The World of Eafphqu: Team "good." (Inactive)

Game Master Hoary and Wizened

Uuummm ... it may be too late now, but you have mis-understood me! I only said take aim! I did NOT say fire an arrow! I meant to be preparing an action to fire my bow if it should become necessary! Thus the whole asking if you wanted another stealth check! Oh boy ... now what to do?

Quint quickly assesses the situation. Deciding that the orcs are suddenly the greater threat, he raises his bow and pulls back an arrow, letting it fly in an arc over the heads of the remaining guards to strike the nearest orc (orange).

Shortbow sneak attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 221d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (2) = 9
Shortbow (advantage): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

He then moves a bit closer as he ducks back down into the bushes to avoid being seen (cunning action: hide).

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Psalm the squirrel double moves into position. Pausing at intervals to look about like he's shocked and nervous very much like a squirrel.

Is it difficult terrain for a squirrel. I have moved assuming it is. I am at this point more acting squirrelly more than I am hiding. In the rain in a fight. I will roll a decption if you think it is needed though the chaos of the scene I imagine might give advantage? Totally up to you oh great GM.

Decetption to act sufficently squirrel-like: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Uh, I agree with Luna. She did NOT fire her bow, you (GM) did. I think that we really need a take back at this point

Uh, I agree with Luna. She did NOT fire her bow, you (GM) did. I think that we really need a take back at this point

Eh, I think we were spinning our wheels with no real plan, and that if I was GM, I might have decided by GM fiat that someone's finger slipped, releasing an arrow that would force something to happen about now.

Boddynuck wrote:

Uh, I agree with Luna. She did NOT fire her bow, you (GM) did. I think that we really need a take back at this point

Eh, I think we were spinning our wheels with no real plan, and that if I was GM, I might have decided by GM fiat that someone's finger slipped, releasing an arrow that would force something to happen about now.

I rather strongly disagree. Having us initiate combat goes beyond what I believe to be acceptable

Eh...It was bound to happen, despite our best efforts to be completely informed of our enemy and perfectly prepared for the encounter. It happens, let's work through it instead of getting bogged down in the minutia, shall we?

Eh, I think we were spinning our wheels with no real plan, ...

I have to agree with Quint yet again. We were spinning our wheels with no real plan. I'm fine with moving on, but we need to focus on those orcs!

Taking the simplest option, Nikeisha decided to stay hidden-ish and used Sleep on the Orcs, aiming to get as many as she could in one shot.

Sleepy time for 5d8 ⇒ (6, 8, 1, 8, 2) = 25hp worth of Orcs, focusing on Orange in an attempt to get more Orcs than Gobbos.

Taking the simplest option, Nikeisha decided to stay hidden-ish and used Sleep on the Orcs, aiming to get as many as she could in one shot.

Sleepy time for 5d8hp worth of Orcs, focusing on Orange in an attempt to get more Orcs than Gobbos.

You might want to look again at the text of that spell. If there are goblins in your area of effect, they're the only ones who are going to be put to sleep. Even the orc I hit probably has more hitpoints left than any of them. You'll need to center it off to the south to exclude the goblins if you want the orcs to be affected. If you can keep the goblins (and Psalm) out of the AoE, you can probably knock out orange and yellow with that roll, since orange has taken damage already.

Well, it does say I can choose a point rather than a target, so I'll focus on the spot ten feet south of Orange so it gets the Orcs and stops short of Goblins.

Well, it does say I can choose a point rather than a target, so I'll focus on the spot ten feet south of Orange so it gets the Orcs and stops short of Goblins.

The area is a 20ft radius. Looking at the grid, I don't think there is a 20ft radius area on the map that includes both orange and another orc, but doesn't include either Psalm or a bunch of goblins. Standard orcs will be knocked out before Psalm, but your character would have no way of knowing that, and if they are more than standard orcs, Psalm will be affected first.

OK, then I'll have it affect one Orc.

Nikeisha, I put a 20' radius template on the grid map where I think you're talking about. Let me know if that's right or not. I don't want to move forward until I know that the spell is affecting those creatures you mean for it to affect.

Looks fine to me.

Boddy, completely disgusted at his companions just firing on guards because it seems convenient, realizes that he just doesn't understand these long shanks and it is time to return back to what he DOES understand.

While the combat rages he sneaks off and heads back to his village.

