Orlan's page

If you're ready to come back in, there's a part coming up you may enjoy.

I've been keeping up with my other PbP games, but in truth...I shouldn't. Our newborn will be here any day now and I'm only 40% done with my adventure writeup. So, nose to the grindstone. I just hate that I'm missing out on such a fun story.

Meanwhile, back at the Spires...

For DM:

"Any objections ta tha' plan?"

"I be thinkin' Torag will smile upon our layered defense," Orlan agrees.

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There is 1 third level priest.

...of Torag, hopefully? Or one of the other traditional dwarven deities?

It would really suck to have a Kannonfodder priest of Asmodeus right about now. ;-)

I look around to see what others think concerning strategies.

"Fer the defenders, that be makin' sense," Orlan agrees, "If'n the orcs are comin' out o' Belkzen, they're unlikely ta be comin' around ta the other side o' the Spires. So holdin' the bridge should be the first line o' defense."

Orlan tugs his beard for a moment as he thinks further.

"O'course, those orcs be pullin' a variety o' siege engines with'em, too," he states, "So any defenders tryin' ta hold the bridge stay vigilant in case they try ta smash it or set part o' the bridge afire behind 'em ta cut 'em off from retreatin' back inta the Spires. As long as some others stand ready with ropes and the means o' puttin' out such flames back at Toragspire, they should be able to support an organized retreat, though."

The dwarf reaches out and taps the part of the map near the Caves of Chaos and where he fought the orcs straggling behind the group Manfred and Ovirid faced.

"What about here, cousin?" he asks, "Fer the group venturin' out o' the Spires ta seek out the orcs, this would seem the place ta be findin' more o' 'em. And, if'n we've got an interest in helpin' Kerrigan defend his keep...and helpin' ourselves at the same time...I reckon we better be sendin' someone that way to strike and harry those orcs long before they march on the Spires."

Any questions about this map?

I assume north is "up" and west is the "left" side of the map?

I then hunt up Orlan to see if he can be making a map of where he met the orcs as well...

"Sure'n I can be makin' a map, cousin," Orlan agrees as he excuses himself from the company of the older dwarf, "Yuh might be wantin' ta ask Quarrel 'bout any places he might've noticed the orcs as well. He was the one that let me know where he'd seen the group I found."

The old man pauses for a full minute staring at Orlan and then asks, "We've found our king. Is he yours as well, or is he a cousin only?"

"He be both," Orlan smiles, "Family and liege. An' Torag willin'...he'll wear that crown long and well."

A final rousing cheer from most of the assembled dwarves and sustained applause. Two of the older dwarves seem less enthusiastic. One makes his way over to Orlan.

Orlan proudly tucks away his throwing hammer and grins at Klyndak from across the room as he folds his arms across his armored chest. 'That ought to rally the troops,' he thinks.

Out of the corner of his eye, he notices the approach of the older Kannonfodder. He nods respectfully at the longbeard and reaches out to shake the dwarf's hand in welcome to the Spires.

"Aye...I be vouchin' fer this one," Orlan nods toward Quarrel and eyes down the suspicions of Kelborn and the Kannonfodders.

"An' while I be appreciatin' the lad's attempt ta apply some logic o' defense and warfare," the dwarf continues, "I be trustin' in the faith o' Torag the Great Strategist ta bless both the defense o' these Spires an' a foray outside its walls ta chase down the enemy."

"We also have allies in the valley," Orlan states, "Lord Kerrigan is preparin' ta defend his keep, while also hopin' we can whittle down these orcs 'fore they arrive at his doorstep. An' I say why stop there? Why don't we show these humans in the lowlands what real dwarves do when faced with an orc horde? I say we cut'em all down. I say we wipe'em out and show Kerrigan just how strong an ally we dwarves can be in these lands."

Orlan looks around at his assembled kinsmen with pride.

