The evening went along quietly after Marille showed Olagh who was boss in arm wrestling. She was beginning to make a name for herself in the tavern, for her strength and ease of person.

The night passed by uneventfully.

The next morning you all reassemble in the common room again and begin your planning.

Larissa brings out food for breakfast, along with some water and bread, butter, and a many strips of bacon. The smell of the frying from the kitchen is everywhere, tantalizing your noses and helping you to ignore the reek from the sack of heads.

OOC: Please check on the Experience and Rewards table for your advancement. I am keeping this post short because I have a lot of things to catch up on here at home.

So, it is another day here in Emberdell. Your previous day was very successful.

Where to now?

In reply to Game Master (msg # 1):

Angus gets the heads out from under his bed, glad that the blood was dry when he stowed them there. The smell was ripe with decay!

"Get up Petar, time to go collect our reward from yesterday and set off again, We need to find Camille's sister to give her closure. Hopefully alive. The food smells delicious too and I'm famished."

The night passed by uneventfully.

Petar had tried to stay up a little later, not anxious but instead excited about the next days ahead. Finally asleep, the elf was sure he dreamed something, but had no recollection either way.

That morning it was a relief to read in his spellbook and find his mind recharged and ready for the magical stresses of spellcasting.  Petar is prepared to use his Slumber spell again, quite sure they were going to be back in the goblin-infested woods quite soon.

He was glad to see Angus focusing on the rescue mission, which was more urgent with each passing moment of time.  "Don't talk about closure,," Petar declares.  "Alinda is alive.  While we can't delay too much, we should take the time to visit Doromas though, he may have just the clue we need to find Alinda quickly."

***

After breakfast, there was only one place to go first: the town hall to turn in the bounty with Master Garrel.

XP added to sheet and spell slots reset
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Tue 23 June 2020.

"She can get closure if we find her sister alive too you know. On to Master Garrel and our reward, then breakfast and then Doromas and then head out again."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Tue 23 June 2020.

Aila had come back downstairs for breakfast, her hair pinned up today with the pin with a phoenix motif.  She tucked into breakfast with the determination of one who was not entirely certain when the next decent meal (as opposed to rations) would be available.

"Were you able to learn anything interesting?" she asked Petar, remembering that he had tucked away whatever that book was that had been found on the group of dead bodies.  "Something that will help the search?" she added in clarification.

While tempted to weave the sparse and clinical journal entries into a fantastic tale of bone golems, goblin sorcerers and sinister cults (with a few spicy nymphs thrown in), somehow Petar decides that Aila might want a summary cutting closer to the truth.

He has the diary essentially memorised, so between bites the elf explains how the as of yet-unnamed scholar/author met a dark fate (along with a certain Rickard and Dohlen) while studying the 'lost Exidamarall expedition'.  "I don't know when it happened, or why the goblins had his notes and tools, and .. that skull," Petar adds.

"We," he goes on, with a nod to Angus, "figure a visit to the Mage Doromas will help, after we see to the bounty.  Also, we have that map, so .. we can go ... there ..." he trails off, a bit daunted by the prospect of stumbling into mines and tackling undeads.

Camille enters through the front door. She sits down and grabs a plate of food, eating like it was meant for two.

Between bites she manages to get a few words in.

*Chomp* "Good morning." *Nom nom* "Are we ready for another day? There is still a lot of terrain to cover." She doesn't really wait for an answer, but allows her appetite to speak for her.

After a while she stops chewing and begins to smell the air.

"What is... is that... the goblin heads?"

Her face distorts into a grimace of disgust.

Marille woke up with a slight headache. She made her way downstairs with her gear over her shoulder. Her bulky arms were on display with her shirt minimally covering her size. "Murnin ull. Dud ye sleep wll?" The muscular woman rubbed her right jaw.

She looked to Camille at the talk of goblin heads, but Marille didn't respond. She took up a seat and smiled at all.

Phelan woke up and washed. After checking nothing was missing, she put on her basic gear and headed downstairs. Leaning her axe against the table she sat down with the others and started eating.

"Morning...".

After finishing breakfast, your party gets all their equipment ready and heads out to the round to visit Master Garrel.

You are greeted by the hall's guards with impressed looks and hands to their noses. You are immediately moved along guided into the Master's office. As you enter, he stands up and comes forward to take your hands.

"Ugh, nothing like the stink of victory..."

He kneels to open the sack and look at the dirty, misshappened heads in there.

"Yes, yes, this will do well. Joemer will be satisfied. Now, let's count them out."

You go with him over the heads as one of the guards comes in to take some orders from Garrel. As the gaurd departs, your tally stands at 18 goblins and 5 orc heads. He doesn't seem to pay attention to the difference between the old desiccated ones and the ones killed yesterday. Once complete, he walks back to his desk and pulls a small coffer from the bottom-most drawer. This he opens with a key on a chain around his neck. The coffer is full of coins and other small gems, a few jeweled rings and other small pieces of jewelry. He counts out 180 coins for the goblins, and 100 more for the orcs. Once the pile is neatly layed out in front of him, he pushes it to the front of the desk.

"It's all yours. You deserve it. That's going to be a few less hands killing things here in town, and perhaps the rest of the orcs will be convinced to stay away. For good this time."

He looks up at you with a sternly serious expression. Then he smirks, and his facade can't keep up.

"Hah! Who are we kidding? Those orcs will keep on coming."

He walks around his desk back to you, and pats you on the shoulders.

"Good job! Now go out there and get rid of all of them. By the looks of it, you should be able to clear them all out in about a week."

He begins to shoo you out of his office with a big grin on his face.

"Go. Go! Be heroes. Brings us the heads."

As you find yourselves back out before the hall, you face your second day in Emberdell with a fat purse and a new set of choices:

0. How to divide the spoils of the first day?
1. Go out in the fields and seek out more tribesmen, goblin, orc, or ogres?
2. Visit Doromas and see what it is he desired?
3. Go attempt to find the lost expedition the written log mentioned?
4. Something else entirely?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:45, Fri 26 June 2020.

"I want to see Doromas to find out about the skull and see if we can get any hints to find Camille's sister, at least a direction. We can divide the gold and shop a little if you want to too."

As you consider your next step, a pair of men approach down the northern main road. They look like soldiers: dressed in serviceable leathers, sword, shield, and spear each. One of them also carries a bow and quiver.

As they get closer you recognize Sowen and Olagh under all the armor and weapons. They are dressed like they are going to war.

"Good Morrow to you, folks!"

Sowen greets you with a big grin.

"Just wanted to see if you were still opposed to another pair of arms for a share of the coins. We won't get in the way, and we have our own food and water. All we ask is a chance to join in a larger band, as there is strength in numbers."

They look at you expectantly.

As the gaurd departs, your tally stands at 18 goblins and 5 orc heads. He doesn't seem to pay attention to the difference between the old desiccated ones and the ones killed yesterday.

Well that's a relief, Petar figures.  He had not been looking forward to a dressing down from the bounty collector on what was - and was not - an acceptable bounty.

Adding quickly Petar concludes that 280 gold divides well into seven shares.  "An extra share for group expenses?  That's 40 each.  Otherwise, it's, umm .. 46 and change.  What do you guys think?"

***

"I want to see Doromas to find out about the skull and see if we can get any hints to find Camille's sister, at least a direction. We can divide the gold and shop a little if you want to too."

"Yup, yes, let's do that.  Doromas may know something about the names in the journal and so on on," Petar says in agreement with Angus.  He hopes Camille comes with since she seemed to know something about necromancy too - plus she was friendly with Doromas and it might be easier to talk to him with her around.

They could split up and agree to meet at the Chiress fountain by a certain hour.  "Marille!  Buy some chainmail!" Petar says with a smile.

***

Sowen greets you with a big grin.

"Marille, your pals are here," Petar announces, hoping the muscular fighting woman would take care of this.  He has no problem with the bumpkins joining them .. it is better than if they tromped around in the woods alone and more shares were not a problem with the elf.

Actions
Visiting Doromas with Angus.  Anyone else?
40 gold added to sheet, not shopping yet
Fine by me adding the two NPC redshirts fighters
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Thu 25 June 2020.

Marille smiled at the two. Before she said, "me huv no prublem wid ye cumin. Bu be knuwen dat der wull be the unknuwin." Marille clasped Sowen on the shoulder.

OOC: Well, it looks like Marille's was the last comment. Since no one else is adding to the loot division line, it will be the first suggestion.

Moving on.

Sowen and Olagh seem delighted that the group is allowing them to join. And they would get a share, too.

"Thank you," says Sowen beaming. "You won't regret it."

Camille smiles to herself.

"Let's refill our bottles for the day. It pays to be prepared." She shows you one the small bottles she's talking about, the ones she filled with water from the Chiress fountain yesterday.

Sowen and Olagh look eager to follow.

OOC: Refill and then where to? Doromas first?

Yes

Angus fills his water from the fount and readies to go see Doromas for a short visit.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Sun 28 June 2020.

The elf figures they could split up at this point for a few hours: himself, Angus and Camille visit the wizard, Marille and her new pals shop if they wished, and he can't imagine what Phelan and Aila might do, so Petar doesn't suggest for them.

"How I wish I could spend this day at the range, or perhaps working on my singing," Petar says wistfully to himself.  Singing was something he knew he had to master to really become a bard.  Now the previous day had been a grand adventure, but he hadn't expected every day to be like this.

No no, he reminds himself with a jolt, Alinda was missing, there was no time to lose!!

Yes Doromas first please.  I expect we can split up at this point with no harm done to time lines and no need for private threads (this isnt that kind of game ;)

Marille will ask the two if they know of a blacksmith that might have a breastplate. As her leather armor might not be sturdy enough in case they need to fight another group monsters.

They sturdy woman chugged her water. Then splashed some on her face to pray to her god of might.

"I should like to know something of what Doromas had in mind," said Aila, after filling a bottle with fountain water.  "It should be quite interesting, if I may accompany you?"

It seemed that perhaps they would be spending a good part of the day--if not the whole day--in getting more information, which seemed to be a far more likely path to success, in her mind, than simply heading out and hoping to land on the correct answer.

"Of course, and I think he's taking apprentices, maybe?" Petar says to Aila, perhaps genuinely confused as to her abilities.  "I hope he is," the elf continues, "I would love a chance to learn from him.  My old master, was, umm, well .. old, I suppose."

Petar grimaces and sneaks a sidelong glance towards Angus.  "No offense!"

"I would not be looking for an apprenticeship," said Aila, smiling.  "I have chosen a different path altogether.  I just remember that he was offering a good deal of money, and it seems worthwhile to find out what he wants for that coin."

She was thinking, too, about what to do with the coins which now weighed rather too heavy on her, but there were so many things that she had not yet fully taken in about the town, she did feel confident that she would find a solution for the matter.

"I know, those platinums seemed like an afterthought to him, almost!" Petar says, remembering Doromas' manner the other day, and his offer for more pay for 'a number of small tasks'.  No doubt there was going to be nothing small about them.

"Well, he said he's renting a shack just in the western farms.  Can't be that far ... lead the way, Camille?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Mon 29 June 2020.

"None taken Petar, I'm not that old, only about 30 winters, magic has aged my appearance. I grayed young, I don't know." He said with a smile.

Was the man joking?  Petar peers closely at Angus, noting the aged features closely.  Anything was possible with magic, but premature aging?  That seemed horrible.  "Ahh .. perhaps it can be un-done," was all he said, a little lamely.

"Perfectly all right lad, snow on the mountain but plenty of fire in the hearth!" he says with a grin to Petar as they walk to Doromas' house.

OOC: Is there a place in Emberdell that has a chain shirt or breastplate for sale?

OOC: Well, this is Basic D&D, so those kinds of "models" are not exactly available like you think they are.

However, I can take the D&D 3.x model and say that a chain shirt or breastplate count for 4 points of AC, which is basically the equivalent of Scale mail (AC 6) in this game. That is something you already have in the form of Studded Leather, one point of AC higher than leather. There would be no difference.

You would have to upgrade yourself to a higher armor type, like Chain (5 AC), Banded (4 AC), or Plate (3 AC), but those are also more expensive. The fastest way to increase your armor class is with a large shield, which adds +2 AC, and only costs 15 gp.

Let me know what you'd like to do.

OOC: Oh, and since everyone decided to allow for a 40 gp "group expenses" share, if everyone agrees, you can take some from there and buy more expensive armor without breaking your bank. =)

In reply to Game Master (msg # 27):

OOC: Marille will hold off for now.

After a short trip to the temple of Chiress for a blessed water refill the group agrees to spend time to visit Doromas and see what he wanted their services for. On the way, the town's blacksmith and armorer are easy to find. Marille explores her options and decides that what she has is good enough for her use. There is no need to buy anything new for right now.

With the business of armoring complete, the team heads out to the west of town, asking for directions to Doromas' shack. The trip to the outlying farms is uneventful, with a few produce wagons coming and going, as well as town patrols keeping an eye out for any trouble. A few recognize you and greet you respectfully as they pass. Some of them remember last night's performance and flex their arms for Marille, showing admiration for her amazing strength.

As you approach the outlying farms, you spot something unusual in the sky: a pair of "birds", or at least that is what it looks like, flying low over the fields to the north-west. From the distance you think they might be very large for birds, but it is hard to tell. They are too far away. Sowen and Olagh look at the flying creatures, and their faces seem to fall serious. They stop for a moment to observe, and look at each other with concerned expressions.

You ask for directions to Doromas' and are promptly guided to an outlying hut nestled among the fields, something that may have been a large shed at some point, but is now clearly a home. A column of smoke pours gingerly out of the small chimney, there are small flower beds under the windows, and the path leading to the front door is well maintained and swept clean. A small row of flagstones guides you gently to the front door.



Once before the door, you observe that there is a stylized sun-shaped metal plaque bolted to the door. It appears to be old copper, as the metallic orange is tinted with blue rust from age. You prepare to knock on the door when an eye opens in the middle of the sun plaque, and you hear a strong female voice call out dramatically,

"Warning! You stand at the threshold of destiny! Who are you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Thu 02 July 2020.

"Angus and party to speak to Doromas." Angus announces.

Aila peered toward the "birds", her eyes asparkle with curiosity.

As she looked about at the rest of the group, she caught the expressions of Marille's new friends and said, "Have you seen such before? You look more than a bit worried."

Marille explores her options and decides that what she has is good enough for her use. There is no need to buy anything new for right now.

The Lady of Boulders sure was brave, Petar thinks to himself.  He felt his plate mail was like a second skin, too bad he had to take it off to sleep!   Hmm, maybe swimming and climbing too.  He daydreams about elfin chain for a while.

Some of them remember last night's performance and flex their arms for Marille, showing admiration for her amazing strength.

"Look Marille, more husbands!" Petar quips, grinning at Sowman and Offal, or whatever their names were.  He just hoped in their eagerness to prove themselves they didn't get too reckless or too dead.

From the distance you think they might be very large for birds, but it is hard to tell.

"Must be dragons.  Or wyverns.  Hmm, could be just griffons.  I wonder where they lair," Petar muses, mostly to himself.  He recites a Dragontongue poem about knights in shining armour and how they were tasty on the inside and generally amuses himself.

Warning! You stand at the threshold of destiny! Who are you?"

"Ah, we are the expected interested party," Petar adds to the other replies, looking into the eye and guessing Doromas was looking back, so he smiles at the Magic Mouth-Eye and waits expectantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Fri 03 July 2020.

Marille smiled at the elf about husbands. She saw Aila stare of at something before she herself took a gander at the birds. Marille thought of the orcs the previous day.
"Hurumph.. nay luttle elf. If'n me wuntid a husbund. It wuld be lik'in ursulf. If'n ye made meself angry, ye wuld fin urself uver me knee. If'in ye knuw wha memean?"

In reply to Marille Ughari (msg # 34):

"Hehehehehehehehehehehe, now what do you think Petar? Man enough?

"Haha, naah, the villains in the stories always get theirs in the end, don't they.  Cowards, hurting children and their mothers, usually," Petar says dreamily.  Sure, there were darker stories but he still preferred the folk tales, with their simple themes and clear-cut morals.

"We wull be needin ull de hulp we gut." The bulky woman walked away from the elf. She thought of the flying creature for a moment. Then remembered the looks the two from the bar. She knew she would get them to talk about what they thought it was.

