13/7/47 L5 Bright Star & Thane meet Dwarves, fight Orcs (650 XP)

XP:
Pathfinding 100 each
Negotiation 200 each
Fight Orcs 350 each
Total 650 each

13/7/47: Bright Star of the East (Keelia) and the half orc soldier Thane return from Stonehell with three living dwarves and two dead ones. Bright Star seeks out Tordek the dwarven priest (David Fletcher) and asks him to perform the last rites on the fallen, Thorfi & Borfi. The dwarves are led by Snorri Broadshoulders, and were in Stonehell recording the ancient dwarven frescoes.

As a reward for Bright Star's services, Vuthrik the Deathwalker has her fitted with a new suit of close-fitting light studded armour AC 12 at the blacksmith; this raises her AC from 15 to 16 if she uses it.

Smon: Keelia PM'd me earlier, before she went to bed, should be good too
joriandrake: It's the first time I play with her
Smon: Last Level 5 session - http://smons.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/l5-7-874447-sandro-mordred-zagaar.html
Smon: Keelia is really cool, she's an Alpha gamer like Chris, well organised, pays attention, very smart.
Smon: My tabletop group feels her loss!
Smon: We played our first tabletop session without Keelia, they were too scared to go in Stonehell so a bunch of Level 3-4 PCs hired 2 level 1 NPCs and spent the session in level 1 dungeons.
joriandrake: so, I have this thing I used last time with a range weapon character, but it was 3.5 so I rather ask you if that is how things work still in 5e, Can my hoplite take 5 feet step/move back to get out of enemy reach before attacking without provoking an opportunity attack, or is now 5 feet movement also triggering AoO?
Smon: Got ca 260 XP for the session, good at level 1.
Smon: No 5' step in 5e, so no
joriandrake: having a few npc-s can be fun, and you can add flavor with their personalities, altho yes it means less xp
Smon: Breaking contact = opportunity attack
joriandrake: I need to read up on disengage then, that was mentioned a few times
Smon: It worked fine but they were way overpowered for the stuff they were doing & did not need the NPCs.
Smon: Disengage = no opp atts, but uses your Action
joriandrake: well, they had some warm up for the campaign at least
Smon: Might be worth it for you w Polearm Master I guess
joriandrake: hm
joriandrake: yes, I think it could still work similar to old 3.5 now due to feat
joriandrake: enemy comes in, I have an attack of opportunity, then he attacks in melee range, then I use my action to disengage and move back, next turn he has to again come close triggering a new opportunity attack, and repeat
Smon: yup
joriandrake: although as you mentioned last time, having a strong primary fighter before me would be best
joriandrake: my hoplite seems like a good idea as secondary melee, or so to speak: second line infantry
Smon: Group today is Monk Rogue & you (Fighter) but you may be able to hide behind the Monk.
Smon: You should be great with Zagaar, Kyle's half orc Fighter - he uses a Maul for massive damage
joriandrake: thanks to loaned armor, shield and the class feature AC is good enough, plus I have a good amount of hp to act as first line officer
Smon: You should def be least squishy of 3 today
joriandrake: question, if enemy comes into range of zagaar when he stand before me, if I understand it right zagaar has no opportunity attack on the enemy, but me right behind him can poke beside his torso and strike as Polearm Master enables that, right?
Smon: yes
Smon: PM gives you attack soon as foe enters your 10' reach
joriandrake: good, then the hoplite-themed character flavor works good with ingame mechannics/advantage
Smon: yup
Smon: I see your PC sheet says AC: 18 (Armor [15] + Shield [2] + 0 DEX +1)
joriandrake: honestly, it is risky to give up all those skills and good saves, but as I see it feats are required to act 'hoplite-y', with polemaster and shield master next, after that I have no plans yet, probably the feat you suggested (grand weapon) but I could also regain some skills with Skilled, or a new good save
Smon: Do you have the +1 AC Fighting Style? You need to note that if so.
Smon: If not AC is 17
joriandrake: yes ac 18 you said the bronzen armor is 15
joriandrake: Features: Darkvision: 60 feet Relentless Endurance: 1/long rest Fighting Style: Defense (+1 AC wearing armor)
joriandrake: at the end of the char sheet/post
Smon: Oh right, put that section before Background please.
Smon: 3d10 crit as half orc is nice too
joriandrake: I considerewd taking Defender, but this works better, especially until I can get a full plate, my next style is likely going to be defender
Smon: good plan, but note you are eligible for Duelist style (+2 dmg 1-h weapon)
joriandrake: right, I just noticed myself when I wrote the features how Champion greater crit chance works well for a half-orc
Smon: Duelist works w shield
Smon: Yup, you crit 19-20 for 3d10 looks like
joriandrake: it does? I thought it wouldn't with anything in second hand
Smon: yup
joriandrake: so how do crits work in 5e, simply doubling the base damage, or additional dices to which a half-orc gets one extra?
Smon: crits double dice rolled
Smon: so 1d10 > 2d10, half orc 3d10
Smon: Bonus is unchanged by crit
joriandrake: and in t his edition all weapons normally only crit on 20
Smon: yes, I think only Champion increases crit range
joriandrake: lucky combination then with hlforc
Smon: I'm sure it's why Zagaar is half orc champion too
joriandrake: oh
Smon: Zagaar has a houseruled fighting style that gives him +1d6 damage with a maul, so he does huge damage. He has hobgoblin commander plate armour AC 18 so well defended too, great for being behind.
Smon: I think you'll find he's a very very different half orc than Thane though!
joriandrake: I've read through a list of feats, thankfully D&D has a lot of legit sites listing them without books, I've found TUnnel Fighter interesting, ignoring the name it seems to also work for a narrow pass -scenario as in 300 and my background
Smon: Definitely takes after his orc side...
joriandrake: right, before I forget: off screen Thane would like to hire some messengers or runners to send to the place the orcs/half-orcs are released after the gladiator games, offering them the option to come and start up a settlement called Lykia, if the Lady and other important figures agree with my idea, the rocs could still of course cross through the mountains, but I would offer the chance to return to start anew, following laws
Smon: So Tunnel Fighter is a fighting style not a feat. Very '300' - a bit overpowered but I reckon I'll allow it.
joriandrake: not many might accept if they are chaotic, but worth a shot
joriandrake: Tunnel Fighter would as I understand allow a few hoplites like me unlimited reactions against incoming forces
Smon: No regular messengers would go into the mountains to orc holds, that's suicide. Locating orcs would be a quest in itself.
joriandrake: but the tower is now in allied hands right? I was thinking of them being somewhere near or right at the tower gates
Smon: You have heard a rumour that a powerful orc tribe in Stonehell Dungeon has been smashed by adventurers (inc Keelia's PC Bright Star the cat girl) - you might want to search for survivors there?
joriandrake: THis way I honor the new law of the tower of fight until death, but still offer the winners a nerw home
joriandrake: Yes, I might want to, but knowqing players it is likely if we find them they will triger a battle
joriandrake: altho I have negative from charisma I DO have a persuation proficiency, so who knows, maybe it can work out
Smon: >>but the tower is now in allied hands right? I was thinking of them being somewhere near or right at the tower gates<< Oriax tower is now held by orc hating amazons; orcs are their race enemy. They REALLY REALLY hate orcs. They just survived a major orc invasion during the war, lost their old queen Artemisia.
joriandrake: Yes, but they are allied to Selatine as I understand, no? So if they themselves let orcs out of the tower after those trials, recruiting those shouldn't be cause for a political crisis
Smon: Lady Vex doesn't mind if you settle orcs somewhere if it is FAR AWAY from Selatine, ie not near Oriax's tower.
joriandrake: and Selatinians would be more willing to accept those returning orcs if they don't directly go to the village but start a new one
Smon: >>So if they themselves let orcs out of the tower after those trials<< No, you're confused.
joriandrake: I thought somewhere along Thrace river, if I remember the map well it looks possible to trade on it, and can also be close to mountains for mining
Smon: I said orcs were fighting in the pits of Ahyf port, far to the north.
joriandrake: yes, ahyf, you're right i mixed/combined it up with the tower
Smon: >>I thought somewhere along Thrace river<< Hmm, maybe, as a long term goal, if you gain enough prestige and trust.
joriandrake: it can start out as an outpost, as I wrote in background Thane believes Selatine itself needs expansion to gain power and better chances at defence
joriandrake: what is the place between Venus port and Selatine near the mountain where the roads meet? https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5abrABRu89Ke2MIgS_-EuqPtG5onZFjYI77jEjsaW9YWuusKyoeYJZJ8fgdOzfFJRlt-G23kph-4jbLanQNdYOMwXq9a5l4-N0ZJwOgyl_u3Ia4f0tSu70ZwebY5qVvGglsL0NkZ-hJY/s1600/Selatine+Area.jpg
joriandrake: seems like some tower or monster symbol is there
joriandrake: caverns of thracia it says there too
Smon: Thracia yup
Smon: Ruined city with caverns beneath.
Smon: Held by the Beastmen - Gnolls, Dogmen, Minotaurs etc.
joriandrake: the old one? the ancient thracia of which tzhat character who woke up belongs to?
Smon: yes
Smon: Epicaste was found in the dungeons under Thracia.
Smon: brb
Smon: be right back = brb
joriandrake: from a purely strategical perspective that looks like a good position, if it can be cleared out, it has mountains and caverns which allow stone and other forms of mining maybe, it is right on major trade route, and at a major river allowing river trading, and could work well as defensive location
7:30pm  2018-1-13 Sandor Sunneson Has entered the room
Sandor Sunneson: morning boys
Sandor Sunneson: or evening
joriandrake: getting some orc survivors and Selatine sign up to the plan to also aid with troops could liberate the area, and Epicaste might be happy to restore some buildings of the old city
joriandrake: hi there
joriandrake: Smon just went afk while I wrote the sentence
Sandor Sunneson: cool
Smon: hi fergus
Smon: just getting din dins
Sandor Sunneson: Think one more person (Keelia) maybe joining us
joriandrake: have you read my 5lvl character Thane yet?
Sandor Sunneson: Hi Simon,
Sandor Sunneson: Yeah, I liked the background, very imaginative
joriandrake: Simon helped make him perfectly fit the events of the area
Sandor Sunneson: Looks as if I'll be leaving between 3/4 of an hour and 1 hour unfort
joriandrake: you mean in less than a hour from now?
Sandor Sunneson: Yes.
Sandor Sunneson: I'm in NZ and it's the start of the day here
joriandrake: what is the current time for you?
Smon: Clearing Thracia & settling friendly orcs there would certainly work yup!
Sandor Sunneson: 8:30am
Smon: GM: Your PCs are hanging out in Lady Jana Vex's hall one evening, drinking with Vuthrik the Last Deathwalker, one of Lady Jana Vex's top warriors.
Smon: Vuthrik: "Aye Thane, kill the Gnolls, find your Orcs and settle them in my old home... A remarkable plan!"
Smon: The tall Thracian warrior slaps Thane on the back heartily.
joriandrake: sorry to hear you barely visit us Sandor, a pity there will be less targets for the enemy to choose from
joriandrake: "Yes my Lady, it allows a second chance not just for those warriors, but for your old home as well."
Smon: Vuthrik: "So Sandor, you heading back to Stonehell soon? Charting maps for Dr Rosa? Or do you have other plans?"
joriandrake: Vuthrik i mean
Smon: LOL
Smon: He ain't no lady.
