I agree, to the orcs and goblins!
"Aye, Malcolm has the right of it."
You can follow the directions the travel mentioned to you and you eventually find a small mountain path. The day turns dark and wickedly nasty with a torrential downpour. You find a small stream that is picking up speed with the rainfall.
Desmond pulls up his hood as he gets soaked to the bone. "Bah, let's keep moving. I want to get something over my head soon."
[Yes, let's push on.
perception
"So be it. But let us make this fast ...I believe these demihumans to be a minor concern compared to the forces of Rappan Athuk."
Grimm happily trudges on through the rain, glad for having a direction in mind. he would never admit it, but he felt he needed to improve his tracking skills. Battle was never an issue, but FINDING the fight was becoming a necessity out here in the woods....
Des, Karnog, and Grimm each spot a shadow two on the other side of the stream and more movement on your side of the stream. Then suddenly three arrows whistle, although they are muffled with the rain, they arrows are were intentionally short of their mark.
A female voice raises up, "Whoa there good neighbors, you are on Queen's toll path and you failed to leave a hefty donation on that there rock your next to." There is pause as the words sink in. "Of course, your brave and calculating and I'm sure pondering your odds. Rest assured you are surrounded and those were mere warning shots. You may be bold, you may be courageous but just as likely several will be dead." A longer pause, "Your new to this part of my path...is the area trapped you might ask yourselves."
"You'll have to forgive us good lady! The senses are dulled in the rain and we were not aware of our current location! Do tell us, how much of a donation should we leave!" Desmond shouts over the rain.
Desmond your pretty certain they she is telling the truth that she redistributes the wealth to those more needy.
"Being that we redistribute wealth in these parts to from those who HAVE, much like yourself, to those who have not who are in need of food, medicine and clothes we'll be requiring a sizable toll today...say 100 gold." Her words appear sincere, nearly poetic.
"People in need of food, medicine, and clothing? Perhaps you have failed to notice our icons of faith in this downpour, but there are two champions of righteousness in the party you have so uncouthly accosted. If you would show us to these people in need, I would be glad to be of assistance, with material, magical, and spiritual aid."
Karnog glances around, pretty much unconcerned about a few arrows and bandits.
"Of course, you could merely be lying. Bandits out for their own good and acting to the detriment of the common man around here. It would be unfortunate for you if that is the truth."
"Oh...don't go calling me, and my crew, icons of faith there's nothing religious about it. We do what we do, cause it's needs doing."
She laughs at the threat, "could be unfortunate for me but I'll make sure you pay a high price...holy man. Churches have been stealing since the being of time...preaching to the common folk to give up their hard earned treasures, so their souls can have eternal life in a land of plenty." Her words stinging with venom when she speaks of religion. "Holy Wars are shifts in greed...Good versus Evil, Right versus Wrong, Law versus Chaos...all that conflict simply breeds hatred, self-centered righteousness. The Dungeon of Graves was itself the result of such a conflict."
Righteousness, yes. Hatred and self-centeredness are far from my thoughts. Did I not just volunteer to aid you with food, goods, and magic? Doubt my words if you choose, but make no mistake: my offer to help is genuine. My offer to resist your machinations strenuously is likewise genuine. You seem like a reasonable and intelligent person, what profit lies in making enemies of us?"
"Our position is firm. If it is help you need, we will do what we can... and the worth of our assistance is more than one hundred gold. If your words are untrue, then I suppose you have the options of further hostile actions toward us... or moving along."
Desmond frowns. "I'll be the first one to spit at the feet of the church, but let me tell you that this dwarf is a righteous member of a good faith. I've done some work myself with redistribution of wealth, and 100 gold is a lofty price. Why don't we both walk away from this with no bloodshed?"
Oh, fer f*ck sake....
Grimm walks over to the rock and deposits 100 gold near it.
We're here ta make the area safe from monsters. Already saved a buncha farmers from some caverns and monsters. Here's yer hunnerd and I'll throw in a Masterwork Cold Iron Battleaxe I forged meself if ye got ONE among ye hidden in them bushes with the magical skill ta affect ME with a spell. Yer tactics tells me ye ain't got the arm or the power fer direct confrontation and that's sad fer yer people yer tryin ta help.
