Re: Chapter Four

[Custer Thickett]

It worked?  

Cuss glanced about.  Everything was distracted by the confrontations.  Artimus was yelling at the goblin.  Humans were yelling at Orcs.  Kellar moved into the tunnels without trouble and disappeared from Custer's sight.  

The human with tails yelled, "An wot of it?" as he marched forward toward the Orcs.  It was more of a command than a question.  His entire posse of five moved forward behind him, hefting their pickaxes and shovels across their chest or shoulders.  

Cuss noticed an Orc dash into the tunnels behind Kellar.  There was no time to warn him.

The lead human squared up to the tallest Orc, trying his best to shove his face high enough to look at the beast levelly.  He snarled to hurl an insult, but the Orc slammed the human in the face with a down and forward thrust of it's forehead.  The headbutt was strong enough to send the human recoiling into his friends, who caught and steadied him.

The Orc took advantage of the human's daze and ripped the pickaxe from his hands.  He shoved it at the man's throat.  

"Om inte för den ed jag skulle döda dig nu (If not for the oath I'd kill you now.)"  It barked, but one of the Humans was already swing a shovel from the Orc's peripheral.  It's friend parried the blow with an axe as it jumped forward.  

In a flash, it was a brawl between the five humans and two Orcs.   Metal rang as they swung at each other.  Dull thumps of flesh pounding flesh rang out as fist were thrown.  Wagoners rose from their seats and starting shouting, rooting for one side or another.  Trolls and Orcs poured out of the forge tunnels.

Cuss sneaks under the wagon to the rear, and lets down the gate.  "Let's move.  Keep out sight or try to blend in somehow, yeah?"

As Pimli, Dwan, and Emelious climb out or make their choice otherwise, Cuss quickly updates them, "Captian's got the goblin distracted, and a fight has broke out.  Kellar went inside.  I'm headed to the camp an will meet up with everybody at the tower as agreed, yeah?  I'll use the Fist iffen I get in trouble."

Custer grabs his pack and slings it over his shoulder along with his light crossbow, then he turns and makes his way into the shouting crowd near the road heading back for the camp.  He is disguised and will hide by blending in.

[Rolling Disguise, advantage from distraction. +8;  If stealth is more appropriate, +9]
18
....

Cuss is heading for the camp to investigate as stated in my previous post.  He plans to attempt incapacitating some of the camp if he can figure out a way to do it.  Anyone is welcome to come along.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 4, 10

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan keeps his head ducked low as the wagon makes multiple stops. Through the walls he hears the guttural speak of orcs A disgrace to the common tongue. he thinks to himself.  Normally after the orcs speak he hears a familiar hum of a voice from the front of the cart, the speed and tonality confirm that it's Custer yet again.  

If I didn't know him I would say he fits in with this lot a little to well....

At one of the more memorable stops the two Hales split from the group.  Good idea to separate. We'll be far to easy to notice elsewise.  Be safe and keep your guard up.  

Dwan meets Osvald's eyes, he knew the look from the ranger is the same one he is giving him now, one that he had given to far too many friends. This may be the last time I see you, friend. May your arrows fly straight and your sword swing true. It was an honor and privilege.   With a nod of respect the two break eye contact and the Hales disappear into the camp.  

The remainder of the ride keeps Dwan in a somber mood.  He sits quietly and is lost in thought. He'll make it back, I know it... A sentiment he keeps repeating to himself until the sounds of loud arguing breaks his concentration.  

**SLAM** Something big slams into the side of the wagon. A second later another slam hits harder and Dwan sees the tip of a pickaxe protruding from the inside of the cart.  He looks around and sees a near empty wagon, with Pimli jumping down from the opening.

"Let's move.  Keep out sight or try to blend in somehow, yeah?"

Dwan grabs the dirty canvas covering that is caked with dust from the ore, hops out of the wagon and throws it over his body, like a cloak. With that motion he follows the rest of the group to the front of the building where they meet with Kellar.  

We have to move fast if we are to rendezvous with the Hales on time. As he is scanning he can see Custer looking at his surroundings and securing his gear.  Where are you going master halfling?  We should make for Keisan.

I'm headed to the camp an will meet up with everybody at the tower as agreed, yeah?  I'll use the Fist iffen I get in trouble.

Dwan stops the halfling and checks his pack, looking feverishly for something that he hopes is still there.  His fingers brush against something smooth, he pulls it out knowing that he has the right thing.  The contents of the vile moving interdependently of the swirl of the red liquid.

I know I advised using this against the large number of ogres before, but here we are far from any innocents.  Use this for dire needs only, worst case scenario, we use this as we escape from this camp.  If Keisan gets away, at least we can cripple his forces here.  He pauses You know what this can do, and what kind of danger we would be in if used to early.  Ideally we don't use this at all, but be prepared in case we need to. Dwan tucks the vial into Cuss's things and nods as the two part ways.

Dwan moves inside and reports to Kellar that Cuss has made his way back to the main camp.  Dwan scans the room to see if there is anything of use, or if there are any paths that lead towards the tower. (Perception 18+3 21)

===========================================
Dwan parts with his two friends, and preps Custer to use the vial from the fungal infested water in the worst case scenario to eliminate Keisan's army.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Dwan Bolduum' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 18

[Ao]

[Custer]

The halfling slips away up the foundry road, easily bypassing the goblin and his troll guard in the calamity.

The wind begins to blow coldly, drafting through your overclothes like daggers. It is a quiet, lonely trip up the road...

[...]

After a dozen minutes have passed, Custer rounds a venerable oak tree and comes into view of the camps. At his vantage point, it is nearly impossible to see past the outer rows of tents and wagons that spawn all around the perimeter of the towers.

The black obelisk-like structures glimmer in the moonlight, torches lighting the exterior but not the windows.

Custer approaches from the small hill he stands upon, keenly aware that he's stepped into the house of the enemy...

[Fellowship]

You emerge from the tunnels and see Kellar standing over the abandoned cargo shaft, the remainder of the room having been emptied in the infighting.

Massive piles of ore and wood are strewn about this store room, while the three other lifts have been lowered below.

