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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Greyhawk" data-source="post: 3462968" data-attributes="member: 40355">The Thunderpeak OrcsAs the party prepare to leave Lord Hawklin replies to Beltain.  "Regarding the Drow.  all we found out is that that we already know.  Those drow in the Mithril mines were Lolth worshippers who fled from a faction of drow who now worship a god called Kiaransalee.  The drow told us that it is the Kiaransalee faction that are attacking towns and villages above ground.  We have conformation that it was kiaransalee drow that attacked the dwarven village of Glen, burning it to the ground at night.  We also know that Daggerfalls are having problems with drow, and Randal Morn sent a powerful group of adventurers into the underdark there."  He smiles "Anyway, do not worry about drow for the moment.  The Zhentarim and the Cult of the Dragon seem to be playing a bigger part here..and orcs"  He waves the party goodbye as the portal shuts.  Captain Dunman nods firmly to the party as they ride out of the camp and into the Stonelands...back to the Netherese ruins..The party travel for a while, up ahead Beltain notices a white weasel...sitting on a rock, the creature squeaks excitedly as the party ride near.  Delight shines on Beltain's face as he rides over and gathers the weasel up onto Salix's saddle.  "Goodness, you are a noble animal" he tells it, "Now what shall we call you?""Oo a weasel" cries Rizzit and he and Wizzy rush over to say hello "Greeting little one, Wizzy tell the weasel hello and we are friends.  I just love weasels, you know Kobolds use dire weasels as mounts the same way you big folk use horses"The two weasels snuffle each other, in a weasely fashion.. "What's he say Wizzy?""Well, if things go badly, at least we can eat it." says Feng with a shrug and lapses into an introspective mood, hands clenched on the handle of "Lakur's Bane"Beltain rides back to join the rest of the company, the weasel snuggles close..."Bloody 'ell" exclaims Pitbull "With all these dogs and riding dogs and weasels and axe beaks and horses and such crap. We're more like a travelling circus that a band of lusty nare-do-wells.""Please don't stand so close to Beaker Pitbull," admonishes Rizzit "The sun is shining off your bald patch and could well tempt Beaker""Bald patch? Bald patch!" retorts the gnome "You cheeky scaly git you. I've got a full head of hair!" says the Gnome as he runs his hand through his sumptuously preened quiff.  "You cannot prevent the bird of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them nesting in you hair. That's what my ol' mum always used to say. And I think you can all see the relevance of that.""Could we get a party order together please," asks Limara "How about two warriors front and rear with the clerics and sorcerer in the middle.... "Limara: gets a cigar out: lights it with a tindertwig and .... after a moment .... blows a big fat smoke ring.  "Bel honey," she continues to her companion "That weasel seems familiar to you.. what's its name?"Beltain considers for a moment and then answers Limara's question "I think, Princess" he responds "I shall can him Melima Nieninque, or Mel for short.  In the language of the elvish people it means something like snow friend""By the way" he continues still addressing Limara "Do you have any idea where the second portal went to?  Lord Hawklin seemed insistent that we find out the location of each of the gates.  Is there anywhere, in this general area, that might fit the description?  Remember, I was back with the horses and didn't actually see the landscape there..."" In answer to your question Bel, without more exploration it would be hard to say... maybe The Anvil ?" suggests Limara."A pity, Princess" says Beltain in response to Limara "I thought that portal two might have been directed to somewhere in the Anauroch, but I have never been there and only know what I have heard in harper songs."Sparhawk moves to the front and Rizzit moves to beside Elinor, give her his best toothy grin and trots along happily "Lets make haste I am eager to explore some more portals"After just over 3 hours travel through the rocky wasteland that is the Stonelands, the party arrive at the Netherese Ruins.  The Netherese were a powerful magic using race that walked faerun in its distant past.  The ruin has almost been eroded to nothing; all that remains are the foundations.  A stairway can be seen leading down."Hey scaley" the gnome calls to Rizzit "Shift out the way. I'm supposed to ride next to the foxy chick. I mean at the rear to protect our flanks.""So Elinor you top totty." he says with a gnomish smile "You ever wondered about the advantages of being my height? Lemme enlighten you."Rizzit leads beaker down the steps after casting mage armourBeltain dismounts and tethers Salix in a position where the best of the meagre strands grass are available.  Then he takes up Mel and secrets the tiny creature in a pocket of the cloak with some food.  "Stay in there for the moment, things could get dangerous later" he tells his familiar. Then he then walks over to the top of the stairs ready to descend with the others."I forgot how to open the portal, hurry up down here and open it will you" the kobold asks Beltain who sighs and proceeds down to join Rizzit in the portal room"Pleeeeease" adds RizzitBeltain moves forward "This could be a big mistake, he thinks to himself" as he says "Part the veil of the universe for me" while touching the frame."Thank <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> for that, action at last." says Feng with relief and prepares to step forward into the portalPitbull hops off his Riding dog and tethers it up. It doesn't have a name, the Pint-size procrastinator ain't into anthropomorphisization. He then draws his Greatsword and follows the others.Limara tethers her horse with the others and equips her shield. She calls Gypsy and they go down the stairs to join the party.  As Beltain says the command, a mist fills the center of the portal.  With a grunt Feng steps through.  Rizzit sticks his head through the portal.. the Nexus appears as they left it.Sparhawk sighs and tethers Faran , equipping his shield and drawing his sword he joins the others.  He sees Feng rush through, "Ever rash was our half orc friend there, methinks we shouldst offer back up in the case that the need doth arise" Sparhawk lifts his sword blade in salute and steps through the portal"Before we do anything else" suggests Beltain "Could someone with tracking skills have a look at the other portals in the nexus area to see if there has been any traffic.  And if it is possible tell us what manner of creatures passed through" but he is ignored in the excitement.The party proceeds through the activated portal into the Nexus.  Beaker, Rizzit's axebeak mount refuses to pass through the portal, the large creature scared to move through the mist..This stone mortared room is approx 70 x 70 feet. It is surrounded by a stone wall whose top is crumbling with age. It is about 11-16 feet high. There is no ceiling and the sky can be seen overhead. A fair amount of debris litters the room, rocks, branches, dust. Several bones of differing types can also be seen scattered about. 16 portals line the walls. Some are glowing.Above the portals, in white paint has be written numbers. These numbers seem to be a recent addition.  