Grok the Wronged's page

Well, probably for the best, no use trying to jam a square peg into a spherical piece of wood and all that.

Fare well.

I've been working on a homebrew setting off and on for the past 6 months or so, and if I pushed myself I could probably finish it (well, finish it enough to start a game) in a few weeks. I've never GM'd though, so I'd want to run a module or quick adventure of some sort from recruitment to conclusion sucessfully first.

Sunday Monday and Tuesday work for me, though I'd rather not use skype.

I could do a quick chat, we could accomplish quite a bit. I'm on eastern US time, and it would be easiest for me to be online from about 11 PM to about 4 or 5 AM my time, although I can be very flexible.

My condolences.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Cromwin, you go back to the southeast, past that house there, and I'll move east, we'll cut them off. Grok says breathlessly, before tearing off after the orcs they'd seen.

Where exactly were the orcs? I'm assuming that they were at the spot I marked on the map.

Right, they're not grouped up, so Cromwin can cut 'em down one by one and run away if there's trouble. Good to be on a horse. Grok grins at the large animal, surveying the barricade.

We should also try to repair this, though I'd rather attack while they're scattered. Hope they aren't all waiting behind the corner... Grok takes off at a run towards where they saw the orc disappear, drawing his shield but still holding his bow.

Grok jogs to one side, trying to get a better angle for another shot. He draws as he does, and takes another shot, hoping to get lucky.

As he watches his second arrow Grok pauses a moment, calling out loudly, Are you a friend of Trunau?

Grok whips his bow out rapidly, pulling an arrow as he does. He nocks the arrow and raises his bow, draws, and looses a shot before the foe can react. I hope he's not a friend...

Hey...DM?

I've picked up the gold and greataxes, so in that sense the answer is yes.

We're with you, Albar, don't worry. This is my friend Cromwin, who's lived here his whole life, got a knife round his neck and everything. His horse is the one back behind the barricade. Grok explains, still working quickly. We want that horse over on this side, to help kill orcs. Most of the ones nearby we've already killed, I don't think you need to worry too much for now. Barricade's not great protection without good soldiers to man it, either. Grok's voice is even and he looks at the man's eyes as he speaks.

Someone else should probably roll, I've got a -1 diplomacy and am a half-orc. I can roll for aid another though.

Diplomacy aid another: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

It'd be our only option. Hiding in the ruins'd not be a good plan, and I suspect they'd enjoy a night or three off to loot, wouldn't be impossible to escape, and it'd be real tough to manage to survive any other way. Grok doesn't sound happy, but he doesn't hesitate to respond either.

Right, let's go then. Grok says, heading back to the barricade. He pulls the crowbar from his pack as they move, looking to pry apart stacked objects to help Anvil move freely.

We could, it depends on how many there are. If there are many hundreds it's good to know so that we can gather some survivors and escape, and if there are only a few dozen at the gate then we could help to repel them before they cause too much damage. Grok looks back at the barricade.

There's a good idea though, getting Anvil over. Grok examines the barricade from far away, trying to determine how difficult it would be to hack apart the edge or build a ramp with an upturned cart or piece of wall.

I'm ready to move forward. I'd probably have noticed that dog, so that's the first thing to investigate, and we've got a few loose ends that I'm not sure we want to prioritize right now. It's a small town, not everyone's been brought to bear, the few of us arriving at the scene could have a significant effect on the battle, especially if we can kill their leader.

Right now I think the two things we'd like to investigate are the possibility of a ladder or other entrance into the upper levels of the town that has not been dealt with and the shadowy figure who we saw from the tower. I vote we ignore the shadow and keep an eye out for the secondary entrance as we move through the houses to the hopespring.

Do people think we should be checking every house and looking to gather survivors/chase off looters or going full speed ahead?

The way I see it, if there are no enemies in the houses, then they are probably evacuated since the town would have a procedure for surprise attacks. But if there are any people who stayed behind we can gather them up with the cleric we left at the barricade. If there are enemies in the houses, then either they are less numerous than us, in which case we want to attack them, or they are more numerous than us, in which case we need to know about them or they might follow us and kill us.

