Re: Chapter Four

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 11

[Custer Thickett]

Assassinate critical damage (surprise) 2d4 (dagger) 6d6 (sneak) +3

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D4' : 2, 4

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#2 'D6' : 1, 1, 1, 5, 2, 1

[Kellar]

Kellar watched Custer advance on the goblin's corpse. Barely a sound. Sneaky devil. Orbaugh hopped onto Kellar's shoulder and Kellar stowed the handaxe. "If someone needs the handaxe, I'll give it to you when we're out of this place in the daylight. Need to keep moving."

He took his time coming to where Custer now stood over the goblin. "What do you think? Scout?" Orbaugh, keep an eye on our surroundings, there might be more nearby. Perception roll= 16+4= 20

Kellar felt the golden shimmer come over him. (Blade Ward used).

Actions:
Kellar will continue to follow and rearguard as the group continues forward.
Stealth roll= 13+5= 18
Orbaugh Perception= 22

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 3, 16

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#2 'D20' : 13

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#3 'D20' : 2, 18

[Artimus DeLonde]

Zuit!

Artimus whispered under hit breath as Custer's blade zipped toward the goblin spy. Flung with lethal accuracy, meeting it's mark sooner than Captain Delonde could even raise his crossbow.

The halfing from Esmelteran continued to impreess. He was good at what he did. Very good
====================================

With thanks to Dwan, presenting in the form of a nod in the dim light ( Which he was sure that he could see) Artimus tucked the extracted poison sacks into fastening leather pocket on the inside of his belt.

Artimus shot Olufson a smile as he rolled the feathered hides and placed them into his pack.

“Zhere are many thingz we Cormyrianz do differently mon Amie, zhat iz why zhe women come in drovez and shriek in delight, non”?
He would have to dry them out the first chance he got, or else they would begin to fester with a scent the Mariner dared not consider... all the same, it might help his cadre blend in with the orges beyond the pass.

“May I zee the Ax of your bethern?  Artimus inquired, a hand outstretched humbly.

(if given)  

Artimus tooled it in his right hand, gauging the balance, examining the inlay and finally assessing the sharpness.

The weapon’s edge was still razoured and had a ebbing to the beard of the ax that seemed it would ease the passage of flesh. It was light and manoeuvrable.

If it’s of no offenze or objection, I would put thiz ax to uze? lu et approuvé?

As the group continued, the captain of the Krakens fist inqured again, wondering if the Elder Hale had not heard him the first time.
"Olufsen- before in zhe glade, when zhe orgez called out a kind of greeting, do you perhapz know zhe clean rezponze. It would be a wize for uz to know all we can about how zheze groupz interact if we are to better infilitrate zhem"

====================

[Kellar]

Kellar handed the axe to Artimus without contempt. "Should be useful whether on a ship or in a dark cave like this," he said. Orbaugh frowned a bit when Kellar handed him the axe. It's okay Orbaugh, there are other magicked items in the world.

Kellar and Orbaugh continued on into the darkness.

[Dwan Bolduum]

As the party makes its way through the cave Dwan shakes his head in disappointment.

If we're trying to sneak around this cave, then a source of light is most likely a bad idea, no way that we can pass unnoticed. He whispers to the halfling.

As he starts to open his mouth once more, Custer tenses up and signals Dwan to stop.  Dwan scans the cave and barely notices the goblin scout.   The stillness seems to last forever, both parties looking at one another.  As the goblin jumps from his location and sprints towards one of the paths of the cave, Dwan fumbles at his scepter.  

Maybe I can trip him up with the vines. he thinks to himself.

As he grabs hold of the scepter and starts to move it to envoke vines to grow out of the rock, Dwan hears a distant squish and thunk in the direction of the goblin.  He looks up to see the creature fallen, the contortion of it's limbs verify that its already dead.

Nice throw, master halfling. he says has he pats Custer on the back.  

And now we know which way the enemy is. do we want to send Orbaugh to scout ahead, or do we all proceed as we have been?

I think we should play it safe, I'd rather not stumble face first into a party of ogres.

As the party discusses their options, Dwan will move towards the goblin and drag the body back where the group came from, and place it into one of the openings that they passed along the way.

As he approaches the group again. Well? What have we decided?

=====================================================


Dwan suggests that the group scout ahead before proceeding.

Dwan hides the goblin body, he will also search it for anything of value. Maps, orders, anything like that.

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss whispers in response, "Might be.  Might be just the wrong place and time, yeah?"

I hope you were a scout.  You were a scout.  He thinks as he bends down to grasp the hilt of the dagger.  

He pulls, but it only serves to lift the limp head off the stone.  The dagger was buried deep.  Cuss balanced on one foot and rested the other on the back of the goblins head, then pulled harder.  The dagger slid slowly at first, then quickly popped loose, sending Cuss reeling backward to catch his balance and blood pouring freely from the fresh wound.  It's faint smell quickly filled the chamber.  

Cuss finds a dry spot where the blood wasn't puddling, and then knelt beside the corpse.  He wipes the blade clean on the goblin, then stows it back in his bracer leaving the corpse to Dwan, who drags it away and hides it among rocks.  The trail of thick blood smeared across the ground did little to help the effort.  Cuss followed and helped him search the body, in hopes of finding some sign that it was indeed aligned with Cyric's minions.

When the group moves out again, Cuss realizes that he has lost his chalk and pats at his pouches in a brief fury.  "Drat!  I've gone and lost me map back out."  

He looks back at the others, and they can see the panic in his eyes.  He may be lethal in a fight, but he was terrified of getting lost in the underdark.

Dwan's questions snaps him out of the distraction.  He nods, "I, uh, yeah.  Might be ya right, Dwan.  Mayhaps they are close, no?"

[Ao]

Your boots shuffle past the fallen goblin, blood pooling down its neck and across the cavern floor. Its face stares upward in horror, filthy clothing draped across its scrawny body.

Searching its pockets, you find some gold, and a few rations. As well, a small horn strung through a leather clasp.

[Looted 2 gold each]
[Looted 7 iron rations]
[Looted small warhorn, leather clasp]

[…]

Olufsen watches as Orbaugh disappears up ahead. The ranger looks to Artimus, nodding his head.

“Yes, captain. I do know the response. Urdesh urghamar, alorgar. It is the mantra of Clan Maul… “blood and bone, make strong.”

He looks after the pseudo dragon.

[…]

You make your way through the tunnel network, guided by Orbaugh. It is much slower going, as the tiny dragon scouts ahead, and then reports to Kellar telepathically.

