GM Michael's Giantslayer

Game Master Dread

Phoenix flutters over the cart and lands in Katreza's lap, cooing softly to sooth his fragile patient's heart.

Shel speaks in a soft, reassuring tone to the horses in an attempt to calm them. The quicker they could get Katreza out of the cart, the better. If the horses bolt there is little they can do to stop them and they may well take her over the edge of the platue. She takes the lead rope and marches purposefully towards the Counting House, hoping a show of determination will convince the horses to follow her. As far as guiding horses goes, she knows little. Her own bare feet had always been good enough to get her where she was going. Her anklets jingle and rattle with each purposeful step. She looks around to her companions. They are all fighters. What use would she be in a real battle? Besides the ceremonial jewlery, her skirt, and her satchel, she is naked and unarmed. Unarmed except for her sling, which she has no skill with.

Shel fears she would falter if not for the overwhelming feelings of confidence she is receiving from her empathic connection with Phoenix for after all, who but a fool would attack a dragon in its lair? That most of the townsfolk would be there - in the highest and most defensible tier of the city - for the funeral, gives her some hope. They had the spring. They could probably hold out for months.

Nodding in agreement with Imara, "I think we should stay together too." Looking from Imara to the wagon, he shrugs. "I don't think we need to lead them. No reason Shel or someone can't drive the horses that's what their trained to do." Looking at the wagon he notices two things. First that Storm had sat down happily beside Katreza in the wagon: ears perked, tongue hanging out of his muzzle and tail wagging. Second he noticed Shell didn't have a weapons. Riding over to Kessen he calls out. "Kessen, give me a spear for Shel!"

After grabbing the spear, he rides to the wagon, handing the spear up to the half orc. "Here Shel, take this spear I'm afraid you may need it before were done." He gestures towards the counting house. "I'll clear a path for the wagon. You follow, just drive the horses towards the counting house." Not waiting for a response, Rory moves Thistle to the front of the wagon calling out. "Make way, we need to get this wagon out of here. Everybody move!"

In Discussion

Thinking a DC10 would suffice given the situation. They are harnessed to the wagon.

No need to Have Rory aid. Shel can take 10 and do it. Just trying to portray the chaos.

Shel take 10 on handle animals and follow Rory to the counting house. Everyone else either jump on and ride or follow on foot.

The Group manages to get moving winding the agon around The Commons through the crowd of out of towners. past the screaming and agonizing moans. Past the wreckage with the boulder within. They watch as Omast and Malcolm lead 3/4 of the off duty militia towards the Inner Commons. The see Halgra running out of the Ivory Hall, fully prepared for battle and see as she shouts sending the last 1/4 of the militia to battle stations before she heads to Kessen as he passes out weaponry to farmers.

As the round the commons, the Counting House a short distance away. seeing the stack of wood that needed to be lit nearby, they also saw a crowd of people forming up with a familiar face regaling them against the Half-Orc Population.

Baseil turns and leading about 40 humans with torches, rope, grain flails, hoes, hammers, and any number of normal tools that could be turned to weaponry.

There she is. She brought this upon us. She proclaims herself a seer, but no she planned this and lead them right to our weak points. shes behind it all. And there is one of her accomplices...Look at her parading half naked. its shameful I tell you.

He turns and touches his holy symbol saying Dont make me call upon Abadar's favor against you Rory. All we want is The two Half Orcs. They arent part of us. Turn them over and all will be well. Dont, and well...I dont think I like your odds.

All the while screams of agony could be heard. Signal horns sounded out codes to identify what was going on to the leadership of Trunau. Another wrenching sound of a boulder slamming into stone and wood within the township. A shout in the upper Quarter behind the Counting House. They are in the walls. Howd they get up here. Someone get Halgra.

another shout. I cant see them, where are they. Its too dark!

then the sound of battle.

A horn blown and the sound of rushing feet and Halgras voice above the din marshalling the troops.

