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D&D 5e Into The (Keep on the) Borderlands (B1&2) #032 Monster Mash.
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 8479604" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>The Unexpected in the Caves of Chaos.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #0015: The Unexpected's Got a Brand New Pigbag.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>PCs (in alphabetical order)</strong></p><p><strong>Krago of the Mountains </strong>(Pete) Male Mountain Dwarf Ranger (Folk Hero) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Lappoy the Unexpected </strong>(Rob) Male High Elf Wizard (Sage) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Mohag the Wanderer</strong> (Pete) Male Human Barbarian (Outlander) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Sho-Rembo</strong> (Dave) Female Stout Halfling Druid (Hermit) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Sir Glen</strong> (Dave) Male Human Paladin of Lathander (Noble) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Sosspan </strong>(Dave) Male Dragonborn Wizard (Spy) Level 3.</p><p><strong>Trebbelos</strong> (Pete) Male Tiefling Sorcerer (Charlatan) Level 3.</p><p></p><p><strong>Sidekick (played mostly by the DM).</strong></p><p><strong>Scrubs</strong> Male Human Sidekick Expert (Soldier) Level 1.</p><p></p><p><strong>NPC's</strong></p><p><strong>Corbis </strong>Male Human Guard & wannabe Sidekick.</p><p><strong>Tribbits</strong> Male Human Guard & wannabe Sidekick.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dead PCs (in alphabetical order)</strong></p><p><strong>Afton Barr</strong> (Dave) Male Half-Elf Bard (Entertainer) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Estra Zo </strong>(Pete) Female Wood Gnome Rogue (Urchin) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Farned of the Leaf Lord </strong>(Dave) Male Wild Elf Cleric of Rillifane Rallithil (Acolyte) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Tassit </strong>(Dave) Female Human Monk (Hermit) Level 1.</p><p><strong>The Mystical One</strong> (Pete) Female Human Warlock (Outlander) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Yor</strong> (Pete) Male Dragonborn Fighter (Folk Hero) Level 2.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dead NPCs (in alphabetical order)</strong></p><p><strong>Wormwood</strong> Male Human Guard.</p><p></p><p><strong>Note, you can click on the pictures here to make them bigger (if you didn't know this already).</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Day 22: Being the 22nd Day of Mirtul, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, early afternoon</strong></p><p></p><p>So, the Unexpected have taken down both tribes of orcs- chief's Nik Nik & Nok Nok are both dead, as are almost all of their followers, a few warriors it seems (at least two) escaped from the second lair with the non coms.</p><p></p><p>Treasure has been found and distributed, but now the Unexpected want to take a look around the ravine, they've observed the place previously, but- after a little chatter, they've decided it's time for a little exploration.</p><p></p><p>Or at least for two of the adventurers, the semi-sneaky pair, that's Sho-Rembo and Krago, the druid and the ranger.</p><p></p><p>So, the pair are sent out to see what they can find, this while Sir Glen and Mohag hide within the cavern entrance to the second orc lair, not that this pair can see the sneaky duo, they're mainly there just to watch the way.</p><p></p><p>Although... two things-</p><p></p><p>The first, the PCs have been kicking arse, and why wouldn't they- there are seven of them and they're all third level, and they have three NPCs with them- Corbis, Scrubs and Tribbits, who can also hold their own in a fight. Also Scrubs is now a 1st level Expert, a sidekick, so he's even more helpful these days.</p><p></p><p>So, to continue this- the (kindly) DM has therefore advised the players that their enemies, well... they've just been granted the gift of more hit points, they're going to be harder to kill from here on in. Point of fact I maxed-out the hit points for the orc chief's Nik Nok and Nok Nok, but that didn't help me any, so- more HP for everything nasty is the way to go.</p><p></p><p>Maybe, we'll see.</p><p></p><p>Next point to make, the Unexpected are healthy and well at the moment, but... the casters are pretty much out of spells- I think one of them has two spell slots left, all the others- just one. So, there's that. Also Mohag has been in a raging Frenzy twice, the big barbarian has two levels of Exhaustion, so that's not ideal.</p><p></p><p>Just thought I'd let you know ahead of what happens here.</p><p></p><p>But let's get to the recon.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148048[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Here's the ravine, the Caves of Chaos.</strong></p><p></p><p>So, areas A to F have been visited previously by the Unexpected, they're therefore not subject to Sho-Rembo & Krago's investigations.</p><p></p><p>The pair however are surprised to find area G, they were heading over to spy on cavern H at the time, the sneaky pair are trying to stay hidden as best they can within the densest foliage.