Petrel will congratulate everyone after the battle and thanks Martigan for the healing. He'll shake off the blood and reset his knives into their spring-loaded sheathes.
He'll be testing the rope and readying to cross it carefully (take 10 = acrobatics 20) when he's called to join in the search for secret doors.
At the statue, Petrel will be listening attentively to his buddy Mukluk (and so standing right nearby).
"Oh, Durgeddin built this place?" Petrel will nod sagaciously as if he had some idea what who that was. "Oh, so this is a Duergar stronghold? Those evil dwarves, no wonder they have orc guards."
HP = 22 / 30
AC = 16 (17 vs light blades), CMD = 16
Fort = 3, Ref = 7, Will = 0
Condition: None
"So how did the fortress fall Mukluk?"
Lack of mules probably.
As Mukluk steps forward to pat the statue, he feels a sudden movement in the floor at his feet confirmed by a loud click.
The statue's bearded face slides down, rather like an enormous nutcracker and greenish gas billows forth.
"Deadly dueger traps!
Fort #1
Fort #2
HP = 25 / 30
AC = 16 (17 vs light blades), CMD = 16
Fort = 3, Ref = 7, Will = 0
Condition: ?
Weapon Equipped = guisarme
Conditions = None
Fort #1 vs DC 13
Fort #2 vs DC 13
"Mukluk, what did you do?!"
"Ah, for the Hammer's sake! I'm one of you!" Mukluk cries as he is engulfed with gas.
Fort Save
Fort Save
"My bad! I can't imagine why my kin would have done this. It is not usually our way."
Female voice laughs
Sapped Strength:
Failed Save #1:
Failed Save #2:
Failed Save #3:
Failed Save #4:
With his closer vantage point, Mukluk notices nothing out of the ordinary about the statue beyond the trap.
The green poison gas looks like it would have been much more potent once upon a time, but has lost strength over the decades since it was implemented.
*cough* *cough* *cough*
Those Dwarves really do put in some nasty traps. I wonder how the orcs avoided it?
Doruk will wait for the party to breath a little easier again, and go to open the door to his right.
"Is everyone OK now? Or at least still able to move? There are still orcs about, so we should be wary."
Fort Save
Fort Save
Mukluk coughs and gags, trying to spit out the poison.
"Sorry about that. I can't imagine why my kind would do that. Seems pretty silly. But the lesson is learned: we need to be careful."
Mukluk will move up a bit, trying to get the party to the Z6-7 area of the map.
Tiabrar waits for the gas to dissipate and then follows the party--a good 30' behind the dwarf.
Fort #3
Fort #4
Petrel looks a little sick, with three failed saves (-4 str).
"I will help you carry whatever you need Petrel."
Those Dwarvish traps are nasty.
"Yar, me too, Petrel. I'll carry anything you need, save your knives. We need you able to kill at will. Heh."
Mukluk makes room in his pack for whatever...as long as it isn't the cats.
I wonder if I could turn my cats back at camp into dungeon cats. They could carry supplies in little cat harnesses, sneak along with me, and we could ambush witches and wizards! I've heard that a cat can kill an apprentice wizard, if it gets the drop on them.
Mobled finds her hope wavering.
Good sign: no sign of the oinkers.
Bad sign: the human lady is whimpering.
Good sign: she's kind of pretty when she whimpers.
"Hey, girl. Stop worrying. Mobled'll take care o' ye. Don't worry your pretty little tusch." She winks and double clicks with her tongue.
Mukluk looks at the double doors as he passes them.
Martigan marches with the group, wary of further traps.
"I've some spare room in my pack as well Petrel."
Doruk stands on the stairs reaching for the door... and watches Mukluk walk right by.
Oh. I guess we're going deeper in first. I don't like this plan. We could get attacked on two fronts and split our energies.
Doruk repositions himself, catches up with Mukluk and takes his position at the front. He watches Mukluk for direction on where to head at the intersection and bears right.
Releasing prisoners before the area is secure is risky.
..between these two plans, and the recent gas trigger, doubt creeps ever so slightly into Doruk's mind about Mukluk's leadership.
I'm sure he'll be fine. Just a momentary lapse of reason. Best be extra alert for danger!