The dwarf presents the fine Battle axe for the voice to see. And steps away from the group so they won't be affected should a spell be cast at him.
Malcolm shakes his head at the actions of Grimm.
Those who seek to protect the weak, should have no need to hide in the shadows. Step forward, if your cause is as righteous as you say, and show yourself!
A female half-elf pop up on the other side of the stream, she is between a shrub and rock. "Our caster has more primal magics, he doesn't enchant object.' The message is clear that there is a spell caster nearby.
There is suddenly warning from a new male voice, "Shyte we've trouble Agail! T'arms, t'arms!"
Desmond twists downwards, crouching behind a tree for cover as he draws his shortswords. "Milady, let us hold off our differences until this new threat is dealt with."
"Agreed! Bra..you and Jenk pull back to the southside of the stream...our new friends will protect the Northside." She begins to sing a unusual eleven melody.
Desmond begins drifting into the woods. "I'm going to disappear until we see what the threat is. Perhaps I can slip behind their lines."
"And now we see just what kind of person this 'bandit' truly is. Prepare for battle, companions!"
Karnog draws his hammer and keeps his ears alert, sure he would hear something before he saw it in this downpour.
Aye, Karnog!
Malcolm draws his Bastard Sword.
Vatilda quickly mutters a spell in anticipation of a clear battle, and again grants knowledge of the Aklo and Celestial languages to the group before her mind turns primal.
Bout time.
Grimm was almost disappointed their caster did not attempt to effect him.
He puts away the Fine axe and keeps his great sword in hand.
Casting DIVINE FAVOR on himself. ..
Kalim again shores up his magical defenses by casting mage armor.
Kalim again shores up his magical defenses by casting mage armor.
Updated Map that has NPC's who were talking to you
I'll go ahead and add the enemy soon.
Malcolm calls upon the power of his faith.
Abadar! Guide us in your light!
Desmond as soon as you start to dart near the copse of trees to the north you see the immediate danger. There is a mixed hords/bugbears rushing with drawn weapons. (Yellow haloed on map)
There is loud war cries coming form the south side of the river to, from what you can hear and shadows your see there is a similar battle brewing down there.
Overall, you've encountered a massive war party.
RA Initiative:
Initiative order:
White
Vatilda
Grimm
Red
Desmond
Yellow
Karnog
Malcolm
Kalim
"Oh ho! It seems our search will be shortened in the quest to bring these monsters to justice. Come forth and find your fates, goblins!"
You can hear orders being given by the half-elf, Agail's, to her party. The crispness of the decisions go unquestioned by her comrades. She yells back across the stream, "I wouldn't get yourself spread too thin...they will try to divide and separate like weak prey."
"Thank you for your advice. Focus our for and lets take these goblins down!"
RD 1: White Orcs
In orc, 'Dwarf 70 feet from c'nter...human wit spears in rear 'hundred 10 feet from center." Those that can understand orc and role a perception check DC 12 or higher can hear this spotter yelling out targets.
A second after the voice the unmistakable whistling sound can be heard as a volley of arrows are shot from behind the cops of trees.
At Grimm,
;
;
;
At Kalim,
;
;
Confirming crit on Grimm for X3 damage
The sound of fierce battle can be heard on the other side of the river.
Round 1
Vatilda draws her shield and strafes closer to Grimm. "Come you vulgar beasts... you will be broken flesh at my feet!" She waves her gesturing hand toward the surrounding foes.
Left to RT
Blue along with others saved
yellow 1 saved
yellow 2 failed
yellow 3 failed
yellow 4 saved
yellow 5 failed
yellow 6 failed
yellow 7 failed
Updated Map with Vatilda's spell template
Initiative order:
White - archers. One strikes Grimm 5 HP, One hit Kalim for 8 HP
Vatilda - cast Bane
Grimm
Red
Desmond
Yellow
Karnog
Malcolm
Kalim
[b]I'll throw in a Masterwork Cold Iron Battleaxe I forged meself if ye got ONE among ye hidden in them bushes with the magical skill ta affect ME with a spell.The dwarf presents the fine Battle axe for the voice to see. And steps away from the group so they won't be affected should a spell be cast at him.
Karnog casts barkskin on himself and moves up to stand next to Vatilda.
"Let us stand together and bring these monsters down!"