[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

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Baron_T Inactive forever!

Dec 29, 2022 8:56 pm

Dec 29, 2022 8:56 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Prologue

<This post is directly from the game advertisement, the prologue continues below in the next post>

Gu’trak crouched low behind a rotting log; the smell of moss and forest tickled his snout of a nose. As Gu’trak watched, an alpine swallow swooped across the mountain road that ran from Verge to Threshold.

The only sound was the muffled snorts and shifting of the raiding party. With a grunt, Gu’trak adjusted his battleaxe tracing the angular runes with a green finger. He smiled through his tusks as he turned to his brother "Kill hard skins, take the rest." He grunted in their guttural language.

Gu’trak’s brother nodded with a face face covered with blue streaks of paint to scare death. The orcs tensed as a whispered snort rippled down the line. Presently a small party of two wagons and twenty people was kicking up dust along the road.

The warhorn blared.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Dec 30, 2022 3:23 am

Dec 30, 2022 3:23 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The orcs were not merciful captors.

After they captured each of you in various raids and ambushes, they started off.

The group of 11 prisoners were driven into the mountains with whips and shouts. Each prisoner had their wrists bound with rope tied in a line to the rest of the captives. The orcs dragged the party at a grueling pace that would leave most sore from exhaustion.

The winding path and hidden switchbacks left the captives lost. The air grew colder and the trees thinner as the orcs cut a trail higher and higher. The air, though crisp still had the pleasant smell of evergreens that might have been relaxing, if it had not been for the current predicament.

At night, the rope holding the prisoners was staked to the ground and guards posted watching them in shifts. Additionally, guards would watch the perimeter of the campsite of low tents and small, hidden fires. While the orcs (numbering 40-50) lacked military discipline, it became clear that they had learned how to survive in the harsh landscape and keep what they have stolen.

One day, mumbled whispers came down the line of captives. One prisoner had made out some discussion among the orc leaders. From what he understood, these orcs had a clan chief and stronghold dug into one of the mountains, the prisoners were to be brought there so the clan chief could decide their fate.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Dec 31, 2022 2:14 pm

Dec 31, 2022 2:14 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Chapter 1

This night seems different.

The orc stoped you early in a small cleaning in the wood. They started felling trees and stacking them in the center of the camp. Dennan picks up an argument a ways away, apparently some think it’s irresponsible to be so brazen with their devotion.

As night fell, they lit the huge, 20 foot bonfire; then the celebration began. The orcs rummaged through the pillaged supplies bringing out the kegs of wine and beer. Filling a trough, they took turns drinking in front of the bonfire. All the while keeping watch on the prisoners.

Now, Veronica notices the full moon rising as a group of orcs approach, weaving a path across the clear ground. They cut two prisoners free and drag them toward where all the orcs except the guards and sentries have formed a rough circle.

Presently, they are enveloped by the orcs and you hear the sound of metal on metal as the orcs erupt in cheers.

OOC:

You have two guards watching you but slightly distracted by the cheers and drink. The group of orcs is near the center of the camp and the bonfire. Your equipment is on the opposite side of the bonfire. Around the perimeter of the circular camp, sentries are posted in the tree line every 20 meters. Your hands are bound with rope staked to the ground.

Dec 31, 2022 11:03 pm

Dec 31, 2022 11:03 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Since the thread is open, I thought it makes sense to migrate and elaborate this post here. Looking forward to when we really start.

Dennan stays aware that his wolf companion may be nearby and is definitely following the party. He also is trying to examine the other captives to determine who could be of assistance during an escape. He notices two other captives in particular. One seems ready to lash out in any means possible, weapon or not. Her eyes in the moonlight reveal a yellow glint of attention and determination and are mostly concealed under a dark hood. The other, who's young--even younger than himself--seems to have an aura about her, something that Dennan cannot quite put his finger on. She holds herself differently. Perhaps, he thinks, she possesses some skills or powers that could be useful to get out of this mess.

Further, based on him picking up on some apprehension in the ranks after overhearing an argument in the Orcish tongue about the follies of brazen devotion, Dennan is waiting for an opportunity to exploit this and will hide is ability to understand Orcish until revealing it can be beneficial, perhaps to create a distraction that plays into the orcs apparent doubts during an escape plan.

He wonders what the the orcs mean to do with the two prisoners they dragged to the circle. There seems like nothing can be done about that at the moment. All he can do is wait, watch, learn, and see where these orcs are taking their captives.

OOC:

Is there anything Dennan may recognize (traits, emblems, runes, etc) about this party of orcs, like anything he would have learned from his past dealings with the orcs of these lands?

Last edited December 31, 2022 11:09 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Dec 31, 2022 11:59 pm

Dec 31, 2022 11:59 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica looks up at the bright full moon shining above everyone before seeing the Orcs cut free two of the prisoners to either entertain them or be eaten by them and watches them drag the two unfortunate souls to the center of the bonfire.

She then hears metal on metal and the Orcs cheering before she sighs and curses silently under her breath.

"Damn it all...Why did it have to be ugly pig-faced Orcs, Why? Was it nae enough that you had to curse us that ya brought this unlucky fate to my door, Great Grandfather? Ach." Veronica whispered to herself through clenched teeth with a thick Irish accent.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 1, 2023 3:09 am

Jan 1, 2023 3:09 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Dennan, you notice a few things about the orcs with your experience. First, these aren’t the Stone Tusk orcs that normally patrol this area, they don’t have the telltale runes carved I to their tusks. While you don’t have experience you believe these to be Thousand Axe orcs based on their axe styling, though their stronghold and territory is on the other (north) side of the mountain ranges. The rumors you have heard is that they are a very powerful clan in their neck of the woods… err… mountains.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 1, 2023 1:47 pm

Jan 1, 2023 1:47 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla sits quite calmly on the ground. Her legs in a lotus position, her back straight up.
She would have probably held her arms in a more comfortable position as well if her wrists hadn't been tied.
She sits, observing it all, her mind focussed on the situation and her own powers.

She looks quite worried at the two prisoners. Surely, whatever the orcs have in mind for them can't be good. Especially as she hears what could be... fighting? Are the orcs making them fight each other?

For a moment she looks up, noticing the gaze of a stranger, a young man, observing her for a moment. He looks capable.
And she hears the woman whispering nearby. Surely, she is full of passion.
She nods quitely at them both.

As Layla isn't strong to break her bonds, but in her mind forms a plan how she could keep these two guards busy without them even knowing it was her. She might need the help of these strangers... for the window of opportunity would be small before alarm would be raised. At the time that the moment is right, she might take it.

Dragonling sent a note to Dragonling

Last edited January 1, 2023 3:23 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 1, 2023 8:25 pm

Jan 1, 2023 8:25 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica looks up to see the young man looking at her and gives a small smile showing her vampire fangs as well as a small dainty wave with a finger before returning to look at the moon and their captors.

Jan 1, 2023 11:05 pm

Jan 1, 2023 11:05 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

A self-possessed glance of acknowledgment from the captive sitting calmly in an almost meditative posture and a somewhat shocking smile revealing the unexpected 'weapon' the yellow-eyed one has concealed under her hood, assures Dennan that his instincts about these two other captives being capable allies in an escape effort are well founded. They are aware and ready.

He also is beginning to fear that the captives the orcs dragged to the circle are to be used for an Orcish sacrificial rite, and the contested 'brazen devotion' he overheard some orcs complaining about was act of stopping here and making a big fire visible in the open.

Through the whippings, winding paths, and long restless hours on foot Dennan has been trying hard to keep track of the party's location and believes if he has kept his Ranger's wits about him that the party is south of the mountains and Verge, well within the Duchy of Karameikos. The thing that troubles him is that these orcs are not the orcs he normally encounters in this area.

Last edited January 1, 2023 11:26 pm

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 2, 2023 2:22 am

Jan 2, 2023 2:22 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The guards don’t react to Veronica’s words nor to the silent communication between the three captives. Instead their attention was on the group of cheering orcs, while snorting their own excitement.

Final thud is heard to the largest cheers and the orcs all take a drink. From the group one bloodied prisoner is dragged back to where the rest of the captives are held and tied up. Severe gashes have left him weak but alert, and obviously distraught.

The rest of the orcs (save guards and sentries) face the bonfire and start in some sort of religious rite. A wolf howl from the forest close by goes unheeded by the orcs but Dennan recognizes the howl that is trying to communicate danger and caution.

The bonfire flares and Layla suddenly feels like she is being watched from the flames. Nothing is present but there’s a foggy distant feeling of eyes on her.

To Veronica’s night eyes, the orcs are starting to look more like a late night pub than a military unit. Their footsteps less sure, their eyes half lidded.

And still a droning of the religious rite As the body of the deceased is brought to the bonfire.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 2, 2023 3:17 am

Jan 2, 2023 3:17 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica sees the bloodied prisoner and scowls at their captors.They made the prisoners fight each other. The deceased who lost the fight will probably fuel the bonfire in some sadistic religious ritual or give the Orcs strength by feeding on the corpse. Either way they got their pound of flesh this night.

Looking at them, she spats at the ground in disgust after biting her lip with blood falling down her chin. She licks it up before giving a sadistic smile and smells the air for the aura of life energy. She hungered for it and will patiently wait to consume anyone foolish enough to get near and in her way, Orc or monster or foolish mortal . Her yellow eyes were manic and crazed at the moment.

Jan 2, 2023 3:48 am

Jan 2, 2023 3:48 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Upon watching the bloodied and weak prisoner being dragged back to the rest of the captives, his hatred, anger, and loathing for the vile Orc captors begins to build in Dennan. A sudden not-so-distant howl of his beast companion snaps him out of it and he forces himself to stay collected and alert.

He glances at the fanged yellow-eyed one and see her spit on the ground also in disgust and then looks over to see if the focused poise of the young one remains.

As he does so, Dennan gives out a subdued howl as if it also came from the forest to let his wolf know to stay close by.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 2, 2023 2:38 pm

Jan 2, 2023 2:38 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica then sees and hear Dennan howl out to something and chuckles to herself.