[Many ways to go, master!]
[Cold in here, master!]
[What if there are orcses, master?]
[Orbaugh cannot fight so well, master. Cannot fly!]
[Orbaugh thinks he sees a rock snake, master…!]
[No..just rock, master…]

After a time, the tunnels finally begin to widen, and you can hear the sound of echoing water up ahead…

[…]

You emerge onto a rocky outcropping, that looks out over an enormous cavern lit intermittently by braziers. Those of you without dark vision stand behind Dwan, who surveys the area carefully…

The outcropping winds down a steep path to a cavern floor below, that runs alongside a large, emerald lake. At the bottom of the path, perhaps 400 feet away, 6 orcs are sitting next to two roughly-constructed wooden barricades.

They seem unprepared, and don’t seem to be expecting you. No doubt, Custer’s sharp skills with the dagger bought you the element of surprise.

Beyond the orcs, the path breaks in two directions. Onward, to another network of tunnels, and also into the lake, where a wooden footbridge leads to a path that slopes upward into an enormous brass structure.

It is a temple, of sorts, judging by the ornamentation. And from beneath it, the great emerald waterfall springs loudly, cascading down into the lake below.

Torches are lit ceremoniously around its enormous steel doors, while a bone-wrought fetish adorns the doorway…

=======================

Ok guys, I’ve attached a picture of the lay-of-the-land, so you get a sense for this chamber.

Points of interest:

You: on the rocky outcropping, overlooking the cavern
The path down towards the orcs. About 400 feet
The orcs, sitting at the juncture between the three paths
The footbridge, leading north upward to the brass waterfall temple
the path beyond the orcs, leading to the rest of the caves
the emerald lake, spanning the width of the cave

The waterfall makes it quite noisy in this cavern.
It is also -quite- dark. Only a few braziers light the way.Those of you without darkvision attack at disadvantage on all checks/attacks unless you carry your own light source.

Let me know how you plan to approach. Stats are up in the lair.

EXP: +25 each

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss takes the moment of silent waiting behind Dwan as an excuse to rest, if only for bit. He leans against the cavern wall and stretches his arms and then his neck with the help of his hands. It pops just loud enough for his friends to hear, possibly earning him a scolding glance.

Cuss just shrugs in response, then turns his attention to his feet. They were throbbing. He starts rubbing the toes of his left foot, which was only mildly soothing. He thinks about taking off his boot, but then thinks better of it, knowing that it would be difficult to convince his toes to go back in once free.

Once Dwan describes the layout of the cavern ahead and number of foes in waiting, Cuss rubs his chin while staring at the little warhorn Dwan recovered from the goblin. His eyes widen, and he interrupts to offer the first suggestion of tactics. "Me thinks it sounds like a difficult approach, but might be we can get them to come up here, yeah?"

"If we take up a good position here over the steep path, " Cuss turns to point behind them, "or back in the cavern, then we can go tooting on that little warhorn to bring em up." Cuss turns back and shrugs, "Might be they all come running. Might be only a few and another goes into the temple to report trouble. Iffen that happens, then we best make for the barricades 'fore any of those in the temple can make an escape, no?"

Cuss looks up at Kellar in hopes for approval.

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan loops the warhorn around his pack, places the rations in as well and passes out the gold. Should anyone need these rations right now, let me know, if not I will pass them out once we see daylight.
_____________________________

Dwan turns to the group and provides them with the layout of the area ahead.

We have to make our way into the temple.  With the defenses they set up, they most likely have something or someone important residing within. Doing something the orcs don't want us to do is always a good plan.

Dwan listens intently while Custer forms a plan of action. His fingers absentmindedly reach into his pouch, removes some of the medicine that he received in Baulder's Gate, and pops it in his mouth.

then we can go tooting on that little warhorn to bring em up.

That's a risky plan, Cuss.  Sure we can set a trap, but like you said, one might go into the temple and alert the rest of our coming. But at the same time, they will be able to see us long before we get in attack range.

Artimus, you asked Olufsen about the response, do you think we might be able to pull off something like what we did when we first met?  Have a fake prisoner and get into their ranks before springing the attack?  It's still risky, but even if it buys us an extra 100 feet it would be far better than giving one of them time to alert the rest of the group.

I would really like to set up some kind of explosion or rockslide that might knock a few of the orcs into that green pool, but the sound of the waterfall should cover any explosions from the ears of those in the temple.

Dwan, removes the horn from the pack and hands it to Custer.  As risky as your plan is, it will most likely have a better outcome. I can try to push them back or into the pool with my blast, but I don't think we have any thing else to push them back if I fail.

[Ao]

Olufsen stares out over the outcropping, whistling quietly between his teeth. The six orcs below stand guard loosely, two of them sitting with weapons in reach.

“They’re not expecting us to come this way,” offers Olufsen.

“This tunnel is well hidden. Probably the only alternative entrance to the ogre guards pass, and a secret one at that. Despite the alarm we raised by allowing that outrider to escape, I doubt they’re expecting a breach from this direction. Especially not without warning from that scout that our halfling skewered.”

He runs his fingers through his beard, looking at Custer.

“The warhorn idea is risky, Custer. If we sound it, we’ll get the jump. But we risk alerting patrols deeper in the caves. Still, I don’t like the idea of charging from this height. Especially with the majority of us blind in the darkness.”

==================

Exp: +25

Ok guys, lets settle on a strategy. Tomorrow morning, we execute.

[Dwan Bolduum]

The warhorn idea is risky, Custer. If we sound it, we’ll get the jump. But we risk alerting patrols deeper in the caves. Still, I don’t like the idea of charging from this height. Especially with the majority of us blind in the darkness.

Maybe we do something to draw their attention up here, without alerting them that there are enemies. Dwan notes a large rock near the edge of the path.

Someone help me roll this down the path. Maybe they will send a few to investigate, the sound won't send an alert throughout the entire cave system, and they aren't going to alert anyone inside of the temple of a falling rock.

The rest of you hide a bit further back in the cave system.

Dwan looks at Custer, Be prepared to bring them down quick.

_____________________________________

Dwan suggests creating a non-threatening distraction to draw enemies up to the top of the path.

If nobody objects, Dwan will lead a few of the party members to the rock and start to roll it down the path. Once the rock starts moving Dwan and his assistants will rush back out of sight and wait to see if some or all the orcs ascend the path.

[Artimus DeLonde]

Urdesh urghamar, alorgar  Artimus practiced the words one and again, they’re deep and rounded sounds rolled awkwardly around is tongue list, a trio of marbles, misshapen and of differing sizes. After some a score of attempts he felt confident he’d mastered the response as they lost the intonation of a fake name, conjured up with too little time.  

