PrP: The Farm Revisited

Log Info

• Title: The Farm Revisited
• Emitter: Benthus
• Characters: Jokul (lvl2), Mel (lvl5), Stirling (lvl5)
• Place: Alexandria - Outskirts
• Time: Oct 6, 2014
• Summary: A farm at the outskirts of the city is once again being overtaken by goblins.
• APL: 4
• Encounter 1: 3 Goblin (Adv +1) CR 4
• Encounter 2: 1 Ogre +2 HD (Adv +1) CR 5

(Start of the plot)

A boy arrives in your locale screaming for help. One of his arms looks like it is sagging from the shoulder. There is a cut on his forehead, and the look on his face is genuine fright. "Help! Help me, please! Anyone!" He looks around frantically and his face contorts in pain as he moves his sagging arm.

Mel looks over at the screaming boy, and hops to his feet. "What's up, lad?" he asks. "I will help!" He's a strapping young man, himself, and carries himself well enough. Mail and shield across his back mark him as a veteran, though his movements don't make him out as a warrior.

Stirling is hardly so enthusiastic but not any less willing to help, gravel crunches under his heavy foot print as he closes to inspect the boy. "Now what's the matter son.” he says in a stern gruff voice, as he inspects the boys wounds.

GAME: Stirling rolls heal: (12)+0: 12 You paged Stirling with 'It is plain to see that the boy is dying. (0 hp)'

Where ever this might be, Jokul is likely for the most part in the process of getting his bearings about the city. Being as fresh off the boat as he is. One hand held on top of the short sword hanging by it's hilt from his side, the considerably larger greatsword clanking against the metal of his breastplate on his back with his steps. But-- It's the sound of irregular commotion from thataway that catches his attention, first, and then the sight of the wounded boy -- which urges a deeper frown over his features, and his vector of movement to turn towards them. To oversee the situation, for now, more than anything else.

The boy seems close to falling unconscious by the way he has trouble in standing up straight. He looks pale as well, his eyes has taken a sunken appearance. He shakes his head to keep himself awake. "No, no... I mean, yes I need help, but not for me. My mother. Our farm. It is under attack by goblins. Please. Please... help us." And then he collapses on the ground.

One of the bystanders recognizes the boy and says, "I know this lad. He used to live in the slum area with his mother and father. His father died just recently, and the mother and boy went back to their farm when it was liberated by heroes." The man then tells where the farm is to anyone listening. "It would appear that the goblins have returned and terrorized the farm once again!"

Mel mutters, "Goblins, eh? I think we can handle a few goblins. How about it?" He looks towards Stirling, and gulps a little as he realizes he's asking this of a hobgoblin, but he smiles bravely, and affirms, "You're one of the city heroes, yes?" Because it pays to make sure.

Stirling nods "I will help. I am no hero but I would see a few wrongs corrected if I can." his chrome gauntlets gleaming just so in the sunlight.

Jokul, over there? He didn't even bother to put much more thought into it than that, much less words. The moment the directions were given? He's already heading thataway. See, he's already jogging up all the way over there. Right around the corner now.

GAME: Stirling rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 23 GAME: Jokul rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 8 GAME: Mel rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 24 GAME: You roll initiative for Goblin elite: Roll: 9 + Bonus: +8 = Total: 17

===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name----------------Notes--------------------------------------------
    24   Mel                 
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    23   Stirling            Flat-footed (0 rnds active)                  
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    17   Goblin Elite       
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    8    Jokul               Flat-footed (0 rnds active)                  
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==============================================================================

As the three heroes approach the edge of the farm, you can see that there is a bonfire going on under a tree. Hanging on a rope dangling on top of the fire is a woman. There are three well armed and armoured goblins poking their spears at the screaming and thrashing woman. But all that stops when they realize that they are no longer alone. When they spot the heroes, they begin to get ready for combat...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 24.
     It is now Mel's turn! Stirling is next!