</p><p></p><p>Area G, well hidden within the bushes is a hole in the ground, at the base of a large tree- Sho-Rembo is absolutely convinced that at least half a dozen small humanoids passed this way- into the hole, certainly in the last 24 hours.</p><p></p><p>This is the lair of something, further investigation by Krago (using his Darkvision) and the dwarf thinks that the shaft opens up below, maybe thirty feet down, into a larger cavern. Also there are lost of handy tree roots and (possibly) manufactured ledges to allow someone/something to make their descent.</p><p></p><p>The sneaky pair therefore climb up into the tree here and to watch for a while, they're also observing, as best as they can, caverns H, I and J.</p><p></p><p>Cavern H sees a little activity, Sho & Krago hold station and stay silent as two seven-foot tall hefty cloaked humanoids emerge from the cave opening, the pair look about for a short while and then climb out of the ravine, heading up the slope and to the north.</p><p></p><p>There are also a bunch of wooden signs hammered into the wall around the opening to cavern H, but the sneaky pair are much too far away to read these.</p><p></p><p>Sho and Krago are however certain that the pair that exited the cave were bugbears.</p><p></p><p>The duo watch and wait a while, but there's no further movement spotted here or elsewhere. They move on into the vegetation close to cavern I, there they resume their watch (again climbing up into a tree) this time observing caverns I, J & K, but again- nothing stirs.</p><p></p><p>Krago goes for a closer inspection of cavern opening I- and the place stinks, of death and decay, that's a little worrying- the dwarf is further convinced that there's an animal wet-fur stink also coming from here.</p><p></p><p>The pair watch and wait for another twenty or thirty minutes but there's still nothing to see, at least not for a long while, however as the pair are about to depart they both spot a light moving somewhere within cavern J.</p><p></p><p>But, the light soon fades, and even after another twenty minute wait, it doesn't return.</p><p></p><p>Which just leads cavern opening L, again the pair reposition- as cautiously as they can, and then observe the spot from the nearest patch of dense vegetation. But... there's nothing to see here either.</p><p></p><p>Just to note all of the openings are regular caverns (G is obviously just a hole in the ground), with no doors, cavern H has a few signs on and around it, cavern I stinks, and... that's it. Not a lot of new information to take back to their compatriots, but... neither of the pair wants to take the risk, they've both just got one spell left, and they're not the toughest members of the Unexpected (although Krago would probably argue against that opinion).</p><p></p><p>Recon done, almost... because en route back to their companions the sneaky pair spot something odd, and then hear something terrifying, but we'll get to these.</p><p></p><p>So, remember Pigbag, he was the orc prisoner discovered within the hobgoblin's cavern, and freed by Sir Glen, this after Pigbag rolled a '20' on his deception check and the paladin believed the orc's promise that he would live a better life.</p><p></p><p>Well, Pigbag has got himself a better life, he's made good on his lie.</p><p></p><p>Pigbag was formerly a member of Nok Nok's tribe- the Shattered Spear orcs, but after his release he decided, while exiting the lair, that he would try to be a little more Sir Glen. Pigbag therefore grabbed himself some armour on his way out, and helped himself to a longsword and shield. He looks tough, he thinks, like Sir Glen.</p><p></p><p>So, next up- in the module there are a bunch of random encounters for the region, one of these encounters is a pack of forlorn orcs. Forlorn because their orog leader, and half their number, have just recently been slaughtered, they're somewhat at a lose end. So, imagine this gang's surprise when Pigbag the confident strides into their lives, and immediately takes charge of the pack.</p><p></p><p>Pigbag knows where there's some treasure to be had- in a bunch caves in an overgrown ravine, certainly the new orc gang can get plenty of food (the dead) and lots or arms and armour, so- to the Caves of Chaos.</p><p></p><p>Pigbag's Gang arrive in the ravine just in time to see, and then intercept the non-combatant orcs that the Unexpected escort out Nok Nok's cavern (E on the map). Soon after the gang also get to meet the pair of fleeing warriors, and a bunch more non-combatant orcs that come rushing from chief Nik Nik's lair.</p><p></p><p>Pigbag's gang just got a lot bigger, so- we have Pigbag (a max HP orc), ten more orcs from the previously forlorn mob, two crossbow wielding orc warriors fled from area F, and another twenty or so orc non-combatants.</p><p></p><p>Pigbag has a plan, and it doesn't take long to organise, and this after a good long chat with those that have fled the pair of orc lairs.</p><p></p><p>So, a little later in the afternoon, but before Sho-Rembo and Krago have returned from their snooping. Sir Glen & Mohag are taking it easy within cavern opening F when...