Company of the Random Encounter ('complete' 14 Nov 2004)
- Thread starter Capellan
- Start date
Capellan
Explorer
You're all crazy
There are no plans to bring back Scratches (though rather worryingly, Dragon #300 has exactly the set of stats I would need if I were to do so).
Though since I know some of my players read this thread, it could be that I'm lying, to throw them off the track
Yup - it is indeed the same adventure that kicked things off for your group. Things go a little differently than they did in that game, however.
I've passed on your request to Macwood's player - we'll have to wait and see what he comes up with. He has a clear idea of the character's personality (which will become abundantly clear soon enough!) and of future plans for him, but he hasn't done any backstory at this point.
If he does give me something, it will go up there. In the mean time, Briar's stats and bio, will definitely go up on the Rogue's Gallery in the next day or two.
In other news, we'll be playing again this Saturday. I'll be running an adventure I picked up here on the ENboards. It's in the third post. See how I trust my players not to run off and read it?
Anyway, we have a better faster stronger cat that'll tear the undead Scratches into little bits! Go Shadow!
Capellan
Explorer
Leaving Ulfgar to stand guard over Macwood as the halfling plots his "distraction", Briar and Ming Li make their way down through the trees toward the orcs, each skilfully employing their training in stealth. Eventually, they reach a spot no more than 30' from either of the two grey-skinned humanoids, both of which are still absorbed in the spectacle of the struggling horse and handler. Up close, the adventurers can see that the third figure is a human male.
The two crouch behind some scrubby bushes, carefully loading their crossbows,
"How do you think Macwood will get their attention?" Briar whispers.
"He had a sling with him." Ming Li suggests, equally quietly, "He will probably shoot at them. Then, when they charge toward him, we will be able to shoot them both."
It's a good theory, but nothing like what actually happens.
Macwood suddenly appears at the top of the rise, waving a garishly coloured shirt above his head and yodelling:
"Na Orc klaw din ot raab ud yass - Ack!"[1]
The string of consonants obviously means more to the orcs than it does to the halfling's companions, as they both immediately start to turn toward him.
"Now!" Ming Li hisses, and both she and Briar unleash bolts from their crossbows.
Neither shot is terribly accurate: Ming Li's is too low, digging up clumps of mud as it ploughs into the ground about 5' short of the orcs. Briar's, meanwhile, strikes a glancing blow on the closest orc's scalemail shirt ...
.. then promptly ricochets upward and into the unfortunate creature's neck, killing it instantly.
As its companion drops with a choked-off shout of alarm, the remaining orc looks around wildly for the source of the ambush.
And then it too suddenly topples backward, a dagger sunk to the hilt in its left eye.
"Where did that - ?" Briar's question trails off as he sees Ming Li already shaking her head.
"It came from somewhere on the other side of the road, but I did not see where."
Apparently undeterred by the presence of an unknown participant in the ambush, the young monk moves out into the road toward the one remaining figure they can see, calling out to the man who has finally given up his struggle with the horse.
"We were sent by the town to look for the missing wagon ... are you injured?"
The man's only response is to make a few gestures in the air with one hand and mutters to himself, moving slowly backward as he does so.
"Are you a fool, girl?" Ulfgar has appeared beside Macwood, as the gleeful halfling capers with excitement, "He could be in league with the beasts."
"I'll not attack a human without cause." Ming Li answers, keeping her crossbow unloaded and down by her side. Briar decides to play it a bit safer, loading his crossbow, though not actively pointing it at the man.
The subject of their attention draws and loads his own crossbow, possibly in answer to the young rogue's actions. He mutters and gestures again at the end of this process.
"Please," Ming Li makes another attempt to speak to him, "we're not hear to hurt you."
"Glad to hear it." the man snaps his head up and gives the monk a feral smile.
Then he shoots her.
[1] "An orc walked into a bar and said - Ouch!"
The two crouch behind some scrubby bushes, carefully loading their crossbows,
"How do you think Macwood will get their attention?" Briar whispers.
"He had a sling with him." Ming Li suggests, equally quietly, "He will probably shoot at them. Then, when they charge toward him, we will be able to shoot them both."
It's a good theory, but nothing like what actually happens.