While he began utter stolen words with some confidence, the walls of this cavern started to chip away at his psyche.  Even the large openings, like this one that overlooked the falls and half dozen Orcs, felt small and cramped and they seemed to grow tighter with every passing moment.

Artimus rang his hands for moment, the sensation of the blood pressing against his fingertips, pulsing against his fingernails with the rhythm of his heart. He wrung and gripped again, tighter and tighter till he felt his flesh stretch threatening to burst.
With a huff he released his hands strangulation grip, one on the other, letting his hands down at his side and he side. A beat or two passed before reaching into a pouch in his belt.

Artimus retrieved some of the soma leaf that he’d procured last he was in Atlathka. He placed the thick waxy leaf on the left ridge of his teeth and chewed. The oils of leaf seeped into his mouth, along with the taste of metal and lime.

The effects of the plant were subtle and immediate, like a cool fog falling over a serene glade, and let’s say maybe there’s a doe there, sure a doe.

A sensation of calm washed over the Cormyrian, he closed his eyes and pictured Trios Pistol sailing gently down the sword cost. The fresh smell of sea salt replaced the murk of mildew, and the subterranean waterfall transformed into water washing against the hull.

For the moment, Artimus was at peace.

Artimus was ushered back to reality by the conversation between Custer, Dwan and Olufsen.
Artimus Listened intently to the men, considering both their suggestions. He saw merit in both their thinking.

“It zeemz our greatezt advantage iz zuprize. I wouldn’t zhink zheze orcz would expect prizonerz to come zhrough here... ezpecially wizhout running into zheir zcout firzt...”

Perhapz zhe mozt clandeztine and zilent of uz zneak down, perhapz even pazt zhe group zo zhat zhey are on zhe ozher zide.  Once in place zhey could make a zound to draw zhe orcz attention from zhiz zide. Wizh zheir gaze away from  where we now ztand, zhoze zhat remain could dezcend.  We would have zhem zurrounded , having zhe  ,  how do zhey zay... zhe drop on zhem, Non?

Artimus scooped up a pebble and held it up in his hand, “.... zhiz little zhing can be your bezt friend.  Uze it to diztract or draw a zentry’z attention.”
-----------------------------

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 9

[Custer Thickett]

"Ya right, Dwan.  We can't be letting em get to the temple.  Might be the Captain has the best of it.  One of us should try to get between them and the temple before we try drawing any up this way for a trap.  If only they were as blind in the dark as I, might be a chance, no?"

Cuss scratches his chin.  He still had the cloak and Cyricist necklace.  Surely he could out whit a few Orcs if they see him.  He reaches into a belt pouch and pulls out a vial of blue glowing liquid (healing potion).  He uncorks and swirls it, then downs it in one quick gulp.

[Healing 2d4+2]
10

His neck numbed. Cuss sighs in relief, and then stows away the empty vial.  

He peers over the edge of the outcropping, eyeing the light from the braziers and the steep path down.

"I can't sneak up on em, Captain.  Without me torch, I'm like to fall into the lake."

"Might be I could just walk down an talk to em, but I'd rather not."

Cuss pulls Olc free of his hip holster, and begins loading.  "Let's push the rock.  What say ya, Kell?"

----

Cuss will hide just inside the passage, so that he can hit an Orc after it comes up and over the ledge.  Hand crossbow range is 30.  He'll leave the burning torch out on the outcropping to illuminate his target.

[Stealth +9]
12

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D4' : 4, 4

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#2 'D20' : 3

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus knelt down with his back to the sloping path below.

You're brave, zhere iz no queztion in zhat Mon petite Gallard (small strapping lad). It zeemz too great a rizk, if zhey zpied you even for moment, we would be hard prezzed to get to you before zhey'd zplay'd you in two. And we need you in one piece Mon ami.

Artimus offered Custer, while he retrieved a badly beaten brass lantern from his pack.

He flicked rough rouge flint against mostly smooth steel, which ended in a sharp edge.

Flying flint woke the lantern to life. Artimus lowered to hood of the vessel to hide flame within from the Orcs that stood below.

Dwan haz zhared zome time honored Dwarvizh wizdom. ‘Uze Rockz’ and I am in agreement. However let me add zome Cormyrian flare. If we are to heave zheze rockz down zhe pazh toward our friendz below? Why not bolzter zhat pile wizh a few ozher of zhe larger rockz and really make zplazh wizh zhe zavagez down zhere. We have no zhortage of zhem in zhiz place, no?

Artimus continued looking over his shoulder, his eyes catching the off-putting shadows that cast of the sickening fetishes on the walls.

Once zhe boulderz begin to tumble, I will charge behind zhem to take advantage of zhe chaoz wizh zome well time melee.

Kellar Zhall we tumble after the the rockz go knocking and zee if theze brutez need a bath?

Artimus helps Locate large rocks and places them the edge of the path. and will help push them.

Once moving he will charge down with sword and lantern in hand.
===================================

Find Rocks
Push Rocks
Run after Rocks
Pushing attack on lead orc into he water
Celebrate.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 13, 12

[Ao]

It started as a faint rumble.

Skolag spings to his feet, looking off in the direction of the cave ledge. The elder orc sneers beneath his great helm, knowing that his warband can tell from the tightness in his neck.

They stop their fidgeting, Rotab hesitating with a handful of small animal bones, ready to throw them for his next gambling toss against Hudag.

“Hurjgna as ghasl aacah zackir.” he murmurs, trying not to anger Skolag with any sense of flightiness or cowardice. Skolag wound not abide such things.

<<Is our scout returning>>?

Skolag is silent for a second, looking onward. He speaks gruffly, nearly gargling from an old wound that claimed half of his trachea.

<<Could be rock spiders.>>

He pauses, looking onward. And then his eyes widen, as he witnesses a rolling onslaught of boulders…

[…]

You watch as the boulders take flight, whipping down with great speed when introduced to the steep grade.

There’s no time to think. Artimus leads the charge off the cliffside, chasing the tumbling stone…

================

Ok guys! You’re charging down the cliff!

It’s going to take you about a minute of sprinting to get to the orcs. You have some options.

Firstly, because of the distraction, all ranged attacks this round are granted advantage.

If someone elects to run down the hill with a lantern or a torch, then you won’t have to worry about the unsteady ground affecting your run. However, the orcs will see you, and react accordingly.

2.If you elect to run down the hillside without any light, then the rocky, slippery uneven ground will be rather challenging.