Doruk pushes these thoughts aside focuses on the task at hand: watching out for the orcs that still reside here.
As Mukluk passes the doors, Doruk quickly moves ahead to resume his position at the vanguard of the group, while everyone peers into the caverns beyond.
Haphazard stacks of crates, barrels, sacks and bundles little this long, narrow cavern. High-bulk, low value materials like food, ale, blankets, tools, timber, pitch, nails, wool and other similar goods.
Growing impatient, you decide to test the weakest bar of your cage and find the orcish repairs to once again be lacking. The bar makes a groaning noise as you heave it from it's position, creating just enough of an opening to sneak through.
Geradil and Courana give you a worried look as you slip through and weave northward through the caverns towards a light source and the sounds of non-orcish voices, knowing that orcs rarely use lights as they move throughout the fortress.
Petrel warily watches the nearby door as the party turns southward into the caves, as Tiabrar comes up guarding the rear with his bow at the ready.
The sounds of lightly padded footsteps greet you as a worn-looking dwarf (woman?) appears from one of the narrower caves. She looks dirty, hungry, and like she could use a stiff drink.
Through the grimy filth, and despite the years, you recognize the dwarf as your cousin Mobled.
Although he's older (and stouter) than you last remember seeing him, you recognize the dwarf with this group as your cousin Mukluk.
My that's hideous. Must be an evil wizard crossbreeding barghests, ropers, and gibbering mouthers. That thing would make a night hag seem pretty.
Mukluk squints his eyes at the horror approaching.
Perception
Mukluk fumbles to draw his pick at the approaching monstrosity.
The approaching beast is unlike anything you've ever personally faced before, but you remember some ancient folklore of wretched evils spawned from the Underdark that may find their way up from the cracks in the world.
These creatures were able to tap into the thoughts of others, drawing on memories of familiar faces and loved ones, and then crudely mimic those memories.
Perhaps this approaching creature is one of these monstrosities from those tales...?
Or perhaps not...?
It's quite cunning, emulating the smell of booze and sweat...
"Mukluk? Mukluk Muketender??? What the frak are ye doing here, ye barmy beautiful cur?
The shaggy dwarf charges Mukluk and proceeds to try wrestling him to the ground.
Mukluk tries to fight off the beast while trying to disbelieve the illusion.
Will save
To hit with the pick;
lethal damage.
"Petrel! pe-TREL! Use your sword!"
"Mukluk, it likes you. Maybe it just wants a treat?"
Mukluk is free to interpret the natural 20 on his Will Save as he successfully disbelieved any deception.
"Who are yer friends, coz? Glad you found some people with strong arms to protect you, but why not rely on Mobled? Remember that time I saved you from a mob of the Lowland Muletenders? Crikey were they grumpy."
Mobled attempts to playfully pin her cousin.
"Remember when I put the full Nelsnor on them like this? That was a grand day."
"Mukluk your cousins with a Duerger?" Petrel laughs. "Does Gambli know?"
Petrel still looks kind of sick after that poison gas trap, and so doesn't draw the Sword of Kas but instead leans against the wall, laughing and trying not to puke.
The meaty arms of Mobled wrap around Mukluk faster than the dwarf wizard can bring his pick to bear.
In a split second, after a dizzying display of arm, leg and beard, both of Mobled's hands are pressing against the back of Mukluk's head.
Strangely, none of Doruk, Martigan, Petrel or Tiabrar jump to Mukluk's aid as the dwarf faces his deadliest challenge since leaving the Free City...
Family.
Doruk looks on in horror at first, but then dawning realization hits him, and he begins to laugh.
Perhaps Mukluk isn't such a bad leader after all!
Mukluk struggles to unpin himself, unable to see what his happening, but wondering what is keeping his friends from helping him.
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The dwarves ragamuffin lets go her pin after just a few seconds. A customary greeting Mukluk has seen Mobled use at the occasional clan gathering.
"Wait, did Rinalda send ye to help me? She got my poem? Wants ye to help me win her love!? Oh coz, ye're the best. Always so generous and kind."
A twinge of pain runs across Mobled's face. "Grife that smarts. Any o yoos got a wee bit o whiskey in yer packs?"