<OOC> Mel says, "I would like to get inside 30 ft, and hurl a javelin at one of the goblins." GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+7: (6)+7: 13 Mel advances with the others, chatting casually about life in the city and various topics. Mel's a native, so he has a lot of information to offer. At the sight of goblins and the woman hanging from the tree, he rushes forward, fumbling a javelin from his pack, and hurls it at the closest goblin. But his throw is wide. Because he's just not that good.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 23.
     It is now Stirling's turn! Goblin Elites is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Stirling ended. <OOC> Stirling says, "Slap a shield spell on Jokul." GAME: Stirling casts Shield. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14 Stirling pulls out a silvery spider like device and slaps it on Jokul’s chest, the limbs of the spider like device clamp over his shoulder and under his arms before pressing a button on it which surrounds Jokul in a shimmer "Go get em'" he says gruffly.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 17.
     It is now Goblin elites' turn! Jokul is next!

<OOC> Benthus says, "1 Mel 2 Stirling 3 Jokul" GAME: Benthus rolls 1d3: (2): 2 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d3: (1): 1 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d3: (1): 1

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26 (hits Stirling: threat) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15 (misses Mel) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26 (hits Mel: threat) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23 (Crit Stirling) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8 (Just threat on Mel) GAME: Benthus rolls 3d4: (8): 8 GAME: You damaged Stirling for 8 points. 46 remaining. GAME: Benthus rolls 1d4: (2): 2 GAME: You damaged Mel for 2 points. 31 remaining.

One of the goblins sets its sight on Sterling and sneers. It lets loose its arrow and manages to hit the hobgoblin where it hurts. The other two goblins try their luck on Mel. One manages to injure him.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Mel is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Jokul ended.

"What the--?!" Jokul's baritone voice booms out in surprise, initially, when Stirling slaps the device on him, hand going instinctively to try and grab at the thing at first before it does-- something. It doesn't hurt him, so he can only assume it's a good thing, so instead he ends up bringing that same hand to grab onto the handle of the massive greatsword slung against his back with a grunt of "Right," directed back at Stirling as he sets to pace towards the goblins. Here here here, don't I just look like a tempting target?

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 24.
     It is now Mel's turn! Stirling is next!

Mel draws his shortsword and lines up with Jokul, blade out, ready for action! He's only taken a few steps, but he looks ready for action.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 23.
     It is now Stirling's turn! Goblin Elites is next!

GAME: Stirling casts Shield. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14

Stirling walks up behind Mel pulling out an identical silver spider and slaps it onto his back where it attaches itself "No point see'in you two hurt..." he says pressing a button to activate it.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 17.
     It is now Goblin elites' turn! Jokul is next!

The goblins don't seem scared of the three of you and just reload on their short bows and prepare to fire...

<OOC> Benthus says, "1 Mel 2 Stirling 3 Jokul" GAME: Benthus rolls 1d3: (3): 3 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d3: (3): 3 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d3: (2): 2

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22 (miss) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8 (miss) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16 (miss)

The goblins let loose their arrows but all just bounce off the armour and spells that the heroes have on.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Mel is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1-1: (3)+5+1+-1: 8 (pwratk miss)

By now, Jokul is likely getting more than happy enough when he learns what the little device did by virtue of seeing an arrow that would have smacked against his arm otherwise instead bounce off of empty air, right after stepping out of the trajectory of another arrow. And so, fuelled by motivation from that alone, the Aesirian warrior steps on forward with a wide grin and a roar of "GET READY!" directed at the goblins before he swings his massive sword in a downward vertical arc towards one of the goblins. Or tries to, anyway. What it hits is ultimately just soil. At least it makes a nice picture of grass and dirt flying up into the air if nothing else, right?

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Three - Init 24.
     It is now Mel's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (9)+8: 17

Mel is grateful for the blessing, and for not getting shot up with arrows. Looks like these fellows are archers, and probably lightly armoured and such, and when Jokul rushes into melee, Mel is in there also. He'll slip behind the fellow defending himself from Jokul and try to stab him in the back, but the chaotic swirl of melee is too much for him and he can't land a strike.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 23.
     It is now Stirling's turn! Goblin Elites is next!

GAME: Stirling rolls melee+2+1: (14)+7+2+1: 24 GAME: Stirling rolls 2d6+6+1: (8)+6+1: 15

Stirling walks up to a nearby goblin, furnace on his back bellowing thick black smoke as he raises his titan fists and backhands a goblin across the face. Teeth fly and the goblin spins and drops. He's not waking up.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 17.
     It is now Goblin elites' turn! Jokul is next!