Artimus can smell the stink of lantern oil, his chest still heaving from the escape he had made. As the rest of the fellowship slipped towards the forges with Dwan, Artimus had deepened the conflict outside with some well-timed Athkatlian gibes at the goblinoids. He would have been well entrenched in the combat if not for the mob of humans that had swarmed past him to engage...

Pimli and Emelious stand by as Kellar begins to lower himself down the cargo shaft. One by one, you follow him down into the dark...

[Custer]

The halfling lingers in the shade beside an enormous great-tent, overlooking a laneway in which wagons trundle past through the muck.

To the side, amidst walls of tents and temporary structures, he sees a grouping of Keisan's men that catch his attention.

Around a fire, a half dozen halflings are sitting, poking at the embers. An empty stew pot sits on its side, filled with clay bowls dirtied by a thick, gruelly dinner.

The halflings are sitting about, talking idly.

And then Custer recognizes one.

A bearded, fat halfling with only four fingers on his left hand. Tandy the Butcher sits alongside the others, chewing on a pipe and spitting into the flames. The hin once worked for Lincoln Thickett, and as far as Custer knew was in his employ even recently...

[Fellowship]

You slip down the rope into the dark, descending no more than fifty feet before landing softly on a pile of wood and linen canvass.

You find yourselves in a long hallway, heated by a dozen big forge ovens that line the chamber. You're hidden in the eastern section of this 100-foot wide chamber, overlooking west.

Nearby are some cold ovens, that don't appear to have been used for some time.

To the west, you can see a fifteen dwarves hammering away at enormous anvils, working two-to-a-forge. They sweat heavily, grunting and cursing in a strange tongue unlike any dwarven dialect you have ever heard.

Dwan knows instantly why - as you peer at the dwarves longer, hiding in the shadows, you can see their skin is black as pitch. Dwan knows these to be Duergar...or 'deep dwarves' as the soldiers of the Gold Army called them.

They are a fickle, opportunistic race. And on more than one occasion, Dwan had fought beside them, and against them. Here, however, the situation is even more curious.

Eight orcs patrol between the dwarves, carrying heavy axes above their shoulders. And the Duergar - they are chained to the forges like dogs.

As you watch for longer, you can see that the Duergar are crafting masonry bricks from the ore, about the size of a cobblestone. They are loading them into a wagon, and one of the eight orcs is standing by to carry it out through a passage to the north...

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

Ok guys, situations laid out. Let me know if you have any questions. If you need anything statted out, I'll do so in the case of a fight.

Cheers

Exp: +25

[Dwan Bolduum]

As Dwan reaches the bottom of the cargo shaft he slowly guides the group towards the familiar sound of hammer strikes. As he peaks out to view the workers he stops abruptly and holds up his hand. He tells the group of the orc guards, and advises caution when peeking out.

Once everyone has taken a look Dwan waves the group back the way they came so that they can discuss.

Those aren't Dwarves out there. Those ugly bastards are Duergar... pausing to see the look of confusion on some of his comrades Deep Dwarves. Normally they are treacherous and territorial, but I don't think that's the case with these. Did you all note the way they are chained up? They are shoddy craftsmen but they are proud of their work, if they were doing something they wanted they wouldn't need to be chained. We can probably use this to our advantage.

Dwan elbows Emelious light heartedly These are prisoners that want to escape.

We should use this to our advantage, but don't be too trusting of the Duergar, they'll betray us if we give them the chance. Try to take out the orcs quickly, and move them in close to the Duergar. They can shoot quills from their beards and I'm sure they won't hesitate to inflict pain on their captors. Don't free them right away, we should bargain information for their freedom.

After giving his plan of action, Dwan looks to the others to see if they have anything else that they would like to add. If not Dwan moves back to the edge and prepares himself for battle.

[Artimus DeLonde]

The frakis between man, orc and goblin rose, heated voices shouting racial epitaphs in various gutteral tongues in the cool air.

Artimus stood amoung the collection of bodies, fueling the fires of conflict until Kellar, Dwan and Pimli disppeared into the unknown interworkings of the forge.

THe Mariner, seeing that the distraction has played it's part deftly backed out of the cluster of angry forms, his eyes darking left and right, shift-il-ly. Mummbing all the while in indistinct tones and partial phrases as he slowly backed through the crowd.

"Yeah- no one listens to us - Nah, We've had enou- He's right we shouldn't stand for - nah nah"

Emerging from the back of the foray, Artimus spun about looking for custers slight frame. he spotted his form heading back to the main camp.
"
He clutched the Krakens fist sending his thoughts through the ether

"Cus- I make for the forge myself,  it looks that I can slip in, good Luck mon ami"

"Kellar, Dwan - I make for the forges- I think I can slip in Where are you?"

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

15 deception
16 stealth

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 12

[Kellar]

"Kellar, Dwan - I make for the forges- I think I can slip in Where are you?"

Kellar listened to Artimus's tinny voice come through his mind. He touched the pendant and replied, "We're in the lower forge area, descend the vacant shaft on the left. Looks like orc and... Dwan called them Doogar? I don't know, some sort of Dwarf. They're black as pitch though. Forced to work. Get here."

Kellar thought for a moment about Dwan's suggestion. "Okay, leave the workers shackled for the time being, and eliminate the threat. The guards weren't summoned to the surface, so this must be important to leave guarded. We'll have to be quick. I'll take the closest one," he said. Golden scales enveloped his frame and he drew Bloodguzzler. (Used Blade Ward)

"When you're all ready and Artimus is here, we go," he said.

[Custer Thickett]

He counted them again.  "One, two... four."  There was no mistake or lie.  It was Tandy.  

It should be no surprise that Halfling mercenaries from Esmeltaran would seek fortune among the likes of Cyric's cult.  The Mad God use to be a Halfling, after all.  Tandy being here screamed to Cuss, though.  He felt his flesh warm and his heart beat quicken.  'I've been looking in the wrong place.  That's why I haven't found em yet.'

She offered another suggestion, 'Might it be more like that he's here because Kesian is look for you?'

'Me?  Why?  He doesn't know my name and we doan have...'  Cuss cut himself off.  'The book.  Anna.'

His blood boiled low.  It didn't matter what of it if any of it was the truth.  Tandy being here had something to do with him, even if it were only that he knew the Hin.  Cuss still had to act, lest one wonder why he's lingering under a tree.