I’ll need a DC18 DEX check if you’re running without light (if you have dark vision or otherwise, then this needn’t apply). If you succeed at running down the cliff, you’ll have advantage on any melee attacks for the element of surprise. And, you’ll have closed the distance.

If you fail the DEX check, you’ll fall, and take 2D6 damage. A critical fumble will not be good.

EXP: +25

Ao

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus slid down the slope, rock gravel slipping and rolling beneath his boots. Small pebbles persued the bolders set to tumbling by he and Dwan sent

In one hand the Mariner gripped the hand axe of the fallen ranger, in the other his dented and  tarnished lantern.

He sprinted into center of the cadre of orcs skidding to a stop in their midst.

The ax firm in his hand Artimus could feel it's thirst for vengance. He loosed it's rage, the hand axe of the ranger took flight whirl and slashing cutting tendon and slicing ligemnt. The spray of blood was warm on his face as the peices flew.

Artimus could barely keep up with it's pace spinning wrath.

=========================================
Sooooo. the Aoe attack on this Ax may have beena  full round action, I used it's ability twice... and thrashed everyone.  Let me know if I have to pull back to one attack I"ll revoke the damage. but wow.... just wow

12 Hits,  all oppents suffered 2 con damage ,  whirling ax has 2 charges left for the day
not sure how to apply con damage,  applied normal damage
Attack aoe 1
Attack 1d20+ 7 (14) 21 HIT 1d4+1+6 (4) 11 'Skolag' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7  ( 15 HIT1d4+1+6 (3)  10'Hudag' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7 (15) 22 HIT 1d4+1+6 (1) 8 'Sckun' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7 (13) 20 HIT 1d4+1+6 (1) 8 'Rotab' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7 (11)  18 HIT 1d4+1+6 (2) 9 'Duaganr' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7 (9) 16  HIT 1d4+1+6 (3) 10 Flesh Tearer' -1con

Attack  aoe 2
Attack 1d20+ 7 (14) 21 HIT 1d4+1+6 (1) 7 'Skolag' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7 (14) 21 HIT 1d4+1+6 (4) 11 'Hudag' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7 (13) 20 HIT 1d4+1+6 (4) 11'Sckun' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7  (15) 22 HIT 1d4+1+6 (4) 11 'Rotab' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7  (17)  24 HIT 1d4+1+6 (3) 10 'Duaganr' -1con
Attack 1d20+ 7  (15)  22 HIT 1d4+1+6 (3) 10 'Flesh Tearer -1con'

#1 'D20' : 14, 8, 15, 13, 11, 9, 18, 14, 14, 13, 15, 17, 5

--------------------------------

#2 'D4' : 4, 3, 1, 1, 2, 3, 1, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 1.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 14, 8, 15, 13, 11, 9, 18, 14, 14, 13, 15, 17, 5

--------------------------------

#2 'D4' : 4, 3, 1, 1, 2, 3, 1, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 1

[Custer Thickett]

Custer looks to Kellar, hoping he would convince Artimus to stay on the ledge to draw the Orcs up the slope, but the blue man remained silent.  

Soon, the entire cavern echoed chaos as Artimus and his boulders tumbled down the slope toward the enemy.  

Cuss hooked his hand crossbows in his belt, retrieved his torch, and started down the slope.  He cocked and loaded his father's old light crossbow with his one free hand as he descended, thankful that it had a strap to hang from his shoulder.

When it was ready, Cuss looked up at the enemy and the blur that was Artimus.  Blood flew from a hundred cuts in every direction.  It was unlike anything he'd seen before, and Cuss had seen a lot by now.

He lays his torch across a lit brazier about 80 feet away, and steadies the stock of the crossbow on his sholder.  He aims for the one with horns, holding his breath as he squeezes the trigger.

[Light Crossbow Assassinate attempt +6]
19 Hit!

His bolt zips through the mayhem and strikes the horned helmet, erupting a resounding DONG! throughout the cavern. The horns pitch away from the impact, but then slowly turn back upright. Even from a distance and in the low light, Cuss could see the anger in the shiny eyes looking back at him from under the helmet and framed with fresh blood.

He swallows hard, and starts to reload.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 6, 13

[Ao]

Dwan, Kellar, and Artimus charge down the hill after the boulders, the mariner’s lantern swaying as he leaps across the uneven surface of the hill.

Your breath becomes laboured, as the long, steady charge turns in to a task of endurance. Adrenaline pumps through your veins, water-slick stone beneath your boots threatening to topple you at every turn.

You watch as the enemy ahead spreads out hastily, narrowly avoiding the boulders as they crash into the wooden barricades. The massive rocks crack against one another, splintering into the lake beyond as a massive splash erupts into the air…

Two of the orcs plant themselves firmly, unstringing bows from their backs and taking aim at the charging fellowship…

[Shortbow shot vs. Artimus = Missed]
[Shortbow shot vs. Kellar = Missed]

[…]

The orcs stare, wide-eyed, as Artimus wades into their midst - a frenzy of blood and madness. The axe whirls through the air, cutting away at the overwhelmed bulwark as they scramble for purchase upon the whirling dervish…

”Aloooghar orghanra!” shouts the fierce captain, spittle dripping from within the ridges of his great helm as he lunges forward, battle axe raised in the air.

The shattered barricades shift under your feet, splintered wood covering the shoreline of the emerald lake as the orcs engage you in melee…

[…]

Flesh Tearer and Rotab lunge forward, hefting their axes through the air, catching nothing in their pursuit of the lithe captain.

[Flesh Tearer and Rotab missed Artimus!]

As Kellar arrives on the scene, brandishing his lance, he easily turns aside Duanganr and Sckun, parrying their blows without effort and pushing them backward martially..

[Sckun and Duanganr missed Kellar!]

Dwan leaps in alongside his comrades, ducking handily as Hudag thrusts his axe clumsily over the dwarf’s head…

Artimus turns round, just in time to witness Skolag baring down upon him…

[Skolag vs. Artimus, miss!]

The captain easily sidesteps the rage-filled blow, watching as the orc lieutenant, brings his arms about another time…

=================

Wow. Just wow. Every single one of my SEVEN to-hit rolls was less than 10! What are the odds…seriously. Brutal.

Because Dwan and Kell missed rotation, I assumed they were charging in alongside the fellowship. Osvald and Olufsen are providing covering fire from a hundred feet back, but they haven’t hit anything yet.

The uneven ground you’re meleeing these orcs upon means that, if you roll less than 5 on any to-hit roll, you’ll be taking disadvantage on your next attack roll next turn.