Petar gives Angus a poke.  "Hey did you know most gnomes live sad, unfulfilled lives?"

"No Petar, I didn't. Hmmm, wonder why Doromas doesn't answer his door. He invited us." Angus says to no one in general after he answers Petar.

"Yes, it's a little known fact," Petar says dryly.

"Oh, and did you know that most gnomes live alone?"

"Perhaps he fell asleep," said Aila.  "Or the answers did not satisfy whatever is being sought."  She gave an expressive shrug.

Then she looked off to the distance again for those "birds", and said, "Does anyone have better sight for distance, to tell something of what those flying creatures might be?  They seem ... not quite right for the things that I know of that fly."

"Aye," answers Sowen. "Those are drakes. They are ill omen. They come out to feed, and they eat well. Sometimes they take livestock, but more often they take what they can in the hills, like orcs or mountain cats. They are far, but they see well. They usually don't come this close unless they are interested in something here in town. We should be careful. It is rumored they breathe fire, but I've never seen it."

Olagh adds morosely, "Last year a Haven ranger passed through here. He was looking for drakes, he said. Went to find one. Never came back."

Both of them don't look too happy.

There was quiet for a moment after the party offered various answers to the eye's question. The moments passed, and a few offered several theories as to why there was no response. But at that moment, the door opened and Doromas stood before you, a big smile on his face. You notice the eye on the plaque closed again. It fully vanished into the plaque, and returned to a pristine state. You'd never know there had been anything there.

"Welcome, welcome!" Doromas beamed.

"Glad to see you are all here. I hope there is enough space in a my little shack to accommodate you all. Please, come on in."

As he stepped back into the shack, he called out,

"Order. Prepare the floor for guests."

You look to see who it is he was addressing, but there is no one else here. But inside Doromas' shack it was quite a sight. There was a small fireplace, with a hearty fire going, heating up several round small pots. There was a table right next to it, with ingredients that seemed to belong into a stew. There were several knifes flying about on their own, cutting the food up and separating it into neat little piles, ready for use. On the right there was a bed for one, comfortable, plush, and with several blankets and what looked to be a down pillow. Underneath the bed frame were several pairs of shoes and boots, along with something odd behind it that blinked with bright eyes in the darkness. An animal perhaps? It seemed to shy away from the commotion of the door. To the left there was a small shelf full of books, next to large trunk overflowing with more books. A number of rolled up parchments were piled up on a small table with three chairs, right next to a floating quill and a small ink bottle. The quill hovered in mid-air, at attention, as if waiting for someone to do something. From the rafter hung a number of rope fastenings which held a rather exotic set of bottles and containers, holding things that would make sense only to a practitioner of the magical arts: small snakes, spiders, crickets, various fluids of different colors, translucency, and viscosity, a few small skulls of origins unknown to you, along with feathers and wings of several types of avian creatures you might find on mountains or far away islands. On the walls were several more shelves holding various ceramic containers with labels like "flour", "sugar", "citrite", "ash", "black water", "parsley", "lemon seeds", "fire beetle glands", "bone dust", "spare change", "oil of vitriol", "natron", etc., etc. Among all of these things, were a single broom sweeping dust together into a pile, and several hand dust sweepers moving among the books and shelves, keeping things clean.

For such a small space, Doromas had made this quite a cozy shack, with living quarters, a kitchen, and a lab. At his orders, the cleaning tools all arrayed neatly against a corner, and dropped into a vase by the handles. The broom merely leaned against the wall. The table was lifted up off the ground and gently placed against the left wall, while the chairs were brought together in a semi-circle next to the fireplace. Doromas stepped back in, becoming you to follow.

"Please, make yourselves at home."

Angus pulls out the skull for Doromas to examine, "We found this yesterday while slaying goblins and orcs. It was under a nest of stirges. Do you know what it is?"

Both of them don't look too happy.

Petar doubts Sowhead and Offal have ever seen an eagle, let alone a drake, so he stops listening when they get overly dramatic.  After all, dramatic was his thing.

Underneath the bed frame were several pairs of shoes and boots, along with something odd behind it that blinked with bright eyes in the darkness. An animal perhaps?

After a friendly cluck to the familiar, with a rubbing of fingers to indicate possible forthcoming food for friendly critters, Petar grins as he looks around the place.  Seen one wizard tower, seen them all, even if this was supposed to be a shack.

"Don't touch anything," the elf says to the others, in case their manners were lacking or they just didn't know better.  Petar guesses that touching the wrong thing and BOOM ... they could turn into stone, or toads, or worse, gnomes.

After Angus gets right to business, Petar follows up: "How do you do today, Master Doromas?  We have questions and possible answers that will need correcting, no doubt."

He explains their findings, as well as the archaeology tools, among dead goblins and then shows the wizard the journal and the map and indicating their intent to tackle the 'X' in their urgent quest to find Alinda before she became an orc-wife.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Tue 07 July 2020.

OOC: Posting tomorrow morning.

Petar pokes Angus.  "What's the most common colour of undead?"

OOC: Sorry, fellas, I had a bit of an emergency at work. It is coming to an end just about now, so let me gather my thoughts and see what I can put down on paper screen.

Without waiting for further pleasantries, Angus launches right into "business".

"We found this yesterday while slaying goblins and orcs. It was under a nest of stirges. Do you know what it is?"

Doromas' eyebrows raise as he takes the skull in his hands. His eyes narrow down curiously, peering at the skull's details. He turns it, looking at it from all sides. His face turns into a frown.

"I can't say I know who this belongs to. Or what. It looks... non-human. Certainly the horns invite a certain ... otherworldly... connotation, but I have not had much concourse with denizens of the diabolic or demonic realms. That is the first thought that comes to my mind. Yet, it is also not overly large. It might be of a species we do not have anymore."

Under a nest of stirges? While fighting goblins and orcs?"

He hands the skull back to Angus.

A teapot is lifted into the air over the fire, and dashes of tea leaves and cinnamon sticks are brought into the water right after it. The lid slowly floats over the pot and descends with a gentle "clink" to close it.

Petar follows up: "How do you do today, Master Doromas?  We have questions and possible answers that will need correcting, no doubt."

He explains their findings, as well as the archaeology tools, among dead goblins and then shows the wizard the journal and the map and indicating their intent to tackle the 'X' in their urgent quest to find Alinda before she became an orc-wife.

Doromas takes it all in stride, listening calmly as Petar explains yesterday's journey. He reads the journal with animated interest, his eyes excitedly pouring over the details of this unknown person's last moments.

"I am glad you came to me with this. Surprisingly, this is part of my research here. As a historian I have been following the fate of the old cults and their forgotten magics for years. This is a wonderful stroke of luck. And if it keeps up, perhaps we may find Alinda as well." He nods reassuringly to Camille, who's been quiet so far.

"I see there are a few names here. Yolandi. I can't say I know who this is. A young child perhaps? And Rickard? Dohlen? Hired gaurds? There are not too many other towns nearby. Perhaps they were from here? Maybe someone will remember them from Emberdell. We should ask about."

He stands to check on the tea as the water bubbles loudly in the pot. "This looks just about ready." Turning to the group, he asks, "Tea?", as he directs a series of cups from the shelves to the pot, ready to be served. As he pours a cup for himself, he allows the log book to drift back to Petar's hand, where it lands gently.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:01, Fri 10 July 2020.

Sowen and Olagh stand quietly by the door as everyone makes themselves more comfortable in the rather confined space. They stare at everything in undisguised amazement, with an expression that is somewhere between awe and shock.

But their attention comes back to the wizard of the house as he begins to explain his historical research and his curiosity with old cults. They seem strongly interested in what he has to say.

"Some tea would be lovely," said Aila, giving Doromas a bright smile.  A touch of true civilization then.  No matter how things appear.

She sat lightly in her seat, ready to listen to the things that he might have to say about his research before putting in any questions of her own about the sort of thing that he might be expecting for his platinum.

He hands the skull back to Angus.

"We were hoping a divination spell could tell us more.  Detect Magic perhaps?  I think there are other more powerful spells, too," Petar says in a hopeful voice.  "Or you could teach us?  I've  .. um, got some gold if that's sufficient?"

"Or scrolls, maybe?"

The elf clearly remembers Camille's vehement reaction to the skull yesterday, so Petar adds: "Or should it be destroyed?"

Grateful for the tea, Petar leaves it untouched as he goes on, excitedly, "I was thinking if the cult is back it might explain why more humanoids are plaguing the farms and reducing the town guard by attrition, and why a priestess would be targeted."

Such theories had no basis besides hunch, though.  Petar grimaces at the guesswork.  "Well, maybe we can definitely ask around about those names, but that's lost time we can't spare I think."

The bulky woman that was raised on a farm. Looked on in open horror as she watched everything moving of their own accord. She attempted to gather her bearings so no one would notice he discomfort.

"Think you for the tea." Angus says to Doromas.

Marille waves the tea away. "Me nuit dirsty.." The woman crossed her arms and stood wanting to listen to what the wizard had to say.

"We were hoping a divination spell could tell us more.  Detect Magic perhaps?  I think there are other more powerful spells, too," Petar says in a hopeful voice.  "Or you could teach us?  I've  .. um, got some gold if that's sufficient?

Or scrolls, maybe? ... Or should it be destroyed?"

Doromas takes a seat at his bed. He blows gently on his tea, steaming hot as it is, before attempting a sip but giving up as he mildly burns himself.

"Whew... still too hot.

I see your numbers have grown. You have two more?"

He looks at Sowen and Olagh, who tip their heads and greet him.

"Master Doromas, good to see you again."

Doromas nods his acknowledgement with a smile.

"I think you overestimate me. Divination spells, at least the ones I am familiar with, are currently past my ability. I could attempt to assense magic on it, certainly. If your concerns are strong enough, I will gladly help. As for destroying it, I would not know why."

Grateful for the tea, Petar leaves it untouched as he goes on, excitedly, "I was thinking if the cult is back it might explain why more humanoids are plaguing the farms and reducing the town guard by attrition, and why a priestess would be targeted.

Well, maybe we can definitely ask around about those names, but that's lost time we can't spare I think."

Doromas looks at Camille, who's expression is concerned, but not discouraging.

She adds, "I think anything that would get us closer to her would be good. The more we know the greater a chance I have of finding her again. And hopefully it is not too late..." Her trailing voice betrays her misgivings despite trying to keep up stoic appearances.

"Let's get to work on this first then. Afterwards, I will explain with greater detail what I would like for you to do."

The mage stands, puts his tea down on the table, and beckons Angus to show him the skull again. With a few choice words and the movements of his hands, he draws a finery of arcane symbols in faint orange light in the air before him, which turn, shift, and readjust themselves before your eyes until they finally settle down and fade away. There is a faint glow in his eyes, but it vanishes almost immediately.

"Hmmmm... I see now. This skull is not magical now, but it bears traces of a strong necromantic enchantment. While the skull is for all intents and purposes inert, its magic is something similar to what I've learned would animate undead. This may have been the remains of a skeletal guard.

There is something else here...

There are traces of arcana writ symbolizing Fire. Something about these bones had a strong tie to fire or flames. Perhaps a shielding? Ah, no, I am wrong... it looks like... yes... Continual Light? This skull had at some point the ability to illuminate its surrounding. But that's not all. This is too complex to just be a glorified skull lamp." He chuckles to himself. "It's relationship to fire is definite, but the nature of the enchantment is more clerical than arcane. My studies do not take me far into that realm. I would recommend someone more versed in necromancy than myself."

He nods to Angus in gratitude for holding the skull up while the studied it.

"As for destroying it, that is up to you. There may be more things to learn from it, but you are going to need someone more studied than me."

Turning to Petar again he continues.

"As for scrolls, I don't have anything here with me. This is only a field station, and those," he points to the scrolls by the books, "are only thoughts and notes I've collected here over the years. I have some at home, back at the Haven, but it would take many days of travel. Now... as far as sharing spells...", he looks at Petar with an evaluating eye, "... I... may... be able to share some light enchantments with you, perhaps as part of your pay for my request? But you understand that I can't share any more than that."

Doromas is, of course, alluding to the unofficial, but widely known, need of all wizards to maintain a degree of secrecy on their powers and spells. It is the unspoken rules of mages that they are not to share their spells with one another, should they need to stand on a battle field on opposite sides one day. However, Doromas also hails from the Haven, which means he may have more exotic enchantments in his repertoire.

Turning to Angus he adds, "If you would like, I can also share with you."

"They were set on fire by the chamber guardians," Petar says, repeating words from the journal.  He looks a little pale while contemplating the terrible demise of Dohlen and Rickard.

"Whatever the skull was, it may not have been itself evil but it was certainly created by it," the elf concludes, unsure whether further investigations were worth the risk and quite happy to agree to smash it to shards.  Petar frowns and wonders if Angus would even surrender it to Camille.

"... I... may... be able to share some light enchantments with you, perhaps as part of your pay for my request? But you understand that I can't share any more than that."

Naturally.  How often in the stories was the young wizard forced to face his former mentor in order to stop his evil machinations.  Petar nods solemnly.  "I left my old master behind with nothing left to learn, and a spellbook full of ideas and ciphers but nothing there that I understand, great spells of fireball and teleport and enchanting blades, but nothing that works.  Master Doromas, it would be an apprenticeship, formally, I'd be very grateful of course."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Sun 12 July 2020.

Angus puts the skull away, keeping it as a curiosity.

There was a moment of disappointment that flashed across her face, the realization that whatever task or tasks he might want for his coin would remain undefined, but that quickly passed to the more impassive expression as Aila listened and observed the demonstration from the skull.  Despite herself, she could not help a shudder.  The dead are meant to remain dead, she thought.  Thus is the cycle.  To disturb the cycle so, one might as well end all things.

Nevertheless, she marked all of these things away in her mind, things that she could further review in her evening meditations.  And so she sat with her tea, blowing lightly on the surface to cool it to drinking temperature, and inhaling gently as the steam rose to tell of its aroma before taking that first sip.

... "Master Doromas, it would be an apprenticeship, formally, I'd be very grateful of course."

There is a moment of silence at this request. Doromas looks at Petar, and takes a breath.

"I am afraid an apprenticeship is out of my present reach, Petar. I am working on a project, one that I could use your help with, but that has me fully committed. What I am offering to you instead is knowledge as payment.

Why don't I actually give you an idea of what I am doing here."

He stands and waves at the contents of the shack with a sweep of his hand.

"What you see here is almost four years of research and writing. I am a scholar, a historian specializing in old cults and forgotten magics. I work for the Haven's Academy of Arcane Arts, in the Scholar's Division. I am part librarian, part teacher, part researcher. I have a special dispensation to do field work here, not too far from the academy's reach, and I have a deep purse to support me.

As part of my work, I often need to walk through these hills and forests unimpeded in order to search for any evidence of temples, barrows, burial grounds, ruins, perhaps even old caves, anything that will help me locate and catalogue where these old cults... uh... plied their trade."

The old man bears a knowing smile, a sort of inside-joke humor he feel he is sharing with you.

"Lately, though, the hills have become filled with orcs, goblins, and a few ogres. I was unable to do much exploring, that is until the town sent for mercenaries. A few groups have come and gone. I was able to hire one of them to help me. They were to conduct searches at locations of my choosing, and also to clear out any hostile parties, if it came to it.

They left three weeks ago, but never returned. As you are already aware, the outskirts of Emberdell are very busy nowadays, and just like you, these mercenaries also contracted with the town for target bounties. I would like to hire you to track my previous party's steps, and to recover a special trinket I gave them in order to help me. It was a magical talisman, able to discern arcane resonance in an area. Alas, it was a personal item, and even though my research is supposed to be my first priority, I would like to have it returned should you find it.

Now, with this log you discovered, all my first investigations have come to bear fruit. The old histories of the area kept by the elves, of which we happen to have one of the few copies in this part of the world, spoke of one particular heretical and treasonous cult, the one named Exidamarall. Whoever it was that did conduct this expedition clearly found something. And died because of it. If he can find it, so can we.

If you can, as you travel through the foothills, would you also please follow this lead? With any luck, you may also find my former team nearby. Or at least I hope so.

So, this is my proposal: I would like to charter you as a research team at 250 gp each."

Sowen's mouth falls wide open. Olagh just looks dumbstruck.

