Team Dwarf/Gnome in Elves vs Dwarves -- ELVES KEEP OUT (Inactive)

Game Master Chainmail

Well Gralk, guess you get the belt back. +2?

Durgen feels real good after standing up, "That feels good! I must keep doing that! When its his turn again he sits once more

1d20 ⇒ 1

I thought you wanted the Belt, Gallak. It is yours, if you do. As for Hon's stuff. I was under the assumption that all he dropped was the scrolls. I assumed his pack got eaten with the rest of him.

Ghanrik sits on the throne when its his turn as instructed.

1d20 ⇒ 7

After Durgen sits one the throne, a voice booms:

"GORUM IS DISPLEASED. NOT A WARIOR--YOU DO NOT EVEN WORSHIP ME?"

Durgen feels his toughness decrease. A large curse settles on Durgen and, with his knowledge of magic, it is a strong aura visible to those who can see magic that extends for quite a distance.

Durgen -2 CON (still keeping any CON gain prior) and under the influence of Greater Curse of Gorum. Grallk was the only one to score a +2 CON boon.

The Gnolls look on in horror.

"Oh damn. I think it's time to go."

Was Kragg able to sit before Durgen the second time? Indicated that he would once everyone tried the first time. IF not, that is fine just curious.

Well Joan that is completed, now we have to find out about the ice ships. If you want to start looking for Hon and let me know what you find I out I will help you once the negotiations are finished.

Gralk cowers at the displeasure of Gorum when one of the dwarves places his arse on the throne. he felt like howling at the displeasure of the god.

He then listens to the words of Kragg, and he approaches the Dwarf and Joan.

Gralk has pack of Hon, and I will carry for when he is found.

Probably dead, but if not, then he deserves his goods.

What are ice ships you speak about?

Kragg, you sat after my first sit down which was good

Boog- Boog agrees with Joan.

"From hero to goat. Time to go before the elders arrive. Destroying a major artifact will be on my permanent record."

He explains the way to the keepers of the ice ships as he leads you to the other side of the mountain.

"Missing dwarf? That might explain the blood splatter and absence of our yeti jailers in the cell block down below. I'd like to thank him and who ever released me as well. Gralk, since you were gifted that fine looking axe, will you be using that falchion? I appear to have misplaced my gear when I took up residence here a while back."

Kiptera Stiresong points to the Falchion on the ground at Gralk paws.
"Sorry, bad manners on my part. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Kiptera Stiresong. SiegeEngineer journeyman, formerly under the hire by... well nevermind, he went into the stewpot first and deserved it. Quite frankly, I think he ruined the taste of the gruel. I owe you all a debt of gratitude. I'd like to work off that debt until we are in agreement that it is satisfied."

Hands on her hips, the unwashed clothes she wears are severely tattered from long ago combat and more recent abuse. Still, there is a confidence about her and a certain way she moves that hint at underlying physical power. While bearded female dwarves not uncommon, she clearly could improve her looks by growing one. Perhaps it was the stress of the adverse confinement, one hopes she cleans up well.

"Oops errr sorry about that!I guess I should have quit while ahead! Now we must find my cousin, its the whole reason I came out here!"

Hearing about the blood splatter he checks it out. He then begins to look around in case there is anything else of their original gear I'm assuming the spellbook would be found or still in possession?

"I am Durgen Grimhelm. Thank you all for your timely rescue, I was due up for the stewpot and if you think the last guy ruined it..."
Durgen gets distracted by something he sees and begins muttering to himself about wishing he had something to take notes with.

The Falchion is yours Kiptera, if you want.

Boog-Boog: If possible we will have you escort us once we find our missing companion. I ask that you wait until we know his fate for certain.

Kragg will start looking himself for tracks and what may have happened.

Perception and track if able 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Survival for tracks 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Gralk nods and follows close to Kragg, with his snout close to the ground and attempting to also pick up the trail.

Gralk help find Hon.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Have we been healed or are we still pretty beat up?

Boog-Boog explains.