</p><p></p><p>A bunch of orcs come rushing down the ravine, where the two watchers cannot see, and then leap into the action. Mohag and Sir Glen however hear the orcs approach and start shouting, immediately, for their colleagues.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148050[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Unexpected are scattered about the orc's lair, however Lappoy and Scrubs have already heard the call, and passed the message on- they are on their way to see what Sir Glen is shouting about.</strong></p><p></p><p>Sir Glen steps in, having first used his inspiration point to fire up his Sacred Weapon, and cuts at the nearest orc, he hits and rolls minimum damage, its what he does- a lot.</p><p></p><p>Corbis arrives on the scene and fires a crossbow bolt into the same screaming orc, also for minimum damage.</p><p></p><p>Mohag stirs and that makes all the difference, seconds later and the raging, Frenzied and Reckless barbarian cuts down both orcs in the cavern entrance, and then stomps out to face the orcs approaching.</p><p></p><p>However the barbarian is exposed, he gets stabbed repeatedly, like three times in quick succession, he still however has the stones to cut a third orc down, the brute was trying to get into the cavern (opportunity attack, and max damage).</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148051[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Mohag is busy, and then the orc artillery start firing.</strong></p><p></p><p>But Sir Glen and Tribbits hold the line.</p><p></p><p>The paladin slices the orc before him again, another hit- and still it doesn't fall, so dispiriting...</p><p></p><p>Mohag gets shot twice by the orc artillery, the big man is bloodied and beyond, and stood out in the open- that's no good.</p><p></p><p>The raging barbarian however is smart enough to use his inspiration point to grab out a potion of healing and swallow it down, then he starts cutting again, but now he's mostly missing...</p><p></p><p>Bugger!</p><p></p><p>Scrubs arrives on the scene and shoots down the badly wounded orc threatening Sir Glen, and then provides a little Help (and encouragement) for Mohag.</p><p></p><p>So, I bet you're thinking- where's Pigbag.</p><p></p><p>Well, Pigbag and the biggest bunch of orc warriors are at this very moment just making it to the room in which Nik Nik and Nok Nok used to meet to talk. Pigbag's gang have made their way through the first orc lair and are just about to enter the second, in which our unknowing defenders are fighting for their lives.</p><p></p><p>The Unexpected, finger's crossed, are about to get surprised.</p><p></p><p>Back to the action.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen strides forward and delivers a critical hit to the badly wounded orc fighting Mohag, one of three, and... rolls one more than the minimum damage possible.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148052[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The DM can't stop laughing.</strong></p><p></p><p>The orc obviously survives the ordeal.</p><p></p><p>Corbis steps in a moment later and cuts the foe down, with another Crit.</p><p></p><p>Mohag gets shot again.</p><p></p><p>The second orc artillerist starts shooting at Sir Glen, but the non-reckless paladin in his platemail is a much harder target to hit.</p><p></p><p>Trebbelos gets to the action and burns another orc with his Fire Bolt.</p><p></p><p>Mohag follows up and guts the orc, there's only one warrior left in the fight, and the two crossbow wielding artillery.</p><p></p><p>Sosspan hits the last warrior with a Fire Bolt.</p><p></p><p>But... back to the orc artillery, because last turn Sho-Rembo and Krago spotted the altercation and decided to creep in as close as they can to the orcs firing their crossbows.</p><p></p><p>With a stealth of '19' for Krago and one more for Sho-Rembo, at which point the pair unleash their attacks, although the halfling druid takes a very brief moment first to assume her new shape.</p><p></p><p>Sho-B-Bear is back.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148053[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Sucks to be the orc artillery.</strong></p><p></p><p>Krago smashes the first orc artillerist down (after a '1' x2 with his first attack, followed by an inspiration point = Crit), Sho-B-Bear's would-be victim survives the ordeal.</p><p></p><p>Tribbits meantime rushes to Mohag's side and slices the last orc attacker there, the brute is badly wounded, and looking to get away.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen is next to attack, another hefty slice and... minimum damage.</p><p></p><p>A tantrum follows.</p><p></p><p>Eventually Corbis fires a crossbow bolt into the orc warrior and... dead.</p><p></p><p>There's only one orc left that the Unexpected can see, and this poor fellow is contending with Sho-B-Bear.</p><p></p><p>The poor sod attempts to flee, at which point Sho-B rips its throat out.</p><p></p><p>Dead.</p><p></p><p>The Unexpected however are just about to deliver a series of high-fives to each other, interspersed with verbal and physical pats on the back when Trebbelos says...</p><p></p><p>“Hang on! What's that noise...”