He bought himself more time to think by leaning up against the trunk and lowering the front of his trousers to make water.  No one would second guess a piss.

He couldn't poison the camp.  Not if there was even a slight chance his sister might be here somewhere.  Even if she were in one of the towers, the poisoner's gifts and the pink plague would be indiscriminate once unleashed.

He could just go talk to Tandy, but if Agata was even close to right it would surely mean his capture or death if the Butcher recognized him.  Being the only Halflings here just shared a kettle of stew with him, most like he would.

Cuss took a long look at the group from where he stood shaking dry for stowing away.  Their presence could be an advantage if he were smart about it.  

[Rolling Deception +8]
10 Sad Trombone

[Rolling Perception +1]
21 Natty!
...

Cuss is going to continue walking the camp away from Tandy and his dinner party.  He modifies his disguise slightly to make sure he looks similar in presentation to Tandy's group.  He wishes to appear as one of their number to other members of the camp as he patrols through the tents.  His eyes dart left and right, looking for others he knows or signs that his family might be here.  He also takes notice of any specalized locations such as food storage tents, latrine areas, armories, and commanders.  He keeps a purposeful pace so as to appear he is going somewhere.  If stopped, he will claim to be with Tandy.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 2

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

#2 'D20' : 20

[Ao]

[The Forges]

Kellar, Artimus, Dwan, Emelious and Pimli crouch in the darkened corner of the forgeway, watching as the orcs patrol around. The smell of chemical and the sizzle of enchantery echo through the air, as the duergar hammer away on their magical bricks of black obsidian.

“OLEGHORAASH!” shouts a Duergar, raising his hammer in the air. The chorus is echoed by the dozen other bearded dark-dwarves, clamouring through the forge as something magical in their voices is imbued into their product.

The orcs stand by, seemingly annoyed and accustomed to the outburst. They march forward, holding their axes high and carefully removing the hammered bricks from their arcane anvils. They begin to wheel them out the north passage, in wooden mine carts..

[Custer]

Custer slips back into the shadows, making his way through the tent town cautiously.

Enormous, peaked canvas tents of all make and colour guide him through, almost in a trance. Men sharpen weapons and drink heavily, guiding horses and wagons through the maze.

You can smell pipweed and acrid cinnamon as clouds of narcotic byproduct float through the air lazily.

It smells like the debased halls of a whorehouse, in the open air.

Custer comes to a central area, where the tents coalesce into a clearing of tables. Bards and musicians wander about, screaming bawdy tunes at the tops of their lungs as droves of men (and a few women) piss and drink and shout.

The halfling’s ears prick up though, as he enters the crowd. A private conversation is going on at the fringes…

[Custer, perception]

A tall man with a purple cloak on, and a thick beard, speaks quietly into the ear of a nearby half-orc with a broadsword strapped to his back.

“I heard the high cleric arrives in the morning.”

The orc pauses for a moment, scratching his chin.

“Who’ze ‘e comin’ wit?”

The man whispers quietly again.

“Five hundred men. They’ll be here at daybreak, I’m told. Through one of the dimension gates.”

The orc nods, and the man continues quietly.

“They’re in for that compass. The one Gurdavale and his lot found in that dead orc. Keisan got it locked up in the east tower, in his quarters. Must be important.”

The orc nods again. The man continues.

“Wonder what’ they’re gonna do once the high cleric takes it? They’ll keep a couple’ of us at the camp here. But what…the rest of us go home? Go join Sothis and his lot?”

The orc shrugs.

“Best we get pissed and forget about it.”

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

Ok custer, you’re pretty deep into the camp right now. You’re in an entertainment-focused area. The man speaking to the orc in front of you has finished his conversation.

The rest of you, I’m starting the orcs up in the lair if you plan on jumping them. Give yourselves advantage on your first round of attacks for your ambushing.

EXP: +25

[Custer Thickett]

Might be they are in the towers, no?  Mayhaps not here at all.  Cuss felt disappointment at finding no sign of the other Thicketts, but knew that he shouldn't considering what it would mean if they were here.  He couldn't hope for them to be prisoners after the seeing the temple.  

As the Lady of Luck would have it.  His search for his sister yielded him the location of the compass.  The eavesdropping served to refocus his mind on the larger task at hand.  Finding her would only bring a moment of relief if the realm were destroyed by Cyric's 'high priest.'  

Oiy, the dimensions of that gate must be huge to fit five hundred, yeah?  He looked up and wondered where such a larger portal was hidden in the towers.   He noticed the changing color of the sky and knew he had to keep moving.

[He doesn't know what a dimension gate is.]

He started to reach for the fist under his leather breast plate, but then thought better of it.  He'd have to pull it out to hold, and he knew well the attention a nice gold amulet would bring among such a crowd.  Best he not risk being followed.

His eyes scanned the area, looking for where the ale and food was being served.  He helped himself to an apple in a disorganized pile of fruits.  The skin was slightly wrinkled and had brown spots.  He used a dagger to cut slices and chunks from it as he made his way back through the camp toward where he spotted the Halflings.  He smelled every piece and threw the worst parts away.  What he did manage to eat was somewhat sour in taste, but it wasn't the first over-ripe apple he'd eaten and he was accustom to it.

As he ate he thought on how Traders Glory sailed into Lake Esmel while he fought at the gate.  He glanced up at the towers as he discarded the apple core.  What if she's in the west one?  He was torn.  Tandy was the best lead he had on his family in more than two moons, but he wasn't the type to simply have a casual conversation with.  He'd want to know why Custer was here.  If he were here on his own accord, he could see Custer by himself as a large ransom opportunity.  Either way, Tandy knowing he is here could very well inform Kesian to the fellowship's presence if the masked cleric had worked out his identity.

But then, he thought of the remains of the dead in the brass temple and the toppled royal palace of his city.  He looked back up at the towers.  If his sister were a prisoner here, then he may be her only hope.  Despite everything that had happened, he had made a promise.  He had to take the risk.

Cuss glanced around to make sure he wasn't being followed or watched, then he pulled at his necklace to palm the fist.  To the group, he thought, 'East Tower, as planned.'

Cuss found a shadowed vantage of Tandy's crew.  There he hid, watched, and waited for the four fingered Halfling to split off by himself or with less friends.  Surely he'd have to relieve himself soon.  Cuss looked back up at the sky and hoped he'd have enough time.  