The portal the party entered through is labelled 1, the numbers rise clockwise."Shall we try number four today then?" suggests Rizzit eager to be adventuring.Well this place is a bit bloody weird to be sure. " Pitbull tells the others "Mind you. You could make a fortune selling tickets to this place. Each door being a Holiday destination. Call the place Terminal five send folk to exotic destinations. But as my ol' Mum would say: Misfortune only comes when the door is open. Let's find our selves some trouble.  Is that a two headed griffon there? I guess he was in two minds about which one of you he wanted to eat.... Kekekeke. Get it. Two minds?""Um pitbull" enquires Beltain "Did your old mum really say 'Misfortune only comes when the door is open. Let's find our selves some trouble'.  And what sort of trouble was she talking about do you think? AND" he continues grimly "The last destination was no holiday I can assure you.""Haha Beltain you witty dog you." smiles Pitbull "The 'Lets find ourselves some trouble' was my suggestion. A bit of a ruckus never did anyone any harm. Er. Unless it does of coarse.  So is it this gate we're going through?""Part the veil of the universe for me" says Rizzit quickly "The best tactic here is to rush in and catch them by surprise Pitbull" as he readies his loaded crossbow"As I was recently absent for the last quest, I feel I must defer to someone else as to which portal through we must proceed" Sparhawk says as he steps into an open area in this room"Excellent tactic Rizzit. Get your self away. Missile cover first and all that" says Pitbull with a smirk before heading through the portal."I was thinking you rush through right behind my fireball and hack down anything stupid enough to still be standing up" retorts Rizzit with a snarl.Belatin moves up to support the two foolhardy vertically challenged party members..."Pitbull," calls Feng "I guess yer mother never had someone come in thru the window. I prefer to come in by whatever method is unexpected. The fight is more interesting that way, and you're more likely to see the finish.  Right, we got a gate? Me, Spar and Pitbull pile thru, I'll take the left, Pitbull the right, and Sparhawk through and front up the centre. The others can pile in behind and shelter behind us. Any questions?". Feng raises his axe to ready a strike and enters the gate as soon as it opens "'C'mon ladies. You want to play with yer pricks for another twenty years? Lets take a chance and pile in.""You may wanna stay anything that burns easily if your planning on rushing in ahead of me" says Rizzit testilyPitbull takes a practice swing with his Greatsword."Take the Right? Ok Big Ugly I'm on it. Last one with blood on 'is 'ands is a sissy."   I'll stand on the right then. You get to the left Feng.  Sparhawk lets get into position 'ere.""Call that a sword?" says Feng with distain  and flourishes his totemistic fetish - "FENG'S CHOPPER IS BIGGEST!" he yells."Feng... you did the bundle in and spread thin idea last time... you died, so did Elinor and Nosnibor. This time, as there are four melee specialists in our fold now, I suggest that warriors work in pairs with one cleric supporting them. Rizzit can use the space we create to cast in safety as he sees fit...""Why don't you and Pit here pair up and break left when we enter," she suggests "I will support you both. We can see how our new comrade fairs in battle. Oh, and I have a bulls strength ready today.... wait until Spar and Elinor are ready mind, lets not go off half-cocked ALSO.... lets not forget that innocent people might be about there business the other side of this portal.... can someone please poke there head through and have a look ??.... If we storm into the middle of a garden party we will look like complete twats !!"Limara pats her newly obedient dog on the head..."Come on guys I opened it lets hussle" says Rizzit and taps his foot impatiently and sighs "These portals sure are slow opening today, must be the weather""Always in such a rush" mutters Beltain to himself "I had hoped to examine the portal inscriptions to see if they noted the destinations.  But no matter""I have no problem if Pitbull wants to fight with me" says Feng "If he thinks he can keep up. He can learn from the best.  And I didn't bundle in last time, I was on a recce. Frankly I wasn't expecting a man-eating plant the size of a castle to try to eat me. If I did not show enough foresight there. I guess I was not alone. If we land in the middle of a garden party, we will give them something to talk about! I doubt that this will be the case, 'cos I reckon the orcs will have scoped in all directions, not just the stonelands. If we see owt, its gonna be askin' for a kickin'.   And I'm just the guy to help them find one.""Yeah I'm with you Feng, lets get in and kick some garden party frigging ASS" agrees Rizzit."Thy plan seemeth sound lady Limara," says Sir Sparhawk after some deliberation "I am ready to take anything along the right flank" He looks at Elinor "For honour and valour when thine sword is readied my lady" he says with a bow"So am I going left with Feng now? Is this party run by committee or something? Why doesn't someone just give orders and the rest of us follow.  Ok. So I get shackled with the Big Ugly? Cool. It'll be a laugh, but as me ol' mum would say: The Bigger the chamber pot the more <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> sticks to it.".  Pitbull shrugs and steps next to Feng and goes through the Portal in tandem with him.Elinor nods to Sparhawk and brandishes her sword "Ready when you are". She steps through the portalThe portal from this side is invisible, coming out of a sheer mountain wall.The party looks out into a thick, primeval forest.  The air is warm and smells of earth, bark, decaying plants, and other rich woodland odours.  The ground slopes down away from you, as if you were looking down a large hill.  A veritable army of ocs, all staring at you among the trees from their side of the portal, confronts you.  One of the orcs roars a one-word command, and a dozen orcs suddenly rush toward you, weapons raised and screaming war cries. They appear to have been expecting you."Oh well, we've found the orcs then" says Beltain with a grin "Time for some magic Rizzit I think, let's give them a warm welcome!""That's more like it" Elinor grins and readies her sword " a little less plant and a little more orc-tion. Let's see what the new boys can do Feng.""Well Princess" Belatin asks "As I think I'll have the edge on initiative, shall I go out and support Little & Large rather than wait for Elinor and Spar to move?" and he gives her a beaming smile."Ok Feng it's time to make these bastards half orcs too" quips Pitbull to his massive half-orc companion "I'll give you a small wager to see if I can half mine faster. " cackles the Diminutive Defender as he readies his blade.  "As my ol' Mum would say: A strong attack is half the battle won. Have at 'em!""The day will be ours. Strike hard and true!" says Feng with gusto"Try not get yourselves all mixed up with this group and keep a line in place, otherwise one or more of you are likely to get fried, placing a fireball is not that precise" advises Rizzit.Feng shouts in Orcish "FIGHT FENG! FENG IS THE KILLER OF DEMONS AND SLAYER OF DROW! RUN TO YOUR DEATHS LITTLE ORCS!"Pitbull looks sideways at Feng with a tired expression on his face."You do go on a bit don't you?" says the Miniature Myrmidon, wondering if the bombastic Half-Orc is secretly gay."