Macwood suddenly appears at the top of the rise, waving a garishly coloured shirt above his head and yodelling:
"Na Orc klaw din ot raab ud yass - Ack!"[1]
The string of consonants obviously means more to the orcs than it does to the halfling's companions, as they both immediately start to turn toward him.
"Now!" Ming Li hisses, and both she and Briar unleash bolts from their crossbows.
Neither shot is terribly accurate: Ming Li's is too low, digging up clumps of mud as it ploughs into the ground about 5' short of the orcs. Briar's, meanwhile, strikes a glancing blow on the closest orc's scalemail shirt ...
.. then promptly ricochets upward and into the unfortunate creature's neck, killing it instantly.
As its companion drops with a choked-off shout of alarm, the remaining orc looks around wildly for the source of the ambush.
And then it too suddenly topples backward, a dagger sunk to the hilt in its left eye.
"Where did that - ?" Briar's question trails off as he sees Ming Li already shaking her head.
"It came from somewhere on the other side of the road, but I did not see where."
Apparently undeterred by the presence of an unknown participant in the ambush, the young monk moves out into the road toward the one remaining figure they can see, calling out to the man who has finally given up his struggle with the horse.
"We were sent by the town to look for the missing wagon ... are you injured?"
The man's only response is to make a few gestures in the air with one hand and mutters to himself, moving slowly backward as he does so.
"Are you a fool, girl?" Ulfgar has appeared beside Macwood, as the gleeful halfling capers with excitement, "He could be in league with the beasts."
"I'll not attack a human without cause." Ming Li answers, keeping her crossbow unloaded and down by her side. Briar decides to play it a bit safer, loading his crossbow, though not actively pointing it at the man.
The subject of their attention draws and loads his own crossbow, possibly in answer to the young rogue's actions. He mutters and gestures again at the end of this process.
"Please," Ming Li makes another attempt to speak to him, "we're not hear to hurt you."
"Glad to hear it." the man snaps his head up and gives the monk a feral smile.
Then he shoots her.
[1] "An orc walked into a bar and said - Ouch!"
jzashaedra
First Post
Re: Amberdale 0 : "An Introduction to Amberdale" by PDabble Games - Part 16
Straightmen PC's and smarta$$ DM's combine for such a hoot!!! I love it so far.
Capellan said:
Straightmen PC's and smarta$$ DM's combine for such a hoot!!! I love it so far.
Capellan
Explorer
"Unearthing the Past" by Jesse Decker (WotC Cliffhanger) - Part 4
Despite the sudden nature of the attack, the young monk's reflexes save her from serious injury: she spins to the side, the bolt that was aimed at her throat merely grazing her shoulder. [DM's note: Point Blank Shot and True Strike, and I rolled a "1" for damage. Sigh.]
"Damn it!" Briar snaps off a shot back at the monk's attacker. His aim is true, but at the last moment the bolt strikes an invisible barrier and is harmlessly deflected away. The target of the shot, meanwhile, has turned and bolted away from the group.
Ulfgar raises his waraxe and charges down the road toward the scene of the confrontation, his sturdy legs allowing him to cover almost half the distance to the wagon, despite the muddy conditions.
Another dagger flashes out of the bushes on the opposite side of the road, but does not even come close to striking its fleeing target.
"Who is that?" Briar wonders again.
"Who cares?" Ulfgar yells in response, still running toward the fight. "As long as they're not trying to kill us?"
This sounds like good advice to the young rogue, who puts aside the question of the mystery participant to race after the fleeing human. Seeing that the man still has his crossbow in his hands, the youngster gambles and puts on a burst of speed, trying to get in front of their adversary.
Seeing Briar out of the corner of his eye, the man swings the crossbow, cudgel-style. The haft of the weapon strikes the young man on the side of the head, but the glancing blow is not even enough to make him stumble as he moves to block his assailant's attempt to flee.
Ming Li, by now thoroughly convinced that they can attack this man in good conscience, races up behind their opponent, leaving him neatly boxed in.
With a snarled expletive, the man feints left, then dodges to the right around Briar, still trying to get clear. The young rogue echoes the curse, draws his sword, and gives chase, chopping at the man's back as soon as he gets in range.
The blow is hastily aimed, but the impetus of Briar's charge makes it effective: the blade plunges deep into the man's back. It's likely that the blow is instantly fatal, but the victim staggers on for a few more steps before the effects of his wound catch up with him, and he collapses into the mud.