Sandor Sunneson: Sandro,
Smon: Epicaste is dining with Lady Jana Vex & Dr Rosa Piercemuller at the high table.
joriandrake: sorry was finishing the edit you asked for changing the position of features and Ive read of the lady a moment ago
Sandor Sunneson: Well that needs to be cleaned up, there are apparently stirges there that the great Hakeem could not defeat
joriandrake: In this case I answer Vuthrik loud enough to allow Lady Jana to also hear the part about allowing her city a second chance as well
Smon: Vuthrik: "Stirges? Hakeem? No, you're thinking of the Stone TOOTH dungeon, friend!"
Sandor Sunneson: Oh, sounds the same, apologies Vuthrik
joriandrake: "Which is also worth visiting, it might allow us find survivors of the war, and recruit them to our own cause"
Smon: Vuthrik quaffs his wine.
Smon: Vuthrik eyes Thane's features, his single tusk. "Hmmph."
Sandor Sunneson: Yes, don't see why we can't go there for a sniff around
joriandrake: ooc: smon I wrote I have Selatine's symbol on my shield, but I don't actually know what the symbol is
Sandor Sunneson: OOC- talking about leaving 2030 GMT in background Simon, I'm more or less all ready to go now.
Smon: Selatine's golden Statue of Apollo I'd think.
Smon: Go where?
Smon: Follow Thane to Thracia? Stirge hunting at Stone Tooth? Mapping Stonehell?
Sandor Sunneson: Stonehell or stonetooth
joriandrake: "Yes Vuthrik?" Thane notices being eyed. being simple and soldier-like in manners trigger and await something like orders to be said.
Sandor Sunneson: stirge hunting/
Sandor Sunneson: ??
Smon: Vuthrik: "You're a HALF orc. You have a soul. Those animals... don't."
Smon: "They're no better than Gnolls, or Lizardmen."
joriandrake: Thracia can wait, it is a longer-term plan, and if we can recruit more forces first, or find something useful first it is worth to postpone it.
Smon: Vuthrik: "I know Dr Rosa wants another expedition to Stonehell, but it needs a mapper. Can either of you map?"
joriandrake: "Well, then half-orcs like me either have only half a soul, which I don't think is possible in nature, or the 'full' orcs need just a different life to be reaised up in. I've been raised by my mother in Selatine among humans, culture and laws I believe have a large impact on one's personality and talents"
joriandrake: "I'm no cartographer, I beleive a ranger or a specialist could be hired though."
Sandor Sunneson: OOC- re; mapping, not today unfort as I will probably have to log out when everyone is ready to go to the beach
Smon: Thane make a Persuasion (CHA) check
joriandrake rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 13, (+2) = 15
Smon: Vuthrik nods. "I suppose you might be right. Gods... enough folk here think I have no soul, having served the Dark One."
joriandrake: Thane continues to Vuthrik: "Giving them a chance to prove themselves will also make Selatine, us all stronger, and can help in guarding the frontier"
joriandrake: Thane smiles. "You only served one, I am more or less named after one, although my mother is from a world where that certain name is just one among many."
Smon: Vuthrik: "Alright. Well, mapping sounds out then. I suggest you head over to Stonehell tomorrow, see if any of the Orcs survived the recent massacre."
joriandrake: "As for me, I believe you being here and drinking with us as friend is enough proof of you being a good man."
Smon: Vuthrik: "I hear the dwarf hero Danor Gordak wore their skins as trophies..." he grins evilly.
Sandor Sunneson: Sounds like a good plan
joriandrake: "Well, dwarves have some weird tastes sometimes, I would never wear dwarf skins."
Smon: Vuthrik: "Also, Dr Rosa wants to find the route from the main entrance south to the Rocksblood caves and the lift-pulley... do that and you'll be rewarded."
Smon: Vuthrik shrugs. "Probably just lies. Many hear have no liking for Danor Gordak. He's a Dwarf - they think all humans are slaves!"
joriandrake: "We can try and go through all existing routes to make a perfect exploration of it"
Smon: GM: You plan to follow Vuthrik's suggestion, head for the Stonehell main entry tomorrow & seek route south?
joriandrake: Thane drinks his ale. "I don't care if they are lies or not, I don't judge before I even meet someone. Except if I have to plan a strategy in battle against the person, then it wouldn't be wise to not calculate the tales you hear of someone into the plan"
joriandrake: Yes, seems like the best course currently
Sandor Sunneson: agree
Smon: lemme look for Keelia, brb
joriandrake: I grab Vuthrik's arm and shake his hand. "We'll be preparing then, do you wish to come with us or maybe have someone else in mind you think could be useful?"
7:56pm  2018-1-13 Keelia Has entered the room
Smon: I found her
joriandrake: Greetings!
Sandor Sunneson: lol
Keelia: Hi! Sorry, I thought it was the other room.
Smon: Vuthrik: "I have someone else in mind..." He points at the furry form warming herself by the Hall fire,
Keelia: Morning / Evening
Smon: Evening/morning
joriandrake: It's not an albino ape from Stonehell, is it?
Keelia: Bright Star's ears twitch and she looks over curiously
Keelia: Upon hearing that next comment, her ears go back
Smon: Vuthrik the Deathwalker's saturnine face breaks into a grin.
Smon: "THAT, my friends, is the best scout in this Hall! Bright Star of the East, she's called."
joriandrake: AH, sorry about the mixup then, I've heard a tale of some albino ape recently.
Smon: Bright Star sees Vuthrik at a side table with a couple of Vex's followers, the monk Sandro and a half-orc in bronze plate.
joriandrake: "Greetings Bright Star of the East, I'm Thane, a hoplite of Selatine."
Smon: At the high table Lady Vex is dining with Dr Rosa & Epicaste her weaponmaster.
joriandrake: "Care to join us at this table?"
Smon: Vuthrik: "Evening, Bright Star. Thane here may be a godsdamned half orc, but he held the western pass against the Horde of Oriax! He's a good warrior."
Keelia: She wanders over towards the table. "Bright Star greets Thane. She will join you all."
Smon: Vuthrik pulls out a stool for her.
Smon: Vuthrik: "We have a mission for you - Dr Rosa believes there is a way from Stonehell main canyon to the cave of Rocksblood and the elevator - she wants it charted. Can you do that?"
Keelia: She sits. "Bright Star is impressed with this story. She is interested in hearing more@
joriandrake: "Vuthrik, in that case we're all godsdamned who were born into this world, but thank you for your praise. Even if I'm not worthy of it alone, a lot of good people formed that phalanx at the pass"
Keelia: She nods. "Bright Star can indeed help with that."
joriandrake: to Keela "I'm more than happy to tell the whole story without flowery speech, when we're on our way, as I assume we will have time for a chat then."
Sandor Sunneson sent you a private message. If it did not open automatically, check for blocked popups and/or [Click Here]
joriandrake: to all "We have to make sure to map the routes as good as we can, and if we find survivors of the war we should attempt to recruit them, or redirect them to Selatine in case they are civilians. The war is over, it is time to rebuild, time for second chances."
Smon: Vuthrik nods: "Excellent! Also, Thane hear has some damn fool idea to resettle Orcs in Thracia - if there are any alive in Stonehell, let him attempt peaceful contact."
Keelia: [re: story, sounds good]
Smon: OOC Keelia you ok to do some mapping IRL? Got pencil & paper?
joriandrake: "If they're willing we can use their aid to reinforce Selatine's frontier, and clear out the old city of Lady jana."
Smon: Vuthrik nods to Thane. "Aye... Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to drive the Beastmen from Thracia."
joriandrake: ooc: if yes I would fully have her handle that, I have my hands full already with the game and firefox as I am not yet used to the displays yet
Keelia: [I don't have any paper or anything. Give me a couple minutes to find something that may work]
Smon: ok thx
joriandrake: "The caverns and tunnely may even lead us to some hidden dwarven city, while I care not much for rumors there is enough evidence for them having great ale and other drinks, and I wouldn't mind establishing some trade route for that."
Smon: GM: You drink and chat into the night, your speculations growing increasingly outlandish as Dionysos takes his toll.
Smon: Eventually you retire to sleep.
Smon: 13/07/4447 BCCC
Smon: You rise...
Smon: /roll d8
Sandor Sunneson:
Smon rolls 1d8 and gets: 4,
Keelia: [ok, found paper and a pen]
Smon: Another hot summery day in the Dry Season.
joriandrake: ooc: did you roll to know in what kind of way we're rising?
Smon: Rolled for weather, 1 = bad/wet 8 = good/dry
Smon: Use d8s weather d6s encounter.
Smon: 6 = encounter
joriandrake: ooc: thanks for explaining
joriandrake: Thane gets ready and looks first for Sandor's character
Smon: After breakfast in the Hall that morning Vuthrik has you get your gear and assemble.
joriandrake: that works too
Smon: Dr Rosa Piercemuller, a tall and very beautiful woman in plain grey robe, comes out of her room to meet with you.
Keelia: Bright Star strolls into the room, and heads over to Dr Rosa. "Bright Star is pleased to see you again"
Smon: She wears odd glass panes over her eyes, very strange, but Sandro has seen sages wear such in Rallu.
Smon: Rosa smiles back warmly at Bright Star. "Good morning Bright Star! I'm very glad you agreed to lead this expedition."
Keelia: "It was of interest to Bright Star, so she is pleased to help."
Smon: "As you know, I'm looking for a way down to Stonehell's lower levels - I believe the Nixthisis is down there somewhere - but first we must find a route through level 1."
Sandor Sunneson: Sorry folks, I'm going to have to log off. About to go to the beach, Simon, I'll be in touch soon and look forward to reading up on the adventure later today. Please use Sandro as a NPC and get him involved if you want too,
Keelia: [have fun at beach!]
joriandrake: While Thane doesn't know much about the woman he knows her circumstances getting to this world are similar to his own mother's. "Greetings Doctor."
joriandrake: ooc: bye!
8:15pm  2018-1-13 Sandor Sunneson Has exited the room
joriandrake: ooc: Smon, no Zagaar then?
Smon: GM: Sandro is clearly too hungover to be much use today.
Smon: Just you two - no worries, just stick to level 1
joriandrake: heh, we have to check what number is besides the stairs
Smon: Rosa nods to Thane: "Mr Thane? I hear Vuthrik has a lot of confidence in you." She offers him a slender hand.
Keelia: [Ah! My character sheet! I forgot it. one moment. Although we may be needing a new one if level 1 overwhelms us]
Smon:
joriandrake: Thane nods. "I hope I can prove myself worth of it."
Keelia: [got it]
joriandrake: worthy*
Smon: Rosa nods back soberly to Thane. "Be sure to bring Bright Star back safe. She's already proved very useful to us."
Keelia: Bright Star purrs with pleasure at the compliment
joriandrake: fun fact: was out drinking with friends RL, so I'm a little tipsy myself, plus it is night here, plus not writing in native language, so please excuse me for more than average number of typos
Smon: "Also, if you find any Rocksblood, a red syrupy stuff oozing from the wall... I'd like to check it out."
Smon: LOL no worries Jorian
joriandrake: Thane looks seriously into the eyes of Rosa "I wouldn't abandon her unless fully necessary due to strategical reasons."
Smon: GM: Rosa walks with Thane & Bright Star to the western gate of Selatine, guarded by a lone warrior. She looks at Thane and speaks softly but firmly: "Bring her back."
joriandrake: "Red syrup? do you have those little glass vials my mother also has for that?"
Keelia: Bright Star considers. "Is the red syrup the magic item making goo Bright Star and companions found before?"
Smon: OOC I think Rosa has the Cat Virus.
Smon: Rosa nods: "Yes! That's it. Do you still have some?"
