Bone March

Game Master farewell2kings

Jacques hit the orc, but it barely budges him. His second hit misses.

Thaddeus and Agathon move down the hall and spot a large room. Three ogres and another orc (#5) are getting up from a table and grabbing weapons.

Belric can't get past Jacques to attack.

The orc attacks Jaques and misses.

AC 22; HP 38

Damnit Jaques continues to try to find an opening, through which he can pummel the orc to death. modify the rolls as needed if Belrics Bless is in action on Jaques at this time. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 141d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 231d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Anticipating that the hall beyond the orc may fill up with humanoids at any moment, Jaques is hoping to fall back to the initial single passage entry tunnel, where the terrain will make the opposing force get into single file.

Belric 31/31 AC 22 Bless 36/40

Ach, cannae get at yon beastie! Ahh, yes, that new shiny javelin will do nicely

Belric will transfer his waraxe to his left (shield) hand, and pulling his newly acquired silvered javelin, "Jaques, Ma silvered pig sticker will be comming o'er ye right shoulder" Belric will tell the back of Jaques bobbing and dodging head.

that lad surely can jink and jive aboot like an eel riding a lightning bolt!

Belric 31/31 AC 22 Bless 36/40

Ach, cannae get at yon beastie! Ahh, yes, that new shiny javelin will do nicely

Belric will transfer his waraxe to his left (shield) hand, and pulling his newly acquired silvered javelin, "Jaques, Ma silvered pig sticker will be comming o'er ye right shoulder" Belric will tell the back of Jaques bobbing and dodging head.

that lad surely can jink and jive aboot like an eel riding a lightning bolt!

20/20hp, AC16, 5 mirror images left at AC13 (5 minutes left), +1 for bless for 33 more rounds

Thaddeus peeks around Agathon's bulk and sees what is in the room. "Back up! Back up!", he hisses to Agathon. "One of those ogres would pound Jacques into paste. We need to get back towards the others." Thaddeus will take a move action and back up to N-9.

He will shout at Belric and Jacques, "Three ogres on the way!"

Thaddeus will then ready an action (SA): if one of the humanoids enters the 'I' row on the map, Thaddeus will let loose with orb of acid, lesser on whichever humanoid is in front. Orb of acid lesser on lead humanoid (1d20+6=19, 3d8=23)

Agathon: HP:43/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 36 rounds left

Hearing Thaddeus’ hiss to back up, Agathon will do so… Remembering the great reach of the Ogres he fought in the mine, he will back up enough to be assured that only one of the beasts can fight him at a time… (That is, he backs up 15 feet to Square L-9: MA)

Planting his feet, he will drop the Sun Rod at his feet and bring up the wonderful weapon that Thaddeus’ father made for him…

”Pelor, once again I beseech you to allow me to be your instrument in the bringing of the Light to the dark places of the World!” He will think as he resists the urge to simply stare at the fine blade and employs it:

A hit with the Great Sword (Bless effects are factored in): (1d20+12=27, 2d6+7=14)

This hit is for the first creature (Ogre or not) what comes into the hallway into Agathon’s reach.

Feeling that all too familiar crunch and snap of bone and sinew, Agathon will marvel at the ease with which the blade furrows through the flesh of his foe.

If a foe does not engage in melee right away, Agathon will attempt to taunt them by saying:

“Come on Ogre! What are you afraid of Goblin Spawn!?”

DM note: Agathon has +0 in diplomacy if you wish to make this an official “Taunting” roll…

Jacques hit the orc, but he's still up. Agathon and Thaddeus back up as directed. Belric readies his javelin.

Orc#1 misses Jacques. Ogre #2 throws a spear at Agathon, hitting him for 5 points of damage.

Agathon sees Orc #5 crank up a heavy crossbow.

None of you can see ogres #3 and 4 right now.