</p><p></p><p>That noise my friends is another eight or so orcs lead by Pigbag arriving very late to the fracas.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148054[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Bugger, here we go again.</strong></p><p></p><p>Trebbelos, after screaming for his companions, fires a Ray of Frost into the closest charging orc, slowing it down somewhat, then he dashes away- out of sight.</p><p></p><p>Mohag races past the tiefling as he rushes forward to meet the orc's charge- he can hear them, but- he can't see them, there are no torches in the corridor here and so the badly wounded barbarian waits to feel the pain.</p><p></p><p>Sosspan rushes after the barbarian and then forces Mohag to swig down another healing potion (with an inspiration point).</p><p></p><p>Good work.</p><p></p><p>Then Sosspan runs off too.</p><p></p><p>Krago and Sho-B-Bear meantime go racing up the slope towards their companions.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148055[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Orcs! Pigbag approaching!</strong></p><p></p><p>Lappoy Fire Bolts an orc, and then having wandered too close to the action gets stabbed by a charging orc warrior, the wizard, sorry High Magicker, is down to six hit points.</p><p></p><p>Seconds later a second orc bursts through and Lappoy is down and dying.</p><p></p><p>Mohag gets sliced again, the barbarian is really soaking up the hits.</p><p></p><p>Pigbag makes it to the fight, dodges past Mohag and slices Scrubs, the expert sidekick is suddenly on one hit point.</p><p></p><p>This one went bad very quickly.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen (who else would it be) charges into Pigbag but fails to make a mark on the orc, the paladin- as he often does, calls the orc out to fight him, a challenge.</p><p></p><p>All of Pigbag's birthdays have come at once.</p><p></p><p>There can be only one!</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148056[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Sir Glen versus Pigbag!</strong></p><p></p><p>Mohag cuts an orc down, but he's still going reckless and in his future I see a lot of hits...</p><p></p><p>And yet another orc rushes in to take the fallen enemy's place.</p><p></p><p>Sosspan fires three Magic Missiles into Pigbag, the closest orc.</p><p></p><p>Pigbag is a little less certain about his future, he's bloodied.</p><p></p><p>Scrubs stabs Pigbag, the orc leader almost falls, then expert sidekick disengages (using an inspiration point) and pushes through his colleagues and back to safety.</p><p></p><p>Mohag gets clubbed (a Crit) and Lappoy fails his first Death Save.</p><p></p><p>You should have heard it over Discord.</p><p></p><p>Rob could be about to lose his first PC.</p><p></p><p>Although he may not be the only PC that's about to end its days.</p><p></p><p>Mohag gets sliced again.</p><p></p><p>Then again.</p><p></p><p>Then again.</p><p></p><p>Pigbag meantime fails to cut Sir Glen.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen returns the favour.</p><p></p><p>Trebbelos hits Pigbag with a Fire Bolt, the orc survives- on just one hit point.</p><p></p><p>But not for long, one inspiration point later (and another Fire Bolt) and... Pigbag's gone.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148057[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Mohag cuts down a pair of orcs (and without being reckless).</strong></p><p></p><p>It's amazing how quickly things can turn around, and remember Pigbag was the guy motivating these bad boys.</p><p></p><p>Sosspan fires three Magic Missiles into an orc, the brute looks spent, and that was the dragonborn wizard's last spell.</p><p></p><p>Krago is in action, at last, moments later- smashing the newly wounded orc down and stabbing another.</p><p></p><p>Sho-B-Bear is gone, in the ursine's place the halfling druid, who scurries through her companions and to Lappoy's side, her last spell is a Cure Wounds for the wizard who had just failed his second Death Save in a row.</p><p></p><p>Tribbits shoots an orc with his crossbow.</p><p></p><p>But some of the orcs are still swinging hard, seconds later and Mohag is critically wounded (after a yet another hit followed by a Crit).</p><p></p><p>He doesn't stay on his feet long, seconds later he takes another hit and the barbarian falls...</p><p></p><p>Exactly three seconds later Mohag makes his first Death Save and...</p><p></p><p>'20'.</p><p></p><p>He's back up and swinging.</p><p></p><p>But Mohag's rage is over and he's now Exhaustion level 3.</p><p></p><p>Remarkably he's still hitting.</p><p></p><p>Krago slams an orc with his mace (and rolls minimum damage) and then stabs it and repeats the damage roll.</p><p></p><p>This could go on a while.</p><p></p><p>Mohag gets sliced and falls again.</p><p></p><p>The orc facing Krago attempst to flee, the dwarf smashes it down, and suddenly Sir Glen (with a readied action) is released.</p><p></p><p>The paladin scuttles forward and slices another orc, he goes to stand over the body of Mohag.</p><p></p><p>Note Lappoy is still on the ground pretending to be unconscious.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen gets stabbed.