"You have two tasks. The first one is to discover what happened to my first research team. And bring back my talisman if you can. The second one is to follow the leads in your log book and see what you can discover about this "expedition". Then report all you have found back to me. This, of course, opens up two good possibilities: if Alinda was in the vicinity, you have a chance of finding her. And if... no... when! you run into orcs you can claim all the bounties you can carry."

He turns to Angus and Petar.

"For the two of you, I would like to offer something different. I will travel back to the Haven and return with scrolls. I will offer you each three of these, at a price of 100 gp each. These you may take instead of coins."

He looks at the group, gauging any reactions.

"Do you accept?"

"I accept for myself."

Marille looked on passively before she responded, "De chance te sweep de furest uf munsters is enuff fur me."

It was disappointing that Doromas was too busy but it only made Petar more eager; he'd prove himself invaluable to this Emberdell and thus write his own ticket!  As the wizard explains his research, the elf's mind wanders a little as the particulars of a sage's profession did not interest the young bardlet.

They left three weeks ago, but never returned.

"Tragic," Petar mutters, noting the need to find this talisman, too.

"For the two of you, I would like to offer something different. I will travel back to the Haven and return with scrolls. I will offer you each three of these, at a price of 100 gp each. These you may take instead of coins."

"I'm very happy to accept!" Petar exclaims.  Three scrolls, a rare opportunity!

Aila listened carefully to the words of the wizard, parsing through the possibilities, trying to slot everything into its most appropriate place to make sense.  It was in the quiet as her more recent companions began speaking their acceptance that she realized that a response was needed.

"I accept," she said, simply.  There would be so much to learn, to fill her mind for meditations by following this path.

Petar thanks Doromas solemnly for his time and the aid he is rendering.  By donating pittances (to Doromas, or course!) of coin to them, he was saving a lot of legwork.  And who knows, they might actually find something out before being eradicated by ogres.

Once the interview was at an end, Petar wonders if he can learn a spell to be in several places at once.  He smiles to himself, imagining multiple versions of himself flitting about town, slack-jawed yokels murmouring at the blatant display of arcane mastery.

"One day .. one day," Petar mutters.

The elf addresses the others: "Why don't we decide if we are going bounty hunting before too much more of the day passes."  Petar did not miss Doromas' suggestion that they pursue links to Dohlen and Rickard in town but would that really help?

"Otherwise we can ask about for information on Rickard, Dohlen and Yolandi.  Splitting up will help us be efficient about it, too."

My character votes for returning to the hunt ASAP.
Also, I will be away from internet activity from the 19th-26th or thereabouts.  Hopefully Petar will survive with a dimmed PC light for a week ;)

Marille looked on passively before she responded, "De chance te sweep de furest uf munsters is enuff fur me."

"In that case I feel certain you will have enough monsters to satisfy all your desires. I hear the orcs are out, and it is more than likely you will run into them."

"I accept for myself," replies Angus.

"I'm very happy to accept!" Petar exclaims.  Three scrolls, a rare opportunity!

"I am glad to hear that. I'll arrange for a list of options for you once you return... tonight? Tomorrow? We'll do it next time you are back."

The elf addresses the others: "Why don't we decide if we are going bounty hunting before too much more of the day passes."  Petar did not miss Doromas' suggestion that they pursue links to Dohlen and Rickard in town but would that really help?

"Otherwise we can ask about for information on Rickard, Dohlen and Yolandi.  Splitting up will help us be efficient about it, too."

Doromas stops for a moment, considering something on his mind.

"... Should you need anything to help you in your travels, and it is available in town, please have them send the tab to me. It is, of course, in my interest, and yours," he smiles, "to have you return safe and sound. I would like to offer you... these."

Doromas points his hands at a small stack of books in the corner. The books begin to fall off the top of the stack, finally opening all the way to allow a small coffer to emerge from beneath them. This coffer lands on the desk, where the simple latch opens up and reveals the contents: three small glass vials of a light chartreuse coloration.

"These were given to me by a friend as part of celebration many years ago. I have not had any reason to use them," he smirks to himself with a tilt of his head, "but I think you might. These are all healing potions."

He hands the coffer to Aila, who happens to be the closest one.

"They will probably come in handy, considering that you might run into orcs, ogres, or whatever ... that," he points at the skull in Angus' keeping, "... might be."

He picks up his cup of tea one more time, and takes another tentative sip.

"Ah, much better. Excellent harvest, I must say."

Sitting down again, he asks, "Do you have any questions? Is everything clear?"

Angus shakes his head in reply, "all is clear to me," he says.

Marille looked on impassive, "An if'n we fuind ane ding bout your missin. We wull return." Resolute the muscular woman is quick to want to be outside the magical home.

"An if'n we fuind ane ding bout your missin. We wull return." Resolute the muscular woman is quick to want to be outside the magical home.

"Then I wish you the best of luck. I would certainly like to know what happened to my previous team."

---

OOC: Ok, you have your instructions. Which way do you want to go?

"Do we need more information? Or do we go adventuring for the day?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Sat 18 July 2020.

This coffer lands on the desk, where the simple latch opens up and reveals the contents: three small glass vials of a light chartreuse coloration.

First scrolls, now potions!  How many times in the stories had the heroes snatched victory from defeat with a quick quaff of some miracle cure.  "We'll be sure they aren't wasted," Petar pledges, somewhat solemnly.

***

Back on the road, the elf figures that if their wandering could use some extra direction, destiny would provide.  Otherwise, they can revisit the scene of yesterday's battle and try to track the fleeing goblins back to their lair.

"They weren't equipped for a long journey," Petar reminds them of what they found on the dead.  "They have to live close to that scene with the bear."

Reminder:  out of touch until next week.  Have a great one guys :)

Aila had taken one of the potions, offered her thanks to Doromas, and passed along to the next nearest.

"Based close by, it does make sense," agreed Aila, "and the closest thing we have to a direction for now.  Unless we first want to spend the rest of the day in finding out more about those other names and then setting out again on the morrow?"  There was an indecision in her tone, she was happy to go in any direction, rather than picking one, for in all directions lay knowledge of some form or another.

"You choose Camille, it is your sister. Search now some more? I say search and question in the morning or tonight."

"Let's go back. I don't know if she went north, south, east, west. I just don't want to sit here in town if there is a chance to find her."

Camille nods in agreement with the plan to head back. She seems anxious to get started.

With everyone in agreement to go back to where you encountered the orc and goblin hunting party, you take your leave from Doromas, who wishes good luck on your journey. It doesn't take long to track back to the woods. They are very visible from a distance, and are easily just two hours away. The challenge, like last time, is to trek through the actual woods. You didn't actually make any effort to hide your tracks, so you find yourself very close to the location where your first fought them.

Like the day before, the woods are dense in undergrowth, making the trek difficult. There is enough light to see by, and with good eyes to follow your own steps, you find yourselves back. It is actually easy to tell, as the bodies you left behind are smelling already.

As you enter the area of the battle, you realize that all kinds of scavengers have been taking bites out of the bodies. Small critters scurry out of the way as you approach, headless carcasses laying about everywhere, exactly where you left. The stink is strong, but not as strong as it will be in a day or two.

You have about half the day left to you.

What do you wish to do?

"I suspect the hunting party wasn't much trying to hide their path, either," observed Aila.  "Should we see if we can follow their trail further on?"

"Did ane one bring torthes? Furgut mein at ein. So me and the dwurven wull be en frunt."
Maille looked compassionately at Camille. Must be ard to not know where your sister is? My heart goes out to her.

In reply to Marille Ughari (msg # 77):

"I have 6 torches, that is enough to get us back to town, I hope."

"I have a few myself. Enough for good trek after sundown, but not for a full night. We'll have to make a fire if we stay out here," comments Camille.

"Any good at tracking?"

"Petar is the closest thing to a tracker we have I think."

Game Master posting on behalf of Petar the Elf

Despite actually being a city elf, Petar did have some training in the aspects of nature, although not specifically in tracking. His wit, however, was extraordinarily sharp, allowing him to catch details that others might ordinarily miss.

12:35, Today: Game Master, on behalf of Petar the Elf, rolled 14 using 1d20 ((14)).

"Yes, there. Look at all the prints. They weren't trying to hide anything. And with so many of them, it will be easy to follow where they came from."

City elf or not, this elf can follow tracks like the best of them.

"Lead on master elf, you have the eyes for it, I'm but a simple Hedge Wizard."

Tracking turned out to be much easier than anticipated. As it turns out, a large crowd of two dozen individuals not attempting to hide their tracks at all left behind what amounted to a well-worn trail in the eyes of a tracker.

The trail led generally south-westwards from their last fight, although it meandered lazily back and forth. It didn't take long before the party could hear orc voices up ahead. They were not trying to be silent in any way.

[Language unknown: "Thi ll?"

"E, menioncom. Ac Ningnc steemo lestedast whany chin onpl. Ch i t ioers osfi. St ati ousersing os liivpa?"

"Te be na, m yinmender is thu ameersrom. Lapent ratonewil ouhas nipr ortvorive ofom, aiilpl eenconion he. Ic eraoutest hi butillant te!"

"Stven t roli som pless maansa hisentith thoastsan?"

"Ur k li. Amethales milo pr. K ilngec tin om whe k thi sini iecain."]

*Rough Laughter* [Language unknown: "AT uscom p o si aranpa. Robech ck sanrat-bleeau?"

"Notse. Diisee ntulhe k na asical, ndin Ntiresoun urwil atss'ioit. Fi ome reaearoun wa."

"Onsallart? Din utadnc? Korouswhe t ut out lielio olnte sible!"

"We, ntpr Thosetrea pl etouus sa an illallyin, con ei theel i ou llesur."

"Ac sa ch romessce?"

"Usforihi, ma un. Re ckher unil."

"Ei prosonbut k eenarenti Ethoho wil."

"Aret! Uttin fimapr. M lo bleas nt!"]

*More laughter*

Angus had a blank look on his face, he understood nothing. He readied his Sleep spell for the orcs.

Game Master posting on behalf of Petar the Elf

Petar whispers.

"They are talking about us. They know humans, us, we, killed them. They are talking about making another hunting party, and they are fighting among themselves to take leadership. They are betting on who will win."

Petar ducks closer to the ground.

"If it is not too many of them, we can probably take them. I only hear two voices, but there could be more. Aila, want to scout again? You are the best among us in hiding."

Understanding appears on Angus' face, "I'm glad you understand their gibberish, I had no idea what they spoke of. After Aila scouts, we'll make plans, or not." he whispers

OOC Notice:

I didn't make the time to open the board to new potential players. Therefore the character Phelan is still with the party at the moment.

Marille grasped her long sword and unsheathed it. Clenched tightly in her large hands from working the farm. The warrior slowly began to walk towards the noise. "Me fruends wull ye be ausin yur spells?"

Angus nodded and when he got in range he cast sleep on the group

"So much for scouting," murmured Aila, edging along toward the sound of the voices, as she still wanted to get a better idea of what they were facing before just plunging into the fray.

Game Master posting on behalf of Petar the Elf

Petar looks horrified surprised as everyone approaches the orc position on their own.

"Wait! Wait! Let Aila go first..."

He shakes his head, while looking at Aila, nodding to her his readiness for battle.

Angus stops not wanting to be heard and definitely not wanting to step on a branch or twig and telling them he was there, he still couldn't see them.

OOC:

Marille and Angus: make a DEX roll to represent your skill at approaching silently. This will be an opposed check. The more you make you make it by, the better it will be.

Aila: make your regular Hiding roll. Since you are in the undergrowth you can add a bonus of 10% to it. Your roll is unopposed, as it is a specific trained ability.

Edit: Cross post: Angus stopped. No roll needed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:58, Thu 23 July 2020.

This message was deleted by the player at 16:59, Thu 23 July 2020.

Aila moved cautiously through the undergrowth of the woods, hoping to get a better idea of what was ahead before running into the danger unprepared.

---

12:10, Today: Aila rolled 28 using 1d100.  hide v35 (25+10 bonus)

At the sound of the scout Marille stopped her movement towards the orc camp. Eyes resolute she couldn't see the woman any longer.

OOC: 19:46, Today: Marille Ughari rolled 11 using 1d20 ((11)).
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Sun 26 July 2020.

Aila approaches with caution and silence. Despite the dense foliage, she makes practically no noise.

Peering through the heavy vegetation, she manages to spot several orc figure ahead of her. There are a total of four in her sight, two standing and talking, and two more further back sitting in a clearing among several trees. They are making arrow shafts from long thing wooden sticks, and winding feathers to them for fletching. Not too far past them the earth rises at a steep angle on what perhaps may be a barrow grave. It seems rather large for one, rising to over twenty feet. The barrow is covered with vegetation and growth, nestled in the midst of the trees. Sitting on top of the barrow are two more orcs, clearly uncomfortable in the position, as the sun is shining almost directly on them through the wide open break in the forest canopy.

The blood began to run hot in the warrior. Marille stood half hunched grasping her longsword very tightly. She looked towards her companions and waited for someone to give the go ahead.

Angus, spell prepared, waited patiently for the party to decide what to do.

Getting the information that she sought, Aila worked to melt back to the others, to relay the information regarding the numbers and positions of the orcs ahead.  All she could hope was that the noise she made was not enough to, on its own, send the orcs rushing to meet them before she could do so.

---

19:51, Today: Aila rolled 40 using 1d100.  hide v35 (25+10 bonus)

Aila approaches with caution and silence.

Having learned how well sound carried in these woods last time (both loud goblins with angry bears and metal-clad elves), Petar was glad to hang back and not give their position away.

"Try to lure them towards us," he had whispered to the brave woman before Aila had disappeared behind a green wall of undergrowth.

To that end, the elf keeps alert and listening to what the orcs might be saying, so that he would know when to be ready.  They had magic on their side, but the orcs would have numbers, Petar figures, so they'd better use their slumbering enchantments for the greatest effect.

Petar crouches with an arrow knocked, a nod towards Phelan with her crossbow ready and a grin to the two local lads; they hopefully were going to show how everyone how brave they were .. and not flee.

Actions
Ready bow and prepare ambush
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Mon 27 July 2020.

OOC: No need for another roll. The first one was enough for the effort.

Now, what does the party want to do? Rush in? Sneak around? Wait and see?

Let me know.

I'll be building a map for this encounter.

Angus waits on Aila to get back, holding his spell ready to cast if the orcs came rushing through. They would make short work of them most likely.

Returning to the group, Aila relayed, "I saw a half dozen of the orcs.  I didn't see goblins this time, but there's a large barrow, and there could be more beyond that I didn't see, although I didn't hear anything that suggests there's a large force there.  Couple of them looked like they're trying to make arrows, not sure about the rest."

"If you wish," she added, "I can go back toward them and make a noise on purpose and then run back here.  One I would not be afraid of so much, but six at a time would be more than I can manage."

Marilles eyebrows furrowed at the word barrow. The muscular warrior understood numbers may be against them, but goblins needed to be vanquished at all costs.

"Muybe nuit geit clouse te dem, buit Anguth culd maguck dem makin dem go te sleep. We cun figh de rest."

OOC: Paying attention to your discussion and planning.

Once you make a choice, let me know and I'll go ahead and carry things forward.

Thinking it over a little, Petar whispers his thoughts: "The goblins will be underground .. probably even asleep .. I think sunlight makes them feel sick.  I figure at least eight goblins for every orc you saw, but we did kill a lot yesterday, so maybe less."

He smiles at Aila before continuing in the same low tones.  "If they see you, alone, they'll probably chase, try to make a game of it, ahh, you know.  But don't be surprised if one is smart enough to warn the barrow.  On the other hand, if we use a slumber spell now, on a mere six of them ... we may need that magic more later."

Petar leaves the final decision to the woman as he felt she was taking the worst risk.  "Oh, and today, if we can, let's knock one orc out so we can question him.  We need answers, remember."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Tue 28 July 2020.

"A game," replied Aila, smiling.  "I can do that.  What I will do is this--I will go to the left of the group here, and then toward the orcs that I saw.  That way, when I pull them back this way, you will have a chance to catch them from the side they are not expecting."  Her hand scribed a tight arc while her other hand remained closed in a fist to represent the group, showing a slightly leftward position ahead of the group, then drawing back as she brought the fist forward.  "This would keep me out of your line of fire, as well."

