Coronei seeks out a fellow arcanist in town. Someone prepared to discuss the sale of magical scrolls or other items within his budget.
Kraz will select a set of half-plate from the dwarf, no need for fancy crests for him..
"I'll take this one here!"
He pays the man 750 gps out of his gold pouch..
He also sells his greataxe for 15 gold seeing as he has no use for it anymore..
He also looks to purchase a longbow amd 20 arrows.. He pays his 51 gold for the weapon..
Rath finds a jeweler and attempts to buy 8-100 GP gems (Preferably Black) so that he does not carry so much gold. He will then look for a seamstress to sew a hidden area into the hem of his leather shirt. He will ask her to leave the last inch or so un-sown, so that he can insert his treasure, then sew it shut himself. Otherwise, he walks about the city with some stale bread feeding any stray wildlife... especially birds.
I'll be needin' some Half Plate too, fine armorer.
Ghelryn sets to work fitting Kraz and Dorin into two suits of half-plate. He doesn’t speak much as he works, devoting his attention to ensuring the two warriors will be protected and unencumbered. He doesn’t deal in longbows and warns Kraz away from Uldinath’s Arms where Silvio is shopping.
“Their work is fine enough,” he snorts derisively. “But you’ll pay ten gold for a pretty picture sewed onto the quiver. Head to the Lion’s Share trading post just outside of town. They’re from Magnimar, but you’ll pay a fair price.”
The Lion’s Share is also where Rath manages to exchange his share for a collection of dark gems. One of the owners, Alaestra also sews up the required pouch in the hem of his robe before he heads back to the outskirts of town. As Rath feeds the birds he finds, curious farm children watch from a safe distance, quickly scampering away whenever the shaman looks their way.
Whilst the rest of the party is occupied, Coronei asks around for any arcanist but doesn’t have much luck. Almost everyone suggests the Cyphermages in Riddleport, both as potential buyers of any minor magical items as well as the best source if you are looking to purchase. The one opportunity he finds is with Narth Tezrin, the other owner of the Lion’s Share trading post.
“I wouldn’t call myself much of a wizard,” he confesses. “But I have learned a minor spell or two. If you have some time, perhaps you might like to trade knowledge?”
Pik quietly follows the others while they are shopping, stopping to look at a few things along the way. In the end nothing strikes his fancy until they reach The Lion's Share.
Hrm. I suppose I could use a bow, and perhaps better armor. Just...nothing too pretty. It's going to get roughed up anyway. Pik looks around the shop, expecting to find at least something that looks to fit his needs. You wouldn't happen to have anything like that, would you?
The elven mage manages to trade a pair of spells with Narth and spends the morning transcribing the spells to obtain a familiar and add false life.
Then while the rest are busy eating, Coronei goes out from the village to a quiet spot and burns the charcoal, herbs and incense given to him at the Trading Post.
The ritual takes an hour to perform, until finally a pure white owl flaps in through the trees to land on a branch. The owl twists its head from side to side and then swoopes down to alight on the elf's waiting arm.
"Good."
Then they head back to meet with the rest.
You spend the morning pursuing your various interests and equipping yourselves as required. Around noon, the six of you meet up in the centre of town, ready to head back to the guardhouse to find out what the patrol learned last night. Any arms, armor or other items from Ghelryn or the Lion’s Share trading post is well made but simple, functional equipment.
Silvio on the other hand turns up to the group in a truly fine new suit of armor (and any other weapons you may have bought). The whole ensemble is stylishly decorated, each piece carefully embossed with the Uldinath family crest. Rath is the last to arrive, followed at a safe distance by a handful of the farm children who have been watching him feeding the birds on the outskirts of town.
Before you can head to the guardhouse, the town is suddenly shaken from it’s peaceful, business by the screams of civilians. You hear a distant crash, followed by more shouts of alarm coming from the upriver section of town “Giants! It’s giants! Run!”
Perplexed residents and shopkeepers emerge from the surrounding buildings, staring uncomprehendingly when suddenly a large rock falls from the sky, crashing into an old cart, splintering it before slamming into the side of a building. A cloud of dust erupts from the wreckage as a second rock hits the ground up the street from you, rolling into a doorway and crushing the stunned shopkeeper before ploughing into the front of his shop.
All around you people react to the assault, shrieking and screaming as panic builds, the town’s residents scattering in all directions. From the north of the town you can hear a stampede building as people charge through the crowded streets, heading your way as they flee some unseen menace.
Dorin draws his axe.
To the north friends! There be giants t'kill! Mind them stones!
Dorin starts chucking north, full movement, then dodge action.
"To battle! To the walls!"
Kraz tries his best to make his way to the northern walls for a better view..
Silvio looks exuberant as he arrives with his new attrie. ”Silvio was pleasantly surprised to find a merchant of such good taste in Roderic’s Cove. Who says that you have to scour the major cities for fineries? ”, he says positively beaming in his new outfit. As the alarm sounds the dashing rake is quick to draw his blades and follow Dorin and Kraz towards the sounds of battle.
Pik shrugs, trying to stretch out his new toughened leather armor. Looks like we have work to do! He takes off after the others, sticking as close to them as possible.