</p><p></p><p>Trebbelos rushes forward and fires a Burning Hands spell down the passage, one orc is singed another badly burnt.</p><p></p><p>Mohag fails his next Death Save.</p><p></p><p>Sosspan ends an orc with a Fire Bolt, there are only three of the warriors left and they're all wounded.</p><p></p><p>Krago ends one of the orcs, and then flings a dagger in the back of another.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]148058[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Sho-Rembo is standing over Lappoy, while Sir Glen is also using Mohag's prostrate form to get some height.</strong></p><p></p><p>Sho-Rembo crawls on the floor to get to Mohag, she feeds a potion of healing to the barbarian.</p><p></p><p>Scrubs shoots a fleeing orc dead.</p><p></p><p>Sir Glen slices the last fleeing orc, and... still it continues running.</p><p></p><p>It gets a few yards further and then sprouts a crossbow bolt in the centre of its back.</p><p></p><p>Corbis for the win.</p><p></p><p>The fight is over.</p><p></p><p>[Pigbag and his orcs 1450 XP]</p><p></p><p>But now the Unexpected have seen enough, caution wins out, particularly as some of them a pretty beaten up now.</p><p></p><p>An hour is spent resting and looting the bodies of the fallen orcs, the corpses are all dragged back into the cavern here.</p><p></p><p>There's only a little coin to be had from Pigbag and his gang.</p><p></p><p>That done, and a few more healing HD spent, it's time to head back home to the Keep.</p><p></p><p>And dammit, they make it all the way back home (I made three checks) without an encounter.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and both Corbis and Tribbits have enough XP for them both to become sidekicks too, while Scrubs is now level 2.</p><p></p><p>The pot is up to £70.</p><p></p><p>Stay safe and well you lovely people.</p><p></p><p>Toodles for a bit.</p><p></p><p>Cheers the Unexpected and goonalan.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 8479604, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]The Unexpected in the Caves of Chaos.[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #0015: The Unexpected's Got a Brand New Pigbag. PCs (in alphabetical order) Krago of the Mountains [/B](Pete) Male Mountain Dwarf Ranger (Folk Hero) Level 3. [B]Lappoy the Unexpected [/B](Rob) Male High Elf Wizard (Sage) Level 3. [B]Mohag the Wanderer[/B] (Pete) Male Human Barbarian (Outlander) Level 3. [B]Sho-Rembo[/B] (Dave) Female Stout Halfling Druid (Hermit) Level 3. [B]Sir Glen[/B] (Dave) Male Human Paladin of Lathander (Noble) Level 3. [B]Sosspan [/B](Dave) Male Dragonborn Wizard (Spy) Level 3. [B]Trebbelos[/B] (Pete) Male Tiefling Sorcerer (Charlatan) Level 3. [B]Sidekick (played mostly by the DM). Scrubs[/B] Male Human Sidekick Expert (Soldier) Level 1. [B]NPC's Corbis [/B]Male Human Guard & wannabe Sidekick. [B]Tribbits[/B] Male Human Guard & wannabe Sidekick. [B]Dead PCs (in alphabetical order) Afton Barr[/B] (Dave) Male Half-Elf Bard (Entertainer) Level 1. [B]Estra Zo [/B](Pete) Female Wood Gnome Rogue (Urchin) Level 1. [B]Farned of the Leaf Lord [/B](Dave) Male Wild Elf Cleric of Rillifane Rallithil (Acolyte) Level 1. [B]Tassit [/B](Dave) Female Human Monk (Hermit) Level 1. [B]The Mystical One[/B] (Pete) Female Human Warlock (Outlander) Level 1. [B]Yor[/B] (Pete) Male Dragonborn Fighter (Folk Hero) Level 2. [B]Dead NPCs (in alphabetical order) Wormwood[/B] Male Human Guard. [B]Note, you can click on the pictures here to make them bigger (if you didn't know this already). Day 22: Being the 22nd Day of Mirtul, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, early afternoon[/B] So, the Unexpected have taken down both tribes of orcs- chief's Nik Nik & Nok Nok are both dead, as are almost all of their followers, a few warriors it seems (at least two) escaped from the second lair with the non coms. Treasure has been found and distributed, but now the Unexpected want to take a look around the ravine, they've observed the place previously, but- after a little chatter, they've decided it's time for a little exploration. Or at least for two of the adventurers, the semi-sneaky pair, that's Sho-Rembo and Krago, the druid and the ranger. So, the pair are sent out to see what they can find, this while Sir Glen and Mohag hide within the cavern entrance to the second orc lair, not that this pair can see the sneaky duo, they're mainly there just to watch the way. Although... two things- The first, the PCs have been kicking arse, and why wouldn't they- there are seven of them and they're all third level, and they have three NPCs with them- Corbis, Scrubs and Tribbits, who can also hold their own in a fight. Also Scrubs is now a 1st level Expert, a sidekick, so he's even more helpful these days. So, to continue this- the (kindly) DM has therefore advised the players that their enemies, well... they've just been granted the gift of more hit points, they're going to be harder to kill from here on in. Point of fact I maxed-out the hit points for the orc chief's Nik Nok and Nok Nok, but that didn't help me any, so- more HP for everything nasty is the way to go. Maybe, we'll see. Next point to make, the Unexpected are healthy and well at the moment, but... the casters are pretty much out of spells- I think one of them has two spell slots left, all the others- just one. So, there's that. Also Mohag has been in a raging Frenzy twice, the big barbarian has two levels of Exhaustion, so that's not ideal. Just thought I'd let you know ahead of what happens here. But let's get to the recon. [ATTACH type="full"]148048[/ATTACH] [B]Here's the ravine, the Caves of Chaos.