---

In a completely OOC description, she is showing about "10 o'clock" with the group at "6 o'clock".

OOC: Fantastic! =)

I shall draw a map of the area and add the tokens.

Should not take long.

You begin to implement your plan, and find the appropriate positions. Aila skulks ahead and to her left, while the rest of the party seeks to approach as closely as possible without giving themselves away. That is a task that is especially difficult in light of two of your members being clad in plate mail. They have to move even slower than normal to attempt to muffle their sounds.

Map: Encounter 3 Round 0 - Preparing The Approach

OOC: Ok, map is up. I am have taken some guess work as to where you might want to be. I am working on the assumption that you can approach this close and not be noticed. However, distances are long, and it will take you a few rounds to actually get into melee, unless you wish to "run". Also, Angus still has his mule with him, so there is that. =)

The ground and field here is not as densely overgrown as it was deeper in the forest, and there is moderately more visibility. Which works both ways.

We'll take this as the start of the discussion of your initial positions. These are NOT the final spots. Please let me know where you wish to place yourselves. This is probably easiest done by giving me an X/Y offset from your present token position. For example, if Aila thought she was too close and would like to be further away, she can post "Move my token south three squares and east three squares" and that would put her behind the tree 20 feet to her south-east. You can also summarize that with X+3/Y-3, like regular Cartesian coordinates starting from the bottom left.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:27, Thu 30 July 2020.

404 Not Found is what I see.

Oops. I think it's fixed now. It answers on my browser correctly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:29, Thu 30 July 2020.

Yup, Angus hobbles the mule and gives her an apple for a treat while waiting on the next move by the others. His spell could get all 6 if they were closer together.

Some questions also posted in the OOC thread

Careful to approach with a minimum of jingle-jangling, Petar sighted down an arrow at the unsuspecting orc closest to him.  It seemed like an easy shot, then when the orcs charged the stealthy Aila would have the drop on them from the rear.

While he waited for everyone to get into final position, the elf examined the orcs closely for horns, drums or similar noisemakers, as well as bows.  Petar was sure his tree would provide cover, and trusted his armour and magic, but he seriously doubted how others might fare facing enemy fire.

Assuming 5' squares, I like my character's position.  Looks like a sleep spell only gets 4 of them, so pass on that for now.

Do the orcs have bows?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Thu 30 July 2020.

OOC - Yea, they're spread out now.

Yeah, I missed that. Answers in the OOC thread.

The orcs appear to have axes with them. Most of the axes are laid aside next to them. The fletchers also have axes, but you do not see bows on them or nearby.

I like that 3 down, 3 right position for Aila (compared to current), assuming top of map is north then move to the south east.

Just like Petar, Camille approached the orc position with an overabundance of caution. She knelt next to him and unhooked her mace from her holding brace. Her shield she already had on her arm.

She paid attention to Marille, who was only a few yards ahead, and awaited Aila's signal to charge and attack.

"I only count a few. But the forest is quiet, and the enemy clever."

Her attention didn't waver from the orcs ahead. Despite her determination, you could tell from her eyes that she was searching the clearing. Was her sister here? Only time would tell.

The dwarf was getting tired of walking and searching. She was feeling like a good fight to get that blood going again.

... finally, some action...

She waited patiently for the entire thing to begin, her trusted axe in hand.

Olagh put his pack and shield down and strung his bow. He did it in such a casual fashion that it was almost surprising to see this simple man prepare for battle in a such a unconcerned way. After evaluating the tension on the bow approvingly, he stuck six arrows into the ground next to him, ready to be pulled and used immediately. The rest he kept on the quiver. Finally, he did a casual inspection of his belts, buckles, and armor, and made sure his dagger was where it was supposed to be.

Sowen also dropped his pack, but he set his shield to his arm and took up the hefty longsword. He looked at Olagh, who nodded in acknowledgement.

They stood at the ready behind Petar and Camille, quiet but attentive, with a calm that belied the fact they were about to engage in mortal battle.

For a pair of town craftsmen, they appeared remarkably composed. One might even say... experienced.

OOC: Alright.

I have updated the initial map. Please check out the same link with the new positions. I have also added Sowen and Olagh on the map.

Sowen and Olagh now also feature their entry in the "Notable NPCs" area. There are a pair of images I've picked that come as close to them as I had in my mind without spending any more time looking for more images. =)

Aila, I believe the next move is your's. Let me know what you wish to do and we'll get the ball rolling here.

Aila took a few moments from her new position to make sure there were not more than she had originally seen, before stepping just to the right of the tree before calling out sharply, "Oww!"  She was certain that she had been loud enough that her companions would hear and know that the "game" had begun.

She looked toward the orcs, trying to make a face of fear and trying to gauge whether she had drawn their attention without the obviously aggressive stare at them.  Presumably, she had managed to attract the attention of at least one, and she took two quick steps, acting as though she had stumbled on the second step, and another step and a limping step.  She, of course, had no intention of getting herself caught in a situation where she might have to fight all six at once--if it came down to it, she was fully prepared to drop the pretense to run back to the others, but she had confidence that the arrows and spellcraft of her companions would be sufficient to keep her out of a six-on-one.

After tying the mule, Angus calmly and quietly moved forward to just behind Marille of the Boulders! He felt safe behind her. He watched the orc's reaction when Aila hollared out. Ready to cast his spell if they centered on themselves and gathered into a group.

"Peels" he says when they take the bait, Sleep

Aila proceeded with the plan.

"Ow!"

The painful cry went out loudly through the forest.

Everyone in the party heard it. And so did the orcs.

The two on the barrow stood up immediately, axes in hand, peering down in the direction of the cry. The two next to the barrow dropped their fletching knives, turned their heads, and their hands shot out to the axes next to them. The two closest to the party in hiding, the ones who were talking, turn and face the direction of the cry.

From the top of the barrow you hear one of the orcs speak.

[Language unknown: "For enc a tari? M fiomalnc eietnt?

Witavence ut ei thumening. Ie thuounsom, oreartort.

Strom eenle ncevma niivwa omeionnde i enev enfor utat we p beelte is wahoes."]

The two who were just fletching stand, look up the orc speaking, then turn back to the unknown woman and bring their axes to readiness, but they do not advance.

The two orcs furthest from Aila begin a measured approach, walking, axes in hand. They are also scanning the woods around them. They are quite alert and cautious.

One of them calls out in rough western common,

"You! Come now, here, or we use axe."

"Alright, Olagh," Petar whispers amiably.  "You target the bald one, and mine will be red feathers."

Hopefully this would split the enemy away from Aila, and anyone charging them would find themselves up against Phelan, Marille and Sowen in a hurry.

The elf was of course alluding to the differences* between the two closest orcs, a taller hairless one and a smaller, more wiry fellow with long red feathers tucked into his belt - perhaps used in some kind of game among the orckind.  Petar drew back ... back ... and fired.  As luck (or the opposite) would have it, the arrow's fletching disintegrated almost immediately and the missile went a spectacular three feet to bury itself in the gloamy forest floor.

"!@$^"

* Yes I made this up, hopefully this kind of harmless colour won't offend ;)

Lacking a grid to specifically label orcs, I'll just go with the one closest to Petar as O1 (Baldy) and the one two squares away as O2 (red feathers).  I assume the orcs moving towards Aila are the other two?  I can't tell from the previous post ... is it possible to put some labels on the monsters so we can differentiate who is who?

Actions
Fire shortbow at O2.  Looks like short range so +3 total to hit, minus any cover.  Ahh  good old nat 1  hehe
Movement: none

Combat stuff: AC 1 (shield not readied), 7/7 hps and 1 L1 spell left.  9 arrows left in this quiver

13:08, Today: Petar the Elf rolled 1,6 using d20,d6.  Petar shortbow attack vs O2 (red feathers).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Fri 31 July 2020.

Enthusiasm for some bloodletting turned out to be much greater than her skill.  Tucking the trusty axe to the hanger at her waist, Phelan loaded a quarrel into her crossbow, trundling a little closer to the fray before setting her feet to pull the trigger of her crossbow ... not that it was going to do a thing to bring down an orc, and she could only hope that the orcs might not have noticed yet.

---

19:15, Today: Phelan rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  crossbow  (I think it's long range, but if I'm miscounting, it'd still have to be short range for her to even have a chance at hitting .. +2 for DEX, -1 for range nets to +1)

Movement:  diagonal 3 towards the orcs (down 3, left 3)

All good. It took me a bit by surprise, as I now have to start thinking of them that way. =)


Yes, of course. I've been a space cadet lately, not quite finishing the details I aim to address. I have updated the Round 0 map with numbers for the orcs. I shall post tomorrow morning during a good opportunity for the other characters and to finish the round's combat results.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:48, Sat 01 Aug 2020.

Only two are moving? I'll hold my spell.

NPC

Marille, sword in hand barely containing her impatience, watches the arrows fly and charges. Aiming for a body strike, her sword swings in a wide arc, but catches in the layers of leather, causing nothing but a bruise. The orc is wide-eyed, realizing he is now a target.

12:01, Today: Game Master, on behalf of Marille Ughari, rolled 11,2 using 1d20,1d8.  Marille's attack. Miss.

Sowen and Olagh

Olagh resettles a few feet around his arrow in order to get a better angle around Camille. He watches as Petar's arrow collapses right out of the gate, tumbling in the air only to drive itself onto the ground.

Taking the arrow already in his hand, he knocks, pulls, aims, and releases. His aim is good, striking the farthest of the closer two orcs in the shoulder, a piercing blow, but one mitigated by the layers of leather on him.

11:39, Today: Game Master rolled 14,2 using 1d20,1d6.  Olagh's Longbow.

"Good shot, Olagh."

With Marille's charge starting the actual melee, and Olagh reloading for another shot, Sowen takes a step and begins his own approach. Sword and shield at the ready, he covers the distance but is short by just a yard or two from Marille. (Not quite in range.)

The fight had started, just like Aila had planned. She watched as the arrows flew, some true, some not so much. And then the warrior woman, Marille, was off and running into the fight, careless of the numbers, simply rushing into battle.

... how does she not care? ...

Camille takes the example her companion was making and followed it, running at the orcs from an angle in order to not get in the line of fire of the bows. Heavily loaded with armor, though, meant that she only covers half the distance Marille did.

OOC: Alright. Things are moving now.

This was the surprise round, so you all got to act without them reacting.

So now... we roll initiatives.

Aila, I believe this might your turn. Roll us a D6+1 for the team. The orcs rolled well, but if you roll high, you could get two rounds off back to back.

I will arrange for updates to the map this evening, as I am now posting from work. =)

Well--I tried.

14:31, Today: Aila rolled 4 using 1d6+1 ((3)).

No problem. =)

All it means is that they actually get to go first next round, but that establishes the action order then.

I'll post updates shortly.

Round 1 - Orcs

Arrows, a crazy strong woman running at them with a sword, a leather-clad warrior right behind her. The orcs' suspicions bore fruit.

From the top of the barrow one of the orcs shouts,

[Language unknown: "ARTECTEEN! WISAN SHEUL ONSPRETERERE ENTSHESAN ATPOLO!"]

The two orcs closest to the assault gather themselves and prepare a counter-attack. Once again, Marille evades two solid strikes against her with raw speed and determination.

20:27, Today: Game Master rolled 8,3,5,6 using 1d20,1d8,1d20,1d8.  Attacks on Marille. Miss, miss.

The two orcs formerly fletching, stand up and grab their axes, forgetting all their wood and cutting supplies. They join their companions aiming to slow the second assailant. Sowen takes a cut on the leg, fortunately still on the leather, so it does not cut so much as crush and bruise. Still, a hit is a hit, and he grits his teeth through the pain.

20:28, Today: Game Master rolled 17,3,8,5 using 1d20,1d8,1d20,1d8.  Attacks on Sowen. Hit, miss.

The orc shouting orders gestures to his companion to go downstais, which he does, running down the barrow, jumping off the top of the entrance and disappearing into the darkness within. You can hear the echoes of his voice as he calls out for help.

---

OOC: Map for Round 1, Orcs

It is now your turn on this round.

Angus moves up to within 6 squares of Marille and Sowen and readies to cast his spell on the new group coming from the barrow.

Well, I didn't expect to be ignored so quickly, thought Aila as the orcs who had been thinking of "collecting" her had turned their attention to the group that had emerged.  Plans surviving first contact with enemy, I think that's called.


Taking in the situation, she hurried into the middle of the clearing.

---

(moving diagonally, end at 12 left, 7 up from current position ... what is that thing on the ground?)

Phelan did her best to run up on her sturdy, short legs, and then set her feet to make another shot, this time aiming at the orc atop the barrow ... though the bolt fell far short of accomplishing the goal that she had in mind.

---

Moving diagonal, end 7 down, 7 left

08:19, Today: Phelan rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  crossbow

Stepping to his right, Petar calmly drew and slotted another arrow.  He knew the chances of two arrows in a row being sub-par were low, and he also knew that they had better drop these first guards before the balance of the enemy arrived.

The elf only fired when he was happy with his positioning; shooting under these conditions was tricky but at least the forest was sparse compared to the thicker woods where they'd fought the bear-hunters yesterday.  Petar could not believe it when he saw this arrow's fletching fail as spectacularly as the last.

Convinced the whole quiver was somehow sabotaged (trixies? gremlins? curse sprites?), Petar curses in annoyance and begins to feel there were forces at work here he'd not heretofore imagined.

Actions
Encounter speed is 20 yards a round, so move 4 squares due west of current position
Fire at Orc2, +3 to hit with range bonus, minus any penalties.  Another nat 1 .. fun fun   8 arrows left


15:10, Today: Petar the Elf rolled 4,5 using d20+3,d6.  R1 Petar shortbow vs Orc2.

Wow, 1 in 400. Going for broke for that 1 in 8000? =)

Camille finishes her run next to Marille. She comes into the melee with ferocity, taking a leap and aiming to crush the orc's head in a downwards strike. Instead, the orc, facing in her direction, anticipated the attack and deftly kept his distance, and Marille, between himself and Camille. The strike came within a foot but no closer.

20:01, Today: Game Master rolled 2 using 1d20. Attack. Miss.

NPC

Marille is suddenly taken aback by the onrushing priestess that is Camille. A full set of armor, a shield, and a mace make for quite a lot of weight, and once she committed, she couldn't fully change direction as the orc before her used the warrior as cover.

Marille saw the mace swing down and leave Camille dangerously overextended. She took a moment to place her sword between the lass and the orc, just to buy her some time. To her credit, the cleric picked right up and regained her defense, setting her balance in a grounded posture.

With the orc's attention momentarily away from the warrior, she struck a swift blow.

20:08, Today: Game Master rolled 8,2 using 1d20,1d8 ((8,2)). Miss.

However, as luck would have it, the blade managed to be deflected by the creature's layers of leather, fully ablating the cut, and some of the bruise as well. Although she was sure that was going to be sore for days.

Olagh

Olagh takes another arrow, aims, and fires at the visible orc next to Sowen.

20:27, Today: Game Master rolled 4,5 using 1d20,1d8 ((4,5)).

The shot goes too high and far to the right, an over-extension arrived at in an attempt to avoid his half-brother as much as possible.

"... dammit!"


Sowen

In middle of the melee, Sowen finds himself face to face with two brutal opponents, each one wielding a dangerous axe. While he has leather and a shield, those axes are capable of cutting him in half if he gives them half a chance. He strikes at the one that came in first, hoping to distract him enough before the second one finds an opening. (Attacking Orc 4)

20:31, Today: Game Master rolled 4,3 using 1d20,1d8 ((4,3)).

The swing, though, doesn't connect. The orc is not only strong, but also fast. He takes a step back in reaction, avoiding a defensive cut from the Sowen, who is trying to keep his blade at the ready for what will be two more sets of axe edges coming at him.

That thing is a very reduced image of a ring of stones representing a spent fire pit. There is nothing but a bed of ashes and some charred wood in there.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 03:38, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

Round 2, Orcs

Aila

As Aila approaches, the one remaining orc on the barrow follows her motions as he oversees the melee. It is not until she is practically a knife throw away that he leaps from the barrow and runs at her, challenging her loudly.

[Language unknown: "Nd uretec sset tic thul! Nearlo ion me ame urmihi!"]