Keelia: She digs around in her bag to dig out the tiny phial of goo she had collected before. It was only a very small amount.
joriandrake: ooc: Keela is the catgirl you mentioned right? what kind of cat girl?
Smon: Rosa looks the vial. "Might I... borrow this?"
Smon: Keelia is human.
Keelia: She hands it over to Rosa. "Bright Star knows that it was very coveted by magic users. The area we found was all farmed out."
joriandrake: oh
Smon: Keelia's PC Bright Star of the East is a Nemuan/Tabaxi
Keelia: "That is all we could collect."
Smon: 5' tall bipedal felinoid.
Keelia: [sorry, should have said "All bright star and her companions" instead of "we" to maintain character]
Smon: Rosa takes the phial gingerly. "Thank you very much! I've read about it, but I've not had a chance yet to..."
joriandrake: ooc: I browsed for images, I see she's more the cat-leaning hybrid catfolk than the ones looking more human
joriandrake: ooc: never mind Keelia I sometimes also mix uo 'me' and naming my character
Smon: Something like this I'd think - https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ee/f6/96/eef696ebbd8d9028a3eecc6e90d0acf4--dnd-tabaxi-tabaxi-monk.jpg
Keelia: "If Dr Rosa remembers the map drawn by Bright Star's companions, the cavern past the mushrooms was where this was found. But it may be some time before it can be harvested there again as it oozes slowly.\
Smon: Rosa smiles happily. "I'll see if I can transmute this into arcane reagant the way the texts say!"
joriandrake: Thane listens with interest. "Ive not been there before, so I will have to fully rely on your memory and experience there."
Smon: Rosa nods. "The packs Vuthrik gave you have empty vials, in case you find more."
joriandrake: Thane checks his own pack and if the vials are damaged
Keelia: [I was just about to ask about vials  ]
Smon: Rosa stops at the open gate and bids you farewell. "Remember to come back safe - see you tonight!"
Smon: straw-wrapped glass vials peek from your pack Thane.
joriandrake: Thane makes a small bow towards the doctor. "Failure or death is never part of a plan.
Keelia: Bright Star waves and starts towards the now familiar path across the fields and along the tree line.
Smon: GM: Bright Star leading, you head west - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5abrABRu89Ke2MIgS_-EuqPtG5onZFjYI77jEjsaW9YWuusKyoeYJZJ8fgdOzfFJRlt-G23kph-4jbLanQNdYOMwXq9a5l4-N0ZJwOgyl_u3Ia4f0tSu70ZwebY5qVvGglsL0NkZ-hJY/s1600/Selatine+Area.jpg
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 6,
Smon: LOL
Keelia: "Come Thane, the path of the sun is against us."
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 7,
Smon: Bright Star, you smell something rank ahead through the long grass...
Smon: Then you spot them - hyenas!
joriandrake: Thane follows, and given opportunity he begins the story about Selatine's liberation and the battle at the western pass.
Smon: /roll 3d4
Keelia: Bright Star crouches immediately and draws her bow. She motions Thane down.
Smon rolls 3d4 and gets: 3, 2, 2, = 7
Keelia: She looks for cover
Smon: 7 of the heavy-jawed beasts are tearing at a fallen stag.
joriandrake: thane does as she signals, but ready to step ahead of her if required
Smon: The grass is long enough to hide in if you crouch low.
joriandrake: whispers: "We can attempt to go around them"
Smon: BS roll Stealth to get Thane into cover before his shiny armour alerts the pack.
joriandrake: whispers. "although I'm not the quiet, stealthy type of warrior"
joriandrake: if they're eating I don't worry much about their eye sight, more about them getting scent
Smon: type /roll d20+X Keelia where X is your Stealth bonus
Keelia rolls 1d20+13 and gets: 15, (+13) = 28
Smon: NIce!
joriandrake: ooc. goddamn it, a living shadow!
Keelia: [Not a bad stealth roll :)]
Smon: BS catches the wind and gets Thane swiftly downwind of the beasts to the north - closer to the tree line a half mile off.
Keelia: [I can't type quickly enough this morning! I'm glad you typed what I was trying to :)]
joriandrake: Thane looks at the cat woman with a glint of respect in his eyes. "You're very good at this."
Smon: The wine is blowing from the SE off the sea, so if you circle round north of the pack should hopefully be ok.
joriandrake: I take out my flask and fill it with wine
Keelia: "Bright Star thanks you for the compliment. She does her best"
Keelia: Bright Star keeps an eye and a ear on the direction of the Hyenas, bow still in hand but without an arrow nocked
Smon: How far north of the hyena pack do you want to go?
Smon: Close to the trees is safest unless something in the trees.
joriandrake: Thane leaves the movement and route to Bright Star, as she's the one who knows where exactly they're going
Keelia: [100m away from the pack should be plenty in real life because they are eating but let's say 200m because Thane is not quiet and shiny]
Smon: You hear the hyenas chomping away. They seem occupied with the large buck.
Smon: ok - BS leads Thane away north through the long grass...
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 2,
Smon: Luckily you don't run into any grass snakes...
Keelia: [Bright Star has all senses on high alert]
Keelia: [phew! no snakes]
Smon: After a tense half hour you complete the circle and rejoin the faint trail.
joriandrake: Thane begins the story about the liberation of Selatine and the battle at the western pass again now that nothing interrupts it
Smon: The hyenas now a few hundred yards off. You hear faint cackling on the wind.
Smon: With Thane talking away.
Keelia: Bright Star relaxes some now they are on the familiar path, but the Hyenas are still a concern to her until they are much further away
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 1,
joriandrake: Thane ignores the cackling as he really wants to finish the promised tale
Keelia: She is also wary of Bug Bears and other two footed enemies as they have encountered them before.
Smon: The sounds of the hyena pack fade behind you as you cross the plain, and see ahead the trees fringing the cliffs around Stonehell canyon.
Smon: About 3 hours out from Selatine you enter the cool shade of the trees.
Keelia: She listens to Thane's story with one ear, the other twisted back to listen behind them.
joriandrake: He speaks of Hakeem's attack on the village, how orcs were send against him, but how the phalanx gathered at the western pass made of mere peasants and some guards together with Thane managed to hold them back for enough time to allow Hakeem victory in Selatine and to catch up with the phalanx at the pass
Keelia: "Bright Star is impressed with your deeds. That Dr Rosa also was impressed is good."
Smon: After a mile the trees open out ahead, and Thane has his first sight of storied Stonehell Canyon - a stream cascades down the northern cliffs, but closer by the east exit of the gorge is blocked by a partially collapsed wall, with battlements and gate house.
joriandrake: "We didn't lose a single man that day. one did lose an eye and one a leg, but it was till amazing. great people, good teamwork."
joriandrake: still*
Smon: You are east of B on this map - https://wiki.rpg.net/images/5/5e/Stonehell_Canyon.png
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 1,
Keelia: "Indeed, such are small losses," she agrees. "Ahead is Stonehell. You will need all your skills there for there is ancient evil and much newer trouble afoot."
joriandrake: in reaction to bright Star's comment Thane stays quiet for a moment "It's a honor to gain such impression, but the whole phalanx deserves it, not just me."
Smon: Across the mouth of the canyon stands an old curtain wall and gatehouse. These fortifications once barred entrance to the canyon, but the curtain wall has crumbled in places, leaving large gaps that allow easy access into the canyon beyond. The gatehouse‘s doors lay rotting on the ground before it and its rusty portcullises are as gapped as a codger‘s smile. Those opting for a more direct route can enter the canyon through the gatehouse‘s central passage.
Keelia: Bright Star looks at him. "Do not dwell on what you cannot change, act for them and remember them. But for the moment, focus on what is ahead."
joriandrake: "Indeed, this will be the first time i'm not with a force of hoplites and will use my recently gained martial training. I'm not wishing to insult you, but I don't think you could form a shield war with me, thus I'll be your shield."
Smon: Nestled between limestone walls that rise 200‘ into the air, the canyon is a natural defile averaging 150‘ in width and narrowing as it extends to the west. The floor of the canyon is grassy meadow, interrupted by upwardjutting spurs of rock and small stands of trees. The sound of falling water carries from the west and intermitted droplets of moisture are born upon the breeze, providing brief relief from the hot sun overhead. A number of cave mouths are visible on the walls of the canyon: some natural, some man-made. Within the wall of the canyon are several ruined buildings, their tumbled stone walls and rotted timbers overgrown with weeds and covered with drifts of fallen leaves. Due to time and exposure to the elements, the original purpose of these buildings is impossible to discern.
joriandrake: shield wall*
Keelia: Bright Star laughs softly. "Bright Star is not a shield, true. She is a dagger in the side in the dark. Thane will be her shield but she has her own claws."
joriandrake: "indeed, I never said you're not without your own skills and weapons, Our style of combat is just different."
joriandrake: ooc: what is 200â ?
Smon: Broken battlements protrude from the gatehouse roof like broken teeth and the gray stone is splattered with pigeon droppings. The gateway of the central underpass gapes open, its portcullises rusted and its doors breached. The 25‘ high walls that stretch from the Gates of Hell to the canyon walls have collapsed in places, providing passage past this barrier for those wary of the gatehouse‘s arrow slits and murder holes.
Smon: 200 feet I expect
Smon: copy/pasting text loses stuff
joriandrake: ooc: 25‘ high walls
Smon: 25 feet high walls
joriandrake: ok
Smon: Your european PC freaks out at imperial measurements
joriandrake: "This was once an impressive fortification and a nice gate."
Smon: Bright Star recalls that she met friendly Goblins at the gate house.
joriandrake: ooc: We european people freak out at your imperial measurements
Smon: They begged her to free their domain of the evil Orcs who had taken their halls below.
Keelia: Bright Star is going to aim to travel her normal path, sneak in by way of the collapsed walls, stick to the side of the destroyed building 6 and pause to tap the statue in house 9 in greeting. She will watch the gatehouses where the gnolls (that she mistook for kobolds later) scrounge
Keelia: [thank you, goblins, not gnolls. wrong "g"]
joriandrake: Thane follows unaware of all this
Smon: BS heads for the north gap in the curtain wall, Thane following.
Smon: You both scramble over the rubble and enter the canyon.
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 1,
joriandrake: "So, you've been here before, have you met any remnants of the orcish forces? I made sure to learn their language so I can attempt to negotiate."
Keelia: [Simon, did anyone mention the best entrance for this planned link? I.e. start at the elevator]
Smon: Unmolested, you reach the mossy statue of kneeling knight in the ruins at #9, BS taps it in greeting.
joriandrake: ooc: I believe it is our job to map out all the routes/entrances we find
joriandrake: Thane raises an eyebrow. "Is this the statue of some god?"
Keelia: "Bright Star has been here a few times with companions. There is some hint of Orc, but Bright Star has mostly fought kobolds here."
Smon: The stony statue looks down at Bright Star.
joriandrake: "Should I tap it too?"
Smon: 9. Fallen Shrine of St. Ras: Tumbled walls; crumbling roof exposing flagstone floor to the sky; weathered and lichencovered statue. The statue depicts an armored human male. He is kneeling on one knee, head bowed, with a helmet on the ground beside him. It is a representation of St. Ras, the patron saint of duty and fidelity.
joriandrake: ooc: If I recognize the man I will emulate bright star and tap him too
Keelia: She nods to his first question. "It is said if you stay here overnight and pray, this statue will grant protection. Bright Star has not had the opportunity and she is not one for prayer, but she likes this statue."