Artimus: Yes, the axe can only be used once per round. And, it can only be used on enemies in a 5-foot radius. In this scenario, the six orcs were not bunched up that closely.

But…

It was a badass scene and so rock and roll man. Keep the damage, really cool visual!

EXP: +25

[Kellar]

Kellar moved along with his companions down the rocky path. He watched Artimus unleash the hell of a dead ranger's handaxe. His visor came down over his eyes and he charged into the fray!

"Yth svent wux shio (We kill you all)," he said to the orcs and charged toward Skolag. Attack Roll= 13+7= 20 Hit!: Superiority Dice= 3; Damage= 10+7+3= 20! Kellar drove the lance under Skolag's raised arm, penetrating the soft flesh and erupting through his jaw, knocking the helmet of his head. The force of the blow knocked Skolag's corpse off the ground and then landed with a great THUD!

Orbaugh, sting one of them! At the command, he dropped from his Master's shoulder and dashed toward the closest orc (Hudag). Attack Roll= 10+4= 14 Hit! ; Damage= 3+4= 7! I got one again Master! Hudag, busy with attacking the others did not notice Orbaugh move to his calf. Orbaugh drove his stinger into his leg, injecting venom (See Lair for CON roll for Hudag). Orbaugh looked up and saw his Master soaring through the air...

ACTION SURGE!

Kellar turned about and lunged after another target (Duaganr). Attack Roll= 19+7= 26 Hit! ; Superiority Dice= 8; Damage= 9+7+8= 24! Like the Orc Lieutenant, Kellar found a weak spot in Duaganr's armor. His lance bore through the seam of the studded leather and erupted through Duaganr's stomach. Duaganr dropped his weapon and squelched. He grasped at the lance with no success. Kellar withdrew the lance and kicked the corpse into the water and turned to find another target.

"Leader is down! Raze the others!"

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 13

--------------------------------

#2 'D8' : 3

--------------------------------

#3 'D6' : 6, 4

--------------------------------

#4 'D20' : 10

--------------------------------

#5 'D4' : 3

--------------------------------

#6 'D20' : 19

--------------------------------

#7 'D8' : 8

--------------------------------

#8 'D6' : 6, 3

[Artimus DeLonde]

Thick vitrious fluid floated gracefully off the edge of the rangers ax, like little red butterflies. Pupas, tranformed to vengance through the crysolis of the ranger's brutal implement. Splinted wood floated attop a thin layer of wet uneven stone. The broken barricades peices drank up the mixture of blood and vile water softening them. Artimus' boots shifted, a quarter turn to the left then a instep right shifting the little bits of wood. Searching for the inevitable answer to his foray.

He heard the voice of Kellar call out, pulling him for his wild state, bringing him back to earth. An arrow shot out, missing him, and another arrow, Custers perhaps, revealed by it's murderous impact.
Two of the cave orcs swung. one high and wide, the second, a fumbling downward swipe.

Artimus capitalized, striking out an answer, cutting one under the arm at the zenith of it's swing (Rotab), like a cursive script he followed that line with a slash to the others chest, one clean motion (flesh tearer) . The Ranger's ax passed through artery and vien under the beast's armpit. As it travelled he could feel the blade pass into the empty cavity of its chest and into the lungs. A siphon of air and bile shot out. He would be dead in seconds.

Coming to a rest, chest heaving and burning with hot fatigue. Artimus spotted the battle Ax heaved high by the helmed captain. The mariner turned aside, letting the huge weapon collide with the earth.

"Finish them sailor, avenge me."

A forgien and dusky voice echo'd about the cave or perhaps only in his mind.  The voice was not his own and yet he headed it like it was. Two slashes cut between the helm of the Orc in the heavy armour, demanding payment for those wronged.

Those who's lives ended before their time.

A price, long overdue.


================

Hit 1d20+6 Riposte against Flesh Teare, expend one swordman's die 1d8+7+1d8
Hit 1d20+6 Riposte against Rotab expend one swordman's die 1d8+7+1d8
Miss1d20+6 Riposte against Skolag

1d20+6 Riposte :When a creature misses you with a melee
attack, you can use your reaction and expend one
superiority die to make a melee weapon attack against
the creature,

1d20+6 (12) Miss
1d20+6 (12) Miss

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 14, 15, 1, 6, 6, 14

[Ao]

Blood spurts from Skolag’s gaping wound, gushing in fountainous form from the blown hole in his helmet. Even as the lieutenant hits the ground, his soldiers continue to fall alongside him as you press the assault.

Duangr and Rotab are cut down promptly, and the remaining three orcs stand their ground uneasily, sensing the overwhelm -

“RAAAAS!” one of them shouts, ducking beneath an ill-timed stroke and lunging for Dwan.

[Sckun attacks Dwan, hit!]
[9 damage to Dwan!]

The dwarf takes the full brunt of the blow in the stomach, and it sends him stumbling backwards over the wreckage of the barricade!

Flesh Tearer screams, blood pouring down it’s face and frothing between blackened teeth. The brute has long, metal dirks banded to the back of his wrists. With reckless abandon, he charges Artimus like a rabid dog.

[Flesh tearer attacks Artimus, hit! x2]
[9 damage to Artimus]

The cuts are deep and dirty, raking across the mariner’s flesh like nails upon rock…

Meanwhile, Hudag looks around at his bretheren, even casting a glance further up the hill at Osvald and Olufsen.

The orc, sensing defeat, turns round and lunges away from the scene, dropping his weapon and grabbing desperately for the warhorn…

[Hudag, failed Con save vs. Orbaugh’s venom.]

Suddenly, the orc goes down. His legs turn to stone, and he collapses in a twitching heap, gripping at his shins in fury and excruciating pain.

Orbaugh looks back at Kellar, flashing that toothy, tiny grin.

====================

Ok guys;

ARTIMUS - I need a CON save from you, please. Those dirty dirks…

Looks like its time to mop up this situation!

-Ao

EXP : + 25

[Custer Thickett]

Custer hoist the loaded crossbow for another shot, but eyes the limp body of the horned Orc sliding backwards over the ledge and into the blue water below.  The fray is another slaughter, but the remaining Orcs are fighting hard.  

One slams Dwan hard enough to send him reeling backwards.  This serves to provide Custer a clear shot, which he does not hesitate to take.

[Light Crossbow +6]
13 Hit

The bolt finds purchase somwhere in the center of the Orc's body. The low light makes it hard for Cuss to see where, but the sound of the impact was distinct. Slowly, the Orc fell to its knees and slouched forward. The axe rattling against the stone floor as it feel free from its hand.