There was a cleric and some wounded behind the barricade, Grok gestures at the barricade with one hand, picking up his Falchion and sheathing it with the other, They should still be alright, and there's safety in numbers. Might do better to bring them here, if they can move. Grok's words are still flat, but there is a slight hint of disdain in them.

Perception to hear dog/orders to the dog: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Grok picks up the axes and gold, shoving them into his now quite full pack and shouldering it with a grunt. Better hurry now, on to the hopespring. We should check the houses as we go as well, and look around for that ladder, but above all we must move quickly to the front. Grok moves to the door as he says this, walking out to Davian and Cromwin.

Ready to go? We should check the houses, I think it's best if we make for the Hopespring, not far to the gate from there.

Yeah, it seems like you've got the people and their locations correct, but I think you're using the names incorrectly.

Unless anyone wants the greataxes, or has other objections, I'll add the axes and gold to my inventory to worry about later.

Thanks for your help, use his name Clarenston. Glad to see that you're all right. Grok looks vaguely concerned for a moment, what do I say...? and then Maurie is apologizing. Grok takes a step back for a moment, waiting until she is done.

As the man sets drinks on the bar, however, Grok feels the need to speak. Norrick's words clearly have an effect on him, and Grok glances out at Davian before speaking. Clarenston, the town needs your help. This is a well organized and large group of attackers with forces aside from the usual orcs. They have giants. Grok looks the man evenly in the eyes, face still stoic. Tell him what he can do. What difference even an untrained and weak fighter can make just by pointing a spear at the enemies and keeping us from being surrounded. Grok glances nervously between Clarenstorn and the wounded man on the floor, then up to Davian and Cromwin. For a moment, he is indecisive, but then takes a step towards the door.

If nothing else, Clarenston can bind him, we need to hurry. Only Ferria knows what the situation on the front is, and Ferria is the nervous one.

Grok picks up the gold and shoves it in his pack, We can divvy this up later, we need to hurry. Those are some nice axes as well, should hang onto those.

I think you may be confusing people's names, Norrick. The barkeep is Clarenston and the member of our party is Cromwin.

I can help him, but I'd rather save the wand if I can... Grok says quietly, still cleaning his blade. He turns slowly and unsteadily, leaving his sword on the bartop. Grok's face is flat, and he smiles with his mouth, not eyes, as he pulls down his pack.

Elberth. Grok says, tapping into the power hiding his wand. He exhales as the magic heals Clarenston, as though it has as much of an effect on Grok as the wounded barkeep. He should live now. Grok says in a neutral voice, don't say anything you don't have to.

Can you fight?

Grok looks down at the dead, face falling down in sadness. He shakes his head softly and kneels to look at the man he cut, who looks back up with defiant eyes. Grok steps over him gently, pausing for a minute before going into the tent with Maurie. Too many dead... Grok's voice trails off. His head snaps up at Maurie's words, however, and he goes to Clarenston, holding him with a hand. Never know what to say...they always died. You might not...die. Grok says flatly, before remembering that the man can hear him. Grok stands up but stays near the man, looking at him while he speaks.

I don't know about sellswords, Grok replies, looking them over. Wouldn't the town have more money than the orcs? And why wouldn't they surrender? Grok looks confused, and pauses for a moment, before adding, not good that they have allies, but we already knew it would be tough. Grok still sounds rather dejected. He tries to clean his blade by wiping it on his clothing, but finds it still covered in gore from earlier. Grok freezes, looking at the drying blood and not speaking. His sword drips slowly, drops of blood pooling on the ground beside the barkeep.

It is a long time before Grok moves, turning away from the others and searching for a rag at the bar. He hides his face and does not speak.

We already knew the town's defences needed our help. Best get these lads to surrender first. Grok looks determined, but also somewhat confused, unsure as to why the humans continue to fight on despite the half orcs having been killed.

How many of you are going to die before you give up? Will the last fight to the death? You could still live... Grok looks impassively at them, hoping they will heed his words.

