"Who the hell is the blue guy? What the hell is the blue guy?"

(OOC - What the hell is the blue guy?)

Lazaret notices a large bushy tree about 20' up. Using his cat's claws and cat's speed he darts up the sheer face and crouches behind it. "I should be able to get a better look from up here" he thinks.

(OOC - I am using the picture and looking at the tree that has the "B" on it. If this is being too literal with the visuals, then we can skip this movement.)

08:16, Today: Lazaret rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Perception. (Passive = 16)
08:16, Today: Lazaret rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:18, Thu 12 Oct 2017.

Yasha (with a strange blue companion now perched atop his shoulder), Celador, and Kathel find a bit of cover behind some loose rocks where the cliff wall turns to the east. From their vantage point, they can see three cave mouths (A, B, and C), but notice no movement inside any of them. They also notice Lazaret scurrying along the wall about 30 feet above the road. It isn't clear what the unpredictable Tabaxi has in mind, but he appears to be headed to a grove of trees surrounding one of the cave mouths.

Speaking of unpredictable, the northerner proceeds to step out from behind the cover and down the road with his outspoken companion aboard his shoulder seemingly unaware of the awaiting ambush. Still, this bold action draws nothing from the three caves they can see.

Thorfire, still invisible, walks along the road. He notices a fourth cave, now directly above him (cave D). His eyes catch a glimpse of movement after Mr. Meekseeks announces his arrival. Something back in the shadows is stirring, but not enough for the halfling to tell what it is.

Therarak, blending in against the stone wall at his back, sees the same stirring in the cave above him.

OOC: Lazaret, you couldn't cover the entire distance to the trees (about 140', and a climb up a sheer wall, so I placed you about halfway there (see updated map). We are talking mid afternoon now, so hiding in the shadows will be difficult.

In reply to DM (msg # 16):

Therarak gives a quick signal to his comrades in range that he sees some movement and that they should sit tight until a threat makes itself known.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 17):

Lazaret freezes and hopes the rocks will provide some cover.

In reply to DM (msg # 16):

Thorfire signals to his companions that something is stirring in the cave above him...for some reason they don't respond in any meaningful way so he just shrugs his shoulders and waits to kill some orcs.

21:51, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.
21:52, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.

OOC: I don't know if I roll with advantage if invisible.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:53, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

Celador finds this new traveling companion and his blue minion a bit bizarre.

With an arrow at the ready on his bowstring, he scans the caves.

He wonders where the halfling went. -...he is invisible, so of course I can't see him...I wonder what it's like to be invisible...if you're invisible can you look down and see your shoes?...I would like to be invisible one day, maybe for just a day...I could go back to Glenvendale and see my family...but they wouldn't see me...what if Thorfire wants us to come up there...how would we know, we can't see him...-

Celador's daydream is interrupted by the gnome signaling them to stop. Once again he is on the look out for orcs.


23:03, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  perception.

The tension breaks in a flash. Three orcs, armed with longbows, emerge from the darkness of the cave with their weapons loaded. Before anyone can react, they rain arrows down upon Yasha, striking him twice (OOC: Ouch. Yasha takes 10 hp damage).

The northerner has paid a dear price for the information, but their enemy is now visible.

Post round 1 actions! Three orcs are visible in front of cave D. Remember that the mouth is 40 to 50 feet above the road. Cleador cannot technically see them from his current position, but he sees the path of the arrows so he would be able to move and attack at range this round.


23:54, Yesterday: DM rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Orc3 Longbow vs. Yasha.
23:53, Yesterday: DM rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Orc2 longbow vs. Yasha.
23:53, Yesterday: DM rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Orc1 longbow vs. Yasha.
00:01, Today: DM rolled 8 using 1d8.  Orc3 damage.
00:01, Today: DM rolled 2 using 1d8.  Orc1 damage.

In reply to DM (msg # 21):

"I couldn't understand a word he said, but I think I'm going to miss this new fellow. And, seriously, what is that blue thing?"

Lazaret casts Faerie Fire on the orcs in the cave and then climbs up another 30 feet to stay out of the sight of the other caves.

(Orcs must make a DC 13 DEX save or be lit up by the spell - attacks against them would have advantage.)
This message was last edited by the player at 11:47, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 21):

Yasha raises his hands and a crackling green energy shoots out towards the cave.


15:20, Today: Yasha rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch blast .
7:49, Today: Yasha rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch blast
17:50, Today: Yasha rolled 8 using 1d10+3.  Damage




Then he runs to cover of the mountain side after taking two arrows from the orcs.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

Celador winces as he sees Yasha hit with the arrows, but now at least he has an idea where the orcs are hiding.

He quickly moves into a position where he can just see the origin of the arrows and fires at the orcs. He then ducks back to a place where he has some cover.


16:51, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  attack with long bow.

and just incase that hits:

16:52, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 4 using 1d8+2.  damage with long bow.

or else if they failed faerie fire:

16:53, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  attack with long bow with advantage secondary to faerie fire.

that's more like it.

Does Yasha get advantage on his eldritch blast?

to Yasha: Who taught you how to eldritch blast? Perrin?!

This message was deleted by the player at 22:49, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 21):

In the commotion, Thorfire silently climbs 25 feet up the slope toward the left side of the cave.

19:54, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 25 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Stealth.

The orcs' attack on a single target is quickly answered, much to their dismay, from multiple directions. Lazaret casts faerie fire at the cave mouth, and two of the three bowmen finds themselves glowing in an eerie, blue light. And behind them, somewhere back in the cave, a fourth orc is now revealed by the same glow.

21:06, Today: DM rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  Orc1 DEX save vs. faerie fire.
21:06, Today: DM rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  Orc2 DEX save vs. faerie fire.
21:06, Today: DM rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Orc3 DEX save vs. faerie fire.
21:08, Today: DM rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Orc4 DEX save vs. faerie fire.

With targets now plain to see, Celador and Kathel jump from behind cover and let fly with arrows. Celador's pierces one in the shoulder, but Kathel's arrow plunks harmlessly into the wall several feet below the guards.

