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14:24, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

The Ogre's Maw.

Posted by DMFor group 0
DM
GM, 428 posts
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 12:45
  • msg #127

The Ogre's Maw

The way through the caves was clear and the group reached da dragon's lair. Fiene looked around but could not see da dragon. The crown and coins laid unguarded. The orcs were keen to take their treasure then suddenly da dragon emerged from the pool.

The orcs, Ermengard and Fiene were all surprised. Da dragon, it's wet scales glistening blue expected it lair to be empty and was also surprised.

OOC Both sides are surprised! Declare your actions, roll any dice and I'll roll Initiative for both sides.
Fiene
player, 184 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 13:07
  • msg #128

The Ogre's Maw

Fiene discards the pole with a clatter and draws a dagger. "There it is!"  he cries aloud.  He tries to keep the lantern in his other hand focused on the dragon.

He will throw the dagger if he can without hitting the orcs.  He is planning to let them take the brunt of the fight and will be behind the front line.  He has a second dagger to throw in upcoming rounds.  He will keep the silver dagger for melee if it becomes desperate, but will likely flee before that happens.
DM
GM, 429 posts
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 14:31
  • msg #129

The Ogre's Maw

It's lair under threat da dragon came out of the pool roaring. The band of orcs and Ermengard circled around it. With a vicious snarl it lashed out at Ermengard, biting the warrior women lifting her up and tossing her to the ground. Ermengard lay slump upon the ground bloodied.

Fiene tossed his dagger but it went wide of its target.

The orcs were not concerned by the loss of their short term companion but pressed their attack. One spear glanced off da dragon's scale, the other spear and axe missing entirely then the leader drove his sword into the beast cutting a bloody gash.

OOC Ermengard is down, she took 5 damage. The orc leader dealt 5 to da dragon. The orcs did not check morale as Ermengard is not one of theirs.

Declare your next actions. Throwing into combat is OK but has a -1 penalty for each intervening obstacle or person.

Fiene
player, 185 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 14:40
  • msg #130

The Ogre's Maw

Fiene moved towards where Ermangard's body lay and seeing her wounds were likely fatal. He pulled up short.  She was a good companion, but she knew what she was in for in Stonehell.   He doesn't throw his dagger yet without a clear shot.

ooc: is the crown where he could snatch it in the chaos? If so he will.



Oh. Crap. If the dragon hit with a 10 we might be in more trouble than I expected...  Hope the crown is really gold.  I'd hate for a this to be for worthless brass...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Thu 15 Apr 2021.
DM
GM, 430 posts
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 15:49
  • msg #131

The Ogre's Maw

Da dragon bit an orc tossed it head and flung the orc down. The orc groaned but did not attempt to stand but lay moaning on the ground. The remaining orcs on seeing their comrade defeated yelled curses on da dragon and laid in many furious blows against it, scoring it's scaly hide in cuts and gashes.

Fiene was able to pull Ermengard clear. She was alive but dying. Her body was bloody and she breathed weakly.

The crown was behind da dragon and out of reach.

OOC Da dragon took another 7 damage. The orcs will fight on but they are down to 3.
Fiene
player, 186 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 16:56
  • msg #132

The Ogre's Maw

Fiene echoes the orc curses, loudly, hoping to bolster their spirits.  He keeps the light fixed on the dragon and throws his dagger if a way is clear.
DM
GM, 431 posts
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 17:22
  • msg #133

The Ogre's Maw

Standing clear of the fight Fiene threw his dagger. The dagger struck true and lodged itself under a blue scale of da dragon.

The orcs threw themselves against the beast, their weapons tearing at the scaly hide of the beast.

In retaliation da dragon snapped at the orc leader. It's teeth grazed the orc but he shrugged off the injury.

OOC Da dragon took 9 damage, the orc 1 danage. Next round.
Fiene
player, 187 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 17:52
  • msg #134

The Ogre's Maw

Fiene calls out "Open Sore! Open Sore!" as the orcs seem to be giving better than they are getting.

He draws his last dagger, throwing it if a clear shot appears.

ooc: I hope it's close. I don't want to run out of orcs :))
DM
GM, 432 posts
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 19:26
  • msg #135

The Ogre's Maw

Da dragon was fierce, the battle waged on. Fiene threw his last dagger. The silver dagger flew straight and into the eye of da dragon. Da dragon squirmed and writhe in its death throes.

The orcs cheered. Triumphant they claimed their hoard but soon envied Fiene and his crown. The circlet was fine indeed. The hoard of coins was a measly sixty copper coins scattered about da dragons bed.

Ermengard lay quiet her lifeblood leaking onto the cave floor. The injured orc sat upright but could do little else. All the orcs looked at Fiene with resentment over the split of treasure.

OOC Day: 3. Time: 4:20pm. Turn: 43. Weather: Cloudy. Vision: Daylight. Movement: 30'

Lantern oil used
Fiene: 29 Turns - then refilled 11 Turns - lit

Fiene
player, 188 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 19:54
  • msg #136

The Ogre's Maw

Fiene put the circlet on his head and proclaims.  "King of caves and Open Sore are friends." he goes to Ermangard's side.  While looking to see if he can bind her wounds, he takes her makeshift pack, and throws it at the leader's feet, letting it spill open, the cascading silver coins falling to the floor.  "Dragon fight hard. Orcs fight harder. This gift for you from King of caves."  he says hoping that will satisfy them enough to not kill him.

