ORCy Beginner Box

Game Master Luna C

Nestled far enough away from the bustle of Absalom on the Isle of Kortos to afford its residents quiet and some measure of independence, Otari has established itself in several areas: fishing (along with competent sailors) and logging. Indeed, Otari lumber supplies Absalom's endless hunger for the stuff.

More than that, though, for you, Otari is home--or maybe it's just where you find yourself right now? Children frequent the docks and the nearby forests--maybe you were among them, once upon a time--and the tales of grand adventure told in the City at the Center of the World (those Absalomians sure are full of themselves, eh?) inevitably make their way here. But today, today! It seems adventure has found you in this quiet fishing and lumber town. You've heard of troubles in the Otari Fishery, tales of beasts in the basement, eating all the fish--and, perhaps, soon the fishers!

You've received a letter from Tamily Tanderveil, proprietress of the Fishery. She makes a desperate plea for help, having nowhere else to turn--what scant guard Otari can claim for itself is protecting the loggers, and assistance from great Absalom a week away at least. Her plea is as desperate as it is earnest. Have you the courage to face the menace under Otari?

Diggou is a short, pale-gray orc. His pallor emphasized by his dirty gray robes. At his belt is an unused dagger. Flying about his head is a wispy... thing that occasionally repeats his words.

He approaches Tamily Tanderveil, and says, "Hello, I'm Diggou. I heard you're having trouble at the Fishery. Perhaps I can help."

[color=Pink]"I can help."[/color]

Grolugh steps up, his bright chain mail of Nine Walls design jingling. His olive complexion and curls of ebon hair mark him as a Matanji. "The Mother of Hearth and Wall calls us to work together, brother Diggou," he says with a smile. "I am Grolugh, a traveler from Holomog. I've seen your note requesting help. Please allow me to offer what meager services I may provide."

His heavy shield and spear do not look meager.

Risk enters the meeting, a bit Shorter Orc by standards standing about 6ft tall and more on the slender side. His skin, though still green looks fair and soft in comparison to other typical Orcs. With short cropped black hair and dark brown eyes, and ears that extend to a long point almost like an elves do. He is wearing Studded Leather with a bastard sword on his back as he saunters in with a swagger. "Greetings and salutations fellow brethren. I am Risk Zil and it appears by fate we have been drawn together here. I was just passing through town looking for some work when poor tamily here reached out." turning to Tamily with a charming smile, he gives a slight bow and says "Consider my services rendered, for I shall do what I can to resolve your problem."

Overjoyed at the outpouring of assistance from strangers, Tamily flashes you a smile, albeit one tempered by fears. Your presence has allayed the worst of those fears, that no one would respond, but still the issue remains. Her shoulders sag slightly, having encroached upon her ears from stress. She breathes a heavy sigh and greets you. "Oh, thank you kindly for responding so quickly! Yes, there's something horrible going on in the basement. Please help with whatever it is! You'll find the stairs over there." She points to a back room.

What do you want to do? You can ask Tamily some questions, head down directly, ... If you head down directly, I'll need a marching order first, please. :)

Risk speaks, "oh dear, I'm sorry you had to go through this. Is there any information you could give us about what has been happening? Knowing more about what we are getting into will allow us to deal with this post haste" giving a reassuring smile.

I'm good either second or 3rd, I have cantrips and anthem to cast but only 1 buff or debuff spell that can be cast twice a day. I'm pretty handy in close combat as well so just depends where our other casters would like to be.

Diggou is always in the back, possibly looking over his shoulder, but doing Detect Magic as his exploration activity.

Tama chimes in quickly as he runs in buckling his breastplate, Don't forget about me, Tami! I'm coming!

I am working on my profile, will be ready by the end of the day! ^_^

"Is there only one way in and out that you know of, for this basement? Are there any people or creatures trapped in there? Besides whatever is horrible," says Grolugh, trying to make his smile appear kindly.

"And, ah, what have you witnessed, of this horribleness? Sights, sounds? What time of day does it make itself known?"

Grolugh glances out to port. This place is out of balance with nature itself. Maybe an angry wood spirit?

Grolugh watches as Tama runs in, eyebrows rising. "Everyone here is an orc? Ah, or dromaar? Well met."

Second for Grolugh. Behind Tama, I reckon!

