Elient 4, 1361 DR

The gate shimmers for a moment as Corym, Krackor, Torvek, Kali, Kitheras, and Kora step through. The opalescent sheen lasts for a few breaths after the last of them arrives, before the gate closes once again. Though they can't see it, they know that Tarron is removing the gate's keystone back in Myth Drannor, returning the gate to an inoperable state.

On this side of the gate, the room is just as dusty as Torvek's wizard eye had shown. It's been well stocked, and the oil on the blades  in the various weapon stacks is still shiny, but there are no other signs of anyone being here recently.

You poke your heads into the other rooms as you head out, and find more of the same. Various crates and barrels and dust, no recent signs of habitation. The illusion at the entrance is quality work, but doesn't impede you from walking through, or re-entering.

Outside, the forest is a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. After the utter silence of Myth Drannor, it's nice to stand amongst trees and hear the chirp of insects and the faint stirrings of birds as the night just begins to give way to dawn. And after the gloomy depths and towering heights of Cormanthor's depths, this open forest with dense undergrowth is downright inviting.

Still no particular idea where you are at the moment, but at least Kitheras is able to quickly fix cardinal directions. There's a new day dawning, and a whole new land awaits you.

((ooc: I'm going to pause the opening spiel here, so that folks who want to interact with each other or the hideout can do so. The next post, with Kali's contact, will happen once everything is wrapped up.))

Right about the time the group had gotten tired of poking around in the hideout and was about ready to pick a direction and start walking, Kali heard a sharp ringing in one ear. A moment later came a voice, one she hadn't heard in moons, but had no trouble recognizing.

"Kali? Oh, thank the gods. Bari says he's found you." It's Sperren Rowanmantle. One of Cormyr's seemingly-endless younger noble sons, Sperren is a light in any room he enters, a merry voice in any chorus, and dumber than a box of rocks. Without the help of his long-suffering valet, you would be worried of him being able to get dressed. You're pretty sure that "Bari" is Barend Thormon, the Rowanmantle house wizard. Which at least means whatever comes next is will most likely be accurate, and might even have house sanction.

"Tosta's been attacked." Tosta Rowanmantle, Sperren's older sister, who has all of his love, not to mention all of the sense he was born without. "She was in Triel, the whole town was sacked! You're just south of there. Can you go and help her?"

That's it. The message ends. So very much like Sperren. Likely there would be a reward. Certainly you're not going to get any useful details from him. But hey, at least now you've got a vague idea where you are. And if you speak, they'll probably hear you in Cormyr.

Kali stopped suddenly in her tracks as she heard the piercing sound resonate in her ear.



The moment that she heard Sperren's voice echo in her head she rolled her eyes but smiled. She couldn't help but envision the poor harried Bari helping this lovely doofus get in touch with her.



Kali's brows furrowed at the news. She remembered Tosta being quite shrewd and the fact that she was attacked worried her greatly. Not only that, it sounds like an entire town was destroyed. She thought carefully before she spoke.

"Any more details than a town being destroyed? I'll see what I can do, but I need more details. Get back to me if you can. Sending my love to you and Bari."

Kali

There's no response from Cormyr. But you weren't particularly expecting one; the magic is difficult, and Sperren probably wanted to pester his sister. Though he's never spent a day outside his highly-cultivated life, you know he's never going to let her hear the end of this.

After a long, not totally unexpected silence, Kali cleared her throat to address the group.

"Well, that was unexpected. I found us a job.

I just got a message from one of my contacts. He's a loveable dope, but his sister, Tosta, has proven herself to be a sharp and capable contact. Apparently, the entire town of Triel has been pillaged, and Tosta is missing. We are, apparently, just south of there.

I have no doubt that the reward is going to be considerable based on my past dealings with him and more importantly, his..."? Kali paused to think of the correct word. "Babysitters? No. Guardians. Let's call them that. To be honest, I feel compelled to go check this out, and I am hoping that I won't go alone. It's up to you though."

"I thought this forest looked familiar!" Kora exclaimed. "This is the Reaching Woods. If we're near to Triel, this must be part of its northern branch. Home would be to our east, Scornubel to the south, and Triel..."

She spins away from the rising sun and points. "West. North, too, but mostly west. Depending on how north we are, we'll either hit the Trade Way, or the Dusk Road. Either one will lead us to Triel."

Corym speaks to Krackor out of the side of his mouth, "The Dusk Road hasn't been the most pacific path for us, has it?"

The noble elf seems pensive and tries to recall his familiarity with the surrounding area.

"The Hellriders of Elturel generally patrol as far out as Triel.  Strange that a force with such strength could move past without alerting them. Kali is right--we should investigate, and avenge Triel if we can."

"Torvek, if you have a wizard eye prepared you can get a bird's eye view and help us more precisely place ourselves. Maybe even forewarn us of danger."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Wed 19 July 2023.

Musing on the happenings of the past and figuring out how far from home they were, Krackor nodded to Corym. "But we would be going the other direction from the river we had trouble with. I don't know much more but we need to figure out what we have with us now and how to get there quickly. I don't suppose you have any of those Mount spells ready do you?"

Knowing they were going to be somewhere, he hoped that the Wizard come trickster would have prepared that spell more than once.

"Captain, it is your call and I am prepared for the journey, what say you Mistress Lightbearer?"  Always protective of his apprentice warrior, he checked she was OK after realising where she was. "Will you be OK Kali?"

Kali raised a brow at Krackor in slight confusion.

"Of course I will be ok. I'm relieved to hear that I won't be going alone. Thankfully, this next adventure seems to be more in my wheelhouse than what we have been enduring. Who knows, I might even find myself to be useful to the group for once."

Kali had never felt weaker and worthless than their time in Myth Drannor. Kali was genuinely excited to show the group that she could, in fact, do something useful.

Sorry, that was for Kora.  Had compiled the post on mobile, I was VERY tired.
Lets go with it anyway and repeat the words for Kora too.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Thu 20 July 2023.

((Torvek's been tied up with moving houses. I'm not genuinely concerned that we're walking into a trap or anything.  He can tell us later whether he Wizard Eyed or not, but let's head to town and meet our new players.))

Elient 4-5

Group

With a destination in mind and a general bearing, the group shoulders packs and heads west. The hideout turns out to be only a few miles inside the forest's western edge, and soon you're breaking through the treeline and into the open plains. Far off to your right is a smudge along the horizon, which Corym after a moment places as the Trielta hills. He and Krackor have been through this land before, when the group made its way west and then up the coast the previous year.

Kitheras has also spent a number of years moving through this portion of the Western Heartlands, as a spy and scout for Evereska. He plots the fastest course to Triel, which in the end is basically just heading straight west. It's about sixty miles total, which the group can make in two days if they push themselves. And so, setting their packs as comfortably as possible, the group does exactly that.

It helps that the weather is perfect for a march. You're well into autumn, the grass is tall and ripe, and a cool breeze sweeps in from the ocean miles to the west. Clouds dot the sky, their white making the blue pop brightly. The crisp air puts a spring in your step that barely degrades as you march mile after mile after mile.

Late in the second day, the Dusk Road comes into view, arcing down from the north. Soon afterward you can see the Trade Way ahead of you, a long track well worn to dust after a summer of caravan traffic. Where the two meet is the village of Triel.

As you come closer, you can see the effects of the attack. The village has not, as Sperren implied, been completely destroyed. There is a gap in the rock-and-lumber wall, and through it you can see the burned skeleton of a building or two. But it was outside the village, where caravans are directed to camp, where the brunt of the chaos is visible. Though it's been several days since the attack, you can see the wreckage of more than one wagon, as well as the corpses of horses and what looks like an ogre.

Despite the attack, there are still several caravans camped out in the fields around Triel. Trade may stop for the snow, but not for much else. Though you do see more guards, and a more active perimeter, than usual.

You identify yourselves at the gate. The Triel guard initially doesn't want to admit you so close to sundown, but eventually she allows you inside, and gives you directions to where Tosta Rowanmantle can be found.

The sickroom turns out to be a converted warehouse; mattress and blankets perched on top of crates and barrels of meticulously labeled foodstuffs. Both of her legs are in casts, great massive white things that must make her life miserable. Despite this, she seems both awake and aware.

Two other people are crammed into the room with her, perched on boxes or barrels as they chat quietly. One, a human, is wearing green leaf armor and is deeply tanned from a lifetime outdoors. The other is a green elf, also well equipped for the wilds.

Tosta's eyes brighten when she sees Kali. "Ah, reinforcements. My brother was not drunk. More than usual."

((ooc: Just this once, in the interest of getting the group and the new players together, I am ignoring the fact that Krackor moves half as quickly as the rest of the group. So you make it in two days of forced marching, instead of four.))

Elion

Triel was just supposed to be a rest stop. A way station on the way from the Misty Forest to the Reaching Woods, the same way the caravans used it as they journeyed the Trade Way. The trip south had been uneventful so far, marked only with the worry about what might have gone so badly in Sunset Vale to make the Great Druids call for help.

Your first taste of southern hospitality was arriving at Triel just in time for the big attack. A pack of ogres, strengthened by a quartet of hill giants, came loping out of the east just at sunset and fell upon Triel with no warning. The giants knocked down parts of the wall and lobbed flaming balls of pitch inside, starting a multitude of fires, while the ogres raged through the caravans camped outside, killing guards and grabbing both loot and captives.

The mayor, who was apparently a priest of Tempus as of last tenday, tried to lead a counter-attack. One of the giants knocked him down and sat on him, and then flung him over a shoulder and wandered off.

Almost as soon as the fight started, it was over. The giants and ogres retreated into the gathering night with their prizes, while everyone who survived worked to gather scattered herds and put out the fires before they burned Triel entirely.

Come morning, a call went up for volunteers to track the monsters back to their lair and try to rescue the hostages. You were one of three who stepped forward. The other two were a druid of Silvanus who had come to investigate the hill giants and a human ranger from Cormyr, whose caravan was mostly untouched and was heading south without delay.

The trail led about a day and a half into the Trielta hills, bypassing the areas settled by small groups of gnomes and halflings before entering a steep ravine. You had just caught sight of a doorway heading into one of the hills when you were set upon by ogres. The battle was brief; the ogres were not expecting people of your skill and quickly retreated, but before they did Tosta Rowanmantle was knocked from the trail and fell a great distance. She survived, but broke both her legs. You and the druid, Yngvar, managed to stablize her, but it was clear she would need treatment, and you were uncertain of your ability to take whatever was under the ground by yourselves.

As you were getting Tosta back to Triel, she was contact magically by her brother, an apparently regular occurrence. (Nobles, what can you say?) Her brother panicked, and promised he would find help. And now, just as you've gotten Tosta safe and comfortable in Triel, apparently here they are.

You hope they're more competent than Tosta's brother, at least judging from the sarcastic stories she told you through gritted teeth as you carried her to safety.

Yngvar

It has not been a great year. It hasn't been a great decade, for that matter, but the last year has been the worst you've seen. And while the leaves are beginning to change color and the heat of the summer is gone, it doesn't seem to be slowing down any. You haven't heard from Great Druid of the Reaching Woods Baerithryn Redmane for several months, but a message did come from Silvanus's Archdruid of the Trielta Hills, Norlimurr Grethgar, that hill giants from the Hill of Lost Souls have been migrating south into the Trielta Hills.

Many of the Trielta Hills druids were killed over the winter in the general melee that was the Reaching Woods, so you've volunteered to come north and investigate. The Western Heartlands does not need a war between hill giants and the gnomes and halflings of the Trielta Hills on top of everything else that's happening.

Your plan was to go to Triel and inquire whether anyone had heard news from the nearby hills. You were not expecting to get there just after a band of ogres, strengthened by a quartet of hill giants, raided the town. You spent the night helping put out fires, then volunteered in the morning to find where the monsters had come from. With you came a ranger from Cormyr who had been guiding one of the caravans, and an elven ranger from the Misty Forest, who was the first person to respond to Great Druid of the Chionthar Osme's call for help.

Just like the rest of the year, the scouting trip didn't go quite to plan. Oh, you found where the ogres and giants were lairing, but Tosta broke both her legs in a skirmish and had to be carried back to Triel. Fortunately, it would seem her brother was actually able to make good on his promise to find you some help.

Yngvar nods greetings to the newcomers when Tosta greets them. She seemed to know them, so he was accepting, and they were apparently willing to help. "My name is Yngvar, Druid of the Reaching Wood. This kind of thing is getting more and more frequent over the last several years. The evil is overtaking the wood and monsters and evil creatures are spreading fast. They must be held and pushed back!"

Kali breathed a heavy sigh of relief once Tosta came into view.

Darling Tosta! I am so relieved to see you alive, if not well. From what your brother managed to relay, it sounded as if I would be rescuing you from a dragon's tower. To be fair, been there, and I must say, it was highly entertaining if not terrifying. Kali smiles slightly as she gently embraces Totsa. "How can I be of service, my dear?

(OOC: Torvek could have sent a wizard eye but would have most likely turned himself into a bird to survey from the sky and travel easily.  Also I had not initially prepared mount but we could have got them going after the first night).

As they walk through the town, Torvek looks at the damage trying to understand what happened here.  Since Kali appears to know Tosta well, he decides to let her get the information, ready to ask for clarification when needed.

In response to Yngvar introduction, Torvek offers his hand and say "Torvek Ragdar, Wizard of Silverymoon. Happy to help if I can but could you tell us more about this evil you talk of?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Sat 22 July 2023.

Yngvar takes his hand and shakes it, "Greetings, I'm not sure what is happening, but a malevolent evil is spreading over the lands including the Reaching Wood. We are under siege, so many have died fighting it. Our numbers are dwindling."

Tosta sighed. "It feels like I've walked straight into a wasp's nest. Triel was attacked by a few ogres and hill giants, and I figured that was all it was. Now I'm not so certain, especially with the dark hints Yngvar's been dropping. But at least a dozen people were taken, including the mayor. If they're going to survive, they'll need to be rescued soon." She waves a hand helplessly at her legs. "And I'll probably be stuck in this useless village all winter."

Kali nodded at Tosta's predicament. "Think of a winter here as charity work to pad your resume, or your karma, your choice. Any idea the direction the hostages were taken in? How organized were the rabble? Did it seem like they came with the sole purpose of taking people or was it a by-product of the chaos?"

"It's a day and a half into the Trielta Hills." Tosta waved a hand at Elion and Yngvar. "They can guide you. There were only ten or twelve ogres and giants. In and out." She frowns. "I didn't think anything of it, because the attack was very much the usual chaos, but they left..." She trails off and waves a hand vaguely. "Well? On time? I feel ridiculous applying 'at the opportune moment' to a bunch of hill giants, but that's what it was. And that maybe means coordination."

"That...that is highly disconcerting."

She mulled the information over for a moment.

"Well, I take that as good news and bad news. Good news being that there is a decent chance some of those people are still alive until a sacrificial ritual or some such needs to be conducted. Which is definitely better than being considered dinner or entertainment. Bad news is there is something powerful enough to control ogres and hill giants in the middle of a frenzy."