"You calling out to the wolfpack, boy? You know they won't be able to help us. These pig-faced Orcs are going to try their damndest to try and break our spirits as well as use us for their entertainment before we even get to their stronghold/keep. I suggest we lay low until the opportunity comes for us to escape from this nightmare. By the way, the names Veronica Crane, I'm the Great granddaughter of the legendary Ichabod Crane. " Veronica said to Dennan quietly.

Last edited January 2, 2023 2:42 pm

Jan 2, 2023 4:13 pm

Jan 2, 2023 4:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Keeping his attention on the guards Dennan quietly replies, "I'm Dennan of a people lost in these lands to a fate similar to ours. You are right. The wolves cannot help us escape this nightmare." He pauses to make sure this introduction is going unnoticed. Then continues more quietly, "These are not the orcs I normally track here. They are a clan from the north and some are worried about making such a spectacle, perhaps they do not want attention drawn to their presence." He nods in the direction of the young one robed one (Layla), "you seem quiet and perceptive, is there anything you recognize about these orcs or their ritual?"

OOC:

Baron_T, Is there anything Dennan knows about the location/habits/numbers of the Stone Tusk orcs that normally patrol this area that he could use to 'scare' this group of Thousand Axe orcs into moving on if they should grab more prisoners to torture.

Last edited January 2, 2023 4:15 pm

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 2, 2023 7:28 pm

Jan 2, 2023 7:28 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla sits calmly still. Not without nerves. Her eye keeps darting to the flames. They somehow give her the creeps. It's really hard to say why.

She then looks at Dennan and Veronica, who made quite an impressive introduction. Great Granddaughter of some who-is-it-Crane?

"I an Layla Whiterose from the tiny village of Timberfalls," she says calmly. "I shall not pretend to be an expert on orcs or their rituals. I am farm from it, really. It is best to keep a mind as clear as possible... how hard that might seem..." she nods at the orcs dragging the corpse "or how distracting it might be" she glances at the fire again and also at Veronica for a moment.

Yet, she tries to make most of it, to understand them. To see what they are up. Any patterns in their social behavior. Trying to understand what they might want from the prisoner they took to the bonfire.

Jan 2, 2023 8:40 pm

Jan 2, 2023 8:40 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Still," Dennan persists, "your eyes betray your awareness toward the flames. I've heard of the evils these vile creatures worship. I can sometimes sense the presence of the beast in nature, but you I gather can sense much more."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 2, 2023 9:19 pm

Jan 2, 2023 9:19 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods at that and replies "It's a pleasure to meet you both Layla and Dennan. I hope these fiends will allow us to sleep before we are to move on again because I dannae know how long it'll be before we'll reach their stronghold/keep to find out what our fates will be. If they don't want their presence known, they'll definitely lead others here with how bright and large that bonfire is. These orcs aren't really smart then. I don't have to breathe being dhampir (half human half vampire) but I need water and the nourishment of life energy to survive and like other creatures, I have to sleep until I dannae have to anymore. "

She then looked back at their captors and the moon after one final chuckle of amusement before falling silent again.

Jan 2, 2023 10:36 pm

Jan 2, 2023 10:36 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"A Dhamir you say? Hmm...your understanding of this existence must then transcend the mundane. Well, that's better company than most of my befouled human kind. I am pleased to meet you both here, although I would have desired it to be through disbanding these sickening captors of ours as opposed to being the captives." He pauses to look at the guards. "Our time will come. Yes. Sleep. If we can."

OOC:

I meant to say earlier "sense the presence of the beasts of nature" not the beast...oops

Last edited January 3, 2023 12:42 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 3, 2023 1:19 am

Jan 3, 2023 1:19 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I was turned into one when I was 16 so I have learned a lot. Every year that passes and as I grow older, I'll still look as youthful as the Lady vampire noble what attacked and changed me. I'm only 29 now. And aye, the humans do be cruel. I haven't met many I can put my trust in but ye and the lady Layla seems like you'll be good allies to have in the fight ahead." She whispered before she closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

Jan 3, 2023 1:36 am

Jan 3, 2023 1:36 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica's comment made Dennan suddenly realize he had cursed the entire human race in front of his new apparently human ally. Feeling slightly embarrassed and not adept at social grace due to his largely hermitic lifestyle, he attempts to apologize. "Well, umm, not all humans have been completely defouled, of course, present company excluded Lady Layla Whiterose."

Last edited January 3, 2023 1:37 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 3, 2023 1:58 am

Jan 3, 2023 1:58 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica laughed in her throat at that before her eyes glowed yellow in the moonlight.

"Don't worry. I ain't going to hurt ye or the young lass Layla. My Fangs are going to be saved for the Orcs and anyone who gets in my way that are helping them as well as anyone that does me or my allies harm. May the Gods show mercy on them because I won't."

Making her final statement of the night, she fell silent again.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 3:08 am

Jan 3, 2023 3:08 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Dennan You have most of it, you know that the stone tusk orcs never fight a fair fight nor let any survive their victories (if they can help it). You have to be ruthless to be this far into the kingdom.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 3:09 am

Jan 3, 2023 3:09 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

One of the orc guards, roused by the howling and introductions of the party kicks some dirt and fallen thorns at the party with a guttural sentence whose tone is clear. "Shut up flat face." Then under his breath Dennan can hear him mumble "I wanna hear the best part." Right before turning back to the bonfire.

The deceased is stood up so his silhouette is black against the bonfire before being shoved into the white hot embers. The chanting crescendos as the flames dance green for a moment. For a second, it looks as if there are a hundred shadows dancing in the bonfire before it goes back to it’s mundane campfire orange crackling away normally.

OOC:

To be continued below

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(16) + 1 = 17

Layla Whiterose: Perception - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Dennan: Perception - (1d20+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 3:15 am

Jan 3, 2023 3:15 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As the chanting quiets, a couple bloodstained orcs from the ceremony turn and start making their way toward the group of prisoners with a lumpy bag and one singular waterskin. Their gate is loose and stumbling.

The guard stands and grunts to the party something harsh banging his spear butt on the ground to demand attention.

One of the other prisoners is attending to the wounded in the ground applying pressure to the wound. The others are looking at the scene in shock and terror.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 3, 2023 3:41 am

Jan 3, 2023 3:41 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica after looking at something moving in the bushes turns back when she hears the Orc grunting at them and jabbing their spear butt into the ground . Not understanding what they are saying, she stands at attention anyway.

"If only we had a translator, we would be able to understand what you are bloody well saying. I don't speak Orc. Either speak the Common tongue or elvish because that's all I can understand. " Veronica said to herself under her breath annoyed.

Jan 3, 2023 4:03 am

Jan 3, 2023 4:03 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Does Dennan notice Veronica looking in the direction of the bushes?

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 4:13 am

Jan 3, 2023 4:13 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Seck says:

OOC:

Does Dennan notice Veronica looking in the direction of the bushes?

OOC:

I think it would make sense so yea.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 3, 2023 2:31 pm

Jan 3, 2023 2:31 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Hope they give us food and drink and allow us to sleep before we are to move on again because I don't know how much farther we got to go before we reach their stronghold/keep. Plus I heard something rustling in the bushes so it might be a creature of the night on the hunt." Veronica whispered to the others a moment later.

Jan 3, 2023 4:48 pm

Jan 3, 2023 4:48 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As he perceives Veronica's whisper about something in the bushes, Dennan stands slowly and obstinately faces the orc guard with a defiant gaze, hoping he can keep the guard's attention on himself, so Veronica's dhampir eyes can discern what is in the bushes.

OOC:

Can Dennan see what the rest of the orcs are paying attention to? How many guards are there near the party (prisoners) now? Does he 'sense' the location of his wolf companion (is he even capable of doing that)?

Last edited January 3, 2023 4:49 pm

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 6:46 pm

Jan 3, 2023 6:46 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Most the orcs in the area are standing around or starting to bed down. Right now you have the two guards standing watch on the prisoners as well as the two bringing food and water over. I would say Dennan can sense that his wolf is close by but can’t pinpoint the location (though the direction is somewhat toward where Victoria is looking generally)

Jan 3, 2023 6:52 pm

Jan 3, 2023 6:52 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

How thick do our rope bonds appear? Like possibly chewable for canine teeth?

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 6:56 pm

Jan 3, 2023 6:56 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Yea I think a wolf could chew through them but it might take a minute.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 7:05 pm

Jan 3, 2023 7:05 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I honestly hope you two don't think I am a lady. I most certainly am not. I'm just a no one from a place of no where... And don't expect mercy from the goods, Veronica. That way you shall not be disappointed." Layla says calmly but gets interrupted by the orcs calling them flat faces. So rude.

Anxiously she looks at the orc banging his spear butt and at the movement in the bushes.

She then looks at the wounded captive and the man holding pressure to the wound. She tries to reach out to them.

OOC:

How far is the wounded prisoner? Could Layla possibly reach him while tied?

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 7:26 pm

Jan 3, 2023 7:26 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Yes he’s pretty close and you could reach him.

Jan 3, 2023 7:34 pm

Jan 3, 2023 7:34 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan, convinced now that Veronica has spotted his wolf companion in waiting, is waiting for the guards attention to be routed away from him so he can find a way to communicate with the wolf and get it to chew his bonds. He’s hoping the commotion with the wounded prisoner will do the trick.

Jan 3, 2023 7:52 pm

Jan 3, 2023 7:52 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

...and even as he tries to 'stare' down the orc guard he becomes aware that Layla is trying to reach out to the wounded.

Last edited January 3, 2023 7:52 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 3, 2023 10:28 pm

Jan 3, 2023 10:28 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica is wary of whatever is rustling in the bushes and fears that it is a night predator like a dire wolf , dire bear or other predatory night creature. She stays patient to get food and drink and turns away after seeing Layla try to reach out to the wounded prisoner before whispering "Be careful."

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 10:50 pm

Jan 3, 2023 10:50 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla gives a nod to Veronica, understanding her warning.
Yet, Layla can't see someone suffering and not do anything about it if she can help it.