But as they don't, Grok readies his sword, now pushing forward and attacking more aggressively, letting his ancestor guide him. It's a full orc. It will kill these humans...so will I. They are killers.

I'd go ahead and bot. We're not getting anywhere by waiting, and if you bot, then in the future the people botted will most likely be more enthusiastic.

Grok gives a blow to the exposed human with his shield, retreating as he does so that he doesn't open himself up to any attacks. The sound of Brin's song is loud, and the world begins to turn crimson, red flecks swirling at the edges of Grok's vision.

Landing solidly on his feet, Grok looks back at the others. Cromwin's down. Wanted to try to get to the house so we could get a better position, probably slow them down more right here. Grok stabs at the half-orc within the canvas, trying to finish him, but once again keeping his own safety as the highest priority. Grok stays at a good distance, utilizing his Falchion's ability to cut with the tip. Grok then steps up towards Maurie, trying to avoid the reach of the spears.

The red in the peripherals of Grok's view of the world begins to coalesce, an orcish form materializing to Grok's right, swinging an ethereal fist at the human nearby. Grok has no time to wonder, mind now fixed on delaying the opposition as he readies his shield once more.

I agree with the withdrawal, Grok's said what he thinks is the best withdrawal we can make. Not sure if it's actually the completely correct method, though.

Grok looks around, spears flying out of the canvas to hit his allies, Davian still far away. Best to pull back, I think. See if we can regroup in a more favourable position. Grok draws his sword as he says this, tossing his bow back behind him. He aims a cut at the legs of the orc attacking Cromwin, trying to kill it unexpectedly.

Maurie, I think you'd do better if you were about where Norrik is. Brin and Norrik can begin to withdraw and we will follow after. Saying this, Grok readies his shield and points it at the canvas, hoping to block lucky shots.

Always good to not lose your house, though not so good to be close to losing it.

Good to go on the 18th.

Wouldn't want to do that. Grok says, not sure of what to do next. They'd probably be able to cut their way out before it got too bad anyhow, better to kill the half-orcs and hope the humans will choose to stay alive. These last words are fully audible to everyone with the tent, Grok's intent clear.

Spears. Grok remarks, looking over the men. Rusty armor's not the sort you'd find in Trunau, I think. Grok keeps his shield up between him and the soldiers, trying his best to defend himself. None of them have ranged weapons, but they're going to outreach us if we stay in the door. We could withdraw, and see if they follow, or stand and hope the orcs close in. Grok is grim faced, ready as ever for more carnage.

Yeah, the site was being bad for a few days. I normally check manually anyway, so I didn't even notice.

If Maurie can see a torch nearby Grok can toss a litre of lantern oil on in a single turn. They could probably cut their way out. We keep being unable to burn people alive, despite someone always suggesting it. Gotta keep an eye out for any opportunity.

Right, if you've got a source of fire, I'll toss on some lantern oil and that will be that.

As he says this, Grok passes his shield back, letting go of it and drawing his bow. He uses his bow hand to hold open the tent and then draws an arrow, shooting at the first enemy he sees, then holding his shield back out.

Davian, be ready to reinforce Brin if they try to break out.

Grok keeps his ears close to the canvas, waiting for a response, and listening for footfalls. Better make sure they don't try to flank us.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Grok nods at Norrick, drawing his shield and holding it in front of him, he walks to the edge of the tent flap. You're drinking over dead bodies. Come out now. Grok sounds rather angry, brows furrowing.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Softly, to the others, Grok whispers. Everyone stay where we are and don't go charging in unless they've got archers. We'll cut em down in the doorway. Grok pulls out his bow with one hand, holding it behind his shield. Unless they're Trunau.

I think the translation is correct. Some linguists think that in two hundred years people in the US won't speak the same language as people in Britain.

If they are Trunau, you can reveal yourselves before the fighting starts. Even if they don't believe us after that, they'll probably surrender. Five of us in full gear and all that. Grok glances around, making sure they haven't missed anything.