Eyes darting left and right, Cuss was sure the fight was all but done. He slings the crossbow over his shoulder, and pulls the torch from the brazier. He found that most of it had burned away in the coals. There was no room for his hand, and the wood started to smolder. He tossed it into the lake.

then pulls his hand crossbows from his belt and waits for the Hales to descend so as to share their light.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 7

[Kellar]

Kellar watched Hudag fall to the ground. He walked over to the body and jabbed it with his lance, to make sure the orc was dead. Orbaugh hopped back onto Kellar's shoulder and fluttered before settling down. I got another one! Orbaugh has two now! Kellar raised a hand and Orbaugh nuzzled it. "Lord Hale, all clear," he said as he looked about the mess of orc bodies. He removed a ration and ate some and shared with Orbaugh. Job well done.

He looked at Artimus and Dwan. "You two okay? These orcs were resilient to the end. I think our plan worked, the boulders came crashing down and caused confusion. I'd imagine their lieutenant may have been a bigger challenge if given enough time to prepare." He looked at Artimus, he was bloodier than usual. "I'm afraid my abilities will not work to heal you."

He watched Osvald and his kin walk down the path and join them. "There might be information and at least some valuables among them that we can salvage before moving forward. Orbaugh," he said with a nod. The pseudo-dragon licked his chops and dropped to the ground and began looking about for some shinies. Perception Roll= 14+4= 18; Success? While Orbaugh busied himself with shinies, Kellar looked over the platemail the lieutenant was wearing. "I'd imagine this could be refitted for me. I do know a blacksmith or two."

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 14, 14

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus' flesh scrapped and gnarled as the black toothed brute dragged his affixed dirks his chest. The mariner reeled in pain. out of his periphery he saw the good dwarf take a gut wrenching blow.

Scowling in face of the attack Artimus wheeled back his right hand, ebon edge still in hand.

**CRACK**

Gloved hand colidedm with misshaped jaw with incredible force -- delivering a devistating haymaker.

Flesh tearer sailed through the air before he landed on his back.

The sailor squeezed his throbbing hand for a moment wringing the pain from his fist before floating his hand to the bitter wound cut by flesh tearer.

"You two okay? - "I'm afraid my abilities will not work to heal you."

"I am -- Ok Mon ami, I just need a moment."

Artimus stammered through heavy breathing.

In truth the mariner escaped with much less than he deserved given his brash actions.

"I count myzelf lucky Mon dragoon, zhat zhould have been much worze, my lady of zhe moon zmilez,  even in zhiz dark place... it zeemz zhe haz more work for me."

Artimus admitted as he attempted to clean and seal the wound.

"Dwan, are you ok, zhat kind of gutzhot would have floored a lezzer man."
===================

Con roll  14
first aid +1

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D10' : 9

[Ao]

The fellowship walks slowly through the slaughtered orcs, blood pooling beneath the skewered corpses where they lay strewn atop the crushed barriers. It’s nearly impossible to keep your boots clean.

Your torchlight flickers across the scene, the loud rushing of the waterfall filling your ears. Kellar looks down at the fallen lieutenant, the enormous greathelm shattered by the force of the blow.

Orbaugh dances nervously on his shoulder.

[[Caves are scary, master. Let us go…please?]]

And indeed, the cave winds farther along to the east, where undoubtedly it will emerge somewhere deep within the Clan Maul camp.

But over the small footbridge, a-lain into the side of this enormous subterranean lake chamber, the brass temple glows softly with so many braziers…

[…]

[The Brass Temple]

The heat is the worst part. Even more so than the howls of the others, writhing with pain as the acute paralytic poison courses through their veins, stimulating their hearts to failure. The heat from the torches keeps you sweating, and breathless. It’s persistent.

Those howls, on the other hand, stopped earlier today. Now, only the stink of death keeps you company.

Emelious’ limbs ache, his body contorted into an unnatural position in the small cage that he shares with Pimli. The gnome…not so much. Much to the chagrin of their Orcen captives, his diminutive size allows him to remain comfortable enough to be spirited.

You’ve been here for three days. Three long days, after a week of traveling in a wagon with fourteen other captives and a bucket of rainwater. It might have been more comfortable if they had killed you then. At least your bones wouldn’t ache quite so much.

The orc jailer outside your cage sneezes, watching as the acolytes go about their business. His name is Duhrz, and he isn’t very smart. At least, he doesn’t look it. But yesterday, one of the others - Savis? Shamus? You can’t quite remember - tried to grab for the keys, and Duhrz took his hand off with a foot-long dirk before the scraggly Tethyrian could even scream.

He didn’t have much time to miss his hand. They killed him an hour later.

You’re not sure what this place is, or why you’re here. A week ago, you had signed on for passage out of Imnescar, south to Tethyr. It was a 30-wagon caravan you joined. The chances of an altercation seemed slim.

But in Lion’s Pass, a warhost of nearly two hundred ogres descended upon you. It was over in minutes. And you had found yourself caged up, headed into the Small Teeth with an undoubtedly dark end in store.

Now, this brass temple seems to be your final destination.

It is an enormous structure, nearly two hundred feet wide. Dwarves built it, likely. The craftsmanship is certainly not orcen, but the brutes have been here long enough to despoil its former beauty, and create a suitably disgusting atmosphere.

The entire chamber is a high domed structure, littered with cages. Hundreds, perhaps, lining the perimeter. Corpses, some fresh, and some long ago rotted, stock most of them nearly to the brim. The acolytes aren’t fond of cleaning out the dead, after they die twitching to the horrific concoction of their work. Mercifully, your cage is empty of deceased companions.

In the northern half of the temple, a dozen tables covered in plants, reagents, vials and cauldrons are where the acolytes brew their noxious poison.

In the middle of the room, however, there is a pool, filled with filthy, poisonous water that drains out into the lake from beneath the temple, is the centerpiece of the temple. Nearly forty feet across, the acolytes have built a crude series of walkways, to access the mangled beast tied and tortured at its’ centre.

A scorpion. Perhaps found from deep in the mountain, the orcs have tied a giant scorpion down in the centre of the pool. The beast chitters pitifully all the day, its stinger lashed to a boulder and its pincers clamped tight with rope.

And at its’ side, day in and day out, is the shaman.

His name is Nerguhll the Poisoner. Some of the dark-cloaked jailers from the wagon had mentioned his name. Emelious had noticed they bore the sigil of Cyric, god of madness and murder.

Nerguhll strides alongside the beast, milking its poison glands into a seemingly endless series of vials, and handing them to his acolytes. They spend their days mixing the secretions with plants and mortified animal parts, creating a series of caustic concoctions for testing on their captives.