The goblins switch to melee, drawing out their short swords and begin stabbing away at their larger foes...

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (6)+4: 10 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18

Try as they might, the gobbers’ disciplined attacks fail against the heroes' superior defences.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Mel is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1-1: (16)+5+1+-1: 21 GAME: Jokul rolls 2d6+4+3: (3)+4+3: 10

With his sword still down up against the soil, Jokul takes to avoiding the stabbing sword by a sidestepping motion, instead, all done with a sound of laughter and a growl of "What's the matter?!" -- even as the sidestepping motion brings the lowered sword turning as well, and even more so when the large human starts spinning himself around and the sword itself gets turned to have the blade's edge turned horizontally and ultimately brought cleaving straight through the goblin's guts. "That's it," Jokul grunts out, then, once he's stomped his left foot back into the ground with the end of the spin even while blood spatters up onto him, and the greatsword's slant gets held up against his shoulder.

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Four - Init 24.
     It is now Mel's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (12)+8: 20 GAME: Mel rolls 3d6+2: (9)+2: 11

Mel finds himself in the middle of a crazy melee of goblins and heroes and blood and gore and goblins dropping all over. Not to be outdone, he slips behind the last goblin as he fends off Jokul and puts good Alexandrian steel right through his heart, from behind, and pushes him over on his face, where he bleeds out mostly quietly.

GAME: Benthus has cleared initiatives.

With the last of the goblins killed, the farm is once again reclaimed. All that needs to be done is get the woman off the tree.

"Help! Help! Get me down, get me down, please!" Says the woman who is kicking her feet from under her, the heat of the fire getting to her.

"Yeah, here, here, here," he (Jokul) calls out to the woman, too, all too casually, when he takes to approaching her -- and trying to reach out towards her, for the purpose of pulling her hanging self away from the fire before actually cutting her down. Having her fall into the fire would be bad, right?

Mel will help where he can in lowering the woman down safely. "Are there more out there?" he wonders first, always the soldier.

<OOC> Benthus says, "1 Mel 2 Stirling 3 Jokul" GAME: Benthus rolls 1d3: (1): 1 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+3: (7)+3: 10

Just when everything seems to have calmed down, a large tree-trunk sized javelin comes hurtling through the air and lands speared to the ground a few feet away from where Mel is standing... Stepping out from the farm's barn is a large hunched creature carrying a huge club and a bad demeanour. It thumps its huge club on the ground and says, "You... Pay!"

Stirling works to help Jokul get the lady down until the javelin lands. He raises an eyebrow and shrugs, his furnace still belching thick smoke. "Looks like someone else wants a hand as well."

GAME: Jokul rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 8 GAME: Mel rolls initiative: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 11 GAME: Stirling rolls init: (15)+3: 18 GAME: You roll initiative for Ogre: Roll: 16 + Bonus: +1 = Total: 17

GAME: Stirling rolls ranged+1: (2)+6+1: 9

Stirling grumbles and walks towards the barn, unslinging the monstrous black firearm from his shoulder. "Come get your payment then." electricity surges out of the gun across the ground towards the ogre but barely missing him.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (9)+10: 19

The ogre lumber slowly toward Stirling, not really that fearful of the group, and tries to thump him with its club. The weapon breaks the earth where it lands, but misses the hobgoblin.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

<OOC> Mel says, "Readying for someone else to get into melee."

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Jokul ended.

..."And your son is fine, he made it to Alexandria, and he's being taken care of at the Guild right now. So ... Ack!" There's a big javelin right by his feet. He looks over, and gulps with fear, but the others are getting ready to fight, so he can't wimp out here. He shoulders his buckler and draws out his shortsword and gets ready to fight! With some guile, he manages to get behind the ogre, but he holds off on his attack, the monster is watching him a little too closely for his comfort.

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 18.
     It is now stirling's turn! Ogre is next!

GAME: Stirling rolls melee+2+1: (7)+7+2+1: 17 (lacks +2 from a readied flanking maneuver) GAME: Stirling rolls melee+2+1: (10)+7+2+1: 20 (lacks +2 from a readied flanking maneuver) GAME: Stirling rolls 2d6+6+1: (9)+6+1: 16

Stirling shoulders his gun and flexes his hand before punching the ogre directly in the gut with his Titanfist. "Come on big boy, lets rumble."