I think we're about ready to go. Don't worry Norrik, I'm right next to you, and a bigger target. Grok keeps his eyes ahead, ready to engage any potential threats. I am wearing armor though. I'd go for Norrik if I were them... Grok takes a step forward, staying in front of the wizard, and drawing his falchion.

Right, I shall go first. Grok sheathes his bow, picked up from the floor earlier, one palm around the hilt of his falchion. Grok thinks for a second, then speaks to Norrick.

You seem like you've got a bit more confidence about you, probably do a better job pretending to be one of them than I will. You should ask them if they're one of the Twisted Nails, and if they fight for Grenseldek. Grok stands behind a house, waiting for the others to get into place.

Another thing is that it feels a little weird to move towards one of a variety of possible objectives. If someone else in the party disagrees, then they've got to follow me or split the party, or else we've got to retcon things, so I've been trying to wait until we get a clear majority. The other problem, however, is that if I make a post detailing how I move from one place to another, stop at the second place, and do something like talk to the other characters, only to find out at the next post that there's an ambush halfway through, it's a bit awkward.

Can you generally describe us moving from scene to scene once we've reached a consensus, Deevor? What do other people think about this?

I agree that he deserved it...it's just different to kill someone who's chained up. Grok looks at the floor for a moment, Not for everyone. Some think it's a shame to lose a nice plaything like that...no time for idle thoughts.

Grok follows Cromwin down the stairs, feeling his new armor just a little lighter on his shoulders. Right, that horse is quite strong. It'll be a big target for a boulder, though, one that's likely to be set on fire. Gotta charge in at the right moment. Grok exits the tower and heads south, towards where they saw the half orcs.

We should see about those folk down there, sounds of battle might draw out the rest, and we don't wanna get cut off. If they're allies it's best to join up with them so we can concentrate our forces.

Right then, we can do more extensive testing after the battle. Grok looks at the mirror for a second longer, then at Brin's eyes.

I can't see too far in the dark, and earlier when we were up there couldn't quite tell how things were in the main battle. Did see a flaming boulder come from behind most of the orcs though. Grok looks over the crushed corpse of Kagak. Probably not siege equipment, probably that Grenseldek he told us about. If we can kill their leader, maybe they'll flee, give us a chance to put our defences back in order. I think we should try to get behind them somehow, it'll be easier to figure out how when we're closer. Grok nods once.

Let's go slay a giant.

Grok watches Maurie coldly killing and Davian pounding away at the already crushed skull with a mute, unchanging demeanor. Wonder if he's angry. Does she feel anything by doing this? It's the right thing to do, and Kagak made it easy, but still...there ought to be something. At the least a feeling of power, like Davian's got. Was that really easy for both of you? Grok asks, voice neutral. Avoid conflict.

Powerful magic would explain Kagak's reaction. He didn't seem to know what it was, either, so I don't suppose it was brought here by the orcs, not with their knowledge, at any rate. Grok begins to pace anxiously. Can we use it for anything? We should at least keep it to sell, if it's not dangerous. Did it kill Zove?

Grok keeps eyeing the staircase, like he wants to leave. We should go soon.

The combat is good, exciting and gives a good sense of what is going on. I say we play through all of them.

I would, however, enjoy it if you botted a bit more liberally, so that things go faster. I understand if it's too much work or you don't feel comfortable taking control of a character, of course, but I do think I'd enjoy the game more if you botted people if they don't post within about twenty four hours for a given round. Do other people agree?

Grok's eyes widen at Cromwin's words. Indeed, I had thought it was just a figure of speech. We know that, and their leader's name, and that they belong to the Twisted Nails. Wish I knew who they are. Grok looks to Brin, and, hearing his reaction, takes a step back, eyes to Maurie for the final blow.

Has he never seen a mirror before? A true savage, not preying on caravans, but preparing for battle his whole life? Maybe not. One of us should take a look at that mirror. Grok folds his arms, waiting for the final blow to come from Maurie.

Grok nods at Maurie, relaying her words.

Grok stands up and takes a step back, looking around at the others. Well, unless there's anything else we want to try, I suppose that'll be the end of Kagak.

