Zagyg's Gauntlet

Game Master AGM Lemming

Opening the door you see a half dozen orcs sitting around a fire and stew pot. There are also several orcs along the far wall, prone and likely sleeping. Seeing the dwarf in the doorway they snarl and most of them grab weapons and start toward the door. The one that holds back grabs several hunks of wood and throws at the sleepers yelling. (obviously waking them)

#6-#10 are moving toward the door. They are in crude hide armor and carrying heavy studded clubs for weapons. #11 is waking the sleepers. Rafael notices that several of the orcs are barefoot.

Glad nobody posted yet, I wanted to clarify. No surprise round required as you are at a little bit of distance. The five that are moving toward the door are standing, grabbing weapons and STARTING to move toward the door. You all have a full round to react, but look at the map to see your line-of-sight. Only Ingra has a full view of the room and all of the orcs.

BTW, Ingra notices that they look really hungry.... Maybe they want to add some dwarf to the 'stew'?

Will wait for Ingra and Raphael to act first. Hopefully they fall back and draw the orcs to the door???

Rafael steps back passed Phari as he spots the orcs preparing for the fight. "Ingrid! Fall back and give Phari a clear shot for his spell!" Rafael aims at the only orc he can see and squeezes his trigger.

Ranged Attack against Orc #9: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 It gets +4 AC from cover.
Damage (on the off off chance): 1d8 ⇒ 7

Roland waits calmly for one to come into his line of sight, and for the small wizard to do his thing. If any survive his magic, the gunslinger will take care of them...

Delay until after Phari casts his spell.

Ingra casts acid darts towards the first orc then steps back from the door.

"Let them come to us.. they will be forced to come to us one or two at a time."

She gets out of the way so Phari can get his magic off.

Raphael takes a quick shot over Ingra's head while trying to get the dwarf to back up. His aim isn't good with the cover, but surprisingly the shot hits. The orc is staggered and drops to the ground when Ingra also hits it with a dart made of magical acid. The dwarf squeezes back, making the hallway even more restrictive.

Pharistilis tries to squeeze forward to get a good view of the advancing orcs, and to be able to reach far enough to not catch any of his allies in his spell. Things get even tighter.

Roland stands tall behind the group with his pistol ready to fire when the next orc comes into view....

I'll let Roland roll for his shot, assuming #10. Ingra hears what sounds like chanting, possibly a spell being cast.

Pharistilis, how close are you going to let them get before casting your spell? If I recall it creates a 15' cone, correct?

Combat Map

Correct 15' cone. If I can get three or more of them, thats a good number for me!

Looking over his shoulder and seeing Roland readying his shot, Rafael reaches back and places his hand on Roland's arm. "Not sure how I hit it, but don't you miss." A warmth emanates from Rafael's hand into Roland's arm.

Casting Guidance on Roland.

oops just now seeing the combat map. If Roland can take out #10, then great! Phari will stand on #10's corpse and aim at #s 7 and 8. If he doesn't, Phari will have to let the spell loose on just one orc.

Pharithstilis holds his fist tight as it brims with arcane energy. Once Rafael and Ingra move behind him, he darts up to the door and sees the situation in the room for the first time. "That's more than you said there were!" he shouts, and gulps as one orc stands before him. Just... one... second... more... his arm shakes as he tries his darnedest to hold the spell until a few more get into range.

Ingra is trying to get back away from the door to make room for the others and their magic.

Roland nods at Rafael's words, and though usually calm the gunslinger feels a faint amount of tension ease away from his muscles as though by magic. He fires at the orc in front...

Pistol Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 vs 'Touch AC'
Pistol Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (6) = 10
Includes +1 to attack/damage for Point Blank Shot; +1 for Guidance; -1/+2 to attack/damage for Deadly Aim; +1d6 for 'Up Close and Deadly' deed

Yikes, apologies for missing Monday's post by the GM! Thought I'd been keeping better track... Damage on that one kind of sucked, but hopefully it's enough.