"Before yer arrival," he explains, "We were set ta defend the Spires ta the bitter end lest they fall inta orc hands. But now that yuh're here, Torag has presented us with a greater opportunity. Now, we can protect our home and take the fight straight ta the orcs. We've got us a foothold in the halls o' our ancestors. An' we're not givin' it up...not ta beasts, not ta manipulative men like Sarpis, and most certainly not ta a bunch o' orc knuckledraggers!"

He pauses for effect and then gestures toward Klyndak with his throwing hammer. "There be yer king!" he intones, "An' he be ready ta smash these orcs from the mountains an' teach 'em a lesson they'll never forget! Ta do it, he needs some o' yuh ta hold these Spires 'til he returns. Yuh need ta consolidate our gains. Improve the defenses o' the Spires. An' be prepared ta welcome back yer victorious brothers when we come marchin' home!"

Orlan looks around once more and then bellows to the rafters, "Now who's ready ta reclaim the birthright o' our ancestors...no longer the Hammerfoes and the Kannonfodders...but now fully become the Foehammers and the Canyonfathers?!"

Orlan rushes forward a half-second behind Manfred. His eyes widen at the sight of Sarpis disappearing. And he casts about as if he'll somehow sniff the Guildmaster out of the air.

"Sure'n he's gone an' turned hisself inta a whiff o' smoke like that would-be goblin-king," the dwarf grumbles.

Next, Orlan's eyes fall on the Duke-of-Fat-All-Nothin'...

He points with his throwing hammer at the man. "What be the meanin' o' yer visit here with the likes o' Sarpis?" he demands. It's clear from the tone of Orlan's voice, he's simply looking for something physical to lash out at with his mounting frustration.

Ovirid would probably have been near the throne. Unless you think otherwise, roll for initiative.

Nope. Orlan's back towards the exit. He's the rear guard rather than the King's bodyguard-by-the-throne for this encounter. So, he's probably too far to properly react, despite his misgivings and innate distrust of Sarpis.

Manfred, Ovirid, and Yin, having paid close attention to Sarpis thanks to the 'detect evil'. Have a chance if they roll a high enough initiative. Initiative and actions?

I assume Orlan is excluded from such an opportunity? He has a throwing hammer at hand, but Sarpis may be out of range for him to make a move in time anyway.

"Are ye 'avin' any questions fer the guildmaster, cousin?" I ask Orlan, "Ye are knowin' more about the situation at Kerrigan's than I."

"Well, I'll admit ta bein' curious as ta why the good Guildmaster would be pullin' up 'is stakes an leavin' the Keep all suddenly," Orlan admits, "Have yuh fallen outta favor with Lord Kerrigan, perhaps?"

Then Orlan gestures towards the Duke-of-Fat-All-Nothin'...

"An' I also be wonderin' how yuh came by retainin' this fella over here," the dwarf adds.

"So as ye cannot deny sendin' a spy 'n as ye are forced ta admit ye 'ad everythin' ta do wit' tryin' ta spy on us, per'aps ye could be tellin' us what ye 'oped ta gain from it 'n why these good dwarves should not be tossin' ye out on yer 'ead."

Orlan emphasizes his cousin's point by casually tapping the throwing hammer against the open palm of his gauntleted hand.

"Lord Orlan! I was hoping to meet you here. I have much to discuss about trade possibilities with your King Klyndak. Will you give me a tour of your spires after I meet him?"

"That be dependin' on what the King decides," Orlan noncommitally answers the weasely guildmaster, "He may have other plans in mind."

The dwarf keeps his throwing hammer in hand as he 'escorts' Sarpis to the Thronespire and before Klyndak. Even he's somewhat startled and surprised, however, to see so many additional dwarves already there. Inwardly, he's quite pleased, though...content in the knowledge that Sarpis won't see the Spires quite as empty as they otherwise would have looked with such a meager party in possession of the stronghold.

"Yer Majesty," Orlan bellows in a loud voice to cut across the din of so many dwarven conversations in the throneroom, "I be presentin' Guildmaster Wain Sarpis." He glances over at the Duke-of-Fat-All-Nothin' after usurping the newly-acquired herald's duty. And then his eyes also look around to see if he can pick out Kelborn in case the lad's word might be necessary to counter Sarpis' claims.