"That's for Jesper and Garal." Briar snarls at the corpse, then kicks it for good measure.
"Well done, young 'un." Ulfgar congratulates Briar as he moves up to the scene. Then he gestures with his axe at the area of bushes where the daggers came from, "Now we can worry about who's sneaking around out there."
"I don't see them." Briar confesses, scanning the vegetation fruitlessly.
"Nor I." Ming Li concurs.
"I do." An out of breath Macwood gasps out as he jogs up. "Over there, behind the blackberry bushes."
"Aye. I see her, too." Ulfgar nods, "You've got sharp eyes, bard." He raises his voice, "You may as well come out."
"Oh ... you can see me, huh?" a slip of a gnome girl emerges bashfully from the undergrowth, a dagger held lightly in one hand. She looks limber and lithe, and has darkly pretty features - though with a decidedly mischievous cast.
"Been able to all along," Ulfgar bluffs, playing a hunch, "You've been following us since town."
"Oh." The girl looks crestfallen, "Gotta work on those hide skills, I guess." [DM's note: or maybe those Sense Motive skills would be a better investment!]
"Why are you following us?" Ming Li is very practical.
The young gnome grins,
"I kinda overheard you talking to that guy about going looking for this wagon, and I figured it sounded more exciting than hanging around town ... so I thought I'd tag along."
"Well, good job with that orc." Ulfgar gestures with his axe, "Nice throw. You got a name, kid?"
"Tweedlefinkle Dessandri Rhowyn." The girl answers proudly. Then, seeing the bemused expressions on the others faces, she visibly deflates, "Oh, just call me Twinkle. Everybody else does."
Despite the sudden nature of the attack, the young monk's reflexes save her from serious injury: she spins to the side, the bolt that was aimed at her throat merely grazing her shoulder. [DM's note: Point Blank Shot and True Strike, and I rolled a "1" for damage. Sigh.]
"Damn it!" Briar snaps off a shot back at the monk's attacker. His aim is true, but at the last moment the bolt strikes an invisible barrier and is harmlessly deflected away. The target of the shot, meanwhile, has turned and bolted away from the group.
Ulfgar raises his waraxe and charges down the road toward the scene of the confrontation, his sturdy legs allowing him to cover almost half the distance to the wagon, despite the muddy conditions.
Another dagger flashes out of the bushes on the opposite side of the road, but does not even come close to striking its fleeing target.
"Who is that?" Briar wonders again.
"Who cares?" Ulfgar yells in response, still running toward the fight. "As long as they're not trying to kill us?"
This sounds like good advice to the young rogue, who puts aside the question of the mystery participant to race after the fleeing human. Seeing that the man still has his crossbow in his hands, the youngster gambles and puts on a burst of speed, trying to get in front of their adversary.
Seeing Briar out of the corner of his eye, the man swings the crossbow, cudgel-style. The haft of the weapon strikes the young man on the side of the head, but the glancing blow is not even enough to make him stumble as he moves to block his assailant's attempt to flee.
Ming Li, by now thoroughly convinced that they can attack this man in good conscience, races up behind their opponent, leaving him neatly boxed in.
With a snarled expletive, the man feints left, then dodges to the right around Briar, still trying to get clear. The young rogue echoes the curse, draws his sword, and gives chase, chopping at the man's back as soon as he gets in range.
The blow is hastily aimed, but the impetus of Briar's charge makes it effective: the blade plunges deep into the man's back. It's likely that the blow is instantly fatal, but the victim staggers on for a few more steps before the effects of his wound catch up with him, and he collapses into the mud.
"That's for Jesper and Garal." Briar snarls at the corpse, then kicks it for good measure.
"Well done, young 'un." Ulfgar congratulates Briar as he moves up to the scene. Then he gestures with his axe at the area of bushes where the daggers came from, "Now we can worry about who's sneaking around out there."
"I don't see them." Briar confesses, scanning the vegetation fruitlessly.
"Nor I." Ming Li concurs.
"I do." An out of breath Macwood gasps out as he jogs up. "Over there, behind the blackberry bushes."
"Aye. I see her, too." Ulfgar nods, "You've got sharp eyes, bard." He raises his voice, "You may as well come out."
"Oh ... you can see me, huh?" a slip of a gnome girl emerges bashfully from the undergrowth, a dagger held lightly in one hand. She looks limber and lithe, and has darkly pretty features - though with a decidedly mischievous cast.