<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />s, Pitbull. Prepare for the fight in yr own way and leave me to mine." snarls Feng in a way not wholly designed allay Pitbull's suspicionsElinor wonders why, no matter how keen she is to join the affray, she always ends up launching her attack last Beltain turns to Elinor and shakes his head sadly, "I appreciate your concern about going last, but consider me, I usually get to move in the van, but when it comes to hitting the enemy, well - let's just say I'd rather go last and be able to connect when I swing my sword"Twelve orcs break from the trees and attack the party with great-axes.  The symbols on the orcs breastplates (crossed lightning bolts, with the eye of Gruumsh at its center) indicate these are Thunderpeak orcs..Beltain casts Bless and then calls down to the orcs, "Where are your leaders, warrior orcs?  Do they cower behind with the old and sick?  Are they hiding behind the skirts of the womenfolk as they send you to your deaths?  Let them show themselves or forever hide their heads in shame and sneak away from this fight like the yellow-bellied cowards that they are!"He then says in a low voice to Pitbull "Move forward a bit only to let your fellow warrior into the line, but ready that stout sword of yours for those orcs that survive Rizzit's rain of fire!"Just then, Beltain hears the drums...many of them..."Sounds like we may have more company coming" says Rizzit with a smile "May not be a good idea for me to blow my fireballs on this bunch just yet.  Move forward a step to let the others in but leave a gap in front of me so I can step up and use burning hands""Take care those greataxes do a lot of damage if they connect" Beltain cautions the heroes in front of him"What's the matter, they are only orcs" says Limara dismissively "It not like they are a bad tempered hill... move in and open fire... make some space for the rest of us to enter""Fecking buggery! More instructions. Guys this plan is getting more confusing. I thought Limara was covering me and Feng? What's Beltain doing behind us? So OK.. I'm stepping forward and closer to Feng to form a line and let the others get in beside me."  Pitbull steps forward and to his right, hoping Feng will step straight forward to form the beginnings of a line."Let's form a line here Feng. If Sparhawk and Elinor Sweetcheeks ever arrive here they can form up beside us. Clerics and caster to the back as planned. Let's show these <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ers what it means to go toe to toe with real mean assed mother<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ers."Beltain stares down at the approaching orcs.  He wonders where the leaders are, for leaders there must be in such a large gathering, and there may be spell-casters amongst them...Pitbull mutters to Feng a question that is out of earshot of the others. "Feng mate. That Beltain fella. Is he a bit of a puff? He seems a bit gay to me. Surely he isn't slipping it to that hot chick Limara." he pauses, "She could do better than that."Swaps his Greataxe for "Nibbler", the Orc double axe "Who knows what happens in a woman's mind, and who would care?" he replies and then yells "RUN TO FENG! SHOW ME HOW THE THUNDERPEAK ORCS CAN DIE!"The orcs advance toward the party, one rushes toward Pitbull, the Gnome is readied and lashes out as the creature gets within range. Pitbull fells the orc with a single slash of his greatsword.."Brilliant hit, Pitbull" exclaims Beltain "I'm exceedingly impressed with your prowess.  I wonder what your Mum would have made of it?""'Ave at you! You orcish tosspot! " shouts Pitbull as he swings.  " ONE!"  adds the Warrior Gnome. "Oh mister Sparhawk. We have a line we wish you to join. If you don't mind."  mentions Pitbull, slipping a sly wink to Feng the Mighty.Sparhawk moves to Pitbull's left and readies himself for the onslaught "Just saw the end of thine attack neighbour....most impressive , however not technically perfect" Sparhawk notes of his new companion"My sweaty arse to your technical perfection sir" says and irritated Pitbull "A death Orc is a dead Orc. As my ol' mum would say: A man can never be perfect in a hundred years. But he may be come corrupt in the space of day. And i think we can all see the relevance of that here.""T'was merely an observation neighbour," says Sparhawk in a conciliatory tone "And thine words and mothers advice are most poignant and truthful friend""Nice Kill, Pitbull" laughs Feng "You'll have to forgive Sparhawk. He don't realise he's a tosser. A dead orc is a dead orc, just as yas say. And 'cos of the heftiness of the strike,  I'll even forgive you for pulling ahead." and he waves the ancestral weapon (Fner Fner) "Feng has a double weapon. You lead will not last."Beltain struggles to keep a straight face, as he waits for the kobold to emerge and even the odds a bit...."I will not be hurling fireballs until we know what additional threats there are, those drums signal a lot more orcs somewhere", Rizzit says to Beltain's disappointmentElinor rushes through the portal, barges past the posturing warriors and takes a mighty swipe at the leading orc, killing it with one blow "And that's a ONE to the ladies, I believe" she says with a sweet smile.  "C'mon Limara, it's raining orcs!" she adds as she waits for Limara to emerge.Beltain laughs "Looks like Elinor is trying to prove herself braver than the blokes in the front, Princess." he says to Limara "Maybe the other orcs will take the hint and run for it""So thats one to Pit, one to Elinor and some posturing from Feng, going well so far" chortles Rizzit, enjoying himself."Elinor." enquires Pitbull "As pert and quivering as your buttocks may be it seems unnecessary for you to place yourself in a position that we get such a good view of them at this moment. If you wish me to spend time perusing you curvatious guttious maximus in it's rather pleasing leather confines may I suggest you wait until a convenient hostelry. Currently it seems important for us to be holding a line. And flashing off your arse is no excuse to break that strategy.  May I suggest that we three boys step forward to hold the line when next we can? Unless we can think of other interesting ways to royally <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> up the tactic that we had all agreed upon earlier?""Pitbull" exclaims Beltain agast "Please mind your language, although I am not absolutely sure what curvatious guttious maximus are, but it does not seem the kind of thing to be discussing in polite company and certainly not in front of these uncouth orcs.  I am sure that Elinor moved to her position to best fight this rabble and not to have uncouth ogling her nether regions.  I'm certain that you mother would have a word or two to say on the subject, one of which would be wash you mouth out with carbolic and water""Regardless of what ever good reason she had i feel it hard not to point out the mistake of breaking the line." retorts Pibull without hesitation "The defensive line is the first and most basic of combat tactics. HOLD THE LINE!  Is a call all soldiers would know. Breaking the line is death Beltain old boy. As my mother certainly would say: He who lives without discipline, dies with out honour. Thought that's a bit <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing stuffy for my liking.   