If he can bind her wounds he does."I will see you home." he tells the woman, softly.

He rises, and pulls the silver dagger from the dragon's eye and offers the still bloody weapon to the leader. "What name?" he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Thu 15 Apr 2021.
DM
GM, 433 posts
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 20:40
  • msg #137

The Ogre's Maw

The sack of silver shared with the orcs their mood lightened "Open Sores friends" they agreed, the two orcs grasping at the silver coins. Fiene tended Ermengard's wounds, she was weak but becoming stable "your mate will live? the orc leader asked.

He accepted the offer of the silver dagger, liking the look of the bright metal. He took to butchering da dragon with it to claim a tooth as his prize "me Nuck" he replied "Open Sores home. Me take prize to mate" he pointed southward.

OOC It will be possible for Fiene to carry Ermengard out but he will be heavily burdened and slow.
Fiene
player, 189 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 21:22
  • msg #138

The Ogre's Maw

"I need to take her home." Fiene says sadly.  He recovers his other daggers, and digs out a couple teeth for himself and Ermangard. "Nuck tell Open Sores, King of caves is friend.  I come back here soon."

He loads up his pack and lantern, he helps Ermangard to get to her feet as best he can, taking most of her weight on himself.  "Stairs not far." he says, and starts making their way back through the Ogre's Maw.
DM
GM, 434 posts
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 06:32
  • msg #139

The Ogre's Maw

The orcs took their trophies from da dead dragon and carrying their injured tribesman walked as far as the rusty sign with Fiene then Nuck gave his farewells to Fiene.

Ermengard was mostly unconscious and close to death. Carrying her slowed Fiene down and his trek home to Fourtower Bridge would be a long one. Fiene passed safely through the stone carved ogre's maw and dragged Ermengard up the long flight of stairs. He was close to the exit and saw daylight ahead through the entrance to Stonehell Dungeon.

OOC Day: 3. Time: 4:40pm. Turn: 45. Weather: Cloudy. Vision: Daylight. Movement: 10'

Lantern oil used
Fiene: 29 Turns - then refilled 13 Turns - lit

Fiene
player, 190 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 12:24
  • msg #140

The Ogre's Maw

Fiene rest Ermangard in a safe place in the hall, and steps closer to the sunshine.  He lets his eyes adjust slowly, even a cloudy day was much brighter than the depths of Stonehell.  It was nearly twenty miles back to Fourtower, and he wasn't sure he was up for it quite yet.

ooc: I want to review map of the valley again.  I know we explored some caves, the empty one with the green slime on the north, and the skeletons on the south.  I'm thinking of holing up in one for some time before trying to trek back.  And maybe She will recover a bit with rest.  I'll reread the Valley thread.

I'm assuming Ben kept the healing potion Fiene found.

DM
GM, 437 posts
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 12:54
  • msg #141

The Ogre's Maw

Outside the sky was cloudy with a gentle breeze. There were caves dotted along the canyon. To the south a switchback trail had two caves mouths along it's path. To the north water cascaded out of a cave halfway up the canyon wall. Further east were more caves in the sides of the canyon. Two caves which they explored during the previous trip were accessible without climbing.

OOC Natural healing is 1d3 hit points per 24 hours of bed rest. Ermengard is on -3hp. At -1hp she'll be conscious and able to talk. At 0hp she'll be able to walk herself home. At -2hp she'll be in the same condition as now.

Distance to the edge of civilisation is probably 6 miles. It will take Fiene a full day or night of walking to get there whilst carrying Ermengard.

Yes I have it noted that Ben has the healing potion.

Fiene
player, 192 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 13:11
  • msg #142

The Ogre's Maw

Ooc: Is this space sizeable?  I remember something about graffiti

Fiene takes his journey cloak off, and puts it on Ermangard. Hoping to make her comfortable and speed her recovery.  He ponders his options.  Perhaps he could go and bring back help.
DM
GM, 438 posts
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 13:53
  • msg #143

The Ogre's Maw

The entrance hall is forty foot by forty foot with high arching ceilings. The bare floor is well worn, the walls are graffiti covered.

The area was open and might get people or creatures passing through. The journey cloak helped Ermengard in her torpor to rest easier.
Fiene
player, 194 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 16:34
  • msg #144

The Ogre's Maw

Fiene chooses to rest here for a while.  He moves to the north east corner.  That should give home good view of the stairs and able him to be warned about anyone coming in from the outside before they are seen.  He eats some rations quietly contemplating efforts of the day and whether Stonehell was worthy of it's reputation.