20:47, Today: Game Master rolled 2,7 using 1d20,1d8 ((2,7)).

Aila's honed reactions, however, are far too much for the orc's slow and heavy axe. A feint, a duck, and the orc's swing leaves him open for a counter attack.


Sowen

As he expected, the two orcs strike at Sowen's front and flank.

20:42, Today: Game Master rolled 10,1,8,1 using 1d20,1d8,1d20,1d8 ((10,1,8,1)).

Sowen, though, was prepared for the attacks. The first orc's strike went awry, partly due to the quick strike it had just endured. It was off balance and lacked form. The second orc, though, finally understood the danger it was in, with that missed arrow coming too close for comfort. The distraction was enough to have it swing from too far away while it tries to keep the close cover the the tree between itself and the archer. It is a bad position, though, and he will have to come closer if he expects to actually hit his opponent.


Camille

Having a plate-clad human woman join the fight suddenly evens the fight for the two orcs facing Marille.

Facing both at once, the outnumbered orc (Orc 2) decides to strike at the new-comer, trusting that his ally will occupy the muscled woman next to him.

20:50, Today: Game Master rolled 4,5 using 1d20,1d8 ((4,5)).

The swing went wild, though, and failed to connect with anything.


Marille

Now joined by Camille, Orc 1's advantage seems diminished. The fight is now even, and he didn't like that. Best cut this woman down now.

20:53, Today: Game Master rolled 5,3 using 1d20,1d8 ((5,3)).

Taking the opportunity to strike as his target, the orc's overhead swing was easily stepped aside by the human woman. He pulled back, regained his swing, and readied his axe for another strike.


Somehow, the orc gods were not smiling on them today. While they were holding their ground, they had made no progress, even while outnumbering their enemies in the pitched fight.


Round 2, Emberdell Party

Your turn to go.

---

OOC: [ Map for Round 2, PCs ]

Angus moves up as he readies to cast. He hopes his friends will be alright.

Finally close enough, Phelan dropped the crossbow, knowing that she could either pick it up again and set it to rights later--or it wouldn't matter at all--and closed with the axe to one of the orcs (#3), swinging with the intent to draw blood, though perhaps not as effectively as her heart might wish.

---

10:12, Today: Phelan rolled 14 using 1d20.  axe. (hits ac5)
10:13, Today: Phelan rolled 2 using 1d8.  damage.

Was it a feint?  Perhaps it might look that way, for Aila's move to attack the orc who had just over-extended himself was certainly not effective as an attack.  Yet, she seemed unruffled by both the attack made and the failure to have a true effect.

"Big axe, little ..." said Aila, with a pointed look toward the groin of the orc.

---

10:17, Today: Aila rolled 8 using 1d20.  to hit.

Petar gave up on his (sabotaged?!) arrows in disgust, advancing through the trees and readying shield and sword as he came before dropping the bow on the ground.  Hustling now, he gets closer and closer until he's at the foot of the melee and lets his training take over: quick, deliberate strikes to cause as much damage as possible in the shortest time.

Actions
The current map position is not correct - Petar moved 6 squares last round.  Anyhoo, hopefully 20 yards of encounter movement will be enough: moving now to the square due north of Camille and attacking Orc 2 with sword

Result: 14 +2 STR = 16 to hit for 8 damage.

Dropping bow in the square 1 due N of Phelan

Combat stuff:  AC -1, 7/7 hps left, 1 spell left

09:14, Today: Petar the Elf rolled 14,6 using d20,d8.  Round 2, sword attack vs Orc 2.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

Where would you like to move, Angus? Use the same technique everyone else is using: move x/y squares.

When the horde comes out of the barrow, Angus will cast sleep and get as many as he can, up to and including ones in combat too.

Whoops, my bad. I will make a correction on the map very soon. Although from what I read on the text, it was only four squares.

Of course. What I am looking for, though, is a position on the map. Would you be able to give me a coordinate combination of X squares and Y squares moved? That way I can place your token on the map correctly.

I thought I said I moved up to just 3 or 4 squares behind Marille and Camille. Maybe I just THOUGHT I said it somewhere.

You are correct. I went looking for that statement and I found it.

My bad. Thank you for pointing it out.

Looks like this morning is going to be one of those.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:02, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

OOC: Ok, things were quite busy for me today. Lots of stuff and projects happening at work.

I was able to update the map to reflect your current positions, but I am out of time on posting for all NPCs and summarizing the rounds from your side.

So here is the present map as it with some of your actions.

[ Map for Round 2, PCs - in progress ]

---

A long time ago, in the 80s, I used to run a low fantasy game on the Hero System. It was 'Fantasy Hero', for those of you who might have played it, during the heyday of the 4th edition. Whenever I ran a fight, I would turn around and press play on the stereo to have Conan The Barbarian playing while the PCs went on to engage in bloody combat. It lent it great mood and spirit, and would emphasize the brutality and humanity of the protagonists. Perhaps you might enjoy it as much as I did back then, and still do today.

Conan Soundtrack

And remember, Crom laughs at your low rolls.

(I will be adding this link as a regular feature to battle posts.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:51, Thu 06 Aug 2020.

Round 3, PCs

Angus approaches carefully, but not without courage, to the core of the fight, spell at the ready for what he foresees would be the eventual arrival of enemy reinforcements.


Phelan, having set aside her crossbow, dives right into the fight, axe swinging. However, it is a pitched fight, and her team mates are almost shoulder to shoulder. Her swing doesn't have the luxury of a wide berth, and hits with a measure of caution, only causing a moderate cut. The orc grunts in pain, and focuses his attention on the dwarf.


On the other side of the clearing, Aila continues her dance with her battle partner. Her feints and guarded swings have been precisely that, guarded. The dance continues. Her quips, however, don't go unnoticed.

[Language unknown: "Est reca be lin allat nehowh? Lar, pl loha, o les u Et oun reic ch, Er fious day itca nilini, os nc pa reul nd."]


There is wisdom in releasing a tool that was not producing results with Petar joining the line making an immediate difference, a flurry of blows taking the orc by surprise. His slow and ponderous axe demands space and recovery, of which he gets neither, and he succumbs to lethal cuts across much of his body. He falls, unconscious and dead, to the fate of battle.


Marille, now surrounded by allies, smiles ferociously, but takes a bad step and loses her balance. It takes all her attention to regain it, and whatever opportunity she had at the moment would have to wait.

20:29, Today: Game Master rolled 1,1 using 1d20,1d8 ((1,1)). Wow, that was a particularly bad roll.


Camille watches her target fall to the deft strikes of Petar. She takes a moment to look at the elf, and she nods at him with an approving smile. The moment, however, is short lived as she carries her fight onward, leaving enough space for Petar to join between her and Marille.

"And this one! Is for you!"

20:35, Today: Game Master rolled 16,3 using 1d20,1d8 ((16,3)).

Her swing meets her mark, crushing the upper arm and shoulder of the orc before her. He cries out in pain, and begins to take defensive steps backwards.


Sowen is feeling relieved that he has good backup, with allies to the left and right of him. Bolstered by the company, he challenges the orc before him with a battle cry, swinging in overhead cuts, keeping it at bay.

Well, RPoL is down right now, so instead of using the die roller I have to slum it with actual dice. How barbaric! =)
Sowen rolls a 17 to hit, and 8 for damage on Orc 4.

The sword finds its mark on the orc's head, carving a deep break through its bone. The impact is bloody, brutal, and decisive. The orc collapses to the ground immediately.


Olagh, now almost out of targets, and almost entirely isolated on the wrong side of the line, grabs the remainder of his arrows back into the quiver, stands, and repositions himself westward, closer to the fight. From there he takes aim at the closest orc to him (Orc 3) and fires a standing shot at close range.

20:55, Today: Game Master rolled 18,4 using 1d20,1d6.

The shot flies true and hits the orc in the gut, cleanly piercing through leather, skin, and organs. It collapses to its knees, and falls, knowing it's been mortally wounded. It is out of the fight.

Only two orcs remain standing: one with Aila, and one with the battle line. It does not look good for the orcs. Both remaining orcs are doing 'fighting withdrawals'. If you approach for melee, they will strike before you.

[ Map for Round 3, PCs ]

[ Conan Soundtrack ]

---

I shall post for the orc round tomorrow morning, as the opportunity arises. So far, the PCs have done pretty well, despite some pretty lousy rolls at the start.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:59, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Round 4, Orcs

The lone remaining orc watches as his three companions fall to the fight. He now stands outnumbered and hurt. Seeing as the odds are not in his favor, he decides to withdraw to the safety of the barrow.

The lone orc dueling with Aila is now keenly aware that his companions have fallen, despite the fact that he has a single opponent before him. He, too, decides that discretion is the better part of valor.


But that is not the end of things. From of the barrow, you begin to hear voices. Many loud voices. Then, from the entrance way, several large furred creatures burst forth. You recognize them as enormous rats, just like the ones you saw yesterday. They run into the open, smell the air, and gather their attention your group. Behind them, several more goblins emerge as well, some with spears, some with bows. And there are appears to be more forthcoming, many more.

The two remaining orcs, previous guarded, now bear vicious grins, knowing that the tables are turning for them. They renew their battles stances, and wait for their numbers to grow.

OOC: Your turn.

[ Map for Round 4, Orcs ]

[ Conan Soundtrack ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:33, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

When the area is full of goblins and rats Angus casts his sleep spell catching as many as he can!

"Peels!"

OOC: It sounds like there are more goblins coming up from the entrance. Do you wish to cast your spell now? Or do you wish to wait to see if more of them come out?

In reply to Game Master (msg # 160):

Wait until they are all in the open.

Behind them, several more goblins emerge as well, some with spears, some with bows. And there are appears to me more forthcoming, many more.

"Don't get too far forward!  Keep together!" Petar barks, hoping his companions won't form a disorganised battle line that will allow too many flanking attacks and prevent Camille from being able to reach people in trouble.

He steps up, shield at the front, ready for the withdrawing orc's readied attack before he launches into his own series of lunges and jabs before aiming a terrific slash at the monster's neck.  Petar was well-trained, and used to alley scuffles with would-be muggers and academy scuffles with elf-haters, but this was his first real battle against enemy soldiers, and he hopes it won't be his last.

Actions
Move 2 squares diagonally SW and then 1 square S for a total of 15 feet of movement
I believe this means Orc1 will get his fighting withdrawal attack: gulp!  AC -1
Assuming my character survives, sword attack vs Orc 1 is a nat 20 for 9 damage

Combat stuff: sword&shield, bow dropped, AC -1, 7/7 hps and 1 spell left

11:32, Today: Petar the Elf rolled 20,7 using d20,d8.  Sword attack vs Orc1.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:36, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

"Coward," said Aila, working to keep pace with the retreating orc.  Swinging in another feint, she kept an eye on the forces that had just come out, wanting to be sure that she kept a retreat option available if she had to.

---

13:40, Today: Aila rolled 9 using 1d20.  (Would hit AC 10 ...  oh well)

Working her way forward toward the retreating orc (#1) new foes, Phelan swung the axe again at a rat (#2 .. assuming her little legs can carry her there), ready to inflict the death of 1001 cuts.  At least, at the rate she was going, that's how many it would take.

---

13:48, Today: Phelan rolled 14 using 1d20 (hit AC5)
13:48, Today: Phelan rolled 1 using 1d8.  axe.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

OOC: Don't forget to check on Phelan's sheet. The dwarf has +2 bonus from STR applicable To Hit and Damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:25, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

OOC: You have very little to worry about with a -1 AC from orcs. They all need 20s to hit you.
Now, it could happen. It is still a 5% chance. But it will be highly uncommon.

The orc swings his axe at Petar's challenge, and it impacts squarely on the metal armor, deflecting harmlessly aside. A frustrated grunt is all the elf can hear from the orc.

12:43, Today: Game Master rolled 12,4 using 1d20,1d8.  Orc attack on Petar.

NPC

Marille finishes her recovery as Petar dashes ahead of her. Seeing as the elf dispatches the last orc in the line, she rushes to the new front line and aims to cut down the first rat she can get to.

"Huy! Leuve soum fer me!"

---

OOC: Marille moves 3 south and 4 west to end diagonally facing rat #2.

12:49, Today: Game Master rolled 5,5 using 1d20,1d8.  Marille's attack. Amazing. Marille is just not hitting a thing. That PC *spark* has really gone. =)

OOC: Aila, due to the order of posts, Petar hits and downs that orc you were aiming for with Phelan. You can change your post since this would have been visible to her before moving.

Camille draws a satisfied smile as the entire orc line perishes before their assault. She brings her mace back to attention, gauges the strength of the new enemies on the clearing, picks a target, and approaches at battle speed toward a rat. (Moving 3 south, 3 west, to end diagonally on the rat #1.)

"Vermin! Let us rid the world of these."

13:03, Today: Game Master rolled 7,4 using 1d20,1d6.  Camille's attack.

Her swing misses its mark, however, as the rat bolts backwards reflexively.
This message was last updated by the player at 20:05, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Olagh

The archer continues his streak of attacks from a distance. Moving yet again, and having no melee opponents, he takes easy aim at the right most rat (from his perspective), and lets go of the arrow.

13:17, Today: Game Master rolled 4,6 using 1d20,1d6.  Olagh's attack.

The rat is quick, however. By the very nature of its scurrying movement, it avoids the arrow without even trying.

Olagh lets out a heavy breath.

... remember, hold breath, release ...


Sowen

The orcs before him are all down. Considering he went into the fray outnumbered four to one, it was a good day for him.

"Hey, we make a good team. You are all pretty good."

He runs ahead and joins Marille against the rat, watching her miss.

"Uh... almost... all of you are pretty good."

He laughs to himself. And then proceeds to thrown the most awful swing in the entire day.

13:31, Today: Game Master rolled 1,1 using 1d20,1d8.  Sowen.

"Hey, I was wrong. Maybe only some of you are pretty good," he laughs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:05, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

DM knows when to cast sleep. ;-)

Ok. Ran out of time today I bit earlier than expected. I only managed to get the map updated.

I will bring in the opposition action as soon as I can. It will be a longer post as I have to roll for a lot of them.

In the meanwhile, enjoy a map with your fully updated positions. =)

[ Map for Round 4, Orcs ]

[ Conan Soundtrack ]

OOC: I forgot to adjudicate the "fighting withdrawal" attack on Aila. This should have happened as she attacked, before her actual attack. So here we go.

Aila approaches the retreating orc, but he was prepared. Needing to cover the distance in order to get a strike in, she crosses the boundary of his reach and he swings his axe in an underswing, aiming to catch her in the midsection and split her upwards.

20:34, Today: Game Master rolled 8 using 1d20 ((8)).

But Aila was far too fast on her feet. The slow axe only met the air in the fight, but it was none the less quite a heavy blade, a threat in and of itself to the human mystic. It was not to be underestimated, so her next attack came with more caution, and it didn't connect.


Round 5, Orcs

And more came. The few rats and goblins that came out of the barrow's entrance were but the first ones that emerged. Behind them came more, many more. And there were other orcs as well.

The rats, despite their evident training, didn't quite feel the drive to fight. The goblins behind them, though, prodded them on with both the blunt and the business end of their spears. So the rodents threw themselves into the fight.

The orc before Aila could not conceal his obvious delight at having the tables turned on the human woman. Now, with great numbers behind them, he doubled his effort to cut her down.

[Language unknown: "Herthathe oul? Eranteson lin ha be t wated? Theoulred o ckssil nd o. Reaughhoulin iv wil. E lihi les le m e haekil men fo tio ai eeanfing. Usllpo fipa antareall onsac ponot siutel astdayfor ca t le mo?"]

The other orcs were leading the goblins into the fight, facing, and surrounding the party by sheer numbers. The goblins, having had to emerge suddenly into the light, were evidently not comfortable in the bright sunlight. They blinked and shied away from the heroes, but the orc threats and whips pushed them to hold a semblance of a battle line.

[Language unknown: "Ininni ncfor! His leevil und us aiontrio! Ncplof hisiveate saadli strar at sihios it cktoal asto noatth chho!"

"Ch ielaplat. Verersset heetou! Wienhi, pooun!"]

To make matters worse, the size difference meant that the goblins behind them were able to fire their small bows into the party without risk of hitting their own. At half a human size, it was easy to fire over their heads.

