DM Blayde MacRonan's Giantslayer... The Strange Adventures of Team Ruby (Private Campaign) (Inactive)

Game Master Blayde MacRonan

"Scouting over the barricade... did you hear someone talking? Like, not screaming, but having a nice conversation? Out there?" She maneuvers to peer over the barricade.

"Uh-oh. Follow me!"

Mesa can make a DC 15 Society check with regard to the male half-orc, Vorom.

Society: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Mesa grumbles noting the sharp pokey thing one of them had.

“Doesn't any one just talk any more?”

The bard looks up at the half orc flicking her raven colored hair out from in front of one of her eyes, her amber orbs locking on the male of the group.

” I mean look we're both reasonable individuals I’m sure that we can come to some understanding or another like civilized people. I mean clearly you are given your first instinct wasn't really to kill, though as a friendly outside observer I doubt who ever your superior is would take kindly to name dropping like that so there might be some issue with your companion, I mean just saying if you ever want to move up in rank her word is not gonna be in your favor. Sad thing to I mean ...No mortal man can win this day...... after all.”

Charm person on the orc nearest me, the speech is to get him to try and attack his companion thinking it might cause him trouble down the road unless she's silenced. Dc 16 or 17 i believe

Will save DC for the spell is 15... 10 + 1 (1st-level spell) + 4 (Charisma modifier)

Vorom's Will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

I like the way you think, Mesa. Vorom's smile grew wider. But it's not that big of an issue. After all, I name-dropped just to have a reason to kill you two. Makes things simpler that way, don't you think?

He performed a flourish, rapidly drawing an "X" in the air with the tip of his blade, before extending his weapon forward to slash at the Tian-Min woman.

Vorom's attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Sword Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 3 = 11

The sword snaked out faster than Mesa could follow with her eyes, the swordsman causing it to dance around her right hand. When Vorom resumed his stance, Mesa was bleeding just above the wrist.

It's a pity that I've got to kill you. Vormom continued to grin as he casually flicked the weapon in a cutting motion that removed most of the blood decorating his blade, causing it to splatter at his feet. Rishka really liked your music.

Mesa currently has 10 hp out of 21, and is at the Wounded wound threshold. She takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.

The Erutaki doesn't wait to see if the others were listening. She is up and over the barricade as quickly as she can and hurrying to aid Rohan and the bard. Unsure of who is closest or how close she can get, so I don't know my best option at this point. Does she need a double move (80') to close enough to participate next round?

Rohan would be the closest to you once Liesel-Marie crosses the barricade. I actually forgot that she has fast movement, so she can make it to him this round and still attack, though it would count as a charge (crossing the barricade counts as 2 squares of movement).

Can she maneuver into a flanking position with this move? I presume we are talking about attacking his new girlfriend and not him.

Rohan eyes widen as he found some type of weapon at his back that he couldn't identify. Unsure of how to act, but the words of the people behind him alerted him that the company was not purely modest conversation but a serious threat to his life. He had no idea of how to handle the situation as this was still so much going on and apparently "Liesel" Was showing extreme haste towards him, or was it the opponent behind him, but he was sure of one thing Liesel was charging in his direction as though she was jealous of the lady voice behind him. "LOL" Rohan knew his only chance was to get out of the way of Liesel charge and the attacking women behind him.

Rohan tried to duck to the side and tumble through the womens attack before she could finish her strike. While doing so he turned around coming up from the roll and tried to fire a bolt of solid stone at the lady.

Tumble 15 ft: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34
Bolt of Solid Stone: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 5, 3) + 9 = 18

Rohan looked like a monkey with his graze across the ground it looked as though his cape was flowing in the wind with every single movement that he took.

Can she maneuver into a flanking position with this move? I presume we are talking about attacking his new girlfriend and not him.

Lol! Yes, and yes.

Liesel-Marie comes charging at the woman threatening Rohan, her blood boiling at the idea that someone is threatening members of her tribe right here in front of her.

Charging, enraged, flanking, power attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 1 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Waves of heat can be felt rolling off of her as she unconsciously triggers her elemental defense.

After typing all of that, those are very unsatisfactory rolls. I hope Rohan's maneuver did as well as I looked.

After typing all of that, those are very unsatisfactory rolls. I hope Rohan's maneuver did as well as I looked.

I wouldn't worry too much.... as long she does her part (and she did), Rohan isn't going to complain overly much.

The sight of her fellow teammate in danger spurred the Erutaki warrior on, so much so that Nyym had a hard time keeping pace with her. Kyt's long legs, however, were more than capable of matching Liesel-Marie's ground-eating stride as she too made Urnsul the target of her assault.

Kyt's unarmed flurry of blows: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
unarmed flurry damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 31d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Kytynna leaped up as she neared the female half-orc and struck first with her fist as she landed, then viciously with an open hand, palm facing up and all five fingers together, in the throat.

Urnsul Fort save: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 2 = 11

Urnsul coughed and sputtered from the throat thrust, her eyes watering as she struggled breathe.