That was a good move, Brin, it seems like you're the good cop here. Grok's not really the bad guy, I suppose that's Davian, though Davian doesn't speak orcish, unfortunately.

I think we should definitely kill Kagak before we leave, letting him live endangers the town, because even if the probability of him escaping is low his friends might find him and help him out. After we finish interrogating him we can examine the mirror, which I think we should at some point do.

I agree, Maurie. Better to try to coerce him.

Gok watches carefully, noticing as Kagak opens his mouth and leans forward to bite. Brin! Grok shouts, trying to call his attention towards the threat. Stepping forward, Grok grabs the orc's face and pushes it back into the wall, holding it by the ears. Looks like that didn't work... Sorry Brin...don't mean to contradict you, but there's gotta be something more. You better have something more to tell us, for your own sake Grok growls, loud enough for the other members of the group to hear. Grok leans back, letting Kagak go and placing a hand on the dagger at his belt.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

That seems like a good idea, someone who has ranks in that skill should definitely do that.

Very well, Grok says, looking rather uncomfortable. He is silent on the way down, helping to carry Kagak down the winding stairs and into the manacles on the wall.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Grok stands for a moment, looking at Kagak as he makes his threats, not responding to them. He looks over the others, hoping they look back at him. Going to have to deal with this for a bit. I wonder about that, Grok replies, turning back to Kagak.

Grok folds his arms and waits patiently. If you've got more of that persuasion magic, Brin, it's be quicker to use that, though perhaps unnecessary. The alternative is to try some pain, though that might not be the most effective against an orc.

I can see now why you think we should talk to Kagak before proceeding, but I still think we don't have time. Whatever it is, we wouldn't be able to prepare for it anyway. Grok thinks for a moment, pulling off his mail and cracking his back for a moment.

Any chance we could fight whoever it was? I don't have much experience with something like that, but it sounds like it'd have to be a powerful spellcaster. Not much we could do in that case unless we catch them off guard, which can't be too likely. Grok now puts on Kagak's much nicer mail. It has a belt, which helps to redistribute the weight nicely towards his waist. I say we leave him manacled to the wall, unconscious, with little chance of his allies being able to heal him properly if they find him, and do what we can to win the battle.

I suppose it's true that there might be something which could prove useful soon. Not waking up though, that's for sure. Grok nudges Kagak with his foot, demonstrating the point. Mostly worried about what happens if we win but lots of them get away, or if there is another group out there Kagak knows about.

I believe we can in fact wake him up immediately by using a charge from the wand of CLW.

Grok takes seven scrolls and stacks then neatly in a small pile. Don't recognize any of those, probably magic, eh Davian? Grok looks back and forth between the two of them for a second. Picking up the stick, Grok concentrates for a second, trying to see if there is any power within it. After a second, however, he remembers, gotta be a special word to activate it. Kagak will tell us later. Grok then places the wand with the other magical items, sliding the thunderstone along as well.

A few feet to the side, Grok lays out five throwing axes, as well a larger, longer axe which looks very well made. That's a good weapon, that, split skin like a razor. A bit small for me, but about the size of your warhammer, Cromwin. Might wanna consider it, good pairing with a shield and all. Grok then places a small metal shield, also very well made, beside this pile. Crossing back to Kagack, Grok finds a small vial of liquid, which he places in the magical pile.

Finally, Grok moves the drums to the middle of the floor, standing back. Not sure I can think of a use for those. Maybe to disguise ourselves as one of them as we approach, take em by surprise, that sort of thing. Maybe we can drum them now, see if any nearby orcs come running, or we could drum it as we walk through the streets, and then they'd definitely perk up. Make us a big target, though. Grok looks unsure, and steps away from the drums. Kagak's wearing a nice suit of mail, much better tailored than mine, would fit me quite well too. Anyone mind if I take it? Grok looks around at the others, not sure if they will object. My own armor's covered in blood anyway, and it won't take a minute to put on.

Finishing his summary of the gear, Grok removes Kagak's armor, leaving the orc bare, looking smaller and weaker.