Baseil continued looking stern. Ignore that. It wouldnt havehappened if we hadnt put faith in half breeds. we should have handled this along time ago. Well Im going to take care of it now. Death to the Race Traitors.

A chant that was being taken up by the crowd..

Death to the Race Traitors
Death to the Race Traitors
Death to the Race Traitors

Rydell tries to focus on the task at hand. Every inch wants him to run to the wall or a tower and fire into the oncoming orcs. His knuckles are white from clenching his bow. He moves to help with the horses, but as adrenaline begins flowing he thinks back to the last time he was near an orc raiding band. Not again. He is brought back to the present by Baseil.

would happen anyway. Orcs are Orcs... No time for this.

Rydell looks to Rory, Quick, light the log pile, seems we are stopping for a moment anyway.

He then approaches Baseil, as if to converse before pulling back and planting a firm fist right on Baseil's nose. Letting his frustration and anger out in the punch.

fist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

In the moment Baseil is distracted from the blow, he turns to glare and shout to the mob.
Any tied with the traitors are dead or gone! Your home burns down around you, and instead of fighting the orcs outside, you waste time doing this?! You do there job for them! At least give light to those fighting for your lives if there is naught else you can do! Every life lost from this farce will be on your hands! A payment I will see paid! Deal with this after the town is safe! Or are you too cowardly to fight!? He pauses a moment, looking more directly at Baseil, but still speaking to the lot. You want them?! You go through me!

Rydells anger pushed him on. Anger at once again feeling nigh helpless, anger the orcs for attacking, and anger at the traitors. This time, he didn't intend sit and watch. He was supposed to protect the town and its people and so he would. Even if it killed him.

intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Here's hoping.

Imara smirks as Rydell punches Baseil in the face. Well. He had that coming. She resists the urge to call out to Rydell and congratulate him.

Instead, she moves up behind him. "He's right. You're wasting everyone's time. Is this how you want to be remembered? As the idiots and cowards who attacked your neighbors and let your friends die? You might as well run out the front gates and sacrifice yourselves now, then, because you'll be hanged as traitors if you attack Katreza and Shel. Don't be any more stupid than you already are."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Rydell syrprises everyone with a fist to the Priest of Abadar's face. Baseil goes down to the dirt hard, in shock, looking up at Rydell.

The crowd looks at the Militia Member and is genuinely cowed. Then Imara steps up reinforcing Rydells words and min mere seconds, the crowd turns from Angry mob to quiet citizenry. The Chanting stopped, and the sound of combat draws their attention and soon they are moving en masse towards the fight.

Seems Halgra will get some much needed reinforcements.

His crowd dispersed. Baseil stands up and mutters something leaving with his tail between his legs for The Counting House.

Phoenix launches himself at the traitor's face the moment he shows it, but the tall half-elf clumsily stumbles into his flight path and the water spirit collides with the ranger's back. By the time he regains he bearings, the mob has dispersed. Dispersed, but not escaped. It took but a fraction of a second for Phoenix to memorize the faces of every coward and traitor present and he would personally see to it they face justice when the immediate threat has been dealt with.

Shel nearly spurs the the horses into a gallop when Baseil steps in her way, but Rydell quickly throws himself into the path of danger. There would always be weak parasites in the badlands looking to blame others for their problems. She is not impressed by Rydell's actions. A more permanent solution to Baseil is necessary. The shaman only shakes her head slowly as the mob disperses. "Should have let him and his cowards leave yesterday. Next they will be opening sally ports in an attempt to gain favor with the giants."

"Nice work, Rydell." She smiles briefly at her friend, having just been reminded of why she likes him so much and returns back to the side of the wagon.

Seeing Baseil leading the crowd, Rory frowns, looking from Baseil to where he was pointing, the wagon? Katreze and Shel? Was he nuts. Rory's attention is drawn to the shout of fighting within the walls. Then hears the chanting when Rydell tells him to light the fire. Trusting the others to deal with the crowd, Knowing that Storm would protect Katreze, Rory turns Thistle towards the nearest wood pile. Touching her sides with his heels she charges towards the wood pile, as he draws his flint and steel from his pouch. Stopping Thistle at the wood pile, Rory dismounts quickly kneeling and strikes the flint and steel to light the wood pile.