Camille found herself surrounded by two rat and two goblins, all trying to take her down to the ground.

20:57, Today: Game Master rolled 5,20,4,11 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20 ((5,20,4,11)).

Most of the attacks just met her armor, except for one rat, which managed to dig its sharp teeth into a gap between her upper and lower leg armor.

21:01, Today: Game Master rolled 2 using 1d3.  Damage.

The bite went deep and hampered her movement. But that was not the end of it. The two nearest goblin archers fired at the metal-clad cleric. One of the arrows found purchase through the armor.

21:03, Today: Game Master rolled 8,19 using 1d20,1d20.  Archers on Camille.
21:06, Today: Game Master rolled 2 using 1d6 ((2)). Arrow Damage.

The shaft only managed to punch through the shoulder mail, finding a lucky entrance point through the mail covering the joint. Camille was freely bleeding now. At this pace she would not last long.

---

OOC: Ok, it is late and I am out of time at the moment.

I have finished the map, but I will have to finish the attack rolls tomorrow as soon as I can. This post will take many rolls to finish.

[ Map for Round 5, Orcs - In Progress ]

[ Conan Soundtrack ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:16, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

"Peels!"

OOC: Is that a swear word? =)

Round 5, Orc - Part Two

Sowen faced two rats and their handler on his own. Fortunately for him, the handler had his hands full just keeping the huge rodents in line and aggressive.

20:29, Today: Game Master rolled 19,8 using 1d20,1d20.  Rats on Sowen.
20:30, Today: Game Master rolled 3 using 1d3.  Rat damage.

His smile turned into a painful frown as one of the rats bit his squarely in the leg, tearing muscle and causing his leg to begin bleeding.

To add to the assault, two of the goblin archers fired their bows in his direction.

20:31, Today: Game Master rolled 18,15 using 1d20,1d20.  Bows on Sowen.
20:32, Today: Game Master rolled 1,3 using 1d6,1d6.  Damage on Sowen.

The arrows both found their mark, but they were not as lethal as they could have been. Sowen is firmly bloodied, and looks weak. Although it is amazing he held out this far.


Phelan, at the cusp of the line, faces a rat and three goblins, who are doing their best to strike at her from all sides.

20:34, Today: Game Master rolled 3,8,20 using 1d20,1d20,1d20.  Attack on Phelan: 1 rat, 2 gobbos.
20:36, Today: Game Master rolled 6 using 1d6.  Damage on Phelan.

One goblin was fortunate enough to make it past the dwarf's defenses, and the strike was well aimed. Phelan reeled from the piercing, and backpedaled to cover her wounded side.


Marille, being on the outside edge of the line, only gets to face a single goblin after they ran out, but she is taller than Phelan so faces the remaining archer's attention, who are shooting over the dwarf's head.

20:46, Today: Game Master rolled 6,20,2,4 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20.  1 gobbo, 3 archers.
20:46, Today: Game Master rolled 2 using 1d6.  Damage.

The goblin's spear is easily knocked away with a deft parry from the warrior, and all but one of the arrows fly too high to hit her. And the lone arrow that hits is partially deflected by the leather, making a shallow piercing. It will leave a mark none the less. And it will be painful.


It is noteworthy that one of the orcs almost joined the fight with Aila, but a single look and gesture from the one already engaged was all it took for him to withdraw and stand at the sideline, observing, axe at the ready.

[Language unknown: "Trure icane il tehat, Alliouallwhi. U unmefi nthat houoerrut u evemenoutastouspre ai ichatilin comthupre."]

20:51, Today: Game Master rolled 7 using 1d20.  Attack on Aila.

Despite the orc's bravado and aggressive demeanor, his skill is not matching his words. Another swing and another miss. So far Aila's been able to avoid all attacks, something which is evidently frustrating her opponent.

---

OOC: Your turn.

[ Conan Soundtrack ]

SLEEP!

Phelan staggered with the force of the blow, seeking the bottle in her pack that had been filled from the fountain at the temple to drain that drink.

Aila tried to find her center, but perhaps it was the presence of the second orc--ready to take the place of the other should she manage to stop assaulting the air--her center was far from located, and her staff did little but to maintain the distance in the deadly dance.

---

10:46, Today: Aila rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  attack.

I figured something like this would happen. =)

Where would you like to center the sleep spell? And are you moving any closer?

Down 4, left 4. (Diagonal 4) Cast sleep centered in front of the entrance to the barrow to get as many as I can.

OOC: Sleep Spell results

16:29, Today: Game Master rolled 15,10 using 4d4,2d8.  Duration and Total Hit Dice.

For a total of 2 1/2 hours and 10 HD of creatures. Goblins are 1/2 a hit die creatures.

I will update the map for Petar to act this evening. =)

See new post below :)

"Peels!"

Every spell was slightly different and the magical vortex that surrounded the material responded to direct manipulations of energy and will.  Why a spell "needed" magic words and what those words really accomplished was something meta-physicists could debate, but there was no doubt that Angus had unleashed a potent version of the slumbering spell as rats and goblins alike became enchanted.  Petar grinned.

Moving quickly to support Camille, he trusted the priestess to be wise enough to heal herself immediately, lest she fall and all of her divine aid be lost.  Petar ended up face to face with another orc.

He barked quick sentences in Orcish, his mastery of the language adequate but the usage was stilted, textbook vernacular.


Actions
Assuming the enemies surrounding Camille are slept (spearmen#6,5 and 4 and rats#1 and 5), then Petar moves to confront Orc#1 by occupying the square 2 due south of Camille's current spot

If the orc throws down his weapons, Petar won't attack, otherwise he will.

Contingency: if any of those aforementioned bad guys are still awake, then Petar will move to the closest one and attack it, instead (targeting spearmen ahead of rats, if possible), while still speaking to the Orc.

Attack result:  9 to hit probably misses

Combat stuff: sword & shield, bow dropped, 18 arrows left, AC -1, 7/7hps and 1 spell left today

18:14, Today: Petar the Elf rolled 7,2 using d20,d8.  Round 3(?) Petar sword versus enemy, if needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Sat 15 Aug 2020.

OOC: Here's an update for the map.

10 HD was a lot, but it did not cover all of them. The rats and orcs are 1 full HD creatures.

Let me know if there are any changes to Petar's actions.

[ Map for Round 5, PCs - Sleep Spell Results ]

[ Conan Soundtrack ]

"Cast your sleep spell as well Petar, knock as many of them as we can unconscious!"

OOC - I think he already did it.

The rats and orcs are 1 full HD creatures.

Thanks for clarifying, I was assuming lower HD for the rats

"Peels!"

Every spell was slightly different and the magical vortex that surrounded the material responded to direct manipulations of energy and will.  Why a spell "needed" magic words and what those words really accomplished was something meta-physicists could debate, but there was no doubt that Angus had unleashed a potent version of the slumbering spell as rats and goblins alike became enchanted.  Petar grinned as orcs started toppling too, one, two, three ...

Moving quickly to support Camille, Petar trusted the priestess to be wise enough to heal herself immediately, lest she fall and all of her divine aid be lost.  The elf's grin faded when he saw how many enemies were still awake ... too many!

Completing his own spell with his own words, the magic was complimentary and another wave of somnambulistic sorcery swept over the battlefield.  Guided by his will to only touch the minds of their enemies, Petar hoped it was enough ...

Actions
Cast Sleep, 40x40 area as shown by the yellow box here: https://prnt.sc/u054tz

Move: to end up in the square that is 2 due South of Camille's current spot

Combat stuff: sword & shield, bow dropped, 18 arrows left, AC -1, 7/7hps and no spells left today

This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Sat 15 Aug 2020.

OOC: Petar's Sleep spell is even stronger. Sheesh, it's almost maxed.

11:36, Today: Game Master rolled 16,15 using 4d4,2d8.  Petar's Sleep Spell.

Going to focus on doing the weekly stuff. Cleaning, laundry, cooking. I'll post this evening with the results.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 187):

Angus immediately begins slashing throats! "Take care of your wounds or kill the enemy!" Angus says as he slits throats.

Thankful that the enchantments had been sufficient, Petar has to agree with Angus, there was no time to lose in case more humanoids popped out from the barrow and interrupted them ... the sleep spell would fade eventually.

"One orc prisoner, to question about Alinda," Petar said, carefully disarming the nearest one and then using rope to bind the enemy warrior.  The elf is careful not to break the magic slumber with any rough movements.

Once the beastman was properly trussed, he makes a gag and stuffs it into its mouth.

Orc#1
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Sun 16 Aug 2020.

"No, this one," Aila called to Petar.  "He is the leader, so if any know something, he's our best chance."  She gestured at the one with whom she had been engaged in some sort of flurry about the air with as neither she nor he had managed to land a blow.  Pulling the dagger from her hair, she went to ensure that the orc who had been ready to step in was now deceased.

With a nod, Petar defers to Aila's assessment of the orc hierarchy and he moves to hog-tie the indicated one.

While orcs certainly looked savage, and these mound dwellers had a barbaric disposition, in general the were surprisingly organised soldiers with a warrior culture that rivaled and perhaps surpassed humans (just don't tell humans this).

Phelan, somewhat gingerly as she was still quite in pain, nonetheless gleefully brought her axe to bear against the necks of the slumbering foes.  She knew she had no chance at catching a running goblin who was already far away from her.

After all are dead, Angus goes to butchering them! Cutting their heads off for the reward and bagging them.

Not forgotten to the elf are his comrades who took cuts, bumps and bruises in the battle.  A quick restorative herb or a clean bandage can do wonders in kick-starting the body's natural recovery process.  Petar was no healer, but he knew some basics as taught by his mother.

Once the orc is secure and the sleepers are slain, use Healing skill on anyone who needs it and, since there is some risk, gives permission (I think only NPCs took damage).  I'm happy to roll the dice, however, to expedite the process, pls. feel free to make any die rolls as needed :)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

The battle was over in a sudden burst of arcane energies. Within a few seconds, almost the entire host of orcs, goblins, and rats had collapsed in a temporary sleep. Aila's opponent, who had given her so much trouble, never could claim a single strike against her. He simply groaned and fell to the ground along with everyone else. The eyes of the one goblin who remained awake peered at the results of the party's spells, then turned and ran. No screams, no threats. It simply turned and ran as fast as his little legs could carry him. Your eyes were able to follow him for a short distance until he finally was too far away and the forest embraced him once again.

But he was not your problem anymore.

Before you lay a large number of potential hostages.

But all that didn't seem to matter to Angus, who gingerly stepped up and began to administer killing blows to almost all of them.

With Aila's suggestion, he spared one orc's life, the "leader".

Within a few more minutes all other opponents had been dispatched, and Angus began the bloody job of separating the heads from the necks. For the next fifteen minutes or so, the area sounded like a butcher shop with one over-eager journeyman cracking through bones.

*crack* ... *crunch* ...  *thump*

A small pile of heads began to grow.


Camille partook of her own healing powers and restored herself to full health. She distanced herself, again, from the bloody work of making their sleeping enemies "harvestable" for their bounties. She shook her head thinking about whose bright idea it was to claim bounties by "head". She would have to have a stern talking with the elder.


Olagh tended to his brother's wounds, and between water and healing, they were also in reasonable shape. They sat down to clean and redress their equipment. Then he walked a little south, checking to see if any of his arrows had survived their flight.

A bit of Sowen's smile came back as he commented,

"Say, Angus, what are you going to do with your share of the gold?"


Petar used his skills as a physician, cleaning and bandaging anyone who would accept his help.


So, now you all stood before the barrow grave. Somehow it had been able to house at least two dozen creatures within it underground confines.

---

OOC: After maybe half an hour of cleaning and hacking heads, you are back to (relative) quiet. You have a bound orc male, and an unexplored grave, which as of half an hour ago served as housing for many goblins and orcs.

Some of you are still moderately wounded. I believe you carry three potions of healing among you. Let me know if you want to use them.

It is somewhere about mid-day at the moment.

What would you like to do?

Petar, I would not want to take away the pleasure of managing your character's skill rolls. =)

Please feel free to manage the rolls you wish to make. Phelan has one hit point restored by the Chiress water. Sowen could use another few hit points, and I believe Marille took a hit or two. Camille is back to full.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:31, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Angus lit a torch and went into the barrow, blade drawn to defend himself.

"And here I thought wizards were supposed to be more intelligent than the average man," muttered Aila, looking in disbelief as Angus decided to go off into the barrow before getting the benefit of questioning the prisoner--assuming that anything of value might be learned at all from the orc.

She looked around at the rest of the group, having not particularly wanted to participate in the severing of head from body, but more concerned about how much harm any of her companions might have suffered in the fight.

"Who is in need of healing?" she asked, not wanting to force such upon someone who perhaps found a moral virtue in stoically bearing through suffering.

OOC: I have updated the Combat Status Summary with everyone's current hit points. The party, overall, is still in pretty good shape.

Sowen took a total of 7 hit point of damage, over three hits. He's fairly bloodied, with holes and cuts in various places. He could definitely use some help.

Olagh hasn't been touched, mostly due to the fact that he's been using his bow exclusively.

Petar used his skills as a physician, cleaning and bandaging anyone who would accept his help.

Confident in his abilities, the elf moved quickly.  The best treatment for cuts was pressure and then washing and binding, and for pain he relied on dried cloves pressed onto the wound, or willow bark, chewed.  "Keep quiet for a few moments, have water, and your body will do the rest," Petar says, smiling at the words that came out .. as they were a litany he'd heard his mother utter many a time.

"Also, drink the Chiress water.  It will restore you a little bit, too."

Healing skill rolls on
Marille, Phelan and Sowen in that order.  17 or lower is success.  Nat 20 means crit fail and inflict 1d3 damage.

Results:
Marille heals 2
Phelan heals 2
Sowen heals 1

12:38, Today: Petar the Elf rolled 5,2,14,2,17,1 using d20,d3,d20,d3,d20,d3.  Healing skill on Marille, Phelan and Sowen in that order.


That done, Petar turned his attention to the sleeping orc.  He saw Angus ready to enter the barrow and nodded.  "Let's find out what we can before we go in there."

He arranged the party in a circle around the captive with the prisoner in the center.  Using his canteen, the elf splashed water on the orc to wake him up.  Petar wanted everyone to get a chance to ask questions and also hear the answers, so he translated everything fully.

He said, first in Orcish and then the common tongue:

"You fought well but lost, you have all your honour.  Please understand there is no escape, you are too close to the village and chose to forfeit your life when you decided to live this close."

Petar gestures to the blood-spattered Angus and the bag of heads.  "You all did."

"We offer you the chance for a warrior's death, quick and clean and on the battlefield, if you answer our questions.  If you refuse, the your death will be cowardly, in the city square, where rotten food and nightsoil will be your only clothing until you perish from thirst."

"If you lie, she will know, and your fate will be the same," Petar continued, gesturing to Camille.  It wasn't a total bluff; the elf knew clerics could divine the truth with magic and even if the priestess could not, she was still a good judge of character.

After letting this threat sink in, Petar continued.

"Tell us how many are still below, and why you chose this site.  Tell us if there any more orc camps nearby, perhaps to the north?"

Petar takes out the archaelogists map and shows it to the warrior.  "Tell us what you know what is this place.  Does 'Exidamarall' mean anything to you?"

Finally he asks the last question with deliberate earnestness, trying to impress upon the prisoner that it was the most important of all.  "Do you know of a human woman prisoner, in any of these places?  She might look like her," here Petar gestures to Camille, "and carries the same holy symbol."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

OOC: Angus? There have been several entreaties on you to remain. Are you still going into the barrow on your own?

Just checkin'. =)

In reply to Game Master (msg # 200):

Angus waited on the others.

OOC: Updated in the Combat Summary.

OOC: Writing in the American Modern Common for everyone to understand. =)

*Splash*

The orc grunted and took a ragged breath. He blinked several times, shook his head strongly, then began to realize his predicament. He tried to bring his arms up, but quickly discovered that he was tied down and unable to move any more than awkward crawling.

He looked at the assembled group of elves, humans, and a dwarf, and glared.

"You fought well but lost, you have all your honour.  Please understand there is no escape, you are too close to the village and chose to forfeit your life when you decided to live this close."

