Re: Chapter Four

[Pimli Prixus]

Askaduz looks at the gnome pleadingly…

I cannot teach the techniques of the hammerseers in mere moments! It would take decades. Centuries, perhaps. No, gnome…no amount of threat or coercion can teach you the ways of interruption.

Pimli hears the dark dwarfs words, but his mind turns in a different way…

[Pimli - Arcana check results]

The ways of interruption… The words turn over in his head, and the party can watch Pimli deep in thought. Indeed, Askaduz’s pleadings have been drowned out by the flurry of thinking going on in that tiny skull.

Pimli had heard of interruptive magic before. Magic so volatile, that it would terminate its own conjuration, causing the weave to recede instantly. He had never practised it…but had seen it practised, by a former mentor of his.

Looking at the swirling portal, the gnome knows that attempting a ritual of this variety with initiate-level experience in the study would be foolish! Deadly, most likely! But still…perhaps…possible.

Thinking to himself, he misses what happened with the Duergar, he's to deep in thought thinking about the ways of interruption.

Pimli turns to his companions. "This ways of interruption he spoke of, I've seen it before. The pulling apart of an active weave is above my skill level, but I believe I can do it." He remembers Magus Erimas slicing apart spells as they're cast, pulling apart active spells cast by other, he tries to remember the hand gestures and the spoken components. He remembers seeing it back fire and exploding back in wave when the Magus failed.  Magus Erimas was in a coma for a month after being hit with the Arcane backlash.

With worry in his eyes, he smiles as best as he can. "It's foolish, this could be disastrous, but I need to try."

I just can't mess this up like Magus Erimas did, no second chances here. I'm going to need to get it right the first time Determination replaces the worry in his eyes. he will do this, he will be successful, he will not fail, he hasn't experienced enough of the world to leave it yet!

"Anyone have any ideas to get me to safety in case this goes wrong?" He listens still mentally going over what his teachers did to perform this ritual.

---------------------------------------------
After the group is out of the chamber
---------------------------------------------

Skurr I need you're assistance, help me pick these weaves apart safely, come rest on my shoulder

The familiar flies from its perch on one of the inactive portals, and lands lightly on the Gnomes shoulder.

[[Skurr help Master]]

Pimli closes his eyes and says a silent prayer to Savras, hoping that Fate favors him on this day. Using the gestures he remembers, making what he believes are the correct incantations, he begins picking apart the weaves, as carefully as he can, one thread at a time.

[Arcana to use "the ways of interruption", advantage from Skurrs help action, d20+6:CRIT = SUCCESS!]

As he pulls at the last thread of the weave, he gives Kellar the word. Watching his work as he joins the Dragoon in flight.

=======================================================
Tell the group that I think I can close the portals
Ask for ideas on how to keep me safe if it goes wrong
Try to pull apart the active weaves of magic with Skurrs help
EDIT: gave Kellar the word to get me to safety

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 7, 20

[Kellar]

"This ways of interruption he spoke of, I've seen it before. The pulling apart of an active weave is above my skill level, but I believe I can do it."

"I would guess you have moments after it is interrupted? Okay. Here is what we can do," said Kellar. He removed two lengths of chain from his pouch and connected one end of the carabiner to his clockwork belt. He took the other length and fashioned a harness of the chain and slipped it over Pimli's torso. "This will hold you, it won't break your back (happened to someone I knew). So, when you tell me you are ready and the weaves start to unbind, I will dash toward the tunnel where Custer went. As I pass you, I will leap and tow you along. Sound good?"

Kellar stood by as Pimli worked on the weave. As soon as Pimli gave him the word he dashed for the northern tunnel. When passed Pimli by ten feet, he crouched low and leapt! (Used Jump Spell) The chain snapped the clockwork belt into place and he yanked Pimli through the air behind him. (Athletics Roll= 16+8= 24; Success!) (Dexterity Roll= 1+6= 7; Fail?)

.......

