Misterlurch's Ironfang Invasion (CLOSED)

Game Master MisterLurch

Elaheil looks back at the horned creature with the devils tail standing before them still trying to decide if he is really a friend or an enemy waiting for them to let their guard down.

[ooc]Knowledge (planes) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

This man certainly has some of the traits common to the enemies of life and prosperity but master says that you cannot judge a book by its cover. but then...why study if I do not use that knowledge to defend myself. I think I should keep this one close until he proves me or my master right

In a very serious but not rude manner Elaheil addresses Thyevenom, "Well met. You are certainly not a Hobgoblin and certainly were no friend to that one lying at your feet. Are you friend or are you foe and what brings you to this town?"

Vindu, you find an elven female standing at the top of the stairs seemingly assessing the situation in the Taproot's common room. You are not sure if this is one of the merchants that Jet mentioned or not.

Khurdan shakes his head clear of the terror that filled his mind after he stammered out his best offer of help so long, but only a few scant moments ago. Focusing on the bustle in the room and noticing the elf as the forming nexus of activity. The last few things said disperse the last of the fog in his mind, and he offers to help: "I know many of the secret and quiet places in and through Phanedar. I am required to be here for the festival, but it is often too much bustle for me. I can help guide us to the bridge, however my normal route is over and around most obstacles, or i can make my way to a few shops in search for others to rescue as well as the means to remove the bridge behind us. However I can help i will do my best, but it sounds like we do not have much time and i will not tarry any longer than good sense and manners deem necessary. These hobgoblins threaten more than just Phaendar."

Releasing his gaze from the elf, Khurdan checks his equipment and eyes the crowd for any who might be able to keep up with him, especially if he needs to bring back enough supplies to destroy such a mighty bridge! If only this wasnt a tavern and the vast majority werent somewhere south of sober...

Thy flicks his tail towards the hobgoblin "I would hope I would not be mistaken for one of these disgusting creatures." He notices the look of distrust and borderline disgust upon the elf's face. Typical. Elves think of themselves above all, especially his kind. "Assuming this brawl was not prompted by some debt you owe to these plagues upon our world, I am friend." With a slight malice in his voice, but not quite enough to be considered aggressive he looks at the elf- "If this was an accord with hobgoblins gone wrong, you may as well consider me foe." He adjusts his crossbow to ensure the elf knows he means every word he says.

Edalis runs over to the group of men forming in the chaos. Upon arriving she introduces herself. "Hello my name is Edalis what is the source of all this chaos."

Thy notices a an apelike creature (or what he assumes to be an ape) supporting a woman with a hole in her chest. Thy walks over and nods towards the ape-man. "My name is Thynevenom, but if you are friend you can call me Thy. I assume she was wounded by the goblins?"

disregard the previous post. i misunderstood the positioning of the characters. I will update my position once other people have posted.

Vindu steps aside as the elf rushes past him and proceeds to the upper floor. He checks each door, stopping once he finds the first occupied one. if the person in the room is awake, he will say the following, if asleep, he will wake them quickly and say the same.
"Sorry for the intrusion but the town is under attack. My name is Vindu and there is a group of survivors downstairs and we are preparing to leave. Grab what you need quickly and proceed downstairs."

Sense Motive 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Why would he take offense to my greeting? Perhaps where he comes from they do not respect manners. It could be that they view it as a sign of weakness. I remember reading that some cultures that only respect strength and savagery view kindness and manners as detestable. I must greet him in kind if I am to earn his allegiance and respect

Elaheil is taken aback for the briefest of moments when Thy responds in a malicious way then he seems to steel himself and stands up a little taller. He raises his blade as if to inspect it casually, as he does, the fresh hobgoblin blood begins to rise up, droplet by droplet from the blade and burn away into nothingness while he speaks "I see. Well, it seems that circumstance smiles upon you, for it would seem that we are allies in this fight. Were circumstance prove you to be a foe, I suspect that it would not be to your benefit. He finishes by sheathing his freshly cleaned blade.