Thanks for the game everybody. I sincerely hope that you all have fun. But its pretty obvious to me that my gaming style isn't really a good fit for this group

It seems the bushes in this area are some of the deadliest around, arrows keep flying out of them and striking targets with deadly piercing force. While Psalm squirrels his way closer to the chaos of the melee, Quint's arrow drives deep into the shoulder of the closest orc warrior. Simultaneous to that action Nikeisha bathes an area of the battlefield in slumber magic, a trick she no doubt learned while fighting the rainbow worms. As soon as her magic hits the field the middle orc (yellow) drops his axe and falls to the wet, muddy ground fast asleep. His partner looks at him in shock, knowing magic must be the cause, because his battle-mate has never shown signs of narcolepsy before.

Seizing the opportunity the only guard remaining to "protect" the goblins steps over his fallen comrade and thrusts with his spear at the orc who took the arrow (orange).

Spear attack vs. Orc (orange): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Spear damage vs. Orc (orange): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Unfortunately the orc is too battle-tested to take a spearhead full on. The tusked barbarian deftly dodges, taking only a glancing slice along his arm.

Boddynuck, seeing that things aren't as bad as he originally thought, spins about, returning to his spot in the shrubbery and drops a bit of magic of his own, a mirror to Nikeisha's.
You are getting sleepy...: 5d8 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 5, 5) = 20
Immediately the orc who watched amazed as his friend fell asleep, does likewise, napping, oblivious to rain, thunder, lightning, and combat. As has been the way with the brave group of Akassa's Volunteers, they turned the tide of battle rather quickly.

Speaking quietly to Hack, Jun says "I guess we should probably join the fray, or we're likely to never hear the end of it." before drawing his blade and waiting on Hack's choice of a target to back him up.

Jun will then give Hack a nod of confidence.

Going to give Hack Bardic Inspiration.

--Byrthelm Republic, North of Blueblossom Haven, Midvale Province - Aldelday, 2 Ilsa, Storm-drenched evening, 146 R.R.--

Hearing the shuffle and scuffle of combat the retreating half-orc stops and turns, seeing two of his three orc warriors fallen, but not before they dispatched two of the goblin's guards. Seeing a bevy of new combatants, the veteran warrior realizes that the end of this combat is already certain. He dashes away toward the river, disappearing down a shallow slope in the direction of the River of the Republic.

Are there any orcs left? I am reading the battle grid correctly, looks like one standing. Round 3, Inspired

Hack nods to June, and moves purposefully to the remaining Orc and swings.

GA Att: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (20) + 6 + (4) = 30
GA Crit Dam: 2d12 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7

Shenkt charges forward and slams the blade of his axe right into the orc's skull, splitting it cleanly in two, and spraying brains all over the guard that was engaged in melee with him. The guard stares at Shenkt for a second, and then drops his spear point into the dirt, to show no aggression. Both Shenkt and the only remaining guard near the goblins look at the sleeping orcs next to them, at the two guard corpses on the ground, and then again back at each other. Then the two guards next to Jun, look at their fallen captain, at the dwarf that was making a distracting racket, and back to Jun. The one closest to him, says, quite loudly, "What in the Abyss is going on here? And where are these zombies you keep talking about?!"

Okay, I'm taking us out of initiative, because, at this point, the guards have zero idea that Shenk, Jun, Lindaer and Gomdebo are part of a potentially hostile force. We might end up back in initiative, depending on how things go, obviously, but for now, non-combat skills are the name of the game.

Gom approaches, slaying one of the unconscious orc with a dagger to the chest and quickly binding the other with rope "We saw these orc about to spring on ya...had to think of something. Weren't fast enough though, sorry about yer men..."

Deception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

She laughs "...and we could ask ye the same thing, what's with the goblins?"

Quint stands from the bushes and begins to make his way down the hill. We got their archer. Anyone see any more? He checks the nearby bushes as he goes, mostly for show, but if there actually is anyone else in hiding, he wants to know.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Deception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Psalm looks around squirrelishly. Hmm they got this sorted out. At least we didn't kill any of these soldiers before we know what they are up to?

He remains a squirrel moving around picking up small bits tossing them and then hoping to a different spot. He moves indirectly closer to be in ear shot of things.

”Zombies, orcs, goblin captives. This night is getting better and better. Soldier, who are these captives and what were you doing with them? We will escort you to safety along with them. Talk as we move.” As he said this, he put away his rapier and lifted his shield, showing the blazon of Amren. He spoke with all of the confidence of a man who had practiced authority.