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!

The huge creature smarts from the stinging slap it got from Stirling. It looks him evilly and raises its club high, "Smash!"

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (6)+10: 16

And again, it hits the earth but misses the hobgoblin...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (1)+8: 9

Mel takes his chance to attack when the ogre attacks Stirling, but his attempt is slow, and the monster is untouched by his blade. He fights quietly, rather than shouting and taunting, letting the ogre focus on Stirling for now.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1+2-1: (1)+5+1+2+-1: 8 (pwratk miss) GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (8)+10: 18 (Ogre miss)

The ogre sees that Jokul is preparing to charge it, and so it gets ready to thump him when he gets in range. But apparently, the human is faster than the beast and so it slips by just when the club drops down.

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Three - Init 18.
     It is now stirling's turn! Ogre is next!

GAME: Stirling rolls melee+2+1+2: (14)+7+2+1+2: 26 GAME: Stirling rolls melee +2+1+2: (3)+7+2+1+2: 15 GAME: Stirling rolls 2d6+6+1: (8)+6+1: 15 Stirling is like a bar room brawler with chrome fists that would look more at home in the ogre than the 6 foot hobgoblin. None the less he lands another telling blow to the gut.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!

Ogre gets beaten up pretty badly by the hobgoblin and so it draws its attention. "Kill, puny gobby!"

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (13)+10: 23 GAME: Benthus rolls 2d8+10: (10)+10: 20 GAME: You damaged Stirling for 20 points. 26 remaining.

The ogre's rage finally enabled it to actually hit the elusive hobgoblin and thumps him down good.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (10)+8: 18

Mel takes a few deep breaths and squares himself away as quickly as he can, hauls back with his shortsword, and dashes in when he thinks he sees an opening, to have his blade thunk into the ogre's heavy belt, not hurting the monster at all.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1-1: (3)+5+1+-1: 8

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Four - Init 18.
     It is now Stirling's turn! Ogre is next!

GAME: Stirling rolls melee+5: (7)+7+5: 19 GAME: Stirling rolls melee+5: (4)+7+5: 16

Stirling takes a club to the side of the head, still a little dazed he strikes out twice to only catch air. "Stand still take ugly beast." he mummers gruffly at he shakes the hit off.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!

The ogre swats and ducks the attacks that were aimed at it. It then looks at Stirling, since he is the closest to hitting him this round, and again raises and swings down his club at him.

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (2)+10: 12

And it misses again. It roars in frustration.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (5)+8: 13

Mel pantpantpant. He's winded, it seems, and his attacks are slowing. His shortsword can't reach anywhere vital, so he's perforce attacking below the belt, but this ogre is either quite agile or has some protection below the belt, Mel's attack is once again ineffective.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1-1: (5)+5+1+-1: 10

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Benthus advances the initiative order.
     Round Five - Init 18.
     It is now Stirling's turn! Ogre is next!

GAME: Stirling rolls melee+5: (7)+7+5: 19 GAME: Stirling rolls melee+5: (11)+7+5: 23 GAME: Stirling rolls 2d6+6+1: (4)+6+1: 11

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Five - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (20)+10: 30 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (13)+10: 23 GAME: Benthus rolls 4d8+20: (13)+20: 33 GAME: You damaged Stirling for 33 points. -7 remaining. (DYING)

The ogre roars in anger and throws a fit by kicking the dirt beneath him. The dirt actually obscures Stirling's vision so he could not see the ogre's club coming around on him. And it was a very powerful swing which clips the hobgoblin in the head and sends him sailing several meters wide.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Five - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (8)+8: 16

Mel acks as Stirling is felled, but he has no time to react, other than to shift his position and attack, but the ogre is tough and wily, and Mel can't get past his guard, his attack ineffective.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Five - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1+2-1: (19)+5+1+2+-1: 26 GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1+2-1: (11)+5+1+2+-1: 18 GAME: Jokul rolls 2d6+4+3: (4)+4+3: 11

Something this large REALLY should not be this hard to hit as far as Jokul's concerned! And yet, for all that he wildly swings his massive blade at the beast. "You..." Panting out from the exertion, by now. "Little... Massive... Pile... Of..." And then the mother of all slams lands down on Stirling, and the Aesirian gives brief pause at the sight with a faint gasp of "...Oh good." Before turning to slash horizontally towards the beast with renewed vigour and FINALLY managing to slice along it's sternum. "COME ON!"