She puts hand on his chest and closes her eyes, letting her energy flow into him.
The softest faint of white light finds it's way to his wounds.

OOC:

Casting: Cure Wounds at level 1
Meta Magic: Subtle Spell, effectively eliminating all the spell's components (so tied hands shouldn't be a problem and hopefully the orcs won't notice.

Rolls

Cure Wounds - (1D8+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 4, 2023 3:24 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:24 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The orc guard nods at Victoria standing as Dennan catches his eye. "What you want milk breath? Think you strong?" The orc walks over to Dennan and gives him a shove; completely missing the wounded prisoners wounds stitching themselves together under Laylas silent touch. The prisoner is stabilized and looks at Layla in amazement be fore his eyes well up in tears.

A final wolf call signaling to be ready comes.

Victoria, watching the bushes sees two large cloaked figures emerge and stalk toward the next sentry in the tree line.

The two guards with the sack finally arrive at the prisoners. They are blood splattered and half lidded looking like they would prefer to be bedding down like the rest of the orcs than serving the prisoners their meal. They open the bag and start putting hunks of weevil ridden bread in the hands of the prisoners snorting "double ration tonite in honor of Helgar"

Victoria sees the two figures jump the sentry silently lowering him to the ground lifeless.

Dennan is still accosted by the guard "No rations for the strong one, he is next in the circle". The orcs all give a laugh as Dennan finally sees his wolf charge through the brush heading directly to Dennan.

Victoria sees the two figures wave a signal to the forest and the world seems to erupt in a high pitched war yell. The orcs all turn toward the tree line and scramble drunkenly for weapons. No one is paying attention to prisoners anymore. They are under attack.

Jan 4, 2023 3:38 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:38 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As soon as attention is off him Dennan instructs his wolf to chew through his bonds. He hopes that the appearance of the wolf is quickly forgotten in the chaos now erupting.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 4, 2023 4:29 am

Jan 4, 2023 4:29 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica tries to break through the ropes using her vampire fangs but the rope tastes bland and she stops. She then flicks the weevil bugs off her piece of bread and breaks it in half before giving the other piece to Dennan.

"Feck them Orcs, I'm splitting my bread with you!" Veronica cries out before handing it to him.

Quickly devouring the bland bread, Veronica looks to see if the water bucket is around and tries to push it over to her with her foot. She'll wait for someone to help her break free because she won't be able to use any of her arcane trickster powers or go for her weapons with her hands currently tied up.

Last edited January 4, 2023 4:40 am

Jan 4, 2023 4:49 am

Jan 4, 2023 4:49 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Preoccupied with the sudden chaos erupting and distracted by trying to keep an eye on the activities of his wolf companion, Dennan declines Veronica's generous offer, "Thank you my friend, but I hope we'll live to eat better meals very soon." Astonished, how quickly Veronica devours the bread Dennan asks, "How is that you are you so calm through this chaos, what did your night eyes reveal to you out there?"

Last edited January 4, 2023 4:50 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 4, 2023 1:52 pm

Jan 4, 2023 1:52 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I know I saw something rustling in the bushes and thought it was a night predator of some kind because I heard the bushes shake but they didn't reveal themselves until right now to be cloaked shadowy assassins. I don't know if they are friend or foe though. As for how am I being so calm during this? Wanna know a secret? I'm putting on a brave face but inside I'm shaking in me boots right now. I hope so too cuz I'm thirsting for life energy right now." Veronica replied.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 4, 2023 8:10 pm

Jan 4, 2023 8:10 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla accepts the bread and makes sure that the prisoner she healed also got a slice, before she would keep hers finally.

Occupied for a moment with the aid she provided, she suddenly notices the commotion going on. Wolves. Fighting. Water buckets being tossed over. She looks at Dennan and Veronica and then at the fighting.

"At least they are fighting the orcs," she says. "But are they here to help? Or just here to steal the loot and slaves of the orcs for their own? Still... this could be a commotion we could use somehow...."

Jan 4, 2023 9:17 pm

Jan 4, 2023 9:17 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Yes agreed, Layla. Friend or foe? I wish we could answer that? But let's not wait to find out. The wolf is my companion and hopefully can help us be free of these bonds. If so, we should slip into the cover of the forest. We'll be safer there until we can know the intentions of the assassins Veronica spotted and their party." Dennan smirks and looks at Veronica, "The first orc I can get my hands on, I'm throw your way. You deserve a better meal than that maggoty bread."

OOC:

Baron_T, if there are any orcs nearby Dennan intends to throw one into the Veronica's jaws as soon as the wolf can chew him free (if he han). Then he'll grab any weapon the orc may have capable of cutting the others bonds and attempt to do so. That's alot, so whatever you think, depending on what actually is happening

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 5, 2023 12:59 am

Jan 5, 2023 12:59 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods.

"If we can get to our weapons, that'll be great too. But good plan. Hope your wee wolf can be able to aid us in our fight, Dennan. And yes, they tried to feed me weevil bugs, disgusting! I'll take my protein elsewhere, thank you. "

Jan 5, 2023 2:03 am

Jan 5, 2023 2:03 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"You are right Veronica. Our weapons are vital to our survival. Perhaps you and I, if we can only get free, will be able to slip stealthily through this madness and get our equipment. If we can free the other prisoners as well, Layla can take them all to cover into the woods. The wolf can accompany her to help and will help us find our way to them after we get the weapons. What do you think Layla?"

Last edited January 5, 2023 2:20 am

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 3:17 am

Jan 5, 2023 3:17 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As the wolf approaches some of the prisoners back away instinctively. The wolf quickly nuzzles Dennan before opening its sharp teeth and starting to work on the bindings as the group discusses their plans.

Disorganized pockets of orcs gather around the bonfire as a flight of arrows is loosed from the woods. The arrows land haphazardly across the field, killing few from the first volley. One lands near the prisoners and Dennan can see the flocking matches what he has seen from the Stone Tusk orcs.

The wounded prisoner now completely recovered sits up and grabs at Layla for thanks and security.

There is a snap as one of the bonds holding Dennan snaps under the grinding wolf teeth. A twang from the forest let’s loose another volley of arrows. One orc guard turns toward the wolf and raises his spear.

The arrows land with dull thuds as the loose pockets of orcs have at least found shields or bits of wood. The orc guard drops his spear as an arrow pierces his leg with a squeal.

The other guards have left to find comrades and join the fight. Dennans binds finally break free. Orcs are running every direction in the field. The orc guard with the arrow in his leg is attempting to stand. A line of orcs is just exiting the tree line.

Rolls

Dennan: Athletics (advantage) - (2d20H1+1)

(1611) + 1 = 17

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 3:18 am

Jan 5, 2023 3:18 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan easily kicks the orc guard toward Victoria. He notices that the orc also has a dagger at his hip.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 5, 2023 3:58 am

Jan 5, 2023 3:58 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica quickly opens her mouth revealing long needle-like vampire incisors and quickly plunges them into the Orcs neck latching on and slowly begins to suck the life out of him. She moans in pleasure as she is devouring the creatures life energy. Her eyes have a look of euphoria in them.

Jan 5, 2023 4:04 am

Jan 5, 2023 4:04 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan grabs the dagger off the orc's belt as he kicks the creature in Veronica's direction. He instructs his wolf to chew Victoria's bonds as her teeth sink in to their former captor, then he heads toward Layla with dagger in hand.

Last edited January 5, 2023 4:06 am

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 11:58 am

Jan 5, 2023 11:58 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla presents her wrists to Dennan. Holding her hands as far appart as the ropes would let her. Making it as easy as possible for him to cut her free, assuming those are his intentions.

"Right!" Layla says. "You take the gear, I shall take as much prisoners I can and hide in the woods."

She looks at the man who was reaching for her after she healed him.

"Sir, can you walk? We need to get out of here in a hurry. What's your name?"

Jan 5, 2023 12:47 pm

Jan 5, 2023 12:47 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan takes advantage of Layla's readiness and easily cuts her restraints. He hands her the dagger and says, "make haste my friend, these who provide us this diversion are no allies. I recognize the markings of the brutal Stone Tusk orcs, who never let any survive their victories. Work swiftly and cut the prisoners free. Take the wolf. He knows how to find and rely on safety in the forest."

Dennan looks toward his wolf companion and while resting his hand on Laylas shoulder calls out sternly, "Silas, Protect!"

As Layla, with the dagger in her possession

OOC:

Making an edit…I’m sorry, that definitely doesn’t make sense for me to say or ASSUME that Layla would take the dagger

, turns her attention to the man she healed, Dennan turns back toward Veronica and his wolf Silas, hoping the beast was successful in freeing Veronica.

Last edited January 5, 2023 2:00 pm

Rolls

Stealth Check to weapons - (1d20+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Stealth Check to treeline - (1d20+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 1:11 pm

Jan 5, 2023 1:11 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The wolf latches his jaw on Victorias bonds as the orc she is feeding on struggles then goes limp.

The line of Stone Tusk orcs start to advance out of the forest pressing their attack.

As Dennan starts to cut bonds, the man responds to Laylas questions. "I… I’m Cadigan. Th.. they made me…" he tears up as he pushes himself to standing, stumbling once. "I think I can stand, thanks to you." Now fully standing Cadigan, still visibly in shock looks ready to follow Layla.

The melee begins close to the bonfire as Dennan finishes cutting the prisoners bonds. The clatter of sword, spear, and shield force a person to yell to be heard.

Jan 5, 2023 1:32 pm

Jan 5, 2023 1:32 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan hastily helps Layla free and gather the prisoners. Over the clatter of battle, he asks her, "what items did the orcs take from you that we should retrieve?"

Last edited January 5, 2023 1:33 pm

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 1:36 pm

Jan 5, 2023 1:36 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Thank you," Layla says as Dennan cut her free. "And understood."
Layla quickly looks around her shoulder, away from the Stone Tusk line, judging if there is a way to escape there.