And what the <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> is this about minding my language? Have I joined a party with anti-swearing rules? Why don't you have a swear box or something? Kekekeke.""I apologise for my enthusiasm little fellow" Elinor calls over her shoulder, "But with all that 'step to the right and shuffle to the left' you gentlemen were starting to resemble a dance class. Sometimes it's just better to grab your partner by the throat and get on with the business at hand. The longer we spend perfecting our formations, the sooner the reinforcements might arrive.""Pitbull," Rizzit tells the gnome "Elinor is a lady and should be treated with respect, colourful language is all well and good but please direct it away from Elinors shapely rear""Again ne'er truer words spoken Pitbull," argues Sparhawk "Your mother seemeth to be a well educated woman, and to hold the line wouldst be of utmost import in a situation like this. So I concur with thine suggestion and agree us gentlemen should take a step forward and re create said defensive line. This will also give the casters such as Rizzit a good view of what is approaching so he will be able to time his fireball to maximum effect""All i get is a good view of your collective arses back there," retorts Rizzit grumpily "Preferable as that may be to your faces, I can't see what needs to be done.  I specifically asked for a gap to be left for me so you forced me over to the end of the line""Don't get me wrong Rizzit you ol' hackneyed Hexologist you." says Pibull not at all put out "I hold Elinor in the most high and deeply held respect. Not only is she a top saucy wench or the trouser tent creating variety. But she is a kick ass mean mother who no doubt leave them orcs feeling as nervous as a Gnomish Nun in a penguin shoot. But you gotta admit, she did step out of line. And I was just pointing it out in me own jocular way.  If offence was taken I can only grovel humbly at her feet until she chastises me in as harsh a way as she sees fit. *cough*""So, a charge into the middle of the rabble to scatter the cowardly bastards does not meet with everyone's approval?" asks Feng confused"I think that'll be fine as long as we make an orderly queue first" says Elinor to Feng with a wink."HA! The lass has a sense of humour!" Feng smiles back "I always thought formation fighting was a loada bollocks.  Alright for them as can't handle themselves, but I can mix it up in the middle of it all.""Hey Feng. Mah Man" the gnome pipies up "Don't get me wrong. I'm up for just jumping in amongst the bastards and having a good <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing goes as well as the next Gnome. But someone expressed a plan and I presumed we would stick to it. It's probably my fault. I thought this group worked like that. Someone lays down the plan and then we follow it. If it works the other way, you know; someone expresses the plan and we ignore the <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />er and all go off on our own. Well I'm up for that too. I just wish one of you would tell me how this group worked you know? I mean! Chaos I can handle. But this is just a <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing mess.  Although that's ok too. As long as I get to kill <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> and stare at Elinor and Limara's arse a bit I don't mind. Kekeke.""Feng" says Sparhawk wearily "We have been here many times before, someone comes up with a plan and everyone ignores it!, As you know mine is a military background and as such I like orderly fashion in mine battles, however you know as well as I we can fight as a chaotic group, tho it doth cause much argument after the fact"The orcs advance onto the party, another ten orcs come running through the trees."So ... we'll label this portal 'Stoneland Orcs portal' then..." she jokes... "You're right, a defensive line would serve well here, stopping flanking and keeping heals readily available. It would give Rizz some cover too.  Feng... you speak orc... you should tell them to give up as Elinor looks in no mood to play.." she laughs.. "I count twenty two so far, I wonder how many there are nearby ?" she stops laughing."Elinor," she says turning to the paladin "Dont let 'em flank you, and please; all fighters keep within healing range. I wanna see everyone upright at the end of this.. I'll cure ya if I can reach ya ..." she states encouraginglyThe beautiful cleric turns to Beltain. " Now this...is my kinda day out. A battle cleric, a multi caster and a firestarter stood behind four melee experts ready to do battle with the enemy. .... and the enemy isn't the size of a hill."Beltain gives Limara a warm smile and steps forward to call for aid from the Celestial plane and three Fire Beetles hear the call and start the journey to assist the party"There is intelligence directing this battle" Beltain says to Limara "And we have yet to see the leaders also there is a chance that they will have spellcasting minions...  This may not be the slug-fest it first appears""Elinor you probably don't need it said but step back to level with Feng when you can, when I do start throwing spells at them it would be better to have a tidy formation, thank you""Come on Feng lets see what you can do" says Rizzit bored with all the talking."What did you just say?" Says Pitbull to Sparhawk giving him a sideways glance. "Mine battles? What do you know about underground battles Hoooman?  I remember a Mine Battle between my tribe of Gnomes and some Kobolds. Rizzit you'd have loved it. It was a top bit of carnage. I was drinking Kobold Booze for months after.""Yeah my lot are always fighting gnomes," agrees the kobold "Most Kobolds hate gnomes like no others, for me I hate drow more than anything else and recently Orcs""Drow? AYe!!" says the gnome nodding "They stink of <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> and all the Drow blokes are a bunch of <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing Hen-Pecked Pussies. But to be honest all Elves are a bit <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing annoying. It's the whole pretending they're bloody right all of the <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing time. Bunch of tossers.  Least Kobold know where their balls are. Kekekeke. Though that's mostly in the nearest ogre mages pocket.""Feng why not move to the side and get that orc to your right," suggests Rizzit "Then Elinor can back up"Beltain scans the treeline, his eyes searching for the leaders of the mob of orcs that are harrying the party, but sees nothing significant.Rizzit looks down and thinks "I really should get those nails cut"Beltain looks over to Rizzit and, seeing the kobold's interest in his claws, remarks "You could get them painted?" he suggests "I hear it's all the rage, or maybe have an appropriate fiery motif?""Hmm, sounds a good idea, a nice bright red" says the kobold "What do you think Pitbull?""THE RAGE! IT COMES! FENG KILLS!" cries Feng and launches an attack on the nearest orc " killing it."Um, Pitbull, um being the height you are...  um, exactly what part of the .ahem. orc do you aim for?" asks Beltain"I generally try to cut the bastards head off" replies the gnome "From the waist down. Good hit Feng. Didn't you want to step forward to try and form a line then?" says Pitbull cheerfully"Ughh, now why is the line advancing, Spar I thought you had them under control" Rizzit shakes his head"I'm stepping forward to protect Elinor's, admittedly rather shapely flank." responds the gnome with a leer, as he chops the orc down with a single blow."This must be why the Kobold tribes manage to kick gnomish ass so often" Rizzit remarks in an offhand manner."Come on Sparhawk." says Pitbull, ignoring Rizzit's remark "Step up to my left and lets get this formation sorted