21:34, Today: DM rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Kathel longbow vs. Orc3.
21:34, Today: DM rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Kathel longbow vs. Orc3 (advantage due to faerie fire).

Having done his part to reveal their opponents, Yasha retaliates with a blast of green eldritch energy, drawing a wretched scream from the first of the orcs. It staggers for a moment, but regains its balance and snorts in defiance of the Warlock.

21:26, Today: DM rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Orc1 DEX save vs. losing balance after being hit (DC10).
21:28, Today: DM rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Orc3 DEX save vs. losing balance after being hit (DC10).

During the chaos, Thorfire scampers up the side of the cliff silently until he is within 25 feet of the orcs. The halfling stirs nary a pebble as he takes his place completely unnoticed by his foes.

Still need a post from Therarak, then the orcs will take their turn to close out round 1.

In reply to DM (msg # 27):

Therarak seeing that the orcs are out of range remains still, so as to remain blended in with his rocky surroundings. He readies his alchemical fire if the orc party rapidly advances. OOC: I'm readying an action. I will remain hidden until the orcs come around the bend at which point I'll throw the fire. Dex Save required, DC 14.
20:24, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 4 using 1d6.  Fire.

With Therarak, Celador, Yasha, and Kathel all hugging the cliffside, the orc archers have no shot at their targets below. One of the orcs is fortunate enough to identify Lazaret some 70' away, but his shot at the Tabaxi is way off the mark. He snorts in disgust while pulling another arrow from his quiver.

The other two orcs peer over the edge of their landing toward the road below. "Come out, cowards," one of them shouts. "Show yourselves!"

No immediate attacks come from the orcs, however a drum can be heard coming from the cave


23:18, Today: DM rolled 17 using 1d20.  Orc1 perception to find Lazaret (DC15).
23:19, Today: DM rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Orc1 longbow vs. Lazaret.

Map has been updated with a blown up version of your immediate area. Remember that this is happening at different elevations. Lazaret is slightly above the cave height. He is 50' above the road. Thorfire is about halfway between the road and the cave mouth (25' elevation). Everyone else is up against the cliff face (0' elevation).

I almost forgot... Post round 2 actions!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:21, Sat 21 Oct 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 29):

Lazaret moves to the nearest, best cover and takes the dodge action.

Celador nocks and arrow and pops out from his hiding place just far enough to get a view of the orcs. Thanks to Lazaret's faerie fire they are easy to see and he lets his arrow fly. He then resumes cover behind the rocks.


Celador retains 1/2 cover as he fires his arrow.

21:29, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 23 using 2d20+4, dropping the lowest dice only.  attack with long bow. with advantage.

21:31, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  damage with long bow.

In reply to DM (msg # 29):

Hoping he doesn't regret the decision, Thorfire silently creeps up to the cave and brings death and destruction to the orcs.  He eviscerates the orc (O2) that is NOT highlighted in faerie fire. I am assuming that I have surprised the orc because they didn't know I was coming - if they are surprised than any hit is a critical hit (level 3 Rogue).

As a bonus action, he will hide in plain sight.

22:40, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 23 using 1d20+5, rerolling max.  Stealth. Remember my 24!
22:39, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 11 using 1d20+5, rerolling max.  Stealth.

22:42, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 23 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max.  Attack with Rapier (with advantage).

22:46, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 10 using 2d8+3.  Rapier Damage.
22:48, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 11 using 4d6.  Sneak Attack Damage.


22:52, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Stealth (Hide in Plain Sight).

In reply to DM (msg # 29):

Therarak scrambles up the cliff face being sure to stay obscured from the cave mouth.  When he gets close he lobs a vial of Fire tinto the cave mouth and immediately snaps back away from the cave and takes cover.

08:58, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 4 using 1d6.  Fire. All orcs with 5' need to make a DC 14 Dex Save.

He also signals his comrades the number of orcs he sees, if any.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 33):

Thorfire sees a vial of fire lobbed into the cave and tries to evade it...depending on where it lands he might be a bit crispy.  Perhaps hiding behind the orcs shielded him from the flames.

13:35, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  DEX Save.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Fri 20 Oct 2017.

In reply to Thorfire Shortankard (msg # 34):

ooc: Okay, I must have missed something. I thought Kraam-lite was out of the cave based on the map I saw.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 35):

OOC - I love it when the wee ones bicker.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 35):

He was until he decided to kill some orcs and attacked them in the cave since everyone else was hiding like scared little bitches.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Sat 21 Oct 2017.

Yasha jumps out of his cover and once again raises his hands and a green lighting busts out of his hands towards the cave at one of the orcs.
 10:18, Today: Yasha rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  To Hit
10:20, Today: Yasha rolled 6 using 1d10+3.  Dmg


And Mr meeseeks will suddenly disappear (invisibility)  and fly 40ft to the cave mouth.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:24, Sat 21 Oct 2017.

With the flash of a blade, all hell breaks loose.

From out of nowhere, a devious halfling appears amid the trio of orc archers. Their first indication of his presence is a growl from the middle archer who falls to the ground as the result of Thorfire's rapier sticking though his body. Before the other two orcs can even wonder from where this Lightfoot intruder came, the cave mouth erupts in a sea of flame. None of the combatants are spared, including the halfling (Thorfire takes 3hp damage).

The two orcs left standing do not remain that way for long. Celador sinks the first to his knees with a well placed arrow, and Kathel and Yasha dispatch of the third, which tumbles down the face of the cliff in a flurry of dust and smoke.

But the orcs are not finished. The fourth emerges from inside the cave with eyes fixed clearly upon the courageous halfling (OOC: There is no place for even a rouge halfling to hide in the near vicnity). His great axe, although chipped and dull, still penetrates the halfling's newly acquired armor (9 more hp damage for Thorfire). He growls with a gruesome satisfaction, flashing red teeth (Thorfire double-takes, but confirms they are red. Are they dyed?) at his opponent.

On the road below, shortly after the smoldering orc tumbles to their feet, a new flurry of arrows takes flight against the heroes. From another opening in the cliff further down its face (cave B), more archers are evident, and their silent attack is painfully accurate (Celador is critically hit (13 damage). Yasha and Kathel take 1 and 2 damage respectively).