The Dromaar smiles a tusky grin, Well met! It looks like we all have 'the lineage', though I ain't known me parents. Was adopted by a nice couple when I was a lad... Miss Tami, what's troublin' you under the Fishery?

Tamily looks up at all of you, as you all tower over her, even sitting in her office. One or two of you may have banged your head on the way in. "Goodness, so many questions! Well, let's see." While thinking, she fiddles with a coin on her desk. "It's been going on for a week or two, I mean the food being disappearing or being eaten. Some bags and barrels have been ripped open or broken apart. Seems there's something really nasty downstairs. No way in or out besides through the back room." As she's answering questions, she counts them off on her fingers. "Well, I guess there's something or someone down there, I haven't seen anything come out, don't know if there's anyone trapped there. Everyone's accounted for in Otari! I've tried not to go down there very much since this has been happening, I'm sure you can understand?"

Still missing marching order from Tama, shall I presume you're going first?

Meat shields go first, once they are strapped in! Those are the rules!

"Back room. Hmmm. Well, either it snuck in, squeezed in, or slithered in from some underwater spot, or someone summoned it. So many 'S' possibilities," says Grolugh, ticking off one meaty finger at a time. "Ser Tamily, we'll investigate immediately. We'll go through this door; keep the back one barred."

He bows to the proprietress.

"As my colleague here said, we will deal with this at once. We thank you for your information, you have been a great deal of help." Risk says as he too gives a slight bow.

I think meat shield goes first too, but if for some reason he's got a different build than being immediately up front I can take front row too

Tama will happily go first! Shield out! What is the Exploration Activity? Defensive?

I think you have the highest perception as well so either scout or defensive in my opinion, but whatever your character would do honeslty lol

Tamily nods, smiling brightly at your enthusiasm. She brings you to the stairs down to the basement. "Oh, and where are my manners? Asking people to help without any recompense... there's ten gold in this for each of you."

You find the stairs down slightly cramped, though not impassably so. They creak beneath your heavy footfalls, though they do hold up--if they can handle people carrying barrels of fish and bags of food, they can handle a few orcs and dromaar. Four stone pillars support the floor you just stood on, between which stand four barrels. The smell of salted fish greets your nostrils, though it is immediately clear that all is not well. Two barrels stand smashed open, their contents ruined upon the floor. To your right, the east, you see a large hole opening into a cavern. The light fades in that direction. Those of you with darkvision will have no problem, but those with only low-light vision will need to do something if you don't want to be eaten by a grue.

Tamily didn't mention anything about a cavern, though her promise of payment which I totally didn't forget to mention serves as motivation to investigate. Still, you begin to wonder if this is beyond even that generous payment.

I have made the map visible and have placed your tokens in your stated marching order. Please let me know if you can't see the room in the center at the bottom, or if you can't move your tokens. You will also find the map linked at the top of every page in the campaign on the forums. I need one action from each of you before we continue. Grolugh, I appreciate the orcs orcs orcs enthusiasm, but I would like to see you update your status line to include stats like the others have, please. :) You can still be excited about being an orc, though! If you're not sure how to set up your profile, please let me know and I'll be happy to walk you through it. I know I'm being annoying about this, but even this adventure will run a few months, so I'd like to make things as convenient as possible for that time.

No worries--where there's a whip, there's a way! Stat lines made.

"Does anybody need illumination?" says Grolugh softly. "Also, ah, is that a new tunnel? I suggest we investigate the barrels and then the cave...together. Scouts tend to get eaten," he says in a chuckle.

I do Tama says thoughtfully, Don't have any free hands to hold a torch.

I think I may have some torches hidden in the depths of my pack, however carrying them will hinder me in combat should we meet any undesirables" Risk says while gesturing to his backpack

While he waits to see if his Torch is needed Risk decides to inspect the room they are in I moved my token on the map, I'm looking around but sticking fairly close to the rest of he party

Sorry, bud, when I can get the payday from this job, I can invest in a lantern. Maybe I can hang it on my belt or something? Tama says with a grin. This breastplate cost me a pretty penny, it did!

As Tama and Risk Zil Is it okay if I call you Risk? approach the eastern side of the room, they see--and hear!--what's gotten into these barrels, at least. Four chittering rats emerge from around the corner and rush the party! Normally not a threat for adventurers like you, these rats are as big as some of you! What's going on down here?