Persuasion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Psalm twitches like a squirrel.

Hack sheathes his axe on his back anties a lead rope to the bound orc.

"Thank goodness the church of Amren has arrived to save us!" says Jun, who sheathes his blades then moves and grabs Lindaer's hand with both of his before pumping it profusely in thanks.

"Has the foul one been dealt with?"

Boddynuck and Vralk come down out of their hiding place in the bushes, and he says, "Yeah, yeah, the other threat is gone too."

The soldiers, now severely outnumbered and without a commanding officer, who lies thoroughly dead on the ground with an arrow buried in his neck, look at each other, and around at their predicament, and it is quite clear that they are all waiting for one of their number to take the lead. It is also quite clear that none of them want to. The only guard left holding the tied up troupe of goblins is wary to move, without an order from someone that he recognizes as his true authority.

Guards Insight: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Finally one of their number steps up, proverbially, and opens his mouth, "Hold on just two shakes." He says, looking from Gomdebo to Jun, and then to Lindaer. "Before we do any explaining, I'd like a real careful run down of who you all are, and where the hell you came from. That and I'd like to know if you were running from zombies or not. One of you say the zombies were a ruse to come to our aid, others act as though the supposed zombies were real and dispatched. Then there's these orcs that came out o' nowhere. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad of the help, those orcs might have been the death of us if your magic hadn't been at hand. Still, there's more here than anybody's telling, an afore I'll be comfortable explaining our business, I'd like to know yours." The guard lifts his shield over his head with ease, keeping the free falling rain from continuing to ting-tink off of his helmet.

Persuasion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

”Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir Lindaer, an ordained Paladin of the Cult of Amren. I, and my companions-“ he waved his arm at the others, being sure to not include Jun in the general area of said wave. Whether or not this include others beyond the ridge was up for others to make inferences on ” - had come here to investigate evidence of evil wizards practicing forbidden magic and their creation of abominations. By fortune or fate, we came across your group just as the orcs attacked. Now, while ah understand your concern I really must insist that we gather up your dead, and these goblins, while we move to safety. While this area will be investigated and purged, it is likely not safe at the moment. You can tell me about these goblins while we walk.”

"There were zombies. They are coming! We do need to leave!" says Jun. Better to keep up the charade than force Lindaer to make a difficult decision. Jun thought to himself.

"As for who I am, I'm a travelling merchant who no longer has a mercantile company, it would seem. My name is Elric, and this strapping Highlander is my bodyguard, a man known only as Hack; take a look at the Orc to see where he gets his name."

"It sounds like they have been dealt with. I don't know about you, but I think I would still prefer to have the safety of four walls and a town guard, just to be on the safe side."

Deception train keeps rolling on: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Nicely done!

Attempting to stay out of sight at first, Luna will first stow her arrows away, hiding them under her cloak as best she can. She will then unstring her bow, putting the string in her pouch & then carry/use the bow as if it were more of a staff instead. Then she shall work her way down the hill. "No enemies left up here! I think the immediate threat has been neutralized, but I would suggest we move on to safety! Introductions & explanations/stories can be made on the way to safety."

Should I roll a stealth check? Technically none of what she says is a lie, so she should not really need a deception for that. Should I still roll a deception for the bow as a staff? Or anything else Mr DM?

Listening to the entirety of this new group of people, that gets bigger by the moment, the guards all look at each other with knowing glances, again, hesitating to speak. After a momentary pause as he processes everything the same guard that spoke before, the one wearing the green jerkin over his mail, says, "We appreciate your help, and the warning, but we've got orders, and they don't include going back to town. As is I think we'll be heading further upriver to The Bullfrog's Lament, as we wait for further instructions. You want to join us, you're welcome." After he makes clear their destination the newly self-promoted captain nods his head and the remaining guards surround the goblins once again, and make to move north at a quick march.

Hack asks the newly proclaimed leader.

Why are ya totin' the gobbies with you, instead of just killin' them?

Hack tugs on the rope lead to the orc, almost as an afterthought.

Oh, also, ya want us to bring this piece o'dung too?

”Fair thee well then. Safe travels. You have your duties and I have mine. Though I believe it best if some here were to accompany you. For safety; and to ensure your comrades can be carried for a proper burial.”