15:15, Today: DM rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Orc4 Great axe vs. Thorfire.
15:17, Today: DM rolled 9 using 1d12+3.  Damage.

15:19, Today: DM rolled 29 using 2d20+3 with rolls of 20,6.  Orc5  longbow vs. Celador.
15:19, Today: DM rolled 14 using 2d20+3 with rolls of 1,10.  Orc6 longbow vs. Yasha.
15:20, Today: DM rolled 29 using 2d20+3 with rolls of 15,11.  Orc7 longbow vs. Kathel.
15:27, Today: DM rolled 13 using 2d8.  Orc5 damage (to Celador).
15:27, Today: DM rolled 1 using 1d8.  Orc6 damage (to Yasha).
15:28, Today: DM rolled 2 using 1d8.  Orc7 damage (to Kathel).

Post round 3 actions. Three orcs are dead (one smoldering on the road, two more at the mouth of the cave). Thorfire is in melee with orc4. Therarak is 1/2 between the road and Thorfire. Orcs are firing from cave B. They've (obviously) seen the three on the road, but no indication of whether or not they see Lazaret or Therarak.

Celador angrily pulls the arrow from his side, and seeing that it is still in good condition, places it on his bowstring and fires it back at the orc that shot him. He then quickly scans for cover and takes position crouched behind some nearby boulders.
 

17:52, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  attack with long bow.

17:52, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 7 using 1d8+2.  damage with long bow.

In reply to DM (msg # 39):

Therarak moves into the mouth of the cave and tosses a vial acid at the orc. He then attempts to gain some cover from any archers outside of the cave.

22:38, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 5 using 2d6.  Acid Damage.
Not an area effect, so no chance of catching Thorfire in friendly fire. Dex Save vs D.C. 14.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 41):

Using his Cat's speed again, Lazaret sprints to the trees above Cave B. He nimbly climbs the thickest tree and hunkers down.


12:01, Today: Lazaret rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Sun 22 Oct 2017.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 41):

Thorfire shrugs off the blow from the remaining orc and smiles in a wicked, I will pierce your taint, sort of way.
Since the remaining orc is affected by faerie fire, I have advantage on attack rolls.  Thus sneak attack is still in play!  Thorfire ducks down under the orc and drives his rapier upward.  The orc will be singing higher (if he can sing that is...)

19:04, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 20 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling ones.  Rapier Attack with advantage.
19:06, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  Rapier Damage. (Too bad I don't have halfling luck on the damage roll)
19:07, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 10 using 2d6.  Sneak Attack Damage.

Assuming he has killed the last orc in Cave D, he causally looks at the Svirfneblin, Thanks for helping with the orcs, don't worry about the fire, stuff happens in the heat of battle...by chance, do you have one of those nasty tasting healing potions?

The final orc in the first cave, surprised that the little halfling withstood his mighty axe, pauses for a moment to stare down his opponent. This allows Therarak's acid vial to strike.
23:45, Yesterday: DM rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Orc4 DEX save vs. acid.

As the orc howls, Thorfire swoops in for the final attack, ending the exchange with a skewering like only he can deliver. The orc drops his rusty axe and moments later, he too hits the ground in a cloud of dust. Thorfire and Therarak don't notice it, but as they catch their breath in the cave mouth, they are joined by the strange little man who was recently perched on Yasha's shoulder.

On the road below, Celador returns fire with the orcs at the next cave, scrambling for cover after his successful reply. The orc screeches as he realizes he has been hit with his own arrow, the noise just enough to disguise the rustling of the nearby trees as Lazaret leaps into one and perches there unseen.

Kathel also returns fire, striking the same orc in the leg. She joins Celador behind the small scattering of stones just ahead of them.

23:57, Yesterday: DM rolled 13 using 1d20+3.
00:01, Today: DM rolled 3 using 1d8+1.  Kathel longbow vs. Orc5. damage.

Will post for orcs after Yasha goes. Then all can post round 4 actions. Orcs are currently at bout 120' range. One has been hit with two arrows but still stands, the other two are not wounded.

In reply to DM (msg # 44):

Yasha does a dodge action then goes to cover trying to figure out away to get to the orcs with minimal damage.
Mr meeseeks who is still invisible goes to cave B
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Tue 24 Oct 2017.

The wounded orc and his brothers fire another volley down on Celador, Yasha, and Kathel. Two of their three arrows find their mark (Celador and Yasha take another 2hp damage). The rocks provide a bit of cover for the heroes, but not enough to ensure their safety (OOC: half cover, -2 to opposing attack rolls).

Mr. Meeseeks flies over to the cave from which the trio of orcs is firing. He confirms there are no others in that cave and one of the three is badly wounded (2 arrows).


Ahead another 40 feet, there is another small outcropping of rocks. One or maybe two could crouch behind it for half-cover, but no more than that.


23:13, Today: DM rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Orc5  longbow vs. Celador.
23:14, Today: DM rolled 2 using 1d8.  Orc5 damage (Celador).
23:46, Today: DM rolled 11 using 1d20+1.  Orc56  longbow vs. Celador Yasha (round 3, disadvantage).
23:14, Today: DM rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Orc6 longbow vs. Yasha.
23:14, Today: DM rolled 2 using 1d8.  Orc6 damage (to Yasha).
23:14, Today: DM rolled 11 using 1d20+1.  Orc7 longbow vs. Kathel.

Post your round 4 actions!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:54, Thu 26 Oct 2017.

Celador is hit by another arrow from the orc archers. "Dammit! I hate being a pincushion!"

He draws another arrow and returns fire. The arrow flies wide left.


00:19, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Attack with long bow.


Unhappy with the feeling of being pinned down by the archers and his missed arrow shot, Celador focuses his anger and feels a second wind of energy wash over him.


00:21, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 9 using 1d10+3.  Second Wind.

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 47):

Muttering to himself, "Elf, I've told you to keep your bow arm straight. Oh well. I guess I'll have to handle these three myself."

Lazaret sneaks down from the tree and moves above the cave entrance. Hanging down from above he casts thunderwave.