While he was trying to light the fire, he heard Rydell yelling at the crowd. Good old Rydell, he may be grumpy but his heart was in the right place. He then heard Imara encouraging the crowd,. He knew they would be able to handle it. As the fire starts, Rory turns toward his friends relieved to see the crowd had become part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

Seeing Baseil walking the other direction downcast, Rory wondered, did the Cleric have a bloody nose? He smiled watching as Rydel wiped blood off of his fist. Jumping back on Thistle he turned her towards the group.

Hopefully this goes as smoothly as I listed it. 50 ft is a single move action, is the wood pile further than that? Fast dismount, taking 10 (20), move action strike flint and steel? I have no idea how long starting the fire should take hopefully he can get it done during the two speaches.

Rydell glances to Shel. No time to deal with it now. We can bring Baseil before Halgra after the town is safe. People can do crazy stuff when they are terrified. I'd wager more than half of them will be embarrassed by their actions after this. If not now.

Besides, there was a tiny kernel of truth used to fan their flames and mislead.

Rydell watches Baseil leave, trying to gauge if the wind was properly knocked from his sails, at least for today.

sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

The Bonfire lit up; soaked as it was in lamp oil, soon shouts could be heard and the familiar sounds of crossbow bolts and arrows being fired could be heard. A shout came Theyve got a tunnel into one of the buildings I can see them coming out the front door...of the Veterinarians house.

Got it came a reply..and the shouts of metal on metal as combat was joined.

Rydell watched Baseil walk away...pride and ego filling every stride.

The Din of combat came from everywhere. Signal horns sounded all around Trunau. seems the town was enveloped and the orcs were coming from every vantage point.

They began to move the wagon forward to the Counting house. Another boulder slammed into the Commons behind them. The wagons of Ranchers and Farmers were crushed. Fortunately the people had left the commons.

A flaming boulder flew over head and landed somewhere in The Inner Quarter. Buildings were set alight and an orange glow could be seen coming from there....

Hearing the orcs had dug a tunnel, Rory wondered aloud, as he and Thistle returned to the wagon. "Do you think that's what the tunnel in the chappel was for?"

Motioning towards the Counting house. "Let's get this wagon up there and Katreza safe inside so we can light the other two bonfires." He then guides Thistle towards the building, clearing the way.

As they near the Counting house, he yells back, "Get ready to carry her in!"

"Maybe. I wish we had checked it out more carefully." Imara scowls and continues to move along with the wagon as it approaches the Counting House.

Knowing it's his place to do the heavy lifting, Ovril puts away the card that's been lingering in his hand ever since the confrontation with the priest of Abadar. With a heartbeat loud enough to give it a position of honor amongst the orc horns and other instruments, Ovril utters a prayer to Desna.

Cast 'Guidance' on Ovril. Within the next minute, he can get a +1 to an attack, saving throw, or skill check of his choice.

Lessie meets you at the door and the fact shes been crying is apparent on her face, but she has composed herself and is all business.

Yes Bring Katreza in. Ill get her assigned to a room right away and we will take good care of her. Baseil! She shouted. and as he came up, blood dried on his face, eye swelling up.

She glanced at him curiously for a second and said Take Katreza to my personal chambers. I expect her to be treated as if she were The Chief Defender herself. Am I clear!

looking a little sheepish, but a slight glare at Rydell Yes Priestess. and he and an acoylte led Katreza away.

Rydell returns the stare as Baseil escorts Katreza, a silent promise. He then turns to Lessie.

See that Baseil does not remain around Katreza. He would see her lynched as a traitor to the town. We already stopped his attempt once. I'd rather he not do something stupid. Again.

With that Rydell turns to leave. They still had two pyres to light, then they could help with the fight.

