PrP: Trade Route
Log Info
- Title: Trade Route
- Emitter: Benthus
- Characters: Jahnavi (Ftr3), Alba (Bbn1/Wtc1), Amithil (Wiz2), Jal (Bard2), Aevarr (Inq4), Tiasa (Bbn2)
- Place: Alexandria
- Time: Dec 14, 2014
- Summary: A trade route needs to be cleared of some of its hazardous obstacles.
- APL: 3
- Encounter 1: 12x Oruchs (CR1/3), CR5
- Encounter 2: 1x ogre +4HD, CR5
The local merchant guild in Alexandria has encountered some problems with one of their trade routes going to a local farming community. Apparently, the traders plying their trade there have encountered more resistance than usual. According to them, the route is being blocked by feral oruchs who demand payment for use of their road.
This is not something new, and if things in the city were not so complicated at the moment, this would have been remedied by local city guards who have been known to deal with these situation.
As winter in the region is now ongoing, provisions for food and other amenities provided by nearby farms have become a demand. As merchants are always in favour of good profit, they seek a quick resolution to their problem so that they may access the goods in the farming community stated above.
As a last ditch effort, the merchant guild have gone to the Explorers guild and placed a contract there. It provides a generous reward to anyone who were to deal with the oruchs that have been posing a problem to the travelling merchants, and make the trade route lucrative for business again.
The post on the Explorers Guild work bulletin requires that the people interested go and see a person by the name of Miles Haversian. He can be located in the Golden Plate Emporium building found at the City's lower trade district.
Upon arriving at the Emporium, one of the clerks takes notice of you. Apparently, the clerk has been informed of the need of 'adventurers' to deal with a problem of theirs as she immediately stands up and approaches you and your group. "Greetings there, sirs and madams. My name is Celeste. I work for the Golden Plate Emporium. You must be the sellswords that my employers have been waiting for. Please, come with me." She escorts you inside the building.
In a plosh-looking office, three of the company's 'employers' are waiting. They all stand up upon your arrival and go through the formalities of introduction. Once that has been done, they went straight to business. Only one of them is speaking for the rest.
"You are aware of our predicament. Money is being lost as we speak for as long as that trade route is closed to us. I want you and your group to... remove this problem for us as quick as possible. Can you do it?"
Amithil took her time to rest and heal, but she she has to keep trying. So, she returns to the guild and gets back to work to try again. Her cloak is left over her shoulder once inside, and she stands to the side, nodding at the question, but not saying anything in particular here.
"Look no further," Jal says smoothly, the Tsuran offering a bright and reassuring smile to the assembled merchants. He glances around at those gathered and swallows back any uncertainty that may, briefly, mark his face. "Do you have any details about the problem along the road other than the sighting of orcs? Do you know anything of their numbers and level of organization?"
Tiasa makes her way into the office. She glances around. She isn't used to being inside rooms like this and stares at a few things. She nods her head, "This one has to eat, hunting orcs who prey on people, taking advantage of cold is good way to earn coin, I thinks." THe female Sith-makar glances around to see what the others might think or say, but its her first winter in the Alexandrian area and she needs food and something to help keep warm. Her tail swishes a bit from side to side.
Aevarr is rather fond of substantial rewards, and nothing that he sees in the Imporium suggests that these merchants can't provide that. He admires numerous decorations and posh trinkets. They have so many... perhaps they might not miss a few. "Oh, I'm sure we can settle your little problem quite handily. Quick and easy. We have to make a profit, as well, of course."
The trip to the mountains was a fiasco, easily... but, Alba still got paid, and despite her declaration finds herself back at the Guild, then to the office, listening to fat merchants complain about loss of coin. There are days when having a pet conscience that can poison you in your sleep just is not worth the trouble. "...Yes," the masked Veyshanti says, and no more.
The egalrin who enters is looking, predictably, at the ceiling as she enters the office. Closed in spaces. "Excuse me, I heard there was mo--a contract?" She looks across the room, but not before a shudder and a lifting of the feathers along the back of her neck. "Jahnavi. I'm from the Redridge area near Alexandros."
The speaker simply smiles at Jal and replies curtly, "Afraid not, sir. The merchant escorts who had the misfortune of being in contact with the highwaymen said that there may be a hundred of them. But that is likely exaggeration on his part, as the merchants themselves said there were like six or more of them. That is all the information that they were willing to give." He looks at Jal, likely not telling him all the information he needs to know.
Amithil folds her hands together, nodding and listening. Her attention shortly goes to Jal, though, giving him a forceful nod, as she definitely thinks he needs to keep asking questions, having already begun to do so.
"As I know it would not be in the merchant guild's best interest to send members of the Explorers Guild to their demise or otherwise damage relations, I trust you are giving me all the appropriate information necessary to help us help you. While it would be a shame to die on this mission, an no doubt a drain on your profits, it would perhaps be worse for a number of us to return feeling like we had been ill-treated." Jal is all smiles. "Provided you have nothing more to say, I think we are ready to depart." He glances to the others, flashing a brief smile at Amithil.
GAME: Jal rolls diplomacy: (17)+10: 27
Tiasa turns her head to the side a bit, looking at each of the others in turn, "Still sounds like good hunting, we should go, fight, eat, be merry." she gives a toothy grin, a few more swishes of her tail.