You.

“Ahhhhh!” shouts Nerguhll, excitedly. It startles you from your detached, resigned state. The Poisoner is a lanky orc, with tattered purple robes and a foul-looking emerald hood. His teeth are rotted from his mouth, and his skin is stretched tightly over his face, resulting in a horrible, involuntary smile.

Nerghull looks your way. You’re the last two surviving captives, and as an acolyte hands him the freshest batch of horrific toxin, he sneers at the inevitability of your fate.

The orc corks his new poison, walking slowly over the lashed wooden walkway towards your cage. His acolyte beams proudly, turning to consider the scorpion. You know the acolytes aren’t allowed to touch the beast…but in his moment of pride, the orc bends down and caresses the tail ecstatically.

Two other acolytes join ranks with Nerghull, walking over to your cage with him. He begins to speak at you.

“You feel this!” his words are excited, and of broken common. Nerghull cannot speak the common tongue eloquently. Or, he does not care to.

“You feel this much! Burn in your body. Burn like fire! Die, die slow….sloooooow.” His enormous, foul mouth opens and groans those words gleefully. ’S-L-O-O-O-W’

Suddenly, there’s a loud sound behind him. The Poisoner startles, spinning to look.

In the centre of the pool, you can see the enormous scorpion’s tail whipping back and forth. And the body of a convulsing acolyte falling into the water…

The beast’s body ripples with fury, it’s tail loose of its’ lashings. The acolytes begin to scream, pointing urgently at the creature.

With one fell swoop, the tail comes down and cuts its body free, and then its pincers. Six enormous, muscular legs raise its low-flat body up from the wooden prison. The braziers shine off its’ plating, black as ink and hard as rock. The pincers take a few stretching snaps, echoing through the temple.

And it draws itself up, and hisses.

Two of the orcen guards charge towards it, grabbing at their weapons and hefting a huge measure of rope. The beast lunges for them, the tail plunging into each of their chests in turn, dispatching armour smoothly and leaving them contorted in a horrible death.

Nerghull screams;

“AAGHHHURSHAAAA!” and his acolytes spring into motion, grabbing at their weapons as the scorpion breaks free…

=========================

Ok fellows! Welcome Pimli and Emelious, to Roots of Legend.

Ok guys, heres the situation. Fellowship, for the sake of simplicity assume yourselves outside of the temple doors. I know I’m railroading you into this fight, but since when have you shied away from action?

Anyhow, assume you can charge in through the southern door and quickly assess the situation, doing whatever you deem appropriate.

Pimli and Emelious, you’re in the cage on the southwest side of the temple. Your jailer (Duhrz) is currently balking at the giant scorpion raging in the centre of the room. He’s distracted, and within arm’s reach…

Nerghull and his acolytes are squarely concerned with the giant scorpion. The beast is crossing the rough-lashed walkway in the pond towards the orcs, undoubtedly interested in vengeance.

In the room, there is:

6x Acolytes
4x Orc guards
2x Orc jailers (Duhrz, and one other on the eastern side of the temple)

Nerghull
and The Giant Scorpion

Here’s a map. All stats are up in the lair.

Cheers

EXP: +25 to everyone who posted last rotation.

TO BE CLEAR: Pimli and Em are near the 'jailer' in the southwest of the map
The big X is the scorpion

[Emelious Storm]

How long had it been since being captured? Nine days? Ten days? Twelve years? Probably not twelve years. Emelious imagined that the only way he would survive that long with these orcs was if he somehow miraculously endeared himself to them and was accepted into their tribe. Eventually marrying, Morgla; a fine orc lass with the cutest little tusks that drive the orc men wild. They’d settle down and have a litter of mutts; Emelgla, Mormelious, and Geoff. Ah, Geoff, he has his mother’s scrunched nose and his father’s-

“Ahhhhh!” It was Nerguhll. That ugly son of an otyugh. With Emelious’ luck over the past two weeks, he’d probably end up being Morgla’s brother or something. Man, holidays were going to be awkward.

“You feel this!”  Shouted Nerguhll, holding a batch of his latest brew, “You feel this much! Burn in your body. Burn like fire! Die, die slow….sloooooow. S-L-O-O-O-W.”

Yes, slow, just like your mind.

No. No, that was uncalled for. He probably sounds plenty intelligent in his native tongue. And to be fair, Nerguhll spoke better common than Emelious spoke orc. Good for Nerguhll.

Emelious was about to ask if Nerguhll could teach him some Orcish, but after seeing the scorpion in the pool impale one of the acolytes and break free, Emelious figured Nerguhll probably had more pressing matters.

In fact all the orcs seemed to be focused on the giant, venomous, rampaging, murder scorpion. Go figure.

Emelious placed  his hand over his chest and looked to the heavens and thought,  “Thank you, Valkur. Thank you for making that scorpion stab those guys. I know you’ll say you didn’t have anything to do with it, but I know the truth. I mean the scorpion was standing in water. Water. Come on, Valky, no need to be mod-,” Emelious stopped mid prayer as a realization dawned on him,  "I have been in this cage for far too long.”

Well, if there was ever a time to change that, it was now. With their jailer distracted, Emelious gave Pimli a nod to get ready, and then stealthily reached for the keys dangling from the orc’s belt.

[Sleight of Hand (Advantage): 13+4 = 17 = Success?]

Emelious deftly gathered the keys in one hand to prevent them from jingling together while he unhooked them from the jailer’s belt. So far so good. Emelious held his breath as he turned the key in the lock. Things were about to get hairy.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 13, 13

[Pimli Prixus]

As the howling outside ceases Pimli tries once again to reach out to Skurr, hoping for some insight into what's going on. "Bah, still to far away!" I miss Skurr, he thinks to himself, I hope he's OK I haven't been able to make contact with him since I was thrown in this cage.  He looks around the room that has been his home for the past three days, seeing nothing but empty cages and activity near the poor trapped scorpion. All his fellow companions? friends? guests? yes guests that seems to be the right word, all his fellow guests of the Orcen have winked out into the long rest, well except for the Half-Elf fellow Emelious. I hope they let me out soon, being a guest of the Orcs was fun at first, I had never been taken into the company of Orcs before! Kobolds, and Gnolls yes but never Orcs! Three days though, three days of the same thing day in and day out. It's time for a change, soon I hope.