"Been able to all along," Ulfgar bluffs, playing a hunch, "You've been following us since town."
"Oh." The girl looks crestfallen, "Gotta work on those hide skills, I guess." [DM's note: or maybe those Sense Motive skills would be a better investment!]
"Why are you following us?" Ming Li is very practical.
The young gnome grins,
"I kinda overheard you talking to that guy about going looking for this wagon, and I figured it sounded more exciting than hanging around town ... so I thought I'd tag along."
"Well, good job with that orc." Ulfgar gestures with his axe, "Nice throw. You got a name, kid?"
"Tweedlefinkle Dessandri Rhowyn." The girl answers proudly. Then, seeing the bemused expressions on the others faces, she visibly deflates, "Oh, just call me Twinkle. Everybody else does."
Capellan
Explorer
"Unearthing the Past" by Jesse Decker (WotC Cliffhanger) - Part 5
The group wastes no time in looting the bodies of their fallen enemies, and then turns their attention to the matter of returning the wagon to Amberdale: a problem that proves more formidable than originally expected, when it becomes apparent that none of them has the faintest idea how to drive the vehicle or handle the still skittish horse.
"I will return to the village and fetch someone to drive it for us." Ming Li suggests, "I believe I can make the journey quickest of us all. The rest of you should guard the wagon, in case any more bandits arrive."
Ulfgar agrees,
"Seems like it would be quicker than trying to handle the cart ourselves. We'll tend to the bodies of the victims while you're gone."
Ming Li frowns,
"It seems strange to me that these creatures would have so much interest in a wagon that only contains foodstuffs. How could that be worth the deaths of six people?"
"Maybe they were hungry." Briar suggests pragmatically.
"Perhaps, but I still think it would be wise to check the contents ... in case we have been lied to."
The group agrees to the suspicious monk's suggestion, and spends some time examining the contents of the many sacks and barrels aboard the wagon. By the end of this process, even Ming Li is forced to concede that the contents are exactly as they were told: oysters and fish.
"They're good." Macwood confirms happily, burping lightly. Ming Li fixes him with a disapproving stare, but the halfling appears utterly unperturbed.
With her concerns allayed, Ming Li sets out for Amberdale. Travelling light as always, the young monk makes excellent time, and soon arrives at Gendrew's house on the edge of town.
"Oh!" the portly cook exclaims on answering her knock, "You're back! Did you find the wagon?"
"We did." Ming Li nods, "Unfortunately, it had been attacked by orcs. They killed the driver and guards, as well as the two boys you sent to meet the wagon."
"Oh dear!" Gendrew wrings his hands in distress, "That is terrible news!"
"The wagon itself is intact." Ming Li continues, "We arrived before the beasts could take it away, and killed them. We now require someone to drive it for us, as none of us have the training."
Though still distressed by the news, Gendrew is quickly able to arrange for a stable-hand from the inn to accompany Ming Li back to the wagon. He even manages to prevail upon Captain Jarrek to release two of his guards for security purposes, despite the latter's protests about the need for order in the town. It seems a successful Festival Feast is more important.
Thus Ming Li is able to return to the wagon within a couple of hours. Upon arrival, she finds the others have been busy: the bodies of the victims have been cleaned up and placed on the wagon, as well as the armour and weapons taken from the dead bandits.
"Should fetch a good price at the Festival markets." Twinkle comments, "There are usually lots of people wanting to buy that kind of stuff."
"We also found tracks." It seems Ulfgar has the scent of more orcs. "We should follow them back to wherever the scum came from and make sure there aren't any more of 'em."
"There may also be other valuables at their camp." Macwood evidently understands the adventurer psyche very well.
"Will we be able to find it?" Briar asks, "I don't know much about this stuff - I'm usually the one making the tracks, not following them!"
"It won't be a problem." Macwood sounds confident, "There was rain last night and the ground's still soaked. As long as it doesn't rain again the tracks will be clear."
"We should start now, then." Twinkle advises, "It's already past noon, and it rains most nights, this time of year - we'll have to find their camp before dark."
There is rapid agreement all round, and - having seen the wagon safely on its way once more - the five adventurers set off to follow the bandits' trail.