"Hundreds, of course," Aevarr chuckles. "Obviously an excuse by the guard to cover their failure." Which isn't a bad effort, really. They just inflated the numbers too high.
The speaker, Mister Miles Haversian, pales slightly at the implication of bad rapport with the adventurer's guild. No doubt he has a firm knowledge of the reputation the guild have, and it looks like he is not going to mess with them, profit or otherwise. "I have... other information that has been given to me just... recently. I could not verify their... authenticity, so I could not... offer them straight to you as that might be considered lying. I have read that there may be about twelve of them, and that they are being lead by..." He pauses as he looks at his two associates for backing. The two associates nod their heads slowly. He resumes his talk, "... an ogre. A very... powerful... ogre." He looks at all the adventurer's present and continues to smile, but it looks like he is gritting his teeth.
Jahnavi tilts her head, the motion quick-like and angled. She looks once from the speaker to the rest of the party, then back again. The lids lower. "That is good information. Thank you." Amithil covers her mouth a moment, stifling a chuckle as Jal lives up to what her hopes were for the situation, doing her best to look like she'd nodding and considering.
"I see. As always, the Explorer's Guild thanks the Merchant's guild for providing all of the relevant information." There is a very slight emphasis on 'all' before Jal bows. When he rises he nods toward Jahnavi. "Shall we?"
"...Let us be quick," the masked Veyshanti offers from the door. "Should the rumor speak true, little time is there to waste."
Miles Haversian blinks, "You... agree?" He immediately shakes himself and is all confident and business-like again, "But of course. No job is ever too big or too small for the adventurer's guild." He omits to say the one where it says 'For a price'.
His associates immediately place some paper on the table for which you and your companions are to sign. Once all of that has been done, Mister Haversian shakes all of your hands and says, "Wonderful. I trust that you will sort this problem as soon as possible. Now if you don't mind, there are other business we have to attend to. Celeste?"
Celeste comes in and ushers you all towards the exit.
Aevarr ahs softly. "That is useful to know. Not to mention it would significantly affect the expected compensation..." He knows exactly why they witheld it, and makes sure that 'for a price' is known, before following the others out.
Amithil follows the rest on out, feeling satisfied that the information was gotten, and proper compensation was insisted upon.
"So long as the paperwork's tight." Jahnavi says, looking over a moment before signing her name, before looking back to Jal. "I'm ready." To everyone else, "Good to meet all of you." The egalrin gives a twitch of its tail. That, and a similar twitch along its shoulders show its continued unease at being within the confines. But, money.
Jal seems content to let Aevarr handle any further negotiating that may be required on price, signing his name and rubbing idly at the ink on his fingers as they depart. "Well," he murmurs to the group at large. "This should be interesting." He offers some song to his companions as they travel to make the time pass more pleasantly. He has a nice voice, a sprightly tenor that suggests both aptitude and training. "Sweet Molly was a barkeep's wench, a buxom lass was she...."
Tiasa looks at the others as they make their way out, "This one is Tiasa, good meet fellow hunters." The s's are a bit slurred but that might be expected a bit, "Ready to find where to fight and save path?"
Location description of blockade: It's road passing through the valley of two tall and rocky hills. There isn't much vegetation on the hills but the big rocks can pretty much provide cover for anything less than large sized. Not so far from one hill is a thick forest. On the opposite hill, not too far from this is a swamp.
"Lure, I like that. ...any ideas for slowing their heavy down?" Jahnavi watches the overhead as the group walks, the line of sky and road and rock. "I don't want to attack them all at once. That's their strength; they have their barricade. ...we could set it on fire?"
Jal pauses in his tune, his feet coming to a halt some distance from the location of the barricade. "I wonder if perhaps we should split up. If one group were to head toward the barricade like unsuspecting travelers, a second ground might be able to flank the oruchs manning the barricade," he muses thoughtfully.
"See," Alba says, a dark-skinned hand emerging from her shaggy cloak, pointing out at the hills on the approach to the barricade. "There, and there. If silent we are, from two sides we may strike, and above. The great one, I can make less the threat once the battle begins."
"So we go in with lure, then strike from-lure and from-above?" Jahnavi's beak clacks once at the end. "To make sure I understand."
Amithil steps up. "They already outnumber us don't they? If we split up, and they are led, and choose to focus on one side, couldn't that get bad for us fast?"
"Better than to run to meet openly, and be crushed by the greater numbers and strength for certain," Alba mutters.
Tiasa shakes her head, "They succeed, many not wanting to fight, show of strength, they might run away." she offers and shakes her head a bit.
"It's splitting, but not splitting...the lure that draws weapons, and the above that drops." Jahnavi says, using a gesture to demonstrate. "If anyone can fire, I would like to light their barricade. What do you think of that?"
"Perhaps," Jal say thoughtfully, nodding to Amithil. "Though the party not being attacked will have extra opportunity in such a case. "Besides. They may not send there full force to attack a smaller group either." He shrugs. "It is only a suggestion. I will happily follow along with what someone with more skill in fighting deems best." Jahnavi gets a smile and a nod. "I have a bow, but no real way to make fire."
Blockade description: The orcs brought forth an old abandoned wagon (but still movable) and placed it on the path.
Aevarr considers the benefits of divided and united. "I like the idea of a lure, but that's just me. So long as the rest don't drag their feet and forget about their part..." He shrugs.
