Expedition to Tharkad-Kûl
Game Master Patrick Curtin

"Aye, I say we get them to come to us in the tunnel, where we can take them by twos."

Bonondon moves into the tunnel.

Taking a double move to S9.

Stealth Check:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Crystal shall move to U-4. I can't wait to sink the enemies Battle Ship. (^_~)

Crystal glances about at her friends, both old and new,

"Remember, the curs can get a run up! Brace yourselves for their charge my friends." She sighs and shakes her head, golden tresses waving, "Here I am with a ranged weapon and fate does thrown me into a cavalry battle." She sighs resignedly, "Still, they may burn down some buildings but they shall never take our freedom." She adds, resolve sounding firm in her voice. She adjusts her posture and prepares to bolster her comrades courage.

Yeah, corny I know but what the heck. (^_~)

Sorry folks, been a long nite. I'll try and get things square tomorrow ..

I'd prefer to be on the other side of the alley with a sightline on the Wargs. I'll be fighting with bow until it looks like the curve blade is necessary.

My first action will be to gather everyone around the cleric for a Bless spell, and then use a charge of Divine Favor on myself from the wand at my belt.

"Aye, I say we get them to come to us in the tunnel, where we can take them by twos."

Bonondon moves into the tunnel.

Taking a double move to S9.

"I can do something about that."Merzhan mutters grimly as he begins striding forward resolutely. moving to S7

Standing in the midst of the alley he quickly rattles off a few syllables as a flare erupts in the air 30 ft ahead of him. casting flare to get their attention

The angry yougn sorceror begins to bellow at the top of his lungs.

"YOU DARE THREATEN THESE PEOPLE!!?? FILTHY VERMIN, COME AND DIE AT MY HANDS YOU WORTHLESS GOBLINSPAWN!!!"

Bluff check to draw thier fire1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Sondergang moves to back up Borondon casting Bulls Strength on the Fighter as he takes up position.

Moving to T8..Worgs are Large creatures so the orcs can only come down the passage one at a time if mounted

Sorry folks, had this set up and then I got me a durn job! I should have some time this weekend to get everything moving ..

Eitri moves forward and calls upon Torag to enhance his strength.

Moving to q8 and casting Bull's Strength.

OK, sorry for the delay, and here we go ...

Daris gathers the small group for a quick blessing Dropping you at S8 for that. Navorn races ahead and casts his grease spell. It hits two worgs, causing them to skid..

Reflex saves:

One manages to stay afoot, the other collapses in a tangle. Its orcish rider curses as the worg howls and snaps on the ground. A grunting cry arises from the other cavalry. Merzhan's declaration turns the cry into a howl for blood as the wolven riders begin to head for the alleyway.

Kolo manages to find some barrels by the corner of the alleyway and disappears from sight. The rest of the party form up to meet the orcish horde square on.

OK, that's the setup. I am going to use the 18 rolled by Corvus for your initiative. Post a new action from this point. Have we lost Eaoden/Nassereath? He hasn't posted anything since December ..

Initiatives rd 1:

Navorn: 24
Corvus:22
Kolo: 22
Daris: 21
Crystal: 20
Merzhan: 20
Borondon: 20
Eitri: 19
Sondergang:18
Orcs: 12
Wolves: 11

Daris takes a 5 foot step back, pulls out her other wand, and casts Divine Favor on herself.

After that, it's time for the bow.

>UPDATED MAP<

Any questions or if I misplaced you just holler

As the combat erupts Crystal lifts her x-bow to her shoulder, calmly sights down the stock and breathes out gently as the caresses the trigger. With a deceptively soft 'twang' the string draws taunt and the weapons limbs snap apart. The bolt seems to leap free as it disappears towards its target.

Attack Roll:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23; Aiming over the party/comrades at any Orc rider. No current preferences.

Damage Roll:1d8 ⇒ 2

With the action done, she lowers the weapon and begins the process of reloading. Her chest swells as, taking a deep controlled breath, Crystal begins to fill the alley with rousing song.

Bardic Perform:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Inspire Courage: Allies gain +1 Moral on attacks and saves

As she moves to T-5, the better to support the closer side of 'The line' her companions have made across the alley.

Eitri's first impulse is to charge. But he realizes in this situation that would likely be foolhardy. So instead he blasts on of the orcs with acid, and then moves forward a few steps.

Acid Dart 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Moves to p9.

Navorn stands his ground, he lifts his voice in strong pose

"Dread Offspring of Chelish birth,
Whose nodding crest is stain'd with gore,
Whom to some giant-son of Earth,
Strife in strong pangs of childbed bore;
0 War! fierce monster, homicide,
Who marchest on with hideous stride,
Shaking thy spear distilling blood;
Bellona thee, in angry mood,
Taught proud Ambition's spoils to win,
Amidst the loud, conflicting din
Of arms, where Discord's gorgon-featured form
High shakes her flaming torch amidst the martial storm."

