GM WhtKnt's Into the Borderlands, Table 1 (Inactive)

Game Master WhtKnt

Aterro reaches out to the Halfling. "My protection I give to those in need. Mother, Son and Daughter,; and Father will be free."

from the chains of death upon them, I shall end their misery: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

With Blood upon my Hammer, Now the wolves of men shall bleed

The orc deftly evades Neil's ball of light and Theo's arrow, but they do not evade Ya'Bo's globs of acid, nor Ore's dart, which fells another of the orcs. As Aterro heals Ore, the two remaining orcs move to the left, around the corner.

The party is up!

Aterro chuckles as the filthy greenskins disappear from sight. "There! There you see? You bloody their nose and they shirk from the fight!

Of course, they also seem to think that we can not see a corner three feet from our nose. Shall we investigate the layout and perhaps solidify our flank?"

Aterro enters the room and it takes no keen sight to see the pair of orcs within spitting distance.

"Success is measured in blood; yours or your enemy´s," he breathes solemnly as he raises high his STEEL and makes ready to END this difficult fight.

Using last Divine Inspiration for 2 attacks.

When they see us they will run for their lives, To the end they will pay for their lies: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
So long did we wait, now we are home: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2) + 3 = 10

Here once again there's a battle to fight, Gather together for the sound and the might: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

So long did we wait, now we are home: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 3 = 9
Now we will FIGHT for the Kingdom, fighting with STEEL, KILL all of them, their blood is our seal: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7 = 16 on the crit

sorry, I entered the room and saw them, so I just advanced into GLORIOUS COMBAT.

Watching Aterro move in to the room and ducks to the right singing away
"He seems to take great joy in this, doesn't he."

Ya'bo heads in to the room fallowing Aterro. Seeing the orcs he draws on the arcane energies and speaks the word of power "Acido". Out of his out stretched hand launches the globes of acid again.

DC 13 DEX save
Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Neil hobbles along after the clearly insane war priest, and throws some radiant fire upon the orcs.

DC 12 Dex or take: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Watching Aterro move in to the room and ducks to the right singing away

"He seems to take great joy in this, doesn't he."

Yes. Yes he does. =-D Man, if we could take this all through Q that would just be Tits.

Heh heh. I could actually manage that, though it wouldn't follow the traditional path, as I do not care for The Temple of Elemental Evil. I could run you through this book, then on to the Isle of Dread, and to the A series from there, I suppose. After the A series, I could do the giants (as that is in Tales from the Yawning Portal, which I have), then to the D-series and Queen of the Demonweb Pits. That means a loooooong-term commitment, which I am up for, but are all of you?

So, uh, guys. You gonna make a dex roll for that Grease trap you just Leeroy Jenkins'd through? rofl.

Let's see if GM and the RNG are feeling benevolent.

With Ya'Bo's magic Grease and a blind corner in front of him, Theo holds his position for a breath as he gathers his thoughts. Tragically, the heat of battle seems to have stolen away such caution from his comrades and tunneled their vision onto the enemy.

Praise the divine for the heavy plate of a War Priest. The sudden burst of rapid clangs from boots-on-stone is all that gives Theo any hope of saving his friend from a most embarrassing engagement with the floor. But is he fast enough to exploit this blessing...