Amithil nods. "Well, I would suggest that, we make sure the backup for the lure can attack at range. I could assist with that."
"Three to the front," Alba says after a moment's consideration. "A merchant's mouthpiece, and their guards. When the trap is sprung, certain I make those upon the hill know it and may strike."
"I would like to be a part of the lure," Jal says, reaching up over one shoulder to pat at the mandolin that is strapped there next to his bow. "It may be that I can hold their interest with a song, buying those of you in the hills some time to look around. Though I should warn that once fighting starts, any ability I have to hold their attention will vanish."
"I can drop from high. It's hard to disguise a--" Jahnavi gestures thumb-first towards the bardiche at her back. She falls quiet as the other speak, only to nod occasionally, and to watch the terrain.
"I can lure, or drop from the hills," Aevarr offers flexibly. "Whichever bears a need."
Amithil nods. "Well if the lure team is willing to to trust on support in a forest... um."
"I trust you implicitly," Jal says with a lopsided grin to Amithil. "I saw how you handled those Cockatrices!" So saying, he pulls his mandolin off his back and gives it a few experimental strums, casually tuning the instrument. "Ready when you are," he says to Alba and Jahnavi."
GAME: Alba rolls knowledge/nature: (20)+7: 27
GAME: Aevarr rolls knowledge/nature: (13)+6: 19
<OOC> Benthus says, "Wonderful. If you time it just right, there is going to be a thick snow fall in a couple of hours from now."
Alba settles down in place, drawing a torch from her bundle, passing it to Tiasa. "When the snow falls, set it alight. Then we shall move, and the bard shall play his part. Be silent, be full of menace, and be loud when the attack is made."
"Ambushing away..." Aevarr chuckles and looks to the flanks. He heads for the forested fringe, rather than the swamp.
Amithil goes along with Aevarr, not wanting to separate any more than the party's already splitting.
Jal watches the ambushers depart, settling in and wrapping his cloak more firmly about him to keep out the cold during their two hour wait.
Tiasa nods, "Am ready to do this." she murmers at the others and is getting a bit antsy.
The egalrin drops the bardiche into her talons, and nods to the sith-makar. "I'll take flank if you want lure, then." On getting a confirm, she'll head to the woods with the others, then takes up at a jog. There are fewer feather-poofs now that they're outside.
Alba settles down in place, drawing a torch from her bundle, passing it to Tiasa. "When the snow falls, set it alight. Then we shall move, and the bard shall play his part. Be silent, be full of menace, and be loud when the attack is made."
As soon as the snow starts to descend, Jal sets off down the road, singing merrily. His voice carries well in the cold, mingling with the falling flakes as he makes up a jolly little tune.
"...Sildanyar cartilage makes you thin, Sildanyr fat is for burns..." he sings, "...With Sildanyar blood you'll never grow old. Every item is covered in gooooold!" The melody is very simple and repetitive, designed for maximum brain penetration. He feigns complete ignorance of the wagon blockade ahead, voice clouding in the winter air.
Jahnavi looks over her shoulder once, before jogging into the hills. She moves along with the rest, one foot after the other. It should snow, soon.
Alba nods to Tiasa for the Sith to light the torch, and makes certain to keep her hands hidden within her heavy cloak. This way, none can spot her drawing a coil of spiked, silvered chain from a belt loop, or readying her free hand for the spell that shall begin the real festivities. Keeping one pace behind Jal and to his left, she concentrates on exuding watchful menace. Amithil rests her face in her hand a moment hearing that tune, what of it carries to where she is on the hill, though. She sticks her wand into her boot just in case, to be pulled out as needed. Her bow is in hand, ready to fire, cloak around her, as she goes with the rest to hide but be ready to attack as soon as needed.
Tiasa does light the torch though she would rather be without one, so used to not needing such, but she carries it, her tail swaying behind her with her steps.
There are two oruchs on sentry, one sitting on the wagon and the other standing but slightly leaning on a large rock. There other oruchs nearby, the sound of their chatter audible. As soon as Jal comes into view, the oruch that had been leaning on a rock looks up and smiles. He signals for the one on the wagon to get ready. The other oruch complies and gets out of the wagon. The first oruch clears his throat and grunts a little, probably to sound menacing.
"Loot or Life!" yells the first oruch at Jal, his great axe being swirled in the air to show he is menacing.
Aevarr slinks along through the dim to get into overwatch position above he sentries. Unaware and possibly helpless opponents. Wonderful. Those are always the best kind of opponents.
Jahnavi moves a few feet north of Aevarr. She keeps her eyes on the oruch--or more, her hearing. The egalrin does her best maintain silence, and blend with the snow. She's mobile, but no slink-thief.
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20-1: (12)+-1: 11 (Oruch fascinated) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20-1: (4)+-1: 3 (Oruch fascinated)
Jal smiles as the orcs make their demand, but, perhaps strangely, he keeps on singing. "But the tastiest part, is the Sildanyar heart..." One the word heart, he voice rings out, clear and true warbling slightly in the air as he continues to spin it, on and on in a show of virtuosity. His fingers, meanwhile, pluck furiously at the strings of his instrument.
The first orc stops his swirly and looks at Jal incredulously. The other orc does so the same, even more mesmerized than the first. "Nice..." the second orc says stupidly. The other orcs located by their campfire continue to chat, oblivious that they soon will have company.