With that, he turns to the matter at hand, Once everyone and everything is gathered up he says "We have not time to go into detail as to what each of us are capable of. We need to move quickly. A group this size will not move via stealth very well, we will have to rely on the chaos to provide a distraction for us and minimize our exposure. As such, we are more likely to encounter foes in the direction of travel rather than from behind. Thus, those that are specialized in close combat should take the vanguard of the column. Myself and whoever else is a capable ranged combatant should take the rear. In this way, those in the back can help in the front in the likely event that we run into trouble in that direction. In the less likely event that we encounter foes from the rear then we can continue to move forward until the vanguard can reach the rear. If there are no questions then lets move.

Tyler, a while back I did a search check to look for supplies and useful items. After reading it again, and now realizing that there is an upstairs, I want to be clear of my intentions. When I said I wanted to search I did not mean to limit that search to the immediate area. I am not sure how many checks would be required but I want to give a quick search of the entire establishment and I would like to enlist the aid of my new found allies to get it done quickly and thoroughly.

I just realized that I got distracted by Thy's actions and forgot to respond to Khurdan

"Well met my amphibian friend, your knowledge of the back ally paths will be essential to our success and safety. While I know that this fight is not necessarily your own, if the Hobgoblins are willing to attack Phendar so openly, surely you must realize that if they are not stopped, then your own village may be in peril next. Therefore, let us band together and do what we can to slow their advance not only for the survival of those here but also for the survival of your own people as well."

Tyler, a while back I did a search check to look for supplies and useful items. After reading it again, and now realizing that there is an upstairs, I want to be clear of my intentions. When I said I wanted to search I did not mean to limit that search to the immediate area. I am not sure how many checks would be required but I want to give a quick search of the entire establishment and I would like to enlist the aid of my new found allies to get it done quickly and thoroughly.

Much of the searching is made unnecessary by the fact that the owner of the building is helping to gather useful things. The search results I gave were the items found anywhere other than in the room of the terrified merchants (see next post). The only items that might have required a check to find were all things that Jet, the owner, simply retrieved.

Vindu steps aside as the elf rushes past him and proceeds to the upper floor. He checks each door, stopping once he finds the first occupied one. if the person in the room is awake, he will say the following, if asleep, he will wake them quickly and say the same.

"Sorry for the intrusion but the town is under attack. My name is Vindu and there is a group of survivors downstairs and we are preparing to leave. Grab what you need quickly and proceed downstairs."

Upstairs, only one room is of interest; the others are closed, but none of the occupants are there and, aside from beds and bedding, there is nothing of interest in the rooms. The door to the first room on the left is not only locked, but seems to be heavily barred by something as well. There is no response when you knock on the door and call to whoever might be there, however you do make out very faint whimpering sounds from inside. It sounds like anyone there is likely utterly terrified.

I am still unclear as to where Edalis actually is at the moment, is she upstairs with Vindu or did she come running down the stairs? If she is upstairs then...

Elaheil walks to the base of the stairs and calls up "Vindu, hurry, we must not tarry here for too long. Do you need help getting the merchants moving?"

Thy moves towards the frog like creature. Noticing the frog's timidness Thy drops his shoulders a small amount to show the frog creature he means no harm. "You say you know your way around these areas. Where do you think the hobgoblins would have come from? A festival of this kind should have some kind of guard, and I find it highly unlikely goblins of all creatures simply waltzed in."

I am still unclear as to where Edalis actually is at the moment, is she upstairs with Vindu or did she come running down the stairs? If she is upstairs then...

Elaheil walks to the base of the stairs and calls up "Vindu, hurry, we must not tarry here for too long. Do you need help getting the merchants moving?"

You were all downstairs when Edalis said she ran to the group to introduce herself. So I am assuming she is down the stairs with the rest of you.

Vindu quickly runs to just the top of the stairs and calls below.
"The door to a room is barred shut and they won't respond, but i hear faint sounds of distress. Someone who is persuasive please come assist or I will be forced to smash the door. I refuse to leave innocents behind."

As Elaheil goes to head up the stairs he sees the Elven lady coming down the stairs. Drawing up short in surprise "Mae g'ovannen! I did not know there were any others of our kind in this area. Please use caution, the town is overrun by hobgoblins on the war path. We are preparing to depart to escape the assault. If you will remain close, I swear upon my honor as an arquen that I stand as a bastion between you and harm. If you will excuse me for a moment, I must go facilitate our departure."