Kellar received the communication from Custer and replied, Two guards for a large gate, shouldn't be trouble, be ready to assassinate them. Pimli is uncoupling the weave, could be catastrophic. Be ready.

Actions:
Dexterity Roll to Catch, and Strength Roll to tugboat Pimli through the air.
Advantage from "Helping" Pimli move after uncoupling the weave?

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 3, 16

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

#2 'D20' : 1

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus saw the dire action being prepared.

Kellar attached a failsafe line to the bold Gnomish arcanist as he set about manipulating the weave.

"I am going to go zee how Cuzter and Emeliouz are faring- Good luck Mon ami"

Artimus nodded to Kellar and Dwan, taking the opportunity to put some distance between himself and the untested magics.
=============
Stealth 1d20+6

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 17

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan's face is plastered with a comical grin, to some they may fear it's the red fungus taking control, but on the inside Dwan is just proud of his work.

The faint slap of feet echo through the halls, Dwan knew it was only a matter of time before more servants of the laughing mask appear. Dwan looks to his companions and places his feet on the torso of Askaduz.

It looks like he gave you enough of a hint, Pimli. With a look of reluctance on his face and a rough shove of his foot, Dwan pushes Askaduz's flailing body through the portal.

Do your best, wizard, he says as he gathers his gear and takes off in the direction of the others.

As Dwan makes his way towards the group, he sees Emelious's hand signal that enemies are ahead. He slows and waits with the group.

==============================================
Dwan kicks Askaduz through the portal and goes to meet up with the rest of the party.

[Ao]

Pimli approaches the portal, the mad gibbering of the duergar beneath his boots. The fellowship exits to the north of the chamber, Kellar’s chain dragging behind him menacingly.

Coldly, with the racial hate of a thousand generations, the duergar goes sailing through the portal at the hands of Dwan.

All is silent.

The fellowship gradually retreats up the northern passageway, until the scraping of chain on stone stops, and Pimli is alone in front of the enormous, swirling portals…

He raises his hands, trying to recall the words that Magus Erimas used...

[…]

Emelious slides in beside Custer, followed quietly by Artimus and Dwan. The group makes almost no sound as they sidle up, the two orcs coming into view.

They stand with an unnatural discipline for green skins, a race usually prone to lackadaisical sentryhood and bantering. These two well-muscled creatures stand at attention, armoured in a full suit of iron plate mail that leaves only the slightest of gaps across their eyes.

Coldly, they stare forward, their Cyrician tabards unflapping. It is as if they rest in a meditative, or reverent stance.

Their halberds are clutched tightly to their chests, though you can see they also carry longswords at their sides. Enormous shields hang from clenched fists.

Clearly, they protect some vital passageway in this cavern beneath the Twin Towers of the Eternal Eclipse…

[…]

Pimli’s fingers begin to glow. He can feel the pressure of the weave baring down upon him, as he opens himself up to the arcana. Swirls of purple and blue begin to flash in his mind, as the delicate domain of Mystra opens its floodgates…

[Pimli, Arcana check…]

All at once, the passages of time and space collapse into the tiny gnome. A lesser wizard would crumble at this new sensation, rent apart like a doll in a thunderous sea of mana.

But Pimli…

Pimli knows the weave. He knows it well.

He raises his hand calmly, and with scarcely more than a tremor, the three portals blink out of existence. Completely severed from the strings of mana.

He opens is eyes, basking in the mastery of this nearly impossible task. Archmages had torn themselves asunder, impaled on the fickle strands of the arcane as they dove too deep. Today, Pimli had proven something.

In solitude, he stands. And then -

*WHOOOOOOOSH*

Unceremoniously, Kellar’s chain tightens and the tiny gnome goes flying through the air, ass over teakettle.

He slams into the dragoon, who is wholly unprepared to receive him. And they fall to the ground in a messy heap.

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

Hahaha. That was awesome guys.