The very sound of his voice, brings with it a bit of the primal magic of creation bolstering those nearby

Inspiring courage here

Waiting until the enemy is within 30 ft, and rasing an outstretched hand, Merzhan unleashes a ray of pure fire at the leader of the charge aiming for the worg beneath him.

Fire ray ranged touch 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Mind if I swap my use of a Bless from my wand for just getting my Divine Favor up? The Bless I used doesn't stack with the two Bardic Inspire Courages (neither of which stack with the other...)

If that's allowed, then I'll change my action to shooting the Orc I've got direct line of sight on.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Yes but mine works this round, Its a standard action and she attacked this round. Besides I go first anyhow and Have no ranged ability

Kolo peeks out from around his barrel hiding place, arrow nocked and ready to fire as soon as a likely target comes in range.

Ready an action to shoot the first orc that comes within 30' (for sneak attack damage).

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 (inspire courage or bless or whatever adds 1) against flat-footed AC (attacking from hidden)
1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (5) + 1 = 9 (sneak attack and inspire courage)

Unfortunately, the arrow flies waaaaaay wide.

Get ahold of yourself, Koloarkestri! You almost hit -- umm, that dwarf, what was his name again?

Yep, there's my luck. Out of combat? I roll fine. Fight starts? Here come the 1's!

Sondergang moves to R11 and casts acid dart at the same orc Eitri targeted

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

damage1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Mind if I swap my use of a Bless from my wand for just getting my Divine Favor up? The Bless I used doesn't stack with the two Bardic Inspire Courages (neither of which stack with the other...)

That's fine Daris

Daris' arrow flies true, skewering one of the orcs M14 square in his green-skinned gullet. He slides off his canine mount, hitting the cobbles with a thud.

Initiatives rd 1:

Navorn: 24 [Inspiring courage]
Corvus:22 [Pending]
Kolo: 22 [Fumble roll {need confirmation}]
Daris: 21 [One shot, one kill]
Crystal: 20 [Inspiring courage]
Merzhan: 20 [Holding fire attack]
Borondon: 20 [Pending]
Eitri: 19 [acid dart-hit]
Sondergang:18 [acid dart-hit]
Orcs: 12 [attacking]
Wolves: 11 [attacking]

Crystal and Navorn's performances raise the party's morale as the snarling worgs bunch around the alleyway entrance. Sondergang and Eitri both send green darts of divine energy out, striking and killing the same target M13. Daris bowshot takes another down. Kolo jumps from out of his hiding spot, bow at the ready. Unfortunately in his enthusiasm the arrow flies wide, hissing perilously near Eitri's right ear. Gonna need a fumble confirm roll to see if yon arrow wreaks any havok ..

Merzhan readies his firey spell until the orcs make their charge.

Just need Borondon & Corvus, then we can move to their attacks.

Borondon waits calmly for the orcs to reach him.

Delaying until they attack.

as Borondon hasn't moved then Sondergang need to change his move action and will go to R8 instead of R11

Gonna need a fumble confirm roll to see if yon arrow wreaks any havok ..

Sorry, didn't realize you used fumbles. Here's praying my luck doesn't hold true, that'd be a real bad way to introduce one's self to a new party...

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Oops...sorry to hold things up...

Corvus stadies herself for action. She's never been involved in a fight with so many allies and focuses to keep from being distracted.

Feeling calmed, and calling on a blessing from the Dawnflower, she lets loose an arrow at the lead rider.

Composite longbow at orc at M14(?)
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

EDIT - To confirm critical

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Initiatives rd 1:

Navorn: 24 [Inspiring courage]
Corvus:22 [Hit-crit-need 2nd & 3rd dam roll]
Kolo: 22 [Miss ]
Daris: 21 [One shot, one kill]
Crystal: 20 [Inspiring courage]
Merzhan: 20 [Holding fire attack]
Borondon: 20 [Holding action]
Eitri: 19 [acid dart-hit]
Sondergang:18 [acid dart-hit]
Orcs: 12 [attacking]
Wolves: 11 [attacking]

Corvus, Daris killed M14, so I am shifting you attack to L12. I need you to roll a second and third damage since you successfully critted with your longbow (X3).

Corvus' arrow flies true, striking one of the hooting orcs in his brisket. Kolo's arrow does little than elicit a strangled curse from Eitri as it zings by his hairy earlobe.

One of the orcs and his worg mount charges down the narrow passage.The others unlimber their bows and send a hail of arrows down with their comrade. The charging orc spots Borondon at the ready and smiles a gap-fanged grin.

Borondon and Merzhan, you can resolve your attacks, and I will adjutate the orc's attacks after.