She sighed and flashed a genuine smile to her friend.

"Sounds like fun!"

Kali turned her attention to the people Torvek was addressing and approached the group.

"Forgive me interrupting, Torvek, but time really seems to be of the essence."

She turned her full attention to Yngvar and Elion and bowed slightly.

"My name is Kali Xilrora and I'm a friendly associate of that lovely woman, Tosta, there. She's filled me in on some of the details and I agree with your assessment that some thing very dark is playing a major part in this attack. I am also very interested in rescuing those people since very few deserve death by ogre. Is it possible to discuss details while we walk the kill the vermin?"

Kitheras survey the wreckage with a detached sort of concern one might see from an insurance adjuster. The highborn elven ranger wears fine--if travel worn--leathers over a glittering suit of elven chain. A fur mantle is draped over his shoulders anchoring his cloak.

"The Mayor is kidnapped, but who is the Lord of these lands? In whose name does the mayor govern?"

Kitheras clearly thinks that someone failed these people. It is unclear whether he is more upset about that dereliction of duty or the actual massacre.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Sat 22 July 2023.

"I doubt if they have one at all, Kitheras. Like so many of these rural towns, these are essentially freebooters.  Eager to plow land they can call their own, with never a mind as to why the land was unoccupied to begin with."

Corym seems decidedly bored.  No wizards, no ruins, no architecture or ancient secrets. Hasty humans getting killed by gore-soaked giants. He cut a strange figure beside Kitheras, in odd clothes of a decidedly dwarven make, silky black gloves, and a leather harness for climbing that he had just remembered he was still wearing and began to slip out of.

Still, he was a friend to Kali and she had saved his life more than once. This seemed important to her, so it would be important to him.

Tosta nods. "If you mean overlord, like Azoun in Cormyr, there isn't one from here to the ocean. And with Tethyr the mess that it is, none to the south til you reach Amn. Just cities and towns holding what they can at the end of a blade, and miles of grass between them."

Taking everything in, the devastation, the still standing walls and the people. Acknowledging each person in turn as he listens to the report from the Lady Tosta and these others that attend her, his smile cheery yet concerned, he grabs his Ioun Stone from a pouch and holds it out to the Lady.

"Lady Toska, I am Krackor, Lord Protector and Barakor of Gorm, Protector of the Dreams of the Ancients Adventuring Company whom Kitheras is the current Captain. If I may be so bald, take this Magical Ioun Stone that will regenerate your wounded legs in no time, although the pain management may feel like it has much to be desired." He offers Toska the Rhomboid, pearly crystal of Regeneration.

"Please take care of this crystal, The Vigilant Host, The Bronze Mask." at which point he pats the Blazen Eye on his Shield.

He didn't talk much, as though waiting for something major to be said, he also looks around for any actions being taken.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:09, Sun 23 July 2023.

Tosta stares at Krackor. "Thank you?" Her eyes are losing a bit of focus, and it's clear she isn't really certain what Krackor just said. She leans back in her bed, exhausted.

Kitheras presents himself to Yngvar and Elion.

"Fortune has placed us in one another's path.  Shall we work together to save this Mayor?"

"He is but one of twelve, but yes, we shall work together, and pray we are strong enough against so many! Giants are a brutal and dangerous foe."

In reply to DM (msg # 26):

Krackor helps Tosta hold the stone and helps her as he casts 2 Cure Light Wounds (I'd not updated spell list, my bad, never mind). He also casts Cure Disease, just in case of infection. He encourages Tosta to focus on the stone.

Tosta sighs in relief as Krackor's magic takes hold. Her eyes close, and she sags bonelessly into her bedding as sleep tackles her. Her breathing is slow but steady, and Krackor's ioun stone orbits her head in graceful arcs.

With Yngvar offering some of Silvanus's blessings in the form of a nap spell, the group hunkers down in the warehouse. It's not remotely the most comfortable place you've ever taken a nap, but it's not the worst, either. And with the village settling down and tending to their own, you're relatively assured that you can spend a bell in enchanted sleep without anyone bothering you.

And that is precisely what happens. All of you drop off to sleep, and then, seemingly just a moment later, you all wake up again. Full night has fallen outside. You are rested and ready to go, the side effects of two days of forced marching wiped clean by your sleep.

Tosta, not included in the nap, is still sleeping. There's a bit more color in her face, and some of the stress lines have faded. The ioun stone continues to make its slow circles around her head.

((ooc: All spellcasters can memorize/change out their full set of spells. Everyone is at full hp; please update your bio lines. You can leave Triel when ready.

Krackor, are you leaving your ioun stone with Tosta, or taking it with you?))

Ministering to Tosta, Krackor forgets how tired he really is until the Nap Spell takes hold and he wakes in the morning feeling better than he has in 5 days, since arriving in Myth Drannor.

Calling to the Bronze Mask, Old Fire Eyes, the Priest asks for aid in their mission and spells to match.  He also will leave the Ioun Stone with Tosta so it can fix her broken legs quicker, a day or two instead or a few weeks, but with no scarring.

He trusts Kali's judgement of the lady, since she doesn't seem to trust many, so this lady must have done something really good.

Corym wakes from his restful nap, and sets about memorizing his spells.

"While the wizards are preparing their Art, lets see how many horses we can round up. Similarly, I'd like to conduct a quick investigation of the Mayor's office to see if there's any hints as to the origins on this situation. Kali, perhaps you could accompany me on that note?"

Yngvar packed what needed packed to get ready to go, then he prayed to Silvanus for his spells.

Just before memorising his new spells, Torvek asks for a bit of advice. "What do we need for travelling?  I can summon up to five horses and could also summon phantom horses.  Corym, are you planning to summon some horse too?"

Triel is ruled by Elvar the Grainlord from a sizeable central building that is almost entirely given over to granaries, deep storage cellars, and tall stacks of crates and barrels. His staff consists entirely of a single person, an older man name Calland who has a perpetually-harried look that the last half-ride has done nothing to improve. He appears at the door when you knock in a long robe with well-patched sleeves, a club made from what looks like the leg of a chair raised. "Eh, what? Are we under attack again?"

Kitheras considers the vast agricultural wealth of Triel and the comparably non-existent defenses. It doesn't take a prophet to see this coming.

"I'm Kitheras Sunblade.  I'll be riding to recover Mayor Elvar, but I want to have a look around.  Hill Giants can be hired as easily as soldiers, and I need information before I place my people in harms way. Can you tell me anything?"

While Calland gives answer, Kitheras looks over the granaries to see how many and which of them had been pillaged.

Yngvar quietly listens for now, looking around. He wasn't real comfortable here in Triel, preferring the forest!

"I believe you were introduced to me as Yngvar. You're a druid?  I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure--a bit of a cosmopolitan myself. Are you familiar with these giants?"

"Not really, they appear to be a more recent threat I think. They seem to have come out of the north, not sure if it was their idea, or they were driven by something stronger. I was sent here to investigate what is behind this."

"You must be very familiar with the woods and hills here.  Do you know of any ruins nearby? Such places are normally good lairs for such raiders.  I also have a professional interest.  I'm a dealer in antiquities--objects of great beauty. Ensuring that such items are recovered ethically should help preserve your wildlands from adventurers tromping about and helps preserve the dreams of the ancients for future generations."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:01, Wed 26 July 2023.

"We already trailed them to their lair, we followed them, remember? There are many ruins about." He replies to Corym.

"Can you break down the lair for me? What is the land like that approaches it?"

"The trail led about a day and a half into the Trielta hills, bypassing the areas settled by small groups of gnomes and halflings before entering a steep ravine. We had just caught sight of a doorway heading into one of the hills when we were set upon by ogres. The battle was brief; the ogres were not expecting people of our skill and quickly retreated, but before they did, Tosta was knocked from the trail and fell a great distance. She survived, but broke both her legs. We managed to stabilize her, but it was clear she would need treatment, and the two of us were uncertain of our ability to take whatever was under the ground by ourselves. We carried her home."

In reply to Yngvar the Mad (msg # 44):

He had been listening and didn't want to seem Blazey, so introduced himself, he had heard of these people from Tosta but was busy when the Druid introduced himself, hearing him but not responding, which he felt was wrong of himself, he hadn't heard the other introduce himself, so assumed he was the other one.

"You would be Elion and Yngvar", speaking to each in turn, ending with the druid. "I am Krackor, Lord Protector and Barakor of Gorm, Protector of the Dreams of the Ancients Adventuring Company and Warden of Oakhaven.

What you say sounds perplexing, if so many Ogres had been there, how many of your force and theirs died, they always have a watch by their camps. Maybe someone was in collusion with their leader as they rarely group without one.

Kitheras, Captain, I will prepare a Scrying but I need a map, a good one with the ravine, a goblet of Mead and a Sandwich.  I don't need a bowl but the water needs to be near a body of water or a pool within running water, if there is one around here, it has to be Natural.

He finished with such a cheery smile that it would be hard to chide him for such conditions being stated almost as a command, but they, or at least the company, knew that when Krackor spoke such long sentences, he meant serious business.

Waiting for the information and the map, Krackor will make plans for his casting of the Reflecting Pool, and how he can purchase another horse or pony.
"Did someone say they had a Mount spell ready?
Corym, I still have that Marching spell saved in the Ioun Stone, ready for you to access and write into your scrolls or spell book, which ever it is." He wasn't sure now if he'd changed his storage method for travel spells.

Kitheras

Calland shakes his head. "No. Never had trouble with giants. Bandits. Wolves in the winter. Orcs lost out of the High Moor. Never giants."

As you look around, you don't really see anything much in the way of looting inside the walls. One building was burned, but that was from balls of fired pitch lobbed over the walls by the giants. And they also knocked down a section of wall with boulders. But the smashing and grabbing was mostly isolated to the caravans outside the walls.

In reply to Yngvar the Mad (msg # 44):

After Yngvar describes the events, Torvek asks

"An unfortunate accident Yngvar.  With the time it took you to come come hear, that mean that the mayor has been taken three or four days ago.  Do you think that this doorway would lead to the lair and that it is likely where they still are?  "

"Good idea, Krackor.  Using scrying magic to help us find them could save us lots of problems.  I will conjure a mount for you when we are ready to leave."

"My investigation is complete.  I believe we're ready to leave."


((DM, I'll update my spells today.))

Kali casually gazed around the house while Kitheras spoke to Callend. As Kitheras was done with his line of questioning, Kali figured it was her turn.

"I have a couple of things to ask you, if possible.

Were the caravans that were attacked from a well established trade group, or more individual traders? With that in mind, do you know the type of stock that was stolen?

When the attack happened, did it seem that they had specific targets of either people or places? Meaning, did they attack a house to get the people to come out to grab them or were they just grabbing randomly as people fled?

Also, if you were a small horde of massive monsters, where would be a good place to hide?"

Calland blinked at the rapid-fire list of questions. He licked his lips, and slowly lowered his chair leg and set it beside the door. "I don't know which caravans were attacked, specifically. I was very busy dealing with the issues of the town, since Elvar stupi... ah, bravely decided to charge the giants breaking down the wall.

"I didn't see the attack itself. I was very busy with the fire brigade, keeping Triel from burning down. I did hear people complaining that some horses and cattle were stolen. But you know traders; 'some' could be one or several dozen. And where to hide?" He waves an arm vaguely east. "Have you seen the hills?"

Yngvar stays out of the way, not used to so many people! He found a tree and climbed up and sat in the lower branches, his feet hanging down. He watched, and listened, to what was going on around him.

Once the priest gets a description of the place and hopefully a map, Krackor asks someone who passes by about any streams or rivers very close by so he can find a small pond to scry in.

Krackor

As night has fallen, most people have retreated inside to eat or sleep. But there are guards at the gate and at the hole in the wall. All of them look puzzled when you ask about streams or rivers.

"The Chionthar? Down at Scornubel?" one guard says, pointing vaguely to the south.

"We get our water from wells," her partner adds.

In reply to DM (msg # 54):

Listening to the guards.. "uuumm, interesting. So how are the fields watered when the rains are not so frequent?" He wasn't so sure that a well would be enough, where as a spring would be.  "How about a spring or small stream that leads to the big river?" This could be difficult, he thought to himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Fri 28 July 2023.

More blank looks from the guards. "This is the Western Heartlands. It rains. A day without clouds is a message from the gods."

His partner nods. "A message to argue whether it's a good or evil message."

((ooc: What are you looking for here, Krackor?))

Kali cracked a small smile. "Yes, but not all hills are equal when it comes to places to hide ogres and hill giants. If there are any cave systems, mines or tombs in the area that would also be helpful to know about."

As they apparently weren't listening to him when he told them he knew where the giants were, he sat in the tree and dozed while they spun their wheels.

Calland shakes his head. "There are several communities of gnomes and halflings scattered about, but they keep to themselves. And they've found gold in there once or twice, but the rush always peters out. They're the most boring hills in Faerun. No dragons, lost kingdoms, or fallen castles. Good night."

He closes the door, and you can hear locks being thrown.

((ooc: "This spell enables the caster to cause a pool of normal water found in a natural setting to act as a scrying device"... So Krackor is looking for exactly what he asked for, water in a natural setting, like a stream or a spring.  EVERYWHERE has a stream near by, especially Hamlets and villages and such, but how far away or is it in the village green?.))

Krackor

((ooc: Triel isn't built on flowing water, but instead gets its water from wells (and makes money selling water to caravans). You'll be able to find a stream fairly easily once you're moving through the hills, especially if you're looking for one. So we'll do the scrying once the group gets underway.))

Group

((ooc: Anyone have anything else they want to do in Triel before you leave?

What sort of marching order and/or precautions are you taking as you go?))

Getting information about the well, he wonders if they are natural depositories or just common dug down wells, he was going to ask someone with Wizard Eye to check before resigning to the fact he'll have to cast his spell at a later time when they discover a stream.

Krackor goes back to the group and states:  "I've decided that it will take to long for me to cast this spell if we are heading out now.  It will be at least a bell before it would be fully cast as I'd need to prepare myself at the pool of water in a natural setting, maybe a dip that rain water or water from a waterskin settles, then add the drops of ink and stir it until something shows itself, even the Vigilant Host can't speed this up short of an Augury, which I don't have ready, maybe someone else has!  He looks around expectantly.

"Anyway, if off we need to go, shouldn't we go?  I still need a rough map, even a drawing of the entrance area!  The Captain, and I are ready, how about you Kali, Corym, Torvek?  Just needs a majority vote to get going, so any one of you and we are off.  Sorry Kitheras, I'm as eager as you are to be back here again with good news.  Direct me and I'll take the lead, on horse if one can be provided.  You say they are a day and some away or did I hear that incorrectly?   Maybe the Gnomes and or Halfling villagers could help us understand what is going on, I would wager that someone there knows something that others are not wanting to listen to!"  He shoulders his pack, grabs his black shield with the flame between eyes at the top and bottom of it, his trusty battle axe, quickly hold it in his shield hand, swigs the last of his drink or someone elses, returns the battle axe and stands ready.