Seizing the opportunity presented him, Rohan ducked to the side and tumbled away before she could find her breath. While coming up from the roll, he turned and fired a bolt of solid stone at the stunned female half-orc, catching her full on in the face and launching Urnsul off her feet to land unmoving on her back.

End of Round 1. Round 2 begins now. So far, Mesa is the only one injured, with 10 hp out of 21, and at the Wounded wound threshold. She takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.

Battle Music: Dragon Slave Theme - Hidetoshi Sato

Mesa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Vorom: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Rohan looked around for the other Half Orc that was here a min ago, hopefully with a quick scan of the area he was able to pinpoint the beast. He said very quickly to the others.

"Their one more around here! Thanks for fighting over me."

His intention was not to come out how it sounded but it slipped from his tongue while his true intentions was thanks for fighting her for me and having my back, but that fact that two girls came to his rescue and it appeared they were fighting for him he couldn't help to admire the interesting concept and it highly bolstered his feelings as he stood a bit higher from his previous crouched position after rolling off to the side.

Rohan scanned the area: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

If Rohan spots the other half orc he will lauch a stone spike in his direction. His quick response a bit shaken up from the quick response now starting to get a feel for combat. This was much different then fighting and sparing.

Attack at other Orc if he within sight: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 4 = 23
DMG: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) + 9 = 14

He quickly realized that Mesa was right next to him but was unaware till after he looked around.

Mesa winced taking a five foot step back away from the half orc, her hand moving to thew wound with a curse. It was crap like this that was why she hated fighting. Well okay why she hated being IN a fight, this kuso hurt. She smirked a bit hearing the rather loud sound of a body getting jumped and then hitting the floor with a meaty thunk, given the look on the other half orcs face she was pretty sure it wasn't any one she might care about dropping.

“You know I’m glad I’m not wearing my kimono cause blood really stains. And if that was messed up I’d be really mad. Still if you're a fan of my singing here's a special song just for you.....” Mesa trailed off with a growl drawing in a breath.

“Flash.” she said simply.

A heartbeat later Vorom's ears felt like they were exploding as the sound that only he could hear erupted in them.

“AHHHHH AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!”

Ear-Piercing Scream: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Dc 15 for save for half damage and to avoid being dazed for 1 rd

Vorom's Fortitude save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

The half-orc duelist's vanished as he weathered the sonic assault of Mesa's spell, the veins around his temples bulging. Vorom glared at Mesa through squinted eyes, then past her to realize that the singer's companions were a lot closer than he had realized. Worse than that, however, was the fact that he saw no sign of Urnsul.

Not liking the odds of the fight, Vorom decided that he needed an exit strategy.

Not wishing to take on so many at once, the duelist withdraws from the field, beating a hasty retreat.

End of combat. Everyone gets 300 XP, bringing your total to 5,685 and only 315 XP from hitting tier 1.

The female half-orc is still breathing. She is sitting up, cradling her face with her hand.

Looks like you've got yourselves a prisoner. Assuming you take the time to divest her of the weapons and gear on the half-orc's person, you find the following items:

potion of vanish
alchemist's fire (2)
thunderstone
mwk studded leather
light crossbow w/10 bolts
mwk warhammer
7 gp

In addition, the group is able to find a strange looking object behind her back, tucked into the waistband of her trousers. The item, wrapped in what appears to be a worn and weathered green and gold cape, is actually a shortsword that includes elements of a flute (the embouchure hole is set in the crossguard, with piston valves along the grip and a series of tone holes in the blade’s midrib). Checking it for magic, the strange instrument weapon doesn't detect as magical, but the cape does.

Rohan passes off the cape and Flute to Mesa, not sure what the rest of the stuff really is, and little knowledge of the mystical arts of magic as his abilities are internally supernatural. However, he packs the rest of the stuff up in the group loot bag of "We will divide later" While he lets Mesa decide what to do with the other two objects. "Cape and Musical Shortsword is not in the group loot"
Here a link to jpg of current group loot. Unsplit Loot

"That was a close one. Excuse me ladies are you all alright?"

The face on Rohan was a bit red as he still things that they were both fighting over him, but attempted his best in the face to not give sight of that, but was failing miserably.

Your list is off a bit I only have a pot of cure light not mod.

“This is what I would consider a most unpleasant experience.” Mesa winces pulling out the cure light potion and downing it, it wouldn't get her back up but it would have to do for the moment. She was some what leery of the items the half orc had. If she wasn't wearing them they could well be cursed. Still if they were why bother carrying them at all.

Mesa looked over the cloak first noting the green and gold coloration of it glad there was no apparent white, the color still bothered her for some reason. She shrugged figuring if it was cursed she could get some one to lift it.

She grabbed it by the clasps at the top slinging the material around in a dramatic fashion the material fluttering around her before settling over her shoulders.

Theatrical displays aside she took a look at the dagger, pressing a few of the indentations with a bit of interest. The faint clacking of the pistons drew her attention and she cast a quick cleaning cantrip over the weapon, no sense getting orc cooties if they tried to play this before her.

Touching the embouchure plate to her lower lip she blew a short breath of air over the hole , her fingers playing over the rod system for a simple tune. The device was odd to be honest, but it was a flute and she could play it.