Elaheil bounds up the stairs two at a time.

Acrobatics for faster movement up the stairs 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The sudden appearance of another elf seems to have distracted him more than he realized as he does not make it up the stairs as quickly as he thought he would however, upon arrival"What is the problem exactly, did they say anything at all?"

Vindu begins walking in the direction of the barred door, waving for the elf to follwow.
"I knocked heavily on the door and asked if anyone was inside. Whimpering was my response. I believe the traders are in here, and i nearly kicked the door down, but I fear that could frighten them further. Please, see if you can convince them we are here to help. Otherwise..."
Vindu cracks his knuckles and stretches as he awaits the response.

Elaheil walks up to the barred door and listens for a moment trying to tell by the tones in the sound if there are just children inside or if the sounds that are coming from the room beyond are those of full grown adults.

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Tyler, given that roll I will assume that it will be dificult to tell the difference between adult and child like crying If so, I will assume that the people behind the door are actually the merchants. If, on the other hand it is good enough to tell the difference then please choose the appropriate one.

Vindu, if you can do an untrained diplomacy roll to assist me I would appreciate it.

Vindu attempts to assist Elaheil in both determining the relative age of the individual(s) and in coercing them out.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 11

The occasional whimpering sounds are not crying, and are definitely adult males of some variety. There is no response from the room until Elaheilcomes up to speak to them. There is complete silence from teh room for a moment, almost long enough for Vindu to decide to try forcing the door. There is a quiet conversation from inside - a few sentences spoken too quietly to be understood through the door - then the sound of footsteps and a heavy scraping sound as of a piece of furniture being dragged away from the door.

After another short delay, the bolt on the door is withdrawn and the door opens slowly. A well-dressed human man stands on the other side tugging his expensive-looking embroidered vest back into proper order, "Quite right, good .. uh .. elf .. sir. I am Farrow, this is Clidon," he gestures to a nervous looking human man behind him, "we are traders in for the festival. If you will allow us to join your merry band, we will give what aid, and supplies, as we may."

It seems obvious as you watch and listen to Farrow, that this sudden pretense that nothing is amiss and that this is just another transaction is the only thing allowing him to function normally. Clidon, behind him, is on the verge of panic, twitching and looking at everything with eyes gone so wide they seem about to pop out of his head entirely.

The two are both Aristocrat 1 and each contributes 5 more provisions to the group.

Provisions total: 23.
Your entourage consists of:

Playing along with the pretense of the conversation being nothing more than another business negotiation, Elaheil thinks for a moment as if weighing the quality of the offer presented by Farrow. "I believe that your aid and supplies will be fair compensation for safe conduct out of the town. I agree to your terms, let us gather with the others downstairs and make our way out of town." With that, Elaheil turns down the stairs and rejoins the others that are waiting for them below.

Between us, I am very hopeful that negotiation will not be a center piece of this adventure path. I have a Cha mod of 1 and I am pretty sure that I am the only character with Diplomacy as a class skill.

Once everyone is downstairs Eliheil addresses the gathered group. "I believe that is everyone lets get moving. Thy, Khurdan, and Vindu, please lead us on. My Lady Edalis, I trust you have not forgot your way around a bow, please help me support them from afar and guard the rear of the column." With that, the group heads out, trying to stay off the main streets as much as possible and using the chaos to keep the attention of the Hobgoblins away from their vulnerable troop.

From a story line standpoint it seems that Khurdan is the most familiar with this particular town so I think he should be the one to decide where we go to first on our way out, any objections?

I have moved the party to the town map. Also, feel free to lean on Aubrin for advice. She is intended to be a resource for you, not just a burden.

Vindu nods his agreement and makes a "follow me" motion with his hand as he marches for the backdoor.
"I suggest we try to stick to the backalleys and avoid areas prone to heavy through traffic. The hobgoblins will no doubt be present in larger numbers there. I am fairly familiar with the town so I believe I should take point."