He hadn't had a need to worry about his companions that much or was he being lax having had the dangers of Myth Drannor thrust upon them and everything else seeming, well, rather minor!

He then casts his spell on Yngvar, he didn't need to cast the Iron Vigil on himself just yet, he had only cast it 7 days previously on leaving The Standing Stone on the way to Myth Drannor (8 days left).

He'd last cast it on the way into Myth Drannor for Corym, now it was time to cast on himself.  Krackor then asks Yngvar is he will accept the blessings of a watch-up eye upon him, so the priest would know if there was a 'Dangerous Situation' that he was in "As with the members of the Dreams of the Ancients Exploration Company, would you accept the blessings of the Lord Protector so I would know if you are in danger for a number of days, you just have to kiss this rose petal?  If the Druid accepts, Krackor casts Sacred Guardian on him.

"So how far from here would it be if one and a half days into the Triel Hills, are they a few hours from here or a half day, maybe more from here?  You may have said this yet I was working on something, in which case, I need to be more vigilant."

He was working on the journey taking just short of 2 days as they were probably going to be travelling slower than the chase that had taken place, although it sounded like some urgency was required.  "Mid-afternoon, I will be casting a Blessed Watchfulness on someone, I could ask the Bronze Mask for additions, the Divine Blessings ensures any sleeping spells or sneaking of enemy, are thwarted, have very little effect.  You have time to think of it, you Yngvar, may be a recipient as we don't want you to be taken to slumber when we still require directions.  It had been said, he had said too much, he felt a duty and he wasn't sure why as he didn't know these people, maybe it was Gorm's insight with helping others or there were Dwarves to be rescued, he didn't know which but he was ready, alert and aware of the dangers ahead.

His smile never left his face, now it was a cheery grin, full of excitement.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Sat 29 July 2023.

Yngvar jumps from the tree and walks over and kisses the rose petal to accept the spell, "It is a days travel to the hills, half a day into them to the ravine we go to."

The Guardian Priest bows slightly to the newly anointed bearer of the Bronze Mask's blessings.

Kitheras and Yngvar take the lead.

Kali and Mari.

Torvek and Krackor in the mid.


Then Kora and Corym take the rear guard.

I was thinking about doing the "invisibility before bed" trick, but with a day's journey ahead of us, it hardly seems to matter

Mage Armor and Stoneskin should still be up and active.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Mon 31 July 2023.

Yngvar leads the way toward the hills to the east/north-east of the town. There was a fair ways to go.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 67):

If people did Mount for the full days journey, we can travel a lot faster than us walking.
((OOC:  Light Horse {Mount spell level 1-3} can travel at 24 {Monsterous Manual page 194}

The group sets out, clambering through the hole in the wall to avoid having to pester the guards to open the gate. Twilight is well fallen, and as the group follows Yngvar's lead into the northeast, full night quickly settles around you. Stars twinkle and vanish, then reappear as clouds race across the sky. Kora lights up her magical torch, helping the group find footing as you leave the open plains for the steadily-more-rolling terrain of the Trielta Hills. The combination of night and hills would be worrisome for a normal horse; fortunately, the magically-created one Torvek conjured seems oblivious to such minor dangers.

Krackor had let Yngvar know of his needs for a scrying pool. Though this is only his second time in the Trielta Hills, the druid had noted several streams near to the trail left by the giants and ogres. He makes for the closest, and after a bit of walking they find a place where, in the power of the spring floods, the stream had collapsed a section of the bank. The dirt was washed away, leaving behind a circular depression mostly offset from the main channel. It's about as wide around as Krackor is tall, and most days serves as a refuge for all manner of river life.

This day, it will serve him admirably as a scrying pool.

As they pause towards the end of the day for scrying, Torvek suggests "Krackor, depending what your spell reveals, I think I could go and survey our destination from the sky before we settle for the night if that'd be useful"

((ooc: General distance notes, since Yngvar has already traveled this path:

It's 8 miles from Triel to the edge of the Trielta Hills. This is basically where you've stopped to do the scrying. You did that in 1/3 of a marching day.

It's another 14 miles into the hills to the dungeon where Toska was attacked and Yngvar turned back. That will take the remaining 2/3 of this marching "day" (actually night), and half of "tomorrow" (which could also be night, depending on how you want to schedule sleep).

Those numbers are all assuming no forced marches and that Krackor is riding a horse. If any of those assumptions change, I can recompute.))

"Will this do Mr. Krackor? It should make a fine scrying pool. We're not yet half way there, it will be awhile yet. You see all right in the dark Mr. Torvek?"

In reply to Yngvar the Mad (msg # 73):

He enjoyed being on a horse, it wasn't necessarily comfortable but it beat having to rush with all these long legs around him, not that he minded that either as they had always included him, right from the start.

He heard the stream before being told of the pool and knew the Druid had found a suitable place to stop.  "It will take 2hrs to cast this spell, you lot best get some cooking done" He reaches into his pack and retrieved hit magical Pan of Cooking and handed it to the nearest colleague. "Once I've cast it, the spell doesn't last too long. I still need that map, even a rough one. As I haven't been there, I have little way to locate it. You say 14 miles, I can work with that and you've given me a rough direction. Anything else would be a bonus."

Having gained more information to describe the rough, Krackor, still in his full Armour, only his Shield and Helmet removed, he set about casting his spell, moving the water, swirling in different directions and different patterns, then allowing the ink to find it's path. Patterns indistinguishable then a moments clarify and the scene appears, the path between hills, between crags. The Dwarven Priest watched and listened, he saw what others may have missed in the swirling, crashing dead smooth water of the pool.

((ooc: Krackor, with the rough map and description, you're working with the "Pictured" chance, which is 50%. Go ahead and roll a d100. 01-50 and the scrying works.

What, exactly, are you trying to scry? Yngvar and the others got within sight of the doors, but no further.))

In reply to Yngvar the Mad (msg # 73):

“Maybe not right now but one can see in the dark when one needs to see in the dark “ answers Torvek

In reply to DM (msg # 75):

Krackor searches the area for creatures and the doorway, sending the viewing around like he did when looking for Kora in the Elven Forest. Not expecting to find the doorway meant he wasn't overly disappointed at not finding it, he does however see the local area as he follows the trail described by Yngvar, looking around for any creatures.

((ooc: 13:22, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 80 using 1d100.  Scrying/searching. Means not successful...
Does he spot any of the dead bodies?)

Although the scrying works, as it would but not being able to locate the area described for the door, he wasn't sure if he had gone too far or not far enough. What he does find however, was the trail as he travelled from high and then down.

He guessed another casting would be needed for better intelligence.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:28, Wed 02 Aug 2023.

Yngvar did what he could to help, and then rested until they were ready to travel.

Krackor casts his magic into the pool of water. It ripples and clouds, faint undulations sweeping back and forth as the spell reaches out. For several moments the water is as cloudy as a horizon of thunderheads. Then the water clears and the spell releases, having been unable to scry.

((ooc: Unfortunately, on a failed roll the scying shows nothing.

Anyone else doing anything during this break? Otherwise I'll get the group moving again.))

After another moment staring down at the unhelpful pool of water, Krackor collects himself and rejoins the group. Everyone stands up and hefts their packs, stowing food and water as they get ready to head out. Kora picks up the enchanted torch and slides it open the unleash the illumination of its continual light spell. Yngvar points the way, and the group sets out.

It's slower going through the Trielta Hills, but not that much slower. The hills roll gently and are entirely covered with turf, the grasses tall after a summer's growth. It would be lovely terrain during daylight, and even at night it has a rather austere beauty. You can well believe that both halflings and gnomes make their homes here.

Not that you see any as you journey through the depths of night. The wind is chill with the promise of winter to come, as if to remind you that all sensible folk should be sleeping. You keep a wary eye about, but as dawn approaches the worst you've encountered are some eager ticks.

The hills have started to become a bit rougher, the slopes a bit more angled and the dips more frequent. Streams are also frequent, though this late in the season half of them are mere dry creek beds. As the night recedes, Yngvar and Kitheras find the group a dell with a nicely burbling stream in which to make camp, one that's mostly hidden from anyone not flying above. It'll make for as safe a spot as any to get some rest.

((ooc: First day of marching is complete, and the random encounter rolls are liking you guys.

Due to how overland movement works in 2e, you'll need to wait about 12 hours (8 of it in sleep) before you can start again, unless you want to force march. You are now 6 miles, or half a day, from the ambush point.

Does anyone have anything they want to do during the rest period? And is anyone keeping watch?))

In reply to DM (msg # 80):

"Everyone take a rest, I'll keep guard."  It was more an order than a request, which Corym, Kora and Kitheras were used to by now.

Taking his mark, Krackor investigates every bit of the surrounding area outside of the Dell, studying it for a few minutes, listening, testing weight and movements, it was like a ritual of motion and guarding, seeing what he could visualise and see, what he could feel, the feel of the wind on his face, surrounded by the open helmet on his head, so curved as to focus sounds from in front and with his ears uncovered from the side, able to hear well.

He eventually retook his mark and closed his eyes, visualising everything moving, getting used to each persons breathing and shuffling in their blankets.  The creak of leather, that was Corym, the slight scrape of metal, barely audible, that was Kitheras, the close rustling, Kora, the roll of material as the slight breeze takes it from around him, that was Torvek.  He needed to listen for Yngvar, an anomaly in his known repertoire or sounds and smells.... There he was.  He opened his eyes and verified each location.  That was the last time he questioned himself for the remainder of his watch.  He rested, but he didn't sleep, he would have to deal with not getting his spell back, if need be, he had a Guard he could use but today, he was ok.

He loaded his Crossbow and rested it across his lap, Battle Axe next to him, shield resting against him, each ready to be taken up without hesitation, a moment, probably, before any approaching danger realised that their approach had been noticed.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Sat 05 Aug 2023.

"It's probably safer if we stay together tonight." says Torvek. "I can help with reconnaissance when we approach tomorrow."

Torvek settles down, looking through his books and fiddling with a few gems. "Does anyone feel we need specific magic tomorrow? " he adds while looking through notes
This message was last edited by the player at 05:03, Sun 06 Aug 2023.

"Lets all bed down.  There's no watchmen like a Barakor."

Kitheras will play a few quiet songs and tell a few stories to make sure morale is high and to calm everyone to an early sleep.

Yngvar finds a comfortable spot in the grass and rolls up in his cloak and gently falls asleep waiting for his turn to watch.

Elient 6

The group settles down, cooking a meal as the sun begins its rise. Between Krackor's cooking and Kitheras's singing, you feel the tension of the long march start to fade from your limbs. Kali and Kora settle into one side of the camp, swapping increasingly-unbelievable stories about Cormyr's nobles. Corym and Torvek study their spellbooks. And slowly, one by one, exhaustion overwhelms the remnants of the nap spell and you seek your bedrolls.

The day passes uneventfully under the intent watch of Gorm's barakor. Birds are active, small creatures rustle in the tall grass, but the Trielta Hills live up to their peaceful reputation and nothing bothers the camp. As the sun begins to set, people begin to wake up. Food is prepared, belongings packed away, and spells readied. Darkness is just beginning to spread across the land as the last bag is hefted and the group prepares to move out.

((ooc: All spellcasters can modified their list of memorized spells.

You will arrive at Tosta's ambush point, just outside the gates, around midnight, halfway through your march. If anyone wants to take any actions or precautions as you approach, now is the time to describe them.))

As the group start to rouse from their sleep, Krackor cooks up something warm, his eyes closed at times to listen for any kinds of intrusion until someone else took over. He'd done it many times, just before the sun rose usually, starting to cook as the watch changed, today was different, he cooks as the first started to rouse  so those opening their eyes, knew the smells of food were real.

Yngvar will help with the cookingif Krackor allows him, he's a great cook too. He also kept his eye out to see if there would be a change in the weather too.

"If you want or need help, I'm a good cook too, I can aid you or spell you at times if you wish."

Incoming weather bulletin:

"Anybody got rain gear? A cloak will help a bit. It's going to get colder and rain tonight. It might cover us moving in on the giants though. I'd suggest oiling up your armor and weapons to ward off rust, good gentles. The rain looks like it will be heavy at times at least"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Wed 09 Aug 2023.

In reply to Yngvar the Mad (msg # 87):

"Yngvar, by all means take over the cooking, I shall keep my watch."
He could cook but nothing special, that was sometimes special anyway.

The Priest returns to his watch post.
As the weather report comes in, he fastens his Vestments full with the magical Clasp of Dryness, which he has passed to others previously during a demoralising week of walking in woods in constant rain.

"Rain, snow, miserable weather..." says Torvek as he wraps himself in his cloak more tightly.

"I'll make myself invisible for the rest of the march" he says before casting a spell and disappearing.  A branch is the seen to lift in the air "And I'll carry this to help you locate me.  Unless it becomes safer not to."

OOC:
I'll update my spell list Friday when I am back home.
Torvek will cast Invisibility before renewing his spells

In reply to Torvek Ragdar (msg # 91):

Krackor closes his eyes at Torvek's words, more able to focus on his breathing as smoothing clothing before he disappeared from view, he heard his move the stick before his collected it and spoke.

"Torvek, whilst I have the watch, I'll know roughly where you are when within hearing range. Thank you for picking up the birch branch for us to locate you " He had been facing a different direction all along with eyes closed, but he'd marked this area as his "Watch Post" and knew everything in that area..

The light disappears as you begin to march, and soon the stars begin disappearing as the clouds roll in. You can smell the rain well before it starts, that very specific scent of moisture that is a joy to a farmer or someone enjoying it from a covered porch. For you, out in the middle of nowhere, it promises only misery. And sure enough, after a bell's worth of walking, the skies open up.

For the next several bells, you struggle forward through a torrential downpour as the temperature chills to that nasty point that is just warm enough that you're sure it's not going to freeze, but no warmer. It's the kind of weather that can go from unpleasant to actively dangerous with the greatest of eases.

The nearest shelter is ahead of you, nevermind that it's overrun with ogres and hill giants. At least a fight would help get you warm. You press on as quickly as you can, with Krackor once more mounted on a conjured horse to keep up.

You see nothing on the journey, and hear nothing but the rain pinging off your sodden cloaks with solid thwacks. And at the deepest part of the night, you arrive at the lip of the steep ravine where Tosta and Yngvar were ambushed. Squinting into the rain, you aren't able to see any sign of the door. On the other hand, you don't see anyone lying in wait, either.

((ooc: Welcome to the dungeon! Well, once you find it. :)

Yngvar, please make an Intelligence check.))

In reply to DM (msg # 93):

Krackor didn't get the same feeling of wind cooled wet clothing and skin, the magical fastener keeping him dry, if they hadn't found the area of the concealed door, he'd have passed the Clasp to Kora, humans seem to feel the damp more than him, but as it was signalled that they'd reached their journey's end, he kept it to himself.

