Episode 16: Glitter and Bitter!
You reach Glitterhaegen without further incident; the huge harbor beckons as your ship approaches the city.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d10"
Result is: (1d10) 4 for Manny Mo'Jac
As you approach the city, you hear faint screaming... high above you; the ship crew ignores it and continues their approach.
Niamh, curious, looks up.
Kiara is feeding that cat as well, and tries to spot the source of the cry.
Drawing closer, you can see Glitterhaegen is a city of islands and bridges and canals; artificial islands spill up and down the coast, covered with crops, a mixture of foods and luxury goods. Looking up, you see a man being carried by something like a gargoyle, which clutches the man's clothing with its clawed feet. Unlike a normal gargoyle, however, it has a bird-like head.
The man is howling fit to wake the dead but you can barely hear him.
Kiara asks, "...ooookay, you got any idea what that thing is, Nimmy?"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC DC 20, Pilgrimage Traveller + Int + LEvel, Mike."
As you watch, the creature begins to drop lower in the sky and seems headed for one of the major canals; the man continues to flail.
Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+4+2"
Result is: (1d20+4+4+2) 11 for Mike
Mike asks, "OOC: Oh, is this a cultural or local thing?"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC It's connected to other lands, so yar."
Mike says, "OOC: Too late now. Forgot to apply my bonus."
The creature drops the man into the canal, where he flails around; he's probably bruised but he landed relatively well; you get the feeling this happens to him a lot.
Niamh says, "I believe it is a Scrumbor Carrack. Rather far afield from the Archipelago, though."
Your boat now pulls into one of the floating docks.
Kiara says, "Well, looks like he survived, at least."
A passing gondola hooks the man out of the water; he looks grateful.
The Scrumbor Carrack now rises and flies back the way it came, heading eastwards.
You have reached the city in the middle of the day; do you wish to pursue anything here, or just resupply and head for the Bitterwood?
Harrowhark says, "Does anyone want to look into the Slime dungeon?" Her tone of voice says she REALLY would prefer not to look into the slime dungeon
Kiara says, "Uh-uh. No way, no how."
Vendrik says, "Boots are polished. Not feeling to polish again."
Luke says, "It probably isn't controlled by some priest of Jubilex."
Harrowhark says, "Excellent."
Niamh says, "Venturing into 'the slime dungeon' always ends with dissolved clothes, slime-slick skin, and menacing pseudopods."
Luke says, "It's never pseudo-hands." He sighs as if offended.
Kiara says, "Let's see if there's any local travel gossip of note, stock up, and get ready to head out." She pauses. "After we see if there's any local gambling dens?" she adds with a half-serious grin.
Luke says, "My order is not allowed to gamble, though if you choose to lose your money, I could watch out for cheaters."
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Anyone who wants to collect Gossip can roll Charisma + a suitable background + Level, DC 15."
Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+1+2x2"
Result is: (1d20+4+1+2) 10 (1d20+4+1+2) 10 for Mike
Vendrik checks out news for any sort of regional conflicts or mercenary company actions d20+9
Result is: (d20+9) 24
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+3+3+2"
Result is: (1d20+3+3+2) 23 for Kiara
page> Akemi [to you]: The Emperor expects a big orc raid during the harvest season and is collecting mercenaries at Axis for action this fall.
Niamh goes looking for gossip and returns, irritated and bearing a copy of 'Holy Clerical Lust-Slaves of the Slime Dungeon' which she reads passages from aloud, presumably to convince the group that they have made the right decision.
page> Akemi [to you]: Oh yes, you also here a caravan to Shali is being outfitted in the city right now and is looking to hire guards.
Harrowhark asks, "Niamh, you didn't spend good coin on one of Matsudaira Naoyuki's... 'stories,' did you?"
page> DaR [to Akemi]: Is Shali in the right direction?
Kiara goes out with somewhat better success. "Well, not a good time to be a halfling around here; there's a lot of 'em getting in accidents. Weird, and getting a bit of attention." She lowers her voice. "Also, sounse like the Prince of Shadows hit the jockpot not too long ago; lifted some kind of big juju jewel."
page> Akemi [to you]: Shal is off the map to the west; it's one of the few countries the Empire has trade relations with. You have to go up to Foothold, then cross the Moonwreck and head west.
Niamh says, "I traded two of my others for it."
page> Akemi [to you]: It will likely go through the southwestern Bitterwood on its way to Anvil on its way to Foothold
Niamh says, "Accidents, or 'accidents'?"
Harrowhark says, "My fault for asking."
Kiara says, "Supposedly, they're 'injuring themselves.' Didn't get any more on what that means."
Vendrik returns, and reports. "Orc raid expected come harvest, no cares to us for now. Carvan headed out west to Shal, though. Might have to pass through Bitterwoods. Can't hire on full trip, but maybe for first leg."
Luke says, "Sounds like gangsters leaning on those halflings to me."
So, what's next?
Kiara says, "Question is whether they're going to cause trouble for us or not. Otherwise..." She shrugs. "Got bigger fish to fry."
Harrowhark likes Vendrik'
Harrowhark likes Vendrik's idea.
Niamh concurs with Vendrik's plan.
Kiara says, "Sounds like a good idea."
You head into the city to go find where the caravan is recruiting.
A bit of asking around points you the right way; you cross several bridges and islands and then...