The guildmaster reaches the top of the stairs and before coming into view of the door calls out to Dofan in a loud whisper, "Boy. You may announce me now."

Orlan draws one of his throwing hammers.

"Well, now...I ain't been called a 'boy' since I was small 'nuff ta be pushin' rocks off'n the hills onta muh cousin's head," the dwarf responds, "But I'll be happy ta 'nounce yuh if'n yuh like."

Orlan raises his hands as if there's an imaginary host gathered in the silent breezeway from the portcullis.

"B'hold," he loudly proclaims to no one, "Yon be comin' the very winded Guildmaster o' Kerrigan's Keep and b'yond. One Wain Sarpis. He who seizes ever' opportun'ty ta make a coin, no matter how shady the circumstances. And he who also sends spies inta the midst o' those who've done him no wrong."

"I'm afraid yer herald proceeded inside without yuh," Orlan finishes, "But I figgered I'd stay here an' give yuh a greetin' befittin' yer status. King Klyndak already be advised o' yer arrival. I'll be escortin' yuh ta his throneroom fer a proper introduction."

"Ah yes, the guildmaster....Be bringin' 'im ta the throne room cousin. The throne will be keepin' 'im 'onest."

"Ahhh...that be a great idea, cousin," Orlan agrees. He cracks his knuckles for emphasis. "I'll be bringin' 'im there straight-away." Then, the dwarf takes up a stand outside the gates next to the portcullis to await the Guildmaster.

"But Guildmaster Sarpis should be here any minute ... if he survives the climb."

"If'n yuh'd like, I'll be happy ta stay and greet the Guildmaster, cousin," Orlan offers, "Unless'n yuh want ta establish yer own presence with 'im. If'n it were me, however, I'd just as soon speak with Sarpis outside o' the Spires. There be no need fer an opportunist like 'im ta be snoopin' 'round the place and learnin' anymore o' us than we want 'im tuh."

Knowledge (local) check untrained with +2 bonus for ancestral knowledge of the Spires... 1d20+1+2 = 12

At sight of the spectre, Orlan draws his axe and interposes himself the ghost and his liege. "Stand back, cousin!" he assures Klyndak, "I'll be handlin' this with the full might o' Torag ta affect the undead!"

"Aye 'n this is an unexpected visit...ation," I say, not used to being greeted by the spirits of ancestors long departed....Not quite sure of the proper protocol on greeting a dead dwarf, I decide to simply use the greetings one would use for a live dwarf.

"Hunh?!" Orlan looks back over his shoulder while holding off the ghost, "What're yuh daft?" He looks back at the ghost and narrows his eyes. "Yuh'll be lettin' go o' yer hold over the King o' the Spires or I'll call down Torag's holiness ta smite yuh back ta the grave!"

The vision turns, salutes with its mug beaming proudly, and then fades.

"Hunh!" Orlan grunts, "Well, maybe that be drivin' him off fer now. And I can't say as I'm not a bit unnerved by the thought o' our ancestors continuin' ta haunt the Spires like this..."

"I don't suppose anyone is after 'avin' a map o' the area wit' which we can be plannin' a strategy," I say with a grin, "Its 'ard ta be knowin' exactly what we want ta be doin' wit'out bein' able ta see the lay o' the land."

"At least one o' these Spires has got ta be providin' a view o' the land," Orlan responds, "Maybe the throne'd be knowin' where the best lookout spot would be?"

Happy Easter.

Ooooh! I found an Easter egg over here! Yaay! And mine has some sweet candy inside. Very flavorful. Thank you. But really, the candy heart with "Be Mine" on it is probably going a step too far. ;-)

"It would be bein' nice ta 'ave some kin ta be leavin' ta 'old the spires. Still if wishes were geese, we'd all be sleepin' like kings, eh?"

"I reckon we took the Spires back once already," Orlan agrees, "Even if somethin' does dare ta try and make a home here while we be gone, we sure'n should have the will and the might ta be takin' it back again."

