Unbinding the Fetters - Disciples of Master Gond (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Javi is nervous with anticipation, knowing that every second they hesitate brings the group closer and closer.

"So what's the plan? Set up an ambush here in the bunkhouse? Outside? It offers us a choke-point if we fight from inside, but if we do that, and they break through, we don't really have a way of escaping if things go poorly."

Nisk shrugs with his characteristic uncaring nature. "Simple plan. They come through that door and look like a threat, we hit them like a hurricane and break them into teeny pieces."

A strategist he is not.

The sounds outside start to get closer and you gauge that a fair warband of orc are approaching the bunkhouse.

You reckon you have about 3 rounds worth of time before they are at the door.
Prep actions and final positions taken if you please.

Do we have a lit lamp or open flame? Maybe on the wall or something?

Torgus will move up a bed frame near the door and be ready to charge the three intruders with it, hoping its big enough to get two of them.

And snickers as he waits for his opponents.

If the beds don't have a frame he will wait near one of the two corners by the door so once they come in he will cut off there escape.

While Torgus is preparing his beady-bye surprise, Javi moves over next to the door, standing off to the side, hoping the intruders will be too focused on the waiting Torgus to bother to notice him. He gets Nisk's and Cassadar's attention, "One of you want to stand on the other side of the door? Once one or two rush past, maybe we can surround the third, teaming up."

Basically looking to stealth - using Torgus as a distraction - and set up a flanking situation on both sides of the door. Stealth 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14.

Nisk straps Darkfang on quickly, and readies his combat stances, then waits in plain sight, hoping to distract, and motioning Cassadar to the other side of the door.

Not having much of an idea about whether or not this was a test of some sort or not, Cassadar moved to where Nisk indicated, since any group that would come in would have to come in through the door, and he believed that he was better off among any of the possible hostiles. Stilling, he centered himself with his breathing, closing his eyes to better listen. He had donned his gear, figuring that if things were going to get hostile, he would be better served in being prepared to meet it.

What that meant for the monastery, he did not know, but that was something that he was not going to worry about until the time had arrived.

As the group takes up it's defensive positions, you hear the orcs getting closer. Despite not knowing their language, the words do not seem the unstructured mess of a rowdy mob - more a group of soldiers going about their business. They reach the bunkhouse and you sense them gather towards the entrance and then all is quiet for a few moments.

Then the door explodes inwards off it's hinges as though struck by a mighty fist. Immediately after the door bursts in, a vial is tossed through the opened portal into the center of the room and breaks -
spreading liquid fire across the floor.

Nisk is showered with fragments of the broken door, though avoids the thrown flask. DC 13 Reflex save or take 1d6 ⇒ 6 damage (none on successful save)

The wooden floor where the flask landed looks to be smouldering and starting to catch aflame.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Javi, Cassadar, Torgus / Nisk, Orcs, ??? Bolded name means you still have your action remaining this round

Looking through the remains of the door, you can see that the orcs have encircled the entrance, but are presently remaining about 20ft from the door. There are about a baker's dozen that you can see - though you can't be sure. They are wielding a variety of weapons - though most are two handed - and they are armored in a mixture of leather and chain.

First combat, so this is how things work:
I roll initiative, then throw up an action tracker (as above) which shows you the order in which you act.
I don't do maps, so movement and positioning is fairly free-form. If you think that you can get to a sneak attack position, you probably can. If two of you are next to one target - go ahead and flank, etc.
I recommend you throwing up your actions whenever you get online, then I can collate them at appropriate points and advance the action tracker to suit.
Once your action has been collated in a round, your name will be un-bolded in the tracker for this round.
For this combat, once everyone has posted an action - I will put up the Orcs and ??? action and advance to the next round.
Once enemies start taking damage, I'll keep track of that in thread in a 'Damage Tracker' which counts up from zero as things get hurt.
Any questions?