After the lure makes contact, and seems to distract the sentries, Aevarr begins to move carefully closer. He also motions others to follow when the other oruchs seem oblivious.
When the oruchs begin roaring, Jahnavi begins to move forward. She switches from the bardiche to the hunter's bolas, head held low beneath the falling snow.
"Little time have we," Alba says, as Jal's music reaches a low point, "much gold we have promised to the next village for their surplus. Move, or bleed." A bold, attention-catching statement, to be sure!
"...Which is why you have to die!" Jal breaks from the trembling note suddenly and finishes his song with a flourish and a brightly strummed chord, his smile as white as any snowflake. As he does, his hand rises in a clear sign to attack.
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "Jog up 15' and bolas a guy in reach of our Lures. See if tripping can happen." GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+7: (2)+7: 9
Jahnavi sends the bolas spinning--end over end they go, only to hit gravel, early. She blinks once, fast, and then scrambles for the bardiche. Time to move, move, MOVE!
<OOC> Tiasa says, "can move up to one of the two oruchs?"
Tiasa takes the signal and moves, she crosses the distance and comes up up to the oruch that had been in the back of the wagon.
<OOC> Jal says, "Going to drop my instrument and draw my bow."
As the final notes cut the air, Jal drops his instrument and pulls his bow off his back with one hand while another goes for an arrow in his quiver. It slides out with a hissing sound and he notches it to the bowstring.
<OOC> Amithil says, "casting protection from evil"
Amithil sees that the time is now, and gets to work. Having had a bad experience last time, she gets very cautious this time. Can't help if you're knocked out, so she mutters softly, and casts her spell.
GAME: Amithil casts Protection From Evil. Caster Level: 2 DC: 16
<OOC> Aevarr activates Destruction judgement, shoots one of those around the fire.
GAME: Aevarr rolls ranged: (11)+6: 17 GAME: Aevarr rolls 1d8+5: (2)+5: 7
Aevarr acknowledges the arranged signal and looses an arrow at one of the four orcs around the fire.
One of the oruchs sitting by the campfire puts on a face, to which all the other oruchs laugh. They were not laughing when the oruch slumps over with an arrow behind its back.
Scratch one oruch. On the bright side , he won't need to worry about staying warm anymore.
<OOC> Alba will drop Obscuring Mist, when all else is done. :3
As Tiasa closes and Jal readies his bow, Alba's free hand sweeps free of her cloak, a harsh word spit into the air, and from her feet a creeping mist begins to rise... and rise... and rise yet more, until the road is blocked further still for the next forty feet, by a cloud of fog as high as a house.
GAME: Alba casts Obscuring Mist. Caster Level: 1 DC: 14
GAME: Alba rolls initiative: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 8 = Total: 22 GAME: Aevarr rolls initiative: Roll: 13 + Bonus: 10 = Total: 23 GAME: You roll initiative for Oruchs: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 3 GAME: Amithil rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 5 = Total: 22 GAME: Tiasa rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 13 GAME: Jal rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 18
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 23.
It is now Aevarr's turn! Amithil is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Aevarr ended. GAME: Aevarr rolls ranged: (6)+6: 12 GAME: Aevarr rolls 1d8+5: (2)+5: 7
Aevarr nocks another arrow and looses it at the companion to the one who just fell at the fire. He hopes the joke was a good one, as it's the last they'll ever here. His target catches the arrow in the chest and drops.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now Amithil's turn! Alba is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Amithil ended. <OOC> Amithil says, "I'll pick an orc by the fire and.. fire" GAME: Amithil rolls range1: (19)+range1: 19 GAME: Amithil rolls 1d8: (4): 4
Amithil feels protected now, so she immediately pulls an arrow back into position, picks the first convenient target, and lets the arrow fly. She goes wide-eyed when the orc falls, jaw dropping, but another arrow is already in her hand. Can't afford to admire it too long.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! Jal is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Alba ended. <OOC> Alba nod, that's fine. Emerge from the cloud, Thunderstone in hand, and throw at the campfire. GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (11)+5: 16 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (9)+5: 14 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (7)+5: 12 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (12)+5: 17 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (5)+5: 10 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (5)+5: 10
The mist parts by the back of the wagon, and the cloaked and masked Veyshanti emerges, skidding to a halt with a polished, slate-colored rock in one hand. Winging the stone toward the campfire, the little pebble explodes with an almighty BANG that echoes for a good distance down the road, nearly half the oruchs set to shouting uselessly and shaking their heads to get the noise back.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 18.
It is now Jal's turn! Tiasa is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Jal ended. GAME: Jal rolls weapon3 + 1: (15)+3+1: 19 GAME: Jal rolls 1d100: (90): 90 <OOC> Benthus says, "Damage pls." GAME: Jal rolls 1d8: (3): 3
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Tiasa's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Tiasa says, "rage, full attack with power attack" GAME: Tiasa RAGES!, gaining: +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 Will and -2 AC GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (18)+7+-1: 24 GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (16)+7+-1: 22 <OOC> Benthus says, "Both hit." <OOC> Benthus says, "Damage." GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+7: (4)+7: 11
Though the mist around him is thick, Jal narrows his eyes and focuses on a darker blotch in the swirling soup, a blotch he hopes is an orc and not one of his fellows. With a whispered prayer sent heavenward to Caeinara, he looses the arrow, smiling in grim satisfaction as it makes contact with a sickening thud.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Oruchs is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Jahnavi ended. <OOC> Jahnavi says, "Move up, cleave." GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+5: (12)+5: 17 GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d10+5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d10+5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 3.