Halt Attero's charge: 1d20 ⇒ 17

~~~~~O. O. C.~~~~~

Heh heh. I could actually manage that, though it wouldn't follow the traditional path, as I do not care for The Temple of Elemental Evil. I could run you through this book, then on to the Isle of Dread, and to the A series from there, I suppose. After the A series, I could do the giants (as that is in Tales from the Yawning Portal, which I have), then to the D-series and Queen of the Demonweb Pits. That means a loooooong-term commitment, which I am up for, but are all of you?

Our anniversary is next month. If I haven't bailed yet, I'm not going anywhere. Also, we've already swapped out a third of our group. We've likely proven malleable enough to move forward with majority support. We shouldn't need unanimous commitment, one wouldn't think.

The brevity - and clear, linear nature - of this game has been a key factor in my engagement level. It's difficult to get deep into RP-mode when you know you are effectively playing a demo. Especially if more immersive engagements might involve inter-party conflict. You don't want to waste other player's time draging out what is, ultimately, a very simplistic scenario/narrative. I voiced this in my GM tags that - with GM's consent - everyone is free to read.

I'm up for a more serious time commitment if it comes with a deeper game commitment from everyone. Greater focus on immersive interplay from the party (less CoD Zombie wave-killing, more Telltale "graphic adventures") with more hardline mechanical interactions from GM (ie; no auto-targeting when creatures die mid-round, standard initiative, etc.)

None of this is meant to come off as a list of deal-breaker "demands". I like playing with you guys and am open to compromise. This is just the direction I'd like to see the game go if we intend to extend this out into the unforeseeable future.

----

Side Note for GM: If you aren't a fan of the "traditional path", character-based sidequests are often a real boon. They're an excellent way to immerse a player in the character they created, and to allow more organic character relationships to form. A team of 6 strangers being BFF material comes off a little...one-dimensional. Personal quests foster deeper RP from everyone. And of course, the real bonus: it's cheap filler for bits of the source material you think are shit.

Ya'Bo: Seemed interested in the stock quest that came with his background.

Neil: Defames a deity that already killed his entire family and has a whole ethnic cleansing thing going. Zealots, revenge-seekers, Talos; someone is coming to kill this dude.

Theo: *cough* Wouldn't be adverse to fetching his old spellbook. *cough*

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"I am not sure joy is the appropriate word here." Morgan grunts as he lumbers after the ever zealous Aterro.

Morgan seems to finally find his momentum as he swings another hefty blow down on the enemy.

So, uh, guys. You gonna make a dex roll for that Grease trap you just Leeroy Jenkins'd through? rofl.

Sure! I can't access the map on mobile, and it's the only platform I post on, so I never have an idea of where things are in relation to each other.

Dex: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5

Neil's muscles can't handle the slippery floor, and he falls on the grease. I'm assuming no fire, as why would anyone willingly walk through a grease fire?

Theo Sylvanblood wrote:

So, uh, guys. You gonna make a dex roll for that Grease trap you just Leeroy Jenkins'd through? rofl.

Sure! I can't access the map on mobile, and it's the only platform I post on, so I never have an idea of where things are in relation to each other.

[Dice=Dex]1d20-2

Neil's muscles can't handle the slippery floor, and he falls on the grease. I'm assuming no fire, as why would anyone willingly walk through a grease fire?

I have no idea what he's talking about. The grease was only cast to the North, and we went West.

That is the way I went, to the west.

Nevermind, then! Lol.

Me not knowing my left from my right? Must have been a *scrolls up*...Wednesday.

RIP

Aterro quickly downs the last two orcs, but no sooner than he has done so, four more approach from the darkness to the west!

Neil, they are coming from a region of darkness to the west across a larger room that contains many chairs and tables. The room is crowded with furniture and the orcs are about 50 ft. west of you.

The party is up!

By the by, I do plan to follow up on people's background hooks, but of late, most of you have seemed content to take on the Caves.

Ore advances to cover Ya'Bo's position, moving carefully to retain a defensive stance.Dodge Action

"Where do these guys keep COMING from?"

"Guys, more Orcs coming and I am not the front line guy. Remember the most important rule, keep the Gnome safe!"

Seeing the orcs he draws on the arcane energies and speaks the word of power "Acido". Out of his out stretched hand launches the globes of acid again.

DC 13 DEX save
Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Then steps back into the tunnel.

Thanks!

Neil summons up another bringing ball of destruction.

Sacred Flame, 60' range. DC 12 Dex or take:

Radiant Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Morgan advances toward another group of Orcs holding his shield before him.

"Come and meet your end!" He roars.

Dodge

Brother Aterro moves up to the other choke-point, between the two tables in the middle and prepares to receive the greenskin charge.

"Death is the servant of the righteous."

Also Dodge

Theo moves to defend the leftmost flank, completing the wall that separates his backline from the enemy vanguard. Once in position, he raises his staff above his head and sends a ball of flame hurling across the room.