Once Katreza and the bastard of Abadar are out of sight, and Rydell exchanged words with Leslie, Ovril has his say on what transpired earlier. "I know Desna teaches us that violence is a spiral that tumbles ever downwards, but still, I can't help but feel you did the right thing, Rydell."

Lessie frowned. Ill handle this. Baseil is a good man and a faithful follower of Abadar, but sometimes his views can be ...narrow. I will handle this. Now go take car of business. Ive sent some Acoyltes to the Inner Quarter with some healing capabilities should you need them.

Katreza given over to Priestess Lessie Crumkin's hands The group turns to heading towards the Inner Quarter as another fiery boulder crashes into the inner quarter. As the group approaches moves along the wall towards the gate, they can see the ruins of the East Tower crashed down by several boulders. They can hear moaning on the other side of the wall of folks caught in the debris.

A Runner comes from Halgra saying Modification to your orders. Orcs have breached the Inner Quarter , light the bonfire and then secure the Inner Quarter before moving towards the other bonfire.

Fighting can be heard in all directions...and above the fighting now a deep pounding of a drum that sounded like thunder and chanting in an orc voice echoing through the night.

Shel dismounts from the cart, no longer needing it and not wanting to continue managing horses in the panic. With the few minutes that had passed since the start of the attack, some of the shock had worn off. She scoffs angrily at Ovril and the councilors words. "He makes the rest of us weak." She says flatly.

Phoenix hops past the group towards the inner quarter, clucking to draw them along.

====================

With instructions sending them to battle, Shel draws one of her scrolls from her satchel and picks three pebbles from Phoenix's treasures. Unfurling the scroll with one hand and holding the pebbles in the other, she reads the command words penned on the vellum. The stones in her palm briefly glow green before returning to their normal colors; one green, one yellow, one red. Storing the now blank scroll back in her satchel, she holds the three enchanted pebbles out to Rory. "Here. These will strike harder than normal bullets." She nods towards the halflings slingstaff. "Do not miss. These pebbles belong to Phoenix."

Rydell gives a shrug at Orvil. I handled it the most expedient way I could think of. I'm sure there was a chance it would backfire. But we didn't, don't, have time to try and talk reason to an angry and frightened mob.

As the runner delivers their new orders, Rydell can't help but let the side of his mouth turn up in a grin. He glances to the others.

Lets go. The more we can deal with, the less the others have to worry about. He then takes off at a brisk jog, relying on his elven sight to find the way in the flickering flames of war.

Different. I'm not losing anyone this time. Even if I have to face 100 orcs.

Having looked at the map I am editing my post

Smirking as Lellie deals with Baseil, Rory seeing Katreza was in good hands, calls to Storm. The young wolf perks his ears and jumps off of the wagon, while Thistle gives him a huff. Moving with the group towards the gate, Rory see's the runner approaching, listening to the new orders he Nods. "Bonfire, secure inner quarter, then third bonfire."

As they approach the gate, Rory pauses when Shel holds out the three pebbles. Nodding Rory accepts them rolling his eyes when the half orc says they belong to the chicken. Nodding with Rydell's statement. Yes, we'll do what we can, Since I can travel faster, if I get a chance I will light the bonfire.

Map is up, Are we rolling init? could you identify which icons are good guys and which are bad guys.

The Gates to the inner Quarter were still open at this point, not many guards here. Atop the towers were crossbow men firing off in the distance, and the furthest tower to the right held the sole remaining Ballista since east tower went down. The men up there were working hard to keep firing as fast as they could load.

The flickering firelight from the oil covered boulders lite the inner quarter with a dancing flickering light. The Bonfire to be lit was just inside to the left. Two Acolytes wearing clothing that identified them as From The counting House had stachels around their neck, and a light mace in their belt. They nodded to the group and one of them said If you go out there, we have healing here.

2 militia crossbowmen were loading their weapons and one man with a spear manned a barricade. In front of it was a killing ground. several militia men lost their lives here; but there were far more orc bodies laying around.

The Building behind the pile of prepared wood was destroyed by a boulder. There was no noise from inside as the residents were dead.