So. My first encounter (heh) with the rules as a GM immediately lands in an area of GM fiat. The rats are going to rush past you, Tama. This would ordinarily trigger your Reactive Strike, but because you haven't taken a turn yet, it's a little murky (Player Core pg. 436). I'm going to let you take that Reactive Strike if you'd like. Please let me know if you'll use it. We'll resolve that if we need to. That said...

The rats, alerted by the noise of four very unstealthy orcs and dromaar, were prepared and ready for the party! The first one scurries up to Diggou 2 Stride > and tries to bite him!

Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 oof, a crit!
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The rat's surprisingly sharp teeth pierce his flesh easily, leaving a nasty, painful wound!

The next rat scurries behind its littermate 2 Stride >and tries to do the same to Grolugh!

Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Thankfully, the warpriest's suit of chain proves more than adequate, as the rat's teeth meet steel and only result in a temporary toothache for the giant menace.

The third rat makes its way for Tama Stride >, and tries to bite twice!

Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Even if it cost a pretty penny, the breastplate doesn't cover Tama's legs, where the rat focuses, and its teeth find a mark! It gnashes a nasty hole in Tama's breeches, taking a bit of flesh with it!

The last rat takes the last unoccupied target, Risk Zil, skittering up to him Stride > and biting twice!

Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 So close...
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Only one bite manages to connect as the rat takes a chunk out of the bard!

A spattering of orc blood has made the floor slick and filled the basement with a familiar scent. How will the party respond to this offense?

The entire party may post their actions. I have updated the map, please take a look.

Diggou does not like this at all.

Diggou will summon a Skeleton Guard.

It will strike with its scimitar the rat just north of Diggou: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25for: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 slashing damage.

It will claw the next rat (if the first one is dead): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21for: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 slashing damage.

I should have my shield up, so a 20 AC. If that is the case, I did not take damage, right?

Defend Exploration Activity

Regardless...

Tama turns his attention to the rat on Risk and stabs at it with a measured thrust! Exacting Strike (Spear): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 If that missed, I do not take the MAP for my next attack.

And another!
Spear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Then pulls up his shield high and tight, angled for the imminent attack!

◆ Exacting Strike, ◆ Exacting Strike, ◆ Raise Shield

EDIT: Sorry, I just read Exacting Strike. It is a Press maneuver, so I can only do it on the second attack. Hoping that a 12 will do it. >.<

Exacting Strike

Risk says "Fear not brothers, but be inspired by battle!" and goes into a Courageous Anthem (+1 to hit, damage and fear saves for all allies in a 60ft radius) which sounds like a war chant. I also cast shield on myself and draw out my sword unless I can't cast shield with also doing Anthem. First time pf2e bard preparing for combat with the dastardly rat that attacked him Absolutely you can just call me Risk, it's only got my last name because the alias "Risk" was already taken

The skeleton guard shimmers into existence and hews the first rat in half! Not satisfied with this gruesome victory, it again demonstrates its combat prowess, its claws passing clean through the second rat. Two loud squeaks fill the basement as what's left of the rats fall to the floor.

In future, please provide the spell or ability you're using in combat; otherwise, I have to look through your character sheet to guess what you're doing.

You're right, Tama, my apologies. No damage for you!

Still surprised by the rats, Tama's first strike goes wide, hitting the rock floor of the cavern. The spear vibrates in his hand as the blow's tell rings through the room. The second strike similarly goes wide as the rat dodges quickly out of the way, almost stumbling into its littermate!

Risk, Courageous Anthem is a single action, Shield is is one action, drawing your sword is a single Interact action. This is all fine, but to keep the spells going you will need one Sustain action each next turn. It would make things clearer if you follow the narrative style others are using, interleaving narration with action declarations, using the specific kinds of actions listed in the rules.

A bit of advice, if you put the Map URL in the race field of your profile, we don't have to look for it every time. ^_^ On another note, if Risk goes before me on initiative, would that bump up my totals to AC 12 and AC 13? Maybe? ^_^

That's a good idea, thank you! You should now be able to reach the map from my profile. Yes, Risk's Anthem does boost your attack rolls, but it's sadly not enough. :( Need a turn from Grolugh and we can continue.

>.< Dang! ;p

Haven't heard from Grolugh in over a day, so he delays.

The two remaining rats focus on the unsteady warrior, unleashing a flurry of teeth upon Tama!