Agathon: HP:38/47, AC: 19 (due to Charge) Bless Spell 35 rounds left. +2 attack this round only

Trying to dodge the hurled spear, Agathon lets out an, “Aarrgh!” of surprise as the large point of the weapon makes a deep knick on his left thigh.

Infuriated at being hit by a throw he feels most surely should have missed, Agathon will take in a quick breath and will shout at the top of his lungs, “For the Light of Pelor!”, as he fires himself at the ogre like a greased ballista bolt.

As he charges for all he is worth at the ugly creature and the smell of it assaults his senses he check his peripheral vision for more foes down the hallway to his left as he passes it. This would be the 5’ wide hallway in the “H” line on the map.

This is a Spot Roll (peripheral vision check) for Agathon: (1d20+5=14)

DM Note: Agathon will charge the Ogre immediately to his front. This movement will be 20’ forward at max speed. This is a Full Round Action (FRA) that does not provoke an AoO (PH pg 141). He will get a +2 to the attack and -2 on his AC (this is accounted for in the tag line above and in the attack roll).

A Charge attack with the Great Sword (+2 for Charge added in): (1d20+13=30, 2d6+7=18)
Oops. I forgot to include the Bless +1 for the Attack… So, it was a 31…

Yeah Baby!

Again, it is difficult (but growing easier) for Agathon not to stop and simply marvel at the blade made by Thaddeus’ father… “Amazing! he will quietly note to himself…

Belric HP 31/31 AC 22 Bless round 35 out of 40

Jaques move ta the right!, Yeah

“At ye stinking gobber!” Belric heaves his silvered javelin at his foe
1d20+6=14, 1d6+2=4 this does not include any modifiers for mutli-attacker or throwing into melee

ach, missed again! Got ta get inta axing range!

Belric will load his crossbow, kissing the bolt before laying into the groove.

20/20hp, AC16, 5 mirror images left at AC13 (5 minutes left), +1 for bless for 35 more rounds

Thaddeus will correctly read Agathon's intention. Here we go again. Are there berzerkers in his family, I wonder? I've not heard of such from the region of Greyhawk City...

He will cast flaming sphere directly behind the front ogre that Agathon is about to slam into. Hopefully that will distract him so that Agathon can get a good hit. Flaming sphere, round 1 (2d6=7) Reflex save DC16

Thaddeus will then move up to J-9 and assume a defensive posture with his staff. If he sees any threats coming down the hallway he will shout a warning to Agathon.

Jacques first strike snaps the orc's head back (14 pts critical hit) and his second strike hits as well, dropping the orc in to a gasping death of a crushed trachea.

Jacques readies an action to attack any target that presents itself.

Agathon charges and spots ogres 3 and 4 near the other hallway, readied for attacks with their massive clubs. He hits ogre #2 dealing him a serious wound. The flaming sphere also singes the creature.

Belric has no target and sees Jacques getting ready to strike in case anything comes down the hallway.

Ogre #2 misses Agathon.

Ogre 3 looks back at Agathon, but maintains his watch on the other hallway. So does #4

Orc #5 moves up a bit and fires his heavy crossbow at Thaddeus, removing another one of his mirror images.

Agathon: HP: 38/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 34 rounds left.

As the Ogre cries out in pain and dismay from his attack and the wizard’s magic, Agathon will press the creature again.

A hit with the Great Sword: (1d20+12=29, 2d6+7=14) (The +1 for Bless Spell has been included)

”Oh Great Light… Why must evil smell so?” Agathon will silently pray as he almost gags on the stench of the beast’s blood and the reek of its sweat as his sword looses a large swath of the Ogre’s garment…

DM Note: If the Ogre falls with this blow, Agathon will advance into melee with the Orc with his move action. If he does not, then Agathon will remain in combat.

20/20hp, AC16, 4 mirror images left at AC13 (5 minutes left), +1 for bless for 34 more rounds

Thaddeus shouts down 'his' hallway. "Belric! If you want to blood your axe, you'd best get up here before Agathon kills them all! Come up this tunnel - the other one has two ogres guarding it!"