Those pounding drums could be heard coming from across the courtyard ad up, the orcs must have captured one of the towers on the other side.

The Spearman said They launched a boulder at the palisade edge where the lower quarter meets the cliff face for the inner quarter. They came up that 10' rise and someone from inside had dropped rope ladders from up here. They swarmed nd over powered us. Omast has several guards down by the gate from the lower quarter fighting them off there. The Portcullises still havent been breached. Councilors Agrit and Sara never made it to the lower quarter they helped fight off the rush. Sarah was knocked unconscious, and Agrit fled with her and Drogar, the dwarven Metallurgist to his house across the way. It doesnt look so good. Orcs are looting the buildings and Ive seen Vorum, Raiska, and Urnsul moving around over there. Along with a handful of human thugs from freedom town. I think Rasika went after Rabus, saying he was going to pay for insults of the past.. We will hold the barrier here for as long as we can. If you bring any residents back here you find, to help...we'd greatly appreciate it.

areas
1.-Gate Barrier to Upper Quarter
2.-Drogars House. Agrit and Sarah within
3.-Looters
4.-Looters
5.-Looters
6.-Captured Tower with Orc Leader
7.-Resident fighting off Traitors
8.-Rescue Rabus
9.-Orc Beastmaster and pets hunting residents
10.-Injured Resident from collapsing East Tower
11.-Central Barricade with Omast
12.-Looters
13. Wall and Towers with Militia atop
14. Gate to Lower Quarter.
---for you to decide where to go to first. after bonfire.

Rydell glances around at the scene. Unsure where to go first. Despite all his words, he was still ill experienced in battle such as this. As often is the case, he struggles with two minds. One to help the citizens, the other to head straight to the leaders. After several moments of inner conflict he turns to the others.

[b] We have to help the townsfolk. The largest threat to them at this time are the orcs hunting them. The traitors worst damage is done. [b/]

I vote we go to/deal with 9 first, then round up the survivors, dealing with looters and traitors as we go.

Shel looks out over the chaos in the square. Helpless farmers and shopkeepers being slaughtered. A tragically familiar scene to her. But this time she is not an equally helpless child. True there is little she can do herself against an orc, but she can bolster her allies against the evil invaders. She draws another scroll from her stachel, penned fresh that morning, and steels her resolve for the battle ahead. "I will cast this protective spell on you before we engage the enemy."

Phoenix crows a battle cry as his tiny chicken legs speed him towards the enemy.

9 is fine. Shel will cast Protection from Evil from a scroll on Rydel when we get closer to the orc beastmaster. Once we engage, I'll cast Bless.

Seeing the chaos outside of the gates, Rory only half listens to the spearman, he needed to get the bonfire lit people needed to be able to see to fight. The fire would help instill confidence that something was going as planned. Turning Thistle with his knees, he was glad he hadn't decided to ride Storm today, he was just too green still. Turning to the pup he told him, "Storm, heel, Storm guard me." Touching his heels to Thistles sides she bolted towards the bonfire, with Storm on the tail. Weaving in and out, staying away from friend and foe alike, Rory arrives at the bonfire, quickly dismounting he puts flint and steal to the oil soaked boards. "Come on light up! Light up!"

If it matters: move actions to bonfire, take 10 (20) on riding to quick dismount, then move action to light fire

Rydell is not a melee combatant. Much as I appreciate the spell, it may be better suited to Imara, who is rather squishy and a melee combatant haha.

Ill get a post up tomorrow kicking off Initiative. But in the meantime if anyone wants to add anything now that the bonfire is lit on the map...

Don't take too long or Phoenix will kill all the orcs before we even get there.

Rydell is not a melee combatant. Much as I appreciate the spell, it may be better suited to Imara, who is rather squishy and a melee combatant haha.

Then I shall cast it upon Imara. I made four scrolls of Protection so have enough to give to one person for a few fights... assuming the orcs are evillll...