He looked around, watching everyone's face. Something went through his mind, you could tell from his evaluating eyes. He is thinking. Finally, he turned his face back to Petar... and chuckled to himself.

Petar gestured to the blood-spattered Angus and the bag of heads.

"You all did."

The orc's eyes went wide in disbelief, in horror. He barely had enough time to lean over and throw up. When he was finally done, his eyes are were very different. There was determination in there. Fierce will.

"You killed them. You killed them all. My brothers, my friends. For what?"

He glared at all of you, almost daring you to take him on. He tried to break free from his restraints again, and failed.

"We offer you the chance for a warrior's death, quick and clean and on the battlefield, if you answer our questions.  If you refuse, the your death will be cowardly, in the city square, where rotten food and nightsoil will be your only clothing until you perish from thirst."

"You offer me death or death? Do you take me for stupid? I will give you no help. You want honor? Untie me! I will fight any one of you freely, to the death. Until then, you are merely cowards, holding a bound Da'sh and making idle threats a child would make to a toy."

"If you lie, she will know, and your fate will be the same," Petar continued, gesturing to Camille.

The orc looked at the human woman, symbol emblazoned on her surcoat, her eyes inquisitive but just as fierce as the orc's. Then he turned back to the speaking elf and said nothing.

"Tell us how many are still below, and why you chose this site.  Tell us if there any more orc camps nearby, perhaps to the north?"

The orc smiled to himself, understanding dawning on him.

"You want to know what is left? Nothing. The tomb is abandoned. And there are many orcs in the hills. You think they are empty? We have lived there for many seasons, more than I count, and more than my ancestors could count. Your soldiers cannot stand against our numbers. If the drakes don't kill you, we will pick up the pieces and make our tents on your graves."

Sowen shifted his weight from one foot to the next, concern on his face. Olagh seemed perturbed.

Petar takes out the archaelogists map and shows it to the warrior.  "Tell us what you know what is this place.  Does 'Exidamarall' mean anything to you?"

The orc looked confused for a moment. He seemed perplexed at Petar showing him a piece of paper with drawings on it. He looked down at it. His eyes shifted left, then right, as if trying to remember something, then slowly settled back on the paper.

He grinned.

"What is it worth to you? How much will you pay for the knowledge?"

"Do you know of a human woman prisoner, in any of these places?  She might look like her," here Petar gestures to Camille, "and carries the same holy symbol."

"Bah. There are always prisoners. You humans all look the same to me anyway. Who knows? Others could have captured her, or sold her away already. Or maybe taken her as a consort. Hahahah... yes, if she's fair-haired like that, she will make a good warrior's mate! Hah!"

After Petar's translation, Camille took a step ahead and backhanded the orc in the face. His head snapped back, a trickle of blood seeping from his split lip.

"So, the welp has a bite after all?"

Then he took a deep breath, and began.

"You are all the same. You come into our fields, calls us enemies. What do you really want here? Do you want more land? Do you want the hills? The forests? The fruit? The water? The metals? Iron? Gold? Mountain fortresses for your next war?"

He held his chin up high, defiant toward all of you.

"I believe that counts as refusal," said Aila after the translation.  "The coward's death for him, then, as he wishes.  Pity."  She cleaned her hair dagger, as she looked idly toward the bound orc.  "And here I thought it was said that your kind were a people who cared about honor.  I will have to report to the library that that is not true."

During the interrogation Petar does his best to keep his voice even.  He is not enjoying the situation and can empathise with the orc's point of view, to a certain extent.  Naturally, the creature could not seem to understand why orcs didn't integrate into human lands like dwarves, halflings and elves did.

Maybe one day ..

Every answer was possibly a lie, so the elf did his best to discern* untruths but it was not really something he was good at.  Petar frowned when the orc suggested he knew something about the map or its depictions or even the word 'Exidamarall'.

After translating Aila's comment, Petar waits to see if the prisoner changes his mind and accepts the clean death.  If not, he knocks the orc unconscious with the pommel of his sword and quickly ties the orc to a tree trunk.

"Let's search the barrow quickly and then be back to town before Master Garrel retires ... we do not want to have all these bloody heads to guard overnight again!" Petar said, shuddering a little at the memory.

"Also, I think Daramas might be able to learn something from the orc, perhaps with magic."

* If an PCs (or NPCs) have the "Detect Deception" skill, I trust they will use it :)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Mon 24 Aug 2020.

OOC Nope.

The orcs looks back at Aila.

"It is a coward's death to be killed while bound, restrained against one's will. But it is far more cowardly to kill a Da'sh like that. Who is the one without honor here? The one who dies a death he cannot escape? Or the one who kills a defenseless prisoner?"

Sowen stands closer and kneels.

"Petar, will you translate for me?"

"Orc, you mentioned drakes. Have you seen any here? If so, what color? How long ago?"

Unless Aila insists, Petar doesn't translate the latest orc diatribe.  Criminals and killers never thought they were in the wrong.  He dared the orc to renounce its barbaric, slaving and warlike ways and dedicate itself to a life of peace - how about farming? .. but such thoughts were wasted, in the elf's view.

Sowen stands closer and kneels.

Petar asks the young warrior's question regarding the drakes.  After translating any reply, Petar once again gets ready to enter the barrow - which means knocking the orc out first.

Turning to Sowen, the orc answers.

"Drakes? Yes, there are many. In the sky and on the ground. Green ones. Many green ones. In the hills. They make for good fighting, and many warriors come home with new trophies."

After translation, Sowen looks at Olagh, who looks back with concern, although there is something else in his eyes. But you can't quite yet tell what that might be. He seems to be ... processing... the information.

Sowen stands and turns back to Petar.

"Thank you. Do as you must."

Angus pulls out his whetstone to sharpen his dagger in front of the orc, and evil grin on his face as he does so. Angus hates orcs, he loathes them! His little brother had been gutted by an orc, he took their heads!

OOC: So, what will it be?

You have Aila and Angus apparently wanting to kill the orc. And you have Petar, wanting to knock him out because the orc may have more information(?).

Sowen and Olagh appear indifferent to the orc's fate.

Marille wants to kill him as well, as she does not have a good history with orcs.

OOC:  To be clear, Aila considered the coward's death to be according to Petar's description: "in the city square, where rotten food and nightsoil will be your only clothing until you perish from thirst."  In other words, she expects dragging our prisoner back to town for possible further interrogation and pillory or suchlike, and would consider Petar knocking him out again to be appropriate.

Phelan would like to just chop the head off now.

OOC: That's what I figured for Phelan, being a dwarf and all.

Angus figures his head in the bag will be lighter and easier to manage, still holding the dagger ready to slice off his head. "His head would be lighter and the tongue would wag less. Can I kill him?" he asks with a grin.

Grimly Petar accedes.  He certainly is not grinning and has no motivations of revenge or sadism; but the elf certainly recognises the terrible danger each and every orc poses and understands the need for the bounty to keep Emberdell safe.

***

It will take a few moments to quell the emotions of the battle so Petar steps away to recover his dropped bow, fallen on top of a fern perhaps a dozen yards back the way they came.

As for the calamitous arrows, those failures he snatches up and quickly snaps in half, only saving the arrowheads which he pops into a pouch on his satchel.  After a quick drink of water, Petar is ready for the barrow.

"Let's be quick," Petar re-iterates as uses a word of magic to light a torch, doubtful there was anything much of interest besides a modicum of booty.

Actions
Retrieve bow
Use Cantrip on torch (8 left before next refresh)

March order: suggest same as overland travel, with Petar carrying a lit torch and shield instead of bow at ready
Also suggest the mule be tied up right outside the entrance

Aila offered no objection to Angus, and gathered herself mentally for a trip into a barrow.

In reply to Aila (msg # 217):

"Take the time and search them. I just cut their heads off, never thought they might have treasure. I'll help, when we get out of the barrow go through their pouches."

Angus saws the orc's head off.

With little regard to the orc, Angus proceeds to sever his head. The struggle is strong, but the orc is tied down, and seems to try his best to keep his mutterings down. He appeared to be trying his best to retain his dignity even while being sawed to death.

Camille turns away, and does not want to look. Sowen and Olagh make some more distance and are talking among themselves, looking up at the sky on occasion. You can guess what they are talking about.

After the body stopped moving and the blood stopped flowing, it became much easier to finish the task of removing the head.

With the fight done, and the risk out of the way, Marille begins to search the bodies for anything of value on Aila's suggestion.

She comes up with the following:

- 9 silver coins of various origins, of roughly similar size and weight.
- 23 copper coins of mostly Haven (Tharumar) origin.
- 10 orc sets of leather armor, rough condition, might get a few coins for each, but certainly not more than 1/3 a new set.
- 10 orc-made battle axes, same condition as armor. Might get some coins for raw materials.
- 2 orc-made battle knifes (daggers), crude but still effective.
- 10 small spears from the goblins.
- 8 tiny handbows from the goblins, with 59 small arrows left.
- 18 sets of goblin crude hide and leather armors, might get some coins for the materials, but not as armor at all - too small and in far too shoddy or piecemeal a state.

After the search and inventory, the party collects the severed heads and packs them away.

OOC: I am leaving a bit of time for anyone's comments here on the inventory. Otherwise I will take the suggestions on marching order and start your descend into the barrow grave tomorrow. Let me know if you want to do anything else special.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:09, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

OOC: And one more detail: the entrance to the barrow is enough for two people, shoulder to shoulder - which means single file if you are expecting trouble.

What will your single line marching order be?

In reply to Game Master (msg # 220):

OOC - good, we're rated Mature. That was gruesome!

OOC: Yes, it was. =\

In reply to Game Master (msg # 222):

OOC - I noticed you knew what I was going to do! ;-)

OOC: Well, you did post that Angus' intention was to cut the orc's head off.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:13, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 224):

Not while alive though! Mwahahahahaha

She comes up with the following:

- 9 silver coins of various origins, of roughly similar size and weight.
- 23 copper coins of mostly Haven (Tharumar) origin.

They had no wagon or cart or similar vehicle to carry all the weapons and armour, although several choice pieces can be secured to the mule, Petar suggests.

He nods to one of the less encumbered people to carry the pittance in coins, if they wished.  The elf inspects the enemy bows and arrows carefully, more for learning their capabilities and less for any intent to take their shoddy goods.  Petar hopes to get a better feel for what these creatures were capable of producing 'in the field'; which should also help him recognise foreign-supplied arms and/or superior weapons of non-orc origins.

Petar does take one orc 'battle-knife', tucking it away in his bulging satchel for further study.


How much do we want to pack on the mule?  Looks like the axes might be worth it to the local smith?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

"Pack it all, gold and silver are gold  and silver, can't throw it away."

"The armor is likely infested with vermin, and we would have to pay someone to take it," said Phelan, looking over the goods with evident disgust on her face.  "Anything metal, we can pack--it can be melted for better working, but leave the sticks behind."

OOC: The vermin is certainly true. The 'goblin armor' is a stretch of the term. The orc axes, while functional, were made quickly and for utilitarian purposes. No whistles or bells, or even a maker's mark. They will work well in the field, for a short time, and will need a great deal of upkeep all the time to keep them together. They might best be sold for their value in scrap iron. But if you need to use them, they will do the work... until they don't.

"If the armor is flea and lice infested, let it lay. No sense in getting it too."

Having dealt with the equipment and coin of the orcs and goblins, you steel yourself for a descent into the barrow.


The Barrow Grave

After arranging your physical order, you step through the barrow's entrance to be greeted with a descending set of steps, at a steep angle, into the darkness. Your eyes adjust very quickly, though, as the torch illuminates a small measure of distance ahead of you (despite the many shadows). The smell is strong: refuse, sweat, old dirt, and ancient decay, along with mold and ... something you can't quite place but that reminds you of cinnamon - sweet and spicy.

The steps go down no further than eight or nine feet before a hard-pressed soil greets you. You have entered into a chamber that is roughly oval, perhaps 30 feet deep by 20 feet wide. All around the walls are grave niches, going in length-wise, some covered, some open, with many of them having skeletal remains. The ground is covered with moss and foliage beds, and there are small wooden utensils all around. Several sacks and baskets are visible in the dim light, along with the remains of food and several clay jugs, below the niches along the walls. Your feet step on small crunchy bits that are best described as "rat droppings".

The ceiling is no more than eight feet above your head, and is reinforced with solid wooden struts. They are, however, showing their age. A growing curtain of roots pierces the ceiling, with thick 'viny' cords hanging freely to just above head height, where many of them have been cut.

There appears to be another way down at the far end of chamber, directly opposite the barrow's entrance, but it is too dim to see more.

The interior of the barrow is silent and cool.

[ Barrow Grave: First Floor ]

All around the walls are grave niches, going in length-wise, some covered, some open, with many of them having skeletal remains.

Not wanting to disturb the dead by examining the bones and graves, Petar instead asks Camille: "Who is buried here?  Emberdell citizens?"

The elf realises he didn't really know too much about the local history - just how old was the town, anyway?  Had he even seen a graveyard .. hmm, maybe near the Chiress temple?  He tries to remember.  Fine bard you are, Petar grins to himself.

While it was possible an enterprising goblin slave had hidden something shiny in one of the graves to keep it away from its orc masters, the prospect of grave-robbing to gain a glass gem or a few silvers doesn't impress Petar.

Several sacks and baskets are visible in the dim light

"Let's check the sacks and baskets and then let's go down the steps there ..." Petar suggests from the back.  Probably goblin food or rat food .. but maybe there'd be a sign of the missing adventuring back and/or Alinda.

Ignoring the sacks and baskets, Phelan made her way across the room, looking about from side to side, wishing there weren't quite so much torchlight so her infravision would be of greater use.

"Shouldn't bother the dead," she muttered, "nor their things."  She headed to peer down should it turn out that the other end held a stairway further down, looking for signs of something not quite so dead, her axe in hand.

Aila looks at the nearest basket, trying as best she could in the dim light, to assess its age without actually touching anything.  She knew some grave customs involved leaving things for the dead, and it was quite wrong to bother such things.  "What would we be looking for?" she said as she tried to tell if these were things that might have been left when the dead were ... much fresher ... or something that had been brought in far more recently.

"What would we be looking for?" she said

"Trophy items the goblins took," Petar answers.  "Somewhere out there is a whole band of missing adventurers and maybe something of theirs is among the goblin's junk."

In reply to Petar the Elf (msg # 235):

"I suggest there is nothing here for us. We should leave it alone and reseal the barrow if we can."

"The dead are best left undisturbed."

"I agree, don't touch the bones or graves," Petar said.  He assumed the goblins had already thoroughly despoiled the whole area and wasn't too worried about it.  Some ancient king's tomb, sealed for centuries, might unlock a powerful curse when re-opened, but this was hardly that.   No boring barrows in any of the stories! Petar muses to himself.

"But we should at least check the baskets, just a little, and quickly, then down the stairs."

The sacks and baskets are clearly new here. They aren't covered in dust and look like they have had plenty of use. Inside you can find fruits, nuts, some berries, strips of dried meat, as well as various bound stacks of plants and herbs. You also find finished strips of leather and wire, and several leather-working tools (heavy needles, puncturing tools, cutting tools, pliers, and small pieces of beaten metal ready to be made into fastenings).

There are also parts of larger bones, cut and filed into sharp points.

In one of the smaller sacks you find what appear to be personal effects of some sort:

- a small green and gilded clasp in the shape of an autumn leaf
- a small tarnished silver ring with a light inscription in elven script ("For my love, until the sky is no more.")
- a pair of well-crafted headbands, the ones used to keep hair in place, usually used by people with long hair
- a small polished mirror framed into a bronze setting resembling branches
- an exquisitely carved knife pommel shaped like a bear's paw
- a small box with an ivory setting, containing small buttons, sowing needles, black thread, a finger guard
- a holy symbol of Chiress, slightly dented but otherwise usable
- a collection of sharp canines, from relatively small ones (hounds or wolves) to large ones (bears, something larger?) in a pouch
- a simple wooden box with a set of dice, twelve in total

In one of the smaller sacks you find what appear to be personal effects of some sort:

Putting his prodigious memory to use, Petar softly recites the names of the missing from Master Garrel's register: "Jonus Asderlenn, Lyanne of Hanerran, Loagen Hollass, Galindo Ter Haar, Alisandre Eriq, Inaros Petremol, Haguin Bavent, Durant Kreuger, Clerenbald, Isodemos, Liafwine Danfrie, Ealunar Wylde .. and no doubt others."