It is now Oruchs' turn! Aevarr is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "The Oruch who was injured by Jal attacks Tiasa." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (12)+5: 17
Jahnavi lands gracelessly on the field, the failure with the bolas having thrown her. The bardiche goes spinning, dropping one oruch and then the other. Breath coming fast, she grasps it to turn to meet the next foe. The swiftness of the act leaves her defenses open.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Name | Race | Class |E Lev| CHP | HP | AC |CMD |For |Ref |Wil | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Aevarr |HUMAN |Inq | 4 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 20 | 5 | 4 | 7 | |Alba |HUMAN |Bbn/Wtc | 2 | 14 | 14 | 18 | 15 | 3 | 4 | 4 | |Amithil |DAWN_ELF |Wiz | 2 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |Jahnavi |EAGLEFOLK |Ftr | 3 | 32 | 32 | 21 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |Jal |HUMAN |Bard | 2 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 2 | 5 | 5 | |Tiasa |SITH-MAKAR|Bbn | 2 | 28 | 28 | 19 | 20 | 8 | 3 | 3 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<OOC> Benthus says, "The other orcs begin to stand up, drawing their great axes and gather towards Jahnavi..." GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+7: (20)+7: 27 (AoO threat) GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+7: (10)+7: 17 (AoO crit) GAME: Jahnavi rolls 2d10+10: (13)+10: 23
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (5)+7: 12 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (19)+7: 26 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (11)+7: 18 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (12)+7: 19
Step, turn--the egalrin takes advantage of the oruch's approach and drops him, even as the others move in to surround her. The bardiche drips--a single line of oruch blood flowing sluggishly down its wooden surface.
The oruch that was fascinated by Jal's singing shakes his head and then when clarity returns, looks at Tiasa and attacks her. The blade of his axe skids off the sith-makar's hide.
On the oruch camp, the five remaining oruchs gather their weapons and attack Jahnavi. One of them dies to her reach weapon as the other surround her. Only one of them manages to beat down her defenses and injure her.
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d12+4: (8)+4: 12 GAME: You damaged Jahnavi for 12 points. 20 remaining.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 23.
It is now Aevarr's turn! Amithil is next!
<OOC> Aevarr is on a roll! "Keep shooting oruchs!" GAME: Aevarr rolls ranged-4: (6)+6+-4: 8
Aevarr looses yet another arrow, but since there's no immediate need to shoot a teammate in the back, he tries not to. Which is why he misses.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now Amithil's turn! Alba is next!
<OOC> Amithil says, "pick a random orc and fire at it. What'st he penalty for them being in melee again?" GAME: Amithil rolls ranged + -4: (9)+2++-4: 7
Amithil takes that arrow, gets it ready, and shoots it off. Everyone being in combat and close together made it tough, and so she missed. This time instead of grabbing an arrow, she grabs her wand.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! Jal is next!
<OOC> Alba says, "Run up, Rage, Spiked Chain across the back of one yet-undamaged orc." GAME: Alba RAGES!, gaining: +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 Will and -2 AC GAME: Alba rolls melee: (20)+3: 23 (THREAT) GAME: Alba rolls melee: (7)+3: 10 GAME: Alba rolls 2d4+2: (4)+2: 6
"Flee or bleed," Alba says, her covered hand emerging from beneath her cloak, letting a fall of wickedly-barbed, fine-linked silver chain unspool from her hand, breath curling from beneath her mask in a thickening fog, as she works herself up into a fury. "They would not flee... THEY WILL BLEED!" The last words, shrieked at top volume as she launches herself at one of the oruchs in the scrum, chain looping around in a vicious overhand arc, snagging on her target's throat from over his shoulder and simply ripping flesh away.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 18.
It is now Jal's turn! Tiasa is next!
As another dark shape joins the oruch in the mist, Jal curses softly. The risks are too great for a shot, so he bolts for the cart, clambering up atop it and seeking foes on the far side engaged with the flanking team. Flakes of snow collect in his dark hair as the precipitation continues to fall.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Tiasa's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Tiasa says, "sorry...full attack power attack on the one on me again" GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (19)+7+-1: 25 GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (16)+7+-1: 22 GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+7: (4)+7: 11 GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
Tiasa growls as the oruch tries to take a piece of her with its greataxe, "Not smart." she snarls and then slash and slash and her two claws rip pieces of the oruch from it and drop its bleeding corpse to the ground.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Oruchs is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi will attempt an overrun against one of the oruch. GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17 (Bull rush attempt on one of the Oruchs) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (2)+7: 9 (Oruch AoO: failure)
Surrounded, Jahnavi makes a split decision. She charges the smallest of the oruch, risking his wrath. He brings his blade down and it strikes her armor just as she moves past and turns...and lowers the polearm once more. "Come on."
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 3.