The group hears what the Militia Spearman says and decides to go after the Orc hunting residents with animals first. they move out into the courtyard, they see activity by Rabus Bar to the left, with some Thugs just going inside and there amid the flames is a Orc Woman holding the leashes of 4 feral dogs. They dogs spin and growl at the group and she looks and combat is joined...

so You will keep this initiative throughout the running battle...remember you can move your initiative by waiting/holding your action. Next remember the distance between encounter areas is 4x the squares. so between you and the Beast Tamer is 120' to the first dog. (#2)... then once youre there we will keep normal distances. Cool?

Initiative Order Bold May Go
20-Rydell
19-Ovril
18-Dogs
17-Imara
17-Beast Tamer
8-Rory
6-Shel

It feels like the world is falling in around her. Everything is chaos! How can they possibly do anything? Imara feels herself growing lightheaded and realizes she's hyperventilating. She fights the urge to sink to the ground in despair. Where do we even start?

Rydell's simple, clear headed statement, brings her back to reality. I can do this. "I agree with Rydell!" She thinks for a moment. "When they get close enough, we can use the firewheel" Despite her fear, she almost smiles when Shel casts the spell on her. "Thank you!

Okay, I need to ask, if I have a range of 120ft, would I still need to move the 120ft to the "encounter" before making attacks? Or would say a 30ft move put me "close enough"?

correct.. move 1 square forward.

Okay, thank you. I wanted to make sure if I understood correctly.

Rydell jogs towards the orc and the dogs, pulling up his bow he slows to a stop and looses an arrow at the orc. Letting his anger focus him, zoning out the din of the chaos around him, he aims for the neck.

Aim small, miss small. Focus on what you can do right now.

longshot,FE,DA: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 - 1 = 27
damage,FE,Str,DA: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 13

crit?: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 - 1 = 12
additionalifconfirmed: 2d8 + 4 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 + 4 + 4 = 19

move 30ft, fire a shot. I think I would be within the range increment of the bow. If I am still a big dummy and misunderstood(easily happens for me) the distance, Ignore this entire post and have him run 60ft closer lol.

Ovril dips into his spell component pouch for a pinch of fine sand. He weaves arcane symbols and utters an ancient Desnian rhyme, pulling upon otherworldly powers to cast a spell of sleep on the orc's dogs.

Full-round action: cast 'Sleep' on the dogs, DC 14 will save.
Spell doesn't go into effect until my next turn starts.

Rydell moves along the front of one of the homes that was mostly reduced to rubble on one side of it, and fired an arrow at the Orcan woman. The arrow struck her in the neck, before she had a chance to react, slicing into her juggler. She dropped like a rock in a fountain of blood.

Ovril pulled out some sand and spoke an incantation, the sand swirled and spiraled upward moving towards the 4 canines.

The Dogs released from their masters hold rushed towards the party.
saves vs will DC14: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 121d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 51d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 101d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 and all 4 of them stopped and began wavering on their feet. Ovril knew theyd all fall asleep in a few seconds.

what will you do with the dogs? they will be out for 20R unless you do something to them. When they awake, theres no telling what they will do.

Imara is up and can decide where to next. or what to do with the dogs. The closest enemy is the thugs going after Rabus the tavern keeper.

Initiative Order Bold May Go
20-Rydell
19-Ovril
18-Dogs
17-Imara
17-Beast Tamer
8-Rory
6-Shel

Imara hesitates as the dogs stop and start to sway on their feet, eventually dropping to the ground. "Umm....are they dead?" That can't be right. It couldn't have been that easy! She looks at Ovril in wonder. "Whatever you did to them...they seem to be out of commission for now. Maybe they won't attack without their master? Should we focus our efforts elsewhere for now?"

She glances back and forth between Rory and Ovril, figuring Rory might have a better idea of how the animals will behave without the orc, but also knowing Ovril is the one that cast whatever spell knocked the dogs down.

If they're going to be out for 20 rounds, maybe we should turn our attention elsewhere to something more pressing.