Pimli looks to his current room mate for some conversation to pass the time. Hmmmm he's deep in thought again, so no passing the time there. Sitting down cross legged, resting he back against the bars of the cage, Pimli lets is mind drift. His eyes appear clouded as his mind witnesses the days events. [Portent Rolls for the day: 'D20' : 10, 12]

“Ahhhhh!” eyes unfogging Pimli looks to see what the commotion is, Ahhh Nerguhll probably coming to taunt us again.

“You feel this!”  Shouted Nerguhll, holding a batch of his latest brew, “You feel this much! Burn in your body. Burn like fire! Die, die slow….sloooooow. S-L-O-O-O-W.”

His common is horrible! If I'm kept as a guest here any longer I'm going to have to propose a trade with Nerguhll I'll teach him how to properly speak common if he teaches me Orcish, I've always wanted to learn Orcish.

Opening his mouth to speak, "Nerg...." Pimli is cut off by howls of pain from the center of the room. He whispers to himself "What has been seen will come to pass" no need to look to the center of the room, he knows the scorpion has broken free. Change, finally some change!

"I have been in this cage for far too long.” Emelious says giving  Pimli a nod to get ready.

Placing a hand over his heart, holding a piece of cured leather that one of his former room mates had no more use for,  Pimli utters "Egam Romra tnarg em htgnerts" his body briefly shimmers blue. Pimli watches as Emelious attempts to pick the jailers pocket. With a toothy smile he thinks to himself, change is good!

================
Used portent to find my daily rolls
Cast Mage Armor on myself (AC16)

[Pimli Prixus]

Portent roll

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 10, 12

[Artimus DeLonde]

The mariner looked back, exchanging glances between Custer, Kellar, Oswald, Dwan and Olufsen, with a glance that imparted a universal 'do you hear what I hear'  

Straightening his Bloodstained tunic, and wiping the pith and gore from his mouth Artimus walked skulked blade drawn to the large and disgustingly ornate brass doors.

With some hesitation he held his ear to the door.

*perception*

"Scare Blu?!" He cussed softly.

Hearing the cries of fear and pain the mariner looked again back to his friends before heaving gripping the brass ring on the right door, and lean back till the portal surrendered, opening the width of a ship's bend (and inch or two)

Artimus motioned with a tip of his head for someone to peer in while he stood in wait to either smash the door shut or swing it wide.

....

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 16

[Dwan Bolduum]

You two okay? I'm afraid my abilities will not work to heal you.

Dwan gathers himself off of the ground and nods towards Kellar with a smile on his face.

Nobody's abilities will work on me he thinks to himself.   This must be what it's like to be mundane.

I feel fine,  Liar! You've got at least one broken rib.  I just need a little rest is all.

As Dwan finds a rock to settle down on, he hears a faint squealing noise coming through the doors to the temple. He looks around to see if anyone else noticed, most of the group seems to be on edge and Dwan makes eye contact with Artimus.  

Well, let's see what this is all about.

Dwan will stay seated as the group passes him to gather by the large doors.  From his perspective, Dwan sees that the large rune of Moradin has been scratched out and reshaped roughly into an arachnid.  Lolth? Its strange for Drow to be this close to the surface. He thinks to himself.

Dwan rises from his seat and a vision of red passes over his eyes before fading into pure white. Pain  Dwan's vision clears and he makes his way towards the rest of the group.

Dwan sees Artimus poised to strike upon finding out what lies in the room.

Be careful, this door has some kind of arachnid carved into it.  Its very sloppy but I'm thinking it is the symbol for Lolth, perhaps drow await behind the door.

After receiving nods from his allies, Dwan will wait in the back of the order with his scepter turning.  He waits for the doors to open before striking out with a Flame Sphere.

_________________________________________

Dwan thinks this may be a Drow ambush.

Dwan waits for the doors to open before striking out.

[Kellar]

Kellar approached the door with the others. "Sounds like something large, several bodies," he said. He looked at Dwan. "Drow? Here? Interesting," he said. He stowed his lance and opted for the close quarters weapon he acquired earlier. Blood Drinker. "Let's see if these dark elves have more fight than their orc counterparts" He went to the right side of the chamber door and looked across to Artimus and nodded. One, two, three...

Instinctively, Kellar's golden scales shimmered around his armor. Blade Ward used.

"I'll go for the largest one in there, whatever it is. Dwan? Hale?" He waited for their response, perhaps they knew what large beast was within the chamber.

Actions:
Kellar is at the chamber door, prepared for combat.
Kellar will go for the largest threat in the next room.

[Ao]

[The Brass Temple]

The giant scorpion crawls forth, its enormous legs stretching out over the stone floors as the orcs scramble to address it.

Nerguhll pauses, staring the creature down as his acolytes circle about the room. The orc lifts his hands, inverting them in a twisted, gnarled position as he mutters arcane nonsense from under his breath.

“AUSHOOM!” he shouts aloud, as a stream of thick, viscous webbing erupts from his fingertips, spraying forcefully across the temple floor and enveloping the scorpion near the centre of the room.

The beast chitters, furious at the attack, as webbing spreads across the floor…

Pimli watches, shimmering with magical light, as Emelious deftly lifts the keys from the jailer…

*Clink*

The lock turns, and the door creaks open…

==================

Ok lads!

Fellows, waiting on you to break through the door. Pimli and Em, your cage door is open! Thanks to em’s lithe dexterity, and the distraction, the jailer has not noticed yet.

You spy a large pile of items about thirty feet to the northwest. Undoubtedly, that’s where your supplies are (your weapons, armour, etc.)

If you want to go grab your stuff, I’ll need a stealth roll from you, DC 12 (everyones pretty distracted). On failure, no doubt you’ll draw the ire of your jailer or the orcs.

If you elect to not go for your goods, you’ve got a clear view of the jailer’s back, who has a long dirk slung at his side.

Also, the two main doors to the temple are only about 60 feet to the east…

EXP: +25 to all that posted

Posts up by noon tomorrow please, lads!

-Ao

[Emelious Storm]

Time to move, the orcs weren’t going to remain distracted for long. Emelious slowly crept out of the now open cage, stretching his legs for the first time in three days. If he could just make it to his gear he might have a shot at survival.

[Roll Stealth: 18+4 = 22 = Success]

Emelious slinked low, keeping an eye on the orcs, and headed for the pile. On his way he stepped over bone and other refuse, careful to not let the terrain betray him. He made it to the pile without notice and reached for his shield. It was emblazoned with the emblem of Valkur, three thunderbolts against a stormy sky.

Valkur, guide me.

Emelious began quietly strapping the shield to his arm.

[AC updated from 14 (unarmored)  to 16 (unarmored with shield).]

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 18

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