PM

PM

OOC - Thanks, wasn't sure but I thought it was score or lower, ;-)

Corym looks miserable, like a soaked rat.  He knew, of course, that the rain played to their advantage.  It covered the minor sounds that may give away their approach.

Knowing that his stealth was the most reliable, and that his footing was surest, Kitheras decided to take the lead.

"Torvek, Corym post up where you can see me from a hidden vantage.  I'll scout ahead and signal when the coast is clear.  Remember the audible calls."

"The rest of you all, take shelter and don't give away our position.  I'll be back with a reconnaissance report."

Drawing on the power of his boots and cloak, Kitheras stalked toward the site.

Yngvar faded into the shadows, worrying about what lay ahead.

In reply to Yngvar the Mad (msg # 100):

Krackor was concerned, the sound of the rain it's very nature, was muffling their sounds and would more than likely also muffle to the point of silence, the audible calls that the group had been using so effectively when not in the rain, in the middle of a wild area.

The ravine is both steep and deep, with a single foot path that snakes its way down the ravine's eastern side. Fortunately, though the path is steep, it's also fairly wide. Though you suppose that would be necessary for something the size of a hill giant to traverse. It was overgrown until fairly recently; you can see patches of bare earth where bushes were pulled up by sheer force, the soil now a dark mud in the heavy rain.

Kitheras keeps a close eye out as he descends. The rain deadens any noise he might make, and below him he can hear a sizable stream flowing along the ravine's bottom. Nothing is stirring, nor can he see any sign of a door.

Finally, about three quarters of the way down the ravine, the path widens out into a landing. There's still no sign of a door, despite the path seemingly ending. Then, between one step and another, the doorway appears. One moment the hillside is mere dirt and grass, swaying in the rain. The next, there's a great opening carved into the hillside. It's eight feet tall and five wide, and completely open. If there were ever doors inside the metal archway, they're long gone. All that's left are stout bars of iron, framing a tunnel that leads down into the earth.

Well there's no guards.

Kitheras gives the signal for the company to advance, and gives the visual signal for Corym and Torvek.

((ooc: You are well out of sight of the rest of the group. Do you climb back up to them?))

In reply to DM (msg # 104):

yes

Kitheras retraces his way back up the path. It's at least a third of a mile long, snaking its way along the side of the ravine. As before, he is alone aside from the pouring rain. The rest of the group is exactly where he left them, just far enough back from the edge to be safe.

"Will do" says the invisible Torvek to Kitheras requests.  He then moves to have good vantage position to watch Kitheras from afar.

Yngvar, not expecting 'entangle' to work well against a giant's strength, decided it would probably not work here. So he steeled himself and advanced with the others.

((ooc: Okay, to keep us from getting stuck in a "I'm waiting for you" loop, the group is currently at the top of the ravine. Kitheras has scouted down and found the entrance, which is hidden behind a magical illusion half a mile ahead and about 3/4ths down the ravine. It is raining buckets, and no one has seen another living (or unliving) creature. How are you proceeding?))

"I've located the cavern--which is cloaked by illusions.  I can guide us there.  The way is steep.  If we're confident we can all make it down the hill, they can hardly expect to be raided in this down pour.  What say you all?"

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 110):

Krackor looks over at the others and grins. Another cave system to explore made him feel at home, and with an illusion already in place!

"Keep the illusion in place, we go for this, they probably like the rain as much as Kora does right about now."

He looks over at Mistress Lightbearer, considers giving her his pin then stops. No point handing it over now or they both end up drenched, much get more from somewhere.

“I feel I should highlight the fact that hill giants are not tel owned for their mastery of magic. Either these have fallen under the sway of a higher power—perhaps Darkhold—or they have been accompanied by an ogre magi of some sort.”

"I think there are quite a few as well. He follows the others down the path to the door, sword and shield ready!

Krackor, in his excitementat the thought of putting Hill Giants to sleep, doesn't so much stomp down the hill after Killer's as glide, then realises the horse is still there, looks back and then carries on.

Thinking to himself "Even a conjured horse doesn't deserve to be served up to a Hill Giant. If it'sstill around when we come out, we can get it then."

The group moves quickly down the path, the greater Trielta Hills vanishing almost instantly from sight. The stream in the bed of the ravine far below is frothing white, swollen from the rain, and serves a motivation to keep your footing. Fortunately, the trail is wide, and there are no dangers or obstacles that force you near the edge.

After about half a mile of descent, the path widens out into a landing. As promised, just before you step onto the landing the seemingly-bare hillside suddenly reveals an open archway, heading down into the earth. Creeping up to its edge, Kitheras and Corym peer inside. On the other side is a simple passageway heading down, the earth giving way almost immediately into stone. The passage stretches into darkness beyond the feeble light of the rainy day.

((ooc: Corym, roll an Engineering check. Everything's very overgrown, so there's a -4 penalty to your score.))

06:02, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 16 using 1d20.  Engineering (14).

No good boss

((ooc: It's an overgrown spot in the middle of the rain. It's not surprising you'd miss something. :)

How does the group want to enter? Marching order, and any other actions? Torvek is still invisible from the spell cast previously, though if you look closely you can see his outline in the rain. That'll resolve once you're underground.))

Yngvar will follow the leader, mr. invisible want to scout ahead? ;-)

"Should myself or Corym take the lead to scout ahead?" asks the flying branch with Torvek's voice.
"I know I tripped on a stone the other day buit I am usually very silent." he adds, although it's not quite clear if the statement was aimed at his companions or at himself.

The branch and watery outline moves a bit towards the front.

Arriving at the entrance, Krackor 'almost' crouches down as he walks, 'stealthily'.

I'll be directly behind who ever keeps an eye out for alarm traps and such like.  I'll protect them as we move.

Until such a time as there are seen enemies that he can get to, Krackor will go full defence, moving slower, about the same speed as someone looking for traps as they move.  He'll be using this defence to protect who ever is at the front.

"I never really learnt to find traps 'though" adds Torvek.

“I’m happy to take the lead. That’s a role I normally fulfill in an indoor setting. Kitheras leads in the outdoors.”

"I would prefer to remain outside myself, but, the evil down here needs destroyed! Lead on good sirs!" Yngvar says. He looks a little spooked going underground, but goes!

"Should I follow you close by to act as relay between you and the rest of the party?" he asks Corym "That way they could stay a little further back and less likely to be heard.  Otherwise, I am happy to stay at the back.  I also have a wizard eye spell prepared for when we need to have a look somewhere" adds the flying branch.

In reply to Torvek Ragdar (msg # 124):

"Good idea Torvek, I'll go behind you, Dwarven Platemail isn't good for being quiet, even with the bits of cloth that's been added to quieten it.

He's more a distraction than a sneaker.

“A tactically sound suggestion.”

Corym leads the way into the tunnel. After bells of trudging through the rain, it's a relief to get under shelter. The tunnel is well-dressed stone, and bores straight ahead without bend or break for several hundred feet at a fairly significant downward angle. Thin rivulets of water run down the edge of the tunnel, and the noise of the storm follows you a surprising distance down into the earth.

After about seven hundred feet of descent, Corym sees the tunnel widen out into a room. He creeps closer, and notes with surprise that not only is there light in the room, the light is a wide variety of colors. The noise of the storm has died away, allowing you to hear laughter and rough voices and as you get about twenty feet from the opening, you see a pair of ogres lazing about on a mess of straw and sacks. From the sound of things, there are more ogres further into the room.

Looks like you've found the right place.

((ooc: None of the ogres have any idea you're there. What do you do?

Also, the map I'm using has a scale of 30 feet per square. I didn't keep quite to that scale, because when I did the screenshots became unwieldy. So the screenshot is about 20 feet per square, visually. I'm keeping with the 30 feet as the actual scale, because that's what all my notes are assuming. If I manage to confuse myself and have to change it, I'll let you know.))

In reply to DM (msg # 127):

Krackor was surprised at how straight and well cut the tunnel was, the river let's down the edges, in a storm, unsurprising since the path wasn't angles away slightly or runners laid, inside they were, it helped Mask the noises from his feet and Armour. Luckily enough, he knew Ogres were stupid and talking so much, unless someone shouted, they wouldn't hear, or so he presumed.

He kept a watch on Corym for hand signals and on the floating stick, just in case.

"Just for your info, I do speak giant." Yngvar whispers to his new party.

As he sees Corym stops, Torvek raises his twig to signal to the other to pause.  Torvek stays in place, watching Corym for any signs.

OOC:
Torvek's player is all confused by the confusing scale confusion statements
Torvek's player would also like to point out that while nobody would notice an invisible ioun stone flying around the head of an invisible wizard, such a thing is possible and the colour of the ioun stone would obviously not be visible either even if it was of a beautiful deep purple tone

Corym pauses and whispers to Torvek.

"I'm going to go invisible and scout ahead. We don't want to risk a conflagration and possibly kill the captives.  I'll try to locate the captives.  If you hear things go to hell, bring hell with you."

Torvek returns to the party to relay Corym's plan.  "I'll go back near the entrance to keep watch and raise the alert if needed."

Whispering "Kora, lets keep the torch closed until we know things are clear, there is light enough ahead."

The continual light of the magical torch, with the tiny slit that allowed Kora to see in the cave had been no more than a moonbeam, but just in case, so she didn't have to worry.

"Sure thing," Kora whispers. She shuts the metal shutter and the tunnel is plunged into darkness.

((ooc: The tunnel is now completely dark. While the group can see a bit of light off ahead of you, in your immediate surroundings anyone without infravision is currently considered blind.))

After letting the group know his plans, Corym continues down the tunnel. The multi-colored light grows steadily brighter, and things begin to resolve themselves. He pauses slightly before the exit to take stock.

Ahead is a large, circular room a hundreds and fifty feet across. The ceiling is a dome that stretches fifty feet above you at the center of the room. Eight iron brackets are set into the walls of the room, four per side. All but one bracket in the north wall have decorative iron torches in them, which burn with bright, cheery flames of various colors.

The floor is a mess of straw, dirt, offal, and rotten food, piled high in some places with half-filled sacks or broken barrels and crates.  Eight ogres are sprawled around a central fire, laughing and joking amongst themselves. A ninth ogre, large even by ogre standards, is sitting beside a fire in the center of the room, methodically breaking the spokes of a wagon wheel as he tells a story.

Stepping out into the room, Corym makes his careful way across the room. The stench is fierce, but he manages to keep his gorge down and cross the room with no issue. There is only a single exit, directly across from the tunnel to the outside. It is wide and tall, with decorative vines and fruit carved into an arch not designed to hold doors.

The hall beyond the archway is two hundred feet long, and lit with the same ironwork combination of bracket and metal torch surrounded by multi-colored flames that at this close range are clearly magical. The hallway ends in a massive door that would completely block the twenty foot wide corridor, save for the fact that it has been pushed open and then wedged.

Beyond is another circular room, even bigger than the first. It's at least three hundred feet across, with a dome eighty feet at its peak, and lit surprisingly well by eight torch-filled sconces. Though the torch closest to you on the north wall does not have any flame.

Three things strike you immediately. First, that this room is even more wrecked, and smells even worse, than the ogres' room. Second, the south wall has been converted into a series of rough cells for prisoners. You can see movement inside most of the cells, and hear the occasional clink of metal shackles.

And third, there are four hill giants lounging about the room, lying in supposed splendor on what looks like random gear looted from the caravans outside of Triel. A fifth giant is over by the cells, tormenting someone by poking a large stick through the bars and laughing uproariously.

There are two exits from the room you can see on the distant wall opposite you. One leaves to the northeast, the other to the southeast.

((ooc: The tunnel runs for about half a mile (800 yards) from the surface to the first room with the ogres. The group stopped around 600 yards in when they started to see light. Torvek, how far back up the tunnel do you want to be?))

DMPC'ed, with permission

Having found the captives, Corym turns around and carefully makes his way back to the group. The ogres take no more notice of him as he passes through the room a second time.

Once back with the group, he fills them in on everything he found.

Yngvar readies his shield and his scimitar, wondering if going in as a bear would be better? He wasn't too sure.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 136):

"With the doors half open, this may affect the sound.  Noise of Battle will attract the Hill Giants if the sound is loud. If only rescuing, then how do we get the prisoners out without being seen or causing a ruckus?

The corridor between the rooms is only around 80 steps, 60 for you long striders.
 May get the prisoners out buy what if one isn't a prisoner?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

Torvek wait for Corym near the entrance of the larger cavern, watching carefully for any hint that the ogres are aware of a problem.  When Corym reappears, he moves back to the party.

"Were you able to count the number of prisoners that need to be rescued?  If they are in individual cells and chained, that makes it even more difficult to do a quiet rescue", asks Torvek.

"so we are talking a at least nine ogres and five hill giants.  That's quite a force that we would not want to meet in a direct frontal assault.  This tunnel is larger than we need.  I wonder if we could cause a partial collapse of the tunnel or the large cavern.  If we could face them one by one, we would be in a much better position.  Krackor, do you think we can improve this tunnel" he asks the dwarf

"Now that sounds like a good idea, I was beginning to think we were about to die." Yngvar says, wishing he could create an earthquake. He couldn't.

((ooc: Further information, since Corym was invisible and therefore able to get close on his scout run.

There were seven rough cells in the larger room. And by rough, I mean "bunches of debris piled together to form a pocket of space, with some holes for air." The holes are large enough for a human to crawl through, if they're careful. However, all of the prisoners are manacled, with the chains bolted to the floor.

More than a dozen people were reported taken from the various caravans. There are 10 people in the cells.))

"There's simply no need to over-complicate this.  There are a few ogres. The Hill Giants are fairly far away.  Give me a turn* to study the Ogres and I can develop a surprise attack.  If we can't eliminate these quickly and quietly under such circumstances, we're hardly deserving of the task we've accepted.

"Critically, we need to avoid anything that creates a great deal of noise.  Something big enough with alert the hill giants. Perhaps some Audible Glamer projected towards the giants to mimic the normal sounds of the Ogre orgy. Torvek--you seemed skilled with that sort of dweomer. Do you have it at the ready?"

"If we position our invisible thieves toward the rear of the chamber, they should be able to sneak attack any that attempt to flee.

"Yngvar--I'm unfamiliar with your tactical flexibility.  Do you have any ability to pin them down, bind them in place, or else silence them?"

Barring any objections or substantive suggestions, Kitheras will begin his Scouting as soon as Yngvar debriefs him on his capabilities.**



*Kitheras' kit allows him to secure an automatic surprise round if he's able to study the target for ten minutes.
**This doesn't have to be in-character if you don't want.

Corym nods invisibly.

"Just like the drow vault.  Just I've got more help this time."

"If there are any plants or roots I have 2 Entangle spells, but down here, . . . I'm not sure I'll be much help with that."

OOC - Any roots or plants about?