[/B] So, areas A to F have been visited previously by the Unexpected, they're therefore not subject to Sho-Rembo & Krago's investigations. The pair however are surprised to find area G, they were heading over to spy on cavern H at the time, the sneaky pair are trying to stay hidden as best they can within the densest foliage. Area G, well hidden within the bushes is a hole in the ground, at the base of a large tree- Sho-Rembo is absolutely convinced that at least half a dozen small humanoids passed this way- into the hole, certainly in the last 24 hours. This is the lair of something, further investigation by Krago (using his Darkvision) and the dwarf thinks that the shaft opens up below, maybe thirty feet down, into a larger cavern. Also there are lost of handy tree roots and (possibly) manufactured ledges to allow someone/something to make their descent. The sneaky pair therefore climb up into the tree here and to watch for a while, they're also observing, as best as they can, caverns H, I and J. Cavern H sees a little activity, Sho & Krago hold station and stay silent as two seven-foot tall hefty cloaked humanoids emerge from the cave opening, the pair look about for a short while and then climb out of the ravine, heading up the slope and to the north. There are also a bunch of wooden signs hammered into the wall around the opening to cavern H, but the sneaky pair are much too far away to read these. Sho and Krago are however certain that the pair that exited the cave were bugbears. The duo watch and wait a while, but there's no further movement spotted here or elsewhere. They move on into the vegetation close to cavern I, there they resume their watch (again climbing up into a tree) this time observing caverns I, J & K, but again- nothing stirs. Krago goes for a closer inspection of cavern opening I- and the place stinks, of death and decay, that's a little worrying- the dwarf is further convinced that there's an animal wet-fur stink also coming from here. The pair watch and wait for another twenty or thirty minutes but there's still nothing to see, at least not for a long while, however as the pair are about to depart they both spot a light moving somewhere within cavern J. But, the light soon fades, and even after another twenty minute wait, it doesn't return. Which just leads cavern opening L, again the pair reposition- as cautiously as they can, and then observe the spot from the nearest patch of dense vegetation. But... there's nothing to see here either. Just to note all of the openings are regular caverns (G is obviously just a hole in the ground), with no doors, cavern H has a few signs on and around it, cavern I stinks, and... that's it. Not a lot of new information to take back to their compatriots, but... neither of the pair wants to take the risk, they've both just got one spell left, and they're not the toughest members of the Unexpected (although Krago would probably argue against that opinion). Recon done, almost... because en route back to their companions the sneaky pair spot something odd, and then hear something terrifying, but we'll get to these. So, remember Pigbag, he was the orc prisoner discovered within the hobgoblin's cavern, and freed by Sir Glen, this after Pigbag rolled a '20' on his deception check and the paladin believed the orc's promise that he would live a better life. Well, Pigbag has got himself a better life, he's made good on his lie. Pigbag was formerly a member of Nok Nok's tribe- the Shattered Spear orcs, but after his release he decided, while exiting the lair, that he would try to be a little more Sir Glen. Pigbag therefore grabbed himself some armour on his way out, and helped himself to a longsword and shield. He looks tough, he thinks, like Sir Glen. So, next up- in the module there are a bunch of random encounters for the region, one of these encounters is a pack of forlorn orcs. Forlorn because their orog leader, and half their number, have just recently been slaughtered, they're somewhat at a lose end. So, imagine this gang's surprise when Pigbag the confident strides into their lives, and immediately takes charge of the pack. Pigbag knows where there's some treasure to be had- in a bunch caves in an overgrown ravine, certainly the new orc gang can get plenty of food (the dead) and lots or arms and armour, so- to the Caves of Chaos. Pigbag's Gang arrive in the ravine just in time to see, and then intercept the non-combatant orcs that the Unexpected escort out Nok Nok's cavern (E on the map). Soon after the gang also get to meet the pair of fleeing warriors, and a bunch more non-combatant orcs that come rushing from chief Nik Nik's lair. Pigbag's gang just got a lot bigger, so- we have Pigbag (a max HP orc), ten more orcs from the previously forlorn mob, two crossbow wielding orc warriors fled from area F, and another twenty or so orc non-combatants. Pigbag has a plan, and it doesn't take long to organise, and this after a good long chat with those that have fled the pair of orc lairs. So, a little later in the afternoon, but before Sho-Rembo and Krago have returned from their snooping. Sir Glen & Mohag are taking it easy within cavern opening F when... A bunch of orcs come rushing down the ravine, where the two watchers cannot see, and then leap into the action. Mohag and Sir Glen however hear the orcs approach and start shouting, immediately, for their colleagues. [ATTACH type="full"]148050[/ATTACH] [B]The Unexpected are scattered about the orc's lair, however Lappoy and Scrubs have already heard the call, and passed the message on- they are on their way to see what Sir Glen is shouting about.