Smon: >>[Simon, did anyone mention the best entrance for this planned link? I.e. start at the elevator]<< Yes, Rosa wants you to start at the main entrance and try to find a route through to the elevator.
Keelia: [Thanks!]
Smon: Thane can roll Religion (INT)
Smon: DC 10
joriandrake rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 10, (+1) = 11
Keelia: Bright Star then will lead past 9 and keep a wary eye on the trees over by 1.
Smon: Thane thinks - St Ras, yes, that rings a bell, a saint of the Old Nerath Empire.
Smon: The old Mitra priest before Jana Vex used to talk about him.
joriandrake: Well as he's a saint of duty, I feel like it's in line with my alignment and personality to honor the statue and tap it in the same way
Keelia: When Thane is done, she will motion to the trees. "Any creature in those trees cannot be seen from outside. Perfect ambush place. Be on your guard."
Smon: Bright Star's tale of night time vigil fits with something the old priest at Selatine used to say when Thane was a boy, 10 years ago now.
joriandrake: Thane readies his shield and spear (pike)
Smon: Thane taps the statue of Ras. He does feel a sense of kinship with the ancient warrior saint.
Smon: GM: Thane receives Inspiration - can reroll any one d20.
Smon: (this stays until you use it)
joriandrake: ooc: nice, actual divine benefit
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 4,
Smon: The copse of trees at #1 blow in the breeze, no sign of anything in the wood of course
Smon: Both of you roll Survival (WIS) DC 15
Keelia: Bright Star will lead towards the pool, keeping an eye on the trees, and then aim for C and the main entrance
Keelia rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 16, (+2) = 18
joriandrake rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 1, (+1) = 2
Smon: 2. The Pool: Natural pool (30‘ deep) fed by a cascade from the cave above; rich growths of vegetation (reeds, lily-pads, algae); ample animal life; sound of frogs croaking. The waters of this pool are always warm, despite the ambient temperature. Mist & fog are common in the morning & evening hours. At the bottom of the pool lies a silver hemisphere (2‘ dia.) set into the stone.
joriandrake: "looks liek a silver plug"
joriandrake: like*
Smon: Checking the ground, Thane spots numerous small tracks, going to the pool, west to the main dungeon entrance at C, back and forth into the wood at 1.
Smon: Some of the tracks head back east towards the gatehouse.
Smon: Goblins, most likely?
Keelia: Bright Star glances at it. "Yes. Bright Star and companions have not touched it. It may be an egg, it may be a trick. It is said to be hot to the touch, if Bright Star remembers correctly. For now, there are other goals."
joriandrake: ooc: I roleld an 1, don't you mix me up with Keelia?
Keelia: Bright Star will investigate the tracks.
Smon: LOL sorry
Smon: BS spotted the tracks, thanks!
Smon: BS checks further - yes, definitely the Goblins.
joriandrake: I like the name Bright Star, but the short version of it, BS reminds me of the US word bullshit
Smon: Nocturnal creatures, they are rarely seen by day.
Keelia: Bright Star murmurs this to Thane and sees what direction they are headed, if possible
Smon: Lots of back and forth among the tracks, esp back and forth from the dungeon to the gatehouse.
Smon: BS can roll Investigate (INT) DC 12
joriandrake: "well, we know what is likelya to be at that direction, the question is: do we want to find it, or avoid it?"
joriandrake: "I mean, it is likely the location of the goblin camp, or a village"
Keelia rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 20, (+6) = 26
Smon: LOL
Keelia: [Bright Star knows everything about these tracks and the goblins that made them.]
Smon: OK it looks like the most recent tracks are about 10 hours old, 4 or 5 goblins going west down into the dungeon.
joriandrake: Keela knows all, I mean Bright Star
Smon: Keelia also knows all except goblin/gnoll/kobold mixups
Keelia: "Dr Rosa has given a task and Bright Star has promised to complete it, so she will continue forward. But to know if there are more enemies is always an advantage.]
Smon: It looks like they were armed and moving like a hunting or scout party.
joriandrake: "I will go where you'll go."
Keelia: [yes, I cannot keep these guys separate in my head fro some reason.]
Smon: GM: You reach the great stone arch at C at the west end of the canyon.
Smon: C: A stone archway (10‘ wide, 15‘ high) is carved into the cliff face here. Beyond its gaping mouth lies blackness and the smell of mildew and decay. A flat stone plaque is carved above the archway‘s apex, the writing that adorns it eroded by weather and the passage of time.
joriandrake: ooc: they are all goblinoids I think....maybe not the gnolls tho
Smon: Although pitted and weatherworn, the following bit of doggerel carved above the archway‘s keystone remains legible. Beware All Who Enter These Benighted Halls of Stone. Within Lies No Solace Nor Any Comforts of Home. Toiling For Our Crimes We Must Dig Where We Dwell, With No Freedom or Mercy In Our Vast Stony Hell.
Keelia: Bright Star nods at the writing. "This place was once a prison. Bright Star and her companions have found old notes to this effect."
joriandrake: "Stonehell's namesake"
Smon: Beyond is a broad passage leading to 18. Hell’s Entrance Hall: Graffiti-covered walls and a bare, well-worn floor; ceiling arches 30‘ overhead; spiral staircase descends down a hole in the center of the floor. The graffiti consists of names of adventurers who have come this way and messages written in Kobold.
Keelia: Bright Star continues down the stairs, carefully, but familiar with them.
joriandrake: Thane doesn't udnerstand Koboldic/Draconic, but takes out a note and writes down the list of names to be inspected back home by the doctor
Smon: Entering cautiously, you begin the descent of the spiral stairs.
Keelia: Her bow is held loosely in her left hand
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 2,
Smon: Thane realises he is going to need a light source...
joriandrake: "these names might be still on a list of missing people"
joriandrake: Smon realizes Thane is a Half-Orc with darkvision
Smon: GM: Checking your packs, there are three torches in each.
Smon: Thane's eyes adjust.
Smon: Been too long in human lands, clearly...
Keelia: Bright Star glances over at Thane to see if he can travel in the low light and seeing as he has ceased stumbling, she continues down.
Smon: The two inhuman predators  descend the long spiral...
joriandrake: No worries, can happen
Smon: The spiral stairs descend 100‘ down before emerging from the ceiling of a large vaulted chamber.
joriandrake: "These halls would be fascinating if they could be restored, maybe even make liveable for researchers and a small army with barracks and labs."
joriandrake: "I think my mother and the Doctor could work together here."
Smon: The Grand Foyer: Musty and dank with vaulted ceiling. 40x40 chamber, 4 archways lead out to n and s - 1 at each end of the north and south walls.
Smon: The west arch on the n wall is a hideous ogre face carving.
joriandrake: "Shall we explore all archways one by one, perhaps starting with the left one?"
Keelia: Bright Star shakes her head. "This is an old evil place. It is not for the likes of Dr Rosa or a mother, until the evil can be purged.
Smon: http://hollywoodmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/ogreface-arch-final-copy-at-300-pixel-res-278x365.jpg
joriandrake: "I meant of course after it is restored and cleared out"
joriandrake: "nice stonework"
Smon: There is also a door on the east wall, BS recalls it leads to a kitchen where Danor found green slime from the sink tap.
joriandrake: "looks a bit like how I imagine my father must've looked."
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 1,
Smon: Thane's voice echoes in the ancient vaults, but Stonehell seems quiet today.
Keelia: Bright Star heads toward the carved face. "The only way forward is through the face. The other doors loop back to here. Also, do not touch that door."
Keelia: She points a talon at the slime door.
joriandrake: "perhaps the goblins and the orcs fought each other and are both weakened, and the reason we don't see any."
Smon: BS can make a Survival INT or WIS check
Smon: DC 10
joriandrake: Thane checks the slime on the door "shouldn't we bring some of this slime back to the Doc?"
Keelia rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 8, (+2) = 10
Keelia: "Do not touch!" she snarls.
Keelia: "That is not the red slime. That is ooze."
joriandrake: While not touching he inspects / roll
Keelia: "It will dissolve your fingers!
joriandrake rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 9, (+1) = 10
joriandrake: "Would it dissolve glass too?"
Smon: GM: The east arch on the south door leads to a tunnel that turns west after 20'. But 10' down it there is a side tunnel to east she has not explored - she recalls detecting a pit trap there which deterred further exploration.
joriandrake: "this could be useful if glass can contain it"
Keelia: "No. It is evil stuff, though." she shutters. "It has a mind of its own. Bright Star suggests you leave it be."
Smon: GM: The east door looks dank, there is a bit of greyish mould on it.
Smon: Not the bright green slime that came out of the tap though.
joriandrake: Thane tries to fill a vial without touching the slime
Smon: >>The east arch on the south door << south wall not south door
joriandrake: if it moves thane rather drops that vial than touch it
joriandrake: the the slime moves*
joriandrake: if the
Smon: Thane scrapes some of the grey gunk into a vial.
Smon: it does not move.
joriandrake: I place it away for the Doc
Smon: BS inspects the ogre mouth - the tunnel leads north past a second ogre mouth, beyond that is the "dragon" sign post.
joriandrake: and if she can't use it, maybe my mother Theia can for her own work
Smon: BS recalls that there is a way east from there to the Quiet Halls where the undead roam.
joriandrake: ooc: it isn't new right?
joriandrake: ooc: the sign i mean
Keelia: [Right, I remember where I am, so we didn't check out the South Eastern hall?]
Smon: nope
Smon: You saw the pit and avoided it
Keelia: [No, and it isn't really a dragon.]
joriandrake: "Lets see this way too. There might never have been any dragons, and if yes it is likely long gone."
Smon:
joriandrake: "... or it ate the other beasts here and that is why we didn't finy anything yet"
joriandrake: find*
Keelia: [Bright Star wonders if it is worth checking out the pit trap path as we didn't go that way. (We had done quite a bit of stuff the other way)
Smon: GM: Looking down the SE tunnel, BS sees that past the pit it looks like there is a large opening, a chamber or N-S tunnel perhaps.
Smon: Somehow her party missed it before.
joriandrake: "I have somne rope if climbing is required, or can be used to cross places or somesuch"
Keelia: Bright Star turns to Thane. "Bright Star and companions did not go in that direction. She thinks perhaps we try that way. But be mindful of traps"
Smon: The pit is covered, but not hard to make out the outline. There look to be narrow paths to either side.
joriandrake: "If Bright Star can handle traps, then ladies first."
joriandrake: "however, wait a minute"
Smon: Heading 10' s down the se tunnel you can look east across the pit - it covers a 10x10 area, on the far side opening out into a second north-south passage.
joriandrake: Thane takes out the rope, ties one end to himself, and offers the other to the catgirl
joriandrake: "might save our lives in case one of us falls"
Keelia: Bright Star takes hold of the rope and ties it around her waist, tentatively. "Do not fall. Bright Star cannot hold your weight."
Smon: It will be DC 5 acrobatics to edge along n or s side of the pit.
Smon: How long is rope between you?
Keelia rolls 1d20+7 and gets: 7, (+7) = 14
joriandrake: "I don't intend to, my intention was to hold you up in case you fall, but humility taught me to expect the unexpected. Otherwise I would still just be herding sheep."
Smon: BS easily crosses the n side of the pit.
Keelia: [Rope should be at least 20' long, so probably 10' between us.]
joriandrake: rope is from the explorer's pack
joriandrake: acrobatics:
Smon: She reaches the N-S tunnel on the e side of the pit.
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 1,
joriandrake rolls 1d20 and gets: 13,
Smon: Thane joins BS.