"Unfortunately, I do not have an audible glamour spell.  I do have a fully featured illusion spell that I can cast but that would require me to concentrate on it to maintain the illusion.  That would mean that I could not contribute more to the combat.  I think I'd be better concentrating on a hypnotic pattern that could take half of them out of the combat instead and once you dealt with those that are not fascinated, you can take the rest one by one." says Torvek in response to Kitheras suggestion.

He then turns to Corym and asks "You did cast an audible glamour in the Phaerimm cave, didn't you?  Do you have one ready today?"

OOC: Am I correct that casting Hypnotic Pattern would not negate invisibility? 

In reply to Torvek Ragdar (msg # 146):

It isn't an attack. GM?

If Torvek had been visible, he might have looked pensive, but given the situation nothing is to be seen.  After a short pause, the voice of Torvek continues softly from the edge of the tunnel

"It still doesn't quite make sense that this group, while powerful, would be the source of the troubles in the region.  And why do they keep prisoners? There must be something else behind that.  I have prepared a thought reading spell that I want use to try gain information.  From here, I could use it on the ogres but I think the giants would be more likely to be thinking about the who or what is in charge.   What do you think?"

"I believe you are right, I don't think ogres think too much, except their next meal." Yngvar replies in a soft voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Thu 31 Aug 2023.

"Not me."

Corym felt fumble headed. "I've got that spell ready too."

"If they're well and honestly displaced, I'm sure they're being kept for food or sacrifice.  If they've been hired by Darkhold to cause trouble, that's enough of an answer right there.  The illusion would have come from one Sememmon's apprentices. Or else we're dealing with an ogre magi."

"Considering the proximity to the entrance, and how far beyond this could extend. I tend to think the former."

"Either way, to find out more, we have to rescue the captives."

"I was being metaphorical before, Torvek, but could you make seem like an actual Ogre Orgy was going on in here? The biggest problem here is that if our ambush is discovered--they may kill the hostages or use them as human shields.  But if we could entice them to abandon their post--draw them all into the kill box. I think you see where I'm going."

((ooc: 2e has always been a little vague when it comes to what breaks invisibility. I think hypnotic pattern would not break invisibility, but that's about as offensive as a spell can get and still be remain invisible.))

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 152):

Krackor considers the gifts of his god Gorm has blessed me with the ability to create giant caltrops that would cause damage to any large being moving through them and allow the likes of us to move around them.  If you were to entice the Giants into the Caltrops, that could not only slow them down but cause them damage too.  Although not much, I can also lay down some spikes with the Spike Growth spell, making sure that the area affected was not along the lower edges, those that the Giant's couldn't enter anyway.

He considered his options, if we take out the Ogres after I've cast these spells, it would give us a bit of time before the Giants came and if they didn't, I could go and entice them with some taunting  He may be rubbish, but would any self-respecting giant take sure from a Dwarf?

"I could always cast my Nap spell on them, then we can quietly slit their throats?" Yngvar says after thinking quite hard on what he could do down here under ground.

((ooc: So what's the plan, here, folks? How are you heading forward?

Also, Yngvar, fyi nap subjects have to be voluntary. Fortunately for the poor DM's heart.))

Barring an immediate affirmative response from Torvek...

• Contingent on DM Ruling: Kitheras will either observe the Ogres secretly for a turn -or- Corym's recon report will stand good for that.
• Kitheras will roll to see if he can get the automatic surprise round.
• We'll deploy the invisible thieves to the back of the room to cut off retreat and keep the Hill Giants oblivious.
• We'll roll in on these ogres and terminate them with extreme prejudice.

Kitheras moves forward, out of the sphere of Kora's light, and watches the ogres carefully for some time. They were all relaxing; eating, drinking, telling stories, all much like the caravaneers imprisoned further on likely did each night. Though the drovers' stories likely included fewer broken bones, going by the hand gestures the chief kept making.

Confident in the layout of the room and the best plan of attack, Kitheras slid back up the tunnel. Corym and Torvek got a quick word and the two invisible thieves set out to circle the room and take position at the far side. As they got into position, he briefed the rest of the group, and everyone quietly edged closer to the room's entrance. Kitheras waited exactly the amount of time needed, and then waved a hand forward.

((ooc: Kitheras made his roll, so everyone has a full surprise round to act. The map is below; please remember that each square is 30 feet, in case anyone is unlimbering AOE spells or whatever. The ogre leader is the guy whose portrait has a spear at the 12 o'clock position.

Also, Corym and Torvek, you had three options to cross the room: go straight across, circle the north wall, or circle the south wall. Which did you do?))


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:54, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

Yngvar readies his shield for defense, loosens the scimitar on his hip, trying to decide between it and the spear! He decides the spear will give him a bit of reach, but the sword does more damage! If they were outside, he could Call Lightening to devastating effect. It doesn't work underground!

In reply to Yngvar the Mad (msg # 159):

Krackor gathers the others around him and whispers "Stay close for a moment" then counts the time he thinks Kitheras and Corym may be taking to get into position before attacking, then he casts Defensive Harmony. "You'll find we work better in this battle now"

((Ooc: Affects all four of them, giving +3 to AC)) whilst in this battle for up to 1rd + 2d4 rds ))

((ooc: Krackor: you can roll the duration.

Yngvar: Are you forfeiting your surprise round actions?))

Yngvar draws his sword, readies his shield, and gets set to move in, he had no surprise for the ogres!

In reply to DM (msg # 161):

((ooc: 21:51, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 7 using 2d4+1.  Defensive Harmony Duration.))

Yngvar promised himself, if he survived this, he would plan his spells a lot better in future!

AC1 thanks to the spell from his new team mate!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

"Which path his safe" asks Torvek to Corym before they leave.  He then follows this path, careful to avoid any of the mess on the floor that would make noise and reveal his presence and goes posts himself near the door on the other side of the cave.


OOC:
23:25, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 5 using 1d20.  Move silently.
(rolled the wrong dice, x5=25 which is so much better than the last time...)

Path: Corym's safe path or through the middle if this look safe enough

This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

Whichever path I took the first time to safely navigate the room

Kitheras attempts to make his companions feel more competent through a gross display of exceptional incompetence.  It was hard to only hit one surprised ogre out of the five rapid shots he hurled from his bow, but it was a challenge he was up to.  After all, how much better would all the rest feel about their efforts when their captain had already failed so humiliatingly.

There was a subtext to his pattern of incompetence for the sly-of-mind.  The third shot was a direct hit.  As every mathematician knows, three is the mid point of a series of five.  A bullseye.

But ever conscious of his companions sense of self-esteem, he had the good sense to hit a completely non-vital organ.  The ogre equivalent of an appendix if you will. What would appear to the uninitiated as a catastrophic failure was in actuality a display of the subtleties of ogre anatomy.

4 damage.  I don't even care to who.  Why do I bother rolling dice?

Corym held his position.  He was here as a reserve and to prevent more from joining the party.  One look at Kitheras' grotesque display, however, made him consider touching off a fireball in there.  Maybe if he did it fast enough no one would see the humiliating display of archery.

He focused his attention on the Hill Giants farther down the hall in order to determine if they had been alerted the be coming laughter of the Ogres at the efforts of their archer.

Krackor, now ready after his spell goes off, Shield and Battle Axe in hands, he moves slightly forward of the Captain, so as to protect him in case the Orgres woke early ((ooc: or an errant arrow pings back to return to his bow)).

The display of arrows fanning out, the Dwarven Priest smiles that so many arrows were sent flying, he was amazed at the speed and accuracy or the middle arrow as he saw them fan out and this one hit so precisely.

Yngvar waited for the others in case a spell went off, not wanting to be injured accidentally.

Kali unsheathes her swords with a flexible plan in mind as she waits for the ogres to react.

((+3 AC bonus for Yngvar, Kali, Kitheras, Krackor.))
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:38, Sun 10 Sept 2023.

Torvek follows Corym's lead staying at the back to watch for the giants coming through or wait the the best moment for his magic to be at its most effective against the ogres.  Hoping that they all charges towards the entrance, Torvek watches for the ogre nearest to him to the North to move towards the incoming attackers.  If he does, Torvek will move a bit North and West, aiming to position himself within about 30 yards of where the ogres are converging to.

Surprise Round

Kitheras launches a barrage of finely-place arrows, that just happen to mostly be placed somewhere other than the various ogre bodies sprawled around. One arrow does manage to hit, and though Kitheras would have sworn that it was a minor wound, the ogre seems unusually staggered by it. ((ooc: You managed to hit the one ogre with abnormally-low hp. He's still alive, though it's a close thing.))

The rest of the group starts clustering together, preparing to receive the ogres' attack as Krackor's blessing settles over you. The ogres, once the surprise wears off, seem happy to oblige. With a variety of shouts and yells they start springing to their feet. Some are grabbing a variety of swords or crude clubs; the others seem to rely just on their fists.

((ooc: Surprise round over. Map is unchanged, since the ogres haven't had time to move. Actions and initiative for Round 1!))

In reply to DM (msg # 174):

Krackor starts moving forward and along the upper West wall, lightly tapping his Shield with axe, loud enough for the Ogres closest to him but not so loud that this echo chamber of a room would attract those on the far side (and thus not the Giants either). His legs shorter than the Humans or Elves, he couldn't reach the closest Ogre before anyone else, so encourages them to move to him.

((Action: Move up closeish to the left wall as he sees it, readying to attack the first Ogre that gets to him or comes close enough. Tapping his Shield with Battle Axe to attract their attention to him {Maybe do someone can get a Back Stab or two in}
Initiative: rolled an 8 on a D10 {no Modifiers used}
Attack: Battle Axe = 18 = Hits AC-2
Damage: Battle Axe = 5
Ogres and Giants have -4 to hit him, effectively, with the -3 from the spell is as follows: -5AC +-3 =-8AC +-4 =-12AC))
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Tue 19 Sept 2023.

Yngvar moves into the room, keeping close to Krackor so they could defend one another against so many foes! He swings his scimitar at the closest ogre, with a deep slash!

---

07:55, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 8 using 1d8+2.  damage.

07:55, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  to hit. hits AC 2 I believe.

07:52, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 10 using 1d10.  initiative {unmodified}.

Torvek watches the ogres waiting for them to move to a more suitable position while keeping an eye and an ear for the giants.

OOC:  Torvek will move west if the ogre to his north moves, aiming to position himself about 30y from where the ogres are converging.

The time for arrows being done, Kitheras calmly set his bow aside, drew his short swords and set about a butcher's work.

Attack 1 AC -1, 10 damage
Attack 2 AC 2, 10 damage
Attack 3 AC -4, 5 damage (off-hand)


05:41, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 5 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 1.  Damage.

05:41, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 10 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 6.  Damage.

05:41, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 10 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 6.  Damage.

05:40, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 31 using 3d20 with rolls of 10,8,13.

05:38, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 10 using 1d10.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:44, Thu 14 Sept 2023.

Corym resisted the urge to start looting while the ogres were distracted and stayed focused on his mission of watching and waiting for the Hill Giants

Kali readied her swords and positioned herself in the corner of the choke point of the entrance, waiting for the orges to attack Kitheras and Krackor.

As the first monsterous creature lumbered into range, Kali aimed for the thing's Achilles tendon. Her blade cut deep, severing the tendon completely, causing the hamstring to roll up in the orge's calf like a piece of parchment.

Once the creature dropped to its knees, she sliced her blade across its exposed belly, partially disemboweling it. The stench that the filled the area was regrettable, but she found it satisfying none the less.

Lastly, she sidled up to the ogre's now completely defenseless neck and quickly used her off-hand to slit its throat. The gurgling didn't last as long as she expected once it slumped to the ground; the pool of blood spread quickly on the floor as her Sword of Scolding scoffed derisively at the lifeless monstrosity.

“Out of my sight! Thou dost infect mine eyes.”

Kali couldn't disagree with that particular insult as she readied herself for the next orge to charge in.

((ooc: Kali is going to kill the smelly creature
Initiative: 18:46, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 8 using 1d10+3 ((5))
Total:8
Modified THAC0: 12
Attack: 18:48, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 3 using 1d20 ((3)).
        18:49, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 3 using 1d20 ((3)).
        18:50, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 13 using 1d20 ((13)).

Damage: 18:52, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 9 using 1d8+6 ((3)).
        18:52, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 9 using 1d8+6 ((3)).
        18:53, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 9 using 1d8+5 ((4)).

Round 1

The adventurers spread out in a rough line, half in the hallway and half in the ogre's chamber. The ogres, secure in their strength and their numbers, come charging forward. The first one to push into the center of your group meets Kitheras's blades and reels backwards before crashing to the floor. The runt ogre that had taken Kitheras's arrow tries to attack Krackor. He strikes back with a precise chop to the chest, and the ogre dies with a comical, high-pitched squeal.

Undeterred, the ogres keep coming. Two more push their way to Krackor, flailing at him with fists and a crude club. Krackor calmly dodges each attempt. ((ooc: I rolled two 10's. Together that's the 20 I need to hit you, right?))

Another charges Kitheras and Kali, but is cut down by Kali with a dancer's precision, with an assist from the side by Yngvar.

The rest of the ogres were further into the chamber and are still running towards you (shadowed unknowingly by Corym and Torvek). The ogre leader keeps back a little, bellowing exasperated commands at his warriors.

((ooc: As a reminder, please add your weapon speed or casting time to whatever you roll for initiative. It saves me having to look things up. Thanks!

Round 1 done. Updated map below. Actions and initiative for Round 2!))

Yngvar steps into the next Ogre, slicing into his gut, but not hurting him too bad!

---

11:28, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 4 using 1d8+2.  damage.

11:28, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  to hit.

11:28, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 6 using 1d10+5 wpn speed.  initiative.

As the ogres rushed in to attack Kitheras and Yngvar, Kali took this as her opportunity to attack the one furthest to her right to avoid being flanked or generally getting in the way.

Since the creature was raising its weapon to attack, Kali quickly stabbed roughly where she assumed the monster's kidneys were. She wanted to smile when the creature dropped to its knees, but as she slit its throat; she thought better of it.

Once again, the Sword of Scolding admonished her vanquished foe.

"He has not so much brain as ear-wax."

She still regretted the decision in bringing this blade along on an actual adventure. It always sounded too loud to be for anyone's own good.

((ooc: Kali is going attack the orge that the furthest south in the chamber
Initiative: 18:13, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 12 using 1d10+3 ((9)).
Total:12
Modified THAC0: 12
Attack: 18:14, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 11 using 1d20 ((11)).
        18:15, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 6 using 1d20 ((6)).
        18:15, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 14 using 1d20 ((14)).

Damage: 18:15, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 13 using 1d8+6 ((7)).
        18:16, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 9 using 1d8+6 ((3)).
        18:17, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 7 using 1d8+5 ((2)).

Kitheras engages in joyless murder swordsmanship.  Far from his normal flair for the dramatic (bordering on grand standing), the ruined surprise round has clearly left him frustrated.  Frustrations he's now working out on the Ogres.