Performance: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

"Yes thats correct, we apparently have found some Cure Moderate at a earlier time or something that has yet to be divided. I have been coping and pasting. We have 2 cure mods and 1 cure light potion buried in group loot. I see the correction, yours was suppose to be the cure light, my apologizes thanks for the spot. Well minus 1 cure light now.

"Also I don't know your hit points cause you don't have a profile sheet or hp in your information tab so I don't know if you need another cure potion or not."

So far, of the two of you, Mesa is the only one injured, with 10 hp out of 21, and at the Wounded wound threshold. She takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.

Mesa played the unusual instrument, producing a strange alien tone . A series of images flashed before her eyes, centering mostly around an immense, wingless as it dragon reared up on a serpentine body, its triple tail and powerful talons swiping at the air.

The gold diamond-shaped clasp of the green cape shimmered briefly as she played.

The music has caused the cape to bond with its wearer, allowing Mesa to access its powers:

Even after cleaning and mending, this traveler’s cloak appears worn and weathered. For wearers with the bardic performance class feature, it grants the use of raging song as a 4th-level skald by spending rounds of bardic performance. For wearers with the raging song class feature, it grants the use of inspire courage and inspire competence as a 4th-level bard by spending rounds of raging song.

In addition, the poet’s cloak allows its wearer to grant the crag linnorm death curse rage power when using raging song in place of his own rage powers (if any).

She also knows that the instrument weapon is called a jusoken, which translates literally from Tien-Min to mean "beast play sword". This item doubles as both a musical instrument and a weapon and the wielder can switch between functions as a free action. Made from a metal that naturally harmonizes with sound, the instrument weapon produces a strange alien tone when played. As a result, both the weapon and musical instrument portions of the jusoken are considered masterwork and confers a +2 circumstance bonus to any Performance checks the character using it makes. If the performance is a component of a spell or another level-dependent supernatural effect, such as bardic performance, treat the performing character as 1 level higher when determining any effect. The instrument weapon is treated as a separate musical instrument and a weapon for purposes of being turned into a magic item. The musical instrument and weapon portions are enhanced separately.

Urnsul looked highly annoyed as Mesa performed her tune. Those were supposed to be for Kagak.

Something to keep things moving just a bit.

Kelseph was passionless as she watched Ooruk bring his fists to bear on the iron grille of the portcullis. She could sense the bloodlust fading from her warriors.

This would not do. She looked to her daughter. Did the Rolling Thunder make it in with his men?

Bax nodded in affirmation. The general raised a hand, and with it, her voice, calling for the orcs that handled the giant's chains to rein in the beast. Ooruk roared as he strained and struggled against his restraints, and with one arm, he managed to send one of his handlers flailing through the air to smash against the portcullis. Other orcs ran up to grab the chain and remove the now broken handler.

Listen, called out Kelseph. There was a moment of quiet as the gathered forces strained to hear that which their general was hearing. Slowly, the orcs began to smile eagerly as one by one they heard the sound of orc war drums beating out a strong and steady rhythm from the other side.

Focus on that sound, she yelled. Feel it and make it a part of you. All around her, the orcs of the Twisted Heart stood riveted as they fixated on the drums.

Now strike down this barrier. Let all of Trunau know that this night, both it and Bloodmarch Hill are ours for the taking!

Bax watched in awe as the orcs, their fervor renewed, sent up a rousing cheer. Even Ooruk responded with a howl of his own as he returned to banging on the portcullis. Her mother had rekindled their passions with words that meant nothing. This was confirmed as the daughter's eyes meet those of the general.

Insert Song: Redrage - 2WEI

To Kelseph, these orcs were merely a means to an end, a tool to aid in her gaining that which she desired most. A confrontation with her most hated foe. The thought of it caused the tumors and wounds beneath her bandages to weep even more vile fluid. The general checked her rising anger and returned to watching Ooruk's efforts to bring down the portcullis, noting that with each strike, the iron grille gave just a little bit more.

Ok, I guess I worried the DM with my silence, but I'm here. I haven't seen anything for her to do, honestly, since the battle resolved. I still don't. But I'm here.

Well, don't forget that there's a prisoner by the name of Urnsul that could be interrogated (amazingly, she survived the onslaught of attacks).... especially since she's the one that used Sara to get a hold of Rodrick's unfinished hopeknife.

Rohan shook his head as the silence of the world came over him in the midst of battle raging on in the background. The sudden quietness broke as he felt like he came back to reality snapping to attention. Looking down at the rest of the group of course only because of his height as he glanced towards Urnsul.

"Wake up you fowl beast, Wake up"

Rohan called out to Urnsul who seemed to be slightly passed out from the injuries. "Guessing she slightly passed out"

"You have much to tell us. What is your name? Tell me who your leader is, and why you are attacking our village?"

Rohan quickly jetted out loud enough for Urnsul to hear but not loud enough to cause attention hopefully. Rohan grabbed Urnsul shirt and pulled her close to him, his fist ready to send a strike out at Urnsul, though it was only a threat. Hopefully Urnsul couldn't see past his deception as he couldn't strike at this distance anyways. But Rohan harden rock skin standing over Urnsul made it look to be quite an impressive stare for questioning.

intimidate: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

While his intimidation looked impressive, it seemed to give off a faint BS vibe that didn't really seem to carry over in his facial expression, but Rohan couldn't tell he just pressed on.