You begin hearing halfling Oompa Music.
Several hundred halflings block your path as other people flock to watch them escorting a mobile shrine to Avandra as they sing a hymn; it's oddly like Santa Cora.
It's a delay but not a huge one.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20x6"
Result is: (d20) 10 (d20) 13 (d20) 12 (d20) 13 (d20) 17 (d20) 8 for Manny Mo'Jac
Harrowhark keeps her hand on her purse.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d6"
Result is: (1d6) 1 for Manny Mo'Jac
Harrowhark also keeps said purse tucked inside her robes.
Niamh guards her money as well.
Niamh calls out to someone, "Excuse me!"
Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1"
Result is: (1d20+4+2+1) 19 for Mike
Chel says, "roll 1d20+3+2+2"
Result is: (1d20+3+2+2) 22 for Chel
Samantha vanishes into the crowd.
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+2"
Result is: (1d20+4+2+2) 14 for Kiara
Kiara tries to navigate via the high road but ends up hanging from a lamppost when the wagon she intended to jump too next moves out of range.
Kiara asks, "OOC Oh, wait, would her Boots of Elvenkind apply here?"
Niamh makes a motion with one hand while shouting, "Hold on, wait!"
Harrowhark asks, "Niamh, what's happening?"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Actually, yeah, that's a +1 bonus."
Luke blinks. "What's... my money!"
Niamh says, "Luke, please look the other way."
Niamh walks forwards a ways.
Luke blinks, then watches the Halflings.
Vendrik checks the inside of his breastplate for his stash, and glares around looking for culprits.
Harrowhark keeps with Niamh for lack of better options.
page> Akemi [to you]: You have your stash; you can roll Wisdom + an appropriate background to look for the guy who robbed Luke
Vendrik says, "roll d20+3"
Result is: (d20+3) 12 for Vendrik
A young man emerges in front of Niamh. "We gotta get out of here before the Paladin spots us," he says urgently to Niamh.
He tries to whisper but is louder than he meant to be.
page> Akemi [to you]: Too many people!
Niamh says, "You maniac, that's not a paladin, that's the son of one of the biggest dragon crime bosses on this side of the sea. You'd have been found floating in the harbor in under a day. Give it to me and I'll give it back."
Niamh says, "Who in the name of the gods put you up to this?"
He cringes and hands over the pouch. "Great disguise on his part," he mumbles. "Thanks, sis."
page> Akemi [to you, Mercutio, Rod and The_Prof]: He does not look like Niamh at all, but rather like a fairly generic Glitterhaegener
Samantha looms behind him. "Good decision, whoever you are."
He jumps. "Who the hell are you?"
Akio asks, "Charm person, Mike?"
Tobias says, "Ayuuuuuuup."
Kiara relaxes from her position on top of a nearby stall, now that it looks like Niamh isn't about to be attacked.
The man stares at Samantha, who has never seen him before, but he looks like he knows her, despite what he just said.
The man says, "Oh, it's my other sister. I didn't recognize you at first."
Samantha says, "right."
The halflings begin to move on; a few of them stumble, clearly more tired than the others, and the procession keeps going as halflings polka on.
Niamh says, "You really need to get into a healthier line of work. I'll tell you what." She writes something down on some vellum, and hands it to him. "Take this to the Temple of Erathis. There's a good score to be made."
He looks confused. But then he says, "Well, I blew this score." He sighs. "I'll check it out." He then kissed Niamh on the cheek, pats Samantha on the shoulder, and runs off unless stopped.
Samantha checks her belongings
Nothing is missing.
Harrowhark says to Niamh, "Elegant."
Samantha says, "well that was the kindest way to settle it."
Niamh hands Luke back his pouch.
Niamh says, "It was that or acid arrow and that always ruins an oompa parade."
Vendrik snorts, "Lucky to have both hands."
Samantha says, "let's get outta here before anything else goes wrong."
Kiara says, "Yeah. I mean, dropping on top of someone from above can be really cool, you know, but sometimes you don't want the attention."
You head on without further trouble. The Foreign Trade Guild House occupies half an island... but much of it has clearly fallen apart into ruins. Indeed, there are rumors part of it is now a dungeon. But it is kept alive by the trade with Shali, and it bustles with activity as you arrive; people are busy loading wagons and currying the mules for the trip. People run about, giving orders and the giant courtyard bustles with life. There is excitement in the air; some spices can only be gotten from Shali, so profits are huge, though the route is dangerous once you reach the Moonwreck.
With some looking, you spot a small tent in one corner with a huge sign 'MERCENARY GUARDS HIRED HERE'
Vendrik leads the group over to the tent. "We head to Bitterwood. We would hire on for first leg of trip heading to Shal."
A dwarf wearing chainmail and the sigil of the guild on his surcoat studies you all. "What's your company's name?"
Vendrik says, "I am Vendrik zon Kurgenmarcher, late of Iron Sons. These are my companions. We are now adventuring partners."
DaR From Another Place asks, "We hadn't decided on any sort of name, had we?"
Tobias says, "Nope."
Akio says, "'Vendrik's Squad of Many Willing Bitches.'"
The Dwarf says, "Do you have references?"
page> Akemi [to you]: You do
Frito says, "The Moon Valley Skatball Company? :)"
page> Akemi [to you]: You don't know about the rest of the party
Tobias says, "Niamh isn't willing."