She then comes to the aid of the prisoners. Untieing Cadigan as she hears his tale.
She nods.
"I am Layla Whiterose. And I'm gonna get you out of here sir. With the help of these wonderfull people Dennan and...."
Layla looks with big, terrified, eyes for a moment at Veronica and the orc.
"We'll get you out, Cadigan. And know that whatever happened was not on you, but on the orcs."

She unties as many prisoners as she can, ordering them to run to the woods in the least orc-infested part she can guess.
The she readies to go there herself.

"Come on, boy, Silas," not sure if she should talk to him as if to a dog. "Let's get out of here and wait for your master."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 5, 2023 2:03 pm

Jan 5, 2023 2:03 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Once Veronica quickly drains the life of the Orc turning the creature into a lifeless husk and emaciated where you can see its bones, and when the wolf breaks the ropes from her, Veronica goes to retrieve her daggers, and other weapons with Dennan and Layla.

"Let's try to retrieve our weapons if we can then flee. That was a delicious meal though. I'm satiated for now. Thank you, Dennans wolf friend for your assistance." Veronica said with a smile after she licked the blood and excess smoke of life energy off of her face.

Jan 5, 2023 2:34 pm

Jan 5, 2023 2:34 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan acknowledges Veronica's words with a nod and calls over the din of the clash, "This madness has fully erupted! Veronica, let the two of us go get our weapons. Hopefully we can go unnoticed with this chaos. Layla is helping the others to safety!"

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 4:39 pm

Jan 5, 2023 4:39 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla and Dennan make quick work of the rest of the prisoners bindings. From Laylas direction, Silas and the prisoners start scrambling toward the wood.

Pockets of orcish resistance seem to be holding their own against the Stone Tusk line amid the shouting orders of captains.

Cadigan stays with Layla until the last prisoner is freed then joins her in heading toward the treeline. Whereas Veronica and Dennan slip toward the bonfire and the weapons and loot beyond.

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Stealth to weapons - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Veronica Crane: Stealth to treeline - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Layla Whiterose: Stealth to treeline - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Prisoners athletics to treeline - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 5, 2023 5:02 pm

Jan 5, 2023 5:02 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods and goes with Dennan to get her weapons and her backpack while being stealthy.

Grabbing her daggers and the rest of her weapons at the bonfire, she places them into her waistline and places her backpack on her back before covering it again with her cloak.

"If you got what you need, then let's go join Layla and the others." Veronica said to Dennan a moment later.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 5:12 pm

Jan 5, 2023 5:12 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica and Dennan slip behind the bonfire out of sight of the battle. They pick a careful path toward the supply wagon and take a hurried look inside. In the pile of loot they see their weapons and equipment.

OOC:

If you want you can grab your equipment and run or take some time to look through the loot for additional supplies.

As they turn toward the woods, Cadigan shouts "When this hell is over, Layla, I owe you a great debt." He starts sprinting toward the woods. "Watch your step there!" As they start to pass an orc wheezing from an arrow wound in his chest as he lays on the ground.

Jan 5, 2023 7:10 pm

Jan 5, 2023 7:10 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan replies to Veronica at the supply wagon, "maybe we should grab anything else that seems useful. Hopefully we can find Layla’s gear here and maybe a few other small weapons for the other prisoners too. Zirchev knows that these either clans of these vile orcs should not get to keep any of this."

Beside grabbing his weapons and gear, Dennan hopes to spot Layla’s as well. He looks for a bag or backpack to stuff any manageable small weapons into. And of course he’s on the lookout for anything else of interest.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 9:28 pm

Jan 5, 2023 9:28 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla looks at Cadigan. "Don't be silly about the debt, I am just trying to help," she smiles. As they run, she dodges the wounded orc. No wasting her powers on orcs. She ignores him and takes cover in the bushes, making sure she is hidden as well as she can from the orcs, while peeking through the bushes for Dennan and Veronica, hoping they can see her somehow. So stupid, they forgot to agree on a signal. Best hope that Dennan can indeed sense Silas.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 5, 2023 9:57 pm

Jan 5, 2023 9:57 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. She already grabs her weapons and backpack of stuff before grabbing other weapons and any magical items and any gold that were there too.

"If you find a bag of holding or a large burlap sack or something, Dennan, we'll place all this extra stuff in there. If not, just grab what you can carry. I already grabbed my backpack and weapons already. I don't know what Laylas equipment looks like though. Hope we can get to Layla and the others soon and hopefully they are safe with your dire wolf friend. " Veronica said a moment later.

Last edited January 5, 2023 10:03 pm

Jan 5, 2023 11:13 pm

Jan 5, 2023 11:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I hope so too. The wolf knows how to find and take advantage of the cover the forest offers. I believe he can sniff them out a cave, high protected cover, or something of the like. I hope they move fast, far, and safe from here. I am not worried about being able to track the wolf and Layla, once you and I make it into the woods."

Jan 6, 2023 12:10 am

Jan 6, 2023 12:10 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"...I'm sure the wolf and I will find each other," Dennan says to Veronica. "But making to the into forest unnoticed, that I hope we can do."

Last edited January 6, 2023 12:13 am

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 6, 2023 2:41 am

Jan 6, 2023 2:41 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan and Veronica spend a little time rummaging through the loot.

Layla, from her hiding spot, can see the battle start to turn. The pockets of resistance start to crumble under the more organized and sober Stone Tusk advance. Behind the fighting Layla can barely make out the large shape of three Stone Tusk orcs riding on top of bears surveying the battlefield.

In the loot Veronica and Dennan find:

6 daggers
1 short sword
4 bloody and sliced sets of leather armor
1 one quart keg labeled oil
1 twenty quart keg labeled herbs
A few chairs
3 rations
Laylas equipment.

There may be more if you keep digging.

Some of the defending orcs start to flee. Just a few at this point; including one running toward the prisoners hiding spot.

Jan 6, 2023 3:41 am

Jan 6, 2023 3:41 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan curses, "No great way of carrying most of this."

He pauses quickly to listen and notices the roar of battle is beginning to subside. He thinks that their window of opportunity to use battle chaos as cover may be growing slim. He grabs Layla's equipment in one arm---wearing whatever is wearable--stuffs a couple daggers into his belt, makes sure he has his own weapons sheathed with his own gear on his person, grabs the looted shortsword with his other hand and turns to Veronica to say, "Well, no bag of holding. I know the idea was mine, but it's probably a bad one to linger any longer looking through this stuff."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 6, 2023 4:55 am

Jan 6, 2023 4:55 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Well, leave the chairs and let's go!" Veronica calls out placing the herbs in her backpack and begins to stealthily and silently dash to wherever Layla and the others are.

Last edited January 6, 2023 4:59 am

Jan 6, 2023 5:57 am

Jan 6, 2023 5:57 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan shrugs and follows Victoria's lead toward the treeline, thinking to himself, "well, at least she secured the herbs."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 6, 2023 2:21 pm

Jan 6, 2023 2:21 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica enters the treeline and cries out in a whisper "Layla, are you and the others alright? Dennan has your belongings and we grabbed what we could from the wagon including our things before coming your way. "

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 6, 2023 3:30 pm

Jan 6, 2023 3:30 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Here they come" Cadigan edges closer to Layla as Silas brushes against her leg. He points to the orc fleeing from the battle toward the prisoners. "Do we hide? I dont think he knows we are here."

Veronica makes it to the treeline unseen. She turns to see Dennan loading the equipment on his back and starting to shuffle toward her. The retreating orcs go from a trickle to a flood as every orc starts running for the safety of the Trees. The Stone Tusk orc bloodlust isn’t satiated and they give chase, killing any they catch.

Veronica now notices the three Stone Tusk orcs mounted on bears. Her eyes dart to Dennan as the orc leader leans to talk to another orc pointing toward the supplies and Dennan making his way toward the treeline. He has been spotted.

The mounted Stone Tusk kicks his bear into motion cutting a path toward Dennan who can hear the heavy pawbeats of the bear chasing him. The bear easily cuts a path through the running orcs of both clans.

OOC:

Looking at the speeds (you thirty but encumbered, the bear forty) he will catch you just about at the treeline. He has a lot of ground to cover as you weren’t close to each other. I dont know what you are planning but assume he will chase you and you will get first action when he gets there (either due to the distance or you preparing). If you just run it will occur just at the treeline, else it would occur in the field with everyone running everywhere.

We do block initiative so the players and prisoners will go in a block then the Stone Tusk will go. We can assume that Layla can see what’s happening and can be there with one turn of moving/dashing for distance. Or she can remain and deal with the orc fleeing in her direction as well. A lot going on overall.

Jan 6, 2023 3:48 pm

Jan 6, 2023 3:48 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan, hears heavy beast pawbeats cutting a path toward him and does his best to dash to the treeline as he would rather make it to the cover of the forest or at least face his oncoming enemy with the cover to his back.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 6, 2023 4:15 pm

Jan 6, 2023 4:15 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Its Veronica, lol.

Veronica dashes into the treeline and goes invisible as soon as she enters it. She stays silent and uses her 60 feet of dark vision to keep an eye out for their enemies and the others. She pulls out her dagger and prepares to strike out at the enemy if any comes near her.

Jan 6, 2023 4:19 pm

Jan 6, 2023 4:19 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

When Dennan makes it to the treeline he readies to Dodge the oncoming bear/orc attack.

Jan 6, 2023 4:19 pm

Jan 6, 2023 4:19 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

When Dennan makes it to the treeline he readies to Dodge the oncoming bear/orc attack.

Jan 6, 2023 4:28 pm

Jan 6, 2023 4:28 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Also if that works out for him, his goal will be to dart into the cover of the woods.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 6, 2023 6:57 pm

Jan 6, 2023 6:57 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla looks at the situation. Orcs fleeing their direction, and Stone Tusks charging at them.
The Stone Tusks are probably more dangerous, she thinks. A fleeing orc just would like to get to safety. If they don't pose a threat, he won't be a threat... Right?

She keeps her sight on both the fleeing orc and the Stone Tusks... both of them...

"We could hide from the runner," she says to Cadigan. "But not from them..."