"Whats up ahead just beyond the barricade? Who else do you have captured, or holding hostage?"

Rohan words carried on as though he was the only one standing their. So wanting to just punch Urnsul but he re-framed waiting for Urnsul to finally respond to the very first question, as he realized this is his first time interrogating anyone and he was rambling on before Urnsul could even respond. He paused and waiting for a response.

"Urnsul male or female, I missed this part? Half-orc of full Orc?"

When the giant of a man gripped the female half-orc and barked at her, she merely smiled, her body relaxed. You're not very good at this interrogation thing, are you? She chuckled, then continued. Liesel-Marie knows me, but since you don't, you can call me Urnsul. My "leader" is called Gorewillow, but since he's working for Grenseldek, I guess you can say she's our true leader.

As for why they're attacking the town, well orcs don't really need a reason, now do they? But Grenseldek... well, she's not like them. She's looking for something here and sent Gorewillow here to find it. For a hill giant, she's quite cunning.

Gorewillow put together a team of half-orcs to help him, consisting of myself, Vorom - the half-orc who abandoned me, Rishka, and Daktani. There was another, fella by the name of Akrish, but Gorewillow killed him back at the Plague House for telling us that entrance was there when it wasn't.

In addition to finding what Grenseldek wants, we were also given a secondary objective: sabotage the town's defenses so that the Twisted Heart orcs would have an easier time taking the place. But that Rodrick Grath was catching on to us. So, Gorewillow had me pose as an apprentice at the Clamor, where I stole his hopeknife. Gorewillow's the one that killed him. Did it by disguising himself as a human, getting him a room at the Ramblehouse, then hid himself in Rodrick's room.

As Urnsul continued to explain how Gorewillow killed the writer, it was as though they were with him in Rodrick's room as the Patrol Captain entered, poured himself a glass of water, drank it, then collapsed from the "exhaustion" of competing in the tug-of-war onto his bed. In their mind's eye, they could see the disguised half-orc slip out from underneath the bed and use the unfinished stolen hopeknife to slit both of Rodrick's wrists.

Urnsul's next words shook the team out of their reverie. Beyond the barricade are more orcs from the Twisted Heart alliance. As to who else is captured or being held hostage, I can't say because I don't know.

To learn more about Grenseldek, a DC 20 Society check needs to be made.

Rohan looked at the Female Half orc who seemed to have spilled her guts willingly or not the information was very informative. Rohan let go of the shirt in a bit of a rough push trying to knock her off balance, but unlikely because of the difference in strength.

Strength check for pushing her back: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Rohan stood at his tall 7"11 frame and towering over the Half orc that sat before him.

"You realize for a Half-blooded Orc my intimidation may not of impressed you, but your words squirmed out of you like the sea so fluid to give up information."

Rohan turned to look at the others then back at her with a sly smile in return.

"Though you have given me great information. Your leader name is Grenseldek who is a intelligent Hill giant, thats a first. Since Gorewillow is working for her, she's just a second in command. In addition to that you Grenseldek is looking for something within the city; What is she looking for?"

Rohan words grew a bit sharp at the last few words spoken. Taking a breath to wait for an answer before continuing on.

"Five members of a surprise group essentially, You, Vorom, Rishka, Daktani, and Akrish. Interesting, One killed by your second in command and I recall Daktani being a trader and helping us, as for the others well I am sure they will soon be dismissed if they plan to continue this assault on our town. Lets see that leaves, You, Rishka, and Vorom left to deal with. Oh wait your already dealt with, which means just Rishka and Vorom who abandoned you."

Rohan steady his thought, taking a 5ft step back from Urnsul should he have to strike out at her, and prepared to do so in the event she decided to attempt a strike from the ground up.

"The Twisted Heart Alliance, now thats something I would like to know more of, tell me of this alliance?"

The heat of the battlefield must have been getting under Rohan harden skin because he was feeling less and less like he needed to Urnsul around for anything accept to constantly watch over his back.

"The twisted heart Alliance.... Perhaps we should dispatch of Urnsul to prevent a backstab later, their are causalities in a war, but is that right, is this thought a good idea, I don't know."

Rohan waited to get all his answers and looked back to the group to see if they had anything else to put forward, and with a questioning look as to what to do with her now that she has provided the information needed.

Liesel-Marie realizes with a start that this is the half-orc woman from the Clamor as her words confirm that fact. She played her role well. I would not have recognized her at all!

Urnsul shrugged. At one time, the Twisted Nail orc tribe counted the hill giants of the Heart Eater tribe among its strongest allies. The Twisted Hearts, as the combined tribes came to be known, were a force to be reckoned with. The current Heart Eater hill giant chieftain, Grenseldek, through the deeds of a mysterious half-orc calling herself Kelseph, had the most recent leader of the Twisted Nail tribe killed and rebuilt the old Twisted Heart alliance.