DaR From Another Place says, "That's not what her porn stash says."
Tobias says, "She's willing to READ."
Vendrik pulls out several letters, and hands them over. He glances at the others, clearly unsure if they also have similar papers, but expecting at least Luke and Samantha do.
Luke lays down his commission as a Paladin.
Samantha digs in her pockets and pulls out some slightly worn papers. "Here."
Niamh produces her credentials as a recognized member of the Black College entitled to call themselves Wizard, as well as a testimony from a burgomaster telling how she and Kiara solved the Case of the Horse-Blooded Prawn-Gnoll and brought Old Man Withers to justice.
Harrowhark merely demonstrates that she is in fact a genuine cleric and has the ability to call upon her god to stop people from dying. A credential much in demand.
Kiara nods to Niamh's account, and holds up a hand with an Elf sigil cupped in the palm.
The Dwarf looks at Niamh's papers. "Prawn-Gnoll." He tugs his beard. "Interesting."
He studies Samantha's papers; his eyes widen. "Well." He hands them back. "You're hired. How far are you planning to go?"
Niamh says, "Gnolls who get into seafood magics can go bad quickly."
Vendrik says, "We seek destroying Death Tree of Ming." He describes the location they'll need to depart the likely caravan route.
"Okay. We leave tomorrow morning at eight. Be here by seven."
The Dwarf says, "I am Otto Swiftaxe, who will command the guards."
Vendrik nods, "Expecting touble of any sorts? Preparations needing made?"
He says, "You get fed and get one gold a day, given your qualifications." He twitches slightly. "We should reach the far side of the Bitterwood in about a ten day trip. The biggest threat is Orcs, evil insects, and sometimes magical murderous plants, like archer bushes."
Otto continues, "We won't be going through the really dangerous parts of the woods, but there will probably some kind of raid."
Vendrik asks, "Orc bandits? Or other kinds?"
Otto says, "Either orcs will raid us or we'll have trouble with murderous giant insects and thier plant friends, depending on whether the road's been kept clear or not."
Vendrik nods, then looks to the others to see if there's anything further.
Otto says, "You will be guarding the herb wagon, which is the most valuable part of the caravan once we reach Shali."
Samantha says, "it'll be a nice break from the slimes and undead."
Kiara nods. "If we've got plant and insect attackers, is there anything special in the herb cart that's likely to draw them in?"
Otto says, "Basically, it's one big giant vat of insect food."
Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+4+2"
Result is: (1d20+4+4+2) 20 for Mike
Niamh says, "Many of the vermin of the Bitterwood have a deep dislike of Shallas grass, as it is poisonous to them. If we secure some, and keep it burnt as incense along the wagons in smokepots, it may keep them away."
Kiara nods, frowning. "You got any ideas for... I dunno, blocking the scent, or something?" she asks Niamh and Harrowhark.
Kiara says, "Good idea."
Kiara looks to see if the wagon is shelided with mosquito netting or something similar. (Gauze, etc.)
Yes, though giant insects will chew through that.
Kiara looks like she's just gotten an idea, and her face screws up in thought. Then she sighs. "Well... there might be some other help I could call on," she adds reluctantly.
Otto says to Niamh, "Well, it's worth trying. I'll tell the Caravan head."
Otto says to Kiara, "If you mean the Elf Queen, that's not a problem. I have no quarrel with her, nor does Siegfried."
Kiara says, "No, not her... the, um, High Druid. I've done a favor or two for her in the past." She turns and looks nervously over her shoulder for a moment.
Otto says, "Well, I've never heard of her protecting a caravan but if she can magic away those damn insects, she's good in my book."
Kiara nods. "OK... I'll see what I can do." She goes off in a corner to mutter for a little bit.
A green and shining aura now covers the spice wagon which will repel any kind of giant insects, animals, or plants.
Okay, you are able to get rady for the trip and head out the next day unless anyone has anything special to do.
Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+4+2x2"
Result is: (1d20+4+4+2) 28 (1d20+4+4+2) 16 for Mike
Niamh laboriously traces something out, then heads off to a carpenter or woodworker.
There are tons of them you could hire in the city.
Niamh eventually returns bearing ten truly hideous looking carved wooden posts.
Luke says, "Damn, those are ugly."
Kiara asks, "More juju?"
Niamh keeps two of them and brings the other 8 to Otto. "These are totem markers used by the local orc tribes. These ones say 'Deadly Plague Here'."
Otto says, "Won't the orcs wonder why we're using Orcish totems?"
Otto says, "I suppose we could post them around the Caravan at night, though."
Niamh says, "Have the wagons display them and maybe we'll have fewer orc problems." She nods. "They may! Some of them may attack anyway. But they will be less eager, and fearful, and some of them will simply decide to let us by. It is hardly a safeguard of passage but it should help matters."
Okay!
You get a good night's sleep and then SHIP OUT
The caravan moves slowly along the Imperial road to Anvil; the mules can only pull so fast, so you travel about five to ten miles a day.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 2d4"
Result is: (2d4) 4 for Manny Mo'Jac
You enter the Bitterwood after the first day; it's gloomy and depressing and everything is grey and brown; you see few animals and they look depressed.
Several times, giant insects approach, then flee.