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Six - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (8)+10: 18

The ogre takes a hefty cut from Jokul. It stumbles slight before it shakes its head and roars. Raising its huge club, it strikes out at Jokul, but misses him...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Six - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (7)+8: 15

Mel is clearly not the melee monster his companions are, his weak-kneed swordplay not convincing anyone that he knows what he's doing. Mostly he's mimicking the attacks he's seen others do, but he doesn't have the skill or strength to execute them successfully, it seems!

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Six - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls melee+1+2-1: (5)+5+1+2+-1: 12

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Seven - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (5)+10: 15

The ogre staggers about, trying to pin down which hero to bash next. It shakes its head groggily again and then eyes Mel. It roars and then swings at him, but yet again, it misses.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Seven - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Seven - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1+2-1: (3)+5+1+2+-1: 10

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Eight - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (11)+10: 21

The ogre is getting increasingly irritated by all his misses and roars some more. His last swing nearly hit someone, but their shields manage to deflect the blow from becoming injurious.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Eight - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11

Mel is shocked as the ogre turns on him, but it was just a matter of time. He whimpers a bit as the weapon smashes down, but the magic shield from before flashes and the maul is turned aside. With a breath of air, he redoubles his efforts to attack, but the ogre is so tough that his counterattack has no effect.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Eight - Init 8.
     It is now Jokul's turn! Stirling is next!

GAME: Jokul rolls Melee+1+2-1: (12)+5+1+2+-1: 19

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Nine - Init 17.
     It is now Ogre's turn! Mel is next!

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (20)+10: 30 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (6)+10: 16 GAME: Benthus rolls 2d8+10: (14)+10: 24 GAME: You damaged Jokul for 24 points. 2 remaining.

The ogre spins his club erratically and manages to hit Jokul...

"Hey, where are you goi--" Jokul yells out, perhaps in irritation, when the ogre starts turning to attack Mel instead-- which effectively distracts him enough to not notice the club spinning back towards him and... sending him flying back a few feet after getting slammed into his midsection with a sickening sound of breaking bones. Amazingly, he still manages to stay up on his feet and conscious enough to see the ogre fall from Mel's final strike on the massive beast, but the Aesirian does still spittle out a rather (un)healthy dosage of blood from between his lips, wobbling in his stance.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.

     Round Nine - Init 11.
     It is now Mel's turn! Jokul is next!

GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+8: (14)+8: 22 GAME: Mel rolls 3d6+2: (9)+2: 11

Mel finds his place as the ogre strikes Jokul. As it pauses to recover its club, Mel drives his blade unto it's back, up under its belt and rams it home with his shoulder behind it, and the ogre falls face-first into the turf.

The woman of the farm runs up to Stirling and administers appropriate health care to him. She seems to be good at it because the hobgoblin is breathing much better now.

The woman looks teary-eyed at the bloodied heroes, "Once again, heroes from Alexandria have come to save us and free our home. I and my son owe you all a debt that can never be repaid." She cries tears of joy as the farm is once again theirs.

Mel accepts the praise nonchalantly. "It's the least we can do, ma'am," he says sincerely as he heads over to make sure his friends are OK.

"Yeah... That's... Nice..." Jokul mumbles out in response to the woman as he turns around, wobbling, and stabs his greatsword down onto the ground. "...I think I'm... Gonna just... Take a nap now... yeah..." And with that, the large Aesirian keels over, face-first, into the dirt right next to where the greatsword sticks up from the ground now.

The woman heads over to Jokul just to make sure he is breathing and tells Mel that he is. Stirling lies unconscious, however no longer bleeding out.

(Jokul's probably snoring, too)

Mel will help his friends back to Alexandria and let the boy know his mom and his home are OK, and then he'll poke around to see what might be special about this farm.

(End of Plot)