As Roland nods to Rafael's assistance he aims over the heads of those ahead of him and fires. While the bullet might not have done the required deed, his skill adds what is required and the orc drops to his knees and is promptly run over by those behind him. (Dead)

As the orcs get really close you can see that they appear nearly mad with apparent starvation. While they are wielding weapons they also appear ready to drop them and start feasting on your live bodies. The front line jostles around, Ingra and Rafael squeezing against the walls to allow Pharithstilis past to launch his spell. Pharithstilis knows that the spell is short ranged, but he thinks he may get a unique opportunity if he can time it right....

Timing: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

His spell launches just as the closest orc reaches him and would be able to strike....

Orc Will Saving throws: 3 = 31d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 154 = 41d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 05 = 51d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 96 = 61d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 147 = 71d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 148 = 81d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

All of the orcs collapse and Pharithstilis is easily able to dodge the weapon that was about to strike him.

There are now only a couple of orcs left conscious. Only Pharithstilis can see orc #1 and #2. #11 is out of sight, apparently casting another spell....

Combat Map

Hearing a series of loud thuds behind him, Rafael turns to see a number of orcs laying on the floor. "Woah! I love that spell! Let's get them while we can!"

He moves up between Ingra and Phari, puts his crossbow to the orc's (#6) head, and, with a grimace, plunges a bolt into it.

Coup de Grace: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 3) = 10

5-foot-step and Coup de Grace. Also, from this spot, would I be able to see Orc 11 and do a Spellcraft check to identify the spell being case (it doesn't require an action)?

Spellcraft(Int.) to identify spell (in case GM allows it): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 lol nevermind all that, apparently

“There’s still more!” Pharithstilis warns the others and steps into the room. “CaCaw!” he cries and points a finger at the casting orc, trying to daze him.

DC16 Daze on #11

Roland darts forward into the room, stepping past Rafael and the downed goblins so he can see those that remain alive and/or conscious. The gunslinger targets the one that is chanting (#11?) and fires his pistol!

Pistol Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 vs 'Touch AC'
Pistol Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (5) = 12
Includes +1 to attack/damage for Point Blank Shot; +1 for Guidance; -1/+2 to attack/damage for Deadly Aim; +1d6 for 'Up Close and Deadly' deed

Move 25' into square just west of Orc #6 or in square with Orc #7 if another party member is in that square. I think all the orcs within reach are unconscious or dead from either square, so fire on Orc #11 if it is NOT dazed or on #2 if Orc #11 is dazed and out of combat for one round.

The team moves into the room, Raphael and Ingra simply executing those nearest that are unconscious.

Pharithstilis casts a cantrip at the orc caster Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 but the orc seems to completely ignore him.

Roland has better luck though as his weapon blasts a round into the chest of the caster. His words stop and he glances down at his chest to the blossoming red circle there, then slowly sinks to the ground.

The two remaining orcs panic and turn to run....

That leaves one unconscious, bleeding orc shaman, four unconscious for at least one more round orcs, and two running, currently just for the blank corner with their cook pot.

Combat Map Update

As he steps up to the next face down Orc, he yells out in Orcish to the two fleeing, "Surrender and tell me what you know and you won't meet this fate!" and squeezes the trigger.

Coup de Grace: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 2) = 9

Roland takes aim at one of the running orcs and fires again. There are still many of the enemy left alive, and the gunslinger knows well that the tide of battle can turn quickly...

Pistol Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 vs 'Touch AC' = Possible Crit!
Pistol Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 vs 'Touch AC' = (Eh, hard to tell if that crit goes off - probably not, but it IS Touch AC, so maybe...)

Pistol 'Regular' Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (5) = 9
Pistol 'Crit' Damage: 3d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 4, 5) + 9 = 23 (in case it applies...)
Includes +1 to attack/damage for Point Blank Shot; +1 for Guidance; -1/+2 to attack/damage for Deadly Aim; +1d6 for 'Up Close and Deadly' deed

Move as needed to get within 30' of target, shoot one of the conscious goblins running for the corner... What are they up to, exactly? Just panicking, or do they seem to have something in mind?

Seeing the orc caster’s chest explode, Pharithstilis looks at his finger, “WOW! I didn’t know I could do THAT!”

He looks to the two fleeing orcs and tries it again.

Cast Daze DC16 on on of the two orcs left standing.