Rath joins his team as they head in the opposite direction that common sense would recommend.
Your party heads north, forcing your way through the panicked crowds as another rock smashes into a shopfront nearby. The air is full of screams and shrieks of terror as most of the townfolk flee south towards the coast. As you near the northern edge of town, the unmistakable smell of smoke reaches you, part of the town is burning!
Pressing on, the six of you are finally able to get your first sight of the attackers. You can see a handful of townfolk who have stayed, however Roderic's Cove's defenders are clearly outmatched.
From the north, you see six orogs have reached the northern buildings, large beastly orcs dressed in platemail. They have formed a line and seem to be sweeping all before them south, not stopping to loot but ruthlessly seeking out any villagers in their path. Just behind them you can see the source of the burning - two gangs of tiny, gremlin type creatures each wrethed with fire are ranging east and west. They have ignited several of the travellers' tents, the fields north of town and are now beginning to set the northern buildings alight.
By far the most impressive sight, however is the pair of fire giants remaining at the rear of the attacking force, about a hundred feet behind the orogs and fire creatures. As you watch, each of them hurls another boulder high and long, crashing into the centre of town behind you as they move slowly forward, their faces wearing matching, evil grins.
Having taken in the assault from the north, you hear more shouts from the refugees in the camps to the west. Looking out over the plains, you see that the giants are attacking from two directions, a party of six regular orcs mounted on fierce axebeaks are charging across the fields towards the near helpless farmers and townfolk arrayed just outside town in their makeshift camps.
The orogs and magmin to the north have reached the settlement now but the orc cavalry won't be far off. The giants seem content to follow along behind the orog line, hurling boulders indiscriminately into the town as their shock troops hunt for defenders.
Trying to rap his head around the battle Kraz leans towards helping the northern section.. "I hate to say this, but I think we may have to leave the axebeak orcs be for now.. If that group breaks through to the north the town is done for.. Maybe you ranged can pepper the giants and intice them to move into melee while we handle the front runners!!"
Kraz double moves to assist the northern group..
Dorin nods at Kraz and joins him as he moves forward and uses the dodge action to present less of a target for the giants and advancing orogs.
The north at least has defenders, even if it's not much. Those people to the west have nothing between them and the orcs. Pik nods off into that direction. I suggest that Dorin and I head that way and at least slow them down.
Silvio rushes forward eyeing the enemy, prepared to evade any incoming attacks. ”Sergant Southwell, do you have any people to help the campers to the west?” he shouts and points to the plains with one of his rapiers.
The threat to the north be the largest, Pik.
Sergeant Southwell looks over as you arrive, following Silvio's gesture.
"We'll do what we can," shouts the young sergeant with a nod, directing his guards to follow him westward to meet the Orc cavalry. Although clearly frightened, the two town guards join him in sprinting west to protect the families camped outside the village.
"You reckon you fellas can handle this lot?" asks Ghelryn gruffly, indicating the orogs, magmin and Giants. "Those young 'uns are going to need someone with em who's fought more than training dummies and goblins!"
Hoisting his battle axe, the blacksmith follows after the town guard, leaving the six of you alone to meet the northern force. The elderly dwarf offers you a grin as he leaves. 'I'll finish them off quick smart. Save one giant for me, won't you?"
"Many of the beasts to the North would be resistant to much of my ranged damage dealing ability. Perhaps I could try and rally some troops to help me over there, then once that's in hand, I'll rush back here to aid in healing. Don't want to get caught between two forces. Perhaps we could find a more defensible area and hold them off there, or just retreat and give up the town until we can get more help"?
"Let's try to keep some structure between use and the giants line of sight! Don't need to be easy targets for them rocks!!"
Kraz trys to find a building to ease behind until he can melee the frontrunners..
The elf hurries up to the north, joining Rath.
Pik opens his mouth to respond as the other group rushes off to the west. Yes...that is, no. I mean...Well, I certainly didn't expect that! The half-elf chuckles, Seems I'm staying right here!
"If you can, try and pull the orcs towards us and off the villagers. It will ease things as Silvio can not be at two places at once!", Silvio calls out to the group moving to engage the orcs.
Rath joins Ghelryn and what meagre force the town guard can muster, threading their way through the rapidly fleeing villagers as the orcs bear down on their position.
“Flee! Run for the coast!” shouts Sergeant Southwell as you charge through the makeshift camps. “We’re under attack! Flee!”
Meanwhile, the remaining five members of your party find the most defensible spot you can amongst the buildings. You can easily find narrow alleys and sheltered positions where you can ensure no more than two of the advancing orogs can reach each of you. It's also easy enough to arrange for someone to remain at the rear, provided the frontliners are willing to fight two orogs at once. The northern group appear to be moving methodically, in contrast to the western force who are charging at full speed towards the villagers. As they move through the town the six larger than usual orcs are checking each building before pressing on, leaving the magmin behind them to incinerate whatever they find.
The two giants ignore the resistance you are offering, continuing to hurl their boulders as deep into Roderic’s Cove as they can manage, apparently more interested in causing panic than in aiding in the assault.