06:37, Today: Lazaret rolled 12 using 2d8.  Thunderwave.
Orcs must make a DC 13 CON save. Failure means full damage and 10' push back. Half damage on success and no push.

(If all three orcs are pushed back, Lazaret will climb back up above the cave mouth avoiding attacks of opportunity. Otherwise he stays put.)
This message was last edited by the player at 11:41, Tue 24 Oct 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 46):

Therarak seeing his halfling friend has been wounded offers him a healing potion (2d8) before rushing out of the cave. Seeing that the action is too far to reach right away and suspecting that there might be more orc archers about he grabs cover from the boulders strewn along the road.

In looking at the map, I think I likely get to Celador's area.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 49):

Thanks my friend! Thorfire drinks the potion, grimaces, and quietly follows his companion.

21:10, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 6 using 2d8.  Healing potion
21:12, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 23 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Stealth

In reply to Thorfire Shortankard (msg # 50):

Yasha continues to dodge and look for cover after being extremely bloodied from the arrows.


What does my familiar take dmg from thunder wave?

did we resolve if Yasha's dodge in message 45 conferred disadvantage on the orc attack in message 46?

Also, Yasha, recount your damage, I think it is only 13 damage (or only 11 if the play currently under review is overturned by the official)

That gives you 13 HP so you  can duck less and shoot more.

With the orcs' attention firmly affixed on their targets below, they take no notice of Lazaret as he glides down the tree and into the space behind them.

A thunderous bolt of energy gets their attention, but for two of the three, the blast blows them off the cliff face, tumbling down to a final resting place on the road below. Unfortunately for the invisible Mr. Meeseeks, the blast is enough to remove him from the material plane, as well.

The third orc manages to maintain his balance. He spins and fires at Lazaret, but the tabaxi is too close for good aim and the arrow bounces aimlessly off the cliff face behind Lazaret.

00:01, Today: DM rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Orc7 CON save vs. Thunderwaave.
00:00, Today: DM rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  Orc6 CON save vs. Thunderwave.
00:00, Today: DM rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Orc5 CON save vs. Thunderwave.

00:04, Today: DM rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Orc7 longbow vs. Lazaret (disadvantage).
00:04, Today: DM rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Orc7 longbow vs. Lazaret (disadvantage).


Therarak and Thorfire are able to slide down the cliff face into the cover where the others are waiting (D11). All five of them hear Lazaret's blast and see two orcs tumble lifelessly to the road below while the final orc squares off against Lazaret.

Behind the dust cloud raised by the two fallen orcs, three more figures appear from the cave at road level. Two are roughly human sized and armed with longswords. The third carries a giant club and is noticeably... larger than his two companions. All three charge with alarming speed.


Post round 5 actions! Lazaret has a wounded orc at cave B and the rest of you are being charged by two orcs and a very large toothy club carrying something... looks like hide armor.

In reply to DM (msg # 53):

Before he can even admire his handiwork, Lazaret dodges an arrow from the last orc and pounces forward. His rapier flies from its sheath and pierces the neck of the snarling orc. His dagger comes out just as quickly.

06:38, Today: Lazaret rolled 5 using 1d8+3.  Rapier Damage.
06:37, Today: Lazaret rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Rapier Attack.

06:45, Today: Lazaret rolled 4 using 1d4+3.  Dagger Damage. (Should only be a 1. No ability mod on off hand attack.)
06:44, Today: Lazaret rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Dagger Attack.

Calling out as he attacks, "Did you see that, Celador?! Here comes another one!"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Thu 26 Oct 2017.

Celador smiles and gives Lazaret a 'thumbs up' before muttering under his breath "go find some cat nip."

His attention is quickly drawn to the three figures quickly approaching from the ground level cave.

"We've got company," he says to Kathel and Yasha as he places his bow on his back, unsheathes his own long sword and picks up his shield.


Celador holds steady and waits for the enemy to engage. according to the map they are 40-50 ft away?

In the meantime, can he identify what kind of creatures they are?

12:56, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 19 using 1d20. -1 if it is an intelligence roll, +1 if it is a wisdom roll.

As the figures approach, Celador recognizes two more orcs of the red tooth trailed closely by an ogre. Celador's memory tells him ogres are big (obviously), strong, but not particularly smart. Luckily for the heroes, he appears to wear only hide armor.

OOC: Will post for orcs after everyone else goes.
Also OOC: It would be an INT roll to ID the approaching figure, but even at -1 you made it, Celador.

In reply to DM (msg # 56):

Let's kill these vile beasts and be on our way!  Assuming he is within striking distance and doesn't open himself to opportunity attacks, Thorfile proceeds to assassinate (Level 3 Rogue) the Ogre.  If he can't get to the ogre, he will try to kill an orc. Then he will hide behind the other orc.

20:32, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 24 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling ones.
20:37, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  Rapier damage.
20:39, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 6 using 2d6.  Sneak attack damaage.
20:48, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 15 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Stealth (Hide in Plain Sight

Therarak advances up the road to get the 2 orcs in range and throws a vial of alchemical fire.

20:42, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 1 using 1d6.  Fire.

He then quickly retreats back to his original position and grabs any cover he can find.

OOC: From the map I can't tell my position, so I don't know how far I need to move. If my turn is illegal, I pull out another healing potion, this one for Celador.

The orcs and ogre charge in!
OOC: Celador, you can assume the orcs have closed in on you. You can stillmake an attack roll in this round if you so desire.

New map in area of interest is now available.
My apologies for the last map, it was almost unreadable.

In reply to DM (msg # 59):

Celador, let's kill these beasts.  Let your sword do the talking.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:48, Sun 29 Oct 2017.

Celador steps from behind the boulder he was using for cover, shield and long sword in hand, "Yasha, try not to get killed," he says before rushing the oncoming orcs.

"AAARRRGHH!!" he cries as the orc blocks the attack.


Celador attacks the first creature he encounters, assuming it is one of the orcs.

23:20, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  attack with long sword.

I can already hear the comments from the cat and the half pint...

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 61):

Thorfire mumbles to himself...At least there is another "object" that I can hide behind for all the good the damn elf is doing.