The group wastes no time in looting the bodies of their fallen enemies, and then turns their attention to the matter of returning the wagon to Amberdale: a problem that proves more formidable than originally expected, when it becomes apparent that none of them has the faintest idea how to drive the vehicle or handle the still skittish horse.
"I will return to the village and fetch someone to drive it for us." Ming Li suggests, "I believe I can make the journey quickest of us all. The rest of you should guard the wagon, in case any more bandits arrive."
Ulfgar agrees,
"Seems like it would be quicker than trying to handle the cart ourselves. We'll tend to the bodies of the victims while you're gone."
Ming Li frowns,
"It seems strange to me that these creatures would have so much interest in a wagon that only contains foodstuffs. How could that be worth the deaths of six people?"
"Maybe they were hungry." Briar suggests pragmatically.
"Perhaps, but I still think it would be wise to check the contents ... in case we have been lied to."
The group agrees to the suspicious monk's suggestion, and spends some time examining the contents of the many sacks and barrels aboard the wagon. By the end of this process, even Ming Li is forced to concede that the contents are exactly as they were told: oysters and fish.
"They're good." Macwood confirms happily, burping lightly. Ming Li fixes him with a disapproving stare, but the halfling appears utterly unperturbed.
With her concerns allayed, Ming Li sets out for Amberdale. Travelling light as always, the young monk makes excellent time, and soon arrives at Gendrew's house on the edge of town.
"Oh!" the portly cook exclaims on answering her knock, "You're back! Did you find the wagon?"
"We did." Ming Li nods, "Unfortunately, it had been attacked by orcs. They killed the driver and guards, as well as the two boys you sent to meet the wagon."
"Oh dear!" Gendrew wrings his hands in distress, "That is terrible news!"
"The wagon itself is intact." Ming Li continues, "We arrived before the beasts could take it away, and killed them. We now require someone to drive it for us, as none of us have the training."
Though still distressed by the news, Gendrew is quickly able to arrange for a stable-hand from the inn to accompany Ming Li back to the wagon. He even manages to prevail upon Captain Jarrek to release two of his guards for security purposes, despite the latter's protests about the need for order in the town. It seems a successful Festival Feast is more important.
Thus Ming Li is able to return to the wagon within a couple of hours. Upon arrival, she finds the others have been busy: the bodies of the victims have been cleaned up and placed on the wagon, as well as the armour and weapons taken from the dead bandits.
"Should fetch a good price at the Festival markets." Twinkle comments, "There are usually lots of people wanting to buy that kind of stuff."
"We also found tracks." It seems Ulfgar has the scent of more orcs. "We should follow them back to wherever the scum came from and make sure there aren't any more of 'em."
"There may also be other valuables at their camp." Macwood evidently understands the adventurer psyche very well.
"Will we be able to find it?" Briar asks, "I don't know much about this stuff - I'm usually the one making the tracks, not following them!"
"It won't be a problem." Macwood sounds confident, "There was rain last night and the ground's still soaked. As long as it doesn't rain again the tracks will be clear."
"We should start now, then." Twinkle advises, "It's already past noon, and it rains most nights, this time of year - we'll have to find their camp before dark."
There is rapid agreement all round, and - having seen the wagon safely on its way once more - the five adventurers set off to follow the bandits' trail.
Capellan
Explorer
"Unearthing the Past" by Jesse Decker (WotC Cliffhanger) - Part 6
It takes just over an hour for the group to follow the bandits' trail to a low ridge-line, perhaps a mile from the road. The ridge lies in the midst of a scrubby, rather anaemic patch of woodland, and stretches out of sight to both the left and right.
Directly in front of the group is an area of open ground, a rough semicircle perhaps 50' in radius. The tracks they have been following lead directly into this area and head straight toward a low, 10' wide opening in the limestone ridge.
"Something's in there." Twinkle's sharp eyes catch a glimpse of movement, despite the darkness within the opening. The group immediately goes to ground: most doing their best to hide. Only Ulfgar refuses to do so, remarking gruffly on the futility of such an attempt on his part. The doughty dwarf does, however, take the precaution of getting under cover.
"Looks like there are more of them."
"We should follow the trees around to the ridge and then work our way across to the entrance." Ming Li suggests. "That way we will be under cover the whole time."
"Yeah," Briar quips, "Or Macwood could just walk up and knock on their non-existent front door."