+50 EXP for the hilarity of that scene
+250 EXP to all of you for Pimli’s balls, and the awesomeness of his magic

+25 for posting

The two guards stand at the ready. Custer, I’ll allow you to approach them completely unnoticed. Your roll was so good, that you’d practically have to do a cartwheel in front of them for them to notice you.

So, position yourself anywhere you like in the room

-Ao

[Pimli Prixus]

The shimmering pools of mana held by the portals erupt in a torrent, filling the Gnomes body with the power of the ages. Time seems to stop, all there Pimlis world has been reduced to the sensation of being filled to over flowing with the arcane. What seems like a century passes as the Gnome lifts his little hand, decades pass as he makes the scissoring motion with his fingers, and then stillness.

The flood of arcane stops. Pimli looks from the now inert archways to his hand in disbelief. "I did it" he whispers to himself, then louder "Kellar it's....."

CLINK

At the sound of his name the Dragoon leapt into action, pulling the chain tight and sending the Gnome flying through the air. Soaring weightless from the force of Kellars jump, tumbling as he goes, he catches the occasional glimpse of the archways still disbelieving what he's done.

CRASH

Pimlis body slams into the cave wall forcefully. From the ground he looks up at Kellar with a huge smile on his dirty face. "I did it, the portals are closed. Thank you for watching out for me."

The Gnome stands up, and picks up his staff. He lightly dusts himself off, not wanting to perform his usual trick so soon after holding so much Arcane power.

Skurr are you ok? Pimli using his bond to communicate with his familiar. ((Master fly like Skurr! Skurr come Master)) The Raven swoops down the tunnel from the portal room and lands gently on Pimlis shoulder.

He makes one more look towards the portal room before looking down the tunnel where the rest of his friends are waiting. "Shall we catch up?"

Pimli begins walking down the tunnel as carefully and quietly as he can, thinking to himself about if he used up the last of his luck on this day

[Stealth roll to travel silently d20+3:9 = Fail?]

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 6

[Kellar]

Dirt and debris flew out from under Kellar's boots as he launched himself toward the northern passage. He'd barely heard Pimli say a word, and they were both airborne. Kellar's visor was closed, he didn't look back in case the explosion was blinding.

Orbaugh peeked out and felt the breeze roll across his face. Wheeeeeee!!!!! He looked back and saw Pimli flying just behind them rotating like a pinwheel in the spring breeze. Orbaugh awkwardly raised the corners of his maw showing his teeth. He was smiling.

Kellar landed on his feet and he skidded to a halt. He turned in time to watch Pimli roll and crash like a gnome-sized cannonball. "WHUFF!!"

Kellar quickly uncounted the chain from his belt and moved to Pimli. The gnome righted himself and Kellar unbound the chain from him.

"I did it, the portals are closed. Thank you for watching out for me."

"It was no problem. It was a brave thing you did, I could not leave you to your fate, if it would have gone wrong," said Kellar. He finished spooling the chain and dropped in his pouch. "There are two guards ahead, Custer has scouted. I'm ready when you are." Kellar removed his lance and began moving down the hall.

Actions:
Stealth Roll= 4+6= 10

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 4

[Emelious Storm]

As the party gathers in the darkness, they attempt to form a plan through the use of mimed hand signals. Custer was in the middle of communicating what seemed something like, "the orcs don't like pasta" when Artimus helpfully remembered they could communicate silently through their pendants.

----

"I think we should try to get them away from the doors, we don't know what's beyond them. Uh... you guys hide. Oh, right. Well step one complete. Now, I'll..."

Emelious back tracks a few steps along the wall to make it look as if he was just now coming down the tunnel, he breaks into a run, and appears out of breath.

"Intruders! Intruders in the portal room! Come quick!"

[Deception: 8 + 6 = 14 ]

Emelious turns to run back down the tunnel.

The Half Elf figured that even if they didn't believe him they'd probably still follow. It would just hurt more.

----

Emelious tries to draw the Orcs away from the door.
Emelious uses the Dash action.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 8

[Ao]

The orcs stand at attention immediately, as Emelious's voice cuts through the echoing chamber.