In reply to Thorfire Shortankard (msg # 62):

Yasha casts eldritch blast on the orcs.
He yells “Nuh mo running Mi mus fight”

14:49, Today: Yasha rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch blast.

Occ: sorry I have been busy and forgot about posting I will get back to checking the game

High above the road, in the mouth of the 2nd cave, Lazaret continues to spar with the last of the orc bowmen. The tabaxi's rapier wounds the orc even further, but he continues to fight, taking an unsuccessful attack with his great axe.
23:07, Today: DM rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Orc7 axe vs. Lazaret.

On the road below, as the orcs and ogre close in on the others, Yasha, Therarak, and Kathel intercept them with a variety of missiles. Only Therarak's attack hits, however, and does little to slow the bloodthirsty monsters.
23:12, Today: DM rolled 16 using 1d20-1.  Ogre DEX save vs. fire.
23:10, Today: DM rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Orc9 DEX save vs. fire.
23:10, Today: DM rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Orc 8 DEX save vs. fire.
23:09, Today: DM rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Kathel longbow vs. Orc8.

Thorfire and Celador leap from behind cover to attack with blades. The halfling registers a solid, but not quite fatal blow to one of the orcs before dancing behind Celador for cover. His opponent, staggered from his wounds, misses in response. Celador, meanwhile, attacks the other orc unsuccessfully. That orc swings wildly with his own great axe, but the elf is much too quick for the attack.
23:18, Today: DM rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Orc9 axe vs. Celador.
23:17, Today: DM rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Orc8 axe vs. Thorfire.

Distracted somewhat by the orc, Celador is unable to see the haymaker coming from the orge. His giant club strikes Celador square in the chest, lifting him off his feet and flying backward before collapsing on the road (Celador takes 20hp damage!!!). Any who see the fury of the ogre's blow are left to consider the hard truth. They are no longer fighting rats and goblins. These are the orcs of the red tooth: more disciplined, better equipped, and with much more formidable allies.
23:18, Today: DM rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Ogre club vs. Celador.
23:19, Today: DM rolled 20 using 2d8+4.  club damage.


OOC: Post round 6 actions. Laz is still battling a severely wounds orc 7. Orc 8 is also wounded, but in melee with Thorfire. Orc 9 and the ogre are currently not engaged. Celador is severly wounded, but still conscious.

In reply to DM (msg # 64):

This bugger is tough!

Come on, Laz. You've got this.

From the sea he left
To a town bereft
Of any class or heat
My sword is deft
Orc, feel its heft
And go down in great defeat!

Lazaret digs deep and inspires himself to strike down the final orc. He swings his rapier and follows with a dagger.

06:29, Today: Lazaret rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  Rapier Damage.
06:28, Today: Lazaret rolled 4 using 1d6.  Bardic Inspiration added to Rapier Attack
06:27, Today: Lazaret rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Dagger Attack.
06:27, Today: Lazaret rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Rapier Attack.

In reply to DM (msg # 64):

See his companion being painfully thrown backwards from the powerful blow of the ogre, Thorfire takes his vengeance on the wounded orc (critical hit).  Knowing he won't survive even one hit from the club, Thorfire uses his bonus action to disengage (if the orc is still alive) and retreats back down the road to his companions.  If the orc is dead once he gets to some good cover, he will attempt to hide as his bonus action.

14:26, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 25 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Attack with Rapier.
14:32, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 12 using 2d8+3.  Rapier Damage


14:39, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Stealth (Hide in Plain Sight).
14:39, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Stealth (Hide in Plain Sight). Halfling Luck!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Tue 31 Oct 2017.

Celador parries as the ogre's club strikes him and he uses the force of the impact throw himself out of the reach of the orc. As he gets up he assesses the situation and decides to shield himself until he can get one more sword into this fight.


max damage? seriously?

Celador expends one superiority dice to parry the ogre attack, gaining back 5 hp

00:37, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  Superiority dice, Parry maneuver.

Celador uses his action to DODGE!

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 67):

At least it wasn't a critical hit!

"This is bad," Kathel worries aloud from behind the cover of the rocks (D11). She fires an arrow, this time striking her target in the leg. The orc howls in angry protest.


00:27, Today: DM rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Kathel longbow vs. Orc9.
00:27, Today: DM rolled 3 using 1d8+1.  Damage.

Yasha and Therarak can still act in round 6. Will post for the orcs and ogre (round 6) tomorrow night and will update the map at that time, too.

In reply to DM (msg # 69
Yasha cast Eldritch Blast once more. 21:46, Today: Yasha rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  To hit. And is frustrated that non of his spells are working

High on the cliff face, the final orc archer weaves in and out of Lazaret's attacks. The tabaxi makes contact, but draws no blood. The orc, on the other hand, is true with his aim, landing a terrible blow upon Lazaret (13 hp damage to Lazaret).
00:06, Today: DM rolled 21 using 1d20+5.
00:08, Today: DM rolled 13 using 1d12+3.  Orc7 axe  damage vs. Lazaret.

High on the cliff face, Lazaret's senses heighten as a tune passes through his head. His savage opponent pauses for a split second in response to a sly smile on the face of the tabaxi. That moment is all Lazaret needs. His rapier flashes into action, skewering the orc and dropping him to the ground.


On the road below, Thorfire finishes off the first of the charging orcs before backing against the stone wall and blending in with it. Yasha attempts to char the second orc with more arcane energy, but this time his eldritch blast only tickles his opponent. The orc, with one of Kathel's arrows protruding from his leg, charges at the archer, sliding between the rocks and swinging wildly (and unsuccessfully) at her once he arrives.
Thorfire may make an opportunity attack at orc9 as he passes through your space on route to Kathel.
00:38, Today: DM rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Orc9 axe vs. Kathel.

Therarak, looking to take the ogre's attention away from the injured Celador, lobs another acid vial, but target he is quicker than he looks as he deftly dodges it.
00:36, Today: DM, on behalf of Therarak Gemfinder, rolled 7 using 2d6.  Acid vs. Ogre (Dex save required).
00:37, Today: DM rolled 19 using 1d20-1.  DEX save vs. acid.