It is now Oruchs' turn! Aevarr is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "The four remaining oruchs continue to fight. But the sound of heavy footsteps can be heard not too far. One oruch goes after Alba. The other three go after Jahnavi." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (20)+5: 25 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d12+4: (7)+4: 11 GAME: You damaged Alba for 11 points. 7 remaining. GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+7: (8)+7: 15 GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d10+5: (2)+5: 7 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (17)+7: 24 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d12+4: (4)+4: 8 GAME: You damaged Jahnavi for 8 points. 12 remaining.
Of the four remaining oruchs, one splits off and attacks Alba. He hurts her badly. The other three converge on Jahnavi. One is felled by her bardiche. The other two flank her, with one of them succeeding in injuring her.
... and the sound of heavy footsteps can be felt and heard coming towards the oruch camp.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 23.
It is now Aevarr's turn! Amithil is next!
<OOC> Aevarr arrows another oruch. GAME: Aevarr rolls ranged-4: (4)+6+-4: 6
Aevarr nocks and looses again, but manages to hit the small moving air space between people trying to kill each other.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 22.
It is now Amithil's turn! Alba is next!
<OOC> Amithil says, "magic missile one of the ones on Jahnavi" GAME: Amithil used a Wand of Magic Missile. GAME: Amithil rolls 1d4+1: (2)+1: 3
Amithil points the wand in the direction of her companion who has the greater threat, at one of the baddies, and mutters the magic word. That flings a bolt of pure magical force at the creature, hitting it. Her bow she slides into her cloak, it having done its job for now.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! Jal is next!
<OOC> Alba says, "End rage, swing. I know I'm at penalties, but still." GAME: Alba ends her rage. GAME: Alba rolls melee: (6)+1: 7
The bite of an axe against her belly, even through the fine mithril links of her new armor, snaps Alba out of her fury. Loosing a hard, shaky breath, she whips her chain around for another attack... but the swing is slow and clumsy, easily dodged by her opponent.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 18.
It is now Jal's turn! Tiasa is next!
<OOC> Jal says, "Can I see the source of the heavy footsteps from up on the cart?" <OOC> Benthus says, "Yes. It is big." <OOC> Jal says, "I'mma shoot it with my bow if it is in range." GAME: Jal rolls weapon3: (15)+3: 18 GAME: Jal rolls 1d8: (8): 8
From atop the wagon, Jal notches another arrow, pulling it back to his ear. He points it at the various oruchs, but has trouble getting a clear shot with all of the melee going on...and then he hears the footsteps. The bow swings up and his eyes widen at the size of the thing that is approaching, but he quickly looses his arrow, already pulling another from his quiver as the first makes contact. "Ogre!," he bellows to the group.
The ogre roars in pain!
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 13.
It is now Tiasa's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Tiasa says, "move over and flank with jahnavi on the one of his that is wounded" <OOC> Tiasa says, "with power attack" GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (18)+7+-1: 24 GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
Tiasa growls and sees Jahnavi in danger and covers the distance between her and him and moves up behind one of the oruch. Like a wild animal she picks the wounded one first and takes it from behind with a claw, dropping it from its wounds.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 13.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Oruchs is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "5' back and strike the oruch with PA." GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+6: (5)+8: 13 GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d10+8: (7)+8: 15
"Thanks." The egalrin's beak sticks together and she moves back, moving to position with the snarling sith-makar. Spin and drop--the bardiche hits, would have missed without help from the other warrior's positioning.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 3.
It is now Oruchs' turn! Aevarr is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Oruch on Alba attacks her." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+5: (8)+5: 13
The last remaining oruch attempts to finish off Alba, but misses.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 23.
It is now Aevarr's turn! Amithil is next!
<OOC> Aevarr will start taking shots at it. GAME: Aevarr rolls ranged-2: (8)+6+-2: 12
The ogre is big, and closing quickly. Aevarr traverse to send an arrow its way, but hits the ground between its feet.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 22.
It is now Amithil's turn! Alba is next!
<OOC> Amithil says, "magic missile the ogre" GAME: Amithil used a Wand of Magic Missile. GAME: Amithil rolls 1d4+1: (1)+1: 2 (EPIC FAIL)
Amithil is glad to see the oruch situation is under control, that nobody's being double teamed. So having already seen one shot fired at the bigger threat, she points her wand at it, and uses its full range to smack it with raw magical force.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! Jal is next!
GAME: Alba rolls melee: (20)+1: 21 (THREAT) GAME: Alba rolls melee: (15)+1: 16 GAME: Alba rolls 4d4-1: (12)+-1: 11
Still winded, but not enough to avoid a second attack from the oruchs facing her, Alba heaves her chain around in a vicious arc... and there's a pause, as the barbed metal wraps around the oruchs middle; its face going ashen, and the catlike grin heard from Alba as she plants her foot on its bent knee. "Should have fled," she purrs, and hauls backward. In short, the oruch dies hard, and messily; details best left unspoken.
GAME: You roll initiative for ogre: Roll: 14 + Bonus: -1 = Total: 13
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 18.
It is now Jal's turn! Tiasa is next!
<OOC> Jal says, "Another shot!" <OOC> Jal says, "How close is the ogre now?"