>UPDATED MAP<

After repeated malware troubles with Photobucket, I have moved my graphics to Flikr. I hope that this doesn't inconvenience anyone

*pouts* I thought I was inconveniencing an Orc or Warg? No worries. I can shoot at something next(this) round I suppose. Navorn has such a nice singing voice. :)

Crystal moves 'across' the alley way to bolster the right hand side of her cohorts line against the Orc assault. Moving to U-7

Shifting her x-bow, she takes aim and lets her bolt loose. Again, over allies heads at the miscreants further back who would seek to turn us into pin-cushions.

Attack roll:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Damage Roll:1d8 ⇒ 6

Damage from critical

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

*pouts* I thought I was inconveniencing an Orc or Warg? No worries. I can shoot at something next(this) round I suppose. Navorn has such a nice singing voice. :)

Blarg I missed that atk Crystal, mea culpa. Assume your first attack hit, and I'll hold over this next one for round 2 ..

*Laughs* Not to worry, oh illustrious Monkey of the Dungeon. Navorn and I can "Tag Team" things as far as Bardic abilities go. I'll take over the singing after he 'wears' out the ability. :)

This Round:

Still moving to U-7 Crystal re-loads her x-bow as she moves across the space. ;)

Borondon grins back at the orc and swings his axe at the worg:

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Waiting until the enemy is within 30 ft, and rasing an outstretched hand, Merzhan unleashes a ray of pure fire at the leader of the charge aiming for the worg beneath him.

Fire ray ranged touch 1d20+4 1d6+2

Aready attacked

Corvus' target flies from his saddle, spraying green blood on his howling mount. Borondon grins and swings at the charging orc, cleaving him but good. Merzhan finishes him off with a bit of the old ultra arcane violence.

Running late, but I'll adjuctate the orcs when I return from work ..

Sigh, and after the snowstorm ..

The orcs start peppering the party with bows:

Gotta fly, start up tommorrow morn ..

I'm back YAY!

The orcs arrows clatter off the party. The only one that finds a mark is the one on Sondergang. The orcs circle their mounts outside the alleyway, seeming to be hesitant to stick their hand in the buzzsaw again.

NEW ROUND! Post them actions up, and I'll gin up a new map soonish ..

Having tasted success, Corvus grabs a second arrow and aims for the most conspicuous Orc before letting fly. "Light guide me," she mutters under her breath as she lets the arrow loose.

I'll settle for whichever Orc makes most sense when all of the posts are in - GMs discretion.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Kolo ducks behind the barrels again, waits a moment, then pops up and fires off another arrow. Got to get right back up on the horse, Kolo...

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19 Move action to hide behind cover (Stealth check)
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 Attack roll - aiming for the orc or worg he has the clearest shot to
1d4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (1) = 6 Sneak attack, I hope

What are the mounted orcs doing?

What are the mounted orcs doing?

Currently they are circling outside the alley shooting arrows at you

As the firstenemies fall, Merzhan throws his hand forward again, striking out at another mounted target.

Fire ray ranged touch 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Daris waits until one Orc gets to 30 feet (and will take a step up to ensure this if need be), and lets fly another shaft.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 This is a dice expression.

Borondon hunkers down behind his shield and lets his friends return fire.

Sondergang curses as a black feathered arrow plunges into his leg.."Torag Take you.." he mutters as he unslings his crossbow and loads it

Sorry, not sure which round we are in. Second or Third? If second, still reloading and moving. If Third, taking aim at villainy and shooting, preferably at a Wolf/Warg already wounded.

Att Roll:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Dam Roll:1d8 ⇒ 2

"I suggest we attack their mounts?" Crystal calls, "We remove their mobility and make it a fairer fight for our fighters!"

Just a thought.^_^

Initiatives rd 2:

Navorn: 24 [Inspiring courage(?)]
Corvus:22 [ATK-hit]
Kolo: 22 [ATK-hit-finishoff ]
Daris: 21 [One shot, one kill]
Crystal: 20 [Reloading and moving]
Merzhan: 20 [burn baby burn]
Borondon: 20 [Hunker down]
Eitri: 19 [Pending]
Sondergang:18 [Loading xbow]
Orcs: 12 [attacking]
Wolves: 11 [attacking]

Coruvs fires another deadly arrow. Kolo pops up and aims at the same target, striking and finishing off the ugly orc. Daris aims and fires with a deadly grace, her shaft burying itself in an orc's bull-like neck. The green-skinned humanoid wails and tumbles off his mount. Merzhan's firey bolts take down another foe. The smell of crisped hair fills the air.

The Worgs seem to be fleeing when their masters are killed, the canids slinking off howling, some with their riders still seated firmly on their backs.

Eitri left to go. Only 3 left ...

>Updated Map<

Navron holds his ground and keeps belting out pose infused with magic bolstering his allies. He brings his shield up and waits for the orcs to close or his friends to run out of arrows.

Yep I'll go inspire courage as I am not charging alone :)

Eitri moves forward and attacks one of the worgs.

Moves to p11. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14