But the ogre is less successful dodging arrows, and much to everyone's surprise, one strikes him in the forearm. Those who can turn to the north to see young Kevril, standing around the bend with longbow in hand.
00:08, Today: DM rolled 14 using 1d20+3.
00:09, Today: DM rolled 2 using 1d8+1.  Kevril longbow damage vs. Ogre.


Though the wound is far from mortal, the ogre roars in anger and races toward the young bowman. For his part, Kevril is no fool: the boy turns and runs from his pursuer as fast as his legs will take him.
Celador may make an opportunity attack on the ogre as he passes thorough your space on route to Kevril.


Post your round 7 actions. Additionally, Thorfire has an opp attack on orc9 and Celador has an opp attack on the ogre in round 6. Orc7 is in melee with Lazaret. Orc9 is in melee with Kathel. The ogre is in pursuit of young Kevril, but has not reached him... yet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:52, Sat 04 Nov 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 71):

Therarak seeing the ogre move on Kevril moves behind the ogre, lobs a vial of acid and rushes back towards his comrades.

09:48, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 10 using 2d6.  Acid Damage.

In reply to DM (msg # 71):

Seemingly out of nowhere Thorfire delivers a blow to the orc as he passes his way.

09:33, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 19 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Rapier Attack.
09:49, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 10 using 2d6.  Sneak Attack Damage.
09:34, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 5 using 1d8+3.  Rapier Damage.

Celador sees an opportunity to strike the ogre as it moves to pursue Kevril.



08:03, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  attack with long sword.

08:04, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 7 using 1d8+4.  damage with long sword.

"Run Kevril!" he yells to the boy.

Celador then turns and pursues the ogre who is pursuing Kevril. He sheathes his long sword and pulls a hand axe from his belt and throws it at the wretched beast.


Celador chases the ogre at a distance of 19' and throws a hand axe at him.

11:29, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  attack with hand axe.
11:30, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 6 using 1d6+2.  damage with hand axe.

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 74):

After dropping the last orc, an out of breath Lazaret smiles to himself, grabs the limp corpse of Mr. Meeseeks and dashes toward the road. Using his feline agility he travels a ridiculous distance.

"Thorfire! Get the ogre before it gets Kevril!

You never learned how to paint.
An artist for sure you ain't.
Pick up your favorite knife
and save young Kevril's life.
Time to stab the ogre in the taint!"

Thorfire receives bardic inspiration.

The last standing orc charges toward Kathel and the others behind the cover of several large stones. Before he can leap over them however, Thorfire's rapier appears from the shadows and runs him though. The orc's momentum carries him into the stones, where he flops lifelessly.

The only remaining opponent, then, is the ogre, who chases Kevril with club raised. The boy, to his credit, takes Celador's words to heart and retreats as soon as the ogre charges toward him.

Blinded with rage, the ogre rushes straight past Celador, and the elf takes advantage with his longsword. In a fluid follow through to his swing, he reaches for a hand axe at his belt and throws, striking the ogre above the hip.

Therarak is the next to attempt to intercept the massive beast, but it proves surprisingly agile for its size, narrowly side-stepping the acid vial thrown by the gnome.
23:52, Fri 03 Nov: DM rolled 14 using 1d20-1.  DEX save vs acid.

Kathel fires an arrow from her current position, but it glances harmlessly off the ogre's shoulder.
00:36, Today: DM rolled 10 using 1d10+3.  Kathel longbow vs. ogre.


Yasha, on the other hand, connects with an eldritch blast. The crackling energy is enough to stop the ogre in its tracks. Enraged, he turns and charges the three who just attacked him.
00:34, Today: DM, on behalf of Yasha, rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch blast vs. ogre.
00:34, Today: DM, on behalf of Yasha, rolled 10 using 1d10+3.  Damage.

Post round 8 actions. Ogre has taken 25hp damage so far. It is about 30' away from Therarak, Kathel, and Yasha and charging toward them. Thorfire and Celador are also within 30'. Lazaret is slightly over 60' away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:08, Mon 06 Nov 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 76):

Running down the road, Lazaret casts Vicious Mockery:

"Hey, ogre! Damn, you're ugly. So ugly that your mother should have killed you after you were born. Oh wait! It looks like she tried."


06:21, Today: Lazaret rolled 3 using 1d4.  Vicious Mockery.
Ogre needs to make a DC 13 WIS save. Failure means he takes damage AND has disadvantage on his next attack roll.

Lazaret climbs up the hill a good twenty feet or so preparing some cutting words and some falling rocks.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:22, Mon 06 Nov 2017.

Seeing the enraged ogre stop chasing Kevril and turn to attack the party, Celador draws his long sword once more and in a surge of action moves to intercept the ogre.

"Die wretched beast!"

The first blow strikes hard. The second misses a little...


08:31, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  attack with long sword.

08:31, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 12 using 1d8+4.  damage with long sword.

08:31, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  attack with long sword. action surge

damn, got a little cocky with the max damage roll

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 78):

Seeing Celador shake off the blow and keep fighting, Thorfire engages the Ogre with his trusty rapier and hits the beast (admittedly for less damage than he wanted).

10:40, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 20 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Rapier Attack.
10:41, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  Rapier Damage.
10:41, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 4 using 2d6.  Sneak Attack Damage.

In reply to Thorfire Shortankard (msg # 79):

Yasha closes his eyes and whispers to himself. "Yuh can du dis, de frost prince ah wid yuh" then he takes a deep breath and raises his hands towards the charging beast. His arms tense as a crackling blue lighting explodes from his palms towards the beast.


17:37, Today: Yasha rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  to Hit .
17:47, Today: Yasha rolled 11 using 2d12.  witchbolt at 2nd level.
 

he opens his eyes and with a surprised look he sees that his spell has hit the charging ogre.


OOC: Where is my familiar?

In reply to Yasha (msg # 80):

Lazaret has him. :)

In reply to DM (msg # 76):

Therarak moves close to Celador, hands him a healing potion 2D8, Here wood elf. Try not to die. Good luck.
He then returns to be within 30' of the Ogre.