Raphael and Ingra dispatch two more of the unconscious/helpless orcs on the floor. Roland fires a shot through the back of one of the fleeing orcs (dropping it) and Pharithstilis casts a spell on the other causing it to stop in place for a moment. The fleeing orcs looked like they were running into the corner where their cook pot is sitting, possibly panicked and running without a plan. ??

On the combat map (above) #3 and #4 are still alive but also still unconscious. #11 is down and bleeding out. #2 is down and bleeding out. #1 is in the corner, dazed. Ingra is somewhat covered in orc blood as she is crushing orc heads with a war hammer. Killing her racial enemies does not appear to be upsetting her....

"Restrain that one if you can! I can question it," Rafael yells out as he steps up to the next unconscious orc and puts a bolt into its head, looking slightly away.

Coup de Grace: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 (only nicked its ear, apparently)

Phari draws his dagger and moves up to the dazed orc.

"Listen up buster! All your friends are dead! If you wanna live, you better cooperate. Put your hands up and surrender if you know what's good for you."

He doesn't speak orc but he hopes the message is clear.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Roland turns his steely gaze on the survivor as he levels his pistol at the head of an unconscious orc, then pulls the trigger.

Pistol Coup de Grace Damage (Auto Crit): 4d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5, 7, 1) + 3 = 18

If you allow a coup de grace with a ranged weapon like a pistol held to the head? :) Figure this is to help Phari intimidate the last orc as well as getting rid of an enemy.

The surviving orc stares at the gnome threatening him. He doesn't seem to understand the words, but the intent is clear. Dropping his weapon he turns slowly looking at the dead orcs around the room. As he starts speaking (in orcish) you notice that he is extremely thin, "Shaman dead. Leader dead. So hungry. Shaman wanted magic. Leader wanted power. No food for days. Now all gone. Just want go home...."

As he finishes the last sentence you notice that his voice is fading, and his body is also fading, going transparent, then he disappears.

Over in the corner you see the cook pot of the orcs still slowly boiling, with an old boot sitting in the water. It smells terrible.

Rafael stares as the orc fades away into nothing, its words echoing in his ears. He leaves Ingra to finish off the remaining orcs (with the assumption they don't disappear, also) as he slowly makes his way toward the cook pot, a blank look on his face. "He said that their leader and shaman are dead. They argued and have been here for days, apparently. He said he just wants to go home." He turns and looks back at the group. "I wonder if we'll be lucky enough to get that pleasure.

He inspects the pot and gags at the smell. "How's everyone doing on food? If we get hungry, I can make this edible tomorrow...if tomorrow is a thing here."

Pharithstilis lowers his dagger, mouth agape as the orc slowly fades away. After hearing Rafael’s translation, he looks up at the ceiling and shouts, “Can you hear us? Is someone listening? I want to go home too!”

He closes his eyes and tries to imagine ‘home’, but no image comes to mind. He can’t recall where or what home is. Opening his eyes and looking around the dungeon room, his shoulders sag.

Pharithstilis speaks out, stating that he wants to go home. As the team focuses on him he seems to fade a little.... Or does the light flicker a little?? A couple of moments later he re-opens his eyes and looks a little, upset. Or confused? Regardless, he apparently didn't disappear.

Roland peers into the pot and frowns. "I've likely eaten worse, though I can't recall what that might have been in the moment. Let's go on." The gunslinger gestures toward the archway across the room from the door they entered. He waits for Ingara to lead the way, then follows after with his pistol gripped in one hand, the lantern held in the other.

Map updated. You might need to refresh (F5) to see the new material. Level 1 map link at the top of the page.

"I suppose we know where this is if we need it," he says, glancing back at the pot of "food" while following after Ingra and Roland.

Ingra leads the way.. carefully looking at the shape and texture of the walls and floor.. looking for secret/hidden doors and passageways...

Wondering if we will ever get out of these endless hallways. At least the company is... interesting. There have been worse companions to be adventuring with.

As she moves forward, her lips are praying to her god for direction and guidance.

Roland follows along just behind Ingra, his narrowed eyes watchful as he holds the pistol in one hand and the lantern in the other.

My vote is for the door at the end of the maze-like corridors in the extreme northwest part of the map. Sounds like we headed that way after finishing off the orcs anyway.