[/B] Sir Glen steps in, having first used his inspiration point to fire up his Sacred Weapon, and cuts at the nearest orc, he hits and rolls minimum damage, its what he does- a lot. Corbis arrives on the scene and fires a crossbow bolt into the same screaming orc, also for minimum damage. Mohag stirs and that makes all the difference, seconds later and the raging, Frenzied and Reckless barbarian cuts down both orcs in the cavern entrance, and then stomps out to face the orcs approaching. However the barbarian is exposed, he gets stabbed repeatedly, like three times in quick succession, he still however has the stones to cut a third orc down, the brute was trying to get into the cavern (opportunity attack, and max damage). [ATTACH type="full"]148051[/ATTACH] [B]Mohag is busy, and then the orc artillery start firing.[/B] But Sir Glen and Tribbits hold the line. The paladin slices the orc before him again, another hit- and still it doesn't fall, so dispiriting... Mohag gets shot twice by the orc artillery, the big man is bloodied and beyond, and stood out in the open- that's no good. The raging barbarian however is smart enough to use his inspiration point to grab out a potion of healing and swallow it down, then he starts cutting again, but now he's mostly missing... Bugger! Scrubs arrives on the scene and shoots down the badly wounded orc threatening Sir Glen, and then provides a little Help (and encouragement) for Mohag. So, I bet you're thinking- where's Pigbag. Well, Pigbag and the biggest bunch of orc warriors are at this very moment just making it to the room in which Nik Nik and Nok Nok used to meet to talk. Pigbag's gang have made their way through the first orc lair and are just about to enter the second, in which our unknowing defenders are fighting for their lives. The Unexpected, finger's crossed, are about to get surprised. Back to the action. Sir Glen strides forward and delivers a critical hit to the badly wounded orc fighting Mohag, one of three, and... rolls one more than the minimum damage possible. [ATTACH type="full"]148052[/ATTACH] [B]The DM can't stop laughing.[/B] The orc obviously survives the ordeal. Corbis steps in a moment later and cuts the foe down, with another Crit. Mohag gets shot again. The second orc artillerist starts shooting at Sir Glen, but the non-reckless paladin in his platemail is a much harder target to hit. Trebbelos gets to the action and burns another orc with his Fire Bolt. Mohag follows up and guts the orc, there's only one warrior left in the fight, and the two crossbow wielding artillery. Sosspan hits the last warrior with a Fire Bolt. But... back to the orc artillery, because last turn Sho-Rembo and Krago spotted the altercation and decided to creep in as close as they can to the orcs firing their crossbows. With a stealth of '19' for Krago and one more for Sho-Rembo, at which point the pair unleash their attacks, although the halfling druid takes a very brief moment first to assume her new shape. Sho-B-Bear is back. [ATTACH type="full"]148053[/ATTACH] [B]Sucks to be the orc artillery.[/B] Krago smashes the first orc artillerist down (after a '1' x2 with his first attack, followed by an inspiration point = Crit), Sho-B-Bear's would-be victim survives the ordeal. Tribbits meantime rushes to Mohag's side and slices the last orc attacker there, the brute is badly wounded, and looking to get away. Sir Glen is next to attack, another hefty slice and... minimum damage. A tantrum follows. Eventually Corbis fires a crossbow bolt into the orc warrior and... dead. There's only one orc left that the Unexpected can see, and this poor fellow is contending with Sho-B-Bear. The poor sod attempts to flee, at which point Sho-B rips its throat out. Dead. The Unexpected however are just about to deliver a series of high-fives to each other, interspersed with verbal and physical pats on the back when Trebbelos says... “Hang on! What's that noise...” That noise my friends is another eight or so orcs lead by Pigbag arriving very late to the fracas. [ATTACH type="full"]148054[/ATTACH] [B]Bugger, here we go again.