He quickly scans the trinkets, then stops and shows one in particular to Camille:

a holy symbol of Chiress, slightly dented but otherwise usable

"Is it .. I mean, was it .. ah, no, is it .. hers?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

Camille looks around the space, keeping a distance from the graves.

"No. I've never seen this place before. This is not from Emberdell. We have a graveyard, and bury our dead in plots, like Chiress prefers. I don't know who these people are."

Her mind is looking for a solution even as she blesses the graves with the Mark of the Goddess, which she gestures in the air.

"Let's look for inscriptions or markings."

OOC: Thank you for the reminder. Been busy over here.
This message was last updated by the player at 17:16, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

Camille takes the symbol and looks it over in the torch's light.

She closes her eyes and lets her breath out in relief.

"No, it isn't hers. I gave her her symbol as a gift. It has my words on it."

She packs the symbol into her belt.

"This one does not, but I won't leave it here."

OOC: As there are no other reactions to the stuff in the baskets, I will carry on at some point today taking you to past the second stairway.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 242):

"We can take it with us, sell it or return it to owners maybe."

"Yes, or heirs or relatives," Petar adds.  There were people in Emberdell who might be grateful for the return of such things.  He helps Marille carry everything .. Boulders was strong enough!

"No spellbooks, eh, Angus," Petar says with a rueful grin.  "Oh well, maybe in the next orc lair!"

***

As they approach the stairs, Petar says: "They might have bred the rats down there, so let's listen first ... and also, there might be things the goblins didn't explore, so .. tricks and traps.  Beware."

Actions
Listen for noise at the top of the stairs .. however you want to handle that

Book-keeping reminder
Hands: torch and shield
AC: -1, hp: 7/7, no L1 Spells, 8 cantrips left

After settling on your choices with the small find on the first floor of the barrow, you focus your attention again on the stairway leading down. Between all of you, you come to the agreement that it is fairly quiet... deathly quiet, Sowen jokes. Only Olagh snorts, and that mostly to himself. (Petar and Phelan don't hear anything unusual from below.)

Coming down the stairs, Phelan finds herself facing a confined space ahead of her, the passage immediately splitting left and right as the stairs arrive at a new ground level.

Making a spur of the moment decision, she chooses to turn right.

The passage immediately turns around the stair walls and opens up into a larger chamber, fairly rounded but stocky in shape, about three times the area of the one above. The first thing you see are several recessed vertical grave niches along the walls in which ancient mummified bodies rest, standing at a slight angle backwards. From the shape of their bones, the proportions of their extremities, and the easily identifiable large lower canines, you can tell these are orc bodies buried here. They still bear the ancient armors and weapons they were buried with, resting in the niches with them. Over their mail is a distinguishing mark etched into a light layer of cracked, dry leather: a spear at an angle, pointing to the top left, over a stylized kite shield. This same mark is evident on the ancient green banners which rest between the niches, hanging from wooden pegs from the top of the walls. They are faded and musty, but seem to have weathered their stay here underground with remarkable durability.

Everything is covered in a light layer of dust, but there are no cobwebs here. The air is oddly dry and musty, and a sense of cold seems to emanate from further on ahead. However, the torch light does not reach that far.

As the rest of you come in further, along with the torch, you are able to tell that there are a total of eight such grave niches, four on each wall to either side of you.

---

OOC: Well, darnit. I finished the map for this area, but I was working on it at the office. I could have sworn I saved a copy on it on my Google drive, but when I looked for it today it wasn't there. Which means I still have it on my work computer. I'll be back there on Tuesday. It will have to wait a bit until you can see it.

Maybe we don't need a map yet, theatre of the mind ;)

Petar marvels at the underground construction; with magic you sure could work wonders!  As the cavernous room comes into the light, he examines the closest niche with interest from his spot at the rear.

ancient mummified bodies rest, standing at a slight angle backwards

"Huh, an orc tomb.  Interesting," Petar mutters to himself, not quite his usual loud self.  Perhaps the presence of so many dead ...

"Well Angus, that's a lot more bounty for us .. assuming we want to bother," Petar points out.

This same mark is evident on the ancient green banners which rest between the niches, hanging from wooden pegs from the top of the walls.

Petar takes a close look at this heraldry.  Perhaps a symbol of an old orc kingdom?

The air is oddly dry and musty, and a sense of cold seems to emanate from further on ahead.

"What do you think Camille, some kind of cold magic to dry the air and lower the temperature, to preserve the mummies longer?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Tue 01 Sept 2020.

In reply to Petar the Elf (msg # 246):

"Let them be? Or defile them like they did ours?" Angus asked. "I do feel a piss coming on!"

OOC: Alright. I have managed to add a few more details into the map, and expand my Photoshop skills a bit to boot. I am feeling a bit proud of myself today: I learned something new.

This is the map of the lower level of the barrow. As you explore this area you discover that the passage split was actually just two branches leading into the same chamber. That became evident as you explored a bit further and looked back. The torches in Basic D&D shine for a 30' diameter, which is pretty nice.

[Map: Barrow Level 2 ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:39, Tue 01 Sept 2020.

"Let them be," said Aila, looking around at the displayed dead.  "There would be no honor in defiling these.  And much ill can come from doing such a thing in a tomb.  Mark the heraldry down, and we should return to Emberdell, and perhaps Doromas might have knowledge that, at the least, provides direction from that heraldry.  We should not disturb anything here."

Angus nods and grunts agreement, then turns to head out if they've searched everything. He went out and urinated on the dead orcs.

"Not so fast ... the chamber has unexplored area beyond," Petar points out.

"What do you see back there, Phelan?" the elf called to the dwarf at the front.  Petar was hoping there was not much left to explore, he was anxious to return to the bounty collector before sundown.

OOC: Dwarven infravision is completely negated by outside light. And since the torch is among you, Phelan can't see into the darkness at all.

OOC: Angus is the only one with a torch, if I recall correctly. Are you waiting for him to return? Lighting another one?

Camille looked at the orcs in their tombs with evident displeasure. But she was still observant. Whatever misgivings she may have, she wasn't coming forward with them.

"I don't know. This place... I've never seem a tomb like this before. We have a graveyard, and some families bury their dead in mausoleums, but they are above ground and have coffins. These are open, and you can see the bodies."

She approaches one of the coffins and reaches out a hand to touch one.


Camille's hand hovers over the face of one of the orc bodies for a moment. She considers the body before her, looking into it's face.

"What manner of life does an orc live? What gods do they pray to?"

Thinking the better of it, she pulls her hand back and decides not to bother the bodies.

Marille, though, has a different perspective.

"This is like a root cellar, cold underground. But it's not humid enough. That's why the bodies are well preserved. But this has to be colder. It should not be warm. It should be cold like...", she points towards the darker corners of the chamber as another wave of cold flows through the space., "... that."

The cold is not drafty. No breeze or gentle air carries the cold. It is simply a sensation that carries through the space and is felt by everyone.

Camille's attention changes. Her mace in hand, she comments,

"When I was younger, in the seminary, my old master once told me that the 'undead' were a special kind of breed. They would draw the life out of things, and would leave nothing but sorrow and destruction behind. He used to say to watch for the cold as a sure sign of things to come. For as life was taken so did warmth leave with it. I've not yet felt what he talked about, but this...", she paused for a moment looking at the dark beyond and nodding, "... this might be it."

She brought her shield up, and looked at everyone. She didn't say a word but her question was clear to all: do we go ahead?

Sowen and Olagh took to their positions like they had done this many times before. There was something to be said for militia training.

As they descended into the lower level, it was Olagh who spoke up.

"Orcs... buried."

He didn't go much further as everyone walked in. Sowen took a position next to him, looking at the tomb as the light revealed more of the bodies in their niches.

"And here I thought we'd have some treasure." It was an attempt at humor, but the tone of his voice betrayed the fact that he was feeling rather uncomfortable.

She brought her shield up, and looked at everyone. She didn't say a word but her question was clear to all: do we go ahead?

"Let's do it .. we can't leave undead down here for any child to discover," Petar says.  He can imagine a young town scamp exploring the forest, entering the barrow, and then ...

My character votes: press on.  Of course, we can always come back .. let the majority decide!

OOC: Pretty quiet here. Shall I presume voting has taken on a bad context based on the current political climate? =)

In reply to Game Master (msg # 257):

"Press on to glory, we need to hurry though so we can get paid today."

"Do you think that there was a shaman in that bunch making ..."  Aila shuddered.  The dead were to remain so, not be forced into some bastardization of life, and though no one had given solid voice to it, clearly the thought was in the minds of most.  She glanced toward Camille.  "For if they were all in here, hiding and sleeping and whatnot, they surely weren't doing so with soulless walkers."

Moving ahead slowly, you approach the darkness.

Unsurprisingly, it reveals the far end of the chamber, and two curving passages that appear to lead toward the same endpoint.

As you follow one you realize immediately that the design of this chamber does includes two passages leading to the same space, just like passages leading in the first chamber. The cold here is palpable, and you are able to see your breath as you exhale before your eyes.

As the flickering light of the torches reveals the space to your eyes, you behold six body-sized stone cairns on the ground before you, arrayed in a concentric pattern around the middle of this chamber. On top of the stones rest various weapons and shields of excellent craftsmanship. Axes, made of a single piece of steel, with barely any tarnish on them. Swords, of shining alloys and with master's guards, lie next to them. And finally, shields, solid wood with studded metal reinforcements, with the spear and shield mark on them, rest at each of the cairn's feet. In front of each cairn is a small wooden footlocker, like you would see in army barracks or naval crew decks. These squat but wide lockers are covered in artistic carvings on their sides, depicting forests and several orcs on horses in a hunt against wolves and wild swine. On top of each locker is carving depicting the same spear and shield motive found on the banners and shields.

As you examine the area you realize there is a niche space behind you, carved into the space between the two entrances into this chamber. As you approach, you observe a model stand carrying an elaborate set of armor, made of intricately tied leathers and plates shaped like feathers. On top of it is a helmet with two winged flanges on it sides, and a dropping face guard resembling an eagle's beak.

Everything is quiet, other than your own sounds and footsteps.

Towards the farther end is yet another passage, through which you can see a dim blue light in the chamber beyond.

A voice echoes in your head. It is eerie and hollow, as if it was speaking through a long passage from a far distance. It is a language that your ears don't quite understand and yet seems oddly familiar.

The words resonate with meaning in your minds. You realize that despite the lack of familiarity with the words, you are able to understand the meaning which comes to your mental attention.

"What is this? Humans? What are humans doing in my rest? Come forward. I wish to see you."


OOC: It looks like I made a mistake on the map at work. I saved a working draft map over the full working map. So I have to redo it. I'll have it ready at some point tomorrow in the afternoon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:58, Sun 06 Sept 2020.

Angus moves forward toward the voice, but not within touching distance, just seeing

As the flickering light of the torches reveals the space to your eyes, you behold six body-sized stone cairns on the ground before you, arrayed in a concentric pattern around the middle of this chamber.

No simple barrow this!  Petar is amazed at the detail of the orc sarcophagi.  Was this a tomb of long-ago kings?

"Amazing ..." the elf mutters under his breath.  Petar says to Camille: "Undead .. can you sense them somehow?  Or is it just the cold we need to take note of?"

On top of the stones rest various weapons and shields of excellent craftsmanship.

"Not bad, not bad," Petar murmours, wondering if anyone would risk superstitions and remove an item.

As you approach, you observe a model stand carrying an elaborate set of armor, made of intricately tied leathers and plates shaped like feathers. On top of it is a helmet with two winged flanges on it sides, and a dropping face guard resembling an eagle's beak.

"This is fantastic.  Angus, did you master the spell of magic detection by any chance?" Petar asks his fellow magic-user.

"What is this? Humans? What are humans doing in my rest? Come forward. I wish to see you."

Petar answers, aloud, in Common then "modern-day" Orc: "Greetings.  We wish you no harm and we are not all humans.  We are not tomb robbers, merely explorers.  We will come forward and allow you to see us if you pledge not to harm us unduly."

The elf hopes the creature would be honour-bound to keep its words, assuming no one did anything rash ...

Petar also gestures to Marille to gently place the sack of orc heads down, for now.  They could pick that up again later!


Actions
Parley, not moving closer until the creature responds in a friendly manner ;P

OOC: And here is the map as of the second chamber.

[Map: Barrow Level 2 - Deeper In ]

Aila remained where she was, finding the voice altogether discomforting, as the expression on her face clearly showed.

"Unduly?"  Phelan snorted.  "At all, he means.  And I'm not a human either!"  There was a tone of stiff offense in the last sentence she spoke.

In reply to Phelan (msg # 265):

Angus moves to where he can see the voices source. "I am Angus MacFarlane, who are or were you?"

Angus steps through the passage, torch held high, to reveal what seems to be the final chamber of this barrow. It is a circular space of moderate size, containing a throne on a small rise and two other heavy chairs next to it. The throne contains the skeletal orc remains of a large figure, even for an orc, clad in leathers and jewelry, arms on the throne's rests, and skull tilted back against the backrest. Ancient furs, now matted and wasted away, line the figure's boots and collar, as well as along the hems of his cloak and along the sleeves of his arm. A massive double-headed war axe rests against one of the throne's arms, its gleaming edge still able to reflect the mage's torchlight. A large green banner stand rises behind the chair, but the banner itself lies on the ground in a pile the straps having long ago eroded.

The other two chairs hold skeletal remains as well, but these two have long given up the integrity of their shape, having collapsed into a pile of bones on the seat and around the legs. Their regalia lies scattered about the bones, dried and cracked by the passage of the years.

Above the central throne hovers a small orb of sky-blue eldritch light, shedding faint illumination all around the area. There is a pervading sense of cold in this chamber that will make your body shiver if you were to stay too long.

From the other chamber, Petar calls out.

"Greetings.  We wish you no harm and we are not all humans.  We are not tomb robbers, merely explorers.  We will come forward and allow you to see us if you pledge not to harm us unduly."

The voice echoes in your heads again. It appears to originate from the orb of light.

"Come forward then. I have no desire to harm you. This court has been silent for too long. I would lay eyes on those who come to visit. Approach."

"I am Angus MacFarlane, who are or were you?"

There is a note of humor in the voice in your head.

"As I thought. Humans. Are you still on our shores? I would have believed your kind to have been driven back into the ocean years ago. Tell me, human, what do you seek in my court? In my domain? What favor would you ask from Gharakuh The Unyielding?"

In reply to Game Master (msg # 267):

"Your story Gharakuh The Unyielding? What is your story? Your progeny has been driven from the lands mostly to hide in the forests and mountains. Man rules now. You were great, what came after, not so."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

The voice echoes in your heads again. It appears to originate from the orb of light.

"Come forward then. I have no desire to harm you. This court has been silent for too long. I would lay eyes on those who come to visit. Approach."

"Be wary of skeletons coming to life," Petar mutters to the others, hopefully the dead orc-spirit was not omniscient and did not hear.  He watches the bones for any movement ..

The elf clanks slowly into the room with the orb, feeling the cold keenly and not quite sure what to make of the tomb.  Surely this orc .. lich? had been a powerful warrior and probably much more besides, from the banners and regalia and the spell of undeath.  Petar marvels at the items for a moment.

"Greetings, Gharukh.  All I wish to know is if there has been a human woman down here carrying this divine symbol," Petar points out the symbol of Chiress that Camille carries, "recently."

Petar's original request had been something along the lines of .. o great orc king, please use your undeathly influence to send any of your kind away from here, away from Emberdell, back to the their own holdings where they can live in peace.  Here, among the humans, there is only conflict and slaughter."

But .. Petar was quite sure that anyone called 'the Unyielding' would probably refuse such a request!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

"Weren't there a large number of people in here, just a bit ago?" said Aila, presuming that the apparent orc king would think of other orcs as 'people', not that she, personally, made such a mistake.  "Didn't they bother talking to ..."  Her voice trailed off as she contemplated pronouns.

OOC: You recall that the ground on the upper floor was well packed and used. But this ground hasn't seen much traffic: barely any prints right after coming down the steps, and practically none (other than your own) here in the last and second-to-last chamber.