Keelia: one on the other side, she keeps the rope tight so there is no slack to trigger the trap
Smon: Suddenly you both hear laughter!
joriandrake: Thane manages go get through without falling too
Keelia: She unties the rope from around her waist and gives it back to Thane.
Keelia: Bright Star crouches.
Smon: You are in a 50' long tunnel that runs 20' n and 20' s from where you stand before both ends turn east.
Keelia: and draws her bow, searching for the sound of the laughter
joriandrake: Thane looks at Bright Star, just checking if she isn't the one laughing at him
Smon: The laughter - several deep voices - is coming from round the south turn.
Smon: "Ho ho ho!"
Smon: "Snorri, ye're a jester and nae mistake!"
joriandrake: "Can you do your magic again and sneak around the corner to look what's there?"
Keelia: She glances at Thane then creeps down the South tunnel. [5' or 10' wide?]
Smon: It sounds muffled voices, as if by a door.
Smon: 10'
joriandrake: I try to listen hard (Perception)
joriandrake rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 4, (+1) = 5
Keelia: [Does it sound human? we know that humans work with the kobolds in this area]
joriandrake: I can't make out anything else than the laughter tho
Smon: BS sneaks to the south end and looks east - 20' down the tunnel ends at a very sturdy iron-bound door.
Smon: What's your Passive per Thane?
joriandrake: ooc: if these are deep voices than I doubt it is kobolds, maybe the orcs
joriandrake: a sec
Smon: "Aye, Thorin... but we're nae gettin through that damn door!"
joriandrake: I didn't write passives down, how is it calculated?
Keelia: Dwarf then
Smon: 10+perception bonus
Smon: dwarves, definitely dwarves!
joriandrake: I have no perception bonus but I have +1 to WIS or INT
Keelia: [ I know my LOtR and Hobbit]
joriandrake: I don't speak dwarf, aaltho they might speak common or Ghinoran
Smon: "Borfi, did I nae tell ye tae spike aw the doors?!"
joriandrake: I mean Thane doesn't
Keelia: Bright Star considers the door, then knocks. She knows dwarves. (considering we can understand them, they are speaking common)
Smon: They're talking heavily accented Common
Smon: BS knocks on the heavy door.
Smon: Silence falls.
joriandrake: "We're a half-orc and a cat girl, would they think us be enemy if we meet?"
Smon: BS's ears hear the sound of weapons being readied...
Smon: "Who- who's there?!" calls a dwarf voice nervously.
Keelia: "Bright Star of the East speaks to those dwarves on the other side of the door. She is dwarf-friend"
joriandrake: oh damn, I keep my pike casually in a non-threathening way, but raise my shield and make it sure to show salitine's symbol
joriandrake: if the dwarves can peek out
Smon: "Aye? Well Bright Star, I'm Snorri Broadshoulders. Heard o'me, have ye?"
Smon: The door remains shut.
joriandrake: rolling hsitory
Smon: DC 17 History
joriandrake rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 14, (+1) = 15
Smon: Definitely a dwarf name.
joriandrake: ooc: go go keelia
Keelia: "Bright Star has not heard of Snorri, but she is friend to Tordek, dwarf cleric"
Smon: "Tordek? I know nae Tordek. Have ye met Danor Gordak by chance?"
joriandrake: ooc: just in case do roll for history, ok?
joriandrake: ooc: oh shit
Smon: "We heard he was in these parts..."
Keelia: "Yes, Bright Star knows Danor also! He is in the nearby city"
Smon: "Aye? Well then, what god does he follow?"
Keelia: "Bright Star has adventured with him."
Smon: OOC BS would know it's Goibhnie the smith god
joriandrake: rolling for Danor
Keelia: "Bright Star knows that he follows your smith god, Goibhnie"
joriandrake rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 17, (+1) = 18
Keelia: He is a forge priest.
joriandrake: ooc: maybe Thane knows something about Snorri due to info on Danor
Smon: Thane recalls Danor, the greedy dwarf priest. He recently went north seeking more gold for returning a magic spear to Lord Shieldbiter the Dragonborn
Keelia: "He recently returned a spear to Lord Shieldbiter.@
Smon: "Aye? Well, we bid ye welcome. Open the door, but for the love of Goibhnie, wedge it open!!"
joriandrake: Thane whispers to Bright Star "and is known as a greedy priest"
Keelia: Bright Star shushes Thane. "He is a good fighter," she shrugs and bends to look at the lock
joriandrake: Thane takes a step back, jsut to avoid something like a sword strike against him as reaction from the dwarves when noticing him
Smon: GM: BS can roll Thievery
Smon: (INT)
Smon: Thieves tools INT
Keelia: "Be mindful, friend Snorri, Bright Star and her adventuring companion are not of the same shape as Dwarves or Humans.
Keelia rolls 1d20+10 and gets: 5, (+10) = 15
Smon: Something odd about this door's construction - and no lock, though there is a handle that turns.
joriandrake: Thane murmurs "She's cuter" before realizing he said it out loud and shuts up
Smon: Turning the handle and pushing should open the heavy door.
Keelia: Her ear flicks at Thane but she has traveled with Trystan.
Smon: LOL
Keelia: She turns the handle. "Help Bright Star push."
joriandrake: "this reminds me of something my mother told me about underwater boats, and hatches"
joriandrake: STR
Keelia: She readies a spike in her hand.
Smon: The heavy door swings open with a rumble... Beyond you see a chamber, the walls covered in frescoes, 5 dwarves stand ready.
joriandrake: athletics actually
joriandrake rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 10, (+6) = 16
Keelia: She braces herself against the door and spikes it.
Keelia rolls 1d20+10 and gets: 6, (+10) = 16
Smon: They carry drawn axes. The leader steps forward. "I'm Snorri... don't let that door shut!"
joriandrake: Thane still keeping the weapon distanced in unthreathening way and the shield up he nods. "Greetings"
Smon: Snorri‘s appearance is typical for a dwarf: a long, braided beard and balding head of red hair, stout build, and wearing a suit of worn, but well-maintained chain mail. A satchel holding blueprints, notes, food, a writing case with ink & pens, and a flask of dwarven brandy hangs at his side.
Smon: Masterpiece stonework; images of dwarven gods; intricate patterned floor.
joriandrake: question: a +1 pike can block the door from getting locked, or breaking the weapon, right?
Keelia: Bright Star checks that the door is firmly spiked.
joriandrake: if yes Thane places it in the way
Smon: it is a wooden stick
Smon: BS wedges spikes under the door until it seems held.
Keelia: (Bright Star has 8 irons spikes. better than a wooden pike)
Smon: The dwarves move forward and add spikes of their own along its base and in the hinges.
joriandrake: ooc: I thought magical items and weapons can't just get broken
Smon: LOL
joriandrake: ooc: I guesds it depends on setting/system and such
Smon: Magic weapons tend to be more resistant. Definitely not invulnerable unless it's an Artifact.
joriandrake: ok
Smon: The dwarves inspect BS's and their handiwork, looking happy.
joriandrake: Thane looks a bit hesitantly at the dwarves then at bright Star
joriandrake: half-way expecting to be attacked next
Smon: Snorri: "Good! Now we can get out the way we came... These tunnels stink of Orc!"
Keelia: Bright Star surveys the dwarves. "Greetings, friends."
Smon: He eyes Thane. "Hmm..."
joriandrake: "It wasn't me."
Smon: Then BS. "Hmm... You're an odd looking pair and no mistake."
Smon: The dwarves glower at Thane.
joriandrake: "I'm a hoplite and representative of Selatine and Lady jana Vex."
Keelia: "Indeed, Orc, Kobold and Goblin are known to roam the halls. However, Thane is trusted by Bright Star and her companions. Danor would trust him."
Smon: You see there is one other exit from this 20' e-w by 30' n-s room; a tunnel west at s end of w wall.
Smon: You came in at n end of w wall.
Smon: Snorri nods. "Good enough... We owe ye our thanks!"
Keelia: "Bright Star can guide you to the exit the way she came, but it passes a pit trap."
joriandrake: "I've heard good tales about the quality of dwarven ale, mead, and other drinks, and would be happy to inspect the truth to them" Thane tries to be friendly
Smon: He gestures to the dwarven frescoes. "Amazing work, eh?"
joriandrake: persuasion
joriandrake rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 14, (+2) = 16
Smon: The dwarves chuckle. One offers Thane a flask of dark liquor.
Smon: "That'll put hair on your chin!"
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 2,
joriandrake: Looking at the art Thane nods "yes indeed, these halls and their art is magnificent, would be nice to see them restored and used again"
Smon: Snorri nods. "aye!"
joriandrake: Thane drinks of it
Smon: Thane make CON save DC 8
joriandrake rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 18, (+6) = 24
Keelia: Bright Star nods and examines the frescoes. "Indeed, lovely work. Bright Star believes her companions would enjoy seeing this."
Smon: The burning liquor sears Thane's throat but he drinks it manfully, the dwarves look impressed.
joriandrake: A bit mild, but has an ice fruity aftertaste, and there is also some spice brewed into it
Keelia: She glances over at Thane drinking, only mildly put out, being used to Danor's drinking.
Keelia: "If Bright Star may ask, what brings you to Stonehell?"
joriandrake: Thane offers the drink to Star
Smon: Snorri: "We're here to catalogue the dwarven stonework here in the dungeon, crafted by our anestors wrongly imprisoned long ago..."
joriandrake: "The namesake of Stonehell was due to dwarves then, we've read the remnants of the inscirption at an archway earlier"
Smon: "...Not been here long. Spot of trouble with yon one-way door!"
Keelia: "Bright Star did hear this was once a prison," she nods. "Lovely work to be done in such an awful place."
Smon: Snorri nods. "Dwarves, men, orcs... probably cats too.All imprisoned down here."
joriandrake: "If this was a prison, no wonder that some doors are meant to be only one-way"
Smon: "Naturally the dwarves made the best of a bad lot."
Smon: Snorri nods to thane. "Fair point."
joriandrake: "naturally"
Smon: Thorin speaks up: "Snorri, now we're free, do we head back up or check out those tunnels?"
Keelia: Bright Star nods. "There are many traps in this place. Some more recent than others," she comments, remembering the trap set by that other attempted-thief.
Smon: Snorri looks thoughtful: "Hmm... "
joriandrake: "We have to expect more of similar doors later then, or more secure ones."
joriandrake: "We could explore together, we're only on our own here, and a larger group can do more, survive more."
joriandrake: "and I don't think our missions contradict each other's"
Keelia: "Bright Star and Thane will be investigating the area. You are welcome to travel with us, or Bright Star can show you the way out."
Smon: Snorri nods. "Good idea! You two seem capable. We'll follow your lead. Ware for orcs! I can smell 'em, you know..."
joriandrake: "I wouldn't mind hearing more about your homeland ,culture, or the story of Stonehell."
Smon: Snorri: "We'll talk tonight. Lead on."
joriandrake: Thane raises an eyebrow as Snorri repeats the claim of smelling orcs, but says nothing about it.
Smon: He gestures with his axe to the SW tunnel.
Keelia: Bright Star nod and checks the spike once more before turning towards the SW tunnel.
Smon: The sw tunnel runs w some 20' then turns south.
joriandrake: "Bright Star is the leader of the expedition, I'm more like a warrior and a bodyguard to her."
joriandrake: looks atr the cat girl "N ot that he requires much guarding"
joriandrake: not that she*
Smon: After 20' south it reaches a + intersection, tunnels to w and e.
joriandrake: sorry for typos again o.O
Smon: The tunnel continuing s looks oddly familiar to BS as if she might have glimpsed it before from the other direction...
joriandrake: ooc: if you ever need an insight roll on the dwarves tell me, that is one of the few things i'm still good at
Smon: Snorri whispers to Thane: "Keep it down, boy. There's orcs about!"