Perhaps the others will emerge soon, or maybe they already have.
DM
GM, 439 posts
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 18:09
  • msg #145

The Ogre's Maw

The entrance hall was quiet. Ermengard's breathing was slow and steady beneath the comfort of the journey cloak. The sound of the waterfall outside echoed tranquilly around the hall. Other less savoury and mysterious sounds ocassionally crept up from the long staircase to interrupt Fiene as he ate his meal but nothing emerged.

OOC Day: 3. Time: 5:00pm. Turn: 47. Weather: Cloudy. Vision: Daylight. Movement: 10'

Lantern oil used
Fiene: 29 Turns - then refilled 15 Turns - lit

Fiene
player, 195 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 18:28
  • msg #146

The Ogre's Maw

ooc: I'm at a bit of a standoff.

As a player, I'd just say he carries her to town.

As a character, it's early evening and a 6 mile walk caring another person.  I'm sure the trip won't do her any good health wise. Fiene is likely exhausted and out of spells.

His 'long term' plan was to return to town, perhaps hire some more retainers and go back. (A couple more guards and a thief maybe and do that locked room) but since Ermangard is injured that delays that some time.  He was also thinking that retuning without her would make hiring harder. And brings her back and paying for her care would improve his reputation.

I also don't want to get to far into the "future" of the other group. I surmise I'm already several turns ahead from the ooc posts.

I am ok with continuing solo/henchman, but it is also nice to have other players to interact with.

Thoughts?

DM
GM, 440 posts
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 19:43
  • msg #147

The Ogre's Maw

OOC Yes the timelines are not aligned at the moment with Fiene further along the day than the others. Going any further than a day ahead could become problematic as each delve will change the dungeon and we'll have party crossing paths at different times. As a solution there other other locations nearby which can be explored which would lessen the effect of this.

Carrying Ermengard to the safety of town will be hard on Fiene and risky for Ermengard but it is possible. On the balance of probability however staying close to the dungeon or in the wilderness overnight will be fraught with far more danger.

My thoughts. Yes any plan which involves getting back to town with your treasure and Fiene's portion of map is a good one. Hiring more hirelings and having a goal for which part of the dungeon you want to hit is spot on planning in my opinion.

What do we in the meantime? The other party are at a critical point. There could be variable outcomes. If there are deaths then it could mean some new characters may appear in town for Fiene to meet and share tales with. If they are successful there is an opportunity for you to run a nearby NPC or if you fancy it there's the hireling Orla the haunted cleric of Sidhe you could play as for whilst you wait for them to finish of their delve.

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Fri 16 Apr 2021.
Fiene
player, 196 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 20:05
  • msg #148

The Ogre's Maw

ooc: I'm good with having Fiene carry her back to town or to the nearest farmhouse and hang there.  He should still have about 200 silver less the 20? he bribed the kobolds with to give a some to a farmers wife for room and board.

And in the meantime. I could play Orla until (if) they get it of the dungeon.





Retroedit:

Fiene sighs as he finishes his meal.  It was likely not safe to stay here any longer.  He climbs to his feet, and takes a dagger, and scratches his name and an arrow pointing out, where is would be seen by the other group if they make it back to the entrance.

He gathers his things, and scoops Ermangard up, and taking his first step, he starts the trek back to four tower and hopes he can find somewhere to rest on the way.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Sat 17 Apr 2021.
DM
GM, 442 posts
Sat 17 Apr 2021
at 08:45
  • msg #149

The Ogre's Maw

By the time Fiene had made his way out of the gatehouse and down the foothills into the forest it was dark. Travel through the forest at night time was fraught with dangers beside the obvious brigands and wolves but nothing assailed Fiene but haunting sounds and terrifying shadows.

By morning he made his way clear of the forest and towards more settled lands. Off the road he came to orb-like building with moss covered walls and roof. A big working dog barked to announced Fiene trespass on the farm and eagerly ran to meet him. The dog was gently called away by an older woman, her golden hair hooded her hazel eyes.

The woman, who introduced herself as Eloise, greeted the pair warmly and help carry Ermengard into her home. Inside the building was a single room, in the middle was a simple cooking pot.

Eloise laid the injured and comatose Ermengard in her bed. Fiene she fed a simple breakfast of oats. Exhausted and weary Fiene was soon sleeping by the fire.

By the time he awoke it was the morning of the next day. Ermengard was sitting up although still sorely injured she was able to move around by herself now.

OOC Yes Fiene should have 180 silver left and should deduct what he's willing to pay Eloise.

XP award 1218.

Fiene
player, 197 posts
AC 9 - HP 5/5
Smart and Charming
Sat 17 Apr 2021
at 22:04
  • msg #150

The Ogre's Maw

Fiene smiles at Ermangard.  "You are awake, I was beginning to worry."  he says softly.  "This is Eloise, she has been very gracious since I pounded on her door at such an odd hour."
DM
GM, 443 posts
Sun 18 Apr 2021
at 06:41
  • msg #151

The Ogre's Maw

Whilst Ermengard and Fiene recovered from their perilous delve into Stonehell their host Eloise kept busy. Around the house a few crops grew but during the day she was often away from the house in the outskirts of the forest. She accepted Fiene's coin and let the pair stay until they were ready to finish their journey to Fourtower Bridge.
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