She channels her energies, ready to throw fire at the Stone Tusks if they pose a threat to Veronica or Dennan.

OOC:

Readying Firebolt for if a Stone Tusk attacks Veronica or Dennan.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 7, 2023 2:41 am

Jan 7, 2023 2:41 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan reaches the treeline and turns to Dodge as the mounted stone tusk raises his axe and swings at a full bear charge.

OOC:

To be continued after rolls

Rolls

Orc attack at disadvantage for dodge - (2d20L1+5)

(68) + 5 = 11

Layla ranged spell attack (fire bolt) - (1d20+6)

(6) + 6 = 12

Fire bolt damage (if hits) - (1d10)

(6) = 6

Veronica Crane: 2 daggers to hit - (1d20+1)

(17) + 1 = 18

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 7, 2023 2:50 am

Jan 7, 2023 2:50 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Holy hells!" Cadigan ducks as fire erupts from Laylas hand. The dart of flame shoots across the open space and splashes against a tree next to the bears head. The bear jerks and the axe swings wide from Dennan as he dodges into the brush.

Veronica lashes out with a dagger as the bear charges past slicing the stone tusk riders leg to a scream.

The orc pulls the reigns to his bear as they are in the forest now turning toward Veronica (the only enemy he sees and is now in the path of his next charge).

Rolls

Damage from Daggers (sneak attack) - (1d4+2+1d6)

(2) + (1) + 2 = 5

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 7, 2023 2:59 am

Jan 7, 2023 2:59 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

The mounted stone tusk orc has an AC of 13 and 9HP left.

The spot where the fire bolt landed is smoking and blackened on the tree.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 7, 2023 3:10 am

Jan 7, 2023 3:10 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica bares her fangs out at the Stone Tusk Orc and with anger in her yellow eyes gives a terrifying hiss before crying out "If you want to die, you slimy git, I'll gladly send you to the hells!" If the Orc gets near her, she'll slice at him with her dagger and cut his throat.

Jan 7, 2023 3:25 am

Jan 7, 2023 3:25 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dropping any extraneous gear he's holding into in the brush, Dennan unsheathes his scimitar--still gripping the looted shortsword he was already holding--and seeing that Veronica is the next in the orc's charge path, he rushes to help her.

OOC:

not sure the proximity of everything/everyone but, he'll try to make it to Veronica's side and attack the orc, or intercept the orc's charge if that would be faster

Last edited January 7, 2023 4:57 am

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 7, 2023 10:10 am

Jan 7, 2023 10:10 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Cadigan," Layla calls a bit instructively, "keep an eye on that fleeing Axe Orc., please. I don't want him to attack any one in the back."

And with that, she watches the battle between the Stone Tusk and her friends unfold. Again tapping into her flaming self and shooting another firebolt at the Stone Tusk.

OOC:

How is the light anyway? Can Layla see them properly with it being night/evening?

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 8, 2023 4:51 am

Jan 8, 2023 4:51 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

The light is ok with the full moon and the bonfire.

Rolls

Fire bolt - (1d20+6)

(3) + 6 = 9

Damage if hits - (1d10)

(4) = 4

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 8, 2023 4:56 am

Jan 8, 2023 4:56 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Cadigan nods to Laylas command and gets the prisoners tucked away more hidden.

Laylas fire bolt again goes wide of the mounted Stone Tusk orc. He pulls his charge up short as he looks between the two capable fighters in his path and the fire spitting toward him. After only a moment, he makes his decision and cuts a wide path back to the bonfire and the battle ground.

Dennan can hear him distantly calling for additional fighters but it will take a moment for them to organize themselves with the fighting g still ongoing.

The route is complete with most the Thousand Axe orcs already fled and dispersed. So much so that some of the Stone Tusk orcs have begun looting the dead. The bonfire shifts under its weight and a log falls off.

OOC:

You have a moment now where the Stone Tusk that attacked you is trying to rally a few others but he is the k ly one who knows you are there. You can assume you can find each other pretty easily.

Jan 8, 2023 7:51 am

Jan 8, 2023 7:51 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan looks at Veronica and, still feeling the rush of adrenaline, exhales. "The orc wasn't ready to die alone tonight. I doubt we have very long before before the coward brings the rest of his clan on us. We should move everyone away from here, and quickly!" He says as he heads to pick up the items he dropped in the brush.

OOC:

Does Dennan have an idea where they are and know of a safe place close enough to suggest the party and prisoners could head to? A cave area, a river crossing, or a close enough town (like Verge maybe)?

Last edited January 8, 2023 8:25 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 8, 2023 2:42 pm

Jan 8, 2023 2:42 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "Let's go see if we can find a cave or a thorn thicket or whatever to go lay low until the coast is clear to move on." She says before she silently goes invisible and follows Dennans lead.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 8, 2023 3:00 pm

Jan 8, 2023 3:00 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

You know if a cave in the area but it might take a little bit to get your bearings. I think Verge would likely be the closest town/village. Having a Ranger with forest favored terrain will help a bunch with not getting lost/finding your way.

Rolls

Dennan: Survival (advantage) - (2d20H1+4)

(318) + 4 = 22

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 8, 2023 3:03 pm

Jan 8, 2023 3:03 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Actually, with that roll, Dennan you think you know how to get to the cave and the dukes road is a days journey East, or you can journey directly to Verge off roads.

Jan 8, 2023 3:11 pm

Jan 8, 2023 3:11 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan calls to Silas so he may emerge and lead Veronica and him back to Layla. Dennan hopes to unite with the party and talk to Layla about the state of the prisoners and offer these suggestions so they all can make a decision what path to cut.

Last edited January 8, 2023 3:20 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 8, 2023 6:04 pm

Jan 8, 2023 6:04 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"So where do we go from here?" Veronica asks a moment later. Though invisible, she is standing next to Layla and only her yellow eyes are glowing.

Jan 8, 2023 6:33 pm

Jan 8, 2023 6:33 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Good question my friend. That depends on how Layla feels the other prisoners are holding up. I believe I could lead us to some caves nearby where we could take cover, rest, regain strength, and keep watch while we do so. Or if the rest are able, we could make haste to the Duke’s Road a little more than a day’s journey east. Then we can travel north to the safety of Verge another day or so. Otherwise if they feel sturdy enough we could cut a more treacherous but direct path through the mountain hills to Verge."

Last edited January 8, 2023 6:33 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 8, 2023 7:12 pm

Jan 8, 2023 7:12 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "I'll drop stealth once we know where we are going. Until then, I'm standing near the both of you patiently waiting to see how the others are before we are to move again. "She replied blinking with her yellow eyes.

Jan 8, 2023 7:28 pm

Jan 8, 2023 7:28 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan, not quite able to make out Veronica's figure so instead focusing on the piercing glow of her yellow eyes lit by the moon, replies "that is wise. There may yet be some Thousand Axe orcs fleeing nearby. I would hate to be the orc who unknowingly wanders by you."

Last edited January 8, 2023 7:30 pm

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 8, 2023 7:30 pm

Jan 8, 2023 7:30 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I don't think we have long to discuss this, before that Stone Tusk returns with his buddies" Layla says, eyeing Veronica a bit anxiously as well, as her voice just popped up besides her.

"I think regaining strenght is a good idea. Find a quick place to hide for a moment. And then find safety by morning. I don't think all of them are as sturdy as you guys are."

Jan 8, 2023 7:34 pm

Jan 8, 2023 7:34 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan replies to Layla, "Then we should trust your judgment on the condition of the others. Silas and I can guide us all to the caves. We can take shelter there. Let's make haste as you say before the orcs regroup on us."

Last edited January 8, 2023 7:35 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 9, 2023 1:23 am

Jan 9, 2023 1:23 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "I'm ready whenever you are. Let's go. " She says following Layla and Dennan with the prisoners to a safe place.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 9, 2023 3:33 am

Jan 9, 2023 3:33 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The trip to the cave is long but uneventful. The cave, known to Dennan, small but dry and hidden.

"This is it then?" Cadigan walks around assessing the area. "How long will we stay here? I don’t know how much food we have but some of these are pretty weak looking." He glances over at the rest of the prisoners.

The night also passes uneventfully though some do get a bit of rest. The morning sun wakes everyone. One of the prisoners wakes with a start and yelp.

OOC:

Dennan how did you learn of this place and did you stay here previously?

We will need to assess food for everyone or most everyone. As well as what the group wants to do next, stay and hunt/gather/rest and hide, start off to Verge, something else.

Jan 9, 2023 3:44 am

Jan 9, 2023 3:44 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Baron I will make a post in the Character Gen Rolls and Question thread. I'll pick up from my last post there a while back. It will answer your question here and also let me write down a few more ideas I had for Dennan's back story.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 9, 2023 1:57 pm

Jan 9, 2023 1:57 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica rested well. She slept like the dead. When the sun rose, she woke up and stretched before saying "That was lovely. I have not slept like that good in days. So what are we doing next?" She drops her stealth invisibility and smiles at everyone.

Jan 9, 2023 3:27 pm

Jan 9, 2023 3:27 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan woke earlier than the others from the uneasy sleep he had finally fallen into after standing watch for a while. It was hard for him to settle his mind. These caves remind him of the scared child he once was, stumbling fearfully into them for protection against the unchecked evils of the world. A loud yelp from one of the rescued prisoners who wakes with a start, brings his attention to the present and the prisoners.

He is relieved that he knew of this place and was able to lead the party to safety. But now as he finally has the chance to scan the the group of rescued prisoners, he can't help but wonder which one of them would have sold out the rest to survive the torment of the orcs, and which of these flawed humans might still yet.

Lost in his thoughts for a while, Dennan is suddenly startled by Veronica's voice as she seems to emerges from perfect concealment in a shadowy nook.

"Oh. Good morning, I did not know you were there," he says. "hmm...good question. I think we should move out as soon as possible, but I'm not sure all of the other prisoners got a chance to partake in that wonderful weevil ridden bread the orcs offered before our escape. Maybe hunger is the next foe we should quell?"