Keelia: (no worries about typos)
Smon: Past the first + junction the s tunnel continues another 20' to a second + junction.
Keelia: Bright Star looks east and west. Does she see anything that looks like tracks or signs of use?
Keelia rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 7, (+6) = 13
joriandrake: "Indeed, Selatine hopes we can persuade them tojoin us, if that doesn't work out sadly they'll be enemies."
joriandrake: "Just wish to notify you good dwarves that orcs aren't to be attacked on sight this time."
Smon: Beyond that to s it continues out of sight. Looking east at the first + BS sees the tunnel runs 10' then opens into a stinking chamber piled with filth, great rats scurry in the garbage, agitated by BS's arrival most likely.
joriandrake: "We have great plans of reclaiming old Thrace and they could be useful against the beastfolk"
Smon: Looking west at the + BS sees the tunnel runs 20' then opens into another chamber, this one with flaking frescoes and a sagging ceiling.
joriandrake: "I believe this would also be a great opportunity for improving relations with the dwarven cities, and boost our trade"
Keelia: Bright Star wrinkles her nose - she wouldn't get that smell out of her fur for a while - then looks west
Smon: Snorri looks bewildered as Thane talks on. "Shoosh!"
joriandrake: Thane growing up among sheep as a half-orc doesn't get bothered by the smell
Smon: He puts a finger to his lips.
Keelia: "There are frescoes to the West,"
Smon: /roll d20
joriandrake: Thane doesn't say more
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 1,
Smon: BS notices that one of the giant trash rats wears a brass collar!
Smon: It sits atop its filth pile, glaring at her.
Keelia: She pauses. And immediately turns East.
Keelia: Drawing her bow, she watches it.
joriandrake: ooc: cat girls don't hunt mices or rats, right?
Smon: A dozen or so more rats scurry about. There appears to be an arch in the n wall of the 20x20 trash chamber.
Keelia: [she has cat-like habits but she has full control of herself[
joriandrake: "That arch seems suspicious"
Smon: BS counts 15 rats in all, they seem to form a sort of court or bodyguard around the one atop the pile.
Keelia: "It is collared," she whispers. "That is dangerous."
Smon: There's writing on the collar.
joriandrake: perception
Keelia: [Can Star read it from just outside the door?]
joriandrake rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 3, (+1) = 4
Smon: Not w/out light
joriandrake: well I can't thats for sure
Smon: with torchlight, DC 15 perception
joriandrake: "We came here to explore, fighting some rats on our way might be a requirement, surprise we didn't meet anything else yet"
Keelia: She turns to Thane, "Light a torch, that collar has writing. It could be important"
Smon: Snorri joins BS & Thane at the junction, regarding the rats.
joriandrake: Thane takeso ut a torch and lights it
joriandrake: "Snorri, how good is your eyesight? Can you read that?"
Keelia: She murmurs to Snorri, "Bright Star does not trust this situation. Ready yourself. Collars usually are not a good sign. It means the animal is owned by someone or something clever enough to control it."
Keelia rolls 1d20+8 and gets: 17, (+8) = 25
Smon: In the torchlight you clearly see the arch at the e end of the trash room, leading to a tunnel(?). Boot tracks stomp over the trash and through the archway.
joriandrake: "or is just a pet rat"
Smon: The collar writing is in Common, it says "Precious"
Smon: /roll d6
joriandrake: "he's someone's preciousssss"
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 6,
joriandrake: (sorry)
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 7,
Smon: You hear heavy footsteps approaching from the far archway!
joriandrake: "Shall we hide?"
Keelia: "Footsteps," she hisses at the others, looking for a place to hide.
Smon: The rats dive into the garbage, burrowing for cover, as hulking chain-armoured Orcs burst into the room!
Smon: roll initiative
Keelia: "Conceal yourselves as best you can."
Smon: /roll d20+1
Smon rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 14, (+1) = 15
Keelia rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 2, (+6) = 8
Smon: beat 15 to hide
joriandrake: I take a step besides the door should be enough to be hidden by the wall
Smon: You're holding a torch, Thane!
joriandrake rolls 1d20 and gets: 14,
Keelia: [Bah, only an 8 for init]
Keelia rolls 1d20+13 and gets: 1, (+13) = 14
joriandrake: that explains my failure
joriandrake: and hers
Smon: The orcs see you both as they burst in, axes raised, and charge!
Smon: Snorri init:
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 11,
joriandrake: "Halt! Lead us to your leader!" I shout in orcish
Smon: The orcs surge forward... Thane can roll DC 20 Persuasion check.
joriandrake: init
joriandrake rolls 1d20 and gets: 5,
joriandrake: that was init
joriandrake: persuasion
Smon: You rolled init already
joriandrake rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 14, (+2) = 16
joriandrake: ok nvm
Smon: anyway you fail
Keelia: Bright Star prepares her bow. She has orc arrows.
joriandrake: I prepare my pike and shield and step in the gate (unless a dwarf wants to be first) and I have aan orc glare
Smon: GM: Init is 15 orcs 14 Thane 10 Dwarves 8 Bright Star
joriandrake: "Actually we have an advantage at the doorway here"
Smon: The orcs surge forward with incredible speed (racial power) and are on you almost before you can defend yourself.
joriandrake: "We have to hold it just like the western pass"
Keelia: Bright Star will be happy to step behind Thane.
Keelia: (Do they reach us on their turn?)
Smon: 3 can attack vs 3 of you in front, the other 4 orcs raise javelins to throw at the dwarves behind you...
joriandrake: in this case the orcs either attack already, or used their turn to just move
Smon: yup they can move 60' and attack!
Keelia: {damn that's fast!}
joriandrake: speedy gonzalorcs
Smon: 1st orc, vs Thane:
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 5, (+5) = 10
joriandrake: nope
Smon: THane you get your opp att as it closes on you
joriandrake: (AC 18)
Smon: as not surprised
joriandrake: indeed
joriandrake: Thane strikes with the pike at the charging orc
joriandrake rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 3, (+6) = 9
joriandrake: o.O
Smon: miss
Smon: 2nd orc at BS:
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 14, (+5) = 19
Smon: hit?
joriandrake: O.o oh noes
Keelia: yes. ouch
Smon: /roll d12+3
Smon rolls 1d12+3 and gets: 8, (+3) = 11
Keelia: a/c 15
Smon: 11 dmg, do you have evasion?
joriandrake: wait a sec
Smon: reaction for half?
joriandrake: Keelia said BS is behind me
Keelia: uncanny dodge
joriandrake: do orc weapons have reach?
Smon: you were all at the entrance and did not get to move before their attacks, you don't have a battle line yet.
joriandrake: also you said 3 orcs target me, 4 dwarves, I thought none targeted the cat girl
Smon: 3 orcs target your party!
Smon: "You" =/= "Thane"
joriandrake: sorry about the misunderstanding then
Keelia: so with uncanny dodge, I take 5 or 6?
Smon: BS can use reaction to halve dmg to 5 yuo
Smon: yup
Keelia: great
Smon: 3rd orc vs Snorri
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 16, (+5) = 21
Smon: /roll d12+3
Smon rolls 1d12+3 and gets: 8, (+3) = 11
Smon: LOL
joriandrake: these orcs are on steroids
Smon: An orc axe cleaves Snorri's helm and skull, the dwarf falls, dying.
Keelia: (luckily we weren't surprised!)
Smon: (at 0 hp, death in 3r unless healed)
joriandrake: (unluckily we alreadyl ost the one named dwarf)
Smon: Yeah they rolled bad on stealth check
joriandrake: (oh, he might survive if an other dwarf can first aid)
Keelia: (dwarf isn't dead yet. We may be able to save him)
Smon: As Snorri falls the orcs to the rear fling javelins at the other dwarves who are hurrying up.
joriandrake: (they are somewhat protected by the walls at the doorway maybe they can tend to him)
Smon: They get cover so +2 AC = 17 AC
Smon: /roll d20+5x4
Smon Rolls 1d20+5x4 and gets:
12 (+5) = 17
4 (+5) = 9
15 (+5) = 20
8 (+5) = 13
Smon: /roll d6+3x2
Smon Rolls 1d6+3x2 and gets:
3 (+3) = 6
6 (+3) = 9
Smon: /roll d3
Smon rolls 1d3 and gets: 1
Smon: A dwarf takes 2 javelins and is flung back by the force, impaled & dropping axe he lies still.
Smon: 2 dwarves down, 1 clearly dead
Smon: init 14 - Thane
Smon: An orc is in your face, so disad w pike
joriandrake: (I really hope we won't get all killed ony my first mission, wouldn't just feel bad to fail ,c die, but also to have allowed Bright Star to get killed in the process)
Smon: (yes that would be sad)
Smon: Your go Thane
joriandrake Rolls 1d20+6x2 and gets:
18 (+6) = 24
1 (+6) = 7
Smon: Please declare an action
joriandrake: I reroll the second due to disadvantage , or eliminate disadvantage with the blessing
joriandrake: attack
Smon: OK inspired by St Ras you strike the orc.
Smon: roll dmg
Smon: (eliminate disad w blessing ok I'll allow)
Smon: roll damage for first attack
joriandrake: ok
Smon: NB you can always drop pike & draw sword
joriandrake rolls 1d10+4 and gets: 3, (+4) = 7
Smon: You wound the orc
joriandrake: yes but that leans i lose opportunity attack
Smon: no
joriandrake: means*
Smon: no it doesn't
joriandrake: I mean the advantage of polearm master
Smon: Yes
Smon: true
joriandrake: and at lease one more orc is sure to attack me melee
Smon: 2nd attack?
joriandrake: oh right, sorry I forgot extra attack
Smon: Currently 3 orcs are within your Reach, the other 4 hung back
joriandrake: attack the same i attacked earlier
Smon: ok
joriandrake Rolls 1d20+6x2 and gets:
3 (+6) = 9
15 (+6) = 21
Smon: 9 is a miss (AC 14 in chain shirt)
Smon: init #10 - dwarves
joriandrake: I drop the pike to use sword now and use surge
Smon: Or is Thane withdrawing from the archway?
Smon: oh ok
Smon: 2 more attacks
Smon: d8s now
joriandrake: I stay in archway atm
Smon: good, 2 orcs are in their Reach of you
joriandrake rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 4, (+5) = 9
Smon: aw
joriandrake: damn it, second attack
Smon: you can roll twice if type /roll d20+5x2
joriandrake rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 6, (+5) = 11
Smon: The gods are not with Thane today...
Smon: Dwarves...
joriandrake: I rolled twice before due to diasvantage
Smon: Thorin: "Hold the gap!"
Smon: Two dwarves fling hand axes at the one that felled Snorri:
Smon: AC 16 w cover
Smon: /roll d20+3x2
Smon Rolls 1d20+3x2 and gets:
5 (+3) = 8
2 (+3) = 5
Smon: miss
Smon: Thorin steps forward and hacks at it.
Smon: /roll d20+3
Smon rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 6, (+3) = 9
Smon: miss
Smon: oh dear
Smon: init 8 - Bright Star
joriandrake: "I will hold the pass or die trying!" (Thane accidentally says pass as his mind wanders back o the battle at western pass)
Smon: (this is the reverse of the last orc fight!)
Smon: BS an orc is attacking you.
Keelia: Bright Star drops her bow and draws her sword, stabbing at the orc in front of her.