Dogs asleep 20R

Initiative Order Bold May Go
20-Rydell
19-Ovril
18-Dogs
17-Imara
8-Rory
6-Shel

reminder of areas
1.-Gate Barrier to Upper Quarter
2.-Drogars House. Agrit and Sarah within
3.-Looters
4.-Looters
5.-Looters
6.-Captured Tower with Orc Leader
7.-Resident fighting off Traitors
8.-Rescue Rabus
9.-pets hunting residents---asleep
10.-Injured Resident from collapsing East Tower
11.-Central Barricade with Omast
12.-Looters
13. Wall and Towers with Militia atop
14. Gate to Lower Quarter.

vote for 7, 8, or 2. I'll go with whatever one of the others pick.

Returning from the bonfire as Rydell brings down the orc with an amazing shot, Rory sees Ovril working an incantation then the dogs drop. As he nears the group he calls out, "Well done Rydell and Ovril. We should put those dogs down before they..." Pausing mid sentence he hears Rabus cry out. "Blast!"

Turning Thistle with his knees, he calls, "Storm come!" Rory charges the orc. As they near, Rory point with his rapier telling Storm "Attack!" The orcs weren't the only ones with canines.

Looks like between 80 and 100 ft charge, so we should be good. The map is just large enough that it moves slow and the 'fog of war' makes it hard to tell which is the orc and which is Rabus, so hopefully were attacking the right person.
Charge: AC Rory 18 wolves 16 Attack Thistle/Storm: bite, Rory: rapier, storm has animal focus str
Storm: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 2 = 16 for damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 trip: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Thistle: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19 for damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Rory: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10 for damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Shel is shocked by the efficiency with which the dogs and their mistress are dealt with. The assassins in the badlands had nearly wiped the party out, as did the shadow rats. Before she knows it, all of the dogs and the beastmaster are down and Rory and his pack are rushing off to face the next threat. She follows after Rory, preparing a spell for when the group is gathered together again.

Double move after Rory. I can't control Shel on roll20, only Ovril.

Shel-dang I thought I fixed. that. hopefully its done once and for all

Imara turned and asked the party about the dogs

Rory spurred Thistle to attack The Thug going in the Tavern with Storm following up. Stotm rushed in snapping nd snarling and the Freedom Town Thug spun around, spear in hand. Storm backed away from the weapon, barely missing. Thistle being more experienced dodged the spear, grabbed his leg and tugged hard. The Thug fell to the ground. Rory stabbed him as well

Shel headed for the Tavern with Phoenix running as fast as his chicken legs can go.

Initiative Order Bold May Go
20-Rydell
19-Ovril
18-Dogs---asleep 19R
17-Imara
17-Thugs(x3)
9-Rabus
8-Rory
6-Shel

reminder of areas
1.-Gate Barrier to Upper Quarter
2.-Drogars House. Agrit and Sarah within
3.-Looters
4.-Looters
5.-Looters
6.-Captured Tower with Orc Leader
7.-Resident fighting off Traitors
8.-Rescue Rabus-------current
9.-pets hunting residents---asleep
10.-Injured Resident from collapsing East Tower
11.-Central Barricade with Omast
12.-Looters
13. Wall and Towers with Militia atop
14. Gate to Lower Quarter.

Rydell moves to get a clearer shot, though grimaces as the melee really kicks off and instead continues to run to gain a more advantageous position.

double move.

Left behind again, Imara runs to keep up with the others. I have really got to get better at this.

She double moves as well. Is the liquid blade still up? If not, she will draw her shortsword instead, so she has that and Brynia's Love.

Ovril huffs and puffs as he jogs after the others. Maybe he too should get a trusty sidekick slash mount.

Double move (60ft, or, 3 square on our map)

Ovril huffs and puffs as he jogs after the others. Maybe he too should get a trusty sidekick slash mount.

So did anyone else picture Shel riding Phoenix?

I said before that Imara double-moved, but really she's running, which I guess is a full round action. I think that's enough to get her within range of combat. She will stop about 15 feet away so that she can slow down and enter melee carefully next round.