out. Fore as my mother always said: The Cheese Vessel will not sail by mere words alone.""Spar I am sure your tactical mind can see its better if Elinor steps back and then the pint sized plonker can move back when he gets a chance," Rizzit tells the knight "We don't have enough people to move the line any further away from the cliff""Sheesh." admolished Pitbull "Too many <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing cooks.""And I bet your mother had something to say about that as well" says Rizzit unwilling to let Pitbull have the last word.Sparhawk pauses then skewers an orc with his longsword "I agree with our little friend , our best position is the original line we were trying to create, 'ere we will be asking the enemy to swarm us asunder" Sparhawk steals a look at Rizzit "Your memory must be failing you Rizzit, there was never any time I had anyone under control, all one can do is merely maketh suggestions" He says with a smileFeng snarls "I opened up the gap to let the daft lass step back - now I see yas want to steal Feng's glory!"Rizzit drops his crossbow and takes out a wand of burning hands from his backpack then casts cat's grace on himself."The fighters are on form, Princess" Beltain remarks to Limara "They don't look as if they will need any healing to deal with this rabble..."Elinor strikes at the orc directly in front of her, and then takes a step back into line.  "Oh dear Pitbull.  What are you doing out there in front?"One of the orcs manages to penetrate Feng's defence and hits Feng with its greataxe.  Feng notices his earthsilk Jersey is no longer offering any protection, looking down at it, the barbarian can see a large gash in the material, caused by the tendriculos's massive biteOne of the orcs rushes toward Rizzit and swings its axe, the kobold gracefully ducks under the blow."Elinor pulls up to Pitbull, its neck to neck at the front with Spar a late starter catching Feng" says Rizzit as though providing a race commentary."There is plenty of time and enemies yet to score" Sparhawk grins"Hahahahahahaha. I love this! You guys are <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing hilarious. This is like the Hokey-Cokey."  Laughs Pitbull as he starts wiggling and mutters to himself 'In-Out. In-Out. Shake it all about.'"Could you see your way to removing this upstart Orc that's pushed through to me please, I want to step up and get my contribution to the body count in" enquires Rizzit."You're the one who wanted a gap for yourself." laughs Pibull "Hahaha. It's sort of the risk you take standing out on a flank.""Well I now want to move into said gap but there seems to be an Orc in it, shouldn't take my kill total long to leave yours for dust shorty" retorts the kobold"Hahaha. That's the ticket." the gnome responds grinning "If more Kobolds complained and did something about the Orcs that were in their way maybe you wouldn't all be seen a monsters old boy. Give him a swift one in the goolies. Then you'll have something to stand on."Limara laughs... "Pit... you are deviating from the line .... that makes you a deviant " she giggles "Seriously though... move back in line... it makes it easier for me to cure you ""Less talking, more smiting!" shouts Feng, enjoying himself.Limara turns to Beltain.. "You're right hun, our warriors have started this battle with serious intent, this formation should be hard to crack ... I'm keeping watch for casters though"Beltain nods to Limara "These grunt orcs are numerous, but we can beat them, and the fighters are enjoying the work.  I worry that a warlock will appear while we are so engaged and our own sorcerer has got himself involved in the melee"Sparhawks muscles bulge as aBull's Stregth spell cast by Limara surges through him..Another dozen orcs burst through the trees, Greataxes raised, teeth bared..."Hum" says Beltain the new orcs seem to have long flexable clubs rather than greataxes, perhaps they will be able to have enough reach to allow two rows of them to fight us at once."  He scans the far trees again seeking to identify the leaders of the orc hordes..."Hey Rizzit" calls Beltain "Any chance you could even the odds up a bit?"The summoned fire beetles appear and attack the orcs, there is an early success and an orc falls"Ha! Beltain's menagerie seems to have teeth after all!" laughs Feng and grins at the orcs trying to surround him "Fools! Mighty Feng cannot be out-flanked by children like you!"Two orcs fall as he swings his axe "Now that's what I call smitin'! C'mon rabbit scuts!  FENG! The mighty got plenty more for you!" and he sticks a slobbery tongue over a protruding fang and winks encouragingly at the orcs running up."So what's the plan, other than killing anything that comes within range?" Elinor asks as she holds her position, and waits for the next orc to arrive at the end of her longsword.  She pokes the bodies of the felled orcs in front of her with her toe.  "At some point we'll start to gain some cover from this growing pile.  Which could be handy if more of them arrive carrying longbows. And who knows what a flexible club is"Pitbull takes a mighty swipe at the Orc in front of him and guts him from the knees up. He then calmly takes a step back into line."Another one bites the dust. What's the score now?" asks Elinor."Three to me." Pibull pipes up immediately "DO I get a nosh if I win? Hehehehe.""These orcs are just not organised enough to pose any threat, look how they come at us in ones and twos instead of a mass charge, kobolds would never fight this was, we overwhelm with numbers" says Rizzit sagely."Just rush straight at the enemy?" says Beltain "Well that explains why you're the only one left then..."Sparhawk fells another orc "That should have gotten this orc's attention Rizzit , now you shouldst be free to shed your bolts of fire upon anything you wish""Thank you very much Spar" says the kobold with a toothy smile.He drops an orc with a magic missile and grins "Have that scum!!" he laughs"I got three too, but I'm goin' easy on ya, Pitbull" says Feng, keeping score "It's early and we don't want to work up a sweat before the chieftain arrives,""Elinor - Killin' anything and everything that comes within range has the advantage of simplicity. I like this plan" the barbarian tells the paladin."Hey Feng you big Dog you. You've got the right idea. Wanna put a few Gold pieces on the side? Says 10gp per kill more then we get? Though you got that double weapon of yours.. seems to me you got an advantage. Wanna gimme some odds?" Pitbull yells, clearly enjoying himself."Hold the line comrades, they are walking onto your swords n axes..." Limara encourages " Bel babe, you team with Feng and Elinor I'll watch over the others... keep an eye out for casters everyone.."She turns to Beltain.."Hun, I reckon we should try 'n shoot the bowman if we can.  It looks like its gonna be a long 'n bloody slog and we don't want to run out of spells too early ""If we get split up..." she says to the others in the party "The flanking damage from these orcs will be painful. But if a caster appears then we will have to spread out , so shout out if anyone sees one... "Beltain grins "Sounds good to me" he says smiling "By the way, Princess, you are usually hot on local goings-on, you haven't heard anything about the leadership of the orc tribes up here have you?"Elinor steps towards the nearest orc, fumbles badly, and only just manages to keep hold of her longsword.  "Ahem.....I did that on purpose...trying to encourage them...." Elinor goes red and appears to concentrate hard on gripping the pommel of her sword"Do not worry neighbour sometimes during the heat of battle thy palms can perspire and concentration can be momentarily lost, oft due to inane speech made by party members, " Sparhawk glances at Beltain "Thus thine grip on thine weapon is weakened and 'tis prone to fall from ones hand...I am most certain it is a gremlin anyone whom has brandished a weapon has experienced""What can you expect?" snorts Feng "Girls playing at warriors. If it wasn't for the leather..."Limara draws her bow and promptly fells one of the orc archers " Chk-chk Boom..." she whispers ... a bit too loud..Yet more orcs come from all side, the party fight with their backs to the mountain wall that contains the invisible portal..All three of Beltains summoned Celestial fire beetles kill an orc...!"More of these stupid bastards run to their deaths. Well, Gruumsh has a good recriting sergeant in the mighty FENG!" says the barbarian  "I wonder if they are stupid enough to try to follow us if we back into the Nexus? It would at least give us cover from any spells which may come our way.  And we still get to kill 'em as fast as they can get to us"."This working well Feng lets stay as we are and review it if any casters turn up" says Rizzit.Beltain, seeing no obvious tagets gets out a scroll and cures Feng"There seems an unending supply of the orcs, I have seen fourty-five so far, coming to die on the axes and swords of the party" says Beltain "If there is intelligence behind it, I do not understand the plan""And well done to those beetles - they really are plucky little buggers" the cleric says with a wide grin, then blushes "Little beggers, I meant" he corrects himselfRizzit looks up at the Orc in front of him "You really are ugly you know, and soon to be very dead""Feng, you may have a point." agrees Elinor "This battle feels easy, but although we've killed about a dozen in the last 3 or four attacks, each moment another dozen arrive. A tipping point will come if it continues in this way....""Why do you and your brethren throw your lives away with such abandon?" the kobold asks the orc in front of him "All I see about me is cannon fodder for the meat grinder, where are your powerful leaders? Cowering at the back no doubt""Fear not Elinor," he reassures the paladin "We have killed everything before us, even the Fire beetles are building an impressive list of kills, when the time comes to clear the decks I shall unleash fiery death on these worthless vermin"Feng fells another orc using the great reach of his axe."Is it me or did you just step forward again Elinor?" asks Pitbull "Crikey girl you really wanna wiggle your ass at me. Not that I'm complaining. But perhaps you should send me some flowers or chocolates first? A Gnome needs to be woo'd. ".   Pitbull stands in line ready for his next foe to appear. He shouts "Hold the Line!"  cheerfully. He loves saying that. It  makes the Tiny Terrier feel all adult and soldierly."I'm sorry," admits Elinor "I keep forgetting. I just wanted to get on and tidy things up a little.  Didn't really work out though. But if we all just stand about waiting for them to roll up we're going to get swamped.  Or are you chaps just waiting for the moment when you can all beat a hasty retreat back through the portal?""We cannot be swamped if we hold the line firm" says Rizzit "And stop stepping forward" he adds quietly"You all speak of battle lust and bloodshed but think only of tactics and rules. Maybe you live longer, but can you die with pride?" the paladin asks the others."Usually we are totally disorganised rabble much like these orcs, its a pleasant change, one we have them turned away we can allow a more free running battle" admits the kobold with a grin."If we are going to only stand in line, and they realise that this is the case, they will just stand back and pepper us with arrows" muses Beltain  "Not that there is any evidence of them thinking" he adds with a smile.  But perhaps the ones with long flexible clubs are aiming to attack us from a range that means that we would have to move forward to be able to hit them?" he asks nobody in particular."Or being able to hit a barn door with those bows" quips the kobold.Sparhawk fells another orc and tells the others "Usually it is just me talking of tactics and strategy, and usually it all goes out the window and ends up a free-for-all....I am most impressed that everyone is trying to work in concert here"Sparhawk roars with laughter "Besides you hold the line to cause the offside trap....trust a woman not to understand that LOL!!"Beltain gives Limara a quick wink "Maybe your ideas are getting through " he whispers "finally!""I think it's something like....we all hold the line, and then suddenly run forwards in order to put the opponent behind us? .......I'm not sure how that's going to work...." says Elinor showing some understanding of offside "And then we all raise our sword arms to join in the battle cry to the mighty warrior "Ref"?... Or am I getting confused....I am after all just a woman..."Elinor attacks the orc in front of her, hits him soundly with her longsword, the orc falls and steps back into line.  Obediently.The orcs attack again but only manage to kill two of the summoned fire beetles. "Currently... holding this line is the best tactic" says Limara "When we start getting surrounded by those crusher wielding orcs we will have to move forward to attack. Now that you warriors have aligned your attacks, you will be able to step forward as a team. Without being flanked, still keep watch for casters as that will change the plan again.  The bowmen are not injuring us enough to cause a problem as Bel an I can keep you healed easily here.  This highlights a potential problem for the future ... how many of you melee merchants have a reach weapon ? .. I shall think on this.  If we all get halberds or glaives and put a Party flag on it , it would look impressive when travelling and we can always drop them when we encounter a situation that requires it.."She pauses "Spar, you are our riding expert.... what size polearm can we attach to our horses? Can we fix them to the saddles like the Orientals do so, as to make them a flag ? .... any ideas?"Beltain shoulders his shield and takes out his sling, while he scans the woods for orcs or their leaders.  Yet, more orcs emerge bringing the total to fifty.Pitbull s<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />s when he hears that Limara's crossbow is called 'Spitfire' before adding "I love this group. You guys are so <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing funny. Has everyone of you named your weapons and Horses? Has anyone named their codpiece? Mine is called Norman. Norman the cock protector. Hahaha. I thought it was only greasey youths who named things like that? ""Yea, I call my sling 'sling' and my sword 'sword' rather than the other way round" says Beltain stung by Pitbull's jibe at Limara "And why not?  When a weapon has magic attached to it maybe a different name, to distinguish it from the mundane, is needed.  Maybe you should rename your cod-piece 'Extra Small' rather than Norman to distinguish it from the normal sized ones"Rizzit points the wand and says "Joke" A 15ft cone of flames burns the orcs arranged in front of him, felling five of them.  "I do believe I am now in first place" he says very satisfied with the result."Impressive" mutters Beltain "Wish I had a touch of that kind of magic" he adds whistfully"Nicely done Rizzit," praises Sir Sparhawk "I shall continue to endeavour to keep your path clean for your casting and so forth""Thanks Spar," says Rizzit modestly "With this wand I can clear many without resorting to my spells""Good job Rizzit you little tinker you. As my old mum would say: Fire, Water and Government know nothing of mercy. That should be Fire, Water and Kobolds. Hahah." interjects Pitbull.Rizzit laughs heartily but the confused expression on his face suggests he has no idea whyFeng readies his double attack for any orc which comes within range but, for the moment, they hang back.  He gestures his challenge in typical orcish style to provoke attacks against him."Pitbull, this is Nibbler." Feng says conversationally to Pibull "On the whole, I think I may be kinder at naming my weapons than your mother was at naming you. Was the family pet the first thing she saw after being delivered of you? Perhaps you we lucky after all." and grins in an insulting way "But not very.""Beautifully done Rizz... nice grouping.." says Limara with a lovely smile to the kobold, she then turns to the gnome "What happened to your previous group Pitbull ?  Who were they and what happened to your brother, is he still around ?"Finally she turns to Beltain "Bel... do you have a spiritual weapon you can drop on those crusher wielding orcs near Feng... there's three there now."Beltain smiles at his partner, "Fine with me" he says, "But with the orcs attacking from range, we might want to consider moving forward.  On the other hand they are in a nice row for Rizzit too, sitting ducks may be the expression" and he gives her a smile."I feel these Orcs are starting to warm to me now," says Rizzit "Let's hope I can make some more of them my friends soon"Beltain chuckles "Nice one Rizzit, maybe some will get 'the hots' for you too?""Limara," Sparhawk says after some thought "I will set my mind to thinking about your ideas of polearms and such, but as I have left mine companion Faran and my lance behind 'tis immaterial at this moment" Sparhawk wonders if his old companion is ok"These Bastards get standoffish, well, it's CHARGE! time, ok?" ask Feng eagerly."Well" Beltain replies "The ones with Longbows and Long clubs aren't going to move any further forward - they'll try, rather badly, to hit us from where they are.  Or perhaps" he says thinking "They have been told to keep us all corralled up until their masters arrive""Just don't all start rushing forward and getting mixed up with the orcs or at least one of you will be getting burnt, I can kill this lot faster than you muscles posers can so leave me plenty or room to do my work""I have considered their stance and their current moves" Limata tells the others "As it stands, we are better off where we are. There are significant numbers of axe wielders still and the neat line the others are forming is exactly what Rizzit has requested... currently we are still unharmed, except for a scratch on Feng's arm, and we are slaying them easily... I am sure the situation will change soon enough and I am watch for it to do so... We are unflankable and have three range types shielded by four melee meatshields who have medics less than five foot away... and unless we have orcs climb down the cliff, we have all our foe in front of us""Let's hope they didn't have some hidden on the other side of the portal either" Rizzit whispers rather loudly.Limara turns to the diminutive fire mage... " That's a good point Rizz..."Rizzit beams in pleased surprise.She continues "...Which is why I have Gypsy behind me ... and with wizzy watching as well, I doubt we will be surprised.  You can you get your friend to watch the portal for us? " she asks the kobold sweetly.Then she turns to Feng, seeing him itching to run into the fray... "Feng, wait until Rizz thins the numbers out a bit before we move forward.....  When we break the line... I suggest we split into two tight groups to start, try and avoid any major flanking ... anyone caught on their own will get swamped. If they keep storming out of the woods by the dozen we may want to stay close to the portal... in case a 'tactical withdrawl' is required..""I hope that we don't need to pull back.  The fighters and our excellent sorcerer are doing such stirring work" Beltain suggests to Limara "The orcs are falling like flies and it is only a matter of time before their moral crumbles and they start to flee in panic"Limara laughs "I love your positive outlook Bel... but I doubt orcs will flee in panic.  If they ran they would be facing much worse than just death .." she replies " but then, they've never faced us lot before" she laughs again."Um?" says Beltain "I learnt that history is written by the survivors.  No doubt they will have a good story to tell those at home about their heroics and their (dead) comrades cowardice and duplicity..." he adds with a grin."Its usually written by those specky twats" comments Rizzit sourly "That can't handle living it and spend there time sitting in towers writing about it, I am not even Orcs can write"Beltain nods "Yea, you are right Rizzit.  Perhaps history is to posh a word, maybe more 'excuses for fleeing' describes it better." he looks at the orcs facing them and grins "Perhaps Master Sorcerer you would like to make these orcs History too?" he says with a grin."From a tactical point of view...we are but seven," Sparhawk says analysing the situation "They have numbers...to disintegrate this line would be folly at this time, thus far we have held our own, to split would cause both confusion and certain trouble. As long as they keep coming forward let us stick with what we are doing""I think that they have stopped coming forward and now hit us at a range, Sir Knight" suggests Beltain " Only one, of those close to us, has an axe that required him to fight toe-to-toe with our warriors.  The rest have long clubs and even bows, we need to think about how we deal with these, for standing ready for an attack from them which never comes, could be folly?""I can deal with them," retorts Rizzit lofterly "No need for any concern""Who is concerned?" asks Feng puzzled "I was kicking orc warriors' arses after I passed my twelfth summer. And I have grown stronger since.  I'm just Itching to storm in there and put them to flight. The only thing keeping me in line is the desire to KILL MORE ORCS!  If they're running to us, it's a stupid waste of energy hunting them in the woods to slay them.  But if they stand off and try to hit us, I don't know how long I'll put up with that kinda insolence, even if Rizzit can lay them out in rows.""Pitbull is only my nickname Feng. I might tell you why one day. My brother and I were in an adventuring party for a short while. He wandered off one day with some Paladiny types on a... "A side quest"  I think he called it, and I ain't seen him since. Always a bit of a dip <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> was our Poodle. Though he was a mean bastard Barbarian. Boy could he rage. I'd hate to have to do raging my self. I just couldn't be bothered all the time. "He turns to the others "So what was the upshot of your big <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing conflab about tactics?  Far too many <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing cooks here if you ask me. And as my mother always said: If cooks quarrel, the roast burns. ".  