Lindaer will shadow the group, this is so they are more believable. If everyone went it looks super sketchy, as if though we came here for a reason. And ooc I’ll be at drill. Easier to bot me this way.

Gom looks over the gear of the fallen for anything useful or out of the ordinary...

Investigation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Psalm continues to act squirrelly.

What is the demeanor of the goblins. Is this sort of treatment familiar to them typically or do they seem like they are terrified. Are they gagged. Also the guards are they laying a trap or actually asking for help. "come where we are headed so when we have allies we can kill you."

insight: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Psalm, demeanor of the goblins is completely dejected and submissive. They are not gagged but you can tell they are unwilling to speak unless spoken to. As far as gut feeling about the guards, you feel like they are just looking to fulfill their duty and do not recognize or care who you might be, as long as you aren't stopping them from doing what they've been charged to do.

As Hack and Lindaer continue to try and instill trust and gather information Gomdebo quietly searches the bodies of the orcs and soldiers. The orcs weapons are well crafted steel, not primitive at all. Each of the orcs, including the one that just got yanked awake by Hack, have a potion of healing shoved in a pocket of their hide armor. Other than that, there isn't much of value or importance.

The guard who has stepped up to lead, the one with the leather trimmed in green, looks at the bodies of his fallen comrades, as Gomdebo searches them, and then to Lindaer. It's apparent by his expression that burying the men in the rain was possibly the furthest thing from his mind, but having a paladin remind him of his civil duty, he pauses and says. "No way we're dragging those corpses a mile upriver in this mud to The Bullfrog's Lament. You want to bury them here, you go ahead. You want to drag them along, go ahead. My primary duty is to deliver these goblins to Durol, as ordered. I'm guessing the lot of you showing up spooked him, and that's why he took off running." The guard gives away their mission, but not who the orders came from, nor what good could come from delivering these seven goblins to a half-orc warrior. "As to dragging that orc along, that's up to you. I've no use for him, and were it up to me, he'd join his kin in death. You all captured him, you do what you will." The notion that he might be summarily dispatched without remorse gives the orc attached to Hack's tether line a burst of strength. He yanks on his bonds and attempts to run away.

Shenkt, give me a STR-athletics check, if you roll less than 15, the orc yanked the rope out of your grip and takes off running.
Orc STR Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Str: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Hack tugs back on the Orc's rope.

Get back here, bugger.

He looks to the others.

Anybody speak this mongrel's tongue?

Nikeisha watched the strength struggle, seeing if another Sleep spell might be useful once the Orc cleared the others. But Shenkt kept his charge under control.

"No," she responded to his comment, "Although I think he's a full blood Orc, not a half-Orc." At least, he looked fairly Orcy.

"The Lament you say? We were 'eaded there ourselves. Why not let us deliver this lot, ye've been through enough."

Deception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Snapped back by Hack's bulging muscles, the orc falls to the ground grimacing and growling, baring his tusks, but to no avail. Bound as tight as he is, there's no escape for him, and now he knows it. When Gomdebo offers to take the goblins to The Bullfrog's Lament, the three soldiers look at each other with a bit of hope, but their newfound leader pipes up quickly. "Well, you see, we're not supposed to deliver the gobbos to the Lament, we're supposed to deliver them to Durol. I'm just hoping that if we hole up in the Lament, he'll come and find us. I'm certain our boss wouldn't want the transaction taking place in such a public area, but I'll be buggered if I'm going to sit out here in the damned rain and wait to see if the half-orc moseys on back. You feel like tagging along, you're help and protection would sure be appreciated, but I can't turn these stinking tunnelers over to just anyone." With that he nods to his men and they start moving north, trying to find the least muddy trail that leads north.

Hold on a tick. Maybe this piece o'dung at the end of my rope knows how to find your half-breed friend. I am pretty sure he was workin' with 'em.

Psalm continues to move about the periphery leaving the others to manage the interaction. If things go south a squirrel might be the element of surprise.

Turning to the orc "Orc? Rukh? Rukhsm? Alver Morke?" she addresses the orc in common, dwarf, ancient dwarf, and giant.

Jun watches the events progress in what is likely the best possible outcome from his outrageous lies. That worked out pretty well! he congratulated himself with a mental pat on the back.

Is everyone on vacay?

Apparently so. All of my games have been pretty dead for the last week or two.

I am here, awaiting a response to someone being able to communicate with the prisoner, Orc.