He mulls something for a moment and then suggests, "I don't s'pose that all-knowin' throne o' yers might have any suggestions fer how ta secure the Spires if'n we do set off ta find more o' these orcs?"

"Oh-ho me lads," I laugh, "Kerrigan is wantin' us to be stoppin' these orcs fer him. Which does raise the questions o' how serious they are on takin' these spires afore they be 'eadin' ta the fort 'n 'ow many o' them are there?"

"Hunh!" Orlan mutters, "A dozen in the band I found, eight for these folks, and two siege engines b'tween 'em. All carryin' the same sort o' rings. There be someone tryin' ta move inta the area. And it ain't just us and our kinsmen. They appear ta be usin' these orcs ta test our mettle."

Then the dwarf spits with some measure of mild disgust. "An' rather than face it full on, Kerrigan's tryin' ta hedge his bets," he surmises, "By havin' us take on the orcs first, we either take 'em out and use up our resources ta do it without him havin' ta risk anything o' his...or, we fall ta the orcs while whittlin' them down a bit so his men can finish the job when they finally do face 'em at the keep. An' then he can lay his own claim ta the Spires and its treasure now that we've cleared most o' it out fer him. He's a cagey one, that Kerrigan."

"But I be seein' this as an opportunity anyway," the dwarf goes on, "If'n we establish ourselves as a force in the mountains, it'll earn the respect o' Kerrigan's people as well as any orcs that be thinkin' they can just march inta the Mindspin Mountains and claim if fer their own. Between our blades and magic...as well as the combined blessin's o' Torag and Gorum...I'm confident we can find the source o' these orcs and cut it off 'fore it can even gain a foothold in this territory. We don't just need ta be sittin' here waitin' fer 'em ta come ta us. If'n I can find a dozen and slay 'em all on muh own, imagine what we could do t'gether?"

"Hmm, would you be needing of any assistance, madam? I have some skill in the magical arts and two heads are often better than one. Unless, of course, you are an ettin."

Orlan seems slightly more hesitant to hand over the amulet once Kelborn offers his assistance in examining it. But, eventually, he presses it into Yin's hands with a whisper of advice. "Don't be lettin' it outta yer sight with that one around," he tells her. As he pulls away, he says more loudly for Kelborn's benefit, "And don't be smeltin' it down or nothin' with yer fiery spells now."

I'm loving it as well! It's really convenient that I'm rolling so low (and that Kelborn is so bad at lying), as I feel this creates a better story!

I totally agree! And it gives me even more fodder to play up the typical distrust that's a part of every dwarf's nature when it concerns non-dwarves. Plus, Orlan has the added responsibility of seeing to his King and cousin's safety. It just all fits together way too nicely. We couldn't script these Bluff vs. Sense Motive checks any better if we tried. :-D

"With these new arrivals, I am feeling more confident in our chances. Though, I admit, I would prefer not to do battle with a horde of orcs, I now feel that our chances have elevated from 'suicidal' to simply 'exceptionally risky'....You need not fear, I shall fight to the last for your cause."

Sense Motive check... 1d20+5 = 12

"Indeed," Orlan states, "That be mighty noble o' yuh ta be so commited ta our efforts."

But, despite his words, the dwarf's distrustful eyes keep their piercing gaze on Kelborn until Yin finally interrupts.

Yin can't help but giggle a little as she listens to Kelborn speak. "Oh, but the situations that are deemed 'suicidal' by most are often the most fun!" She declares certainly, a bright excited spark in her eyes....She quickly settles however, the sudden burst of energy subsiding as she looks to Orlan. "Would you like me to look at that magical jewelery you found whilst you boys do some planning?"

"That be soundin' like a fine idea ta me," Orlan slowly draws out the words, while still regarding Kelborn as if he half-expects the rogue to disappear into the shadows and out of the Spires as soon as he turns his back.

OOC: Is it just me or is it hilarious that Orlan seems to beat every Bluff check Kelborn attempts when lying about his allegiances and devotion to the dwarven cause? I keep chuckling my way through these developments...