Javi looks over at Cassadar, "Probably smart if we team up on one, don't ya think?" Even as he finishes, he dashes out the door, choosing one of the closer opponents to drive his knee into. As he steps away from the orc, the Wasp drains from view, fading into the night where he stands.

Javi would choose an opponent he thinks both himself and Cassadar can reach, but that is also hopefully along an edge of their formation, lessening the chances Cassadar would be flanked should another orc come to help.
Then he'll attack (i've included Sneak Attack since the orcs haven't acted yet in combat), then use a ki point for Vanishing Trick.
Unarmed 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 1 = 23. Combat Expertise.
---> Damage 1d3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (4, 6) = 14.
AC is up to 20 til next round, and he's invisible.

Save:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Nisk throws his arms in front of his body, catching the two long splinters that would have done serious damage on his leather sleeves. Smiling a feral grin, Nisk charges out into the dawn, oblivious to the danger. He pushes to full speed, then leaps, bringing his knee into a sideon strike at the orc on the other side of the circles head.

Charge Power Attack:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Damage:1d6 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Armor for first attack:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
Attack of Opportunity Power Attack (Triggers if enemy misses):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Dropping the bed Torgus stomps out and clotheslines the closes orc, "Foolish greenskins, don't you know I am the champion of Ballen wood!"

Charge attack:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Nisk and Torgus charge forth with bravado, both catching their opponents with solid blows and dropping them.

Javi sneaks out to one side of the group of orcs unnoticed due to the obvious distraction of the two big men. His knee catching the orc in a sensitive area and dropping him to the ground also.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Javi, Cassadar, Torgus / Nisk, Orcs, ???

Damage Tracker: 3 orcs down, 10 plus ??? to go

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15.

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Just pending Cassadar's input for Round 1, then I'll act out for the orcs.

Cassadar - could you give an intent for Round 2 as well?

Cassadar still has a round 1 action pending.

The orcs turn on the newcomers in their midst and attack in force. As Javi has disappeared from view, they instead move in on both Nisk and Torgus.

Attacks on Nisk:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11 Crit confirm 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 for extra 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 = 8
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12

Three of the orcs miss, but one strikes a wicked blow across Nisk's back, rending a jagged tear in his flesh.

Attacks on Torgus:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10

Those attacking Torgus are thrown aback by the fury of his charge and only one manages to strike a clean blow.

The remaining two orcs approach the door to see if any remaining combatants dwell inside.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Javi, Cassadar, Torgus / Nisk, Orcs, ???

Torgus, wanna enlighten those of us who didn't make the perception DC? :D

Javi ghosts through the fight, hoping to get to Nisk in time to keep the half-elf on his feet. He silently moves up behind the orc who just cut Nisk and lashes out with with his elbow towards the brute's temple.

Silently move to flank with the orc that crit Nisk, then sneak attack using Combat Expertise.
AC is 20 til next round.
Stealth 1d20 + 12 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 20 = 37; invisible.
Unarmed Strike 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 + 2 - 1 = 32; invisible, flank, combat expertise. <-- Possible Crit!
---> Damage 1d3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (5, 4) = 13.

Crit Confirm 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 + 2 - 1 = 18; invisible, flank, combat expertise.
---> Total Damage 13 + 1d3 + 1 ⇒ 13 + (1) + 1 = 15.

Javi silently moves unnoticed through the melee and catches the orc unaware. Dropping like a sack of grain, there is a noticeable crease in the orc's skull.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Javi, Cassadar, Torgus / Nisk, Orcs, ???

Damage Tracker: 3 on Nisk, 4 on Torgus, 2 at hut's door
4 orcs down

After giving a quick glance to the back wall and smirks, "ENJOY THE SHOW OLD MAN!HAHA." After that he smashes another orc with a powerful forearm.