Thank Rao I had the foresight to obtain mirror image from Cephali! Eagle's splendor would have been absolutely useless!

Seeing that ogre #2 is nearly dead, Thaddeus will direct the flaming sphere towards ogre #3, inflicting massive damage to his leg hair. Flaming sphere, 2nd round (2d6=4)

Thaddeus will flatten himself against the wall so that Belric and Jacques can pass if they move this way.

Belric HP 31/31 AC 22 Bless round 34 out of 40

Belric hearing Thaddeus, will move back with loaded cross bow. As he comes up behind Thaddeus grid L9 , he will take aim, and fire at Ogre attacking Agathon if still up, or any other target in site. the map is too fuzzy and faint to determine what enemy is visible from his position. DM decide chosing the wisest target

both rolls get +1 for bless this roll v Ogre -4 due to fire into melee
this roll v orc and additional +1 racial attack bonus
(1d20+5=11, 1d8=1)

Why do I use this blasted thing!

Jacques readies his action still.

Agathon kills the ogre facing him and moves up to engage the orc. Thaddeus warms up ogre #3.

Belric moves up and misses.

Orc #5 drops his crossbow, pulls out hsi falchion and attacks Agathon, hitting Agathon for 6 points of damage.

Ogre #3 moves up and attacks Thaddeus, fumbling. Thaddeus smacks the ogre with his staff for 2 points of damage.

Ogre #4 runs down the hall and runs into Jacques fists of fury, which do 4 points of damage

20/20hp, AC16, 3 mirror images left at AC13 (5 minutes left), bless for 33 more rounds

Take THAT! Stupid git! Thaddeus feels immensely satisfied with himself for thumping the ogre on the head with his staff. Satisfaction gives way to the realization that he is now toe-to-toe with an ogre. Fortunately Belric is right behind him and eager for action.

Thaddeus will slide along the wall to allow Belric to engage the ogre. If possible, he will move in such a way as to avoid an attack of opportunity - be that a 5' step or a move action. The intention is to basically trade places with Belric.

He will also guide the flaming sphere to singe off the hair on the ogre's other leg: Flaming sphere, round 3 (2d6=6) reflex save DC 16

Belric HP 31/31 AC 26 v giantkind 22 normal Bless round 33 out of 40

"Lad, good fer ye! Smack it again!"Belric yells with glee, "Ach let me at 'em! Ma axe be a-thirsten fer his blood!" Belric will see Taddeus step back, and he will step forward, dropping his cross bow and pull his waraxe.

"Hey ye huge gobber snot!" Belric will taunt as his swings for the knees, 1d20+8=12, 1d10+4=9

Ugh, me game surely be off! "Thaddeus me lad, scorch dis gobberkin"

Agathon: HP: 32/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 33 rounds left.

“Damn You, Orc!” Agathon will yell as the falchion cuts into him… The pain gives him a very slight moment’s pause…

He blinks it away violently and slashes madly at the Orc:

A Hit on Orc #5 with the Great Sword: (1d20+12=23, 2d6+7=14)

DM Note: If this hit kills the Orc:

With the death scream of his foe ringing in ears, he turns to see his next course of action… In a flash, he will hear Belric behind the Ogre to his right and will surmise that the other Ogre has gone down the passage to where Jacques is…

Without pause, he will move to attack the Ogre that is going after Jacques.

Considering that the Orc’s corpse and the table are both ‘rough terrain’ his first step forward will count double leaving him in or near Square F-5 with at least a view of the back of the Ogre fighting Jacques…

DM Note: If this hit Does Not kill the Orc:

Seeing his opponent reel from his solid hit, Agathon will smile and look into the Orc’s eyes and says, “There is a special feast for you in the Hells tonight! Orc is on the menu!”

Jacques' readied attack misses. He now goes last on the ogre initiative.
------------------New round------------------
Agathon hits the orc, dealing him a bad wound, but he is still up.