The good news is that the trees keep the heat down, though summer is headed towards its end, anyway.
One night, smoke floats through as you camp for bed; nothing attacks but you have strange dreams.
page> Akemi [to you]: You dream of burying yourself inside pieces of the shell of a Koru behemoth, then laughing at everything that tries to hurt you.
The smoke is gone in the morning; Luke awakens, rubbing his forehead. "I don't think you can actually ride the Stone Thief and guide it by tugging its ears," he mumbles.
Vendrik claims, once, in a half-woken voice, that he is.. INVINCIBLE.
Kiara says, "Tree dead. Bad. Tree shouldn't be dead."
Luke says to Vendrik, "WE could wrestle, see if you are invincible."
Frito says, "Now I'm reminded of that one character from Goldeneye, Dan. ^^;;"
Vendrik says, "Ask again, when have found shell of Koru to wear."
Luke says, "Man, Koru-shell armor would be hella hard to make but probably kind of amazing."
The other good news: You reach the point where you want to break off from the Caravan without any further incident.
You all get paid 10 GP.
And then head into the woods, heading ideally for the Death Tree.
Someone will need to navigate through the woods so you don't just wander around.
This is DC 15 and you'll need to propose some way to find the Tree, since there isn't a clearly marked path, just vague adventurer reports
Akio says, "Harrow is a city girl."
Akio says, "Cities and tombs."
DaR From Another Place says, "Kiara is probably the most woodsy."
Niamh tries to recall if the flora around the tree shows signs of its corruption, and if so what.
Frito says, "Yeah, she does have a background pip in wood elf experience."
DaR From Another Place says, "I've got "big game hunter", which is probably better than nothing."
The whole Bitterwood is corrupted, though you could try to look for signs of death magic.
DaR From Another Place says, "But only +1, and my Wis/Int aren't great."
Tobias says, "Well, we are hunting the Tree, and a living dungeon is the biggest of game."
Voice of John Biles exclaims, "Big Game Hunter does apply!"
Niamh tries looking for death magic with Harrow's aid, as Harrowhark knows her some death magic.
DaR From Another Place asks, "Well, if no one else has anything better, I guess we're hunting, not scouting. Int or Wis, John?"
Harrowhark aids Niamh!
Kiara looks for signs where the normal forest activity is disturbed - animals not following normal activity patterns, for example.
Voice of John Biles says, "You can use either one, Dan"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC That's Mystic Sage + Int with a +2 bonus from Harrowhark"
Vendrik looks around and starts looking for signs of the biggest damn game he's ever hunted, a whole dungeon. d20+4
Result is: (d20+4) 21
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC For Niamh"
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+1+2"
Result is: (1d20+1+2) 8 for Kiara
Vendrik finds the trail with EASE
Fortunately, the thing leaves a lot of damage behind as it moves.
Or else someone decided to cut a swathe through the woods.
Vendrik leads you in pursuit; from what you know, the dungeon isn't very fast, so with time, you will catch up
Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+4+2+2"
Result is: (1d20+4+4+2+2) 32, crit for Mike
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Gimme a second to hit the bathroom."
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Dang."
DaR From Another Place says, "Mike was saving up from earlier."
Niamh's magic backs this up and you go a chasin'
Tobias says, "And of course, it wasn't needed."
Frito says, "Hey, the magic evil detection could come in handy if we need to know what kinda crap it's putting out that we'll have to guard against."
You travel for about three days, growing closer and closer.
Then the ground shakes briefly and you hear rocks spray upwards and dirt; something has burst out of the ground up ahead. DC 20 to try and see what it is from here (Wisdom or Intellignece + appropriate background + level)
Vendrik says, "roll d20+4"
Result is: (d20+4) 21 for Vendrik
DaR From Another Place says, "VENDRIK IS KING OF THE FOREST."
Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+6"
Result is: (1d20+6) 15 for Harrowhark
Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+4+2"
Result is: (1d20+4+4+2) 15 for Mike
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+1+2"
Result is: (1d20+1+2) 21 for Kiara page> Akemi [to you]: It's probably an orc pit; if you move quickly, you can try and destroy it before it spawns many orcs.
Vendrik bellows "ORC PIT!" and unslings his shield and charges in to try and wreck it.
Sniper Ox asks, "a what?"
Akio asks, "The fuck is an orc pit?"
Kiara says, "You got it!" She quickly moves in after him.
DaR From Another Place says, "Gauntlet monster generator."
DaR From Another Place says, "It's gonna start spitting out orcs."
Frito says, "But if we hit it quick, we may be able to get oit before it spawns too many."
Akio says, "I see."
Luke shouts, "TIME FOR DEAD ORCS!" He follows Vendrik.
Harrowhark rushes in with the others, but keeps close to Niamh so if anything gets around Luke and Vendrik the squashy wizard won't go squash.
Voice of John Biles says, "Orcs may come from other orcs but may also be the result of dark winds transforming people or orc pits, which erupt orcs for a while, generally because too much magic gathered there"
Niamh heaves a sigh and rushes forward.
You find the Orc pit; there are two big orcs with axes and ten armed only with their fists; one of the big orcs is trying to climb out of a large pit that glows purple and is limned with pitch black dirt.
Initiative!
Frito asks, "What does it look like would be needed to destroy the pit?"
Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+2x2"
Result is: (1d20+2) 14 (1d20+2) 21 for Harrowhark
Vendrik says, "roll d20+1"
Result is: (d20+1) 5 for Vendrik
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2"
Result is: (1d20+4+2) 16 for Kiara
Mike says, "roll 1d20+2+2x2"
Result is: (1d20+2+2) 15 (1d20+2+2) 16 for Mike
Voice of John Biles says, "Burn a daily or an Icon benefit to power a rite; it takes four rounds."
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d20+1"
Result is: (1d20+1) 3 for Manny Mo'Jac
Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC You there, Rod?"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d20+6"
Result is: (1d20+6) 16 for Manny Mo'Jac
Samantha says, "roll 1d20+5"
Result is: (1d20+5) 25, crit for Samantha
Sniper Ox says, "i always get good inits and junk on to-hit"
Okay, it's Samantha, then Harrowhark, then Kiara, then your foes, then the rest of the party.
Samantha tries to tumble strike Axe Orc
One big orc and ten unarmed are out of the pit; one big will climb out on their initiative tic; the unarmed orcs are mooks. The mooks are 17/15/12; the big orcs are 18/16/12
Roll to hit!
Samantha says, "roll 1d20+5"
Result is: (1d20+5) 12 for Samantha
Now roll to disengage, d20+5
Samantha says, "roll 1d20+5"
Result is: (1d20+5) 19 for Samantha
Samantha scratches the Orc as she flips past him.
Harrowhark, then Kiara, then Orcs!
Harrowhark holds her actions until immediately after the orcs.
Kiara!
Kiara does her own tumbling attack on the Ax Orc!
Frito says, "Holding."
Akio asks, "John, the pit is going to spit out a big orc EVERY init tick, every round?"
Voice of John Biles says, "The pit is going to spawn either a big orc or a group of lesser orcs each round on their tick; this round, the one coming out of the pit comes out"
Akio says, "Okay, in that case I think we need to decide right now who is going to start burning what power to close this thing."
Akio says, "We can't just bash our way to victory and wasting a round could be the difference between an easy win and getting fucked up."
Tobias says, "I could try throwing a Hold Portal on it."
Frito says, "Yes. Kiara doesn't have any Icon benefits left; it's going to be either Niamh, Harrow, or if someone has an Icon benefit left that might apply."
Akio says, "Mike, I hate to put this on you, but Niamh is probably the person who both has an appropriate power of some sort and we can spare for four rounds."
Voice of John Biles says, "Luke and Vendrik have icon benefits"
Tobias says, "No problem."
Akio says, "HRm."
Voice of John Biles says, "But you kind of need them to hold the defensive line."
Akio says, "The problem is... yes, that."
Voice of John Biles says, "Niamh could use her daily which is unused."
Tobias asks, "Would that wreck the pit?"
Akio says, "Mike: you need to burn either an icon benefit OR a daily spell in a ritual which takes four rounds."
Akio says, "And the pit will then be wrecked."
Voice of John Biles says, "You could use it to power a rite which would destroy the pit; this would take 4 rounds and then you would make a DC 15 Int + Mystic Sage + Level check."
Tobias says, "Ahhhhh."
Tobias says, "Yeah, this is a job for me, I guess."
Akio says, "I would do it, but that means a lot less healing."
Frito says, "Right ho; we'll try to keep them off of you."
Frito says, "And you may be needed if Mike can't make that final check."
Kiara makes the strike!
DaR From Another Place says, "Rogues may want to forego tumbling about and form up-ish on the line with the rest"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Go for it, his AC is 18"
Sniper Ox says, "mkay"
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1"
Result is: (1d20+4+2+1) 14 for Kiara
Roll for your tumble, as you scratch him.
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+5+1"
Result is: (1d20+5+1) 9 for Kiara
Unfortunately, he trips you and you fall at his feet.
He shouts, "WRETCHED ELF" and brings his axe down on her as the other big orc climbs out of the pit.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d20+7"
Result is: (1d20+7) 22 for Manny Mo'Jac
Kiara drops to 24 HP.
Five of the junior orcs rush Vendrik because he is biggest and tastiest.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x5"
Result is: (d20+7) 25 (d20+7) 16 (d20+7) 19 (d20+7) 11 (d20+7) 16 for Manny Mo'Jac
Vendrik slams his blade on his shield as they come, grinning savagely.
Akio says, "That's bullshit. Vendrik is all muscle and his diet is ass. He'd be tough and stringy, without a lot of natural flavor. They'd need to boil him for hours."
Akio says, "NIAMH is the tastiest one here."
Vendrik takes two 5 point hits and drops to 34 HP.
Tobias says, "Niamh is too skinny."
Tobias says, "Not enough meat."
DaR From Another Place says, "Dude, Vendrik is not all muscle. Vendrik is huge, in every way. He's got very good tailors, but he's bulky in more ways than one. There's a reason his Dex is 8."
Akio exclaims, "Her headlights say otherwise!"
The other five target luke, thinking he must be tasty.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x5"
Result is: (d20+7) 26 (d20+7) 8 (d20+7) 23 (d20+7) 13 (d20+7) 21 for Manny Mo'Jac
Akio says, "Luke is also probably delicious, being a dragonborn."
DaR From Another Place says, "Tastes like chicken."
They chew on Luke three times, down to 21 HP.