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Mukluk, rushes to his feet, and takes a few steps back from the Duergar.
Taking a breath and tries to calm his mind as he collects himself.
"Mobled?" Mukluk asks, uncertain.
"Mobled Muletender? Turn around and let me take a look at you."
Mukluk casts a spell at the Duergar, casting Prestidigitation to clean of his 'cousin'.
"Stand still, you daft dwarf, I'll see who you really are."
* * *
Sighing, Mukluk concedes to reality and smiles.
"Who are yer friends, coz? Glad you found some people with strong arms to protect you, but why not rely on Mobled? Remember that time I saved you from a mob of the Lowland Muletenders? Crikey were they grumpy."
"That's funny, Mobled, I seem to remember it differently. I was trying to protect you because you dattled with the low chief's daughter. It was a tough time for all Muletenders to apologize for that 'misunderstanding." Mukluk rubs his chin, remembering.
"Now, wait...how on Oerth did you get here? Wait...my manners." Mukluk turns to address the rest.
"I think this besotted creature is my cousin, Mobled. I ain't seen her in years. In fact, I have no idea what she's been up to since I left for Greyhawk."
Mukluk turns to Mobled.
Really. Who names their dwarfchild "Mobled"?
"Mobled, this here is the Petrel and he has the fastest knives in all Greyhawk. I seen him kill two orcs before they made cry."
Mukluk points to Martigan. "That one there is Martigan. He is touched by the Sun himself and you should keep nice with him."
Mukluk points to Doruk and casts Prestidigation again, this time cleaning up Doruk. "The clean one here is Doruk...and that is his wonderful glaive. He wields that thing something fierce. Best you not get on the receiving end of that."
Mukluk points to the elf, Tiabrar. "This one is Tiabrar...and if you're looking for drink, you might want to talk to him. He likes to kill orcs dead so I like him just fine."
Mukluk shuts up for a moment.
Martigan leans over to Doruk.
"Which parts are hair and which parts are dwarf?"
"Nice to meet you Mobled. What are you doing here?"
Martigan leans over to Doruk.
"Which parts are hair and which parts are dwarf?"
Grinning, Doruk replies, "I'm not really sure!"
Doruk stands quiet looking at their new companion. There are still orcs about, I wonder if she's any good in a fight?
He then takes a careful look around the neighborhood to make sure none of those orcs are sneaking up during the happy homecoming.
Perception
Tiabrar eyes the new arrival with a bit of suspicion at first.
Mukluk might be foolish, but he's a good guy. I guess his cousin can't be that bad. Did Rinalda ever mention her? "Wants ye to help me win her love!?" Mobled or Mukluk? Or both?
Female voice: Stop! Stop! Stop! I have to see the images in your head too!
"Greetings Mobled! Rinalda is well. She and I were recently in you predicament until saved by this fine group here."
As Mobled releases Mukluk from the Full Nelsor, Mobled recognizes her assorted possessions stashed near one of the nearby crates, sitting comfortable on top of a stack of woolen blankets.
She finds four of the gallon-sized flasks of her whiskey along with a fifth one, which has been opened and drained by her captors.
Just as her rage begins to build, Tiabrar's ears perk up at the sounds of whining and growling coming from the far end of the hallway in which the cheerful family reunion has been taking place.
The large door is thrown open violently, revealing a chamber beyond covered in poorly cured animal hides and illuminated by smoking torches. The smell is indescribable and far overpowers any originating from Mobled.
A monstrous creature easily ten feet tall with warty brown skin and greasy dark hair steps forward. In one hand he carries a massive axe. The other grips two chains upon which two massive wolves strain and snarl.
"You! You are intruders!" it bellows. "Vak! Thrag! At them!" With that, he releases the chain and the wolves begin to rush forward.
Somehow you are able to recognize one of the two orc archers from the far side that got away standing behind the ten foot tall monster. He is still nurturing his wounds, but has his bow handy.
The ten foot tall monster is an ogre.
(He is also the tribe's new chieftain and is named Great Ulfe, although your knowledge check doesn't reveal that).