By the way since more then 1 opponent is attacking me my ac is now 18 just to let you know.
Forearm Smash Attack w/ power attack:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Damage:1d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
(Redirection on the first attack that comes towards him) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Flowing dodge gives him a +1 for every enemy adjacent to him up to +3.
There was something to be said about acting in concert for the first time. There was always a little more coordination that could occur, a little more adaptation, and Cassadar was uncertain about how best to account for his companions' fighting styles. That is, he hesitated instead of acting, and as a result, he was too late to move when Nisk did.

Instead, he was relagated to following in his wake, and Cassadar put himself into the group, and felt himself sinking into motion. For now, he was taking their measure, and providing Nisk with some defense as well as a distraction.

Attack:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19@1d8 ⇒ 2

Another of the orcs attacking Torgus goes down with a crushed nose, blood streaming down it's chest even as it's limbs go limp. Cassadar moves up to assist Nisk and strikes a glancing blow against one of the orcs.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Javi, Cassadar, Torgus / Nisk, Orcs, ???

Damage Tracker: 3 on Nisk, 3 on Torgus, 2 at hut's door
5 orcs down

The orcs attacking Nisk and Torgus continue their assaults unabated, while the two who were near the door charge at Cassadar - who just slipped through their midst.

Torgus Attacks:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 = 11

Nisk Attacks:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9
last attack pending if he drops another orc with his action.

Cassadar Attacks:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6 - crit conf 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Action Tracker (Round 3): Javi, Cassadar, Torgus / Nisk, Orcs, ???

Nisk has an action in Round 2 that may drop one of his foes.

Damage Tracker: 3? on Nisk, 3 on Torgus, 2 at hut's door
5 orcs down

When none of the orcs turn on him, Javi decides to press the advantage, taking a sliding step into a flanking position with the closest orc attacking Nisk. As he maintains his defensive stance, his left hand darts towards the creature's head even as his right speeds undetected towards its midsection.

If he can 5' step into a flanking position with Nisk, he will. If it requires a move action to get there, use the Bluff roll as an Acro roll instead to avoid any AoO's (the result will be 3 lower).
Using Combat Expertise - AC remains 20 for another round.
Bluff to Feint 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28.
Unarmed Strike 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 19; flanking, Expertise.
---> Damage 1d3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (1, 1) = 6.

"Lucking shot but you'll need to do better to take down the Bear!" With that he gives a massive kick to the orcs chest.

He starts his controlled rage to (Dex+4) so AC is now 20
Kick w/ power attack:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Damage:1d6 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Javi moves through the remaining orcs to deliver a head blow to one of the orcs attacking Nisk. The creature blinks a couple of times and staggers a step or two before collapsing unconscious.

Torgus feels the satisfying snap of ribs as his foot almost drives through the orc's chest. Lungs sucking on wet air the beast slumps to the ground.

Action Tracker (Round 3): Javi, Cassadar, Torgus / Nisk, Orcs, ???

Damage Tracker: 2? on Nisk, 2 on Torgus, 2 at Cassadar
7 orcs down

"If anyone speaks orc... now would be a good time to tell them to toss their weapons down and lie down or we'll continue killing them."

I know that Nisk is currently on less than normal net access - so will DMPC him soon. Leaving Cassadar a little longer to get back before he gets the same.

Smiling rather viciously, an expression quite counter to his fighting style, Cassadar repeated Javi's words, and threw in a couple more invectives than had originally be stated, but the snarl he said them with left no doubt that his dislike for the orcs would be conveyed better through their deaths, illustrated by a pair of strikes.

Flurry 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16;1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Redirection(-trip) on the first attack (if necessary)1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8; Current AC19

Cassadar is able to land a glancing blow on one of the orcs attacking him. Meanwhile Nisk connects with a downward striking elbow, driving one of his spurs into the beasts neck. Clasping a hand to its neck and gasping for air the orc drops to the ground.

The other orcs are clearly in the throes of battle-lust as they continue the assault:
Nisk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8

Torgus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9
Torgus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 = 11

Cassadar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9
Cassadar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 for 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9

Action Tracker (Round 4): Javi, Cassadar, Torgus / Nisk, Orcs, ???