THAC0 is 15
Bonuses eliminate Weapon Speed for Kitheras
Initiative is 9

Attack 1 hits AC -1 for 6 damage
Attack 2 hits AC  2 for 7 damage
Attack 3 hits AC -12 fro 5 damage

22:27, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 5 using 1d6+4.  Attack 3.

22:26, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 7 using 1d6+4.  Attack 2.

22:26, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 6 using 1d6+4.  Attack 1.

22:26, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  Attack 3.

22:26, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 13 using 1d20+8.  Attack 2.

22:26, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  Attack 1.

22:25, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 9 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Corym was torn.  He wanted to go farther down the hall to see how much noise was being projected to the hill giants, but at this rate it was just as likely that the Ogres would flee to their allies rather than make a stand and wait for back up to arrive.

Corym looked for something to tie a rope off on one side of the portal and let it lie slack on the floor.  If someone came through, whether coming or going, he'd jerk up on it and trip them.

Amazed at the efficiency of his companions at the sport of ogre chopping, Torvek decides that for now, they do not seem to have a great need for his help and to stick to watching the tunnel to the giant and making sure to be ready if the ogres decide to try to retreat that way.

OOC:
Stay in position ready to intervene if the ogres try to retreat towards the giants.

Round 2

The ogres press forward, gleefully jumping over the corpses of their comrades in their eagerness to come to grips with the invaders.  Two try to pummel Krackor, and the dwarf is forced to dodge and take several glancing blows to his armor, but manages to turn each attack without taking damage. ((ooc: I rolled a 17 and a 19; so close! Krackor, I'm assuming your striking back. Go ahead and roll your attacks when you post for Round 3.))

One ogre leaps on Yngvar and another lunges at Kitheras, while a third ogre circles the melee trying to find a target and the ogre leader bellows encouragement. Kitheras takes a blow to the shoulder which is blocked by his armor, and Yngvar easily ducks out from the awkward swing and cuts the ogre in the belly in return.

Kitheras works out his frustration on the ogre, wounding it badly and causing it to drop to one knee. Then Kali steps out from behind the exaggerated door frame that had been giving her cover and cuts the ogre down. Spinning forward, she chops the hamstring of the ogre fighting Yngvar, and when it collapses nearly takes off its head. Then she winks at the ogre that had been trying to push through the pack.

((ooc: Round 2 is over. Actions and initiative for Round 3! New map below.))

Yngvar moves to flank an ogre attacking Krackor, trying to give him aid!

---

07:05, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  damage.

07:05, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  to hit.

07:05, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 13 using 1d10+5.  initiative.

He wasn't worried, the magic of his spell allowing insight into the Ogres movements and his colleagues feints, he saw where he could get the best advantages and dodge the swings of the mighty foe, a foe that will continue until they fall.

((ooc: Attacking nearest, South of the 2, to allow a flanking move from his companions but not for the Ogre, which he would have done had he not seen the move and attacked the upper one instead.

18:02, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 5 using 1d8.  Damage 2: Battle Axe.

18:02, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 5 using 1d8.  Damage 1: Battle Axe. {irrelevant as I missed}

18:01, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 15 using 1d20.  Attack 2: Battle Axe.

18:01, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 2 using 1d20.  Attack 1: Battle Axe. {has to be a miss} Hits AC 1

18:00, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 10 using 1d10+6.  Initiative.))

Effective AC for everyone affected by Defensive Harmony:
Krackor's AC= -12 (with Ogre/Giant Bonus)
Kali & Yngvar's AC= 1
Kitheras' AC= -4
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Tue 19 Sept 2023.

Kali focused her attention to the ogre in front of her. She danced around the creature causing decent injuries to the monster.

As she missed with her Sword of Scolding, Kali reflexively cringed, knowing that the blade would focus its annoyance at her rather than her foe.

"Your abilities are too infant-like for doing much alone."

Kali sighed and readied herself for what was to come.

((ooc: Kali is going attack the orge that the furthest south in the chamber
Initiative: 16:46, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 4 using 1d10+3 ((1)).
Total:4
Modified THAC0: 12
Attack:
       16:47, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 8 using 1d20 ((8)).
       16:47, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 7 using 1d20 ((7)).
       16:48, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 1 using 1d20 ((1)). (Ack! A miss!)

Damage: 16:49, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 9 using 1d8+6 ((3)).
        16:49, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 14 using 1d8+6 ((8)).

Torvek is very impressed by the efficiency of his companions at dealing with the ogres.  While waiting, he does consider getting his dices out to play a game with Corym but then remembers that invisible dice playing is not an optimal game.  In addition, they are still suppose to guard against the giants.  So he decides to just quietly wait but be ready to intervene.

In fact, Torvek is still concerned at the ogre leader being at the back and not directly involved in the combat.  He looks like the most dangerous of them.

Murder.


20:57, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 10 using 1d6+4.  damage 3.

20:57, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 7 using 1d6+4.  Damage 2.

20:57, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 9 using 1d6+4.  Damage 1.

20:56, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 15 using 1d20+8. (AC 0)

20:56, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 5 using 1d20.  Attack 2. (AC 2)

20:56, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 19 using 1d20.  Attack 1. (AC -12)

20:55, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 1 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Corym yawns a bit, but stays watchful for anyone that wants to cross the portal.

Round 3, Part 1

Kitheras steps forward in Kali's wake and hits the center ogre with a blizzard of blows that drives it first to one knee and then sends it sprawling to the ground. Kali spins away from that ogre and faces the one on her right. She misses with her off-hand, much to the wailing displeasure of her scimitar of scolding, but with her main hand slices the ogre from crotch to sternum and then drives the blade almost hilt deep. The ogre collapses, and Kali spends a couple of moments stomping on its chest to get her blade free.

On Kitheras's other side, the remaining ogre tries in vain to hit Krackor, while Krackor and Yngvar gang up on it in return. Both of them manage to draw blood, but the ogre fights on, unfazed.

The ogre leader, however, seeing what's happened to his minions, turns and runs for the opposite exit, bellowing at the top of his lungs. He quickly reaches the group's two hidden thieves.

((ooc: I'm not updating the map just yet, pending what happens with the ogre leader. The center and bottom normal ogres are both dead.

Torvek and Corym can both attack the ogre leader. You can choose to either backstab (and get the multiplier if you hit), or to attack from the front and, on a hit, bring the leader's movement to zero. If you both backstab and don't instantly kill him, he will continue running down the tunnel. Either way, you both get a +4 to hit, thanks to the invisibility.))

In reply to DM (msg # 194):

If the Ogre Leader goes to the Giants and the fight continues as we chase, we keep the Harmonious Defense bonuses, if it dies, so does the spells effects as it will end 'This Battle'

((ooc: So don't fret if it doesn't die.))
This message was last edited by the player at 13:11, Sat 23 Sept 2023.

Yngvar, flanking the ogre, slices and dices, but hits nothing vital, but it is bleeding more than ever!

---

06:47, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 3 using 1d8+2.  damage.

06:46, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  to hit.

06:46, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 10 using 1d10+5.  initiative.

Torvek seeing the leader charge towards him decide to stop him by whacking him in the face with his quarterstaff while making sure to block the way.  The invisible staff, to Torvek's amazement, crashes directly on the nose of the ogres and a crack of the bone can be heard.  For a moment, Torvek wonders if he should have wacked him at the base of the skull instead but is still satisfied that the ogre has stopped his run.

OOC:
23:47, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  Quarterstaff damage.
23:46, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 18 using 1d20.  Quarterstaff attack Effective THACO 12.

Oh well, 24 damage might have done it but I was expecting Torvek to miss.  Corym is probably much better at backstabbing anyway

This message was last edited by the player at 22:54, Sat 23 Sept 2023.

19:07, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 16 using 3d8.

19:06, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 11 using 3d6. wrong damage dice

19:04, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 8 using 1d20. AC 5 ?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Sun 24 Sept 2023.

Round 3, Part 2

Torvek whacks the fleeing ogre leader in the head, then drops his staff to the floor and braces it like a pike. The ogre runs straight onto it and comes to a shuddering halt. Corym strikes a moment later. His sword's point slides briefly on the ogre's thick hide, but just before it flicks off it catches a crease and slams home. The ogre chokes, then shakes himself free.

((ooc: An 8 hits AC 3, which is precisely its armor class. Congrats. It's alive, but badly hurt.

Map updated below. Actions and initiative for Round 4. Everyone is now visible.))

22:23, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 4 using 1d20.  Attack 1.

22:23, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 7 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Corym misses the chief.

22:29, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 9 using 1d8+4.  damage 3.

22:28, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 8 using 1d8+4.  Damage 2.

22:27, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 10 using 1d8+4.  Damage.

22:24, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 19 using 1d20.  Attack 3.

22:24, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 5 using 1d20.  Attack 2.

22:24, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 18 using 1d20.  Attack 1.

22:24, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 3 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Kitheras annihilates' the Ogre.

Seeing the fleeing chief Ogre run into his invisible companions whom come into view, he makes a move towards it, ready in case it gets passed and heads for the Giants, he'd need a head stair of those he was with or it'd all be over before he got there.

"Captain, you lot have got this one, I'm off, it'll come for me no doubt.

To most it would look like he's jogging fast, but he was running as fast as he can, to him he was sprinting.

Yngvar presses the attack on the last ogre in front of him!

---

07:44, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 4 using 1d8+2.  damage.

07:43, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  to hit.

07:43, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 13 using 1d10+5.  initiative.

Impressed by the success of his skill wielding the staff, Torvek decides to continue in that vein and with a mighty swing, brings the staff into the chin of the ogre leader.

"Maybe I missed my calling!" he exclaims seeing the ogre staggered under a second well placed hit in a row

OOC:
23:28, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Quarterstaff damage.
23:28, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 17 using 1d20.  Quarterstaff attack Effective THACO 16.

End of Ogre Combat

Kitheras straight-up annihilates the sole remaining ogre to the west, striking so rapidly it takes the ogre a moment to realize that it's dead. On the other side of the cavern, Torvek fells the ogre leader with a precise blow to the head. The big creature drops, unable to shout again.

All of the ogres are accounted for, but you don't let yourselves relax; this was the easy part.

((ooc: For the moment, we're out of combat. What do you do?))

"Sorry I wasn't more help. You guys are good!" Yngvar says. He then starts to search the room and the dead ogres. Getting ready to move on.

Torvek looks at the big ogre on the floor and at the end of his quarterstaff in amazement.  Shaking himself out of this trance, he turns round a moves slowly to the side of the door, listening for the giants.

The feeling of knowing the movements of his companions, starts to slip away with the breath of the last Ogre, ending the Hamonious Defence spell.

"That was quicker than anticipated. The Bronze Mask's spell has run it's course and I don't have access to another.

They will once more struggle to get to me, so I shall drive forward to take their attention once things get moving, before that I shall stay back."

He had other spells, specific for using against Giants and still allowing the Company to do their work on ending them.

"Do we question one? I could have talked with one of the Ogres but they are dim witted.  I shall use my Spikes spell on the Giants, they shouldn't interfere with us."

Hearing nothing from the tunnel, Torvek approaches Krackor "I could go also go back invisible, move closer to the giant and try to read their thought with a spell before we attack them"

"Corym, was there any other exit to the room where the giants are?  Is this the one way in or out?" Torvek asks.
"If it was not of the risk to the captives, setting up an ambush, calling the giants and blocking them in the tunnel would give us a great advantage, negating their number and some of their strenghts but I don't know if we can trust that they would just be too confident and come after us."

Torvek pauses for a moment and follow on

"Attacking heads on in the room where the giants are could also endanger the captives unless we were able to displatch the giants quickly or at least protect the cage.  Maybe we should try to draw a few out first to reduce their numbers.  If we setup an ambush here or in the entrance tunnel, one of us could sneak to the giants and be, let's call it: accidentally spotted and run away.  With some luck, some of the giants could chase the lone thief coming to steal their treasure.  What do you think?  Captain?"

"It sounds good to me, but who am I?" he smiles a wan smile.

((ooc: Corym rolled a Looting check. There isn't much in the way of anything interesting. Some assorted coinage, and a bunch of random basic trade goods stolen from caravans. If you take any of it, I can provide values.))

"I like it.  The only issue is that they may send a giant off to warn the rest of the complex.  But we're unlikely to be able to kill all of the giants before they can sound a warning anyways.

But to be honest... How would humans and demihumans have made it past the ogres?  I would say rather than being 'spotted' we should simulate our own very painful deaths--loudly.  That will draw them to us without raising suspicions. The Hill Giants will think the ogres have left them out of some new found fun.

Perhaps our Bards could orchestrate such a performance?"

"That should work, if all else fails, they'll be in a bottleneck that we can control. I don't inflict massive amounts of damage at once, I'm cumulative, so I'd probably be best on the flank." he lets them know as he gathers all of the coins he finds on the Ogres with Corym.

"Do you think the giants can recognise their ogre allies?  If not, I could make some ogres looking like they are in the process of killing some of you"

"I doubt it, they aren't very bright either. I'm not sure which is more dumb, the giant or the ogre. They're big, strong and mean, but none too bright. It might work." Yngvar replies.

((ooc: Interesting plan, let's roll with it.

Anyone with Singing or some other performance-type NWP can make a straight roll for this impersonation. Anyone else can roll a Charisma check with a +3 penalty (remember, you're trying to get your ability score or below). You're going to need at least two people to make this work.))

Kitheras made his check:
22:40, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Singing (15).

This sort of performance was pretty far outside of Corym's wheel house.  Making noise? On purpose?  Instead he set about setting a snare.  His improvised art failed to satisfy his design standards, and the perfectionist elf scattered the pieces in frustration.

22:43, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 17 using 1d20.  Set Snares (16).

Torvek watches the preparations, a bit confused.

"Would an illusion be useful?" he asks Kitheras

In reply to Torvek Ragdar (msg # 221):

"Good thinking Torvek.
Corym, don't suppose you or anyone else can speak Ogre?"

In reply to Krackor Steelfist (msg # 222):

"I speak common giant, don't ogre's speak giant too?" Yngvar asks.

He thought about it for a moment "Probably"  Then burst into a big smile and tapped Yngvar on the shoulder cheerily.  Then Shushed himself before winking.

((ooc: Torvek are you casting an illusion? If so, please describe it.))

As Kitheras suggests that an illusion is not necessary, Torvek nods and decides to disappear instead.  With a few gestures, Torvek is back invisible and find a safe small place near the East end of the room.

OOC: Cast invisible on himself.

Under Kitheras's direction, the group moves some of the slaughtered ogres closer to the eastern exit and sort of prop them up. The limp bodies keep trying to collapse, and blood is spilling everywhere, but a few strategically-placed clubs keep them more or less upright.