"A sacrilege has been committed. You will be killed. When priest communes with Gorum, truth will come out. Only two ways out."

Boog-Boog thinks.

"Gorum may take offering of powerful martial magic as bribe."

He points to axe and hammer.

Released prisoners have no spells and at 20%.

Will his soul be freed, Gallak asks, looking at the axe.

Gralk and others need healin' before findin' Hon.

Nar can heal with his cure light wounds wand, just do 1d8+1 as much as you need and I'll mark charges off

Joan, looking much better than before, twist around, stretching her newly healed muscles, and making sure her ribs were in the right place.

"Since most of us are missing gear, and we're about to get a lot shorter, I think our best bet is to lure those things into a fight in a narrow passage. I can pepper them with arrows, but I'm almost out of my normal ones, and the special ones, I'd rather not use on these things."

Current HP: 13/65

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

HP Total: 64/65

Gralk thanks Nar!

6d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 3, 5, 7, 5, 6) + 6 = 39 for healing

Agreed Joan, once we find them I will assist in the ranged attacks department now that there might be some of us better suited for upfront fighting. If they are not ready then I will take the front again. Either way we should be off and searching.

Rolls up above to follow yetis and find hon.

As far as the repercussions of breaking the throne are concerned. IC Kragg does not know the offending dwarf and would let him die to fulfill the requirements from Gorum and keep the weapon. OOC I don't want a pc to die that has just joined us. My 2 cp.

Gralk feeling much healthier, hefts his new axe, and walks up front along side Kragg.

Let's be at it.

"Hrmph... So your elders are going to blame you for breaking an artifact after it has been kept out of reach by the giants. Huh. The same ones who've been enslaving your people and mine as well as and extracting tribute? Seems like you should just blame the giants. And by Gorum, you freed the prisoners, gave them arms and plan on letting them destroy each other. You are just going to mop up the remnants. That sounds like a royal plan, your princelyness. Congrats. Now shaddup and let us hunt."

Kiptera needs to roll a diplomacy or, if feeling like taking a risk, an intimidate check on Boog-Boog. Prisoners are still -2 of CON damage from their ordeal.

Gralk informs the group of the following: that the passage to chase the yetis leads through a frozen lake. Letting dwarves sit on the throne will now probably get Boog-Boog in very big trouble. Yetis were much more loyal to giants than the gnolls.

The path the yetis took was through very cold water. A passage out was treated with an alchemical salt to allow it to stay melted at extreme temperatures. Swim checks will be required as well as possible underwater combat.

Chasing the yetis will not allow you to escape out the rear of the mountain and will require some extreme mountain climbing to get from the lake in the middle of the mountain range to the top and over.

Boog-Boog adds: "If you were interested in pursuing the missing dwarf, you should have heeded the warning about the peril of sitting on the throne a second time."

Threatened by extinction, and not liking the gnolls or the way the conversation is going, the axe speaks out: "I ain't going on no altar to Gorum. If I do, I am sent to Gorum's domain to serve rather than Torag's. I wouldn't like that. And, you expect me to work with a gnoll. If he is weak willed, he will hit who I want him to hit and no one else. I can only warn you."

He addresses the royal gnoll in common after Kiptera speaks, "Listen booger or whatever you are called. Stay in line, or I'll cleave you as a sacrifice to your god for your dishonor to all dwarves. No lickspittle, toady gnoll is going to tell me what to do."

Intimidate Axe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Boog-Boog is not impressed and stands his ground. He has not seen all of what the axe can do.

Gralk needs to make a will save. He has an urge to rage and destroy one of the few witnesses to the breaking of the throne, Boog-Boog. Fortunately, to avoid regicide, a horrible crime, he only needs to make a Will DC12 to resist the powerful compulsion of the artifact axe who houses a powerful, willful dwarf of deep conviction.

Kiptera doesn't intimidate. This is her diplomacy. Actually well thought out in her rather blunt opinion. 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 Her results may, um, vary.