Rat 1
Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Rat 2
Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Bite! (Strike >): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11
Damage!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Even through this onslaught, only the first bite lands! Every single bite after that is a confusing, fumbling blur of fur and teeth and shield. He's ready for them after that first bite slips through his defenses, and none of them connect. Tama dodges and blocks so many blows it's like he can read the rats' minds!

The entire party is up.

◆ Command Skeleton to attack.

Skeleton strides, and then strikes with its scimitar + anthem + Fortify: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12 against the off guard rat for: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6 damage.

◆◆ Cast Electric Arc on the two rats for: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 electric damage. Basic Reflex Save DC 17

I'm afraid the skeleton can't move there--that's one of the pillars holding the fishery up. You can have it move around, but it won't be able to catch the rat off-guard. If you'd like to change your actions given this, please feel free. Additionally, if you're spending an action to command the skeleton, and two actions to cast electric arc (and I don't think you have line of sight for that, given the pillar), you have no actions to sustain your summon.

I'm afraid the skeleton can't move there--that's one of the pillars holding the fishery up. You can have it move around, but it won't be able to catch the rat off-guard. If you'd like to change your actions given this, please feel free.

Move to a different spot.

Grolugh lumbers up, his chain mail clinking and ringing. "Tama! By Wall and Hearth, be warded!"

He waves the arm not carrying his shield.

Stride 25', Cast Forbidding Ward. Tama has +1 to AC and saves.

Risk continues chanting his inspiring chant making you all feel amped up for battle sustain action for Courageous Anthem

As part of the lyrics, Risk chants "shields up!" and as the words are spoken a shield of energy shimmers infront of him towards the rats sustain action for shield

spotting the rat that not only bit him but also attacked his party member still alive and well. Risk is angered and swings his bastard sword at the rat!

Bastard Sword (1h)+anthem: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22 against the rat
For:: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9 damage

Diggou, can you please clarify your turn given what I edited into my post? Specifically, you don't have enough actions to do everything you've specified while sustaining your skeleton, and you can't see the rats to cast on them.

The chants of Grolugh and Risk fill the cavern as Risk cleaves the rat in two! Viscera and blood spill on his sword, on the floor, on him and Tama, everywhere. It's quite a mess.

Tama is up.

Not realizing that the supporting post also prevented sight, Diggou will instead move (to gain sight of the rats), and will cast Protect Companion

Tama will use his shield block reaction to reduce the damage by 5, taking 2 hp and 2 hp to his shield.

Tama gives two quick sharp thrusts at the rat before Risk! If it is dead, shift target to the rat in front of him!

Spear 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16 Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
Spear 2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12 Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

◆ Strike, ◆ Strike, ◆ Raise Shield

Current AC 21 (Shield + Forbidding Ward), hp 19/21, Shield Hardness 5 hp 18 (BT 10)

Diggou's spell girds his skeleton against threats as Tama skewers the rat all the way through! Nary 15 seconds after it began, the fight has ended and the basement is quiet once more--except, perhaps, for the heavy breathing of you and your companions. The rats lie dead at your feet, though not without inflicting some sizeable wounds of their own.

What does the party do next?

Grolugh moves up to the mouth of the cavern, raising his shield. "Do you think that rat had already been injured by something? Perhaps running from something."

He nods at the opening into the darkness--well, not so much darkness for his orc eyes. "We should be ready--whatever it is, it may appear quickly."

Peering into the passage, it seems to stretch on endlessly under the streets above that you walked scant hours ago. It's clear that four rats couldn't have done this on their own. What else could be lurking down here?

The passage descends further, into total darkness for some. What seem to be stairs precede a cliff with a precipitous drop. From his position, Grolugh can just about make out what appear to be mushrooms growing at the bottom of the cavern.

"Injured? Nay I think not. We orcs were simply to mighty for such a plain creature! Risk says smugly, but then gets a bit more serious as he too looks into the dark "But you may be right, perhaps we should prepare ourselves."

Risk looks around at the state of the party and says "Perhaps we should take a moment to rest up, most of us have some nasty rat bites."

How does the party proceed? You can delve further into the cavern, attempt to treat wounds, tell Tamily what you've found, something else?

Risk has made his suggestion already, just waiting on the everyone else's input

Diggou's skeletal guardian collapses into a heap of bones. "Pardon me while I refocus my attention while you all get healed."