The faux screaming is very much in line. Kitheras, with his long years of training, and Kali, with her love of theatrics, let loose a variety of blood-curdling screams. Yngvar and Krackor, waiting along the wall north of the exit, try to join in. Their efforts sound closer to, "Ooo! Ahhh! Oooahh!" Though thankfully they're mostly drowned out by Kali and Kitheras. Torvek and Corym, with their training in stealth, don't even try to join in. Torvek waves his hands and disappears.

After a bit of screaming, the people by the tunnel hear a rumble and thud, followed closely by a pair of hill giants. Both of them are wrapped closely in furs despite the relatively warm cave, and are carrying clubs nonchalantly. They step a bit into the cavern, the lead giant calling out something at the two twitching ogres. His voice is deep and carrying, and is speaking a language completely incomprehensible to you.

((ooc: I'm running into sizing problems on the map. Each square is 30' on a side, but I didn't reduce the size of the character icons to match, since you would be tiny mice. So now I'm having issues with the giants. Two giants can fit decently well into a single square, but that would look awkward in the image. Hopefully it shouldn't matter much, but just be aware that I may need to fudge locations a bit, and that a lot of giants can potentially come to grips with you if you don't bottle them up.

Yngvar speaks common Giant, they're speaking something else?

Yngvar waits for the surprise attack, them pounces on the closest giant with his scimitar!

06:06, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  to hit.

06:06, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 14 using 1d10+5.  initiative.

Yngvar fumbles!

((ooc: They're speaking ogre. Which is close enough to giant that you can identify it, but not close enough to be intelligible.))

He sees Yngvar make his move but holds for Corym and Torvek, since they are invisible, if they don't appear within a few breathes, then he'll make his move to attack the first Giant, the one closest. If he can, he'll try to Hamstring it.

((EDIT AFTER GMs Post.
Attacking with his Special Dagger +3, Krackor runs forward and attacks those Hamstrings. (Haven't added anything for Surprise or Rear Attack if this is the case (since Hamstringing, which is rear), the rolls only include the +3 from the dagger
Krackor Steelfist rolled 3 using 1d10.  Forgotten Initiative. (Magical bonus of Dagger negates speed.

Krackor Steelfist rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  +3 Dagger Attack (THAC0 16) (= AC 10)
21:01, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  +3 Dagger Attack (THAC0 16) 2nd Attack (= AC 4)

22:08, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 4 using 1d3+3.  Damage #1: Dagger.
22:08, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 6 using 1d3+3.  Damage #2: Dagger.))
This message was last edited by the player at 08:36, Sat 14 Oct 2023.

((ooc: Corym is visible, since he attacked. Torvek was also visible, but he recast invisibility he's now hidden again.))

11:00, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sneak Attack: Luck Blade.

11:00, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 10 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Whiff...

If we have a +2 or 4 bonus from surprise, maybe all three of these hit, if not, only one. Since I'm uncertain, I'll avoid describing



11:14, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 11 using 1d8+4.  Attack 3.

11:14, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 7 using 1d8+4.  Attack 2.

11:14, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 9 using 1d8+4.  Attack 1.

11:12, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 11 using 1d20.  Attack 3 (THAC0 9).

11:12, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 4 using 1d20.  Attack 2 (THAC0 9).

11:12, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 5 using 1d20.  Attack 1 (THAC0 9).

11:10, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 4 using 1d10.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Fri 13 Oct 2023.

((ooc: Kali hits on all 3 attacks surprise round and all 3 attacks Round 1

Initiative: 1
Damage surprise round: 9 + 8 + 11 = 28
Damage round 1: 10 + 9 + 6 = 25))

Confident that his friends can handle the two giants, Torvek decides that checking what is happening with the prisoners and making sure to slow down any more giants from joining the fray would be the best course of action.

He sneaks behind the giants and down the corridor to go take a look at the second room.

OOC:
23:26, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 18 using 1d20.  Move silently.
--> Oops, forgot to roll d100 but d20*5 is the same as d100 in this case. 18*5 is a success.  (Or I can reroll If you prefer)

Q: is the surprise round enough for Torvek to reach the other room?  And if so, can he act based on what he sees?

Surprise Round

Torvek slips around the two giants and heads down the hallway as Kitheras and Kali leap up from behind the ogres and the rest of the group converges from the side. The two giants just stand there, watching the swarming little people with stupid looks on their faces.

Krackor and Yngvar go for the second giant, both of them managing to miss quite badly. The rest of the group gangs up on the lead giant. Corym's swing would be excellent... if the giant were standing two feet further forward. Kitheras and Kali are more effective; Kitheras hits twice, his blade just managing to make it through the giant's tough skin. Kalie wades in, her scimitar shouting imprecations, and carves up the giant's other side. Kora is right behind them, her massive two-handed sword for once looking appropriate to the situation. Her swing takes the giant in the arm, causing him to flinch.

The shock wears of the giants as they shout in pain and alarm. Their clubs come up, and they start pressing forward.

((ooc: A surprised character gets a +1 penalty to AC and loses any Dex bonuses. The hill giants are AC 3, none of which comes from being quick on their feet. So their AC is 4 this round.

Torvek, the hallway is 210 feet long. You have moved a bit more than halfway down it. Since both the hallway and the far room are lit by multi-colored torches, you can make out the shapes of several more giants in the distance. They don't seem to be doing anything at the moment.

Surprise round done. Actions and initiative for Round 1!))

Yngvar recovers from his earlier miss and connects with his giant on the next attack!

---

14:14, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  damage.

14:13, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  to hit. Hitting AC4

14:13, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 8 using 1d10+5.  initiative.

Humiliations Galore...

17:21, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 11 using 1d8+4.  Attack 2.

17:21, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 1 using 1d20.  Attack 3 (THAC0 9).

17:20, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 12 using 1d20.  Attack 2 (THAC0 9).

17:20, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 3 using 1d20.  Attack 1 (THAC0 9).

17:20, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 9 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Man, Kitheras and I are hitting with the same frequency and intensity.  I must be getting better!

17:23, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  Damage.

17:23, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 18 using 1d20.  Attack (THACO 17).

17:22, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 7 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Krackor, not particularly fast until he strikes and the strikes bite hard.

((ooc:  Remember those Hamstring Attacks  CRIT and Close to a Crit... Hopefully this cuts the Giants Hamstrings, even a bit!!!

Krackor Steelfist rolled 9 using 1d10.  initiative.
Krackor Steelfist rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Attack #1: Magical Dagger. CRIT...If Only...
Krackor Steelfist rolled 4 using 1d3+3.  Damage #1: Magical Dagger.
Krackor Steelfist rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Attack #2: Magical Dagger.
Krackor Steelfist rolled 6 using 1d3+3.  Damage #2: Magical Dagger.

Please let this be enough for at least one of those crucial hamstrings!!))

Not hearing anything alarming coming from his companions, Torvek continues towards the other giants, looking to hide by the edge of the entrance to the large cavern.

OOC: Would I be able to cast a spell when I arrive there?

((ooc: Depends on the range of the spell. Technically, by 2e RAW, you can't move and cast a spell, but we've generally handwaved it so you can move about half your speed and cast a spell. So you can get most of the way to the entrance (60' is 2 squares). The room beyond is huge, though, so let me know what you would want to do.))

As Torvek approaches the room, he looks if the giants are within range and once close enough, cast ESP to try to understand what the giants are thinking.

OOC: Assumption: ESP would not negate invisibility.
Range = 45y = 135ft.  If the giants are not in range, then Torvek will keep moving until he reaches the edge of the room and hide behind the lip.

Round 1

The lead giant is badly wounded and swaying on his feet. That's not the best idea, as it leaves the thick arteries in its legs open, and Kali steps in. With two precise slashes she opens the sides of the legs and the giant collapses, bleeding out. The second giant bellows something over his shoulder down the tunnel, before turning back and slamming his club into Yngvar's chest, knocking the druid back several paces and making him see stars. ((ooc: Yngvar, you take 21 points of damage. You also understand the giant; he's shouting, "Oy! More meat puppets! Come get yours!"))

In the larger cavern the three other giants leap to their feet, grab their clubs, and go running towards the group. The nearest one comes just within range of Torvek's magic, and he speeds through his mind-reading spell. The giant's thoughts are a bit alien and in another language, but you get the sense that the giant is pleased, that he had known that this was a place of great loot and hunting when he saw it, and that the little man will be pleased.

((ooc: Torvek, the giant you're using ESP on is the one just on the edge of the map. It's 130 feet away (its movement brought it into your range). There are two more giants behind it about sixty feet further into the room. Though they're much bigger than you, they seem to cover ground at about the same rate. You are still invisible.))

Yngvar picks himself up and strikes back at the giant, but his blade gets caught in the thick furs that drape its body. Krackor, Corym, and Kitheras swarm around the giant, each of them managing to draw blood. Kora keeps back, not wanting to crowd anyone. The giant is wounded, and seems a little surprised that such puny things are still standing, but still has plenty of fight left in it.

((ooc: Krackor, we're not using any advanced combat rules. You're welcome to flavor your text by saying you're going for the hamstring, but there isn't a mechanical effect.))

((ooc: Round 1 complete. 1 giant down, 1 wounded. Three more moving towards the fight. Updated map is below. Actions and initiative for Round 2!))

21:44, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 7 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 3.  damage 3.

21:44, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 6 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 2.  Damage 2.

21:44, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 9 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 5.  Damage 1.

21:43, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 39 using 3d20 with rolls of 19,10,10.  Attacks (THAC0 9).

21:43, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 1 using 1d10.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Wed 18 Oct 2023.

Corym tries to use his short sword as a fan because the giant looks hot and could use a nice breeze

Yngvar, desperate to not get hit again, swings his sword again while ducking, misses badly!

---

06:06, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 7 using 1d10.  initiative.

06:06, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  to hit.

Hearing to Giant bellow, brings a new smile to his face, he casts the Spikes designed for catching large creatures, like Giants.

((ooc: Where are you casting Spike Stones? I also need an initiative roll for you, since the giants are continuing to advance.))

((ooc: Initiative = 13
Locations, 20ft wide 40ft long, in middle of the full 30ft square, Giant side of Torvek {end 3rd of corridor} heading their direction.))

Torvek continues moving to the entrance of the room, take a look at the situation, making sure that if a giant is charging down the corridor, he won't get bumped, and if appropriate, sneaks in looking for a place to hide.

When in range, Torvek looks at the other giants for indication of a leader or a stronger one and switches the ESP, particularly listening for thought of little man.   Torvek also makes sure to assess the situation with regards of the captives and the other exits.

OOC: How many giants can torvek count?

Round 2

Torvek darts into the large room, evading the oncoming giants who are crowding around the tunnel's entrance as they pull boulders from various packs and sacks. His mind-reading spell continues running, but he doesn't pick up anything much beyond a gleeful bloodthirstiness that the little squishies have come to them, and greed at what the giant might loot from your corpses. That tracks with the massive room's contents; it's like bits and pieces of a half dozen caravans have been dumped and piled in no particular order all over. He can also see the rough prison cells heaped along the southern wall.

In the first room, Kitheras tears into the still-standing giant, wounding it grievously. The giant sways, its eyes crossing, but it remains aware enough to evade Corym and Yngvar as both of them try to take it down. Then Kali clambers up onto the first giant's corpse and leaps at its face, bringing it down in a crash.

The first two giants are dead, but your relief is broken by a boulder flying down the tunnel at Kitheras's head. He ducks; the rock sails past to slam into one of the staged ogre corpses, sending body parts flying. A second rock comes after it, and Kali is too slow on the dodge; it hits her shoulder and nearly spins her around. ((ooc: Kali, you take 9 damage))

Krackor's spell goes off, lifting part of the corridor's stone floor into a series of spikes. But to his annoyance, the giants don't come down the corridor. Instead, they cluster around the exit, two of them readying more boulders, while the third pushes and shoves at their backs, trying to get a clear shot.

((ooc: Round 2 over, actions and initiative for Round 3. Due to scale, it's easier to use two screenshots rather than one massive one. The big room is 330' across. It's lit by the same enchanted torches as the first room and the hallway.))

Yngvar pulls Kali from the path of flying boulders. "They'll have to come to us if they can't see us."

In giant, he goads them. "Come join your buddies in death cowards! Or are you too afraid of us?"

Kitheras smirks and says,

"No they'll just start torturing hostages until we come in. I'm not going to sit hear and listen to a woman be raped to death by a hill giant. I'm going to cast a spell, then everyone follows me in single file behind me. Right behind me.  I'll be running. Krackor, I'm going to need your spell down. I'm sorry it didn't work."

Kitheras sheathes his sword and lays prone, then rolls over so that he is in the tunnel.  ((I'm specifically do this so that the Company can see where in the tunnel I'll be, so they can file in behind me.))  Then he casts Mirror Image.

07:18, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 3 using 1d4.  Mirror Image.

That should be five mirror images.

He then redraws his swords and prepares to rise and charge.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:25, Sat 21 Oct 2023.

Yngvar didn't like it much, too dangerous, it was a loooong tunnel, but he prepared to follow!

He too turns his smile into a smirk at Yngvar's words but shakes his head at Kitheras.
"Captain, you jest.  The Spikes don't fill the full corridor, I have left gaps at both sides enough for us to travers without need to cancel the spell.

I agree with Yngvar, if they can't see us, they can't throw boulders and may come down.  Can anyone makes sounds like Giants in lots of pain or agony, to encourage the Giants to help their 'friends'?  Captain, if they do start as you say, it won't be for a moment or two, by which time we'll know if the Hill-Giants are heading this way or not, if they aren't, we make our way down the tunnel, if they do come this way, the it's a moot point.

As we are not already in Melee Combat, I shall bestow upon you all, Gorm's Blessings.

((ooc:  Action:  Casts Bless
Initiative: 9
Effect:  Everyone except Torvek as he is too far away.))
This message was last edited by the player at 09:26, Sun 22 Oct 2023.

"Too complex--their blood is already up.  Maybe a big flash of light.  Continual Light Stone?"

Torvek thanks the gods (*) for the giants deciding to stand together near the doorway.  He looks for a place to hide behind the central pillar or some part of the caravan, move into a safer position, turns around and casts a spell at the giants.

OOC:
Action: cast Chaos
Casting time: 5
Initialtibe: 23:54, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 4 using 1d10.  Initiative (dex bonus +1)

Note 1: initiative: not sure how you handle this. Ideally, Torvek would like to look for a place to hide, move, then cast from a safer place rather than as soon as possible, which might delay when the spell takes effect?

Note 2: Chaos should break invisibility.  However, since the giants are concentrating on the tunnel, I would hope that there's a chance that Torvek's presence could remain unnoticed if he is somewhat hiding behind something.  Spell is V,S,M.  Hopefully the verbal component does not need to be extremely loud and can be covered be nice of the fight.
If needed: 00:08, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 9 using 1d100.  Hide in shadow.