“While that is all very nice and quite informative, there’s a few things I want to know as well. “ Mesa intones looking at the flute blade she had gained from this encounter, playing the weapon over her hands as she grins wide at the half orc. “ Before I begin my questions I just want you to know, I’m not part of the heroic trio here and was forcibly conscripted to the militia. I've been denied a performance, stabbed and had to argue down people from a lynch mob. I am not having a good day.”

Mesa grins sinking down onto her haunches in front of the orc, her teeth showing in the grin looking like they would be far more at home in the mouth of a carnivorous beast out in the wild than in the mouth of the small human woman before her.

“What this means is that I’m not beholden to any honor code in this town and even if I was, not a soul would even care what happens to you this side of the wall.”

Performance intimidation: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

[ooc] Not sure what other skill bonus that i think i forgot to write it down]

“Now then before I start cutting things off you and flaying you bit by bit leaving only your tongue to talk and ears to hear how about you tell me what I want to know?”

Mesa taps the half orcs cheek with the flat of the blade.

“Who was this gear going to? What is the strength of the force allied against us? Who are the leaders, what are their abilities, and what do they look like?"

You'd be better off counting the grains of sand in the Dirt Sea than trying to put a number to the orcs marshaled against Trunau. As for who that... Urnsul gestured with her head toward the jusoken. ...belongs to, you only have to listen and you'll know.

If Mesa does indeed listen, she too can hear the beating of orc wardrums in the night.

As for leaders, there is only one: General Kelseph herself. She shares power with no one, and will sacrifice as many orcs as it takes to bring this town to ruin. Her subordinates know this and they love her for it. As for her abilities, Kelseph is a formidable warrior, good with a blade, but even better with the hornbow.

Yet it is not her skill with weapons you should be wary of. Every orc in Belkzen possesses that a plenty. No, what makes her especially dangerous is her desire, her will. Something drives her, something dark and inhuman. It is said that Kelseph visited the Endseers of the Brimstone Haruspex and came away from that meeting changed by it. Her face is hidden by a mask, her body is covered in bandages, and her flesh riddled with weeping sores and vile tumors. Her existence is one of continuous and agonizing pain. A lesser orc would have long since died, but Kelseph's will strengthens her body where flesh should have failed.

It should be noted that there is no sense of admiration in Urnsul's words when she speaks of the general, only terror and awe.

Once again puts on motarboard and affects a scholarly British accent: In the Kodar Mountains lies a temple complex high in the caldera of the volcano known as the Eye of the Unmaker. This is the Brimstone Haruspex and it is here that orc warlords send emissaries in those rare moments when they deign to seek advice. This does not come cheaply, as the Endseers, an inbred group of orc oracles, demand massive tributes for their guidance. Katrezra, the old half-orc met by members of the group earlier, suffers from a terrible affliction of the lungs and weeping sores on his face and arms gained when the chieftain of the Empty Hand orc tribe sent him to the Brimstone Haruspex to get painful visions of the future.

The hornbow is a weapon designed by orcs and is even larger than a longbow. Often made from the horns of great beasts, what it lacks in range, the bow more than makes up for it with devastating destructive power. Translation in gaming terms: all orc hornbows are composite bows and can be modified to benefit from high Strength scores in the same way as other composite bows. Any effect that applies to both longbows and shortbows would also apply to hornbows.

"We are wasting time. While she gives us a history lesson, they are destroying our town. This fight will not end until their general dies. What else do we need to know?"

Urnsul shrugged. Kelseph is beyond your capabilities, so if I were you, Razkiv, I'd avoid her.

Hearing Urnsul call Liesel-Marie the nickname Sara gave you is probably a bit... unsettling, to say the least.

No, you'd be better off going after Gorewillow. I think he's finally figured out where what Grenseldek's looking for is located. But to get to it, I think he's going to need the help of Ooruk the Crusher.

The female half-orc looked at each member of Team Ruby before continuing. Ooruk is the most prized war machine of the Twisted Heart alliance, a monstrous, stunted cave giant that has been abused and thoroughly tortured by the orcs since the tribe found him as an abandoned infant in their hunting grounds. He is not smart and over the years, an array of orcs have been responsible for his training and punishment. Woe betide those unlucky orcs who find themselves shackled to the cave giant to serve as Ooruk’s “handlers” during raids. For his part, Ooruk enjoys the company, though he is quick to anger, and many orc handlers have been smashed to a pulp because of him throwing a violent tantrum during the heat of battle.

With his strength, Gorewillow would have a much easier time getting access to what he's been searching for. So my advice would be to find the Crusher. Because in finding him, you'll probably find Gorewillow.

Sense Motive untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Liesel-Marie studies Urnsul's face for a moment. Sensing no deception, probably not really wanting to, she nods, "Fine. Let us find the tortured giant."

She is just impatient to stop talking and do something. No one is obligated to pay her any attention. She won't go off searching on her own and Rohan would recognize that fact.

Rohan couldn't help himself, he was getting really frustrated with this orc punk, and thought really hard that she needed to be dealt with. He looked to Liesel and motioned with a comment.

"Do with her as you wish, She no longer needed but we need to go on there a war going on and we are wasting time with her."