They stare at him, raising their halberds and moving swiftly towards you...

[Emelious, Deception]

"Who are you?" shouts the first, his voice ringing with confidence and authority. Not an average orc, this one.

"Identify yourself."

They march with purpose, although rather hastily, towards Emelious. Though they carry their weapons at the ready, it seems they have bought the ruse enough to emerge from their posts, and walk into the ambush...

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

Ok guys, Emelious' roll wasn't good enough for them to completely let down their guard. So, I'm not going to give you advantage on the attack...

However, they will enter the passage where you're hiding, and will not see you until they have walked into your midst. So I will allow that for this first round of combat, their AC is 17, instead of 19, to everyone except Emelious. They are wary of him, currently.

Pimli's failure of a stealth roll is covered up by Emelious' approach. Those of you who wish to attack from range Ill allow you to maneuver yourself for free up to 30 feet away from where you are currently crouched behind the boulder, so you can be further down the tunnel.

[Custer Thickett]

On an outstretched palm, Cuss tries to mimc the act of tying up the Orcs.  He hoped his friends would get the meaning, but the confused look on Emelious's face suggested he did not.  Cuss closed his palm into a fist to squeeze at his frustration so that he didn't call out.  When he closed his eyes he heard Artimus.  

Oiy, of course.  He palmed at his own.  Keep forgetting he has one.

Ya right about the door.  We doan want somebody locking it from the other side, yeah?  He shrugged.

The cleric was already headed for the guards.  Cuss would have brought an open hand to his face as he shook it, but there was no time.  He reached for Olc and the Poisoner's Shiv then followed behind the half-breed.  Perhaps he could use whatever the bold Human sought to do as a means of distraction.

"Intruders! Intruders in the portal room! Come quick!"

Cuss pivoted on his heel and turned his back along the wall.  The shields of the Orcs blocked their view of him from this angle so long as the remained looking forward or at Emelious.  He knew well enough to count himself lucky.

He slid quickly and quietly slid low along the edge of the room until he was at the ankle of one towering Orc.  Stoic at what looked like a permanent attention, neither of the beast turned to look down at him.  If not for their heavy breathing Cuss would have checked to make sure they were not made of stone.  

He looked down at the foot of Razzul, nearly half his own length, and quietly nicked it with the Shiv.  Light enough to be an insect bite.

[Sleight of Hand +6, advantage from being hidden]
17

Shiv of The Poisoner, on Nerguhll
May hold up to 3 doses of poison without any necessary checks, and automatically applies dose on hit.

Deadly paralytic poison
CON save DC18, or paralyzed for 1 minute. 1D10 damage every minute thereafter, until saved, or death

[CON save roll, not sure of his modifier]
3?

Cuss snaps his head up to look along the edge of the Orc's shield, hoping to see it not moving.  He pressed himself against the wall, hiding in the shadow of of the shield hoping the bite had done its work and the other guard hadn't heard or seen him.

[Cunning Action, Stealth +9 Lightfoot Halfling racial is can hide behind larger creature]
24

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 11, 10

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

#2 'D20' : 3

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

#3 'D20' : 15

[Emelious Storm]

"Who are you?" questions the first Orc.

"Identify yourself," demands the second as they march toward the Half-elf.

Emelious doesn't bother to stop, and instead keeps running, shouting behind him as he goes, "My name's Iamadis. Iamadis Trakshun. Now come on, before they destroy the portals!"

[ Deception w/Disadvantage: 7 + 6 = 13 ]

Running back toward the portal room at full sprint, a large smile crept across the Cleric's face.

I'm going to die.

----


Emelious yells some mistruths.
Emelious uses the Dash action again.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 7

[Pimli Prixus]

"My name's Iamadis. Iamadis Trakshun. Now come on, before they destroy the portals!" Emelious shouts as he rounds the corner and runs past the Wizard and Dragoon. A smile creeping across his face as he notices the pair.