"The axe talks? Missing dwarf, missing yeti and blood smear. Yeah. I don't have high hopes for this dwarf. And my thanks to Gorum, I'll fight a bit longer for his gift. But we'll need the weapons to make it possible. I don't think you speak for Gorum.

Kiptera walks to an unattended backpack(Kibs). "I need clothes and some real food. You all can talk. Find a dwarf, hunt giants. I want to leave. I gots stuff to catch up on. Make a decision."

I am about to channel the ghost of Hon and his diplomatic ways, Kip is not him.
Edit* HAHA Lookatthat Dip roll. Suh-weet.

"All I know is that it is not wise to disrespect the Gods.." Ghanrik says in dwarven and then follows in common after a brief pause and sigh.. "Prince Booglipstin II, is there any other alternative then to give up precious dwarven artifacts?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Ghanrik tells the party in dwarven "I do not think its wise to chase after the yetis, we have lost a lot of dwarves already. I'll pray to Magrim to make sure his soul has been received. I know that emotions may get the better of us and that we want to go after a comrade, but we are weak at the moment. We need weapons, armor, and to rest to get the blessing of spells again. We need to fix things with the gnolls and see if we can borrow or buy armor or weapons from them if you want to pursue. Although, I think its best to continue whatever mission you were on and then head on home."

With the -2CON and at 20% health, my hp should be 9/45 currently, how do we heal the -2CON, rest?

Will Save:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Gralk succumbs to the will of the axe and flies into a rage, as the axe pulls him towards Boog Boog. Foaming at the mouth, walks towards the king, menacingly.

As Gralk swings, his eyes seem to roll back in his head.

He rasps in a deeper voice than normal, "Stay out of this dwarves, this is gnoll bizness. Boog-Boog must die.
attack/damage: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 2 = 211d12 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 18 + (5) = 33

The cut is deep and adds 1d6 ⇒ 2 acid damage.

init Gralk/BB: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 71d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Boog-Boogie withdraws. Anyone with a 7 or better init roll can intervene.

Boog-Boog retreats, severely injured.

Gralk attempts to master the axe.

Gralk's DC 15 Will save can wait till his turn.

Init: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Disarm: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
If unsuccessful...
AoO Disarm: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Gallak sighs as Gralk begins reeling, and casually rips the axe from the gnoll's grasp.

Forgive my comrades, Boog-boog. They are soldiers, and know not the tribulations of rule, as I do not. Our artifacts, he looks down at the axe, however unruly, are a part of us as much as any member. I am sure that must seem strange, to a gnoll, whose pack is his greatest treasure.
Gallak quietly taps his foot to an unknown beat.
We came out to this place expecting to find enemies, and found friends. Friends we were suspicious of, but warmed to over time. Friends that we helped regain freedom, Boog-boog. Do not let politics despoil that magic, the truest and rarest form of such.
He rests one hand on the king's shoulder as if he were an old friend. It is a genuine sentiment.
Enough dwarves have died today, friend. Would Gorum truly relish a tame sacrifice? Would it not be better for us to part allies in the long war to come against our common enemy?
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 = 29

Gallak is unable to disarm the raging gnoll.

The Curse of Gorum seems to affect his martial endeavour.

The reprisal is also affected by the curse, but the blow hits Gallak hard.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 271d12 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 18 + (5) = 34

Further. 1d6 ⇒ 4 of acid eats away.

Was Gallak healed up?

Full I think.

Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Joan watches as the situation goes from bad to grim. She draws her bow and sends an arrow streaking past the possessed gnoll's face.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"Release him, NOW!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
She's not yelling at Gralk, but at the axe.

Gallak was cursed? His disarm is against flat footed not raging. He was healed to full. Does Gralk attack Gallak not Boog-boog?

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

While in a viscious Rage, Gralk is unable to control his new weapon.

Kragg waits and lets the gnolls figure this one out themselves. Clearly this is a matter between them and he is not getting involved. The only way he would get involved is it they start to turn on the dwarves. Until then...C'est la vie.

Her jaw dropping at this sudden and adverse change of events. That gnoll with the talking axe is lethally out of control. My freedom may be fleeting and my life was forfeit for the last couple of months. Gear up and move out.