Firebolt (Orc 17): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Ya'Bo moves forward enough to use his spell, which has the intended effect, burning the lead orc and causing it to pause. The gnome then steps back into the corridor. Neil brings up a flaming ball and hurls it, but the orc deftly sidesteps the attack, moving right into Theo's fire bolt in so doing! Burned by both fire and acid, the orc roars and charges towards Morgan, stabbing with its spear. The attack misses, however. Behind the first, another charges at Aterro and also misses with its attack. The remaining two orcs cut south, approaching Theo.

The party is up!

Ya'Bo takes a step forward and begins to cast what has become his go to spell with the Orcs "Acido" as two green balls of acid strike the two orcs standing next to each other (#20 & ?).

DC 13 DEX save
Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

"Honor to you, greenskin," Aterro rumbles out, lifting his blade briefly in a show of respect. Thy brothers have abandoned you, choosing to test our flanks, leaving you, alone, to go up the center.

You shall die with honor."

Fight With Blood, Fight With Steel: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Die With Honor, Never Yield: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 6) + 3 = 12

Ore? Little help finishing this one off?

If Neil is able to move forward to attack, he will do so.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

If he is unable to reach one of them by moving, he'll advance as close as he can and then throw a Sacred Flame.

Either way, damage:

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

If melee, add +2 to damage. If sacred flame, then DC 12 Dex Save to avoid.

Ore follows in Aterro’s wake, hoping to deliver the final blow to his opponent. Ducking his head, Ore dives under Aterro and rolls to his feet, before darting to his right and spinning around the Orc, leaving him on the opposite side. With an axe slicie and a sweeping kick, Ore tries to surprise the Orc from his new position behind him.

Hand Axe: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (2) = 9
Kick: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (18) + 6 + (4) = 28

Hand Axe Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Kick Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Sorry for the prolonged absence. I had to go to Tampa, FL (about 10 hours from where I live) for an appointment with my wife's eye doctor, and we decided to stop by Disney (since Tampa is only an hour away) for two days. That plus travel time really cut into my online posting.

Ya'Bo flings acid at two of the orcs approaching Theo, burning both, but not taking them down. Aterro's blade cuts deep into orc flesh, and though the blow would be fatal to a normal man, the orc yet comes! Ore dives under Aterro and rolls to his feet, before darting to his right and spinning around the Orc, leaving him on the opposite side. His slash with a hand axe misses, but the kick that follows severs the orc's spine. Neil moves to engage the orcs headed for Theo, stepping in front of the nearest creature. His attack, unfortunately, misses the mark.

I still need actions from Morgan and Theo. I'll give them a day before botting them.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Morgan raises his hammer once more upon the advancing Orcs.

"You won't beat me in a fair fight Orc. You should have brought more friends."

Neil slams his weapon down on the orc.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6) + 2 = 10

Morgan downs his foe as Theo raises his staff again and launches another fire bolt at the nearest of the two approaching him. The orc howls in pain as the bolt impacts with it!

The party is up! Neil's attack is already in.

Fire bolt vs. orc 20: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 9

Aterro CHARGES down the room to where the last two orcs hold a desperate defense against overwhelming odds.

"You sought to press our flank, but instead, in the StormCleric you found an immovable object. Such are the wages of complicated tactics carried out with insufficient forces. And a lack of Faith.

Curse now the death in vain," he solemnly intones as his mighty sword CRASHES down upon the orc.

Attack!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage!: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5) + 3 = 9

Seeing his friends close ranks on the remaining orcs, Theo decides to try and create the final opening they need to finish this skirmish. He raises his staff a third time but no flame emerges, instead, he brings the butt of the rod slamming against the stone floor.

"See now the fate of all who'd dare oppose us!"

Just south of the nearest enemy, the rotted hand of a long-dead Orc burst forth from the ground; grabbing frantically at the enemies feet and coming inches short.

Minor Illusion

Theo then begins to spin what surely sounds like the most profane magics known to mortal kind. In reality, it's a simple children's song that helped Theo learn the Infernal tongue some years ago. He just needs to distract the Orcs from the silence of his illusion; a few seconds and he'll be able to add some depth to his subterfuge with another casting.

The goal here is just to get one or more of the Orcs to attack or from the hand while in a threatened square. Assuming Attero took the one step he needed to reach the nearest Orc, both of them should be vulnerable to attacks of opportunity if they take the bait.

Ya'bo casts the his acid spell again at the two orcs.
DC 13 DEX save
Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

"Guys there are more coming guys."

Neil and Aterro attack the orcs from either side, sandwiching them between the pair. Neil very nearly brings on down with his blow, and Aterro's is equally powerful, but the orcs do not fall. Theo weaves his spell, and the orcs react as intended, attempting to escape. Aterro cuts one down and the other falls to Ya'Bo's spell. More orcs can be seen milling about the next room, though most seem hesitant to move into the dining area and engage the heroes.

We are still in initiative. Party is up!

Morgan advances slowly holding his shield before him.

Dodge

Ya'bo moves forward and ready to cast his acid spell if another orc comes within 30 feet.

Aterro advances into the southern-most choke point, sword held at ready. Into the room he shouts, "Your warriors are defeated! You are at our mercy! Come out single file, hands in the air, no weapons! Do this now, and your treatment shall be lenient. Do it NOT, and you shall be...purified, without regret."

He does not guile or a silver tongue to get his point across. He is simply making a promise.

Neil was ready to charge in, but paused at Aterro's words.

Ore likewise holds back, only sidestepping to his right but not advancing. 'Dodge'

Three male orcs emerge from the shadows and approach hesitantly, but with weapons drawn. The females cower in the recesses of the room beyond. "Orcs defend home!" one snarls, eyeing you suspiciously.

Party is up!

Aterro nods in understanding as he steps up a few feet, placing himself shoulder-to-shoulder with the paladin. "Hm. I understand you. You are either cowards or chieftains, unwilling to partake in the initial wave to repel the intruders, and also unwilling to toe the battle line in the second wave. So now, that there are no others to take your place, only now does courage find you.
And so, now you step up and appear brave, though you are faced with truly overwhelming odds.

...for you will die without ranged-attack capability."

Aterro raises his fist. And fire leaps from it.

Sacred flame. Dx sv 13 to them.

Neil bursts out laughing at Aterro's commentary.

Bwahahahaha! Damn right! Feel the fire of the righteous and die like the scum you are!

Sacred flame, DC 14.

Radiant Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Fair warning for RP stuff; Neil is happy to kill all of them. This is the part of him that shows his true Talos-ian nature, even as he denies having anything to do with his deity. You can stop him if you want, but words alone won't be enough to overcome his hatred of "lesser" folk. Physically removing him or simply walking away (he won't stay on his own) are both good tactics if you want to save any lives here.

Gonna echo my fellow cleric here. Aterro sees the warlike orcs as plague on the more civilized races; standing in the way of settling the land and the advancement of peaceful, righteous farmers. It's gonna take some logic to get him dissuaded, and mere dope-smokin' hippy stuff like 'put you can't just kill them all!' will be taken more like a challenge to prove how easy it is. ^_^ (Also, someone totaled my car in the work parking lot and there is all of jack squat I can do about it, so there's a big hole in the place that used to hold all the f$*@s I used to give. ^_^)

Ya'Bo steps closer

"You Orcs stand down or we will be forced to bring you to the same fate as the others."

Persuasion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Well I tried

Looks like we may have our first in-party quarrel. Theo's Good alignment stems almost exclusively from a universal empathy for sentient life and it's autonomy. The Neutrality comes from the extreme measures he'll take to defend them.

Imma need like a day (maybe less) to whip-up a proper reactiom. This should be fun.

Ore darts forward as the battle reignites. Ducking his head, he runs forward under the table hoping to gain some cover and swiped at the knees if the orc straight ahead.

HandAxe: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (16) + 6 + (2) = 24
Kick: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (2) = 11

Axe damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
UAS damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The Elf-kin is taken aback when he hears Attero call for the last of the Orcs to surrender. From his vantage point, Theo can see a small group of women cowering in the back as the last of the men go to face the War Priest.

"Are those women dressed for battle? Are they even armed?", Theo wonders to himself.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
Theo overlooks a battleax in 3,2...

His mind wanders, briefly, back to his thoughts before entering the cave. Diplomacy may be needed, after all. Theo won't be party to slaughtering cornered women like cattle.

If I do have to talk our way out of this, I hope I don't hit too much of a language barrier. Is Common likely to be an Orc's most proficient secondary language? Or do they maybe speak another - perhaps subterranean - language, like Darven, that will lessen the language barrier? Nature: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 4 = 20
Is common the best language I know to communicate with these Orcs

Theo hears the lead Orc respond the Attero with less than complete submission; that's his queue. Theo knows he must act now or any hope of minimum bloodshed will be lost.

Theo sprints past his Cloth Brothers and throws himself in front of the nearest Orc; putting his back to Attero and the party.

Need these questions (mainly number 1) answered before I proceded.

Dangnabbit, son! Move outta de way! Neil yells out.

Finally got a chance to look at the map. Logged in with my laptop. I'm super far behind everyone.

Neil moves up to just behind Aterro.

The orcs do speak Common, though their language does not use pronouns and thus sounds strange to our ears.

Fire leaps from Aterro's raised fist, striking the nearest orc and leaving it slightly scorched. Neil follows through with a second flaming strike against the same orc. Ore lashes out with a kick and his ax, hitting with his kick against the other lead orc. As Theo steps before the orcs, they pause only momentarily, then attack him and Ore. Both are stabbed by the spears the orcs carry! (Theo takes 4 points of damage and Ore takes 5 points of damage!)