Last edited January 9, 2023 3:29 pm

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 9, 2023 7:22 pm

Jan 9, 2023 7:22 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla streches out after a bit of a nap. It had been a rough night, but surely others had it rougher.
She can't help but wonder for a moment which of the orcs had won the fight, her bet was the Stone Tusks, and how that might affect their situation.

"Morning all," she said. She made sure to make a little round around everyone, to check on any injuries and signs of starvation and thirst, and provide aid where needed. Not by magic, she'd probably need that hard enough before the day was over, but by using a semi clean piece of cloth as bandage.

"Hunger and safety are our main worries, I agee Dennan. We can't travel fast is people are hungry. But if we stay to hunt, the orcs might find us."

She sighs for a moment, giving Silas a scratch behind the ears as a thanks for looking after her last night.

Then she looks a little worried at Veronica. "Is your hunger under control?"

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 9, 2023 9:38 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:38 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica looks at Layla and nods. "Of the life energy of others? Yes. I don't need that again for a week. I do eat normally for fun but life energy is what nourishes me. As for finding food for the others, if there is a river nearby, we could go fishing. Or Dennan could go hunt with his wolf for food like a rabbit or deer or something. "

Jan 9, 2023 9:56 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:56 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Veronica, I could hunt for us and maybe gather a few plants to help Layla ease the pain of some of the prisoners’ wounds."

Dennan looks at Layla and see the concern on her face for the party of prisoners, "If you do not need any help Layla from me here, I will venture to capture us some food and scout the area."

He pauses and has something on his mind. Not sure he should mention it but he continues anyway.

"Layla, you spoke of the Gods last night when you warned Veronica not to count on the mercy of the Immortals. What do you know of the eternal? I sense you know more than your years would allow." Dennan pauses for a moment then continues with a slight pain in his voice, "You remind me very much of my father. He was once a cleric, dedicating his life to the well being of others. Ultimately, he gave his life protecting."

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 9, 2023 9:58 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:58 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The birdsong is lovely this morning. Cadigan wakes a bit late than the rest. He looks between the party; grimacing as Layla references Veronica’s hunger.

Cadigan walks out of the well hidden cave, breathing deeply in the morning air. Everything feels a bit damp from dew in outside the cave.

The other prisoners start to wake up and huddle together, looking for guidance and hope from the de facto leaders of the group (the party). Mumbled conversation and darting eyes betray the calm that the prisoners exhibit.

So far the morning seems as uneventful as the night had been, but who knows what will happen next with the two bands of orcs and the recent battle, not to mention the normal dangers of. The forest that Dennan knows well.

Cadigan comes back smiling, "So, we are out of the frying pan then." His smile fading as he remembers flames "… well for the moment. I will write something of this rest assured." He sits reclining as best he can.

"Let’s see something….
Ten we are
Beat and bound
Taken by demons and fire

With tooth of wolf
And… no wait…

We cut them down
As they ran around
Their pitiful little pyre."

He spits the last out, disgust on his face. "It will come to me at some point…". He looks off daydreaming.

OOC:

Added just a little flavor onto Cadigan to try and flesh him out a little. We can continue to RP here a bit but should settle on a course of action within the next few days real time so we can continue the story. I think it is useful to flesh out our inter character interaction so want to find a balance we like between giving time for that and non stagnating

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 10, 2023 1:10 am

Jan 10, 2023 1:10 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"If you need any assistance, Dennan. Let me know. Otherwise I'll remain with Layla, Cadigan and the others. Be careful and stay safe. Sir Cadigan, that's a nice poem or song you wrote. Are you a bard? Just curious. I'm sorry, how rude of me, I'm Veronica. Veronica Crane. " Veronica said a moment later after she did her morning stretches and turned to Cadigan with a friendly smile.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 10, 2023 1:51 pm

Jan 10, 2023 1:51 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"So Layla, what do you plan to do once we reach the safety of civilization again? Just curious. I am definitely looking forward to a nice hotel room and bed as well as a bath. I've been on the streets so long that I can't remember what it was like to be clean. Also we'll def need to see about getting food and supplies too. I usually steal things but only from bad people that don't deserve them." Veronica asked a moment later after twirling her hair around her fingers.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 10, 2023 10:48 pm

Jan 10, 2023 10:48 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla looks at Dennan. "If you could hunt, that would be great. I think food is the main concern for many of these good people now." she says as her own stomach rumbled audibly as well. "Your father?" Layla asks then and takes a deep breath. "It sounds like you look up to him. Which is a good thing. My father... I am not even sure. He abandonned my mother and me before I was even born. Mom says he was a celestial. That is what gave me certain... powers...to bless to heal and to manipulate fire." She is quiet for a moment. Her jaw clenches, very much unlike her. "Truely, my father was nothing but a disappointment. I guess that explains my distrust to the gods as well."

She continues tending to the injured and listening to Cadigan attempting his poem.

To Veronica she smiles at the comment on stealing from bad people who don't deserve supplies and she says. "To be honest, I don't have that much plans really. I have always lived in this tiny hamlet of Timberfalls. If it ever was on a map, it now no longer is." She is silent for a moment as her gaze trails away. "My first concern now is to get all these people to safety.... I never seen much of a hotel or a very proper bath. It sort of seems nice actually... how luxurious it might be. Maybe something for when all this is over." For a moment she is calm and quiet. "You know, when I saw you drain that orc, I wasn't too sure what to make of you. An ally to secure an escape perhaps... But now that I have seen you a little longer... I trust that you are of a good hearth... I trust you."

Last edited January 10, 2023 10:50 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 10, 2023 11:13 pm

Jan 10, 2023 11:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica scoffed at that before giving a dark but sad smile to Layla.

"Trust is hard to come by nowadays, lass. It took me a long time to put my trust in humanity after they treated me so harshly and after I was turned into a dhampir, a creature of the night, half human, half vampire. I was only 16 when it happened and I can still hear that brat noble who what changed me say in my ear' All you will ever be is a street rat who will forever lick the shite off our boots. Who can love a freak like you?' Well, she can rightly piss off then. I'm glad you and Dennan can put your trust in me when the world treats those of us who are different like trash. To be a Crane is both a blessing and a curse. I'm just glad to be alive though it'll be a lonely eternity for me now." She said after removing her hood.

Jan 11, 2023 1:05 am

Jan 11, 2023 1:05 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan looks sincerely at both Veronica and Layla, "I do understand mistrusting others. Trust...trust has always been hard for me. After last night, though, I know I can trust you both. If it weren't for you two, I might have been trampled by that bear-riding Stone Tusk orc, and not here to discuss what we're having for lunch. Thank you my friends." He turns toward Silas and says, "the wolf and I can scout the area, being on the look out for any orc activity, and come back with some game and forage."

Last edited January 11, 2023 4:10 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 11, 2023 1:26 am

Jan 11, 2023 1:26 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods at that. "Stay safe Dennan and may fortune smile upon you. We'll be here waiting on your return. "

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 11, 2023 2:58 am

Jan 11, 2023 2:58 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The prisoners are all awake and those who can are attempting to help Layla with her healing. Cadigan listens to the conversation before adding "I haven’t really considered it. I do perform for a living when people pay. Misty just taverns retelling the same story’s." He powders Veronica’s question more.

Silas perks up at Dennans voice falling in beside him.

Rolls

Layla Whiterose: Medicine - (1d20+4)

(10) + 4 = 14

Dennan: Survival (advantage) - (2d20H1+4)

(199) + 4 = 23

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(15) + 1 = 16

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 11, 2023 3:19 am

Jan 11, 2023 3:19 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Laylas tending hand eases the prisoners pain and, even without magic, they are bandaged and looking on the mend.

Veronica keeps her yellow eyes on watch as Dennan leaves to hunt with Silas.

It doesn’t take long for Dennan to find some evidence of orc activity. A pair of heavy footprints in the mud of a game trail, though they are headed away from the cave and the last nights battle.

Keeping a cautious eye, Dennan is able to corner and harvest a boar from the woods. His expert knowledge of the forest and the area becoming invaluable.

It’s around mid-day by the time Dennan returns with his quarry and when Veronica notices a pair of crows watching the cave and people from a nearby tree. One cocks its head to the side. The other hops branch to branch disappearing into the forest.

OOC:

Cadigan is classless mechanically. I have him as a performer narratively but he won’t be much help mechanically, y’all are the heroes of this story :)

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 11, 2023 3:48 am

Jan 11, 2023 3:48 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"So are we moving on after lunch or are we going to rest here for the night and move on in the morning? Just curious. I'll leave it up to you guys on what you want to do. If we rest here for the night, we'll need to take turns and keep watch. Saw a pair of crows watching us. It was very strange. " Veronica said to Dennan and Layla a moment later after helping Dennan to skin the boar with her dagger.

Last edited January 11, 2023 3:52 am

Jan 11, 2023 4:04 am

Jan 11, 2023 4:04 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"That's is odd. I think getting a move on after lunch and not lingering is a good idea; I'm not sure I like the sound of your crow encounter. Some unsavory forces can put eyes in the forest, even some orc shamans have been known to do so. Although, the only sign of orcs I saw out there was tracks of one, likely fleeing from last night's battle. How do you think everyone will feel after our meal Layla?"

Last edited January 11, 2023 4:12 am

Jan 11, 2023 5:23 am

Jan 11, 2023 5:23 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan continues seeking Layla's judgment. "If the bit of rest we got last night paired with the healing you've provided makes the others sturdy enough for travel, I say let's move. But do you think for their sake we should take the longer yet less arduous path East through the open fields to Windrush Road and then follow it North to the town of Verge? Or should I lead us to Verge, taking the more direct path North East, through the cover of forest hills and avoid the road altogether?"

Last edited January 11, 2023 6:05 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 11, 2023 2:36 pm

Jan 11, 2023 2:36 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I read in a Norse mythology book once that Odin used crows or ravens to spy for him and use as his eyes. He was always paranoid about everything. So if dark forces like shamans or witches use them as scrying tools, then that is not a good thing for us. If we find a town, we need to find something that will prevent someone from scrying on us when we go get supplies. Also something to prevent mind-readers from reading our thoughts too."