The ogre, after scoring a nearly decisive blow against Celador, finds his fate turning for the worse. Thorfire, Celador (equipped with a rapier in one hand and a fresh healing potion, courtesy of Therarak, on his hip), and Yasha each hit with their respective attacks. The ogre roars, waves his spiked club wildly, then crashes to the ground.

Silence washes over the road. The battle has ended.

OOC: Combat is over... for now. Well done. I thought Celador was going to bite it for a moment, but you prevailed. I'll update the exp thread tomorrow.

In reply to DM (msg # 83):

"That's the first time I've ever insulted a creature to death. Good. Nice to know I have it in me." Lazaret starts climbing back up to the cave where he fought the orcs.

"Yasho! Listen carefully. Where. Did. That. Blue. Guy. Go?" Lazaret pauses for a moment and thinks to himself. "I sure hope he can understand me. I can't make out a word that strange man says."

Lazaret searches the cave for anything interesting. Or shiny.

In reply to Lazaret (msg # 84):

Sticks and stones indeed. He reaches into his alchemists bag and pulls out a healing potion.

Anyone else require a respite? The doctor is in.

Celador watches as the ogre falls dead in the dusty road, a few crackles of blue lightening sizzle and pop around the lifeless body.

He is breathing heavy and his body aches as he falls to his knees, exhausted from the adrenaline rush and brief glimpse of his own mortality.

"Thanks Therarak," he replies as he gratefully downs the bitter liquid from the bottle the gnome had given him.

"I don't remember this tasting so good the last time," he says with a wince.


23:33, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 2 using 2d8.  healing potion.
snake eyes?!?!?


"That club packs quite a punch, If you guys don't mind, I'd like to take a bit of a rest here before we find out what is in those caves," Celador moves to sit along the side of the road, shield and sword sitting close at hand.

"Yasha, grab my axe out of that worthless cretan and see if there is anything of value on him, maybe something that will tell us who he was working with."


short rest? I wouldn't mind a couple hit dice before heading into the caves, especially given the poor roll on the healing potion

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 86):

Therarak notices their new compatriot Yasha is wounded as well and offers him a healing potion.

This might be a good time for us to regroup. Any ideas on where we can do so safely? We need to mind our horses and those caves don't seem too safe to me.

OOC: It's 2D8 when you're ready to drink it. Try not to roll double 1's.

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 87):

he addresses the Tabaxi "Him ah inna ah betta place now" and then does the sign of the lord.

then he accepts the gnomes kind offer and drinks it.


21:14, Today: Yasha rolled 9 using 2d8.  healing potion .

if we take a short rest then yasha will cast find familiar which takes 1 hour and 10 minutes also answer any questions once his fimilar can translate for him.

In reply to Yasha (msg # 88):

"A bitter place? He must mean the cave. I'll go check it out."

With the orcs and ogre defeated, the heroes tend to their wounds and regroup.

Kevril eventually comes around the corner leading the horses. The youngster puts on a good face, but the assortment of leaves and small branches stuck to his cloak suggests that he ran down the ridge for cover and took a tumble. Nonetheless, the boy's well-timed arrow may have been the difference between life and death for Celador, regardless of how cowardly his retreat was after that.

Kathel mounts her horse and gallops off to the south to alert her caravan that the path is now clear. She tells them she'll be back in about an hour's time.

Lazaret climbs back up the ridge and into the cave beneath the tall trees. There  is little more than an alcove there, with three makeshift beds and nothing of value.

OOC: It is about noon. There are 4 caves, 10 bodies, and five of you. Each of you can explore one or more of them by making a perception roll, but it will take some time. To save the discussion of who explores what, we'll simplify to this extent: Each of you can make 1 perception roll for each hour expended, up to 2 rolls for 2 hours. So decide as a group how long you intend to investigate and roll accordingly! If you'd like to spend an hour short-resting or casting find familiar, that can be done, as well, but you'll either have to sacrifice a perception roll or stay here an additional hour (plenty of daylight,
 so not a problem there).

It is under an hour's ride back to Westbank. Will be a little over an hour's ride if you accompany the caravan.

In reply to DM (msg # 90):

Lazaret gracefully moves from corpse to corpse and cave to cave searching for anything of interest or value. Stopping occasionally to converse with his friends.

"You look terrible, Celador. Guess you forgot to duck. I'll see if I can find some ice for that giant knot on your head. Is your right eye higher than the left one now? I'm sure Mattis won't mind. She seems to genuinely care for you. I do hope the attraction is not purely of a physical nature."

06:31, Today: Lazaret rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Perception.

(If the party decides to take a short rest, Lazaret will play a song or two giving them the benefits of Song of Rest.)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Mon 13 Nov 2017.

In reply to Lazaret (msg # 91):

Noting that nothing would make his heart feel better than a ballad from the Tabaxi, Oh Great Lazaret of the Fire Pit, can you please sing to us?!?...meanwhile he loots the ogre's corpse.

14:48, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

"Mattis is quite a dear, but I do think our relationship is more culinary, that mutton is worth the effort though," replies Celador with a brief far away look in his eye, "Laz, you check out the caves and report back, I need to rest here a bit. And if you could sing one of your songs, I do find that I feel better afterward."


Was Lazaret's perception check regarding the caves or the relationship between Celador and Mattis?

Short rest for Celador.

23:07, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 10 using 1d10+2. Hit die.
23:06, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 12 using 1d10+2.  Hit die.

Nice! Guess I don't need the song of rest, but I would be entertained none the less

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 93):

Song of Rest gives everyone who is resting an extra 1d6 healing.

In reply to Lazaret (msg # 94):

Than sing monkey boy...or should I say cat man!

13:55, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 2 using 1d6.  Song of Rest.

In reply to Thorfire Shortankard (msg # 95):

"Close your eyes
Let them rest
I ain't in no hurry, no hurry at all
Rest your head upon my shoulder
I swear I would carry, carry you on

I won't let you go, go on hungry
I won't let you cry, without a hand to dry

Rest your hands
Leave them tender
They weren't made for working, working at all

I won't let you go, go on hungry
I won't let you cry, without a hand to dry

Rest your soul, live in peace
I won't let you worry, worry at all

I won't let you worry, worry at all
I won't let you worry, worry at all"

Lazaret and Thorfire have expended an hour resting and an hour searching the caves and bodies, making it about 2pm. There is a lot to explore, so don't assume that one good roll by Lazaret (a 24!) will be enough to find everything of interest in every cave and on every person. More good rolls will potentially result in more useful information. Celador, Yasha, and Therarak are still free to explore at no extra time cost (you're here until 2pm already) by making a perception roll.