"Iamadis?" Pimli asks quizzically as he hears the clink, clink, clink of plated boots rounding the corner.

Skurr can you help me distract whatever is coming? no response from his raven familiar. clink, clink, clink. The armored figure rounds the corner, readying a defensive stance when he sees Pimli and Kellar. "Oh no you don't" Pimli says to the figure as Skurr flies up from his shoulder and begins flapping his wings wildly in front of the Orcs face.

((Master Act))

Pimli lashes his left hand forward making a gripping motion while uttering the incantation "Leef eht llihc fo eht evarg gnillac" a Ghostly hand appears grasping onto the Orcs plated shoulder. [Cast Chill Touch Advantage from Skurrs Help Action. d20+6 (25) vs AC = HIT ]

Knowing that his Master acted Skurr retreats to a safe distance away from the angry Orc.

===================================================
Familiar providing a momentary distraction (help action)
Cast Chill Touch on Orc2 HIT
Orc2 is unable to regain HP until the end of the next turn.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 19, 2

[Kellar]

Kellar watched Emelious sprinting back down the hall toward him. The loud clanking of plate mail could be heard. "My cue I take it," he said to Emelious as he darted past.

There the orc was, in full regalia, trudging after the half-elf. "I am the intruder!" Exclaimed Kellar as he charged toward the orc with his Lance raised. Attack Roll=12+8= 20; Damage= 4+8=12; Superiority= 5

The Lance buried into the orc's shoulder as Kellar lunged toward him. The squelch of Lance boring between plates of armor echoed in the hallway.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 12

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

#2 'D12' : 4

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

#3 'D8' : 5

[Ao]

With a deft dip of the knife, Custer’s hand flourishes across the calf of the charging orc. The brute lumbers for no more than five steps, and then falls to the ground, his body shaking like a blown leaf.

His arms raise up, flailing about in a matter most disconcerting. The warrior’s chest heaves, the paralytic toxin sinking deep into his blood stream and straining his heart.

The other orc turns quickly, seeing his fallen comrade -

“What treachery is-“

*CRSHHHHHK*!

At that moment, Kellar’s lance pierces through the armour with a metal scrape and a loud squelch. The orc cries out in pain, dropping his halberd and pulling his sword from its scabbard.

His black eyes turn back toward Kellar, a sinister glance boring into the dragoon even as Pimli’s ray of frost dances across the breast of his armour.

“Get up, Razzul. RRRRAGH!!!”

With blinding speed, the armoured orc turns aside the lance and lunges for Kellar…!

[Ekethai attacks Kellar, Miss & Miss!]
{dammit…}

The dragoon effortlessly parries the blows, ducking beneath the orc’s pain-spurred hacks.

On the ground, Razzul’s head is clearly spinning. He rolls to his side, breathing heavily….

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

Ok guys, one orc down, the other engaged with Kellar. You’re all at very short range, except for Pimli, who is at medium range.

You’re fighting at the chokepoint to the room, which means for anyone striking out at Ekethai, you’ll be taking disadvantage. The entrance to the room is narrow, and Kellar and the Orc are taking up considerable space.

Kellar, if you can succeed at a DC 19 STR (or other appropriate check, something leadership related perhaps) then Ill allow you to press your advantage and maneuver Ekethai backward into the broader, 30-foot diameter room.

Custer, you’re unaffected by disadvantage because you’re already in the room.

Anyone (obviously, excluding custer) trying to rush past Ekethai if Kellar fails his check, to get to Razzul, will incur an AoO from Ekethai.

Cheers

Ao

EXP: +25

[Dwan Bolduum]

As Kellar flies past Dwan and into the unsuspecting orc. Dwan readies his shield and moves around the corner to try to hit the orc with a stream of poison.

Upon looking at the scene Dwan is unable to find an opening as the battle between Kellar and Ekethai has taken up most of the hallway and Dwan isn't able to get a clear shot at the orc.

Dwan takes up his shield and looks down the path where they came to prevent the group from being caught unawares of any other approaching threats.

