S2: War in Vastermarch - Completed

[Manzanita]

The group traveling with Ogrin, Razh, Talbin & Nodis includes 3 soldiers (Hugh, S1, & S2), 2 Merchants (L & S), 18 commoners, 1 wagon, & 2 horses pulling the wagon. Also two constructs carrying varied equipment.

Juliana and Banion notice the two merchants trying to act nonchalant while avoiding looking directly at the group. Banion can tell that they are, in fact, the men also known as Toler and Rafferty, whom the group fought earlier.

Juliana, Banion, Beamer & Eusebius' party includes a large human introduced as Torvin Arkenthrasher. He is currently unarmored, but carries a longsword. He seems to have suffered some sort of disaster or torture, as his body is covered with fresh scars, and is missing all or part of several fingers, toes and other body parts. He is sitting in the drivers seat of a box-like wagon pulled by two horses.

Torvin also seems to notice the movement in the woods, as well as a large party of dark shapes moving towards the caravan along the road away from Braeholl. He reaches out to Banion. "Sir - I implore you. Help me strap on my armor! I would not die helpless!" The group had seen his full plate armor in the wagon earlier.

On the road towards Braeholl, a mounted orc emerges from the woods. He is alone, and carries a spear vertically. From the spear flutters a dirty grey-white cloth. He slowly walks his horse towards the party.

 

[Bront]

[sblock=Mindlink]'I trust Ogrin, Raz, and Talbin. They have been good companions of of earlier travels. If you can, warn one of them quietly while I deal with the orc.'[/sblock]

Juliana shifts her grip on her guisarme back to a more neutral stance and approaches the orc on foot. "You come to speak. What message do you send?"

 

[SlagMortar]

Beamer looks for an opportunity to discretely cast a message spell including Ogrin, Talbin, Rasereit, Banion, and himself. If he can't discretely contact Rasereit (since he's with the other group), he will make sure to get the other two.

Over the message, he whispers[SBLOCK]This is Beamer of Juliana's group. The two merchants who travel with you tried to kill us a few days ago at the Gypsy Inn. They have dark affiliations. Be watchful for their treachery, and do not let them escape.[/SBLOCK]
He also casts mage armor, in case hostilities break out.

OOC:
Spell remaining: 5/6/5

 

[Patlin]

Toller and Raferty... the weasels.

Banion will keep an eye on the Merchants, and begin to assist Sir Torvin with his armor.

 

[Someone]

Nodis, male human psion 5, HP 31/31, AC 16, PP 23/35

"Looks like that orc wants to talk with us" says Nodis.

 

[Rae ArdGaoth]

As the orc emerges from the woods, Rasereit throws discretion to the wind and shouts to the caravan: "Aye, definitely trouble. Come on nah, le's get t'gether with our mates up ahead. Double step, s'better to be together, on ye go, move it, move it!" He herds the caravan towards the group ahead, making them hustle (or run, if possible?) for the small remaining distance.

 

[Manzanita]

10:30 am. Overcast morning, soft wind from the West

The weather is cool, and smells like rain. Flocks of birds soar overhead, appearing black against the clouds.

The characters converge, villagers rushing forward, smiling at meeting friendly, powerful-looking warriors. The two merchants, Lothar and Sangster, hang near the back, trying to avoid the adventurers, though they look forward, and finger their weapons. The mindlink started by Boog has now expired.

Torvin thanks Beamer for his help, and effeciently directs him on how to help put on his armor. Does he balance himself accidently with a hand on Beamer's odd backpack, or it is intentional?

The others exchange greetings and keep the group together. Information is quickly exchanged. Juliana's group knows that there is only about 100 feet of woods to the East side of the road. The road runs mostly North-South. Braeholl it to the North. They don't know how thick the woods are to the West. Beyond the woods to the East is a hill, over an underground complex, as well as a farmhouse and barn. These are several hundred feet away. The group knows there are humanoids in the woods on both sides, presumably orcs. From the South, a sizable group of orc infantry marches towards the party, at least 20 strong. As they approach, it is now evident that they are being led by at least two larger figures, perhaps ogres.

To the North, the lone orc rider is approaching. He cranes his neck as his horse walks. He seems to be looking for someone in the party, or perhaps just counting and trying to identify who is in the small caravan. Juliana rides fowards a little to speak.

The orc speaks to her, loudly, and his horse sidesteps some, to enable him to continue to look at the party. A large crow decends from a flock to perch on the orcs shoulder. The orc glances at it, but otherwise seems to ignore its presense.

"I bring you greetings from Tharok, Warlord of the North!" says the orc in common, "He bids you greetings, and would make you an offer to spare your wretched lives." This orc wears leather armor. He rides a gaunt black horse with a scimitar and sheild on the back. He is thin and old.

 

[Patlin]

What would one of these Orcs say to that? Banion thinks to himself. He responds to the Orc's parley while continuing to help with the armor.

"There are rumors of this Tharok. Any warrior would earn much honor by opening his belly and letting the Gorecrows feed. What does Tharok offer that would cause us to turn away from the path of blood and glory?"

 

[Manzanita]

The orc mediator seems to be in no hurry. He continues to scan the group intently. As the caravan coalleses, there is about a 20 foot gap between the trees. The wind now carries a stench of death that was not there earlier.

"Tharok offers you your life, little one." the mediator says to Banion. "He asks only for a weapon you are carrying. A certain old weapon of historical value to the orcs. This weapon, yes, and maybe a little more. That's all. Very cheap for your life."

As Torvin gets his armor on, he thanks Beamer several times. "Once I get my armor on, I will protect you, my small friend. I am a good rider. We can detach one of these horses from the wagon. I have a saddle inside. You can mount up behind me."

At this point, I need to know what, if any actions the others are taking. Is any sort of defense being organized? Will the caravan press on North past the orc negotiator?

Currently I have Beamer in Mage Armor, and Nodis with two constructs. Any other magic being cast?

 

[Boddynock]

[sblock=OOC]Sorry to be late in posting. Eusebius will take the pearl, since he already has Bracers of Armor +1 (assuming that's what the ring is).

Eusebius spots the movement in the trees but doesn't make the extra spot check. War in Vastermarch; general Spot check; specific Spot check for Eusebius' party (1d20+8=16, 1d20+8=14)

Manzanita, it's not Beamer who's helping Thorvin put on his armour, it's Banion. Telescoping a little planned betrayal, are we? [/sblock]

Eusebius greets his old companions with surprise and delight. He is careful, however, not to move too far from Beamer. While he listens to the orc herald and assesses the situation, he proceeds to cast as many Cure Minor Wounds spells on himself as he has time for (up to a maximum of four). He also asks Beamer to cast another Mage Armor spell on him.

At the first sign of attack he will cast Protection from Evil on Beamer, then, if he has time, Bull's Strength on himself. He then stands ready to defend Beamer, spiked chain (and multiple AoOs) in hand.