As Vindu approaches the backdoor, those nearby would notice his fingers sprout large claws and his expression changes from stoic determination to one of animalistic savagry. He crouches down and peeks to the left and right, watching and listening for foes in the alley.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Stealth:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Thy takes a look around the group "We should be leaving straight for the bridge, not wasting our time with merchants terrified by the slightest wind and supplies. Why not regather then attempt to come back once we have a plan?" Thy looks at
Elaheil- "I would like to take a look at the bridge ahead of our arrival. Last thing we need with such weighted company is a situation we aren't prepared for."

Elaheil consider's Thy's approach for a moment. "While these merchants and supplies may not be critical to helping us survive this day, I cannot help but believe that they will be essential to our surviving each day yet to come. This will be especially true if we are to find a way to organize and fight back. Supplies are essential to any military or para-military operation. The bridge is exposed, crossing it will not go unnoticed and will surely draw the attention of the Hobgoblins. Returning after we cross will be very unlikely. Furthermore, it would be unethical to abandon those that we might save."

Elaheil pauses for a moment to consider how to proceed
I can only imagine that he has lived most if not all of his life feeling abandoned, rejected by both his mortal and immortal ancestry. It would make sense that he might in turn feel no loyalty to those of dire plight here. Perhaps if I take a more practical argument...

"A force like this will not be content to simply take Phendar and stop here. This seems to be an invasion, it is naive to believe that we can simply continue to run. If left unchecked, they will certainly, eventually catch up to us. If we do not oppose them soon then they will grow ever stronger. Thus, every person we save here is one less slave that they will have. One less person that is helping them grow strong. I for one would prefer for an enemy like this to be as weak as possible. Therefore, we must do all we can to deny these hobgoblins as many slaves as possible. That being said, to my knowledge, you are not beholden to me or any here about. So, if you would like to go on your own to scout the bridge in advance of our arrival then feel free to do so. We will search for survivors and also a means to destroy a stone bridge. Vindu, I believe you indicated that the trading company is close by, lead us to it if you will and perhaps we can find something there that can destroy stone.

Elaheil steps out of the protection of the Inn along with his new found allies, before leaving the Inn, he looks back over his shoulder hoping to see Thy coming with them.

Thy sighs... Of course the elf would want to save everyone. The Eternal Hero Elaheil I'm sure... Thy approaches Vindu "I will accompany you and your group to the trading post. After which I believe you and I, or Khurdan and I should go scout the bridge. If need be I will go myself." Thy slips out of the Inn along with the group and takes a deep breath in through his nose- the smell of death all too familiar.

Vindu nods at Thy in agreement.
"I will accompany you, fierce as you look It would be unwise to go alone."

Vindu's snarl fades into concern as he addresses Aubrin.
"I will do all I can to keep you and these people safe, I promise you."
Vindu looks towards his companions of circumstance, his stoicness returning once more.
"Come, the trading post is this way."

He emits a low growl as he quickly exits the tavern towards the trading post, keeping aware of nearby enemies.

I completely forgot that Aubrin was critically injured, which changes what Vindu would say to Thy. He would instead say:
"Fierce as you look it would be unwise for you to go alone. I recommend someone go with him, but I must stay to care for Aubrin."

Aubrin pats Vindu's arm, "Nonsense, my friend. None of us are irreplaceable here. If you are the best choice to accompany this fellow, of course you will. There are many here that will assist me."

The group leaves through the back of the inn, skirting through the shadows between buildings and crossing open spaces in good order. The invaders, though numerous, are well disciplined and all seem to be busily going about specifically assigned tasks. There are a few that seem to be detailed to patrol and search for stragglers and escapees, but in the chaos of the night, the group reaches the Phaendar Trading Company with no more than a few tense moments as they evade notice.

I have marked the path you followed, sticking to shadows, vegetation, and alleys, to get to the Trading Company. I will switch to the other map again tonight to show the Phaendar Trading Company and its immediate vicinity.

A signpost by the road announces the clapboard wooden shop and barn-like smithy sharing a single large, stone wall to be the Phaendar Trading Company. The smithy’s double doors stand open, revealing a large, still-glowing forge within. Two slaughtered goats and a dead horse fill an adjacent animal pen. Many fresh scratches and dents mar the trading post’s heavy wooden door, and a chair leg juts through one broken window. Small flames lick at the thatch rooftop where a red-hot iron has been tossed.