"And you as well Milord Orlan! You are all a sight for sore eyes. We have dispatches for you from Lord Kerrigan and some mail as well. Yin should be along momentarily. Give me but a moment to see to the horses and we may sit down and discuss this in more detail. Sir Ovirid, you saw those contraptions better than I did, perhaps you could sketch them for Milords Klyndak and Orlan; find out what kind of threat they could be."

"Dispatches, hunh?" Orlan nods, "Good. 'Bout time we heard somethin' back from Kerrigan...assumin' those treacherous bandits made good on their promise ta warn him 'bout the orcs." He then turns to regard Ovirid, curious to know more about the 'contraptions' mentioned by the knight.

"It's fer bein' a pleasure t' meet ye again, Lord Orlan. From what yer sayin', Ah'm fer guessin' 'r news isn't new t' ye. After we told Lord Kerrigan 'bout th' threat t' 'is keep, we 'eaded up 'ere wit' 'is blessin' t' warn ye. 'ow many 'ave ye seen? We turned back a crew o' eight. Sir Manfred 'ere nearly did it 'imself, but 'e left me a couple." He winks at the young knight with a grin.

"I tracked down a dozen or so along the mountain trails ta look inta the claims o' some bandits that orcs had come ta make war," Orlan says, "I left none drawin' breath afterwards and burned their bodies on a pyre made o' the siege engine they be pullin' with 'em. It be good ta hear yuh've cut down a few yerselves. Well done, lad...well done. And it sounds like Kerrigan be knowin' the threat as well. If'n he's of a mind ta join forces in repellin' the orcs, we might want ta be considerin' that."

"Lady Yin..." he looks around to see if he's about to get fire-bombed for the slip, "As fer th' lass, she's aright behind us. She seems t' be mighty thoughtful on the stair. Mayhap she's fer missin' someone, but she wasn't fer tellin' me."

"Ahh..." Orlan nods sagely, "She be missin' her elflin' friend, I imagine."

He looks to the others, "Ah'm fer guessin' ye t' be King o' th' Spires, Klyndak? M' meager abilties 'r at yer service. Ah would petition t' join yer group 'ere, but it appears we've business t' attend to. 'is one 'as t' be th' mighty Hru. Ah've 'eard a thing 'r two 'bout yer battle prowess. Well met. Th' lad back there doesn't look like the 'alf-elf Ah've 'eard of, but if yer sidin' with the dwarves o' th' Spires, 'at's good enough fer me. It's a pleasure t' be meetin' ye....Fer meself, m' name is Ovirid Thorvirson, late o' undermountain, seekin' a dwarven strong'old Ah might be callin' 'ome."

Orlan moves closer to Klyndak and gestures with his thumb at Ovirid. "This one I be meetin' at Kerrigan's on muh last supply run," he shares, "Asked 'bout joinin' us here at the Spires. At the time, I directed him ta be provin' himself by protectin' the lad there and the lass, as well, given they were intendin' ta explore some ruins and tunnels at Kerrigan's request. He's not o' our clan, but we could prob'bly be usin' 'bout all the dwarves we can muster right now."

Arriving after the others, a bright grin on her face, Yin hops off her horse and bounds over to the group, greeting Orlan with a hug. "Missed me?" She asks with a mischeivous little grin.

"Uuffff!" Orlan grunts under the tight squeeze of Yin's arms, just as uncomfortable with hugging as ever. "Uhm...errr...'course we be missin' yuh," he gripes, "Nary a word out of Kerrigan's Keep 'bout the lot o' yuh in several days. Sure'n I figgered I'd have ta climb down from the mountains again ta save yuh from some terrible beast in Kerrigan's tunnels." Despite his gruff complaints, it's clear the surly dwarf is happy to see the girl alive and well.

"So, let's be gatherin' t'gether with our other friends," Orlan suggests, "Maybe Hru's up and 'bout by now. And where'd that Kelborn lad get off ta...ah, there he is..." He whispers for Yin's benefit. "Sticks ta the shadows a lot that one. Best keep an eye on him."

Once the group has shut the portcullis and the gates again, Orlan offers to share more about what he's learned of the orcs threatening the mountains and then encourages the others to pool their information as well.