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 4 =====================
---Init--Name----------------Notes--------------------------------------------
23 Aevarr
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22 Amithil
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22 Alba Fatigued (2 rnds remaining)
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>> 18 Jal <<
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13 Ogre
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13 Tiasa Raging (4 rnds active)
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13 Jahnavi
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3 Oruchs
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==============================================================================
<OOC> Benthus says, "Still at 120 feet." GAME: Jal rolls weapon3: (19)+3: 22 GAME: Jal rolls 1d8: (6): 6
There is a grim smile from Jal as the Ogre roars in pain, but it is hidden from view by his hand, already pulling back that next arrow. His eyes narrow on the monster and his lips twitch in another prayer for the second arrow to strike true. It whizzes through the air as he releases it, impaling itself into the arm of the beast.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 13.
It is now ogre's turn! Tiasa is next!
A huge creature makes its presence known as it tramples through the snowy road. He is very angry as several arrows and a scorch mark has already marred its thick hide.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 13.
It is now Tiasa's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Tiasa says, "will charge it (ogre)..." GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1+2: (5)+7+-1+2: 13 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+9: (18)+9: 27 (Ogre's AoO)
Tiasa growls as she sees the oruchs are down and then spies the Ogre, "Fresh kill." she growls and turns and charges at the ogre, but her claw fails to find purchase, leaving her a bit open.
GAME: Benthus rolls 2d8+9: (9)+9: 18 GAME: You damaged Tiasa for 18 points. 10 remaining.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 13.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Oruchs is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "Get the bolas."
"We have time--" the egalrin takes off across the ground, then half leaps, half lands atop the hunter's weapon. She grasps, sweeping it from the ash and rubble--just in time to turn and see the sith charge, and the ogre's club come down.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 23.
It is now Aevarr's turn! Amithil is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Aevarr, ogre is 60 feet, in melee with Tiasa." <OOC> Aevarr says, "Fun. I'll move, stowing bow and drawing weapon as part of moving."
Aevarr doesn't trust his aim so much as Tiasa rushes in to the ogre. So he relocates. A jog takes him closer to them both as he flips the bow over his head and pulls the coil of leather off of his hip.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 22.
It is now Amithil's turn! Alba is next!
<OOC> Amithil says, "wait for it... magic missile the ogre" GAME: Amithil used a Wand of Magic Missile. GAME: Amithil rolls 1d4+1: (1)+1: 2 (EPIC FAIL)
Amithil gets a better view of the ugly thing, and makes a face at it from her comfortable distance before pointing the wand, speaking the word, and firing again. It doesn't hit it hard but it does hit it. It always does.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! Jal is next!
<OOC> Alba says, "Okay, since I'm no longer Fatigued; take a move action to get within range, then Ray of Enfeeblement." GAME: Alba casts Ray of Enfeeblement. Caster Level: 1 DC: 14 GAME: Alba rolls ranged: (17)+5: 22 GAME: Alba rolls 1d6: (3): 3 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
Shaking the scraps of flesh and viscera off her chain, she turns, pausing for a moment at the ogre lumbering toward them. Her head cocks to one side, as the stinger of a scorpion peeks out of her cloak to touch her cheek, and the Veyshanti breaks into a lope, free hand outstretched, Alba utters a low, greasy-sounding word, and a line of black light springs from her palm, lancing into the ogre and spreading creeping tendrils of weakness throughout its yellow flesh.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 18.
It is now Jal's turn! Ogre is next!
GAME: Jal rolls weapon3 - 4: (4)+3+- 4: 11
Jal lines up another shot, then grimaces as his mates engage the monster, his shot suddenly much more complicated. His bow lifts slightly, then slides a bit to the right as he seeks the perfect shot. He lets loose and the arrow flies wide, a curse leaving the Tsuran's mouth.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 13.
It is now ogre's turn! Tiasa is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Ogre attacks Tiasa." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+9: (4)+9: 13
The ogre gets peppered by many projectiles, and it is whittling it down. Annoyed and angry, it lashes out at Tiasa, but misses.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 13.
It is now Tiasa's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Tiasa says, "full attack on ogre" GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (16)+7+-1: 22 GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (4)+7+-1: 10 GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+7: (5)+7: 12
Tiasa growls and is staggering a bit, the blow from the ogre hurting her quite a bit. She is glad it missed the second time and then she is a blur of claws, one slashes deep the other glances off its hide.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 13.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Oruchs is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "Move up 30', ranged trip. Versus his CMD." GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+7-2: (11)+7+-2: 16
Jahnavi moves forward and then throws her bolas at the ogre. She misses.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 23.
It is now Aevarr's turn! Amithil is next!
<OOC> Aevarr says, "Sorry, was AFK. Switching judgement to Justice for +1 attack and attempting to disarm ogre with whip." GAME: Aevarr rolls weapon13+1+2: (17)+7+1+2: 27
Aevarr isn't about to face an ogre head on, not with the tree for a weapon. He'll gladly prune said tree, though. He snaps out the lash in hand, letting the leather coil about the club before yanking with his whole body. The giant stick pulls free to thud to the ground.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 22.
It is now Amithil's turn! Alba is next!
(Amithil left at this stage) <OOC> Benthus says, "Amithil fires off another magic missile at the ogre." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4+1: (4)+1: 5
Amithil aims her wand of magic missile at the ogre and fires off another round. It hits the ogre.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 22.
It is now Alba's turn! Jal is next!
GAME: Note Fatigued on Alba ended. <OOC> Alba says, "Tanglefoot Bag at the ogre's feet." GAME: Alba rolls ranged+-2: (13)+5++-2: 16 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+1: (18)+1: 19 (Ogre reflex save: success) GAME: Alba rolls 2d4: (5): 5 GAME: Note Tangled added to Ogre with a duration of 5 rounds.