Vindu looks at the thatch on the roof and points
"I shall enter from up there and check for survivors. The rest of you should enter from the ground floor and start the search."
Vindu will quickly climb to the thatch and throw the hot iron to the floor (taking any damage in the process) and open the thatch if it is unlocked. If locked he will attempt to break it open.
Strength check:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
I have a climb speed of 20ft and I assume the building would be easy enough to scale hemce why no climb check.

Thy takes the lead, he looks at Elaheil "Keep an eye our backs, I don't think Hobgoblins would set up a trap at a blacksmiths' shop, but you never know." He peers inside the shop- No use for the bow in here, too close quarters. Thy steps inside.

See my comments in the discussion thread.

As your lead pair approaches the front corner of the Phaendar Trading Company, they can hear quite clearly the sounds of Hobgoblin voices coming from what sounds to be the vicinity of the open doors to the smithy.

I am going to run this encounter for now on a tactical scale. We will be using round-by-round actions, adding in initiative if/when that becomes necessary. I apologise for the small amount of ret-conning that might require. I will allow two days for players to post each round's actions. If I get everyone early, we will advance early.

Round 1

You have just arrived at the Phaendar Trading Company and identified the threats posed by fire and hobgoblins. Please post actions for round 1. If you wish to use the actions you described above, just let me know that this is the case.

Elaheil sees the smoke rising from the other side of the roof and hears the sounds. He runs to the corner of the building then proceeds more slowly.

Stealth 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Elaheil moves carefully around the building being sure to not step out from behind the building and into plain sight.

Elaheil will glance around corners etc. maintaining cover as he goes. If where I moved him would cause him to 'autofail' the stealth check then please move him back as appropriate. He will run to the first corner he comes to as he proceeds along the building (first move action) then stealths the next 15 feet to where he is now (second move action)

I would like to use the actions i described above. I assume the building is 10ft high, if this is not the case i'll adjust my movement. I would also like to attenpt to do it stealthily so i'll add a stealth check abd take the half-speed penalty.
Stealth:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

I'd like to do my actions as mentioned (going inside the shop).
Stealth:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Vindu, as was pointed out, thatch is a very tightly bound, straw-based roofing material made to shed water from roofs. It is not, normally, an entry point. You can, if you want and with some effort, force your way in through the thatch. It will take several rounds. Getting to the source of the smoke (the hot piece of iron) will take a couple of rounds to climb over the peak of the roof (difficult when dealing with thatch), or you will have to go around to the side where the hobgoblin noises are coming from to climb up.

Thynevenom, I need to know if you are going to go to the front door or the back door.

Round 1: Partial

At some point Edalia has disappeared from the group.

Elaheil slips forward around the corner of the building, and spots three hobgoblins in the trading company yard grumbling to each other in their own tongue. He can see that the doors to the smithy are, indeed, open and a reddish glow comes from inside. On the front slope of the roof, a glowing hot piece of iron has started a small fire in the thatch.

As it is tax season and Brent is eybrow-deep in numbers, I will be botting Khurdan for the time being.

Khurdan follows Elaheil's lead around the building toward the sounds of the hobgoblins, stopping behind him.

Vindu will climb up and over the roof in an attempt to reach the hot iron and get a better view of the goblins. If he can do so quietly he will try.
Stealth:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 For the climb check, I can take 10 because i have a natural climb speed so that gives me a 26 for Climb

I planned on going in the back door for stealth's sake. Also since I have Goblin as a language can I hear the Hobgoblins? Or are they too quiet to be heard?

I planned on going in the back door for stealth's sake. Also since I have Goblin as a language can I hear the Hobgoblins? Or are they too quiet to be heard?

With the entire bulk of the building in the way, all you hear is the voices at this point.

Round 1: Final

Thynevenom goes back around to the back of the building, stopping at the back door to try and enter the building. The heavy door is badly scarred with new dents and scratches in the wood. When you try the latch, you quickly discover that the door is locked shut in some way; most likely, based on the damage to the outside surface of the door, it is strongly barred from inside.