"I slew a dozen or more o' 'em muhself," Orlan explains, "A ragged lot. But some skilled warriors among 'em, too. Their leader had a bunch'a fancy ribbons ta color himself with. And the whole lot o' 'em carried signs o' the Scarred Hand...which I be assumin' ta be their tribe's name. Quarrel there might know some more 'bout 'em. But from what I pieced t'gether, these orcs have come down from Belkzen ta cause trouble. They be pullin' siege engines ta launch spiked barrels full o' lantern oil. I found a chest full o' Korvosan gold among their belongin's as well. Three o' 'em wore these rings..." He fishes in his pocket to show the jewelry he removed from the tougher orcs. "Their leader also had this amulet on 'em." He offers that to Klyndak. "Torag revealed ta me that it certainly be magical...along with this potion, too...but I figgered yuh'd do a better job o' figurin' out their purpose than muhself."

"Other than that," he goes on, "I noticed the orcs've been followin' one o' the mountain trails fer quite some time now. The path does come by the Spires. An' it be traveled well enough that I suspect they might've had dealin's with the goblins or kobolds that made their home here 'fore we arrived. Torag also sent me a dream 'bout the past happenin's here at the Spires. I'm not altogether sure'n our kinsmen built this place fer themselves initially, cousin. My vision showed us ta be slaves. Some great battle or uprisin' changed things though. A beardless human led a bunch o' giantkin against the fortress once b'fore. So there be a bit o' mystery about the past history in this place. We've still got lots to learn, I suspect."

"So," Orlan turns to the rest of the group, "What more can yuh be addin' ta all that?" He also looks to Manfred. "An' if'n yuh've got any missives from Kerrigan fer us, let me be havin' a look at those as well..."

"Hunh!" Orlan laughs, "Well, whaddya know! 'Tis good ta see yuh again, lad!" The dwarf tucks the haft of his waraxe into his belt and then steps forward to shake Sir Manfred's hand. He nods politely to Ovirid, remembering the other dwarf from Kerrigan's dinner table. He waves Quarrel in as well.

"Welcome back ta the Spires!" he finally announces, "And just in time, as well. We've got us a horde o' orcs skulkin' through the mountains and sure'n they be headin' in our direction."

He looks past Manfred for a moment. "Where be the lass in yer charge, lad? We could sure'n be usin' some o' her fire magic fer this fight."

The pounding is coming from the same gate Orlan entered through. With the light coming up in the east, you can see the silhouette of a bugbear pounding on the porticullis with shaft of a greataxe.

"Hunh!" Orlan grunts as he comes up behind Klyndak, "Quarrel? That be yer knockin' out there?"

With a suspicious glance at Kelborn for eavesdropping...and expressing a less-than warrior-like willingness to defend the Spires from the orcs with his last breath (as any good dwarf would be expected to do)...Orlan quickly draws his axe and scoops up his shield to accompany his king.

"We're either gonna be makin' a last stand or 'oldin' out fer 'elp. Unless yer plannin' on runnin' 'n comin back later. 'N iffin' its a final stand then I'm a wantin' ta be evenin' the odds a bit afore ye 'n Hru are after thinkin' o' makin' yer final charge....Side's iffin' they're after buildin' bridges then I'll be poundin' them wit' magic the whole time."

"A final stand it be then," Orlan agrees, "Or until our kinsmen arrive ta join the battle."

He regards the resting half-orc with a smile.

"Sure'n that one'll be happy ta hear those words from the King o' the Spires!" he can't help but grin, "And maybe yer trapfindin' friend over there can put t'gether a few surprises fer those orcs as well. What more've yuh found in these halls fer us ta use in the battle? Do there be more o' that slime or any other foul concoction we can be droppin' on 'em or leadin' 'em inta?"

"Torag's spire is fine so long as there's a shrine ta be built, but' I'm after thinkin' that we can be settin' up an ambush over 'em, a varation on the idea o' murder 'ole's. 'N then retreatin' across the bridge 'n riggin' it ta burn when they are followin'."