Pulling Hon's backpack from where Gralk dropped it in his futile willful struggle, grabbing Kib's backpack enroute Kiptera moves towards the stairs until she has cover from the wall. Leaning the falchion against the stone, she rifles through for gear and possibly useful stuff for immediate future, keeping an eye on developments from her partial cover hideaway.

Kiptera is not skittish, but definitely not sure this battle of internal strife can be won. Either way, she needs to upgrade ASAP. She is rifling through Kibs backpack first. Hopefully finding the cloak and the sling with bullets. Although not high on useful items, this will be acceptable with a grimace. This should cover round 1 through 3 or 4.

Gralk assaults Boog-Boog again.
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 14

The assault is vicious and short.
There is not much left of the former heir to the gnoll throne after the second devastating blow to the prince.

The four other gnolls flee the grisly sight in horror.

The axe exults: "I have done what was necessary. Someone had to pay for this, and it is a gnoll."

The axe speaks to Gralk telepathically, echoing the words in dwarven for others to hear:
"You are acceptable gnoll, just do not try to thwart me, and we will get along fine. Do not test my patience or Gorum's. Now lead us out of here before we have a problem. And someone grab that crossbow, it is dwarven property again."

Gralk feels the will of the axe as much stronger than his own. A fanatic desire to advance a dwarven agenda with not many compunctions or moral obstacles.

Let me know if Gralk actively resists. It may still possible to sacrifice the axe on the nearby altar to Gorum if Gralk can gain the upper hand, but the axe will not be happy.

Barely conscious and nursing his wounds, the half human and half dwarf ranger stumbles in at the end of the confrontation. He can only say:
"By Torag's beard!!" in perfect dwarven.

Gralk attempts to resist the axe. He tries to place it on the altar as the sacrafice to Forum.

Gralk struggles to bring the axe to the altar. The axe decides to force Gralk to make a devastating strike on himself, a massive strike against his unprotected vitals.

Gralk is no longer raging, but needs a Will Save DC 7 to avoid a massive self coupe de grace. This is the important one.

Watching the smaller gnolls flee and blood-covered Gnoll approach the altar, "Yeah, from the stewpot to the fire." Grabbing handfuls of gear, she empties the haversack, surprised at the amount of stuff within. Physically impossible, but magically the only answer. Grabbing the well-made cloak strewn on the floor, she covers her tattered rags. A sling and a scattering of bullets. Done and Done. The rest has no immediate use, back into the haversack it goes. The next backpack that bloodletting Gralk laid claim to, was next on her mad scavanger hunt.

Glance around, status of gnoll, actions of dwarves, stairway still silent? Perception1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Kragg continues to watch the drama unfold. Again this is between the gnoll and his own ego. Mowing how stubborn the axe was though, Kragg was confident on the results. Turning to Joan beside him, 10 gold on the axe winning whatever is about to happen. done talking Kragg leans on his Urgrosh and waits and watches.

"You lose."

The gleam in Joan's eyes hints at what's going to happen to the axe if she gets her hands on it.

Ghanrik watches as the gnoll struggles with the axe. He then says "If he can't handle it to get rid of it, Magrim may help me take it over there."

I have a +8 to Will

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Gralk loses the battle of wills with the Axe, and he brings the blade to his own neck to inflict a mortal blow.

Well, that PC did not last long. I certainly wish that someone would have told me more about the details of the axe, which I requested several times, before taking it up. I likely would have not taken on such a weapon with such a weak will save. I would gladly roll up another Dwarven character - a rogue perhaps. Just let me know.

You could be the gnoll rogue that you were attacking, he's a prince!

Ghanrik rushes in to see how mortal the blow was and if the gnoll may be saved.

Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

If the gnoll can be saved Ghanrik tries to bandage the gnoll up in order to save him.

I will take the axe to destroy it, unless someone objects or goes after it first. With my high will and being a cleric maybe I can get us out of this.

EDIT: I'm also going to check on the gnoll who was attacked.