Thaddeus singes the ogre.

Belric and him trade places, but he misses. The 5' step does not trigger an AoO on Thaddeus.

Jacques does fists of fury on his ogre, striking him for 6 points of damage. Ogre 4 misses Jacques

Ogre 3 misses Belric.

Orc 5 misses Agathon.

Wow....that sucked.

Agathon: HP: 32/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 32 rounds left.

Without further thought or comment, Agathon will continue his swing over his left shoulder (aggravating the pain in his thigh a bit) and bring the sword crashing down on the Orc’s shoulder.

Another hit on the Orc... (1d20+12=16, 2d6+7=12)

DM Note: If the “16” hits and kills the Orc:

With the death scream of his foe ringing in ears, he turns to see his next course of action… Having now clearly heard Belric engaged with the Ogre behind him, and seeing that the other Ogre has gone down the passage toward Jacques’ position, without pause, he will move to attack the Ogre that is going after Jacques.

Considering that the Orc’s corpse and the table are both ‘rough terrain’ his first step forward will count double leaving him in Square F-5 with a nice view of the back of the Ogre fighting Jacques at the end of that hallway (in perfect position for Agathon to charge him next round)…

DM Note: If the “16” misses the Orc:

Looking about in embarrassment from the loud metallic “PANG!” his sword made as the blade bounced off the Orc’s shoulder to ring against the wall, Agathon will violently bring the sword around again for another strike (next round, of course).

20/20hp, AC16, 3 mirror images left at AC13 (5 minutes left), bless for 33 more rounds

That's one tough orc to stand there that long. We seem to have caught them by surprise; they don't seem very effective. Maybe they're drunk this time of night?

Thaddeus guides the flaming sphere to burn off some hair on the ogre's other leg that he missed the first time. Flaming sphere, round 4 (2d6=4) Reflex save DC16

But then, my offensive magicks aren't working either. Perhaps the monastery has some dampening effect?

Thaddeus starts to say something witty and threatening to the ogre to distract it from Belric, but is too preoccupied with why his flaming sphere is little better than a small campfire. His words fall flat. Intimidate on ogre (1d20+5=8)

Belric HP 31/31 AC 22 Bless round 32 out of 40

“Aye bak, baith legs so he cannae ruin away!” Belric will below cheerfully, blocking the clumsy attack with his trusted shield. “Is that all ye can bring? Let see what color yer bluid be! 1d20+8=15, 1d10+4=11

ugh! Whit be goin on around ‘ere? Ma arm be wabbit for sure

“Master Thaddeus? Would ye be a mindin stepping back a wee bit? “ Belric will ask, while ducking another swing by the big lout, “Ma next bit will need for me to take a step back as well”

Agathon kills the orc and moves as designated. He sees Jacques struggling with ogre #4.

Thaddeus singes his ogre again.

Belric misses.

Ogre #3 misses.

Ogre #4 fumbles. Jacques hits for 10 points of damage with his attack of opportunity.

Jacques' flurry of blows then connects with both shots, dropping the ogre dead at his feet.

Agathon is in F-5, ogre #4 is gone and orc #5 is gone, otherwise map unchanged

Agathon: HP: 32/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 31 rounds left.

Seeing Jacques smack the Ogre to the ground impresses Agathon…

”Hmm… Doesn’t need my help!”

Agathon will shift his course and come up to the side of the Ogre fighting Belric…

Moving around the chair, he will allow his movement to swing the heavy blade wide and attempt to disembowel his foe…

Agathon will move 15 feet to square H-7 and attack:

A hit with the great sword on Ogre #3 (Bless effects included): (1d20+12=15, 2d6+7=13)

Seeing Agathon switch from the other hallway towards his location, hmm, that large thump Ma ears just heard and ma boots felt must hae been that other ogre being dropped. Ach pay attention ye blasted fool! Sidestep when the big uns lift left

Dodging the Ogres latest swing, Belric bounds into the creature's path and swings!