"Do yuh figger that'll buy us a lot o' time?" Orlan asks, "They'll be lookin' ta build another bridge 'fore long. An' even if'n yuh keep blastin' it down with yer magic, they'll soon circle 'round and try ta pin us from the t'other side. So we better be havin' another escape route planned beyond that initial retreat ta the Thronespire...less'n yuh figger ta make a final stand here in our forefather's halls waitin' ta die or till we hear the sound o' our kinsmen from Janderhoff."

"Course Hru will be after wantin' ta meet them in 'and ta 'and combat at some point as well."

"Aye...and sure'n he ain't the only one, cousin," Orlan announces, patting his axe.

"Well then," Thinkin' it over, I 'ate the thought o' a seige wit' only the supplies we are 'avin."

"I don't expect more supplies would be lastin' us any longer if'n we fall tryin' ta defend the place against an entire horde, though," Orlan advises, "But if'n more o' our kin make it here, we certainly do need ta be thinkin' on how ta feed a garrison."

"We need ta be killin' as many o' those orcs as possible. Do ye think they'll be comin' up the stairs o' from the back? I'd like to 'old 'em first at the last spire 'n be 'avin' a retreat across ta the throne spire planned."

"If'n they're smart...and I'm not sayin' they are, mind yuh...they'd be sendin' their forces 'gainst us from both sides," Orlan thinks aloud, "But they'd prob'bly only do that if'n they thought they had the numbers ta split their army and test us from all angles."

"Seein' as I met'em at the bottom o' the long stairs," he goes on, "I expect we'll see'em comin' straight at the newly-renamed Toragspire...or Batspire, if'n yuh prefer. I be likin' the new name better o'course, 'cause only Torag's will was able to root out that evil throne's influence over the place. And, by my reckonin', there can't be a more appropriate name fer our first line o' defense ta the Spires than a stony citadel called Toragspire."

"I've been recievin'd no word from any kin."

"By Torag!" Orlan shakes his head, "I cannot be understandin' what's keepin' 'em! Janderhoff's not that far off. Sure'n some o' our kinsmen would be keen ta join us here."

"'Ow long do ye estimate we are 'avin' till the orcs arrive?"

"A few days at best, I reckon," Orlan responds, "The ones fallin' ta muh axe were only an advance o' some kind. Though they be carryin' a siege engine with 'em ta inspire a little terror, no doubt."

The dwarf takes a long swig from a mug of ale before continuing.

"I be thinkin' they intended ta fire on Kerrigan's Keep ta see what kind o' response Kerrigan would make...and whether he'd send men inta the countryside lookin' fer 'em. O'course, they never expected ta meet a Hammerfoe in these mountains either. And I reckon, I've given a whole new line o' thinkin' ta any more o' their kind that discovers their remains."

"Come in," he says curtly, "Glad to see you back."

Sense Motive check... 1d20+5 = 19

Orlan starts to turn back to Tankard so he can lead the mule inside, but the tone of Kelborn's voice makes him look over his shoulder at the man.

"Glad to be bein' back..." the surly dwarf nods as he notes something seems a bit 'off' with the rogue's movement and demeanor. Before he can ask anything further about it, he spots Klyndak further behind the man.

"Good ta see ya back cousin...."

Orlan heartily welcomes the sight of his kinsman, as well...noting once again how good it is to see a Hammerfoe in charge of the Spires again.

"Kelborn, what are ye doin' up?! Ye should be gettin' back ta bed 'n restin' until Hru is up and about 'n seein' ta some o' that positive energy o' 'is."

"It's been a 'ard day fer the 'uman....A brain eatin' crab got under 'is skin."

Orlan's bushy eyebrows shoot up at Klyndak's description. "Crabs?" he asks skeptically, "What're a bunch of creepy-crawly snap-clawin' beasties like that doin' in the Spires? This be mountain country, and nary a fresh water lake ta be found this high up in the structure."