Keelia rolls 1d20+8 and gets: 12, (+8) = 20
Smon: You could hit it then bonus action disengage & retreat behind dwarves.
Smon: Stabbity stab
Smon: hit, can sneak attack
Keelia rolls 1d6+5 and gets: 4, (+5) = 9
Smon: BS can ALWAYS sneak attack
Keelia rolls 3d6 and gets: 3, 4, 3, = 10
joriandrake: (I will not hold back any surges in this battle, as if we don't survive it it doesn't matter that it refilly only weekly)
Smon: THe shortsword takes the clumsy brute through the heart, he drops stone dead.
Keelia: 19 total. She then uses fancy footwork to disengage and duck back.
Smon: BS retreats, a dwarf taking her place in the line.
Keelia: She looks for a place to hide behind the dwarves
joriandrake: "Take my pike if you can use it!"
Smon: She can easily duck round corner out of javelin shot risk
Smon: LOL
joriandrake: Thane shouts at the dwarf
Smon: "Nae thanks matey! Bit tight in here!" yells Thorin
joriandrake: reverse position - someone behind me can use the pike for advantage
Smon: Round 2....
Smon: The last dwarf (Borfi) grabs the pike, now all 3 can fight in melee
Smon: init 15 - orcs
Smon: 1st orc vs Thane:
joriandrake: "By the dead god of Death, what a mess"
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 12, (+5) = 17
Smon: miss?
joriandrake: yay (still ac 18)
joriandrake: probably blocked with shield
Smon: An orc charges in (no Thane opp att now!) to strike the dwarf beside THane
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 13, (+5) = 18
Smon: /roll d12+3
Smon rolls 1d12+3 and gets: 3, (+3) = 6
Smon: "Just a flesh wound!" he roars
Smon: Third orc vs Thorin
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 17, (+5) = 22
joriandrake: "good dwarf! repay him in double!"
Smon: /roll d12+3
joriandrake: shit
Smon rolls 1d12+3 and gets: 2, (+3) = 5
Smon: "Grr" says Thorin as the great axe wounds him.
Smon: The remaining 3 orcs close in and fling javelins at your front rank - Thane has cover, AC 20:
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 5, (+5) = 10
Smon: dwarves have superior cover, AC 20:
Smon: /roll d20+5x2
Smon Rolls 1d20+5x2 and gets:
4 (+5) = 9
6 (+5) = 11
Smon: no effect, orcs are out of javelins
Smon: init 14 - Thane's go
Smon: orcs ac 14
joriandrake: correct me if mistaken but it hink i myself had not been hit yet
Smon: d20+6x4 if action surge
Smon: yup
joriandrake: action surge yes (and im a terrible defender/shield)
joriandrake Rolls 1d20+6x4 and gets:
12 (+6) = 18
1 (+6) = 7
9 (+6) = 15
11 (+6) = 17
Smon: 3 hits, roll dmg 1 at a time
joriandrake rolls 1d8+3 and gets: 5, (+3) = 8
joriandrake rolls 1d8+3 and gets: 2, (+3) = 5
Smon: had 8! it goes down.
joriandrake rolls 1d8+3 and gets: 4, (+3) = 7
Smon: Thane stabs the orc to his right for 5+7=12
Smon: still up
Smon: init #10 dwarves
Smon: front rank strike w axes
Smon: /roll d20+3x2
Smon Rolls 1d20+3x2 and gets:
14 (+3) = 17
13 (+3) = 16
Smon: /roll d8+1x2
Smon Rolls 1d8+1x2 and gets:
8 (+1) = 9
8 (+1) = 9
Smon: The orc Thane wounded is hewed down.
Smon: The last orc in melee is wounded.
joriandrake: "Fuck you dead Death god Thanatos, if I get through this I make my life's goal to replace you and judge the fallen fairly, then I find your sould and judge you too!"
Smon: Borin, the dwarf w pike, stabs at it:
Smon: /roll d20+3
Smon rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 15, (+3) = 18
Smon: /roll d10+1
Smon rolls 1d10+1 and gets: 1, (+1) = 2
Smon: awe
joriandrake: two handed it is d12
Smon: still up
Smon: only w STR 15+
joriandrake: you can reroll
Smon: STR 13 = d10
joriandrake: oh, okay
Smon: init #8 - Bright Star
joriandrake: sidenote: doesn't str bonus to damage double if using two-handed as it did in 3.5?
Smon: she still holds her bow, could sheath sword & shoot over dwarf heads?
Smon: no
joriandrake: k
Keelia: (Bright Star had dropped her bow to switch to sword)
Smon: Thane & 2 dwarves form a line blocking the tunnel, one dwarf w pike behind them
joriandrake: I think an arrow from there would still be unexpected and could be sneaky
Smon: ok but 1-handed sword, did not need to drop bow
joriandrake: yes, my pike was a different matter
Keelia: Ah, I forgot it was one-handed, ok, can i ret-con the drop and have her still holding it?
Smon: She could move back through her line attack last orc in melee?
Smon: oh ok
Keelia: if I can ret-con, I will use bow, if not, she will move up with her sword
Smon: yes you can shoot
joriandrake: you could also attempt to stabilize snorri
Keelia: (has he failed his death save?)
Smon: he auto fails
joriandrake: he needs outside first aid
joriandrake: only you aren't on the battle line atm
Keelia: oh, then I will drag him back and attempt to stabilise him. I have one potion of healing left, if they look like they are handling the orcs?
joriandrake: damn great! healing potion means automatic Hp gain and stabilization
joriandrake: he's saved i nthat case
Smon: 3 orcs down, 2 dwarves down
Smon: BS administers healing potion?
Keelia: They seem to be mostly handling it, I'll bring Snorri back up and then duck back around the corner
joriandrake: and he will also regain consciousness I believe
Keelia: Yes, healing potion
Smon: If so Keelia roll 2d4+2
Keelia rolls 2d4+2 and gets: 2, 3, (+2) = 7
Smon: Snorri's eyes blink open, he coughs, looks up at Bright Star's furry visage. "I'm in love! Thank ye lassy..."
Smon: Round 3 - #15 orcs....
Smon: morale check
Smon: /roll 2d6
Smon rolls 2d6 and gets: 3, 3, = 6
Keelia: She shakes her head in amusement. "Bright Star recommends you find a safe place to defend yourself."
joriandrake: ooc: i love these npc's, I want to find them a home or adopt them
Smon: The orcs howl in fury and fling themselves into the fray...
Smon: 1st Orc vs dwarf:
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 3, (+5) = 8
Smon: misses Thorin
joriandrake: "I offered you damn talks, you attacked us,we will take you down with us even if we bleed out at the end!" shouted in orcish
Smon: 2 orcs charge in at Thane & Borin
Smon: vs THane
Smon: /roll d20+5
joriandrake: wait, how could i roll on intimidation?
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 13, (+5) = 18
Smon: hit
Smon: /roll d12+3
joriandrake: is it a normal action? bonus?
Smon rolls 1d12+3 and gets: 11, (+3) = 14
joriandrake: yes it did hit
Smon: usually an action but GM can allow free action
joriandrake: it really did hit hard
Smon: In this case they are not intimidated though
Smon: 14 dmg to Thane
Smon: vs Borin
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 12, (+5) = 17
joriandrake: 49/35
Smon: hit
Smon: /roll d12+3
Smon rolls 1d12+3 and gets: 9, (+3) = 12
joriandrake: is borin not behind me with the pike?
Smon: Sorry Borfi!
Smon: The doughty Borfi is cleft almost in twain.
Smon: Bright Star sees the gap appear in your ragged line as another dwarf falls...
joriandrake: ooc: a sec have to look up cleft and twain
Smon: LOL
Keelia: (cut in two)
Smon: init 14 - Thane
joriandrake: how many in reach? 2?
Smon: 2 within 5' yes
joriandrake: how wounded are these?
Smon: 3 attacking your line, the last to rear
Smon: both unwounded & fresh
Smon: Thorin's orc is twice wounded by dwarves but out of your reach unless you kill an orc
joriandrake: ok I use surge then, but im not sure if second or last of the 3 ones
Smon: last
Smon: you surged every round
Smon: also tick them off in future
joriandrake Rolls 1d20+6x4 and gets:
7 (+6) = 13
2 (+6) = 8
18 (+6) = 24
17 (+6) = 23
Smon: 2 hits, AC 14 in chain shirts
joriandrake: almost a crit o.O
Smon: purchased by Oriax, nothing but the best chain for his boys
joriandrake rolls 1d8+3 and gets: 5, (+3) = 8
Smon: orc has 15 hp
joriandrake rolls 1d8+3 and gets: 4, (+3) = 7
joriandrake: ok then
Smon: it goes down!
Smon: 4 orcs fallen now
Smon: init 10 - dwarves
joriandrake: basically Thane madly swings at all the weak spots and openings he finds but despite this he barely gets any hits in
Smon: Seeing the gap in the line, Snorri rolls out from under Bright Star, leaps to his feet and flings himself back into the fray...
Smon: /roll d20+3
Smon rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 2, (+3) = 5
Smon: missing wildly
Smon: Snorri: "ach, getting too old fer this..."
Smon: Thorin:
Smon: /roll d20+3
Smon rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 1, (+3) = 4
joriandrake: not our day
Smon: Borin w pike
Smon: /roll d20+3
Smon rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 5, (+3) = 8
Smon: nope!
Smon: Bright Star
Smon: 2 orcs are in melee, one badly wounded.
Keelia: bright star sneaks up to the line and stabs the nearest orc with her sword.
Smon: A third is further back, glancing at the archway they came in by as if considering flight....
Keelia rolls 1d20+8 and gets: 9, (+8) = 17
joriandrake: if we take one more out perhaps the others reconsider that negotiation ( tides have slowly turned)
Smon: ok bonus action sneak, success
Keelia rolls 1d6+5 and gets: 6, (+5) = 11
Keelia rolls 3d6 and gets: 2, 5, 6, = 13
Smon: BS rises up behind an engaged orc... stabs it in the back
Smon: Blade passes through its heart & it crumples.
Keelia: 24 damage in total. She then fancy footworks her way back to her hiding place
Smon: ok
Smon: Only 2 orcs left
Smon: The one in melee is howling & swinging wildly at the dwarves
Smon: /roll d20+5
Smon rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 6, (+5) = 11
Smon: miss
Smon: The one further back reaches a decision, glances at Thane, then turns and runs full speed out the filth-packed chamber, giant rats scattering.
joriandrake: using rule of taking out enemy without deadly force next
Smon: It bolts away through the NE archway.
Smon: #14 Thane ok
Smon: your go thane
joriandrake: still normally having two attacks, and I use a second wind as bonus
Smon: ok
joriandrake Rolls 1d20+6x2 and gets:
19 (+6) = 25
20 (+6) = 26
joriandrake: both criticals
Smon: 2 crits LOL - NOW you roll them!
joriandrake: as this is my first time for that, now what? sword damage dice x3? twice?
Smon: Thane knocks the last orc unconscious with the pommel of his sword.
joriandrake: that works too
Smon: Would be 6d8+6 I count
Smon: /roll 6d8+6
Smon rolls 6d8+6 and gets: 3, 2, 7, 6, 7, 3, (+6) = 34
Smon: over twice its hp
joriandrake: "Well, not the way I expected, but we have a prisoner and might still salvage a negotiation out of this"
joriandrake: Thane looks around to check the others, rescue who can still be rescued
Smon: Snorri checks the fallen. "Borfi! Korfi! Damn those Orcs!"
joriandrake: (and I rolol second wind)
Smon: In the distance you hear orc howls...