Veronica noted a moment later to them.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 11, 2023 8:13 pm

Jan 11, 2023 8:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla looks at the people we has taken under her wing. Sure, many of them look weak, but waiting here doesn't seem like a good idea. Especially not the the crows.

"Those birds make me nervous. I am not sure about them. Still, would the orcs use such birds to spy? That seems a bit... too finesse for them."

She makes sure to get her utensils from her gear.
"Good catch, Dennan," she says "I am actually quite a bit of a cook. Let's have lunch and get out of here as soon as we can. I leave it up to you to find the safest route."

She focusses her powers of fire to ignite some wood and start a fire.

OOC:

Assuming there is some wood to be found: Fire bolt and Control flames should get a cooking fire going

Jan 11, 2023 9:06 pm

Jan 11, 2023 9:06 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Pleasantly surprised about how easy Layla got the fire going Dennan says, "Well that's a pretty handy trick!"

He goes back to the crows. "If not the eyes of the orcs, I fear what else could be watching."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 12, 2023 12:47 am

Jan 12, 2023 12:47 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods and finds a stick to spear the Boar through to use to turn it while cooking it over the fire.

"The sooner we head to a safe part of civilization, the better, preferably somewhere that is fortified with walls . So yes, let us eat and afterwards, we'll move on following Dennans lead."

Jan 12, 2023 1:25 am

Jan 12, 2023 1:25 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan shudders at the Veronica's words safe part of civilization. He takes a breath, and forces himself to subdue the anxiousness he always feels about going into town as he holds the skinned boar up so Veronica can spear it.

Forcing himself to sound at ease he continues, "In Verge, I hope to find some other rangers, perhaps those in the service of Castellan Kiara Shadowbreaker of Riverfork Keep, to ask them if they have also encountered any Thousand Axe orcs and know what is causing them to journey south of the mountains into our lands."

Last edited January 12, 2023 1:38 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 12, 2023 5:15 am

Jan 12, 2023 5:15 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "Let's hope they can help then. Maybe they can give us suggestions on how we stay safe and what we can do to keep the others safe too. "

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 12, 2023 7:57 am

Jan 12, 2023 7:57 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla nods as well
"Sounds like a good plan. I haven't seen much of the world, so in this I shall trust your insights."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 12, 2023 9:13 pm

Jan 12, 2023 9:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods and helps Dennan to cut and serve the boar to everyone once its roasted to perfection.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 13, 2023 3:37 am

Jan 13, 2023 3:37 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As the prisoners eat the boat they visibly regain some strength. While frighted about their situation and how they got here, their bodies at least seem ready.

The other crow watching the group loses interest and starts pecking at a grub or something in the tree scarfing down its own mid-day meal.

Soon after the delicious meal is complete, the group packs up their supplies and starts off through the wooded hills with the sun high overhead.

OOC:

Continued after rolls

Rolls

Dennan Dmitros: Survival (advantage) - (2d20H1+4)

(154) + 4 = 19

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(13) + 1 = 14

Layla Whiterose: Perception - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Random encounter rolls (once per six hours) - (4d6)

(3314) = 11

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 13, 2023 3:53 am

Jan 13, 2023 3:53 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The party makes great time with Dennan in the lead.

They are able to find game trails and small paths through the wooded area. Additionally, while they have spotted some evidence of small groups of orcs, they managed to avoid any actual an encounters on the journey.

The party and prisoners find a space at the edge of the treeline that is suitable for camping the night. Going through the normal adventuring routine of hiding their camp location, setting a watch roster, having most the rest of the boar for dinner, and bedding down.

It’s not till slightly after midnight before it happens.

Layla was on watch with the fire crackling low. While the others slept she first heard a rustling deep within the woods. It doesn’t take long though before there’s a loud crack of a tree breaking 40 or 50 feet deeper into the woods behind some brush.

This is quickly followed by the sound of a struggle in the woods pierced by an owl hoot.

This happened very quickly and everyone will be woken by this but there is nothing visible at the moment.

For those sleeping you only will be aware of the big crash (that was the tree breaking) that woke you up.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 13, 2023 3:54 am

Jan 13, 2023 3:54 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica silently follows Dennan, Layla, and the others and keeps a vigilant watch on their surroundings. She almost sneezes but catches it inside her shirt.

"Sorry about that. It must be allergies. I guess I'm allergic to something growing in this area. " She said a moment later after she scratched at her wrist with her long fingernails.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 13, 2023 11:26 pm

Jan 13, 2023 11:26 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla sits calmly by the fire, meditating a bit, when she hears the rustles.
Animals probably. As there is the owl.... And then...

She stand up, alert and at the ready.

"Ppssst.... Veronica, Dennan, wake up! There is something going on in the woods. It could be the orcs again maybe?"

She squeezes her eyes, looking into the forest. But it is hard to see in the dark.

Jan 14, 2023 1:00 am

Jan 14, 2023 1:00 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

A loud crash interrupting sleep instantly put Dennan on alert, he was grabbing his crossbow and Scimtar just as he heard Layla's Ppssst... and hushed urgent alert.

He replies forcefully but equally as quieted as Layla's warning, "I doubt it, unless they are downing trees for another fire ceremony. That crack sounded too forceful for it to be some orcs trodding through the forest. I bet Veronica's eyes can pierce the darkness out there." He turns to Veronica, "Want you and I to covertly approach the source and get a closer look?"

Last edited January 14, 2023 1:10 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 14, 2023 1:17 am

Jan 14, 2023 1:17 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "I have 60 feet of dark vision. Let's take a closer look."

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 14, 2023 3:41 am

Jan 14, 2023 3:41 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The smell of fresh blood tingles Veronica’s Dhampir nostrils as she and Dennan creep closer.

The prisoners remain in shocked silence with Layla as the fire pops merrily. There is the continued sound of something dragging across the sticks obviously not trying to be sneaky.

Veronica and Dennan are able to make it to some brush and peer through.

OOC:

Continued after rolls

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Stealth - (1d20+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Dennan Dmitros: Stealth - (1d20+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 14, 2023 3:52 am

Jan 14, 2023 3:52 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Through the bushes, the sound of rustling grows louder, as does the owls hooting.

They see a large mass of fur and feathers hunched over a dead doe. All at once the large mass turns to look straight at Veronica. Meat hanging from its beak as its paw scratches at its head. The astute eyes of an adult Owlbear take in both Veronica and Dennan.

It only looks a moment before it turns back to its large meal. Dennan would think that a deer would potentially fill an Owlbear at least for a night

Jan 14, 2023 4:12 am

Jan 14, 2023 4:12 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Taking advantage of the creature's disinterest with them and seeming contentment with its current meal, Dennan, quietly motions to Veronica for them to return to camp, with a slight wave and a head flick in the camp's direction.

He knows they are lucky the owlbear has already hunted its food for the night.

Last edited January 14, 2023 4:15 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 14, 2023 4:48 am

Jan 14, 2023 4:48 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica silently follows Dennan back to camp.

Jan 14, 2023 5:26 am

Jan 14, 2023 5:26 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Once they make it closer to camp Dennan says to Veronica, "We got pretty lucky there. That powerful forest dweller might have chosen us to feast on instead if it hadn't already made its score. We should let the others know and keep a steady watch the rest of the night."

OOC:

I mean if they make it closer to camp...

Last edited January 14, 2023 5:27 am

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 14, 2023 9:47 am

Jan 14, 2023 9:47 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Better let it have an animal than one of us for it's mightnight lunch," Layla says as/if she hears the news. "Best be extra alert. It might want desert. But the owlbear might even keep other problems away for us."

Last edited January 14, 2023 9:48 am

Jan 14, 2023 1:47 pm

Jan 14, 2023 1:47 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"That’s a good point Layla."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 14, 2023 2:25 pm

Jan 14, 2023 2:25 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Agreed. That giant Owlbear creature is scary. Like I know of giant rocs and other giant bird and animals are out there too. Let's hope there are no lions, tigers, or bears out here either." Veronica replied a moment later and kept a close watch on their surroundings.

Jan 14, 2023 2:31 pm

Jan 14, 2023 2:31 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan nods in agreement. "Although I would be much less worried about encountering any common bears, tigers, or lions. I think I could convince a beast such as that we meant it no harm."

OOC:

Veronica’s reference goes over Dennan’s head. But I’m lol

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 15, 2023 4:34 am

Jan 15, 2023 4:34 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"So what are we to do now?" Veronica asks curiously. She crosses her arms and leans against the tree at the camp.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 16, 2023 5:24 am

Jan 16, 2023 5:24 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The rest of the night passed qickly if not quietly as the Owlbear finished its meal and creeped off into the forest.

The wind picked up in the morning blowing in clouds to make an overcast morning. The prisoners are what little food they had left; and though some are hungry, the promise of returning to civilization was motivation enough.

Camp was broken down and the party started off with Dennan leading the way/scouting while the group was led by Veronica and Layla

OOC:

Continued after rolls

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Layla Whiterose: Perception - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Dennan Dmitros: Survival (advantage) - (2d20H1+4)

(178) + 4 = 21

Random encounters - (4d6)

(4646) = 20

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 16, 2023 5:38 am

Jan 16, 2023 5:38 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

By the time the sun dipped down, they spotted the town of Verge on the horizon. Sitting on the Foamfire River (a tributary to the Windrush), the small unwalled town was already starting to close up for the night.

The prisoners shuffled along to voices praising whatever god they saw fit toward the huts with chimneys merrily puffing smoke. The backdrop of the mountains gave the view a beautiful quality if you hadn’t been nearly killed by orcs.

The party approaches to the looks of some locals but no one asks about their proactively. Some seem to turn their eyes at the sight of the shabby crew.

Some of the prisoners know of an inn along the road that may have some space and a small brewery that doubles as a restaurant.

OOC:

Either in your post or in OOC let me know what you are planning to do for the night. Beds and food would be fairly cheap to come by but the rest of the prisoners only have their clothes and the weapons Dennan and Veronica were able to secure for them.