"OK." The halfling nods and steps blithely out into the open, whistling cheerfully while walking straight for the opening. His flabbergasted companions have no recourse but to draw their weapons and wait to see what occurs.
Fortunately, it seems that the bandit guards are just as surprised as the group were. Macwood is halfway across the clearing before two arrows fly out of the opening toward him, and even then the archers prove woefully inaccurate, with both shots going wide. [DM's note: my dice are fired.]
Unable to see the enemy to target them with his crossbow, Briar leaps to his feet and charges right to the mouth of the cave, drawing his shortsword as he goes. It's a brave - though possibly foolish - move that is immediately repeated by Ulfgar, who comes clanking up alongside the young rogue.
From their new vantage point, the two adventurers can see into the gloom of the cave. Within are two grey-skinned humanoids like the ones they ambushed earlier in the day. The creatures appear to have been in the midst of reloading their bows
"Orcs!" the Dwarf barks with enthusiasm, readying his war axe.
For their part, the Orcs seem just as eager to come to grips with their ancient racial enemy. They both cast aside their bows and draw mighty greataxes, stepping forward to fight toe to toe at the cavern entrance.
Twinkle scurries over to some bushes near the opening, but seems content to advance no closer, while Ming Li methodically loads and aims her crossbow, waiting for a clear opening in which she can fire.
The group's last fight was over before Ulfgar could even reach it, and the Dwarf obviously doesn't intend to let that happen again. Unfortunately, he is so eager to get to grips with his opponent that he swings too early, missing his target completely.
Briar enjoys no more luck: he jabs with his shortsword but does not have the reach to get past his opponent's defence.
The orcs strike back hard. Ulfgar blocks the first mighty blow with his shield, but Briar has no such defence against his own opponent. The notched blade of the orc's greataxe smashes hard into the young man's side, and the rogue goes down in a heap, blood flowing from the grievous wound.
"Your mother was a goblin!" Macwood yells, using both hands to wave his longsword over his head as he charges into the melee.
Ming Li fires over the advancing halfling's head, but her shot is too high, the bolt shattering on the stone above the orcs' heads.
Twinkle proves her mettle by darting in next to Macwood and dragging Briar to safety, relying on the halfling to keep the nearby orc busy.
For their part, the big humanoids seem to discount the halfling as a threat: over-sized sword or no, their attention is focussed on Ulfgar, and the dwarf has to endure attacks from both of the creatures. He parries one blow and ducks under the other, but the pressure they keep on him prevents him from making an effective attack of his own.
Macwood, however, proves far more dangerous than the orcs had expected. With a shrill shout, he buries the point of his longsword into the closest orc's stomach. The creature stares at the tiny halfling in surprise, and then silently crumples to the ground.
The death of the orc relieves the pressure on Ulfgar. No longer beset by two adversaries, the dwarf plants his feet firmly and scythes the blade of his axe into the skull of his opponent. The orc doesn't even have time to scream.
With the immediate threat resolved, the group turns its attention to Briar. Twinkle has already bandaged and stabilised the young rogue, but he is in a very bad way, sorely injured and pale with lack of blood.
"Here." Ming Li digs into Briar's backpack and retrieves one of the potions they bought from the Sanctuary. "Give him this."
The potion of cure light wounds restores some colour to Briar's complexion, and causes his wound to visibly heal, but does not restore him to consciousness.
"I am reluctant to use the other potion so early." the monk remarks, "Perhaps we should consider withdrawing."
"There could be more orcs in there." Ulfgar objects, "I have another potion with me, if it comes down to it. Give the boy the second one we bought."
Ming Li glances at Twinkle and Macwood, both of whom nod their agreement.
"Very well." She accedes, "But we cannot afford to risk such severe injuries again. We will have to plan our tactics better, in future, or we will all be slain."
It takes just over an hour for the group to follow the bandits' trail to a low ridge-line, perhaps a mile from the road. The ridge lies in the midst of a scrubby, rather anaemic patch of woodland, and stretches out of sight to both the left and right.
Directly in front of the group is an area of open ground, a rough semicircle perhaps 50' in radius. The tracks they have been following lead directly into this area and head straight toward a low, 10' wide opening in the limestone ridge.