He sighs "I guess I gotta stand here and keep waiting for an orc to come to me while Fire-Ball-Boy has all the fun? I'm with Big-Ugly here. Let's charge the <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ers."Pitbull stands in line and awaits the arrival of more foes."I wonder if these guys are just coming at us as a test of our abilities, maybe leaders watch from the trees" muses Rizzit, ignoring Pitbull's speech."If they do, they care not that their folk are being slaughtered.  I do not think that they have sufficient warriors to disregard the loss of fifty of them..." says Beltain but he sounds unsure."Mayhap they are not a stupid as we first thought," suggests Sparhawk, after a pause "An idea would be to advance in concert however that would lead to the possible chance of attack from the sides. Another idea would be to split into to groups and advance to clear this rabble""It would be possible Sir Knight for the four fighters to advance 5', if the two clerics moved to prevent the enemy from moving to flank you?" suggests Beltain to Sparhawk"'Tis a sound plan Beltain, A step forward would most certainly help in defeating these beasts" agrees the knight"I'm up for an advance if Limara and Beltain can keep Rizzit safe - we need to bring these cowardly bastards within the compass of our arms." says Feng grinning inanely at the sorcerer."Keep me safe?" scoffs Rizzit "That's laughable Feng, I will be to busy killing Orcs and keeping the way clear for the line" "So are we making a line 7-wide instead of 5-wide? And shall I just step forward now so you lot don't have to wait around?" asks Elinor weary at the conversation and wanting some action.Elinor decides to toe the party line and wait for the orcs to come to her.  She is, after all, getting a little tired of stepping backward and forward.An orc steps forward and swings his axe killing the last of the fire beetles"They seem to be hanging back for some reason, strange" mutters Rizzit"I am getting pretty sick of this holding back" Pitbull confides to Elinor "I could have killed two in the time we've been standing here. We're just standing letting them create a winning formation. They stand out of our reach and use their big bloody clubs things and missile fire. Are we so <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />ing stupid that we're gonna let them do it?  As my mother would say: Who ever has a tail of straw should not hesitate before the fire.  I say Charge!""Shut the <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> up, what they are doing is lining up so I can kill them" Rizzit admonishes him "They have not exactly done us any damage yet, the moment you break the line you let them swamp us and prevent me from using area spells on them. Leave the thinking to those others please.  I am starting to see why your brother left for another group""Ooooh" Mocks Pitbull holding his imaginary handbag, "You're a touchy one ain't you. I was just pointing out that our line tactic has caused the orcs to change their own tactics to counteract it. If you have an endless supply of fireball get to using them, oh megalomaniacal one.""Hey Rizzit" says Beltain "You used to be for 'free spirits' every ma..., I mean every party member of whatever height or scaleyness for him-her or itself and all that, don't tell me that you're turning lawful on me - please don't!""Lawful?" the kobold says with a shiver "no way, but I need to keep that Gnome in check or he will he running around getting in my way, Gnomes are like that""I'm presuming that Rizzit is party leader" asks Pitbull "Considering how much he bosses everyone about. "Beltain looks surprised "Rizzit, party leader?  No way, we tend to argue amongst ourselves and then come to some sort of general consensus - usually.  But Rizzit is the maverick, always up for some mad stunt! Normally nobody listens to him, but today it all seems to be different.   Did I tell you of the time when he and Feng decided to take on a drow strong-hold by them selves?  Feng got killed but Rizzit emerged unscathed, cool as you like.  And he rescued a sleeping dwarf too, but its a long story...""Oh. So he's just acting like a cock today?" says Pibull, not at all surprised "Cool. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Though I don't know. Rescuing dwarves....""No, no, he's always cocky.  Today he is bossy too!" replies Beltain "We'd be worried if he wasn't cocky!""Bless 'im. He IS all cute and scaly. I like his funny ways. He's like a puppy I once had.""Really, that is interesting.  But what did you call the puppy, if it had a name, after all you and your brother have dog.... er, um, have been named after the admirable qualities of some breeds of canines..."  says Beltain trying to hide the blush of his faux paux"I was so hate to 'accidentally' catch the poor fellow with a fireball because he couldn't stay in line" says Rizzit with an evil grin."Hahaha. Rizzit. You are so typical a Kobold it's unreal man." laughs the gnome "You even have to put threats into your comedy. Don't get your back up so much!  It's just banter.""Oh yeah just banter you say, that's bloody typical of you gnomes that is. It's more than that when your people are killing kobold families just to get at our rich mining deposits" snarls the kobold."True" admits Pitbull "But have you seen the average Kobold family? Man they stink of <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> and have terrible eating habits. Where as a good mining deposit is lovely and sparkly and full of jeweled goodness.""Pfttt," dismisses Rizzit with a wave "Kobold are far superior in the mining arts to gnomes, this is why you persecute us so, jealousy."  He ponders a short while before continuing " I am sorry Pitbull, I seem to be letting my races aeons old hatred of Gnomes come to the fore, it is not fair on you and I had thought to leave my past life in the underdark""Please accept my apologies, I will try to think before I utter such words in future" the kokold says in a sincere tone."Haha! I always accept an apology when honestly offered old boy." Pitbull aggress magnanimously "And in this case it isn't even necessary.  The Gnome-Kobold question has been asked for generations. And it a question with only one answer. A bloody good argument. You're a good fellow Rizzit old boot. But please tell us when we can begin carving these bastards up.  As for my pet Puppy Beltain. I never name pets. They just upset you when you have to kill and eat them if you give it a name. Hahaha"Beltain blanches and then sees the joke, at least he hopes it's a joke, and laughs.  "Then why don't we get on with these fellows if you want something to kill?" he asks "But unless you have the same type of stomach as Rizzit, don't contemplate eating them!"Can I just clarify the plan?" asks Elinor "Everyone moves forward to engage the enemy as soon as they can? I'm not sure we'll gain much by synchronising our movement- it just gives the enemy more time to rearrange themselves. Rizzit, if you can keep scorching them that will make a big dent in their numbers. And Limara, you could move across to close any gap behind Feng.  That's the ordered option." she says with a smile "The other route is to just charge into the fray. I'm happy with either. I'm just not prepared to wait much longer"Belatin smiles "I like option one Elinor" he says "I can help protect any gaps too, and we can put these fellows on the back foot.  Let Rizzit carve the numbers down, a spell that will make the numbers more even first and this will let us get the job done more quickly.  So I say – fire away Rizzit and then we move forward!"The party are surrounded by orcs, and there is still no sign of the orcish leaders...</blockquote>

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