Scowling as the spell wears off almost between heartbeats, Alba dips a hand into her cloak again, this time turning a thin, bulging pouch in her hand. Tossing it once, she rears back, and hurls the pouch at the ogre's feet, where it explodes into tendrils of sticky, gooey, dun-colored glue, wrapping around the creature's limbs, hampering its every movement. Hampering, however, not immobilizing, but any help is needed help.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 18.
It is now Jal's turn! Ogre is next!
<OOC> Jal says, "Shooting again." GAME: Jal rolls weapon3 - 4: (18)+3+- 4: 25 GAME: Jal rolls 1d8: (4): 4
Jal continues to swing his bow around, seeking a safe angle for his next shot. This time, however, he finds his opening when the ogre bends down and the melee, by consequence settles in place. The large humanoid's backside is too tempting a target and the Tsuran sends an arrow flying straight into its haunch.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 13.
It is now ogre's turn! Tiasa is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Okay, ogre picks up his club. Tiasa, AoO please." GAME: Tiasa rolls melee: (3)+7: 10
The ogre gets some sticky goo stuck on its entire body, and then has its weapon snapped out of its hand. It bends down to pick up the weapon, which results with Tiasa hitting him in the head. But the head seems to be harder than the rest of the body and it doesn't looked injured by the attack.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 13.
It is now Tiasa's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Tiasa says, "full attack with power attack" GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (19)+7+-1: 25 GAME: Tiasa rolls melee-1: (18)+7+-1: 24 GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+7: (3)+7: 10 GAME: Tiasa rolls 1d6+7: (2)+7: 9
Tiasa cracks the ogre on the head but it doesn't really do anything. As the ogre stands, Tiasa growls out and slash one and slash again and both claws cut into the Ogre's hide.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 13.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Aevarr is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "Move up. PA. ':3" GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17 GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d10+8: (9)+8: 17
Just as the ogre straightens? Jahnavi spots her opening. She brings the bardiche forward, jabbing tightly and into the creature's gut--then across. Already hammered by her teammates, he falls with a heavy thud.
Tiasa blinks as the creature falls. Her rage fades, her claws ripple and crack, shifting as they pull back into her hands forming once more. She looks a bit staggered and then glances around, "Well takes care of that, good hunting."
"And now to move the wagon," Alba says, settling her cloak around her. "...And to escape this damned wetlander cold."
"Well done!," Jal crows from atop the wagon. With a leap, he dismounts the barricade and moves to retrieve his mandolin from the snowy ground. It will need some tuning, that is certain, but hopefully it isn't ruined. He carefully sling it over his back.
The egalrin clacks once, feathers still on end. Blood--there's blood everywhere, but she keeps looking at the ogre, then at the fallen club. And perhaps stands a little straighter. "Yeah. .../Yeah/."
For the moment. The ogre remains still.
All of a sudden, it bellows like a wounded bull. It stands groggily before its guts fall off from inside its belly.
The ogre looks at his innards and is confused. It drops its club and tries to push its innards back into its belly. It mewls again, more confused as to what has happened to it.
It takes a step back and tries to retrace its steps, ignoring everyone else.
It moves a few steps back to where it came from, stumbles, stands up again, walks some more, stumbles and finally slumps on the snow covered ground.
Aevarr coils up the lash and stows it on his hip. "The larger they are, the larger the target they make." He nods to Alba. "Yes, we just move the wagon and -AHH!" He is interrupted when the damnable brute stands back up. After watching it fall again, he adds, "After we ensure that it's actually dead, this time?"
"--Battlefu--" Jahnavi jerks backwards as the ogre lurches upwards.
When it drops, she stays back, bardiche at the ready. Just. Just...let's be sure it's dead.
Tiasa jumps a bit ready to charge the thing again and then shakes her head, "Well, need to learn when dead to stay dead." she shakes her head, "Clear road?" she asks and does move towards the blockade and stuff.
"There is no returning from such a wound," Alba replies, mask only slightly turning toward the ogre as it feebly battles for its life. "Dead already it was, only too stupid to know. Come... the road is not yet clear."
"We have to clear him, too." Jahnavi nods to the now-fallen ogre. Now that he's good and down. And after a hesitation...goes over to make sure that's the case. "Can you help me move him off?" to the sith.
Jal stumbles backwards, one hand returning to his bow. When the ogre sinks back down again, he lifts an eyebrow. "Shouldn't we put it out of its misery. It seems a cruel thing to let it bleed out, even if it is an ogre." He pulls an arrow from his quiver.
Tiasa nods her head and moves to assist in moving the Ogre and then the rest of the blockage.
When the blockade has finally been removed from the road, along with all the dead bodies, the adventurers head back to the city. Inside the Emporium, Celeste escorts them to the main office where Mister Haversian is waiting for the result.
When given the news, he sends out some people to check it to be sure. He said that he will offer the reward as soon as confirmation is made. The news doesn't come quickly, but it is not unbearably late as well. Soon, Mister Haversian acknowledges the report of the blockade being lifted. When that is done, he lets the adventurers sign some more papers and gives them their reward.
He says, "It is good doing business with you all."
Celeste is called in and had the adventurers escorted out.
(End of scene)