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

Dwan will use a total defense this turn and keep a lookout in case more orcs arrive during this scuffle.

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss almost pokes himself in the head with the Shiv when his instinct to cover his ears threatens to overtake his rational mind as the large plate mail covered Orc topples over on the stone floor of the small room.  He was confident in his plan, but hadn't put much thought into the effects of Nazgul's poison.  He shook away a brief concern for those of his kind that had felt it's sting in the cages of the bronze temple.  

The other Orc turned to look back at him, but only just as the piercing lance of Kellar demanded its attention forward and the aberration of a ghostly hand sought to keep it there.  Like the gears of a gnome's ticking time box, yeah?  He thought of the fellowship, though without the Fist to share the question.

With a glance to look followed by a flick of the wrist, Custer stowed away this Shiv in his belt and shuffled his crossbow from hand to hand as he dropped his pack from his shoulders to the ground.  He knew the Orc laying in the middle of the room would get up soon, but hoped the weight of its plate mail would give him enough time to react.  

Cuss turns to inspect the sliding door.  Is it locked or trapped?

[Inspect +1]
7

...

Cunning Action stealth to remain hidden, just trying not to make noise.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 6

[Kellar]

Kellar gripped the Lance and began driving the orc back into the larger main room. Strength Roll= 6+8= 14 The orc was steadfast and barely budged as he fought against the Lance in his shoulder. Kellar kicked at the orc and separated as best he could before attacking him again. (Damage and Attack are in Lair)

Attack Roll= 11+8= 19; Success! Damage= 12!

The orc fell back from Kellar's Lance and raised his arm, only to be struck again by Kellar's Lance. The Lance punched through the gaps near the midsection. He twisted the Lance as it bore deeper into the orc.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 6

[Emelious Storm]

As Emelious bolted down the passageway he heard Kellar cry out behind him, “I am the intruder!" Followed by the sound of a lance tearing through armor.

Emelious stopped to look. One of the orcs was on the ground seemingly paralyzed and the other was being pressed back by Kellar’s lance.

“Oh, no, the intruders...”

Emelious unsheathed his rapier and strode up to the prone orc, that could only manage to glare.

“Eh, you weren’t really buying it anyway,” the Half-Elf raises his blade.

[Rapier w/Advantage vs AC 19: 9 + 8 = 17 = Fail]

Tink!

Emelious looks nervously at his blade point and then to the Orc's face... "Er... that was a warning," Then with more conviction as if he meant to do that, "Stay down."

[Intimidation w/Disadvantage: 6 + 3 = 9 ]  

----

[Question to DM: Would the orc's shield contribute to AC when he is paralyzed and can't use it? Either way, I'll keep the miss this time. Just curious as it does seem a bit in the grey.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 9, 2

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

#2 'D8' : 4, 4

[Pimli Prixus]

Pimli arm raised attempts to keep his arcane grasp on the Orc currently dancing with Kellar. [Chill Touch d20+6(17) vs AC: Miss]
The Arcane energies don't hold and the spectral hand dissipates.

Skurr watch behind us, make sure we're not surprised

((Yes Master))

The raven familiar flies back towards the portal chamber to keep watch

[Skurrs Perception (Raven MM page 335) d20+3=23 ]

========================================
Cast Chill Touch on Orc 2
Send Skurr to scout our back trail

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 11

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

#2 'D20' : 20

[Artimus DeLonde]

The tight hallway filled brimed with melee as Kellar and custer tangled with the two orc gaurds.

Artimus stood shoulder to shoulder with Dwan, ready to engadge anyone emerging from behind.

[Ao]

Without mercy, the bloodied Orc stood steadfast, relentlessly pressing the attack upon Kellar.

Emelious slipped by, exposing his flank as he charged the prone Orc -

[aoo vs Emelious: miss]

- the sidelong blow clattering off the clerics shield harmlessly.