Damage Tracker: 1 on Nisk, 2 on Torgus, 2 at Cassadar (one of which is injured)
8 orcs down

Javi's eyes take in the one remaining opponent on Nisk and the fact that both Cassadar and Torgus are still out-numbered, "Nisk, you got this..." And he dodges away.

Javi's movements mimic his nick-name's sake as he dips and darts through the melee, though he catches his toe at one point, making his tumble far less graceful than intended. Once he finds a target, a lightning-fast kick flashes towards the orc's exposed knee.

Move to flank with either Torgus or Cassadar. I'd prefer to target one of Torgus's opponents because he's taken more damage, but if Javi can't get there in one tumbling move, he'd attack one of Cassadar's attackers instead.
Using Combat Expertise - AC still at 20.
Acro to avoid AoO's 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Unarmed Strike 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 20; Flanking, Expertise.
---> Non-lethal Damage 1d3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (3, 6) = 11.

Just to point out, I don't get a flurry, but I do get an AoO when someone misses me. Still on bad posting schedule, but at a friends at the moment.

"Haha give up now green skins!" With that Torgus backhands one of the orcs attacking him.

Attacking the orc Javi is flanking if he's still up or the other one if that one is knocked out.
Backhand:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 16 if flanking with Javi.
Damage:1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Nisk AoO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 and Round 4: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Roger that - hard keeping track of all the reactive elements, so please apply them in your turn if they are relevant.

With Nisk dropping two more orcs, and Javi and Torgus combining to end two more - the last orc is easily dealt with.

Your group is surrounded to thirteen orc bodies in a variety of states of unconsciousness and pain.

I haven't forgotten about the ???, but act as though you are out of combat initiative

After the orcs are dispatched Torgus breaths heavy as his controlled rage is dismissed. He looks to the wall where he saw the Old man earlier, "SO WHAT DID...YOU THINK OF THE CHAMPION OF BALLENWOOD!!" Still keeping his mind alert he rests his body while he waits for an answer. He thrusts his hand to the figure keeping his thumb to the side, "Do you wish the survivors to die or live?" With that he looks on to see which are still breathing.

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Torgus spots the old man in the same spot he did earlier as he has seemingly been watching the whole time. Right hand by his side, he is thoughtfully stroking the straggly beard at his chin with his left. He does not respond to you query.

Pretty much all of the orcs are still 'living', though some will likely pass on soon without intervention

Javi looks around for more combatants, then he looks around with confusion.

Turning to Nisk and Cassadar, he whispers with a strange look at the big man, "Who is Torgus yelling at?" As he asks, he bends down to search through the fallen orcs' gear, looking for useful weapons as well as clues as to who they are.

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27.

The orcs have no explicit iconography on their clothes to indicate their origin. The weapons are large wickedly weighted blades falchions while their armor is crude but effective leather and chain.

Now the heat of battle has passed, you can see the elderly man perched atop the monastery wall - calmly watching you.

Cassadar knew how he would rather leave the orcs, but with so many in his company, he relented, more curious about the old man that was atop the monastery wall.. If this was an attack, he would likely not be standing there, which led him to wonder. He stepped over the bodies as he chanced a look around at what he could see from the doorway. If this were an invasion, these orcs could die, and he would care not at all.

However, seeing as there were no shouts or cries of alarm-- not that he expected many in this place. An attack was likely to go in the defenders' favor here. "..a test", he said aloud, voicing his suspicions, eyes narrowed in thought.

As he has most of your attention, the old man's expression does not change and he holds your gaze. He slowly raises his right arm and languidly points off to one side of the monastery.

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"So whats you pointing at? Is our reward for winning that way?"

Torgus just stares at him waiting for an answer.

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18.