[/B] Trebbelos, after screaming for his companions, fires a Ray of Frost into the closest charging orc, slowing it down somewhat, then he dashes away- out of sight. Mohag races past the tiefling as he rushes forward to meet the orc's charge- he can hear them, but- he can't see them, there are no torches in the corridor here and so the badly wounded barbarian waits to feel the pain. Sosspan rushes after the barbarian and then forces Mohag to swig down another healing potion (with an inspiration point). Good work. Then Sosspan runs off too. Krago and Sho-B-Bear meantime go racing up the slope towards their companions. [ATTACH type="full"]148055[/ATTACH] [B]Orcs! Pigbag approaching![/B] Lappoy Fire Bolts an orc, and then having wandered too close to the action gets stabbed by a charging orc warrior, the wizard, sorry High Magicker, is down to six hit points. Seconds later a second orc bursts through and Lappoy is down and dying. Mohag gets sliced again, the barbarian is really soaking up the hits. Pigbag makes it to the fight, dodges past Mohag and slices Scrubs, the expert sidekick is suddenly on one hit point. This one went bad very quickly. Sir Glen (who else would it be) charges into Pigbag but fails to make a mark on the orc, the paladin- as he often does, calls the orc out to fight him, a challenge. All of Pigbag's birthdays have come at once. There can be only one! [ATTACH type="full"]148056[/ATTACH] [B]Sir Glen versus Pigbag![/B] Mohag cuts an orc down, but he's still going reckless and in his future I see a lot of hits... And yet another orc rushes in to take the fallen enemy's place. Sosspan fires three Magic Missiles into Pigbag, the closest orc. Pigbag is a little less certain about his future, he's bloodied. Scrubs stabs Pigbag, the orc leader almost falls, then expert sidekick disengages (using an inspiration point) and pushes through his colleagues and back to safety. Mohag gets clubbed (a Crit) and Lappoy fails his first Death Save. You should have heard it over Discord. Rob could be about to lose his first PC. Although he may not be the only PC that's about to end its days. Mohag gets sliced again. Then again. Then again. Pigbag meantime fails to cut Sir Glen. Sir Glen returns the favour. Trebbelos hits Pigbag with a Fire Bolt, the orc survives- on just one hit point. But not for long, one inspiration point later (and another Fire Bolt) and... Pigbag's gone. [ATTACH type="full"]148057[/ATTACH] [B]Mohag cuts down a pair of orcs (and without being reckless).[/B] It's amazing how quickly things can turn around, and remember Pigbag was the guy motivating these bad boys. Sosspan fires three Magic Missiles into an orc, the brute looks spent, and that was the dragonborn wizard's last spell. Krago is in action, at last, moments later- smashing the newly wounded orc down and stabbing another. Sho-B-Bear is gone, in the ursine's place the halfling druid, who scurries through her companions and to Lappoy's side, her last spell is a Cure Wounds for the wizard who had just failed his second Death Save in a row. Tribbits shoots an orc with his crossbow. But some of the orcs are still swinging hard, seconds later and Mohag is critically wounded (after a yet another hit followed by a Crit). He doesn't stay on his feet long, seconds later he takes another hit and the barbarian falls... Exactly three seconds later Mohag makes his first Death Save and... '20'. He's back up and swinging. But Mohag's rage is over and he's now Exhaustion level 3. Remarkably he's still hitting. Krago slams an orc with his mace (and rolls minimum damage) and then stabs it and repeats the damage roll. This could go on a while. Mohag gets sliced and falls again. The orc facing Krago attempst to flee, the dwarf smashes it down, and suddenly Sir Glen (with a readied action) is released. The paladin scuttles forward and slices another orc, he goes to stand over the body of Mohag. Note Lappoy is still on the ground pretending to be unconscious. Sir Glen gets stabbed. Trebbelos rushes forward and fires a Burning Hands spell down the passage, one orc is singed another badly burnt. Mohag fails his next Death Save. Sosspan ends an orc with a Fire Bolt, there are only three of the warriors left and they're all wounded. Krago ends one of the orcs, and then flings a dagger in the back of another. [ATTACH type="full"]148058[/ATTACH] [B]Sho-Rembo is standing over Lappoy, while Sir Glen is also using Mohag's prostrate form to get some height.[/B] Sho-Rembo crawls on the floor to get to Mohag, she feeds a potion of healing to the barbarian. Scrubs shoots a fleeing orc dead. Sir Glen slices the last fleeing orc, and... still it continues running. It gets a few yards further and then sprouts a crossbow bolt in the centre of its back. Corbis for the win. The fight is over. [Pigbag and his orcs 1450 XP] But now the Unexpected have seen enough, caution wins out, particularly as some of them a pretty beaten up now. An hour is spent resting and looting the bodies of the fallen orcs, the corpses are all dragged back into the cavern here. There's only a little coin to be had from Pigbag and his gang. That done, and a few more healing HD spent, it's time to head back home to the Keep. And dammit, they make it all the way back home (I made three checks) without an encounter. Oh, and both Corbis and Tribbits have enough XP for them both to become sidekicks too, while Scrubs is now level 2. The pot is up to £70. Stay safe and well you lovely people. Toodles for a bit. Cheers the Unexpected and goonalan. [/QUOTE]
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