He turned over the dagger in his hand and wondered if he'd have to kill the Butcher to keep his presence secret.  Agata wouldn't like that, but he'd pay any price in blood to make sure his little sister was safe.

He thought of what the half-Orc said.  'Get pissed and forget about it.'  He glanced down at the Poisoner's shiv in his belt, then back up at Tandy's crew.  Might be there is a way...

[Stealth +9]
26

.....

Cuss is trying to wait for a potential opportunity to 'talk' to Tandy.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 17

[Emelious Storm]

“Those aren't Dwarves out there. Those ugly bastards are Duergar…”

Door-what? Guards? Door guards?

The look of confusion on Emelious’ face must have tipped off the druid.

“Deep Dwarves.”

Emelious mouthed the word “Oh”, and nodded his head knowingly. He knew that. Of course he knew that.

He didn’t know that.

Dwan continued, “Normally they are treacherous and territorial, but I don't think that's the case with these. Did you all note the way they are chained up? They are shoddy craftsmen but they are proud of their work, if they were doing something they wanted they wouldn't need to be chained. We can probably use this to our advantage,” the Dwarf elbowed Emelious with a grin, “These are prisoners that want to escape.”

Emelious silently mimes an over the top, “Ha-ha-ha,” then abruptly stops and glares at Dwan.

Not able to keep up the jest, the Half-Elf’s lips break into a smile.

“We should use this to our advantage, but don't be too trusting of the Duergar, they'll betray us if we give them the chance. Try to take out the orcs quickly, and move them in close to the Duergar. They can shoot quills from their beards and I'm sure they won't hesitate to inflict pain on their captors. Don't free them right away, we should bargain information for their freedom.”

“Don’t trust them. Don’t free them. Don’t blow them up... Got it.”

Emelious clips his hand crossbow to his belt, freeing up his hands to retrieve the shield strapped to his back. The cleric begins to fasten the Valkur emblem emblazoned wood to his arm.

“Alright, ready.” Emelious intoned flexing his arm to test the shield’s straps, “Let’s try to take a few out before they come at us. When they do, I’ll work on keeping their attention on me, I feel like dancing.”

With that the Half-Elf’s free hand became wreathed with radiant energy, and he strode forward to launch a divine bolt it at the closest Orc.

[Guiding Bolt vs Orc1 “Randu” (AC 14): 15 + 5 = 20 = Hit! ]
[Radiant Damage = 5+1+5+2 = 13 ]

The unsuspecting Orc is struck in the back and cries out in pain as the divine energy sears into his flesh.

Emelious charges forward as he draws his rapier, stopping ten feet short of his mark.

Then, as genuinely as possible, [Deception: 22], inquires, “Sorry, I’m still learning, but was that Orcish for, ‘Ow, shit. Ow, ow, my back.’?”

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 5, 15

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

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

[Kellar]

“Sorry, I’m still learning, but was that Orcish for, ‘Ow, shit. Ow, ow, my back.’?”

Kellar crashed forward past Emelious as he asked the orc. "Sounds about right!" Said Kellar as he spun Bloodguzzler horizontally through the orc (Randu)! Attack Roll= 10+8= 18: Damage= 5+8= 13 The wash of blood splashed on Kellar's visor, the golden scales absorbed it his strength exceeded his normal limits. (Used daily item power, gain +4 STR). He swished through and brought the Greataxe high above his right shoulder and brought it down on the next orc (Orzag). Attack Roll= 1+9= 10;Damage= Critical Failure! (Used Action Surge)

"Duegar! Assist us and be free! Help the orcs and perish!" Intimidation Roll= 14+4= 18

Kellar swung at Orzag, but the orc ducked below the strike and Kellar's Greataxe struck the cart instead.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 10, 4

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#2 'D12' : 5

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#3 'D20' : 1

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#4 'D12' : 3

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

#5 'D20' : 14

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss covers his mouth to stifle a yawn.

[Ao]

[Custer…]

Custer slinks through the shadows, along a tent. He can hear his breath, his blood rushing in his ears, his heart pounding as he waits and watches.

After a short time, Tandy stands up, tossing his tankard into the fire. He stumbles toward Custer, circling around the brown linen tent and leaning up against a pitched rope.

He drops his trousers, and barely has time to feel his bladder lift before the knife at his throat tells him he’s been had.

Tandy takes a piss involuntarily.

[Fellowship]

The fighting is bloody, but quick.

The fellowship swoops from out of the corners, the herald of Valkur pressing the assault into their ranks before they even know what’s hit them.

Kellar charges past, his blood-smattered axe cleaving and claiming orcs left and right. A magic missile flies over them, sizzling upon the face of a greenskin and dropping it to the ground in an instant.

Dwans fire is the last statement. A cleansing flame ending the altercation decisively.

[…]

The duergar look at you, astonished. Shadows of flame lick across their black faces from the furnaces behind them, the dark dwarves peering at you from the anvils.

Some look relieved, others aghast. This damp, muggy hallway stinks of sulphur and orc blood.

“Derg’anu’agnagaz.”

The words ring out, almost disorienting from a duergar to the far right. Stout and black like pitch, with a long black beard braided through his belt loop.

Dwan hears the words, knowing well the dialect of the deep dwarves.

“Are you saviour? Or mercy?” a duergar proverb, if he’d ever heard one. The stumpy black dawii were known to any who had dealings with the underdark for their fatalistic approach to life.

Kellar scans across the long hall, gazing at the duergar and their strange products. One orc he’d cut down lay slumped against the mine cart, filled with blackened bricks.

The hall to the north was its destination. Looking down the stone hewn passage, it disappears into darkness.

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

Ok guys, couple things.

Happy halloween. I know many of you were busy this week/weekend, myself included. That said, lets have a strong week and get back into the bowels of these things.

What is Keisan cooking up in the darkened forges beneath his towers? What information will tandy yield to custer? Who is this high cleric?

Only time will tell.

I fast-forwarded us through the encounter with the orcs. I figured a nice gory gloss-over was all that was needed. You’ve done plenty of orc-krumping in the past few weeks, and my apologies if this encounter was somewhat uninspired. So, fast-forward it was.

