Ideas for DMing a party of orcs

[cmthedm]

I'm going to be running an all day one shot game. Unbeknownst to the players (yet!) it will be an "evil" game, and they will play the orcs sacking a small town.

I've created a party of orcs, as follows: 1) The ass-kicking leader 2)The crusty old barbarian 3)The priest of Gruumsh 4)The wily half-orc ranger/thief 5)The rebellious young upstart. They also have about 20 grunts to command. I have (hopefully) given them some seeds of character conflict/interaction.

I have a few ideas for side treks if they take the town too fast, or simply refuse to sack it (my players are notorious for throwing me for a loop).

What I'm really looking for are some hints or tips on running it, and some ideas for fun interesting encounters to make the "small sleepy village" more of a challenge than they expect.

Some of the encounters I'm thinking of so far:
-the blacksmith and his sons are actually pretty well-armed, and well-trained fighters
-the villagers lure the orcs into a barn as a trap, then set it on fire
-an old crone has a (perhaps powerful) wand and is firing away from her shack
-the survivors will hole up in the church for a bit of a siege

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Oreon Starfall]

what level is this taking place at?

Re: the blacksmith - he could be a retired soldier or duelist to explain his fighter levels. And give him a big honking hammer.

The towns priest has a level of cleric or two, to keep people alive

What does the town have that makes it worth sacking? or is it just poorly placed?

an old, traveling wiseman has come to town (Monk).

a wizard is travelling through the area looking for apprentices. Also works with clerics looking for novices.

The town's no-good kid has rogue levels and grows a backbone... or throws in with the orcs.

hope this helps.

 

[Bihor]

What I'm really looking for are some hints or tips on running it, and some ideas for fun interesting encounters to make the "small sleepy village" more of a challenge than they expect.

For the climax of the adventure, at the end of the night a group of adventurer, who wants to help de villager.

Maybe the local prest was informed by is god (commune or vision) that the village was gonna be attacked. So all the villager are prepared. Pit trap in the fields, Minor Image or silent image of livestock or villager to make the orc angry and fall into traps.

 

[Silver Moon]

I'd suggest that you also take a look over on the Rogues Gallery message board, and read the life history of BLACKDIRGE's orc warrior Hargash. It is a very entertaining story that will help to get you into the orc mindset as well as present lots of interesting plot elements to borrow for your own campaign.

 

[cmthedm]

exxxxxcellent

There are some good nuggets in here - that's got the juices flowing.

Blackdirge's Orc saga is a good read, too. (Thx Silver Moon)

I hadn't got as far as equipping the blacksmith, but I definitely like the big hammer.

I had thought of a party of adventurers. What I am planning is that if they are cautious enough to do some recon, they will get to see the party leaving town. If they just rush in, they will have to fight the adventurers as well as the townies.

The orc PCs I've made up are all 2nd or 3rd level, btw. Hopefully they're not too powerful - they have great stats but very little equipment (so that the paltry treasure in the town will impress them).

This is going to kick!

 

[Silver Moon]

Re: exxxxxcellent

Blackdirge's Orc saga is a good read, too. (Thx Silver Moon)

You're welcome. His thread about the Gargoyle Assassin is an even better read, but unfortnately didn't relate to your campaign (but will work nicely in mine). Give it a read when you have a free moment.