The prone Orc shudders as you descend upon him - his body clearly writhing with a burning pain as he meekly raises his shield to parry the furious attacks upon him.

[prone orc, CON save - success]

He vomits, a white froth spilling down his front as he rolls out the way, rising to his knee to meet your blows

[prone Orc uses his action to right himself - full action because of the effects of the poison]

Meanwhile, the Orc bares down upon Kellar, the longsword beating down on the dragoon hungrily.

[orc attacks vs Kellar; hit hit miss]
[12 damage to Kellar!]

The Orc looks at the mass of the fellowship behind Kellar, spinning to witness the cleric and Custer flanking his fellow. As he parries another blow with his shield, he turns and runs towards the door, shouting;

"PROGHAR ASAIT!"

[[Fall back!]]

The Orc rising from prone twists his head to his fellow, orienting himself to charge for the wooden door...

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

Ok fellows, looks like the orcs plan on skipping out of here

Kellar, I'll grant you an AoO on the retreating Orc. Emelious and Custer, I'll not grant you an AoO - that Orc is completely defensive and ought to have had a turn this round. But, you can have advantage against him, each of you

Cheers
Exp:+25

[Emelious Storm]

The Orc rises to his feet.

“Alright, I warned you…”

[Attack of Opportunity vs AC 19: 14 + 8 = 22 = Hit! ]
[Piercing Damage: 3 + 5 = 8 ]

Emelious lunges toward the orc, finding purchase in its flesh between the plates of its armor.

The Orc cries out and a trickle of red appears as the Half-Elf withdraws his blade for another attack.

[Rapier vs AC 19: 10 + 8 = Miss ]

The Cleric's rapier thrusts forward; but the Orc, now regaining facility over his body, manages to bring his shield up in time.

“Uh… Nice shield. Only cowards use-” Emelious glances down at his shield, "Oh, right."

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 14, 2

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

#2 'D20' : 10, 5

[Custer Thickett]

The wooden door opened easily enough, and Cuss took a brief moment to look at the hallway past.

[Perception roll.  +1]
6

He turned back to the room to see how his friends fared with the Orcs.  The clang of steel striking steel resounding all around him.  He observed the Orc that stood fighting with Kellar turning toward him and barking something in its language at his partner that Cuss was suprised to see rising from the poisoned bite of the shiv.

That was the best Nerguhll had cooked up?  Mayhaps Imnescar will survive after all.  Well, if they can slay one thousand Ogres, no?

Cuss tossed the loaded crossbow from his left hand to his right, then loosed its bolt at the rising Orc.

[Advantage, +7]
25

[Cunning Action, Stealth +9]
27

He then retreated behind the door to reload, pulling his second crossbow from his hip to join the fight.  Seeing the Orc on its feet, the thinks, I should have slit the bastard's throat while he was down.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 5

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#2 'D20' : 12, 18

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#3 'D20' : 18

[Kellar]

Reaction!

Parry= 2+5= 7 (Damage reduced= 12-7 = 5

The orc's flurry of swings with his sword caught Kellar twice while trying to advance on the orc's position. Each swing was nudged upward and downward, preventing the orc from hitting critical areas of Kellar's body. "There is no need run, you will die either way," Kellar taunted. Intimidate= 11+3= 14 Kellar jabbed at the Orc as he turned to flee. Attack Roll= 1+8= MISS!

The orc stumbled forward and gave enough room for Kellar to lunge at him again. Attack Roll= 10+8= 18; MISS!

"Box them in! Don't let them escape to the next room," said Kellar.

Actions:
AoO
Standard Attack
Intimidate

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 1

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#2 'D12' : 4

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#3 'D8' : 2

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#4 'D20' : 11

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#5 'D20' : 10

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#6 'D12' : 6

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#7 'D8' : 1

[Ao]

Custer slides the door open, the well-oiled bearings of the enormous wooden door moved easily by the halfling. No dust or sediment falls, nor do cobwebs sprinkle down from its movement. Clearly, this is a well-used passage.