Custer, you have your knife to Tandy's throat. He's at your mercy.

Let’s rock and roll

EXP: +25 each

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan had heard the reply countless times before... he knew many a dwarf on the wrong side of it.

"Agnagaz akh dômar" Mercy is for the weak... Dwan replies to the Duergar almost at a shout. Dwan's hand quivers in rage as he grips his hammer tight. Dwan knows this rage too well, the rage of a soldier that made it out alive, when so many of his friends fell. If the red rage had come, they would already be dead. They deserve it don't they? He nearly draws his hammer free but a hand on his shoulder dissipates the rage.

"Jok etal dômar" You are not weak he grumbles through gritted teeth. He quickly performs a scan of the Duergar seeing if he recognizes anything familiar about these, any tatoos or signs that they belong to the Army of Steel.

Dwan continues speaking in dwarven to the prisoners, he proceeds to translate his questions and their answers to his group. Any questions that they have Dwan will translate to the Duergar. What is your name? he asks to the Duergar to the right. What is the purpose of these bricks that they are having you forge? How long have they kept you here?

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

Dwan starts acting like a translator and starts questioning the Duergar.

[Kellar]

Orbaugh, look for shinies. The pseudodragon hopped down and began moving through the darkness, looking for anything of value on the dead orcs. Perception Roll= 18+4= 22

Kellar looked through the carts and checked the weight of the bricks. He'd already collected a few ingots. Perhaps I can take one of these with me of they're good for armor. I'll have to ask. He listened to Dwan speak to the blackened dwarves and translate to common tongue.

In between translations Kellar asked, "The ingots, er, bricks? Can they be repurposed for armor or weapons?" Kellar waited for the response before hefting a brick from the cart.

After Dwan finishes talking with the dwarves: "What do you want to do with them? Take them with? Escort them to the perimeter of camp and set them free? Find rations and water and let them escape?"

Kellar will contact Custer via pendant: Custer, liberated Duegar dwarves. Found a path that leads deep, beyond the forges. Might be a way into the tower to Keisan. Make your way here to the forges.

Actions:
Perception for Orbaugh: 22
Stealth for Kellar: 22
Marching order- Kellar as rear guard with Duegar if they come with.
Kellar will be mid guard if the Duegar do not come with.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 17, 18

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

#2 'D20' : 17

[Emelious Storm]

Orbaugh was checking for useful items on the fallen Orcs. Kellar was inspecting the bricks. Dwan was questioning the Door Guards.

Emelious was, well... standing around. The Half-Elf sheathed his rapier and strode over to a body Orbaugh already checked. Emelious patted it down to double check, before dragging it to the nearest furnace.

"I am most sorry," Emelious intoned, "I don't know your preference on funeral rites, but..." Emelious rolled the body into the furnace, "I hope it's cremation."

Emelious continued this process with the other Orcs; double checking for useful items, dragging them to a furnace, and rolling the body in.

When he was done he noticed a few of the others were staring at him. "What? Did you want to say a few words?"

[Dwan Bolduum]

"What do you want to do with them? Take them with? Escort them to the perimeter of camp and set them free? Find rations and water and let them escape?"

Dwan nods to Kellar and turns towards the Duergar.

In Dwarven: Do you know of a way to escape here through the underground? Do you know if any of the chimneys go further underground? And better yet, do you notice any weaknesses in the foundation of this structure?

[Ao]

The Duergar look at you, gazing at Dwan as he speaks in their tongue. The Druid scans the deep dwarves, looking for signs of recognition. But this particular sect, he is unfamiliar with.

The fiery forges make an eerie backdrop to the bearded black-skins, who look at one another. Finally, the Duergar that spoke previously steps forward, grabbing hold of his beard and running his hands through it nervously.

Dwan translates;

"This is not our place. We are prisoners of the laughing mask." He says, looking at his kin.

"We are the hammerseers of the dark lake, makers and imbuers. They stole us from our place in castle Kaskurdezzok, in the deep deep. And here we toil, building the...portals."

The Duergar rattles the chains that bind him to the anvil.

"We want only to return home. The bricks we make are not for armour or blade. They are heavy, much too heavy. We build portals across the deeps with them, many magicks in the stone. For months we make them, building portals for far and wide. Only I, Askaduz, can lay them."

He bows, clearly reverent of his work.

"You seek the laughing mask? The tunnel there-" he points north ... "To his tower. He comes often to see our progress. Every week. And tomorrow, the big army comes through the red gate. Hundreds of men from Archidezzar. The drow city... Under.... Tethar? Tethyr? A land of men and elves."

Askaduz looks at you earnestly.

"You free Askaduz and all hammerseers. And we show you the way to the laughing mask."

He holds up his shackles.

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

Exp:+25

[Emelious Storm]

Having finished up “laying the Orcs to rest”, Emelious strides over to the entrance. He does his best to act casual as he leans up against the wall and adopts a bored and disinterested demeanor. Whistling lightly to add to the effect.

Just a guard. Just a door guard. Just a door guard guarding the door guards.

…

I should probably ask how that is actually pronounced.


----

[Emelious assumes a post near the entrance, and keeps his eyes and ears open for anyone approaching.]

[Perception: 6 + 6 = 12 ]

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 6

[Kellar]

"If it's all the same to you we should free them after we dismantle the portals in the tower. They need to be broken and unusable. Dwan, ask him if we can disable them or he needs to do it," said Kellar.

Orbaugh climbed on Kellar's shoulder and nuzzle him. Master, thunder-man move and burn orcses. Kellar nodded and pat Orbaugh on the side and he walked to Emelious. "I assume you took care of the bodies to not leave a trace of our presence. That's some good thinking," said Kellar as he clapped him on the shoulder.

"Orbaugh, keep an eye out for Custer. He should be here any moment." Kellar browsed the pseudodragon's findings (from previous post, what'd he find for spoils?)

If Dwan is in agreement and we free the Duegar, Kellar will remove their shackles.

If Askaduz knows how to dismantle the portals, Kellar suggests that be the next order of business.

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan's guard seems to diminish slightly at the introduction from Askaduz. The look of these Duergar shows a group that are not accustomed to fighting, These are craftsmen

Dwan expresses this sentiment to Kellar and the rest of the group.