Rohan looked over the wall once more seeing if the coast was clear. As soon as he saw a clearing he popped up from his semi crouched position, and started making his way towards Section 4, Which I believe is the next section as this took place in section 2-3 I think?. He threw his back up against the wall and put his head to the door to see if he could here anything going on inside.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Putting his hand down on the door handle as though he was going to enter but he held his position and looked back to the group to see if they had disposed of the orc at this point.

"I'm not one to be like this but killing her is probably mercy compared to what her commander would do to her if they found her spilling her guts"

As he approached the building, Rohan found that he recognized this particular establishment.

It was the bar called the Killin' Ground. Its door was already open, allowing him to see right inside.

Within the common area, amidst the usual rubbish collected on the floor, were bodies.

Rohan recognized one in particular: the tavern's proprietor, Rabus Clarenston. Unlike the others that were on the floor, however, he still lived.

Right as the lanky giant of a man began to wonder why the owner was playing possum, he noted three figures at the bar.

One was a dark haired half-orc woman dressed in leathers,while the other two were bald men, humans, helping themselves to whatever drink they could find. Judging from the number of bottles lined up on the counter, they had been at this for a while and very much deep in their cups. Translation: they're plastered.

I need a DC 10 Perception check from Rohan to see if he can glean enough details that would enable him to recall the three within the bar. Otherwise, he has no clue as to who they are.

See seeing Rohan leave, Nyym turns and follows in the big man's wake. Apon reaching the killing grounds, Nyym like Rohan, peers inside once again at the horror before them.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Liesel-Marie stares disbelievingly at the man-giant sneaking down the street, leaving her and Mesa and ... Nyym's leaving, too?

"Fine. Over the wall with you. You'd better hope we win. I don't think your commander will be happy with your being captured. And think fast - Sara's going to have a word or two with you when she can be bothered."

Over the barricade with the prisoner, willing or not, to be locked somewhere that no one has to worry about her while there's fighting to be done.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Rohan recalls that one particular Half Orc Rishka, believing that was the one that recently got away.

"I can't believe you already plastered, well this is going to be interesting."

Rohan pulled his finger across his lips at Nyym, and jester about the two guys, hoping that he could understand him mouthing the words Rishka. Glancing back inside, telling Nyym to be on guard with a bold fist and a few short jabs, waiting for him to respond hoping that he understood what he was trying to convey, with little skills in this area.

Rohan quickly glanced back in there again and looked for a rock or something that might be floating around overhead, something made of earth materials. He had plans to use it his advantage, of course he was looking for something non-structured related.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Kytynna moved, putting herself between both Liesel-Marie and Urnsul. Don't worry about her. I'll make sure she gets delivered to the guards. The elf paused as she spun suddenly on Urnsul and performed a downward hook kick.

Kyt's nonlethal unarmed strike: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
nonlethal unarmed strike damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The heel of her foot struck the female half-orc just above the ear, knocking Urnsul senseless.

Once the prisoner was unconscious, Kyt continued. You catch up to the boys and make sure they don't get in over their heads in trouble. I'll catch up once I clean up this mess. She smiled as she indicated with her head toward the prone form lying at her feet.

Yes, she hit with a 9. Urnsul is in the Critical threshold and has a -3 penalty to her AC, which is currently 12 without the benefit of armor. That puts her at an Armor Class of 9 exactly.

Nyym, unsure of what Rohan was trying to convay. He none the less kept his guard up and waited to react to what ever was about to happen. Trying to his from those inside as well as those that might be lurking about.

stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Nyym once again becomes one with the shadows, ready to strike when the time comes. Nyym smiles inwardly as he knows he has the element of surprise once again.

Liesel-Marie moves toward where the boys went, greataxe in one hand and motioning with the other to Mesa, "Lady of Song, I hope you are willing to bring your talents to bear for our town once more."

Not wanting to give away the guys' position, Liesel-Marie moves slowly (for her) to maximize what little stealth she has, so half-speed unless slower gives her a better benefit.

Stealth untrained: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 1 = 21 Dex - Armor Penalty

As Rohan used his geokinetic ability, he heard a surprised squawk as a large white cockerel (male chicken) with golden head and tail feathers was lifted into the air and floated to hang over one of the Shoanti males where it flapped and struggled in vain in an attempt to get down.

Chickens have gizzards, or secondary stomach, which can grind the food they ingest with previously swallowed stones, then pass that food back to the true stomach or from the true stomach back to the gizzard. The chicken in question is a rather impressive specimen, weighing roughly 12 pounds.

We'll give them a DC of 17 (0 due to the chicken being visible, +2 for unfavorable conditions due to the clucking intermixing with the sounds of battle raging outside, and +5 due to being distracted. On top of that, given their inebriated state, they take an additional -2 penalty to the roll.

Rishka Perception check: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 2 = 24
Freedom Town Thug 1 Perception check: 1d20 + 0 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 0 - 2 = 1
Freedom Town Thug 2 Perception check: 1d20 + 0 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 0 - 2 = 12

Rishka's bloodshot eyes squinted then grew wide as she took notice of the white feathers that drifted down and around her companion. Slowly, with a look of uncertainty, she turned her gaze up toward the rafters.