Torgus's question brings Javi's head up from his search of the orcs, and his eyes widen a bit. "Um... not exactly." His young eyes seem uncertain as he quickly stands and looks for some cover. "I've never seen a giant before, but I'm thinking that's exactly what is headed our way. Either that or Torgus's much bigger brother has come for a family reunion."

The last is said as he slips into the shadows of the building, trying to break line of sight.

Stealth 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15.
Javier will try to find a spot where he can hide until he can ambush the big guy.

Javier will try to find a spot where he can hide until he can ambush the big guy.

Hmmm... apparently Javi's ethnic makeup got jacked with by auto-correct...

Just need prep actions from Nisk, Torgus and Cassadar before I break back into initiative.

Seeing Javi getting into a hiding spot Torgus smirks and understands he then waits for the others to hide(at least the ones that wish too) Then he picks up one of the orcs and bellows at the giant figure, "HEY ORC WHOSE THE FAT SLUG THAT'S ALWAYS LATE TO YOUR FIGHTS!" Torgus shakes the orc up and down giving it a hig pitched voice,"OH THATS PORKILITH THE GIANT PIG THAT ALWAYS HOPES US LITTLE PUNY ORCS FINISH UP THE ENEMIES BEFORE HE CAN AVOID BECOMING PORK CHOPS OR DOING ANY LABOR!" Going back to his original shout, "WELL I GUESS PORKS ON THE MENU, BWAHAHAHHAHA!"

As Torgus gives off that laugh his wounds remind him, he was hurt and should stop provoking the big guy. But as usual The Brawling Bear's stubborn showmenship quiets that little voice away, and preparing to use that orc as a shield from that club as he gets into a defensive position.

"Family reunion indeed." Nisk says darkly, rubbing his new wounds with annoyance. Never should have hit me. Need to watch my own strikes better.

Nisk stands slightly aside from Torgus, giving him room and hoping to move around the enemy for a flanking attack before and perhaps as Javi reappears.

Frowning slightly, Cassadar looked in the direction that the old man had pointed and was even more confused. This had to be a test. He doubted anything as skilled as the teachers had come through the gate in a long time, let alone be allowed in. He shook his head, and gave a fatalistic shrug before attempting some sort of conversation with it.

"Nhk hahukt, ku ruro!", he shouted in Orc. A fight was not something that he wanted, especially against something that size. "Kunrakk uh 'u roho!

Translation: "Turn around, go home. Nothing for you here."

As the creature nears you are able to discern that it is an ogre. Charging recklessly in it gives no indication of reaction to Cassadar's words. With a roar and a crude crossways slam of its club it tries to silence Torgus.

Club go Smash!: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22 for 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 6) + 7 = 18

For amusement's sake, I'll let you attempt to block that with your improvised 'orc-shield'. A successful attack roll that beats the ogre's (remember to take -4 for improvised weapon), will give you DR 10/- against the strike.

State of play - I've assumed that you've allowed the Ogre to make contact rather than going to meet it.
Torgus is the initial target of it's wrath.
Javi and Nisk were both able to move to the side in preparation (Javi is hidden within a single move range).
Cassadar is slightly behind Torgus.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Ogre, Torgus / Cassadar / Nisk / Javi - I've not bothered with initiative as there is only one of him

Remember it has reach, so you'll need to justify getting in under it's guard to avoid the AoO - except for Torgus, who could 5ft step in

Quick question about Stealth. Do you run it RAW where there is no way to cover the ground between his cover and the big guy without breaking stealth (and losing his sneak attack)? Or will Javier be able to use sneak attack ifnhe successfully makes a stealth check against the big guy?

Nisk rushes in, heedless of the big creatures fury and well aware that he could see where it struck before it could get there, and that his new allies could move in under the cover of his move.

Voluntarily taking AoO to let others move in, and activating Snake Style ability to use Sense Motive for AC. Sense Motive:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

As the ogre swings Nisk attempts to step onto it's moving arm, using his momentum to swing hard at the creatures face with his elbow.

Attack:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 For 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damn!