If you are the one who layed down the brick, do you know a way to destroy the structure? Is there a weakness that we can take advantage of?

Dwan gathers the keys from one of the guards and moves towards the Duergar. Once he gets the answer from Askaduz he starts to remove the shackles from the Duergar prisoners.

Gather any weapons that you can use to defend yourself with... Show us the way to the laughing mask.

[Custer Thickett]

"Shhhh.  Seems ya've been caught with ya pants down, Tandy."  

"No need to go turning around or calling out to ya friends.  I'm looking for the Thicketts.  Jus tell me what ya know of their whereabouts, and I'll leave ya to it."  Cuss relaxes the blade on the Halfling's neck slightly to let him speak.  "Be quick about it, yeah?"

[Rolling Intimidation +2]
20

Cuss hears Kellar in his mind, and stops Tandy, "Wait."  

Once Kellar finishes, Cuss ask him to continue, "Ok, lets have it."

[ there will probably be some back and forth questions, but after that... ]

"I spect that'll do.  Ya just go back to doing what ya were going to do.  Count to forty before ya pull ya pants back up and walk back over.  Don't turn around, yeah?"  Cuss then slowly pulls his arm back around Tandy and starts to back up, watching to make sure the Butcher doesn't turn on him.

Once he is a good ten or twelve paces away, he turns and dashes through the camp.  He zigzags between a few tents to make sure Tandy doesn't have a clear line of sight if he turns around.  Only then does he slow his pace and glance about to make sure he didn't draw too much attention.

He scratches at his neck to rest a finger on the Fist as he thinks back to Kellar, We suppose to meet the Hales outside, yeah?  I found out that it's in his room, and he has big friends coming to get it.

Cuss glances at the sky to try to get an idea of how much more time he has before dark.  He looks to the east tower, then scans the perimeter of the camp for signs of the Hales.  He walks back toward the wagons to see how the fight turned out.

[Perception +1]
5

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 18

[Custer Thickett]

Perception

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 4

[Pimli Prixus]

Laying in the back if the wagon with his friends, Pimli reaches out with his senses to Skurr. The Gnomes eyes blacken to that of a raven as he begins seeing and hearing the world through his familiar.

The airial view of the encampment shocks him back into his body, a silence falls over the Gnome, this gathering of the mad is getting to him, stifling his usual jovial nature and causing his thoughts to jumble.

He follows his companions in his strange silence. Feeling oppressed by the very essence of this place.

He vaguely remembers a battle with Orcish guards in a subterranean forge. His motions mechanical, lashing out at the green skins. After a time he notices Dwan talking with a group of chained Ashen skinned Dwarves.

Duergar, they look just as Magus Harenvuul described them. That was a much simpler time, before I seen the armies of Madness gathering.

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

"...portals." the words reverberate in Pimli's ears snapping him out of it.

"Portals? That kind of power shouldn't be in the hands of these mad fools! We need to find a way to destroy them!"

Thinking to himself Bricks are a thing of man, a structure built by people, even Dwarven archetecture has it's flaws. We just need to find the right spot to strike.

Pimli walks over to Emelious's side and tries to hold himself up to look tough. [Deception to hide is fear from his companions d20+0=7]

He feels as if he's doing a good job mimicking a tough guy posture, when a shiver rakes his body betraying his true mood.

We're going to find out what horrors have been brought here in the Mad Gods name, one way or another....

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 7

[Ao]

[Custer]

Tandy stutters, his tongue tripping over itself as theres a moment of gruelling, salival silence.

He stammers, "The...who..." and then catches himself as Custer tightens the blade upon his throat.

"I haven't seen em, I swear it. Not since Esmeltaran. They left on that galleon o' his - Thickett and the girl. The young one. The shadows said he sailed for Athkatla. I don't know why, or why they let him. That's all I know!"

You're reasonably sure he's telling the truth. Tandy was always a coward.

Custer turns and heads for the forges...

[Fellowship]

Askaduz looks at Kellar, nodding his head slowly as the Dragoon lays his plan. He speaks in his harsh Duergar tongue, Dwan translating along the way.

"The portals are mortared with the weave. They are nearly indestructible. Only the hammerseers can dismantle them. And Askaduz will, but only after you free us."

He stares at you, a hard gaze.

"Once our shackles have been thrown off, we will do this for you."

Up above, you can hear the distant sounds of voices. It sounds like the orcs and trolls have re-entered into the tunnels above.

Suddenly, you hear a soft thud. Looking to the east, the outline of a halfling comes into view.

It's Custer Thickett, of course.

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

ok guys, party is reunited. What are you doing with these dark dwarves? Letting them go? Heading north?

Let me know fellas

EXP: +25

[Custer Thickett]

Immediately pinching his nose shut, Cuss squeaks a question, "Oiy, Dwan, Ya've really gone and stunk up the place, yeah?"  

He glances around the room, lingering a curious stare at Askaduz before turning his attention to the smoldering Orcen corpses in the furnaces.  He points at one as it begins to shrivel and burn, "Might be they going to smell that."  Cuss thrust his chin toward the shaft behind him, motioning the meaning of 'they.'

He lifts his bag from the ground beside him, the source of soft thud the others had heard, and slings it over his back.  He approaches the group, "It's in Kesian's bed chamber.  Heard that's the top of the East Tower.  We need be quick about it before his friends get here, yeah?"  

Cuss stops and looks at Kellar, then to the Duegar around him, and back to Kellar.  "New friends?

....

Deferring decisions for now.  Stealth for travel.  16  Cuss would want to be in the lead as scout with the absence of Osvald, but understands if following Askaduz as a guide.

If told about the gate leading to the Drow city, Cuss would propose a crazy idea along the lines of grabbing the Compass and making our escape through the door, then destroying it and making our way to the surface from the Drow city's gate.  It is crazy and unexpected enough that if unseen, Kesian would have no idea where to find us.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 7

[Emelious Storm]

"Oiy, Dwan-”

“Ahh,” Emelious jumps, nearly sliding down the wall.

Custer had appeared without warning.

Emelious made a poor door guard.

“Ya've really gone and stunk up the place, yeah?"

The Halfling points to one of the orc crematoriums. “Might be they going to smell that.”