Smon: At least half a dozen.
Keelia: Bright Star peers around the corner and seeing the area cleared, steps up, wiping the blood off her blade. She fetches up her bow.
joriandrake rolls 1d10+5 and gets: 3, (+5) = 8
Smon: Lots of stamping, howling, clashing of weapons.
joriandrake: 49/43 hp
Keelia: "Bright Star strongly recommends that we retreat and return with more allies before we attempt to engage these orcs again@
Smon: Snorri wipes blood from his face. "More orcs... They want us to know they're here. Which means they fear us!"
joriandrake: good plan, but we cant take the fallen them with us
joriandrake: then*
joriandrake: Snorri, do you think they would listen to us now before they attack?
Keelia: (How are you guys for time?)
Smon: Snorri: "A dwarf never leaves a dwarf behind! Thorin, Borin, you grab Korfi! Thane, help me with Borfi!"
joriandrake: ooc: I'm still alive, atill awake, so still okay
Smon: (I'm good, but will wrap up within 30 minutes ok?)
joriandrake: can I quickly write a note before helping?
Keelia: (sounds good)
Smon: Snorri looks at Thane in disgust: "They're Orcs! Monsters! Come ON!"
Keelia: Bright Star leaves the dwarves to their fallen for a moment and goes to check the bodies and see if she can see the collared rat
Smon: Thorin & Borin lift Korfi's body.
Keelia: *orc bodies
Smon: BS sees the beady eyed collared rat regarding her from across the trash pile.
Smon: It seems to be wearing a smug expression.
Smon: More rats are watching. One starts to nibble on a dead orc.
Keelia: She digs a bit of meat from her pocket. "Here, precious"
Smon: The living orcs seem to be approaching rather slowly, yelling: "ut! ut! ut!"
joriandrake: just that: "Selatine offers a second chance to Oriax's former forces to settle down and live a new life, if you're interested despite that you attacked us contact us. - Thane, Selatine's Hoplite Commander, Half-orc PS: I forgive you, but the reinforcements might not, seek me out"
joriandrake: ok we can leave
Smon: That's insanely long to write right now
Smon: But you can yell it down the tunnel as you leave.
Smon: BS roll Persuasion or Nature
joriandrake: I do that then
Keelia rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 14, (+5) = 19
Keelia: persuasion
joriandrake: also persuasion I guess
joriandrake: shall i roll for it when yelling?
Smon: Precious moves forward and nibbles the food from BS's hand.
Smon: The sleek black rat seems very plump & well groomed for a trash rat.
Smon: ok THane
Keelia: Bright Star will attempt to gently scoop it up
Keelia: if it tries to run, she will strike to grab it by the collar
Smon: ok Persuasion I guess
joriandrake: Thane thinks even if not too persuative the orcs should understand that even if a battle happened such an offer means a serious offer, whatever a pers roll outcome
Smon: for BS to pick up rat
joriandrake rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 18, (+2) = 20
Keelia rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 16, (+5) = 21
Smon: The rat does not resist as BS scoops it up.
Smon: Thane gives an heroic speech down the tunnel.
Keelia: She turns and hurries out after the dwarves.
Smon: Snorri picks up a bottle of dwarf brandy from a dead orc.
Smon: Pocketing it with a grin.
Smon: OOC there really is a bottle of dwarf brandy listed in their treasure
joriandrake: "Well I tried, probably not all of them but some might abandon their dead Oriax" Thane comes and helps too
Smon: Then Thane & Snorri pick up dead Borfi and you head briskly away from the scene of carnage...
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 2,
joriandrake: Looks at Snorri "When we get back to the settlement I will order a round of beer for all of us and raise it for the fallen"
Smon: You climb the spiral stairs carrying your fallen and emerge into the canyon & daylight.
Keelia: Bright Star rests a hand on his shoulder. "Bright Star is sure Danor will say a prayer for the fallen."
joriandrake: also, remembering his oath from earlier "and I guess I have a long way to a new goal of mine as well to drink on"
Smon: Snorri nods. "Aye, let us repair to yon Selatine."
Smon: Snorri sighs, glances at BS. "We'll be back... with shields and stout helms and mail, to send those Orcs to Hell!"
Keelia: Bright Star leads the way, wary of the Hyenas, though they should be full and not hunting.
joriandrake: THane thoughtfully replies "indeed Star, but with Thanatos dead who is tending to the souls now? Someone has to fill his role, and hopefully not something worse."
Smon: Snorri: "Death is deaf
joriandrake: "I'll be honored to fight beside you and your kin as brethren again.... that is, if you can stand my orcish smell."
joriandrake: (to Snorri)
Smon: Snorri: "Hmph."
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 6,
Keelia: Bright Star frowns at Thane, moving close to murmur, "Be mindful they carry their dead. Do not burden their hearts with such words"
Smon: You reach the eastern wall, carrying your dead... Suddenly, small lean rangy forms emerge from the gatehouse north doorway... Goblins!
joriandrake: ooc: well my character lacks charisma due to his manners and tact
Smon: At least a dozen goblins advance towards you!
joriandrake: "Yo umentione being on good terms with these, Star?"
Keelia: Bright Star raises a hand with the talisman. "Greetings."
Smon: Snorri sighs, laying down Thorfi. "Oh well, tis a good day to die beside my brethren..."
Smon: The goblins stop, pointing at Bright Star and the talisman.
joriandrake: "wait Snorri, maybe there won't be a battle"
Smon: One steps forward, smiling and nodding. "Hail Bright Star! You are the ones killed the orcs, yes?"
Keelia: She makes sure the little wolf head is easily visible "Indeed, she and her companions have been slaying orc! There are more, but several are dead."
joriandrake: "Sadly some brave dwarves also died due to orcs, but yes" (only saying this if Thane understands what language they talk in, if commor)
Smon: BS recognises him as Mreggle, the goblin she first met.
joriandrake: common*
Keelia: (rule of thumb is unless Simon specifically says otherwise, it's common)
joriandrake: ok
Smon: yes
Smon: The goblins grin happily, a few clap.
Keelia: "Hail Mreggle. Bright Star is pleased to see you well. Her companions wish to pass and bring their dead to be laid to rest."
Smon: "MORE orcs dead? Again you kill! This is GREAT!"
Smon: The goblins do a celebratory jig.
Smon: "Soon all be dead! Soon we go home!"
Keelia: "There are more Orc, so Bright Star recommends you be very careful, but she and her companions will be back and if more Orc are to be found, the will be dealt with."
Keelia: *they
joriandrake: "We have to tend to the dead and the wounded, but perhaps you could next time join with your fellow goblins if it comes to a battle?"
Smon: The goblins nod.
joriandrake: persuasion
joriandrake: or unnecessary
joriandrake: ?
Smon: A stout goblin steps forward, eyes Thane. "Yes, we help Bright Star. But you... you look like Orc."
Keelia: (Probably not necessary Goblins are enemy of Orc.)
Smon: Mreggle: "Boss, we let them pass, they kill more Orc? Right?"
Keelia: "Bright Star introduces Thane, companion adventurer. He assisted in killing Orcs today."
Keelia: "He is of no threat to you."
joriandrake: "I"m Thane of Selatine, hoplite warrior and under command of Lady Jana Vex"
joriandrake: pesr just i ncase
joriandrake rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 17, (+2) = 19
Smon: The fat goblin boss nods slowly. "You right, mreggle." He nods to BS. "Friends of Bright Star is friends of goblin."
Smon: He smiles toothily at Thane.
Smon: The dwarves look stunned.
Smon: Goblin boss: "You go on. When you come back, come see us? We help you?"
joriandrake: to Snorri "Well, at least one encounter ends friendly today."
Keelia: Bright Star bows her head towards them. "Bright Star is pleased to have your trust and bids you also be mindful of the Hyena pack on the plains, if you travel that way."
Smon: THe goblin boss shudders. "Hyenas! THey bad. Gnolls breed them in bad city."
Keelia: Bright Star nods, "She will return and speak to you when she does." she promises
joriandrake: Thane also slightly bows to the goblin chief. "We are allies against common enemies, and could maybe become proper friends with time. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves."
Smon: GM: The chief nods to Thane, smiling sharp teeth. The goblins wave you goodbye in friendly fashion and you depart.
Keelia: Bright Star considers this new information. "If the Hyenas are a threat, Bright Star will spread the word to other adventurers to kill them if possible."
joriandrake: ooc: I really worried I might roll an 1 against the goblins o.O
Keelia: She waves as they head out.
Smon: Skirting the place of the hyenas, you return to Selatine with the dwarves that evening.
joriandrake: I go report to V
Keelia: (yay! we live!)
joriandrake: (yay, indeedly!)
Smon: GM: BS has the feeling the long N-S corridor might connect to the area she was in before with Danor Gordak.
Keelia: Bright Star enquires at the tavern to see if Danor or Tordek are around and to ask if they could help Snorri lay his fallen to rest.
joriandrake: and as promised, after that I go to the dwarves, take part in any sorrow/mourning ritual they have, and order a round of beer for them
Smon: But with the orc issue you didn't confirm the connection.
joriandrake: the orc issue is not resolved yet
Smon: GM: Tordek is around, Danor is still off in Ahyf.
joriandrake: but I do think it was the wise choice to return after what happened, a strategical withdrawal was necessary
Smon: Tordek can (I assume) lay the dead to rest - I'll tell David at tabletop tomorrow.
Keelia: (He's a cleric, so he should have some abilities in that?)
joriandrake: Thane will be present then as npc or somesuch, as promised
Keelia: Bright Star asks the tavern keeper to spread the word about the Hyenas
Keelia: and the Orcs.
Smon: Scalpy Jack the Innkeep nods, always happy to spread rumours of danger.
Smon: OOC stopping there
Smon: Well done guys
Keelia: Great!
joriandrake: we didn't see any albino apes though
Keelia: Thanks for the good game!
Smon: You survived without Mordred & Zagaar!!
Smon: I'll post log and calculate XP
joriandrake: I admit I didn't expect level 1 to be this hard, altho we didn't have, many encoutner rolls
Keelia: Yay for Snorri, Thorin, and the others. Otherwise, it may have been more painful.
joriandrake: I enjoyed it, but I had to rush to the toilet twice
Smon: Orcs are really bad in 5e
joriandrake: I got so anxious
joriandrake: maybe the npc dwarves can level up too
Smon: >>I enjoyed it, but I had to rush to the toilet twice<< I don't need to know
Keelia: They are a little overpowered but we survived.
joriandrake: it was weird to fight against strong oppenents with so few players
Smon: The dwarves aren't classed, but they will def upgrade equipment before returning!
joriandrake: as bonus my rols were terrible
joriandrake: except those 2 crits
joriandrake: consider perhaps granting them level 1 then in basic classes like fighter, rogue and cleric then
joriandrake: after this I feel they deserve it
joriandrake: In any case, this was a good first experience for Thane outside the usual phalanx
Smon: You would be best behind a dwarf.
Smon: In second row Thane would be deadly
joriandrake: indeed, the situation didn't allow it though
Smon: yeah, the init went orcs' way
joriandrake: although that dwarf who took the pike as advised was good
Smon: Oh, Bright Star has Precious now!
Smon: Better give her Inspiration for that.
Keelia: Yes, she's not sure what to do with the Rat, other than maybe buy a metal cage to keep it in for the moment and keep it fed, but the fact that it was collared was too curious.
joriandrake: maybe there is still additional story to that rat
joriandrake: better look for a cleric, druid or ranger to talk to it
Smon: It definitlely seems rather tame.