Once he gets Tankard settled into his makeshift stall and eases off his pack, Orlan continues to assess the group's situation. He's somewhat surprised to see the normally hearty (and loud) half-orc reduced to such severe wounds and bedrest.

"Wow..." Orlan notes aloud, "Sure'n yuh must've run across a wyrm in the depths o' the mines ta be in such poor shape. Not a bunch o' crabs..."

He makes certain that Kelborn is close enough to Hru to benefit from Torag's blessing. "If'n yuh're all gonna be stayin' put fer a bit, maybe I can put some o' yuh back together," he suggests, "Torag's a sight better fer mendin' things than the god o' war anyway." The dwarf feels completely comfortable saying that while Hru is asleep.

"Let's see what this can do ta improve yer disposition a bit," Orlan offers to Kelborn. Then he holds Torag's holy symbol aloft and offers a short prayer for kindness and a reforging of the stalwart band.

Assuming Orlan has all of his channel positive energy uses returned, he can apply a good measure of healing to get everyone back on their feet. Then, he too can turn in for the night and refresh them for the next day.

Channel positive energy #1... 2d6 = 4 hp
Channel positive energy #2... 2d6 = 5 hp
Channel positive energy #3... 2d6 = 10 hp

Third time's the charm, it seems. Total of 19 hp returned to everyone that's wounded.

Once he's done, Orlan finds Klyndak again and indicates they should probably counsel together while the other two continue to rest.

"The bandits be tellin' the truth," he shares, "Orcs've definitely come ta the Mindspin Mountains. And they be preparin' fer war. I came across a band o' about a dozen or so. They were pullin' some sorta siege engine with 'em. Armed full o' flammable barrels. I slaughtered the lot o' 'em and burned their wagon ta ashes. But sure'n they aren't the only ones sneakin' through the passes. If warning hasn't reached Kerrigan's Keep yet, they'll surely face a battle and possibly a siege 'fore long."

He gestures around at the nearly-empty halls of their ancestors. "This place'll appeal ta 'em ta establish their own stronghold ta launch their raids on Kerrigan's people. An' as Torag's defender, I'm not so sure we can be defendin' this place without more o' our kin ta join us. Have yuh heard any word from that Gengar Whittlewood fella I sent ta Janderhoff yet?"

Orlan continues grumbling as he shifts his heavy pack and reaches back to tug on the mule's rope. "Pay attention, Tankard," he mutters, "We still gotta get yuh ta yer stable. An' I be hopin' Klyndak and that orclin' haven't finished off all the ale I brought from Kerrigan's Keep on that last trip fer supplies..."

Standing outside the doors to the former-Batspire, Orlan gruffly gives them another pounding with his mailed fist. "Be openin' up the doors already!" he gruffly complains, "C'mon...sure'n that throne o' our ancestors can be sensin' me out here! Lemme in, I say! And be lettin' muh cousin know I've returned!"

"Per'aps Orlan can be tellin' us more about these orcs," I say, hoping my kinsman has returned.

As the Spires finally come into view again, Orlan thinks to himself, 'I wonder what I should be tellin' Klyndak about those orcs...'

Or it could be some sadistic vengeful hacker who is too socially inept for even pbp just wants to ruin everybody's fun...

Oops. Sorry about that. ;-)

Congrats Neil!! ...er Orlan!! ~raises tankard~

Thanks!

Before you take any more actions, maybe Klyndak has an idea.

I certainly hope so! Or Orlan's going to get back to the Spires and find all his friends dead from self-inflicted wounds!

Reminder:

For DM:

Final round of RPG Superstar. Remember to vote.

Somehow, I don't think I need that reminder. ;-D

For DM:

For DM:

I'm fairly surprised. I think Klyndak is too.

"Aye, cousin! I be surprised too...an' I'm not even there!"

For DM:

RPG Superstar plug:

Spoiler:

When you're checking out RPG Superstar, give a good look at Neil's entries. He's turned out great stuff throughout. If anybody deserves to be considered for their body of work, it's him.

RPG Superstar response:

Sorry guys. I'm going to be busy until Friday.

Likewise...and congrats!

For DM:

For DM: