Zorgax chuckles at someone apparently not understanding the concept of being hidden. Leisurely he takes out the two scrolls he found and looks at them, laying his sword on his lap, while he says:
"Gorum is a commendable God, and I feel better for having two of his followers around.
You're wrong about the weak, though, dwarf. They don't test waters unless you force them to. Instead, they'll wait for opportunity to stab the strong in the back.
What about you, human*, you have the uncomfortable feeling of a holy warrior about you. Have you come to cleanse us?"
*Zorgax uses the orcish word for human.
Thadeus scowls, then looks to the human I heard you speaking of seranrae, you showed quite the prowess in battle, though I don’t know if you’ll be redeeming any enemies this adventure.”
Rashed gives a smile and a nod as the others begin discussing their strengths and beliefs. "The Lord in Iron is a fearsome and respectable god, indeed. Never have I known his devout to shirk from battle. I would be honored to have such fine warriors as allies."
He turns to Zorgax next, looking quizzically at the half-orc due to his use of the orcish word. "No, friend. I am here as are we all, as a captive prisoner of this... trial, so it seems. And I am a true servant of the Dawnflower, trained in her ways of peace and light. Mine is a path of redemption, not wrath. There are very few who are beyond saving; only the foulest of fiends, and those who consort with them, need be 'cleansed,' as you put it. And..."
He pauses for a moment, his eyes unfocusing and glowing with light for a few seconds. Then he shakes his head and smiles. "I do not sense such a one among you. I would be your ally, a true sword at your side, if you would do the same. I am a capable warrior, possessed of a healing touch, and the divine grace of Sarenrae. To my dying breath, I will aid you against whatever darkness will befall us."
Zorgax groans a little with all the talks of redemption and peace, but accepts Rashed's explanation of not being there of their own accord.
"Oh, we're going to detect stuff on each other, now, are we? Hold on, I have a feeling about you...
Zorgax's eyes light up a little
Zorgax uses: detect good
Zorgax uses: detect law
"and now that we're done with that, let's see if we have some clear thinkers among us"
Zorgax uses: detect evil
Zorgax uses: detect chaos
As Zorgax reaches the end of his detect spectrum, he catches the purple chaotic outline of a man sitting in the grass about 20' away from the table, casually looking over objects that do not give off any such aura.
Gorthug came up as lawful neutral. He fulfilled contracts, and cared little about the why of the contract. Once he gave his word on fighting in a battle he saw it through. Gorum cared about the how, not the why. His follower kept that ideal close to his heart.
”Are we done looking at each others’ souls? I, for one, am glad to see a paladin here. One less ****er who’ll try to slit my throat. Hey, holyman. Let’s make a deal. I keep you from dying in you’re sleep and you do the same for me. I only need about two hours of sleep a day, but that’s two hours too long. Deal?”
In truth his holy symbol could sense what was around it, and he could feel basic emotions from it. Usually that was enough to wake him in times of danger. But usually wasn’t good enough.
Thadeus gives off a strong aura of chaos with a lack of good or evil, which he doesn’t care for to much. He feels that the chaos more follows him than comes from within him.
“Yes let’s please drop all this talk of souls, we have more important things to attend to. Like trying to survive, how does the idea of waiting to enter the tomb till late tonight or tomorrow sound to everyone? Do you like that idea Mr Invisible, I assume you would want time to get used to your new trinkets? ”
"Works fine for me. It would also allow me to see if I can figure out what your trinkets do as well if you would like me to."
"I assume Mr. Invisible was my father's name though. You may call me Walay if you like." A chuckle comes from the direction that Walay is hidden in. He seems amused with himself for the unfunny joke that he made.
“I didn’t happen to get anything, but I’m sure the others have things that they need figured out.” he cracks a smile at the joke that emanated from nowhere. “I go by Thadeus, maybe after this is all over it’ll still matter.”
"well, perhaps one of us will survive to remember the names of the others. Carve 'm in a stone, somewhere. My name is Zorgax. They call me Zorgax the Brutal.
I'm all fine with resting before we enter the tomb."
Zorgax directs Trox, his ectoplasmic Warcat, towards Walay, who sniffs his location out pretty accurately. Then Zorgax dismounts deftly, his hawk still perched on his shoulder.
To Walay, Zorgax says
"So, Walay, you seem to be a cunning person. What do you say to this: You identify what I have here, and then we take first pick of the combined pile, before sharing with the rest?
Deal with me fairly and I'll deal with you fairly, alright? The paladin and his far-from-orc friend seem to be besties already. Perhaps we should have a talk with the dwarf, Thadeus, and see if he likes some of the items we found"
All Zorgax needs now is a "fine by me" from Walay to call Thadeus over.
"I am happy to bend my knowledge to identify anything that you have, and will certainly trade or gift anything that I do not have an immediate use for. Assuming of course that it won't be used to bring about my end. I have already determined that one of the items is not wholly what it appears to be at first glance, so even if I do have a good idea of something's function, we will want to be cautious."
Walay sets out the Amulet of the Planes, which becomes visible a few moments after leaving his possession.
"This trinket should enable a cautious and well-studied user to travel to any plane in the multiverse. BUT the crafter, either through incompetence or intentionality, locked the planar traversal so that it can only go to the Abyss. I have never been there myself, but I have read that it is not a place you want to build a summer home."
Gorthug looked at Zorgax suspiciously. There was one to watch. He had the look of a murderer if he had ever seen one.
To Walay
"The Abyss? I thought that was a place you send people when you kill them. As to using these items to kill you... Let's just say that's not my intention. I still harbor some faint hope that we can make it out together to destroy those who captured us.
But if, in the end, it does come to us killing each other, let's be sure to make it quick and clean, ok?"
3 swords, a couple shields, 7 potions that look like potion of cure serious wounds, and a small box engraved with runes.
"Would you take a look at these?"
Then, because Walay didn't seem to be opposed, Zorgax calls out to the other person he detected as chaotic, which, to Zorgax, translates to 'trustworthy'.
"Hey Thadeus, do you want to come over and see what you think? There are more weapons here than the two of us can wield at once, and you seem a pretty decent fellow"
Thadeus is deep in thought leaning on his greatsword in the group when he hears his name called and walks over the group Zorgax. At a normal voice “I could use some extra equipment, I’m definitely lacking it seems, compared to everyone else. ”
Rashed only folds his arms as Zorgax groans and mentions 'clear thinkers.' To Gorthug, he nods with a thin smile. "You have my word that I'll try to keep everyone from dying in their sleep, or waking. I need my rest, but I'd be happy to stand watch as you take yours."
Rashed bows his head slightly in greeting as each of the others introduce themselves. He frowns as Zorgax trots away on his ethereal warcat, and it deepens slightly when Thadeus walks over as well. But he merely folds his arms and stands waiting while the others go over the items they've found here. "Should there be anything you have no need or desire of, I may take a look," he says aloud, not particularly to anyone. He has what he truly requires already, but more equipment is always a boon... if only because it won't be in the hands of more suspicious characters.
Zorgax calmly puts away his falchion, and then hands over his finds to the (then still) invisible Walay. Once he's done with that, he gets his falchion out again. Not with any apparent intention. It just seems that he's quite used to having his falchion in his hands.
When Rashed calls out, he responds: "Fear not, holy one. There is an awful lot, here. Chances are good that you two will get something. All in good order."
Zorgax doesn't sound unfriendly at all. Clearly he has the idea that he's on top right now, or at least with the top group. And that seems to suit him, and make him more agreeable.
Then, he asks Thadeus: "So, what got you into this place? Do you remember being captured? I don't, really, so maybe you know something?"
“Well I had decided I’d do my best to drink myself into a stupor, after a failed incursion into what turned out to be a haunted mansion. After I had my night and went to bed I woke up being dragged out of town. I tried to break free and killed one of them, but then the other four jumped on me and beat me senseless. And now I’m here.”
He gets a distant look for a second thinking about it again, replaying the events in his head. “Seems like just my luck, no matter what, I seem to find only misfortune it seems. Whoever is doing this it seems is quite a powerful man.”
Heh... Bad luck is one way to call it. I was raiding for my tribe with my own raiding party. We were attacking an elven village, and elves are always tricky, so we went with both mine and Rograk's raiding party. Rograk was the son of the chief, and got to his position for being strong, instead of for being smart, like me. My group had been scouting the elves and we saw that they all prayed by dawn, so that was going to our moment to attack. Rograk, though, always attacked at night, and apparently thought that he should ignore my reconnaissance information, even without informing me.
The pointy ears had a fantastic nightwatch, and when Rograk spooked them, we weren't ready. We fought back hard, but we were slaughtered. Even my loyal Trox died."
Zorgax indicates the ghostly warcat next to him.
"I've no idea how I survived that. Or even if I did. Since then my recollections are limited to dark dungeons, some fighting, I believe, and dreams. Dreams in which my tribe's ancestors told me much, and reunited me with Trox."
Zorgax pats his ectoplasmic beast.
"So, bad luck, maybe... I'd rather think they're lessons of one sort or another."
Zorgax grins, and then adds
"Although, I must say I'd rather get through this lesson in my own skin, what do you say?"
sword 1: holy avenger
sword 2: bastards sting
sword 3: luck blade (1 wish)
shield 1: Shield of the Sun
shield 2: Shield of the Winged Eye
runed box: deck of cards
potion 1: Cure major wounds
potion 2: Cure major wounds
potion 3: Cure major wounds
potion 4: Neutralize poison
potion 5: Tongues
potion 6: Remove curse
potion 7: Poison
Identify Potion Number 1: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Identify Potion Number 2: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Identify Potion Number 3: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
Identify Potion Number 4: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Identify Potion Number 5: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31
After another 5 minutes or so, the image of a reedy looking human in dark flowing clothing fades into view sitting in the field. Looking over a potion, and giving it a shake to see how the liquid in the bottle responds to the movement. He seems to take no notice of the fact that he is no longer invisible, but does mutter to himself in a frustrated manner before uttering a few arcane words. His eyes flash purple as he resumes his examinations.
With a grunt he makes a small mark on the side of the bottle before setting it aside and beginning to examine a new one.
After a few minutes more he finishes his examinations and stands up, brushing the dust and dirt off of his clothes.
"Hello. So, yes. Some interesting things here. This box I think I will keep for myself. It is far too dangerous to trust in anyone else's hands. As for the rest..."
Walay procedes to inform the group of the various attributes of the different items. Discussing how the first sword with the sunburst motiff on the pommel would be most potent in the hands of a holy warrior of a good diety, the large ebon blade is equally potent in the hands of an unholy warrior of an evil diety. He explains that the short sword with the golden sheen is comparatively a less powerful weapon, only granting some increased accuracy to its wielder.
"This shield with the symbol of the Sun on it is a powerful artifact and another good addition for any of the good leaning members of the group. In addition to the standard protective properties it provides some energy and spell resistances and even grants the spell casting abilities of a mighty champion of good. Very powerful. One might be tempted to say 'praise the sun'"
"This other shield, legend says should not be here at all. Shouldn't really exist. It is another powerful artifact with a whole host of abilities. Long story short, it can prevent its bearer from dying by taking the final blow upon itself. Legend has it that when destroyed in this way it can be reforged, but the same legends say that it is currently in its destroyed state, with the different splinters scattered through the multiverse. I don't know what to make of it being here."
"The box with the deck of cards may seem innocuous, but as I said, they are far to dangerous for me to trust anyone with. They hold the ability to bend and shape reality for weal or woe, and it is impossible to tell which until you begin down the path. Had I the ability I would put them out of all of our reach, including my own. But for the time being taking them out of everyone but my reach will have to suffice."
"The potions that you found have various utility. There were 3 very strong healing potions, as well as a universal cure to poison, an anti-curse, and a potion to allow us to speak with someone whose language we do not understand."
Thadeus stairs at the thin human speaking trying to read his mannerisms. He’s seen this type of person before, it reminds him of a man who belonged to his company of soldiers. He always did think he was smarter than everyone, and that’s what made him so dangerous to everyone else.
”If we are done picking out the choicest loot and handing out the cursed remains, I’m ready to start moving. It’s mighty boring waiting while invisible men salavate over the spoils that others fought for.”
"Hardly a fight at all. In fact, it seems I was the only one amoungst us to end up with any kind of wound."
Walay points back at the flattened piece of dirt where the force blast went off.
"I am sorry if my disappearing act flustered you. My skills are more focused on avoiding conflict and diffusing situations, but I assure you I can pull my weight should the need arise."
With a flick of his wrist a long slender dark wood wand is in his hand. It does not appear to be very menacing, but he holds it like a weapon of power.
"It was requested that we rest here, and with this find, that's not a bad idea. Now keep your distance, while the adults handle things."
Zorgax knows Walay is lying, because he gave 7 potions, not 6. Also, he expects him to lie, because earlier he already identified his behaviour as that of a goblin.
Zorgax tries to gauge what Walay is lying about.
"you're lying to the wrong person. I could be your ally. Speak the full truth, Walay!"
He snaps his finger and the massive, ghostly Warcat responds, growling with saliva running
"Every word I say is true Zorgax! What I choose not to say is mine to choose. To the best of my knowledge none of these swords or shields will cause harm to those that wield them unless they are unfit to do so. For example, should someone like me or you attempt to use this Holy Avenger, the disharmony of personalities would be quite...unpleasant.
"If you don't like my answers to your questions then don't ask them. I identified these items as a favor. The dragons would say 'Jūs lūdzat par labu vulkāniem.'"
"And as for your pet..." Walay swishes his wand and mutters a few arcane words. With a slight puff of wind, his feet start to leave the ground. He floats up and back from the warcat and it's master, ending his movement about 20' further away and about 30' above the ground. "...he may have difficulty taking a bite out of something that he can't reach."
"Tell him to back off or he will be digging a hole to bury your scorched corpse. 'Vulkāniem'" The last word is said with a tone of warning. Walay holds his wand out in front of him defensively.