Note 3: (*) and the DM, it looks to me like all 3 giants would fit in the 40' cube AOE of the chaos spell :-)

Round 2

Kitheras starts to cast his mirror image spell, but as he is standing in the center of the archway, he's a prime target and is promptly showered with flung boulders. Two of them hit, while a third sails through the group. Kitheras staggers back a step, his spell ruined. ((ooc: Kitheras, you take 21 damage.)) Most of the rest of the group dodges to the sides, out of the line of fire. Krackor blesses the group, and you can feel Gorm's presence calming the normal battle jitters.

((ooc: Giants rolled really well on initiative and kind of ruined things. Maps are unchanged for the moment, though only Kitheras is visible and targetable.

Torvek, hiding properly would take a round. So you can hide on Round 2 (this round) and cast Chaos on Round 3. Or you can cast Chaos on Round 2 and be easily visible to anyone who looks. Though you're right; with the amount of hooting and hollering the giants are doing, they're not going to notice a bit of quiet spellcasting unless the effects turn them toward you.

If you hide in shadows, you can also move 1/4 your movement to position yourself. So you can move anywhere within 1 square of your spot on the map. Let me know which you pick.))

Yngvar quickly pulls Kitheras from the line of fire and casts Cure Moderate Wounds on him!

---

07:09, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 8 using 1d10+1.  Cure Moderate Wounds.

In reply to Yngvar the Mad (msg # 260):

Krackor helps Yngvar with Kitheras by Moving into the side of the corridor...!

Krackor moving forward, starts Shouting Loudly with his shield raised; from a little vial he sprinkles water over his shield and himself.... "Mighty protector and seer of evil, protect your servant from it's gaze that it will almost falter or stutter.  May his Eyes of Fire burn through to their hearts and make them tremble, allow your power to flow directly around and through me"

((OOC:  Krackor casts Protection From Evil on himself (giving Evil Creatures -2 to hit and touched character a +2 on saves from them)
Krackor Steelfist rolled 11 using 1d10+4.  initiative - Casts Pro from Evil.
((This leads him nicely to his next round action as he moves forward even further))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Thu 26 Oct 2023.

Kitheras gasps for breath and rolls back to cover.  His shattered voice whispers, "I don't think I can lead that charge."

Corym ensures that his cover is sound behind the wall.

"Without knowing where Torvek is, there isn't much I can do. Whatever I might do would be just as likely to end him as well."

After moving himself to a somewhat safer location... well as safe as one can be safe in a room with three angry giants... and making himself somewhat hidden, Torvek cast Chaos as the giants, hoping that they will fight it out among themselves while the rest of us watches.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 262):

Hearing the words of his Captain, even though he had already moved to intercede, made Krackor look back, only for a moment though as his spell came into fruition.  "I'll lead, give me a count of 5 then move after me, gives me time to charge forward"

This round already casting Pro from Evil (PfE).
Next round, CHARGEs forward.  The negative effects of charging on AC are made up by the PfE spell.

Yngvar peeks around the corner to see where the giants are and what they are doing. Taking care not to be a target for a boulder!

Round 3

Kitheras dodges back out of the line of fire, making him the last of the group to take cover from the flying boulders. From further down the hall, the group can hear the cheerful jeering of the giants, shouting things like, "Come back and play, meat puppets! Come play catch!" Thankfully, only Yngvar can understand them.

Krackor protects himself from the evil giants, while in the second room the hidden Torvek completes a complicated enchantment. He flings it at the giants, and waits to see how they react.

((ooc: Just to be clear, the giants beat Torvek on initiative. So next round will be the first when they are affected by the spell, and round 1 for duration purposes. But they are all affected, and Torvek knows that they are.

New map to show Torvek's new position. If figured he'd want to get further away from the captives to the south. Actions and initiative for Round 4!))

Round 4, CHARGEs forward.  The negative effects of charging on AC are made up by the PfE spell.
Battleaxe in hand, the eyes on the face of his shield seeming to blaze with life.

Yngvar raises his sword and shield and prepares to follow! He pauses a moment to see what happens first, he's quaking in his boots, but takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly, then sucks in another to gird himself!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Thu 02 Nov 2023.

((ooc: General note. It's 230 feet from where you are to the closest of the giants (I'm rounding everyone's location along various walls to a single number). Krackor can charge 90 feet per round. Everyone else can charge 180 feet. So if everyone stays behind Krackor, he'll probably draw all the fire, but it will take 3 rounds to get in melee range (90' this round + 90' next round + charge/normal melee movement on round 3). If the tall folk flat out charge this round, you'll be able to melee with the giants next round. Your choice.))

In reply to DM (msg # 270):

Good for me
"Stay to the sides the charging Dwarven Priest calls back as he trundles forward.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:44, Sat 04 Nov 2023.

Feeling the power of his magic take control of the giants' minds, Torvek makes himself less noticeable and decides to let the spell take its course.  While doing so, he also keep a careful eye on the two corridors at the opposite side of the room to make sure that no nasty surprises are coming this way.


OOC:
01:30, Today: Torvek Ragdar rolled 51 using 1d100.  Hide in shadows.

After Yngvar steals his nerves, he charges after his new companion, down the hall to the giants! Praying he doesn't die!

Corym--his faith fully in his Stone Skin charges down the hall.

Kitheras--despairing of his chances, but unwilling to be left behind when the call to charge is given--dashes down the hall way.

Round 4

On Krackor's shout, the group comes boiling out from around the edges of the hallway and follows Krackor, keeping hunched down as much as they can behind him. Instead of going down the middle of the hall, Krackor keeps to one side, so that they will eventually pass the spiked stones by safely.

Normally, the group would expect to be showered with boulders. But the three giants are hard in the grip of the chaos spell. One is staring blankly ahead, its dull eyes not even blinking as the second one wallops it on its side. The third turns and wanders away, heading for a distant exit on the southeastern side of the chamber.

((ooc: Combat is easy to resolve when there's minimal attacking. :)

Everyone is lined up behind Krackor. You have one more round of just running before you reach melee range of the giants. Torvek, you are obviously in range already. Actions for next round, please, or just confirmation that you're continuing to run.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:07, Fri 10 Nov 2023.

Yngvar quickly catches up to Krackor, shield up and sword ready, right behind the dwarf by just a few feet. He keeps his distance and slows his pace to match his dwarven friends! He keeps to the edge as directed, to avoid the spikes!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:19, Mon 06 Nov 2023.

"Wrong way, that won't do!" thinks Torvek to himself as he sees one of the giants move towards one of the exits on the other side of the room.  Still careful not to draw attention to himself, he releases another wave of magical mental energy toward it... this time of the nightmare kind.


OOC:
Action: cast Phantasmal Killer at the dumb giant that is attempting to run away

(Hopefully in his current state he has no reason to disbelieve anything and if he did, it might count as surprised)

This message was last edited by the player at 14:20, Tue 07 Nov 2023.

((ooc: Brilliant combo use))
Kracjor keeps running, but seeing the Giants wandering almost aimlessly, once able to spread out, he waits for the others to start overtaking and works on a concerted effort on one Giant at a time.

keep running

keep running

Round 6

The group keeps moving forward, crouching down in a line behind Krackor. They keep expecting to be dodging boulders, but instead the two giants still at the end of the tunnel turn on each other in a cacophony of shouts and insults. Clubs and fists fly, and the giant that was hit previously thwacks his attacker hard in the head.

Torvek waved his hands and a slight ripple in the air wafted across the room towards the giant wandering away. What form the phantasmal killer took was unknown, but Torvek could see from the shimmer that it was attacking the giant. The giant plodded forward, paying no attention. ((ooc: The spell is working; the killer just missed this round.))

((ooc: Round over. Everyone is now close enough to the two giants that you can close to melee and attack if you wish. Actions and initiative for the new round!))
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:07, Fri 10 Nov 2023.

In reply to DM (msg # 282):

Seeing the two Giants attacking each other, Krackor holds a fist up for the others to stop. "Let's them fight each other, and when the stop, then we pile in. No point getting into it if they do the job for us."  He remembered the Castle, where they ran in and got peppered by arrows when they could have waited.

"With that, I whole heartedly agree. We'll clean up the survivor."

As two of the giants are fighting together and one is in trouble with his mind, Torvek moves towards the Eastern side of the room, aiming to take a look down the other tunnels.

Holding position--trying to be a small target.

Kitheras readies his bow and arrows (traitors) to be prepared if the Hill Giants turn their attention toward them.

Round 7

The group stops short in the corridor, watching the giants. Both giants seem to sag, as though they were puppets with cut strings. Where a moment before they were hammering away at each other with their clubs, now they stare blankly into each others' eyes, their heads leaning forward to such an extent they nearly touch. Deeper in the room, the shimmer in the air that had been chasing the third giant barely manages to touch it. The giant screams, leaping straight up into the air. It's dead by the time its feet touch the floor again.

Torvek starts making his way across the cavern. He doesn't see any other creatures, aside from the now-dead giant and the people locked in the cages along the south wall. As he gets closer, the two entrances become a bit clearer. Both are narrower than the giant artery that has led into the hill, being about ten feet wide and seven or eight feet tall. He's about a hundred feet from the northern exit, and can see a bit down the tunnel before the angle cuts off vision. It seems straight and relatively unremarkable.

((ooc: New map of the giant cave below, with Torvek's current position. Ignore the 3rd giant; I forgot to remove it from the screenshot. I'll be gone next time. You're about 100 feet from the upper exit, and can reach it next round if you wish. You're a bit over 200 feet from the lower exit.))

((ooc: Since it looks like the group wants to just wait while the chaos spell runs, and it has another five rounds or so, I think it's easier at this point to just ask for folks to give any actions they want to do over the next 5 rounds, or whenever a giant starts to wander away.

Torvek, you can poke your head down either of the tunnels if you want. Both of them are at least several hundred feet long, lit by the same glowing iron torches as the rest of the level. There's a bit of a stench coming from the northern one, but nothing particularly strong.))

"I'm hoping they kill each other, or at least beat each other bad enough they'll be pretty easy to finish off. What do you all think?" Yngvar asks the others quietly so as not to be noticed by the giants.

Not looking back any anyone talking, Krackor just nods his head and says "Exactly".. he waits a few moments then turns.  The biggest, cheesiest grin on his face.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:35, Fri 10 Nov 2023.

Torvek first approaches the northern tunnel, a pauses along the wall, listens for a moment and takes a careful look.  The smell is strange and Torvek tries to identify what it could be while listening

OOC: assuming he see nothing in particular

Torvek then move along the wall until he is just beside the second corridor, again he pauses, listen and look.

Once done, he continues along the wall towards the cells in the south of the room.

Corym wants to slip past the giants while thye're stupefied and check on the prisoners.  I want to do it quickly--using a tumble check if necessary--and make sure that no one is bleeding out. Once there, I'll start workin on the locks.

I'm still more than a little miffed at botching my initial archery and then getting nearly bouldered to death.  I'm going to prepare to end these guys with arrows.  I'm going to direct traffic a bit and get everyone else to commit to the missile game as well.

If we're closer to them than the giant when the rouse, they'll hit us.  But if not, they're more likely to hit each other.

If they snap out of it, we try to end them in one round of rapid missile fire.

Yngvar pulls out and loads a bullet in his sling and looses it on the nearest giant, and watches it fly 2 feet over his head!

07:49, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 8 using 1d10.  initiative.

07:49, Today: Yngvar the Mad rolled 5 using 1d20.  to hit.

Krackor moves forward, listening to any verbalise instructions until he is within 5ft of the first Giant, then he unleashes fire with the power of Lava.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Sat 11 Nov 2023.

Giant battle, wrap up

Of the two remaining giants, one just keeps staring blankly into space, even when its compatriot begins bashing it on the head and chest with its club. The attack is vicious, brutal, and cuts off abruptly as the second giant turns and starts trodding down the corridor towards your group.

Corym slips past the giants as they loom in the entrance and eventually gets around to the cells. There aren't any doors, though. In fact, they are only very loosely structures, being made of heaps of broken rock and other heavy debris, with enough small holes to provide ventilation. From the way things are settled, Corym figures that the giants lift off the boulders at the top of the pile whenever they want to get at the people huddled inside.

The first giant continues to stare blankly ahead for a bit after its companion leaves. Then it, too, turns and wanders off. By then, Krackor had gotten into position, and was able to unleash on it with the fiery eyes of Gorm. Together, the group is able to take down the remaining giants.

((ooc: The two giants are half hp, AC 3, and wandering with no reactions for 5 or 4 rounds. There's no reason to draw the fight out further; you'll be able to kill them without yourselves taking damage. So, congratulations, the battle is over.

Torvek, neither of the two exits are at all remarkable from what you're able to see from their entrances.))

"Well done everyone!" Kitheras says--not loudly, but not whispering. "Regroup, take what healing you need. Torvek and Corym--I need those exits reconnoitered, but we need to make sure that the prisoners are safe first.  I don't like the looks of that cairn-cage.  We need to get them out of there before it shifts and collapses on them.

"Kali and Kora, stand watch on the entrances in the mean time.  Give an alarm if something starts coming."

"Krackor and Yngvar, I think both of you might have something to contribute to the liberation efforts.  I've seen Krackor mold stone before and should think that a druid could be able to do a bit more. What capabilities do we have?"

Corym begins making a survey of the pile of stones. He tests and prods at several stones, and even takes out a scrap of parchment and charcoal pencil to sketch out the structure to help him conceptualize it.

He considers the various applications of levers, curses the loss of his block and tackle, and the probable trajectory of rolling stones.

((e.g. I rolled every skill I have that I thought would be relevant to this challenge))


21:46, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 34 using 1d100.  Find Traps/Secrets 95%.

21:46, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 3 using 1d20.  Architechture (12).

21:45, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 7 using 1d20.  Engineering (14).

Torvek comes to join Corym and watches him making sure that the place is not trapped and looking at the boulders for a moment.  "I could make one of the boulder much smaller." he offers.

"I can stone shape as well" Yngvar informs his compatriots.

Corym

None of the cages are what you would call well designed, but they at least seem to be mostly stable. And for each of them there's at least one large rock that, once lifted or rolled away, would provide easy access to the interior.

((ooc: Each cell needs a combined strength score of 25 to safely open. Given the crude construction and tight spaces, only two people can work on a cell at a time. But as long as their combined strength is 25 or higher, no roll is needed.))

With the giants dead and some of the group moving into view of the cages, a few of the occupants start screaming for help. More remain dejectedly silent.

((OOC: if the Giants were taken out by the fire eyes in less that 8 rounds, Krackor could move them onto the stones to melt through them.))

((ooc: You can do that if you want, but they're big lumpy piles of stone. There isn't a single thing to melt through. You could melt a cell together, though, doing a bit of stone welding.))

"Someone give me a hand and put our backs into moving the stones we have to" (Str.13 need someone with at least a 12 to move it.)

He goes to the first one and readies to roll it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Thu 16 Nov 2023.

Burn through a cell wall rather than weld.
It burns through stone in 2 rounds, no point wasting the power on nothing.

"Uhh, is someone going to help, or do you plan to leave them here to die? Guys? Does everything have to be dramatic?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Fri 17 Nov 2023.