THe climbing orc does nothing else this round. Next round, the junior orcs crit on a 19+
Time for Niamh, then Luke, then Vendrik
Harrowhark uses her action now.
Harrowhark swings at a mook orc.
Niamh calmly begins the Ritual of the Acid Geyser Pit.
Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+7"
Result is: (1d20+7) 20 for Harrowhark
Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC hit-tastic!"
Harrowhark says, "roll 2d6+2"
Result is: (2d6+2) 6 for Harrowhark
Harrowhark injures the mook but he doesn't die.
Harrowhark heals Kiara for 4.
Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC Do you want to use a Heal on someone?"
Harrowhark casts Heal on Luke.
Akio says, "I really like Healing Strike."
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 2d10+6 1d20+6 2d6+6 1d20+7 2d10+7"
Result is: (2d10+7) 18 (2d6+6) 12 (1d20+6) 11 (1d20+7) 9 (2d10+6) 14 for Manny Mo'Jac
Luke heals 14 HP. Luke spits lightning at the mooks, then lashes out with his halbard. Sadly, neither attack hits, though they would have hit hard.
Vendrik!
Vendrik lashes out at the mooks. d20+7 2d10+5 "Get little baby ones down," he bellows at the rogues, Inspiring them for +1 to hit.
Result is: (d20+7) 21 (2d10+5) 24
DaR From Another Place says, "Keeerrrrrunch."
Vendrik sends an orc head flying into the pit and injures another one.
DaR From Another Place says, "Wow. More than 12 each for mooks? Zesty."
Akio says, "Considerably more."
Akio says, "Remember, I hit one for six."
New round, Escalation Die of 1! Both rogues get +1 due to Vendrik as well. Samantha, then Harrowhark, then Kiara!
Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC Rod?"
DaR From Another Place says, "I kind of assumed there were just 2 packs of 5. If they're really more than 15 each, we're probably in a lot of trouble."
The_Prof has connected.
Sniper Ox asks, "we forming up yeah?"
Voice of John Biles says, "There are two packs of five, yeah."
Voice of John Biles says, "One pack on Luke and Harrow, one on Vendrik"
Voice of John Biles says, "That would help defend Niamh, Rod."
Samantha lines up to defend Niamh and strikes at the nearest orc
Voice of John Biles says, "You can get sneak attack if you hit one of the mooks on Vendrik or Luke/Harrow"
Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC AC is 18; are you hitting the ones on Vendrik or the ones on Luke and Harrow?"
Samantha says, "OOC vendrick"
Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC Okay!"
Samantha says, "roll 1d20+3+2+3"
Result is: (1d20+3+2+3) 16 for Samantha
Samantha says, "roll 2d8+4"
Result is: (2d8+4) 13 for Samantha
Unfortunately, you narrowly missed (AC 18), so you just scratch a mook
DaR From Another Place says, "Wasn't it 17? I thought only the big ones were 18. (not that it matters, unless that also failed to include the +1 from Inspire)"
Voice of John Biles says, "DOh, you are right"
Voice of John Biles says, "They are only 17"
Voice of John Biles says, "But she added the +2 for the round and Inspire"
Harrowhark!
Harrowhark strikes out at another mook!
Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+8"
Result is: (1d20+8) 26 for Harrowhark
Harrowhark says, "roll 2d6+2"
Result is: (2d6+2) 11 for Harrowhark
Harrowhark heals Vendrik for 4.
Akio says, "This whole 'fight on the line' thing might work out."
The mook topples over.
Kiara!
Frito asks, "What's the practical difference between Evasive Strike and Tumbling? Evasive is an automatic disengage?"
Voice of John Biles says, "Evasive strike lets you automatically disengage if you hit"
Voice of John Biles says, "Tumbling Strike, the disengage is a roll"
Frito asks, "OK. And Tumbling is also designed to move in, attack, disengage?"
Voice of John Biles says, "Yes."
Frito says, "Right. Since I'm already engaged with Ax Orc and want to disengage, going with an Evasive Strike instead of Tumble."
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1+1+1"
Result is: (1d20+4+2+1+1+1) 13 for Kiara
Voice of John Biles says, "Okay! AC 18, but you have an extra +2"
Frito says, "...or not. x.x"
Kiara scratches her foe for 2
Three, actually, due to her magical weapon.
Foe turn!
Three more junior orcs climb out.
Both big orcs attack Kiara.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x2"
Result is: (d20+7) 13 (d20+7) 17 for Manny Mo'Jac
DaR From Another Place says, "Ooh. I forgot magical damage can apply to tick damage. 3 per turn is starting to get pretty significant."
She is hit once for 8 damage, dropping to twenty.
Voice of John Biles says, "Yeah, it only hit me just now"
Two mooks on Luke, two on Harrowhark.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x4"
Result is: (d20+7) 19 (d20+7) 12 (d20+7) 22 (d20+7) 12 for Manny Mo'Jac
Each is hit once; Luke drops to 30 and Harrow to 35
Two mooks on Vendrik, two on Samantha
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x4"
Result is: (d20+7) 10 (d20+7) 21 (d20+7) 26 (d20+7) 16 for Manny Mo'Jac
Samantha is hit twice, drops to 22; Vendrik once and drops to 33.
Niamh, then Luke, then Vendrik!
Mike says, "OOC: I keep on keeping on."