The halfling peers back, as the orc raises to his feet and the other comes barreling towards him-

He swings, peering beyond the door…

…It opens into a small, square room…no larger than 10x10. A pulley and lever system adorns the far unremarkable wall, which is panelled with well-oiled oak boards.

A terrified, fat goblin cowers, chained in the corner.

“GragZOOGA!” it screams, looking at Custer and then at the orcs beyond. The goblin covers its face wretchedly.

[…]

Kellar lunges again as the orc turns defiantly, crashing through the room and dropping his halberd. His poisoned companion rises, shrugging off a blow from Emelious and barrelling down on Custer.

They crash into the small 10x10 room, one grabbing hold of the ropes as the goblin shrieks horribly.

“Araghul!” shouts the other one, adopting a defensive posture in preparation for the onrushing fellowship -

Their small room begins to move, creaking upward slowly…

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

Ok guys! The orcs are in an elevator. So, here’s a couple things…

‘Ekethai' just charged past Emelious and Custer. So, Emelious and Custer each get an AoO on that fleeing orc.
‘Razzul’ just charged past Custer, so Custer can elect to AoO him instead of Ekethai.

Everyone must take an Athletics (or DEX) check, DC 16+ to get into the elevator. Emelious is DC 10+. Custer doesn’t need to make a check.

A failed check will likely have some dire consequences. Also, if you elect to make the check, you cannot attack this turn.

In the small confines of the elevator, anybody that is Medium size or larger will attack with disadvantage.

Ao

EXP: +25

[Emelious Storm]

Outnumbered, the orc heeded his colleague’s advice and hastily turned to run for the door, leaving an opening for Emelious’ blade.

[Rapier vs AC 19: 17 + 8 = 25 = Hit! ]
[Piercing Damage: 2 + 5 = 7 ]

The orc staggered from the pain, but continued on and into the newly opened room. An elevator.

An elevator that was quickly rising.

Oh, no you don’t.

Emelious barreled after him, nimbly kicking off the door in an attempt to roll onto the rising platform.

[Athletics(Strength): 5 + 4 = 9 = dire consequences]
[Athletics(Dexterity): 5 + 7= 12 = happy rolly time ]

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 17

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#2 'D20' : 5

[Artimus DeLonde]

The brutish armoured orc pushed by his companions heading for the elevator forcing a corridor to open, Artimus reconized. his opportunity, firing a bolt from his heavy crossbow at one fleeing sentry, and loosed his bolo at the the other.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 15, 2

[Kellar]

Master! They go up! They go! I help you!

Orbaugh's voice echoed in Kellar's mind as he ran after the two orcs making their escape. He stowed his Lance as he moved. The pseudodragon perched on Kellar's back, just behind his head and opened his wings. The wings acted as a foil, causing Kellar to run faster. The elevator was close. Kellar leapt... Athletics Roll= 16+8= 24; Success! (Advantage from Orbaugh's Help Action)

Kellar glided past his companions and landed on the lift, with a soft THUD!

"Come on! You can make it!"

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 16, 6

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan holds fast at hearing the cries from the orcs and their boots running back down the hallway.

If you can get them Artimus, go, I'll cover our rear. Dwan sees the mariner dart away from his periphery and continues to hold steadfast, hoping that the cries from the orcs have not drawn any reinforcements.  

A click of a cross bow confirms that his allies are still working to down the two orcs.  The distance of the battle appears to be moving further away and Dwan takes a few steps back while keeping his eyes peeled for incoming orcs.

A deep creak from behind draws Dwan's attention away from the hall and he sees that the adjacent room is starting to rise up.  

He fully turns from his defensive post and sprints towards the door. Each second it moves up reduces his chances of making it in cleanly.  Luckily, nothing can stop a Dwarf in full sprint.

(Athletics roll +1 : 20)

Dwan situates himself within the room and prepares to land some blows of his own
==============================================
Dwan made the Athletics (Str) check

[Dwan Bolduum]

dice roll

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