"Something's in there." Twinkle's sharp eyes catch a glimpse of movement, despite the darkness within the opening. The group immediately goes to ground: most doing their best to hide. Only Ulfgar refuses to do so, remarking gruffly on the futility of such an attempt on his part. The doughty dwarf does, however, take the precaution of getting under cover.
"Looks like there are more of them."
"We should follow the trees around to the ridge and then work our way across to the entrance." Ming Li suggests. "That way we will be under cover the whole time."
"Yeah," Briar quips, "Or Macwood could just walk up and knock on their non-existent front door."
"OK." The halfling nods and steps blithely out into the open, whistling cheerfully while walking straight for the opening. His flabbergasted companions have no recourse but to draw their weapons and wait to see what occurs.
Fortunately, it seems that the bandit guards are just as surprised as the group were. Macwood is halfway across the clearing before two arrows fly out of the opening toward him, and even then the archers prove woefully inaccurate, with both shots going wide. [DM's note: my dice are fired.]
Unable to see the enemy to target them with his crossbow, Briar leaps to his feet and charges right to the mouth of the cave, drawing his shortsword as he goes. It's a brave - though possibly foolish - move that is immediately repeated by Ulfgar, who comes clanking up alongside the young rogue.
From their new vantage point, the two adventurers can see into the gloom of the cave. Within are two grey-skinned humanoids like the ones they ambushed earlier in the day. The creatures appear to have been in the midst of reloading their bows
"Orcs!" the Dwarf barks with enthusiasm, readying his war axe.
For their part, the Orcs seem just as eager to come to grips with their ancient racial enemy. They both cast aside their bows and draw mighty greataxes, stepping forward to fight toe to toe at the cavern entrance.
Twinkle scurries over to some bushes near the opening, but seems content to advance no closer, while Ming Li methodically loads and aims her crossbow, waiting for a clear opening in which she can fire.
The group's last fight was over before Ulfgar could even reach it, and the Dwarf obviously doesn't intend to let that happen again. Unfortunately, he is so eager to get to grips with his opponent that he swings too early, missing his target completely.
Briar enjoys no more luck: he jabs with his shortsword but does not have the reach to get past his opponent's defence.
The orcs strike back hard. Ulfgar blocks the first mighty blow with his shield, but Briar has no such defence against his own opponent. The notched blade of the orc's greataxe smashes hard into the young man's side, and the rogue goes down in a heap, blood flowing from the grievous wound.
"Your mother was a goblin!" Macwood yells, using both hands to wave his longsword over his head as he charges into the melee.
Ming Li fires over the advancing halfling's head, but her shot is too high, the bolt shattering on the stone above the orcs' heads.
Twinkle proves her mettle by darting in next to Macwood and dragging Briar to safety, relying on the halfling to keep the nearby orc busy.
For their part, the big humanoids seem to discount the halfling as a threat: over-sized sword or no, their attention is focussed on Ulfgar, and the dwarf has to endure attacks from both of the creatures. He parries one blow and ducks under the other, but the pressure they keep on him prevents him from making an effective attack of his own.
Macwood, however, proves far more dangerous than the orcs had expected. With a shrill shout, he buries the point of his longsword into the closest orc's stomach. The creature stares at the tiny halfling in surprise, and then silently crumples to the ground.
The death of the orc relieves the pressure on Ulfgar. No longer beset by two adversaries, the dwarf plants his feet firmly and scythes the blade of his axe into the skull of his opponent. The orc doesn't even have time to scream.
With the immediate threat resolved, the group turns its attention to Briar. Twinkle has already bandaged and stabilised the young rogue, but he is in a very bad way, sorely injured and pale with lack of blood.
"Here." Ming Li digs into Briar's backpack and retrieves one of the potions they bought from the Sanctuary. "Give him this."
The potion of cure light wounds restores some colour to Briar's complexion, and causes his wound to visibly heal, but does not restore him to consciousness.
"I am reluctant to use the other potion so early." the monk remarks, "Perhaps we should consider withdrawing."
"There could be more orcs in there." Ulfgar objects, "I have another potion with me, if it comes down to it. Give the boy the second one we bought."
Ming Li glances at Twinkle and Macwood, both of whom nod their agreement.
"Very well." She accedes, "But we cannot afford to risk such severe injuries again. We will have to plan our tactics better, in future, or we will all be slain."
jzashaedra
First Post
very nice. still enjoying it, and it sounds like all of you are too.
Similar Threads