1d20+8=18, 1d10+4=10

"How'd ye like that ye goblin git!"

20/20hp, AC16, 3 mirror images left at AC13 (5 minutes left), bless for 31 more rounds

Last one! Jacques managed to kill an ogre. Hope he isn't badly hurt. Here comes Agathon, so this one won't last long. Good thing.

Thaddeus will attempt to singe the ogre's taint hair: Flaming sphere, 5th round (2d6=3)

Agathon puts the last ogre down. No more visible enemies.

Listen/Spot and search checks by the party reveal:

The tunnel to the south opens to a large cavern. You hear distant sounds of splashing, like someone running through water.

The north door is corroded and rusted. It may not have been opened in quite some time.

The west door looks recently and hastily repaired.

The ogres have 34sp, 17gp and 83 cp between them. One of the orcs has a necklace valued at 100gp and the other orc had a potion of cure moderate wounds 5th level.

600 xp each

[i] Ach that was satisfying! Belric is now 5th level, has 2 3rd lvl prayers, increased in concentration, knowledge the planes,& religion and spell craft and gained 5 hp. 1d8+3=5

“Agathon lad, alloo me see yer wounds!” Belric will conduct a heal check Heal check (1d20+6=11)

Hmmm, ye seem a wee bit banged up.” Belric will sling his waraxe and pick up his holy symbol. Intoning the mystical words to access Moradin's powerCure serious wounds (2d8+5=16) “How do ye feel now?”

Belric will look aboot, and ask “Anyboody else need ma Lords healing?”

if anyonelse needs healing here are two more CLW 1d8+5=8, 1d8+5=8

Agathon: HP: 32/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 30 rounds left. Note: this is a multi round post… Belric’s actions covered at least 2 rounds (heal check and Cure Serious spell…).

Hearing the splashing in the cavern, Agathon will move to the corner leading to the cavern entrance (he will end up in Square H-9 at the corner hidden from the view of anyone looking into our room from the cavern). It is there that Belric will administer his healing.

Standing still to allow Brother Belric to work, Agathon will listen to try to determine the numbers and types of foes heading our way… (this will occur during the round when Belric is doing his heal check…)

A Listen Check to determine numbers and types of foes: (1d20=14)

Finding it hard to hear details with his friend administering to his wounds, Agathon will give up and simply set himself to hit the first foe emerging from the hallway… (Agathon will ready an action during the round that Belric is actually healing him)

Agathon: HP: 47/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 29 rounds left.

Being fully healed and feeling that amazing feeling of the spiritual energy course through his body, mending him, Agathon will smile at his friend and whisper…

“Once again, you demonstrate the mighty power of Moradin! I thank you greatly… Now be ready! There is more work for us here…”

DM Note: If a foe sticks his head into my view during this round, here is an attack:

A hit with the Great Sword should an enemy appear: (1d20+12=22, 2d6+7=18)

20/20hp, AC16, 3 mirror images left at AC13 (4 minutes left), bless: 30 rounds left

When Belric has finished healing Agathon, Thaddeus will close his eyes and listen to the splashing sound. In addition to number and type of foes, he will try to figure out if it is approaching us or moving away from us.

Listen check (1d20=15)

He will also try to think of what is supposed to be down here or what anyone may have ever told him about the monastery tunnels: knowledge/local (1d20+10=15)

If the west door is built to open in towards us, Thaddeus will suggest we pile the dead ogres in front of it to delay or prevent anyone from coming through it and getting behind us.

He will also suggest we head down the south tunnel in regular order.

Ebbers and Jacques join the rest of the party near the south tunnel.

"Are you all going to explore this area?" Ebbers asks.

Between knowledge local and Ebbers knowledge, it appears the south tunnel may lead further down into the subterranean area and possibly an underground river cave complex.

"You may find a belowground route across the river. If you want to scout it out, we can continue with the troops as per the plan. If you find a covert route across the river, let us know. You can probably catch up with your flying spells."