NPCs:
Monsters:
Pik finds as much cover as he can among the buildings and whispers a harsh magic word, pointing at the oncoming Ororgs.
As the orogs catch sight of you, Pik releases his spell and three of the hulking orcs begin glowing brightly.
Dorin moves towards one of the lit up Orogs and engages in the dodge action.
Kraz maintians his defensible position and lets the Orogs come to him..
Rath picks out the meanest looking Axebeak, and caws into the air calling down a couple of flaming crows onto it's head, then ducks back behind the wall of a close by building.
Scorching Breath (Fire Damage)
He also call forth a ball of flame into his hand, to await the coming battle.
Round Zero
Coronei readies a spell he has never used before, a hazy area of thick air forms around the orogs. Muttering the last of syllable of the incantation, he releases the full power of the magic on them.
Then the elven bladesinger readies his elven blade for combat.
Silvio engages with the orcs the best way he knows how: by rushing in, striking and then quickly retreating.
Dorin and Kraz move cautiously forward, readying themselves against the orog assault. Silvio outpaces them, dashing forward from the group to cut one of the glowing enemies and then darting back out of reach before the brute can strike back.
Joining Dorin and Kraz, Coronei casts his spell. The orogs are stretched out in a line, rather than bunched up, however the hazy conjuration catches four of them.
Half of the advancing enemy struggle under the effect, their advance visibly slowing as they strain against the magic.
Meanwhile, as the orc cavalry begin their charge, Rath targets one of their mounts.
With a shriek of pain, the axebeak topples forward unconscious, spilling its rider to the ground! The two guards hunkered down beside Rath let out a cheer, grinning encouragement at one another as the rest of the orcs continue their charge.
The orogs push forward as best they can, hampered as they are by Pik and Coronei's spells. The one Silvio struck is joined by one of the slowed orogs whilst the remaining four press on to engage Coronei, Dorin and Kraz. Only the two unaffected orogs are able to fight, one attacking Kraz and the other Coronei as it’s all the slow ones can do to join the battle.
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The orog fighting Kraz swings twice. Although he manages to dodge one of the orog's attack, the second hits him
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Coronei is also struck with the axe.
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The orog Silvio struck retaliates, and his new armor gets its first use.
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However, the slowed orog only manages a feeble blow and Silvio is easily able to leap clear.
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Pik, trying to stay behind his allies, points at the Orog attacking Coronei. You there! I like you. People say I've got no taste, but I like you!
Kraz takes the blow, smiles at the Orog, then lets out a skins curdling war scream and goes into a frenzy.. As usually spittle and foam immediately begin to be flung around..
"BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!!! RAAWWWWRRRR!!!!!"
Dorin attacks the nearest uninjured faerie fired Orog after marking him as his prey.
Having said that, I forgot your mirror image...
The orog's blow strikes one of Coronei's duplicates, causing it to dissipate but leaving him unharmed.
The orog Pik targeted is distracted by Pik's taunts and its attacks on Coronei suffer as it divides its attention between the two party members.
Dorin engages with one of the heavily armored orog's, both glowing and slowed by the party's magical attacks. Despite landing a blow, the vicious brute seems undeterred, his armor taking the full force of the blow.
Silvio strikes out twice against the already wounded orc and then keeps his feet moving, partly motivated by not wanting to be outnumbered and partly by being hit by an axe.
Silvio once more strikes at the glowing orog. One blow bounces harmlessly off its armor, but guided by Pik's illumination Silvio spots a weakness in the metal plates and once more cuts the large creature deeply. .
As he darts back to join the others, the second orog tries to strike at him, but Coronei's slow spell means he misses the opportunity and Silvio rejoins the others safely.
Behind the orogs, the two squads of magmin peel off, charging into the buildings of Roderic's cove and helping the fire spread. Smoke continues billowing over the battlefield as the dozen creatures ignite everything they touch, swarming through the wooden buildings to ensure they are alight before emerging into the streets with cackles of glee. Behind them you see the giants gesturing, indicating the next target for the pack of firebug gremlins.
Meanwhile, on the western side of the village, Kraz and the few defenders from the town brace themselves for the orcs' attack. The prone orc clambers to its feet, collecting its axe and charging on towards the town on foot.
Three of those who remain mounted order their axebeaks to charge towards the defenders. The other two peel off and begin chasing fleeing villagers, gleefully cutting the civilians down as the join the exodus.
When they reach the camp, Ghelryn and each of the town guards are attacked.
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Ghelryn suffers a nasty blow, but appears to have taken much worse in his time. One of the soldiers manages to fend off his attacker, but the other is not so lucky, fear clearly marked on his face as he finds himself clearly out of his depth.
Nonetheless, the two guards make an effort to attack the orcs as Sergeant Southwell and Ghelryn also join the fray.
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The guards prove ineffective, however Ghelryn strikes the orc fighting him and Southwell hits his opponent's mount. The experienced sergeant also tries to knock the orc of its beast, but it manages to dodge the attempt.
Back at the northern battle, Kraz strikes back at the orc which attacked him and manages to land two solid blows.