With the agility of his kind, Vindu swarms up the side of the building and struggles up the sloping roof. The thatch is springy and tough, and offers very little in the way of good and or foot holds, but the natural climbing skill of the Vanara holds Vindu in good stead and he gains the peak with little trouble. There, below him on the roof, lies the red hot piece of iron and the burning patch of thatch. As he watches the burning patch grows, the fire spreading hungrily to a new bit of thatch.

The hobgoblins seem entirely unaware of your presence.

Post actions for round 2

Survivors... Thy slowly and quietly walks around to the other side of the building- straining his ears to hear an sign of life from inside the building or any enemies around corners.
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Looking over his shoulder and seeing only one of his new found companions Elaheil whispers in disbelief to Khurdan,

"Where did the others go?? Never mind, no time to waste, I will attempt to handle these three. Go and see what you can do about that fire before it is too late. On a roof like that, the fire will spread rapidly and we will not have enough time to get past these brigands and save what is inside.

Elaheil gracefully slips forward, sword in hand, walks up behind the closest Hobgoblin and makes a quick gesture with one hand, sand flying out towards the two hobgoblins in front of him, "Ilmarë!!" As soon as the spell goes off, Elaheil takes a Defensive stance preparing for the possible counter attack.

Color Spray against flat footed HG2 & HG1, due to them being unaware no AOO possible so no casting defensively required. If a AOO is possible then please adjust to have him cast defensively. DC for the Will save is 16. Current AC with Bladesong is 20.

Vindu would do attempt to use the iron (by gripping the cool end, if it still is cool) to shovel the burning thatch off the roof in an attempt to keep the building from burning any longer.
Elaheil if you would read a few posts before, Vindu indicated he was climbing on the roof so you would assume that's where he is. I also am not sure what checks are required for me to move the thatch or what damage i would take, if any, so please let me know and I will record the damage and make the appropriate check(s)

In retrospect, I should have expected this. Please see my discussion post...

In light of the surprise round limitations I will wait for a moment to cast a different spell before going into combat. Please see the following Retcon for my previous post

Looking over his shoulder and seeing only one of his new found companions Elaheil whispers in disbelief to Khurdan,

"Where did the others go?? Never mind, no time to waste, I will attempt to handle these three. Go and see what you can do about that fire before it is too late. On a roof like that, the fire will spread rapidly and we will not have enough time to get past these brigands and save what is inside."

Elaheil slips back out of view of the hobgoblins and holds a fist in front of his face, palm towards him and eyes closed. Mystical lines of power begin to form in a circular pattern in front of his forearm as he quietly and slowly whispers "thangail". When he releases his fist, a floating disk of power has formed in front of him and moves about on its own to ward off any attacks.

Cast Shield (10 rounds remain), AC now 23

Good enough. We will proceed with the surprise round next...

Round 2:

Elaheil casts a spell in preparation for entering combat. Though there is no visible effect, his body language seems to convey that he feel more protected against enemy attacks from the front.

Thynevenom, unseen to the others, moves around the building quickly, coming up on the opposite corner of the building.
The fences in the forge yard will require a DC 12 acrobatics check to vault. Failure means they will cost 15' of movement to climb over.
Thynevenom .. I also had you moving quickly (with an appropriate penalty to stealth) otherwise it will take two entire rounds of quiet movement for you to get to where you are now on the map. Even with the -5 you got a 23 on stealth.

Vindu quickly slides down the roof to the place where the fire burns, contemplating how best to put it out. To reach into the fire and grab the hot iron would cause a not insignificant amount of burning to his hand and would not, at this point, change the danger the fire presents to the building. The thatch is too tightly woven to be easily 'scraped' off or quickly cut out. Water or smothering may be the best approach to the fire.

Khurdan nods to Elaheil, gesturing to the trough in the yard and speaking quietly, "Distract them and I will get water."

The fire spreads to a third patch on the roof.

And somehow, despite taking a moment to carefully scan their surroundings, the hobgoblins do not see the concealed heroes.

Vindu, thinking quickly and lacking a cloak, grabs his bedroll and unfurls it an begins to attempt to snuff the fire in the patch nearest him. The whole while he mutters something about "Damn hobgoblins, burning down perfectly good thatch."