Agathon: HP: 47/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 28 rounds left.

Feeling so much better now that he is healed, Agathon will whisper to Belric, “I am going to look into the cavern beyond...”

With that, Agathon will venture down the short passage as carefully as he can to just peer into the cavern beyond to be assured that there are no enemies waiting there…

DM Note: Agathon will move to Square I-12 or beyond if necessary (no details on the map) to look into the cavern where we heard the splashes. He will be at the ready with the great sword and will have his sun rod in his left hand (ready to drop).

Reaching the entrance to the cavern, Agathon will get very still and strain his eyes and ears to see if any foes are present:

A Listen Check in the cavern: (1d20=14)
A Spot Check in the cavern: (1d20+5=16)

If there is a possibility to hit anything…

A hit with the great sword (in case the opportunity arises...): (1d20+12=19, 2d6+7=10)

20/20hp, AC16, 3 mirror images left at AC13 (4 minutes left), bless: 28 rounds left

Thaddeus will crouch low behind Agathon and off to one side. He will peer into the cavern beyond but not see much with Agathon's sun rod in the way: Listen and spot checks (1d20=10, 1d20=8)

If an opponent presents itself he will take a shot: crossbow shot at opfor in cave (1d20+7=21, 1d8+1=3)

After taking a shot, Thaddeus will flatten himself against the wall so Belric and Jacques can get by easily to engage.

Belric will collect his crossbow, move up with the others and listen for enemies 1d20+4=17, 1d20+5=11

He will load his crossbow and wait on the others.

Thanks for the break guys. Crises averted, this time. Jaques shakes his head as if to clear away a haze. The last few hours seem almost a dream, as if he wasn't himself. Maybe I got my bell rung by that Ogre.. As he slips up behind Thaddeus and the others he whispers, "I really don't like leaving those doors behind us. Maybe I'm just compulsive, but do we not have the time to be thorough?"

The cavern ahead is covered in water. It doesn't appear too deep. The splashing noise stopped. No enemies visible. Ceiling height is about 15 feet.

Agathon: HP: 47/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 27 rounds left.

Seeing no foes, Agathon will stand fully upright and relax. "Jacques is correct. We should not venture forth deeper into the cavern whilst behind us foes my linger. We should indeed investigate yonder doors..."

Looking back to the cavern, he will also say, "Yet, I do not fancy the notion of this way going on watched either... Shall I keep my eyes here while the rest examine the doors? What think you, Thaddeus?"

With that, Agathon will follow what advice Thaddeus wishes to impart upon us. Otherwise, Agathon will back up to the room where the battle took place and guard the hallway leading here while the others check out the doors...

We are obviously no longer tactical. However, we do still have spell effects up. I would suggest that we still post "tactically" accounting for the rounds until either the DM instructs us to knock it off or something happens...

20/20hp, AC16, 3 mirror images left at AC13 (4 minutes left), bless: 27 rounds left. non-tactical post

Thaddeus hears the words spoken by Agathon and Jacques but does not immediately respond. He is studying the north door.

It does not make sense that they would go through one door and not the other. They should have gone looking for treasure and such. Either they specifically knew what they were looking for...or they have not had time to explore...or they are that disciplined, which is unlikely...or the north door is an illusion?

Thaddeus will closely examine the rusty north door in an effort to determine if it is illusory or not. He will put his hand on it to see if it is cool or not, pick at some rust, run his fingers around the edges to feel for airflow - whatever can be done to examine the door without actually trying to open it. will save +4; figured the DM would want to roll

Brother Belric, will you keep watch to the south? Your darkvision makes you best suited for that."

"Let us also rig an alarm of sorts. We can run string across the south passage as a trip wire, then up to the ceiling, where we can tie off the ogres' tankards, ready to fall if anyone hits the trip wire. If the tankards fall, it will make a huge clatter on the stone floor, and we will know that someone is behind us. Come, Jacques, I will help you." DC10 rope use check to help Jacques (1d20+4=22)
figures! I could have done it myself!