“He did it.” Emelious points to Kellar, but when the warrior crosses his arms the Half-Elf’s finger keeps moving, traveling over Artimus who rolls his eyes, then Dwan who tilts his head reproachfully, and Pimli who just stares at him blankly. Out of people to blame, his finger slowly starts to turn to point at Custer, who shakes his head with a grin. Emelious finally conceding defeat, shamefully points to his own face.

“So... what did you-”

"It's in Kesian's bed chamber.  Heard that's the top of the East Tower.  We need be quick about it before his friends get here, yeah?"  

“Uh… Yeah. Yes. Let’s do that."

Custer’s face suddenly takes on a quizzical expression as he takes note of the Door Guards for the first time. “New friends?”

“Yes. Well maybe. I don’t know," Emelious steals a glance at one of the furnaces and scratches his head, "I’ve kind of been busy...”

The Half-Elf turns to Dwan, "Yah?"

[Kellar]

Kellar looked at Askaduz. Insight Roll= 10+1= 11

"Very well. Custer! Just in time, I'll need your help with their shackles," said Kellar. Kellar extended his hand. "Form up in a line, it'll make this go quick."

Kellar looked at Emelious pointing at him when Custer asked about the smell. He stood tall and crossed his arms. Practical joker. We need some levity, all things considered.  As Custer worked on the shackles, he spoke with Dwan. "I think our first order is the portals, then obtain what we came here for. We may need to take Askaduz and his kin with us to ensure their safety. What do you think?" Kellar waited for a response while checking over his gear.

"Any other ideas while we're here and have a moment?"

[Kellar]

Insight roll.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 10

[Pimli Prixus]

“Ya've really gone and stunk up the place, yeah?" The Halfling points to one of the orc crematoriums. “Might be they going to smell that.”

“He did it.” Emelious points to Kellar

Archidezzar, that's where Dwan said the portals lead. Archidezzar, I don't remember it from any of the lectures. Emelious points towards the gnome but he continues staring into space stuck with his thoughts The Maguses always went on and on about Menzoberranzan, but never about this Archidezzar. A hidden Drow city? hmmmmmm

Pimli begins scratching his chin and tapping his foot as he thinks. A few words break his concentration, Kesian, East Tower, Friends, Shackles. The words fitting together into some kind of incoherent sentence spoken by he multi headed beast, the thought of a large humanoid with multiple heads one for each of his companions makes Pimli giggle.

What could they be hiding in a hidden Drow city? Why are the Drow working with for the Mad God? Hundreds of men every week come through. The supply lines need to be cut off, destroying the portals will close off retreat and stop reinforcements.

"I think our first order is the portals, then obtain what we came here for. We may need to take Askaduz and his kin with us to ensure their safety. What do you think?" Kellar says to the group.

"Yes! if we close the portals we close off retreat and stop the threat of more forces coming through. I know we have a task that must be accomplished here, but we need to deal with this threat." Pimli stops and looks at each of his companions, "If this army is allowed to keep growing it could grow to be unstoppable, that is something that can't be allowed. Cyrics minions can't be allowed to have this kind of power" the gnome again looks to each of his new friends the glimmer of mischief in his eyes and a large smile painted across his face.

"Besides it'll be fun to see an Arcane portal implode."

Pimli keels over with laughter and exhaustion. He knows this day isn't even close to over, it'll be long before he can rest his tired feet, but he's determined to see what will happen next.

[Ao]

*CHINK*

As the last pair of manacles falls from the wrist of a duergar, Emelious turns from his vantage point at the mouth of the passageway.

The chamber is beginning to stink violently, smoke wafting through the anvil-adorned forge with a sickening stench of burning flesh and cauterizing innards.

The duergar cover their noses, peering at you from the darkened corners of the room, as firelight reflects off of their whitened eyes.

“Araghusak” says Askasuz, Dwan quickly translating.

“Time to go.”

Up ahead, you can hear the toiling of the trolls and orcs beginning once again. And then some shouts.

Perhaps they’ve smelled the stench. Or perhaps the calls to their labouring counterparts below have gone unanswered for too long. In any case, Askaduz appears to be right.

It is time to move.

[…]

You hasten down the narrow hallway, worn with grooves from the iron wheels of the minecarts. The stone is filthy, and the air filled with sediment and dust. It is hard to breathe, and the air is hot down here.

The duergar follow you obediently, Custer leading the way like a spectre. [Stealth]

It is not five minutes before you emerge into the portal room…

This chamber is easily 100 feet in diameter, shaped octagonally and vaulted high into the ceiling of the cavern. You emerge from the southern passage, and can see another passage across the room, to the north.

A series of small staircases lead down to varying levels. Plateaus, you might call them. And upon those plateaus, are arced portals in varying states of completion.

The ebony-black bricks are strewn about the place, waiting in queue next to half-finished portal arcs.

You can see that only three portals have actually been completed. They crackle and sizzle with a deep, royal blue hue. Even from where you stand, the ten-foot-tall archways catch your attention in a mesmerizing fashion.

“Basungaz Adulatta Ur’Kahul.” says Askaduz, motioning for his duergar to follow him. They break from the party, heading down towards one of the central portals.

Dwan translates;

“Come brothers, you know the words. Let us end this madness.”

You watch them head down to the portal, when suddenly you can hear a sound coming from the passageway you just traversed. The sound of footsteps, not far behind you. Something has followed you…

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

Ok guys, the duergar are beginning to form up in a circle, all fifteen of them putting their hands on the stones. Askaduz pulls out his hammer, holding it high above his head…

And you can hear something - or some things following you from down the passageway.

Let me know:

Where you’re standing
What you’re doing

EXP: +25

Kellar: On the guards previous, you find mundane items and weapons (axes, maces, all crude) and 19 gold pieces each. You also find a series of bone talismans on one - they look superstitious in nature.

Here is a rough map of the area…



ASKADUZ

[Kellar]

Kellar collected the bone talisman and all the gold pieces from the dead orcs. Nice chunk of change. He followed the others down the hall to the portals. He saw three active with a rich hue. The Duegar dispersed and went to work right away. Dwan translated. Instinctively, Kellar's body covered in golden scales (Blade Ward), and then he heard it... "Behind us. We have company," said Kellar. "Dwan, ask how long that takes!"'