Initiative:
Doruk:
Martigan:
Mobled:
Mukluk:
Petrel:
Tiabrar:
Ulfe & Friends:
Round 1 --
23 Mukluk :
19 Mobled :
18 Doruk :
15 Ulfe :
15 Vrak :
15 Thrag :
15 Orc Archer :
13 Petrel :
13 Martigan :
11 Tiabrar :
With the rush of their recent wrastling, both dwarves are quick on their feet, with their hearts already pounding with excitement.
Round 1, Init 23
Mukluk hears the sounds and moves to K4 to take a gander.
Perception
Know (local)
Mukluk smiles.
More orcs to kill.
"Mobled, you didn't mention that they had an ogre with them. You've saved us a nice surprise."
We're gunna kill us an ogre today.
Mukluk casts Create Pit, (DC 17 Reflex) in squares Q:R/3:4, catching Vrak, Thrag, and Ulfe.
You never spotted the ogre before, but you heard the name "Ulfe" mentioned in orcish on many occasions. You weren't sure if it was an orcish god, their chieftain or what.
You were questioned by an orcish shaman of some sort - you think his name was Bugbug or Bugdug or Bugbad or something like that. In broken common, he asked you a bunch of questions about dwarvish traps. He seemed particularly concerned about poison gas traps on statues and what other sorts of traps that might indicate could be used.
Ulfe:
Vrak:
Thrag:
Muluk grins as he watches the towering ogre and one of the wolves disappear into his extra-dimensional pit, yet one of the wolves leaps away in time as it continues to lope forward, it's hungry mouth moving swiftly towards Petrel.
Falling Damage:
Ulfe:
Vrak:
Round 1, Initiative 18, Location K6->M4
Weapon Equipped = guisarme
Conditions = None
Hearing Mukluk's mention of 'ogre' Doruk is tempted to continue on down the hall, but duty binds him to other work.
He comes around the corner and stands his ground at M4. He readies an action to attack any opponent (non party member or relative of party member) who comes within reach.
Round 1 --
23 Mukluk : Moves, Create Pit
19 Mobled : TBD
18 Doruk : Moves, readies, AoOs, kills Thrak
15 Ulfe : Fails to climb
15 Vrak : Waits
15 Thrak : DEAD
15 Orc Archer : Misses
15 Orc Guards : Open door and begin running at Tiabrar
13 Petrel :
13 Martigan :
11 Tiabrar :
Thrak, the lone wolf able to escape Mukluk's arcane pit, comes rushing down the hallway and lunges toward Petrel, but not before Doruk steps into it's path with his guisarme braced against the charge.
With a sickening crunch, the wolf rends itself on the weapon, sinking halfway down the shaft before Doruk is able to shake the lifeless body of the canine free.
Ulfe Climb (Pit DC25):
The lone orc archer stands motionless for a moment, arrow mid-draw as he watches his chieftain fall into a pit while one of his prized pets is skewered. Seeing little else to do, he meekly fires an arrow at Doruk.
for
"YOU WILL PAY!" the thunderous voice in the pit booms as the ogre scrambles up against the side. You all witness his head and shoulders peek out before he slips back within.
His hollers don't go unnoticed, as the double doors you all passed earlier swing open, and four more orcs quickly usher into the hallway, armed with axes. They begin their charges toward Tiabrar.
Now Up: Everyone! (to finish Round 1, and begin Round 2). Mobled gets 2 actions.
Round 1, Init whenever
Whiskey bottle in one hand, wand in another, Mobled moves to Mukluk and offers him the wand of magickal armor. "Ye might be able to use this better'n I. Father said it might help protect me some day, but it don't look like it'd hurt a flea. 'E said to say 'Geistrüstung' and poke meself with it."
She turns to the Ogre and shouts, "Oy, Ulfe, how should we serve your tiny jewels tonight? Stewed or deep fried?" She then takes a deep swig of whiskey, readying herself for a brawl.
What luck we have! Mukluk is related to the Duerger that owns this fortress
init 13
"Mukluk, that was amazing! You Elf! Throw a bomb down there!
Magic is so cool.
Petrel will unsheathe his two daggers and double move into the room with a magic pit, end up next to the archer at T,5.