Once done, Thaddeus will check that his crossbow is loaded and ready. He will take his place in line and follow the others through the door.

Belric will check out the cavern with his darkvision looking for an hidden gobbers while keeping a ear aboot for tell tale sounds his enemies make Spot check, listen check (1d20+4=8, 1d20+5=8)

“Aye lad,” Belric will reply to Thaddeus’s request “Ye can count on ma end o things”. He will keep his loaded crossbow ready while scanning for enemies.

ach cannae tell what is what in that darn cave

Jaques will give the dining room a quick scan to see if there is string or cord suitable to Thaddeus's idea. If there is he'll use that, if not then he'll use some of his own string. He sets to work with Thaddeus, gathering up tankards suitable for retasking as a clatter alarm, and rigs it with Thaddeus, using applicable skills. Rope use, find trap, etc. Modified with Dex or Int or Wis plus relative ease of task? 1d20 ⇒ 10

The noisemaker is set up and you all check out the north door. It is not an apparent illusion. You have no clue if it's trapped or not. No heat or other indication.

No one posted that they are opening the door, so I don't want to presume.

party post to clarify the plan so we can move forward

Yes, nobody opening the north door. We will pile the dead ogres in front of the north door.

Belric will maintain watch to the south.

Jacques, Thaddeus, and Agathon will listen for activity on the other side of the west door. We will also search for traps on the west door.

If we can open the west door without triggering traps, of if we have a way to avoid them, do so. All three are ready for action - Thaddeus with his crossbow, Agathon with his sword, and Jacques with fisteses of fury.

The west room door opens without incident. Beyond is a 10' wide and 30' long room, with another door at the far end. Barrels are stacked 3 high on the south wall, held in place by leather straps. There is a large table in the middle, with two long low benches tucked underneath. You detect no enemies.

Party Post to move the action along:

After releasing the collective breath the group was holding as the door was opened, the group pauses for just a moment to see if something might pop out of hiding.

When this does not occur, Thaddeus will quietly point to the table and barrels… Thaddeus will look beneath the table for anything hidden among the benches while Agathon and Jacques attempt to quietly discover what might be stored in the barrels (sniff at corks, plugs, or spigots to see what liquid might be in them or at seals and labels for potential dry goods). Belric and Ebbers will keep an eye on the route behind just in case…

Once the room has been gone over a bit (no prying open barrels or anything like that), the group will move to the unopened door in the room and set themselves once again for possible combat.

Agathon will be in the fore with Belric both on either side of the door. Thaddeus, Jacques, and Ebbers will take their turns examining the door for traps as they did before. If it is determined to be ready for opening, they will move back so as not be squared in the open doorway taking cover behind the nearest stack of barrels to the door.

Agathon will grasp the door, and on a silent “count” of three, open it.

The group has weapons ready and all are in what cover they can find (Agathon and Belric using the wall on either side of the door, and the others using furniture or the barrels).

DM Note: For simplicity sake, this should be considered our “Standard Door Opening Procedure” (SDOP). The only variations would be that spells versus weapons might be readied in the future… Such things will be noted as appropriate.

DM, Please determine how much time is required to get to this point and add that figure to your post for determination of remaining time on spells.

It takes 5 rounds to conduct a cursory exam of the room. The barrels smell like vinegar.

When Agathon opens the far door, a spark triggers a jet of flaming oil that scorches him. He deftly avoids the majority of the flaming jet, only taking 6 points of damage.

Beyond is a 20 deep and 35' wide room. A large furnace style fireplace is at the far end, obviously part of a small dormant smithy. Rusty smith's tools and a large anvil are scattered about the room.

A very large, 9' tall goblinoid looking biped, wearing spiked armor and wielding a very wicked looking morningstar, spins around. He has a rock in one hand. Much bigger and more badass looking than a bugbear. Looks almost like an ogre/goblin mix.