As Nyym and Rohan prepared to deal with the three intruders inside the Killin' Ground, something else was happening further up the street...

Vorom had sheathed his weapon and come to a stop, angry and ashamed at his having run out on Urnsul. But he had recognized them from the tug-of-war event from last night's Hopeknife ceremony. They had proven more formidable than expected, especially the human and elf women. That duo had made short work of his partner, who was quite dangerous in her right. If they could take her down with such ease, Vorom had no doubt that the same fate would have befallen him as well.

You seem a bit... lost.

Theme Music: Raffertie - Darkness Rising (Original Mix)

Vorom spun on the speaker, his dueling blade half drawn from its scabbard, to find a tall human wearing a loose-fitting two-toned grey and black kimono shirt with billowing, overlong sleeves, tied by a thick purple belt, and a pair of black pants. His otherwise plain-looking face, framed by long blond locks, was covered in thousands of fine lines of ink and carefully incised scars.

The sight of him caused the hair on the back of Vorom's hands to stand up.

Gorewillow.

The half-orc swordsman allowed his blade to slide back into its sheath, but his hand never left its grip.

The human merely smiled, revealing fang-like teeth, then reached up to his face with both hands and pulled, the flesh coming away in messy chunks to reveal fresh verdigris-hued skin beneath. In mere moments, the bits of meat dissolved away from both his hand and where they had fallen to the ground.

Where is your partner? Gorewillow, now having the appearance of a half-orc, stared expectantly at Vorom, his snake-like yellow eyes seeming to analyze every nuance and detail of his ally.

Captured. It was all the swordsman could manage to say as he fought back the urge to vomit.

Yet you somehow managed to get away. Gorewillow's words weren't so much a question as they were merely the statement of fact.

Still shaken by what he'd just seen, Vorom nodded his head.

Excellent! The mysterious half-orc seemed thoroughly pleased. Vorom was about to relax until Gorewillow spoke once more. You're not pleased about leaving her in enemy hands, hmm?

This time, his words had formed a question, to which Vorom weakly nodded in response.

Such loyalty to ones friends should be rewarded. A sound emanated from Gorewillow, similar to that produced by the tail vibration of a rattlesnake. Moments later, a female orc led by three rather loud and vicious dogs emerged from a nearby building. From another came orcs bearing strange and exotic weapons. All in all, a total of ten orcs answered Gorewillow's eerie summons.

Then by all means, take these soldiers and go win back our dear Urnsul's freedom.

Vorom nodded, but before he could move. Gorewillow had one final thing to say.

Let Akrish's fate serve as a reminder should your loyalty prove to be lacking.

The half-orc swordsman swallowed hard before allowing his head to bob up and down in acknowledgement.

Gorewillow's lips twisted into a sneer as he watched a very confused and disturbed Vorom lead the gathered orc soldiers back the way he had come.

Mesa's attention snapped back at the question from Liesel-Marie. She had pretty much been following blindly after her questions to the half orc as she considered them, there was also the music. The beat of the drums could barely be heard, but the unmistakeable twisting of the kotodama could be felt. This was defiantly some one else who could alter it's flow.

Mesa was very much looking forward to meeting this orc.

Mostly to break his drum over his head cause his music sucked. The baseline was wonky, the drumming boring and repetitive, really what did they do give some one a drum who just liked hitting things to see what happened? Wait orcs. Yeah that's probably what they did.

“Yeah I’m ready.” Mesa replied to Liesel-Marie “ I'll need to see the situation before picking the right song though.”

Shaking her head the bard moved up next to the door along with the barbarian to peer into the place looking over the trashed bar with some interest.

“Did he clean the bar? Something looks different, though to be honest I can't really tell.” Mesa muttered.

Before commenting on the new decor again Mesa's attention was drawn immediately to the chicken floating over the trio. Her eyes widened at the sight of the beast, and if any one glanced closely at the bard a thin trail of droll was running down her chin.

She quickly wiped off her face though her eyes remained on the chicken more than the enemy.

“That is a huge traveling ration.......”

Also Rohan, would you mind explaining how one can play potassium? I'm rather curious. Is the tender dressed like a banana or something?

Rohan face was holding back his own laughter, and couldn't help what he was doing as it happen to come at a surprise to him but with it being the only amount of earth bound material it was quite an impressive feat. However, with the ability to raise the chicken, the idea of using this ability to mess with people was becoming more interesting, wondering if people had enough Iron in their body that he could control them too.

At this point in time combat was surely becoming more apparent then before, but Rohan dropped the chicken right on top of Rishka, aiming for the head but likely the chicken would fall on Rishka without actually hitting her head.

Immediately after Rohan followed up with an attempt to make the two guys butt heads together with his geokinectict ability (pushing infusion) to attempt to clock the two heads together in the confusion. All while maintaining his distance and stealth to the best of his ability.

Pushing Infusion Bull Rush: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 "Actually aiming at the heads just trying to push them together, only 5ft total distance"

"Take that you drunkened pest!