Thadeus backs away from what was a close group watching about 20 feet away and waiting to see what happens. As he gets away he casts a spell on himself. Afterwards he mutters a few words and points at Walay as descretely as possible.
”I could tell you withheld information, unlike Zorgax I was wise enough to know there is a place and time to talk about it like civilized persons. You did take the loot ergo it is yours to share as you see fit. As I can see, a man of your intelligence knows how to survive, and realizes that these orcs don’t like you. I will help you, if you help me, I know a survivor when I see one.”
He then draws his greatsword and leans on it, surveying what may soon be a battlefield.
Rashed frowns as tensions rise, and he steps between the half-orcs, turning his gaze from one to the other. "I do not speak your tongue, but I know threats when I hear and see them. Whatever anger is between you, let it go. Now is not the time for fighting among ourselves. Or would you play into the whims of our captors so easily?" The paladin shakes his head. "Rest is a fine proposition. It clears the mind and dulls cruder emotions. Although perhaps some space would also do us well."
Zorgax had a choice coming up. Cast fly on Trox to teach Walay a nonlethal lesson, or deal with the insulting Gorthug. It took him but a little moment to realize he cared about Gorthug's insults far more than he cared about a scared human wizard. With a grunt and a quick turn he swept into the saddle to charge Gorthug.
Walay casts shield upon himself and flies down towards Thadeus to have a quieter conversation.
So this was it! It was time to show Zorgax who was the more brutal. It was the orc way of things. Blood duels that often ended in death, but just as often ended with the two knowing where they stood in the hierarchy. Gorthug's holy symbol glowed, filling him with strength even as an ethereal crossbow appeared in his hands. He only had a few seconds until Zorgax was on him...
...three bolts slammed into Zorgax. Together it was enough to drop most orcs. But Gorthug knew not to be overconfident. He had learned his lesson before, when he had challenged his old chieftain. He nearly died that day, beaten into the ground by the chieftain's fists. The old orc hadn't even bothered to use a weapon.
Gorthug let go of the crossbow, and it vanished as soon as it left his hands. Almost instantaneously there was a greatsword in it's place.
Thadeus watches the fight eyeing the ensuing fight with interest. He had seen orcs fight before. He had fought them aswell quite a bit in his time with the army. He always respected their fighting skills, but thought that they wasted so much time trying to see who was the biggest and meanest. He looks on with a bemused look on his face and the fight for superiority happening.
He mutters to Walay near him, as he hefts his greatsword onto his shoulder.
“I agree one less hot headed orc would definetly be a boon, they’re both far to dangerous and agressive it seems to live with the other around”
After seeing the gorthug shoot his normally calm look changes a little as he feels an excitement build, he doesn’t know why but bloodshed always have him a rush.
“the question is who would be the better to survive, of the two? Both have their advantages. I think helping Zorgax may be in our better interests. He has more to offer than the other one”
Rashed also picks up the intensity of the ensuing fight and readies to intervene, his own blade sliding easily from its scabbard. The golden fire that danced along its blade has faded away, but it still gleams in the sunlight, the marvelous adamantine of its curved edge shining with sharpness.
Zorgax grunts with pain as he takes multiple strong hits. His mind hesitates but a moment. Should he go to ground and attack from hiding? But that moment takes only a tenth of a second, until the psychological trauma of recent events pushes him over the edge and he charges Trox forward, while Raz flies off his shoulder to make a dive at an opportune moment. All three beasts, for beasts they are all, have murder in their eyes.
Zorgax: Swift action to activate bane, free action to activate rage
Trox pounces in his charge, while Zorgax makes ready to add his own strikes.
Miss
A hit with bite means GRAB
I calculate your CMD to be 8+7+2=17. Even if I'm a little wrong, I think 35 does the trick. That means you're GRAPPLED (-4 to dex, and more, so your AC is now 27)
Zorgax hangs over Trox to cut down with his keen adamantine falchion.
Critical hit draws an AOO from Trox as per the outflank feat, which Trox uses to Pin
You're now pinned (no dex bonus, -4 AC, no actions except escaping. Your AC is now 18)
Raz dives down to scratch your face
Zorgax roars
You have a total of 7+10+45 = 62 damage, and you're pinned.
initiative for next round
Pinned to the ground, Gorthug snarled ”You didn’t beat me, runt. You’re animal did. As I said, fight like a coward, as only a coward brags when another does all the work for him.”
Gorthug spat blood as he glared. ”I submit to the beast, which is the only warrior I fought.” His blade was gone, vanished as it left his hand.
"Well, it looks like that decision is about to be made for us. Zorgax either wins this with a begrudging ally or wins this with a kill. Either way, I don't want him bringing his grudge back on me. Excuse me a moment."
With another wave of his wand, Walay once again fades from visual view. Thadeus has a sense that there is no longer someone standing/floating next to him.