Initiative.

Agathon: HP: 41/47, AC: 21 Bless Spell 24 rounds left.

An initiative roll against the Ogre/Goblin dude: (1d20+8=24)

Snarling at the fire trap that burned him, Agathon does a double take at seeing the creature before him. “Now THAT is a Gobber!”

As he steps up to the beast, he will utter a rare verbal prayer as the sword does it’s dance into the enemy, “For Pelor's Light… Perish!” (This is a 5 foot step, avoiding an AoO)

A hit on the large Ogre / Goblinoid thingy: (1d20+12=15, 2d6+7=13)

If this misses (which I suspect is the case):

As he brings the sword upward with a leftward angle to surprise the beast, Agathon sees that it is more skilled in combat than he at first thought… The beast twisted backward with amazing speed for something so large causing a miss.

If somehow a “15” hits this thing:

As he brings the sword upward with a leftward angle to surprise the beast, Agathon sees his tactic worked as expected rewarding him with the dull thud of an impact on and through armor into flesh.

DM Note: I am a ranger with a favored enemy of Goblinoids. Does this mixture (possibly of Ogre and Goblin) count as a Goblinoid? If so, please add +2 to the damage rolled above (if I actually hit, that is). Please advise for future posts…

initiative 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11...wouldn't that be "by Pelor's light perish"? Jaques thinks absently, as he darts around to also attack the creature. See if I can stun it...maybe this will ring his bell.. Jaques attempts to inflict a stunning fist blow on the creature, hoping to render it less successful at dodging Agathon's sword. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Jaques tries to use his superior movement speed to get behind the creature to deliver a rabbit punch to the back of it's neck. Did not add in any bonus for multiple attacker, nor roll how long the stun would be for, leaving those to GM if applicable.

20/20hp, AC16, 3 mirror images left at AC13 (3 minutes left), bless: 27 rounds left

Thaddeus is pondering the barrels of vinegar and does not immediately notice the combat starting.

Vinegar? An odd thing to store. If they were storing water or something for the coming siege, that would make sense...but vinegar? Possibly wine that went bad after the monastery was abandoned. That must be it. The barrels might be worth something for provisioning the army. A clever sort might have hidden treasure in the casks...

Initiative vs Ubergobber (1d20+7=9)
Hearing Agathon's battle prayer, Thaddeus snaps out of his reverie in time to see Jacques dart through the door. Taking a 5' step to see what the enemy is, he realizes he won't be much good in melee, and doesn't want to waste ammunition.

"Brother Belric", he says. "I will watch our rear if you want to go help hack that thing down. Give a shout if you need help or if more appear."

Thaddeus will take up a position in cover - behind the barrels, table, or whatever - to watch our 'six'. He will take a shot and shout a warning if any opfor present themselves.

Belric 36/36 AC 22 rd 24 of 40 for Bless

if this is a goblinkind then Belric gets another +1 to hit, if it is giantkind then his AC is +4 making it 26
Initiative 1d20+2=15

Belric will move in next to Agathon to his right and attack1d20+8=16, 1d10+4=12 this does not include multiattacker bonus, nor any flanking that may have occurred when Jaques sped around to the rear of the creature
If the attack succeeds

Agathon misses. The thing is definitely wearing spiked half plate.

The armored beast takes a step to the south, throws the rock it was holding at Agathon, hitting him for 16 points of damage. It then pulls a spiked shield from its back and readies a combat stance, morningstar and shield.

Belric moves in and misses.

Jacques moves in but realizes he'll be exposed to an attack of opportunity if he tries to move around the creature, so he stops to deliver his stunning attack while next to Belric. His spinning kick to the side of the creature's head seems to ring its bell.

Thaddeus takes cover and prepares to defend from any rear attacks. He glanced back and saw the creature...digging through his vast stores of 'jack of all trades'knowledge--"it's a skullcrusher ogre!!"

(giant class, Belric's aC is 26)