And everyone can make an 2nd perception roll if you agree to spend a 2nd hour exploring the caves (and pushing your departure back to 3pm).

I'll give you all another 24 hours to burn hit dice and/or make some perception rolls and then will post with what (if anything) you find.

"Bravo! Excellent song! I am feeling much better now and there are only one of all you, not two like there was a minute ago, and that nasty ringing in my ears has stopped." says Celador, wriggling his finger in his ear and moving his jaw around in wide circles.

"Let's see what's in those caves!" he slightly wavers as he stands up, "and then back to Westbank for some mutton and a long rest! We still have a murder to solve!"



08:23, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Note: My max HP reflect level 4 but my level 3 HP was 28 so I am leaving it there.

Celador explores the northern most of the caves and finds little of value. There are four makeshift beds and 50 arrows of fair quality.

Similarly, the cave under the trees yields to Lazaret little more than beds for three and another score of arrows.

Celador and Thorfire explore the ground-level cave together. A small tunnel proceeds about 15 feet before opening into a fair sized (20'x20') opening. In one corner lies the remains of a horse, crudely quartered and sitting in a pile against the wall. Next to that crude display lies what once was a large bear, the flesh torn from the bone in a hasty meal. The explorers conclude that the bear had called the place home before the appearance of the orcs and ogre. They also find the lifeless body of a human in leather armor similar to Kathel's (presumably Garrith, her fellow guardsman from the caravan). Three arrows protrude from his back.

Near the animal remains is a pile of rags that make up what must have been the ogre's bed. Mixed in the rags is a large pouch containing several fingers, three gems, 100 pieces of silver, and another 70 gold. Two of the three gems are green in color. The third is a brilliant blue that seems to radiate light (a successful DC18 arcana check will tell you more).

The bodies carry little of value. A quick search finds a total of 200 silver and a single gold piece between the orcs. One of the orcs wears a ring of ornate design with a green gem set in it's middle. To some extent, all of the orcs have red tinted teeth, making them even more grotesque than an ordinary blood-thirsty orc. The teeth of the one carrying the gold piece is the brightest of the lot. The ogre carries nothing more than his clothing and large club.

In the final (southernmost) cave, Lazaret finds two more beds, a longbow resting on each, and a container with another score of arrows. Mixed among them are 5 of notable craftsmanship. They lack the crude red fletching of the others and display a thin gold band around the shaft (DC13 arcana roll will tell you more). The trappings within this cave are noteworthy because this was the only cave from which no orcs appeared. A foul smelling cloak lies on one of the beds. In a pocket of the cloak sits a small vial (DC10 arcana check will tell you more), another green gem stone, and a parchment, the language of which is unreadable by the Tabaxi. A small fissure along the back wall suffices as a narrow tunnel which, after about 50 feet at an upward angle, breaks into the surface of the ground overhead.

Experience and treasure thread has been updated!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:58, Thu 16 Nov 2017.

Celador takes a gold-banded arrow from Lazaret, "Mind if I take a look at that?"


21:55, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 4 using 1d20-1.  Arcana.


"I have never seen craftsmanship like this before."

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 100):

Of course, my friend. I have no idea what it is. But it does look quite different from the others.

06:41, Today: Lazaret rolled 4 using 1d20.  Arcana (Arrow).

I wonder what's in this vial?

06:41, Today: Lazaret rolled 8 using 1d20.  Arcana (Potion).

These gems are certainly interesting. Maybe I'll keep looking around for a bit.

22:15, Today: Lazaret rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Perception.

In reply to DM (msg # 99):

Rogues in general and I in particular am know for my intelligence. Thorfire examines the treasure...

22:47, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 14 using 1d20-1, rerolling ones.  (Potion)
22:47, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 10 using 1d20-1, rerolling ones.  Arcana (arrow).
22:47, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 8 using 1d20-1, rerolling ones.  Arcana (gem).

In reply to DM (msg # 99):

18:26, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Arcana (Potion).
18:26, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Ge.
18:26, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Ge.
18:26, Today: Therarak Gemfinder rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Arcana (Arrow)

Ok, I guess hit the go button by accident when I was hitting the backspace to add parentheses. Use the 2nd Ge roll for Potion if you'd like..

In reply to Therarak Gemfinder (msg # 103):

"Wait. Did someone find something shiny? Let me see it."

Lazaret snatches the blue gem from Therarak and examines it closely.

"I think I see The Cat Lord in there."

18:43, Today: Lazaret rolled 20 using 1d20.  Arcana (Gem).
This message was last edited by the player at 00:44, Sat 18 Nov 2017.

Celador and Thorfire examine the gold banded arrows closely and conclude that they should be fired with the pointy end aimed at their target. They deduce little more than that.

Therarak, on the other hand, recognizes the golden design from his studies. They are of elvish origin, made in the Yaeldrin Woodlands far to the south.
(Magic arrows +1 to hit / +1 damage)

The gnome and halfling both recognize the vial as a potion of water breathing, the telltale marker being a bubble suspended in the green cloudy liquid. (potion of water breathing)

None of the three recognize the gem, but Lazaret does. The tabaxi recalls an officer from his days aboard ship, who doted over a similar stone in his possession that he claimed would turn into a gargoyle when smashed on the ground (spell gem - conjure minor elemental, exact elemental TBD - could be determined for a price back in Westbank)

And as Lazaret takes the gem from Therarak, the gnome takes the parchment from the tabaxi in turn. Therarak can't read a majority of the script, but he recognizes the writing as orcish. But strangely, the elaborate signature at the bottom, Z'resryna Rrostuae, sounds very Drow-like in his opinion.

OOC: Magic items have been added to the treasure list. Will continue in a new thread back in Westbank.