Luke shouts the name of the Great Gold Wyrm and is covered in lightning; he strikes!
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+11 2d10+1d12+7"
Result is: (2d10+1d12+7) 20 (d20+11) 15 for Manny Mo'Jac
Luke injures but doesn't kill a mook (he does half damage on a miss with Smite Evil)
Vendrik swipes his sword back the other way, attempting to behind another Orc or two d20+8 2d10+5, again inspiring the Rogues for +1 to hit.
Result is: (d20+8) 15 (2d10+5) 21
Vendrik scrapes him for 3 but doesn't quite hit.
DaR From Another Place says, "Damn, I wish I could take my damage as to hit."
Escalation Die of 2, Samantha, then Harrow, then Kiara!
Rogues get an extra +1, so that's +3 for the round
Samantha swings at the nearest orc
Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC Go for it!"
Samantha says, "roll 1d20+3+2+3"
Result is: (1d20+3+2+3) 20 for Samantha
Samantha says, "roll 2d8+4"
Result is: (2d8+4) 7 for Samantha
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC That's a hit! Don't forget to also roll sneak attack damage"
Samantha asks, "OOC what's that dice gain?"
Akio asks, "I have lost track; who has the least HP?"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC 1d6"
Samantha says, "roll 1d6"
Result is: (1d6) 1 for Samantha
Voice of John Biles says, "Kiara at 20"
DaR From Another Place says, "Then Sam at 22."
The mook dies, leaving only three facing her and Vendrik, though there are three others who haven't attacked anyone yet.
Harrowhark wacks another mook.
Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+8"
Result is: (1d20+8) 28, crit for Harrowhark
Harrowhark says, "roll 2d6+2"
Result is: (2d6+2) 11 for Harrowhark
Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC Woot, double damage dice!"
Harrowhark heals Kiara for 4.
Akio exclaims, "Clerics!"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Roll 2d6 more, you critted"
Harrowhark says, "roll 2d6"
Result is: (2d6) 12 for Harrowhark
Akio says, "... wow."
Harrowhark kills off two moonks, though one only barely dies.
Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC Do you want to use a Heal on someone or save it?"
Akio says, "I didn't even spec Harrow as a smashy smashy cleric. This is all with her built as pure heal. And no, I don't want to use it, John."
Voice of John Biles exclaims, "Okay!"
Kiara! You have +3 to hit this round (Escalation + Vendrik)
Kiara does a tumble against original Ax Orc!
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1+2+1"
Result is: (1d20+4+2+1+2+1) 15 for Kiara
No success hitting because dice hate you but you do 3 damage. Roll the tumble
Frito asks, "Do I roll once or twice to disengage against both orcs?"
Voice of John Biles says, "Once"
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+5+1"
Result is: (1d20+5+1) 19 for Kiara
Kiara ESCAPES
Tobias says, "Original Axe Orc uses only Original Axe Bodywash. Cool Glacier Axe Orc by contrast uses only Cool Glacier Axe Bodywash."
A big orc climbs out of the Pit.
The three mooks close in on Luke and Harrow; Two on Harrow, three on Luke (they join the two left there)
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x5"
Result is: (d20+7) 22 (d20+7) 27, crit (d20+7) 24 (d20+7) 10 (d20+7) 12 for Manny Mo'Jac
Harrow is popped for 5 + 10, dropping to 20; Luke drops to 25
The big orcs attack Vendrik; the three mooks there attack Samantha
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x2 "
Result is: (d20+7) 10 (d20+7) 8 for Manny Mo'Jac
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x3"
Result is: (d20+7) 11 (d20+7) 16 (d20+7) 20 for Manny Mo'Jac
Mostly they suck and Samantha gets punched, drops to 17.
Niamh!
Voice of John Biles says, "Original Axe Orc has been scratched four times."
Mike asks, "OOC: This is round 3 of the ritual, yeah?"
Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC yes!"
Mike says, "OOC: Then I keep on keeping on."
Numo mocks the orcs with great vigor, though they barely notice.
Luke tries calling lightning AGAIN
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d20+12 2d10+1d12+7"
Result is: (2d10+1d12+7) 24 (1d20+12) 20 for Manny Mo'Jac
Luke kills a Mook and mostly kills another one.,
Vendrik!
Vendrik flexibly keeps after the mooks d20+9 2d10+5, then orders Harrow and Samantha to Stand Firm for a recovery.
Result is: (d20+9) 20 (2d10+5) 19
Vendrik kills a mook and injures another one!
Vendrik uses Pull it Together on Kiara for recovery +2d4.
Harrowhark says, "roll 2d8+3"
Result is: (2d8+3) 9 for Harrowhark
DaR From Another Place says, "Cannot complain about my damage rolls tonight."
Frito asks, "Was that Harrow roll for Pull It Together or something else?"
Akio says, "He gave me a recovery."
Frito says, "...ach, never mind, got confused on the roll."
Kiara says, "roll 2d8+2d4"
Result is: (2d8+2d4) 11 for Kiara
DaR From Another Place says, "Harrow and Sam, got Stand firm, just plain recovery. Kiara gets PiT, for recovery with +2d4"
DaR From Another Place asks, "No con bonus?"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Roll a recovery, Rod."
Frito says, "Yeah that should have been a +2."
Frito says, "So 13 total."
Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC Rod?"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 2d8+4"
Result is: (2d8+4) 12 for Manny Mo'Jac
Samantha heals 12 to 29 HP.
Escalation Die of 3; this will finish the ritual. Two big orcs on Vendrik; two mooks on him and Samantha. Four mooks on Harrow and Luke. A third big orc is unengaged and three mooks are climbing out of the pit. Samantha, then Harrow, then Kiara
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC You have +3 to hit, Rod."
Samantha tries, again.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC You get +1d6 for sneak attack if you hit."
Samantha asks, "OOC and the escalation dice is at 3 as well?"
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC THe +3 is from the Escalation die."
Samantha says, "OOC oh"
Samantha says, "roll 1d20+3+2+3"
Result is: (1d20+3+2+3) 10 for Samantha
Sniper Ox grumbles
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Damnation, the dice hate you tonight"
Harrow!
Harrowhark wacks another mook!
Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+9"
Result is: (1d20+9) 27 for Harrowhark
DaR From Another Place says, "FWIW, I am down to one stand firm left, plus two self heals from cloak and potion."
Harrowhark heals Samantha for four.
You hit, roll damage!
Harrowhark says, "roll 2d6+2"
Result is: (2d6+2) 12 for Harrowhark
Harrowhark holds her heal.
Akio says, "I haven't missed yet tonight."
Harrow kills a mook and injures another
Voice of John Biles says, "Yeah, you stole the rogues' mojo."
Kiara!
Frito asks, "Who's in the most trouble HP-wise at the moment?"
DaR From Another Place says, "We should all be pretty topped reasonably up, after that last round of heals."
Frito says, "Want to attack the mooks on the person most in trouble at the moment to try and take some of the pressure off. Which would probably be Vendrik, then, since he's got the two big orcs on him."
Voice of John Biles says, "Luke and Vendrik and Harrowhark are each down by 11 but are the three people who start with the most"
DaR From Another Place says, "Yes. Killing those mooks is ideal."
Kiara takes a tumbling strike on the mooks attacking Vendrik!
Voice of John Biles says, "Harrow actually has more raw HP than Luke"
Akio says, "My trickle healing really adds up over time."
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1+3"
Result is: (1d20+4+2+1+3) 18 for Kiara
DaR From Another Place says, "God a hit at last."
Hit, don't forget sneak attack
Kiara says, "roll 2d8+1+1d6"
Result is: (2d8+1+1d6) 19 for Kiara
Kiara kills a mook and another one is hurt!
Kiara says, "roll 1d20+5+1"
Result is: (1d20+5+1) 23 for Kiara
Kiara escapes! Three mooks finish pit-climbing, though they are at the edge of it.
Two big orcs attack Vendrik; the third attacks Harrow
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x3"
Result is: (d20+7) 23 (d20+7) 10 (d20+7) 18 for Manny Mo'Jac
Vendrik drops to 25 HP, taking 8
Three mooks attack Luke.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x3"
Result is: (d20+7) 18 (d20+7) 26 (d20+7) 20 for Manny Mo'Jac
He is knocked down to 15
Two mooks on Vendrik, two on Samantha
Akio says, "Looks like I'm gonna need to actually heal Luke."
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7x4"
Result is: (d20+7) 16 (d20+7) 21 (d20+7) 27, crit (d20+7) 8 for Manny Mo'Jac
DaR From Another Place asks, "Wait, how are there mooks left on us?"
DaR From Another Place says, "There should be "mook", singular."
Voice of John Biles says, "I goofed and counted the ones who just came out, my apologies"
So it's all misses
DaR From Another Place says, "Whew."
DaR From Another Place says, "I thought I'd miscounted a batch or something."
Niamh, make your roll! DC 15
Akio exclaims, "Don't fuck this up, Mike!"
DaR From Another Place says, "(no pressure)"
Tobias asks, "Just to confirm, this is an int+sage+level roll?"
Voice of John Biles says, "Yes."
Voice of John Biles says, "Adding +3 for the Escalation die"
Tobias asks, "Do I add in my wand bonus as well?"
Akio says, "Should only need a three or better."
Voice of John Biles says, "Since you are burning a spell, yes."
Voice of John Biles says, "You would not with an icon benefit"
Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+4+2+3+1"
Result is: (1d20+4+4+2+3+1) 24 for Mike
Niamh calls forth the RITUAL OF THE ACID GEYSER up through the floor of the orc pit.
The pit crumbles into a pool of acid; the three orcs by the edge fall in and die in the acid.
The pit is now destroyed; also, you can knock people into it and hurt them. Well, you can try!
Luke swings angrily at his foes.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d20+10 2d10+7"
Result is: (2d10+7) 19 (1d20+10) 18 for Manny Mo'Jac
He kills a mook and nicks another one.
Vendrik!
Vendrik now switches the the big orcs, leaving the last wounded mook to the rogues. d20+10 2d10+5+1d4
Result is: (d20+10) 17 (2d10+5+1d4) 19
DaR From Another Place says, "Damn. Should have stuck with the mook; that would have finished him. -_-"
You miss BY AN INCH.
New round! Escalation Die of 4. Two big orcs on Vendrik, one on Luke. Two mooks on Luke and Harrow. One Mook on Vendrik and Samantha.
Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Do we want to pause here for a week or go on? Y'all have the edge now but it is late."