Kellar moved in front of the hallway and waited for the encroaching enemy. "Emelious. Some thunder is in order, on my mark," he said. Kellar pointed to the left side of the opening. "Wait there, when you see the first boots, send them flying back down the hallway. Someone with fire, engulf the hallway after Emelious deafens and sends them afar. Any other plan to hold them off, I'm all ears," said Kellar as he drew Bloodguzzler.

Actions:

Kellar will stand in the center of the hallway leading into the chamber. He offers up thunder and fire into the hallway to make a choke point. If people agree to his plan he'll stand at the ready. If there is a different plan he will follow that plan and adjust accordingly.

[Pimli Prixus]

“Basungaz Adulatta Ur’Kahul.” the lead Duergar says to the others, as the group of them head up towards the center portal. Pimli trailing behind them, watching every action, every movement the Deep Dwarves make trying to see every aspect of the ritual they're about to perform.

"Behind us. We have company," said Kellar. "Dwan, ask how long that takes!"'

From the top of the center plateau Pimli turns around towards where Kellar spoke from, listening carefully he hears the sounds of pursuit coming from the tunnels the fellowship just emerged from.

Skurr perch on one of the non-functioning portals, keep watch the telepathic bond he shares with the familiar tingles as a thought emerges in his mind Skurr watch Master The Raven taking off in flight and landing upon a near by stone structure.

"Emelious. Some thunder is in order, on my mark," he said. Kellar pointed to the left side of the opening. "Wait there, when you see the first boots, send them flying back down the hallway. Someone with fire, engulf the hallway after Emelious deafens and sends them afar. Any other plan to hold them off, I'm all ears," said Kellar drawing his Great Axe

"I'll guard the Duergar from here, if whatever it is breaks your line I'll try to stop it before it can disrupt the ritual" Pimli says loudly to the group.

Standing there at the ready, staff raised, Pimli smiles down towards the entrance way, the spark of anger in his eyes.

"I won't be able to see the weaves of magic form, so I'll be sure to make a few of my own"

Giggling the Gnome awaits the unknown.

================================================
Pimli readies himself for battle up near where the Duergar ritual is being performed.

[Emelious Storm]

"Emelious. Some thunder is in order, on my mark,” Kellar pointed to the left of the opening, “Wait there, when you see the first boots, send them flying back down the hallway. Someone with fire, engulf the hallway after Emelious deafens and sends them afar. Any other plan to hold them off, I'm all ears.”

Emelious strokes his chin as he looks to the passageway and then to the portals. Hmm...

The Half-Elf mutters a prayer under his breath, and the ground begins to tremor.  Then, taking a big breath he yells down the passage, “Run! The portals are unstable! They’re going to explode!”

[Deception: 15 + 6 = 21 (with or without advantage)]

At the least that might make them hesitate. Every second counts. Alright then.

“And for any that doesn’t deter… Well, it’s not thunder, but it will certainly send them flying back.”

Emelious starts twirling his hand at the wrist, while chanting quietly to himself. Nearby dust begins to swirl around his digits, making the churning air visible to the eye.

----

-Emelious used Thaumaturgy to make the ground tremor for 1 minute to give credence to his ruse.
-Emelious readied Gust of Wind and will aim it down the passageway at any encroaching hostilities.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 15

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

#2 'D20' : 10

[Ao]

A fierce wind begins whipping around the antechamber, as the portals begin to glow furiously.

You maneuver yourselves into defensive positions, your attention drawn to the hallway traversed previously. Only Emelious approaches, his holy symbol extended before him…

Meanwhile, Pimli jumps down near where the duergar are performing their hammersmith’s ritual. Askaduz raises his hammer up, shouting to some god above. Or perhaps, below.

The other duergar join arms, chanting in the ceremony…

Emelious approaches the tunnel, the ground tremoring beneath him. Thaumaturgy sends shockwaves through the floor, causing sediment to rain down from the cavernous mouth of the passage.

Any normal creature, with a blossoming modicum of intellect, might have been cowed by the affront.

But then, the cleric sees the source of the noise. Two enormous, lumbering beasts are moving at full tilt down the cavern, their arms dragging beside them. His half-elf vision can see plainly what manner of confrontation assails them this day.

Two hideous trolls, their long hair draped over their skulls in a disgusting, mussed crown.

They charge, mouths open, clearly ready for battle whatever the odds…

The chanting of the duergar continues behind you…

Emelious braces himself, calling upon a gust of wind! Valkur hears the call, the elements conjuring about the devout worshipper and whistling down the tunnel violently!

[Gust of wind vs. Trolls = SUCCESS!]
[8 & 8…dammittttt -ao]

The blast tears through the assailants, throwing the lumbering trolls back like rag dolls through the air. They land hard upon the floor of the cavern, crashing against boulders and rocks.

[6 damage to Troll 1 for the fall, 5 damage to Troll 2]

It is an encouraging sight, and though the Trolls are scrambling to their feet, you’ve bought yourselves a moment for preparation -

[Pimli]

Pimli watches from the depression in the chamber, alongside the duergar. His eyes follow Emelious and his movements, looking for the dragoon who would surely join the fight.

Suddenly, Skurr’s voice echoes in his ear…

(((They go, master. They go!)))

Adrenaline floods Pimli’s body as he turns round, watching as the active portal blazes and the duergar begin to step in, disappearing from the room. Askaduz looks into the gnomes eyes defiantly.

“Farewell.” says the duergar, in common. A sneer upon his face.

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

Ok guys, trolls are charging down the tunnel and will be upon you next turn. Ill allow melee’ers to engage them this turn for the initiative, and ranged weapons to be fired without penalty, because of Emelious’ maneuvering of the foes through gust of wind.

Pimli is standing near the duergar as they jump through the portal. They’re clearly bailing on you.

Pimli, if you want to try and tackle Askaduz or another duergar, Ill allow it because of Skurr’s warning (you said he was keeping watch from a perch.)

That said, I’ll need an opposed STR check, and so you’ll need to beat a…12. Dammit. My freaking dice literally just rolled THREE 8’s in a row. WTF.

no one else is eligible to help Pimli with the duergar this round. No one else said they’d be near the duergar, and though Ill allow pimli to cry out and alert you guys, you won’t be able to act on it until next round

Good luck

EXP: +25
Ao

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