Rohan thought really hard about that and smiled in the chaos of all the commotion.

You still need to perform an attack roll for the blast itself. First the attack roll, then the CMB roll for the bull rush attempt. After all, if you don't hit the target, there's no need to make a roll for the bull rush... I'll let the bull rush roll attempt stand, provided, of course that Rohan actually hits the target. Unless of course, you want to use that for the actual attack roll, in which case, you'll need to make an attack roll using your CMB, but using your Constitution modifier instead of your Strength modifier.

Taking advantage to the commotion, confusion, and drunkenness. Num quietly slips into the building taking a new position in a dark area close to Rishka, but behind her. Taking care to stay out of line of Rohans actions as the big man more then likely did not see him enter do to his focus on the 3. Nyym waits patiently to see how Rohans actions play out.

Oh didn't realize that you were talking about a double attack basically. alright I will keep that as the attack and roll with this as the attempted bulls rush

Bulls rush CMB: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 2 = 16

Good news is while looking this up I found that earthwalk gives me a Overflow bonus to CMD AND Acrobatics checks to balance on rocks earth or mud. So if I am correct as long as I am outside for acrobatics check I get the bonus in general, but inside a building on wooden floors I would not. Yeah +1 Acrobatics, now I must find me a earth made rope *~^

New map has been added to represent the Killin' Ground.

Rohan unleashed a geokinetic blast at Rishka. This had two effects: the first being that the concentration required to hold aloft the large chicken was broken, causing it to drop on her head. This also meant that said chicken, unhappy about its sudden defiance of gravity, took out its anger on her.

[dice=Chicken's "peck"] 1d20 - 2 + 1 [/dice] gains higher ground bonus
[dice=Chicken "peck" damage] 1d3 - 4 [/dice] minimum of 1 point of damage

Though inebriated from the consumption of Rabus' hooch, Rishka was enough of an experienced barfly that she was able to fend off the angry avian. However, she was in no way prepared for Rohan's incoming assault.

You also left out the damage from your blast, which is also inflicted in addition to the bull rush maneuver
Rohan's blast damage: 3d6 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 16

Rishka was lifted from where she had been standing and sent flying over the counter of the bar to be dumped onto the floor on the other side.

Her two companions, who witnessed what had happened, looked at one another and burst into a fit of hysterical drunken laughter.

Unless the rest of Team Ruby are taking actions during the surprise round, I'm moving on to Round 1. Just as a reminder, going down the initiative order (highest to lowest), combatants who started the battle aware of their opponents each take a standard or move action during the surprise round. You can also take free actions during the surprise round.

Mood Music: Dropkick Murphys - The Rocky Road to Dublin

Freedom Town Thug 1: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 1 - 2 = 19 penalty due to being drunk
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Rishka: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 2 = 10 penalty due to being drunk
Chicken: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Freedom Town Thug 2: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 - 2 = 2 penalty due to being drunk

I don't think Liesel-Marie has a firm enough grasp of the situation yet to act in the surprise round. She's just as surprised about the levitating chicken as Rishka was.

Mesa regarded the scene with a great deal of interest before she slipped into the bar, using the pairs distracted laughing at their companion's situation.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Slipping into the bar Mesa moved into a position she spotted. Slipping behind the knife throwing board the wooden plank would keep her hidden and yet still allow her to peer out through some of the knife slits in the battered wood.

Once in position she drew out her Shamisen and considered her songs once everything got started.

Rohan watched as Rishka went flying, confused as to how in the world he could have targeted the wrong person, surely he was targeting the two thugs that was next to Rishka but that didn't seem to be the case. Secondary confusion was why in the world he did so much damage to Rishka, unsure of his power and a little more confused then ever before. At this point in time Rohan did nothing more than to look at Nyym who had also vanished from his sight, which made him even more confused as all this stuff going on was just rattling his brain.

He couldn't do anything this round, he was contemplating his actions, his moves, his utter failure to do that silently and likely without causing problems for himself and the others, watching in awww confusion of a chicken that is surely running away from everyone and hopefully doesn't decide to run out the door.

Rohan was so distraught about what was going on and how he did things that didn't even make any sense, his powers seem to have been guided by a god of trickery and is playing one on him. He turned out of the view of the door and leaned against the wall, pressed firmly he questioned his belief his thoughts his own skill.

"What is going on here, why are my powers faultering in such a way that I am not even doing what I intended to do? Are the gods frowning down upon me or is there something else happening? Where did Nyym go, did my powers make him vanish too? What have I done???"

Confused and tormented by his powers going haywire, he thought some more as his grabbed his head hoping to gain some form of sanity back.

Raggedy man, Raggedy Man, Raggedy man get out of my head, leave me so I can focus.

His voice got louder and louder even though it started as a whisper. His body slouched down the wall to a point of sitting. He couldn't handle what was going on, nothing was working in his way, nothing at all. It was the work of an evil god.

Seems like a Perception check is in order for this first round...

Freedom Town Thug 1 Perception check: 1d20 + 0 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 0 - 2 = 0

Yeah... he's too drunk to notice anything at the moment, so he goes back to helping himself to more hooch.

Mesa... you're up next in the order.