It would be helpful if I were to understand what our priorities are so we can montage to the next scene where we will make decisions on what to do and how to do it.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 16, 2023 2:07 pm

Jan 16, 2023 2:07 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

How much gold did we snag from the loot in the wagon and is that enough for rooms and food at the inn? If not, we can always ask to sleep in the stables for the night and can go hunting the next day for food.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 16, 2023 3:19 pm

Jan 16, 2023 3:19 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

You have your starting equipment and gold

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 16, 2023 4:01 pm

Jan 16, 2023 4:01 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Ok thanks.

Veronica looks in her backpack and says to everyone "Unless we find a cheap inn to stay at in town, we'll probably have to stay in the stables or something because I don't think I have enough for a nights stay at a inn or for food. I usually steal what I get though. If there's a thieves guild in town, I'll probably go stay there for the night and meet y'all in the morning in town if I can't find a place to stay for the night. "

Jan 16, 2023 5:29 pm

Jan 16, 2023 5:29 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

assuming Dennan has everything on his charachter sheet

Dennan thinks for a moment and then rustles through his pouch hoping he still has everything that he did before being captured by the orcs. While he's searching he says, "I believe I have enough for us all to take some modest lodging here in town. If so...," He tries to cover his anxiousness about being in town, "one of you can do the talking."

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 16, 2023 8:13 pm

Jan 16, 2023 8:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla also checks her purse. She had never been rich and actually... she is not even sure that this is her purse. There seem to be more coins in it than she had ever seen together.

"Perhaps we can all chip in a little bit. I think we have all deserved some bread, bath and bed. Right? I am sure I can talk to a tavern keep and ask them kindly to give a little group discount. Or else some charity to all these poor souls. None of us should be sleeping in stables or with thieves."

She looks inn door, bolsters herself for some extra wisdom in the words she is about to say, and heads to the bar, trying to make a nice bargain.

OOC:

Casting: Guidance.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 16, 2023 11:18 pm

Jan 16, 2023 11:18 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Veronica only has 15 gold.

Veronica nods and follows everyone to see what they can do.

Jan 16, 2023 11:43 pm

Jan 16, 2023 11:43 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Okay whatever we need. I have 40 gold pieces and some silver too."

OOC:

By the way, I would guess that Silas stayed in the woods on the outskirts of town.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 17, 2023 3:54 am

Jan 17, 2023 3:54 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The inside of the bar Layla enters is weakly lit. Three round tables are scattered around in front of a fire burning low. At the bar, two men, already in their cups are whispering slurred words. Behind the bar a rod thin barkeeper with a crooked nose wipes a stringy straw colored lock of hair from his face.

The barkeeper looks up as the rest of the prisoners start to funnel in. The prisoners hastily start to fill tables looking hungrily toward the kitchen where the smell of an oily broth wafts in.

The barkeeper looks at the party and grimaces at the weapons. He slinks out from behind the bar and approaches Layla.

"Yes, um.. welcome to the Jug and Platter." He pauses for an awkward amount of time before continuing. "Mr. Alefast doesn’t usually like people to have weapons out, it can lead to some problems later in the night." He glances at the prisoners weapons as well as any the party has exposed.

From the kitchen you hear a clang of a pan and a curse in a halfling accent.

The front door opens about the same time admitting a pair of men, one in clothes finer than you have seen before in town and the other jingles with mail under his tunic. They meander over to the bar where two cups were already waiting.

The kitchen door opens and an older halfling waddles out carrying a stack of cups. "Gods, crowded already? And with guests from out of town! I am Jon, Jon Alefast." He slides the glasses onto the bar and wipes his hands.

"Dinner is…". He looks over the party "….four silvers a head. And where are you from? You all look like you have been worse for ware, did you come from Threshold?"

The awkward bardender retreats as the proprietor takes control. Cadigan slinks over to talk to the bartender in private.

Rolls

Layla Whiterose: Persuasion - (1d20+6+1d4)

(1) + (1) + 6 = 8

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 17, 2023 3:57 am

Jan 17, 2023 3:57 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

The roll ended up terrible so he is going to keep the price at 4sp, for the 10 of you that’s 4gp. You can write out your try but that will be the outcome :)

Silas will stay in the woods if that’s where you want him.

And yea everyone has their character sheet equipment.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 17, 2023 1:49 pm

Jan 17, 2023 1:49 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"We are from all over but were once prisoners of the Thousand axe Orcs until we escaped from them. Now we are just trying to find a safe place to eat and rest at. These poor people deserve that after the hell we've all been through." Veronica said a moment later.

Jan 17, 2023 4:21 pm

Jan 17, 2023 4:21 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Taking Veronica's lead and advantage of her introduction Dennan speaks to their host in the Halfling tongue. He is genuinely relieved that it is a halfling who is the proprietor here. That settles him down a bit. In the halfling language, he speaks in a friendly tone,

"It is a very much a relief to meet a hin so far northeast of the Five Shires, Mr. Alefast. As my friend says, we nearly escaped with our lives from two clans of orcs and have been traveling for days through the wilderness. Most of the others with us, who my friend here and the one who inquired at the bar helped escape, have never before experienced the dangers of the world and the harshness of travel like all your people in their youth have. I assure you sir, we mean no harm here and sincerely just are looking for a good meal and a warm place to lay our heads."

Last edited January 17, 2023 4:24 pm

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 17, 2023 10:41 pm

Jan 17, 2023 10:41 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Yikes, snake eyes on d20 and d4. I am not the persuader as Layla is (supposed to be), so I shall leave it at that I guess

"You drive a hard bargain, sir. But I guess that is fair. You need to run your business."
She looks for a moment at the others and double checks her ten gold in her purse... so much money.
"But I guess we shall take it. These people need to eat. And honestly, so do I. Like my friends explained, we had some rough deal with orcs."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 18, 2023 3:13 am

Jan 18, 2023 3:13 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

How much is 10 silver in gold? Cuz I only have 15 gold. Just curious.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 18, 2023 3:19 am

Jan 18, 2023 3:19 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Mr alefast lights up at hearing his native tongue before turning to the barkeeper and starting in common. "Yes! Rodger, this is what I was telling you. You humans don’t have real experience, staying inside your towers and walls. How are you supposed to see what you are made of unless you see the world and your place in it!! The Hin have figured it out, you should see the world!"

Responding to Dennan in halfling "I left the five shires ages ago, travelled far but finally settled here. Something about the mountains makes us all, man and hin, about the same size before them dont you think? That and". A broad toothy smile creeps on his face "I realized these folk wouldn’t know a good cup of ale if their head was shoved in the vat, opportunity, and the only way I could get something passable for myself."

He adds finally in a near whisper, solemnly in halfling "say no more of orcs." His eyes Flot between Veronica, Dennan and Layla.

His jovial smile returns as he pulls out a chair for Layla Continuing in common. "I am sure you have had hard travels and I know after a day of traveling in my day, a hearty meal is just the trick." He holds his hand out for the payment. With a wink "have to stay in business though as you say."

"Tell Sebastian at the Boars Head that Jon sent you he will set up with some rooms. Should have plenty open this time of year. No more trustworthy man than that Sebastian." He lets the final sentence hang in the air.

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(14) + 1 = 15

Layla Whiterose: Perception - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Dennan Dmitros: Perception - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 18, 2023 3:21 am

Jan 18, 2023 3:21 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla, you notice when Veronica mentioned the orcs that the finely dressed man at the bar and the man in chain mail glanced in the parties direction out of the corner of their eye, the gaze lingered too long to just be interest in news. And did you see one flex his hand on his mug of ale too?

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 18, 2023 2:13 pm

Jan 18, 2023 2:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica knowing that they are being turned away goes outside to wait on everyone.

"I'm going to go outside. I'll wait for you all there. Let me know what has been decided." Veronica says a moment later before she walks out of the bar/tavern.

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 18, 2023 7:45 pm

Jan 18, 2023 7:45 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla looks around, trying to feel the atmosphere in this tavern as the chair is pulled out for her.
Surely, unlike Veronica leaving immediately, she'd love to have a meal here.

But people seem tense, and Layla just hopes that this is about their hatred for orcs, than anything else.

Jan 19, 2023 12:39 am

Jan 19, 2023 12:39 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Was Mr. Alefast's tone when he said "No more trustworthy man than that Sebastian" like a warning to watchout for these folks here, or a sincere you can trust Sebastion, or a somewhat sarcastic tone? Does Dennan get any vibes form that? He has a pretty good insight skill if a roll is called for

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 19, 2023 12:44 am

Jan 19, 2023 12:44 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

No insight required, he was stressing for importance. As if he really wanted to get the message across but not say too much

Jan 19, 2023 1:23 am

Jan 19, 2023 1:23 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan keeps a watchful eye on Cadigan, trying to make out and judge his interaction with the bartender.

Last edited January 19, 2023 1:24 am

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 19, 2023 2:56 am

Jan 19, 2023 2:56 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Cadigan and the bartender shake hands and Cadigan pulls a chair to the edge of the room where an out of tune instrument sits that he starts fiddling with.

Rolls

Dennan Dmitros: Insight - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Layla Whiterose: Insight - (1d20+4)

(14) + 4 = 18

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 19, 2023 3:01 am

Jan 19, 2023 3:01 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

It soon becomes clear that Cadigan has been trying to make a deal to provide some entertainment for the evening.

To Layla the tone of the room is much more somber than the decorations and amount of alcohol would suggest. It doesn’t feel right to her this space should have more people and merrymaking. The two finely dresssd fellows look like they are locals of some report while the other pair at the bar look to be drunkards that come for the ale wherever it might be.

To both, Mr. Alefast seems genuine, friendly and worldly; and Rodger (the slender bartender) seems innocent if a little jumpy and with little confidence.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 19, 2023 3:05 am

Jan 19, 2023 3:05 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Outside Veronica sees the villagers lighting torches for their stoops and can hear the latching of every door as people retreat from the darkness.

The wooden hall serving as a manor sits more brightly lit with its doors open, letting the light of a cooking fire spill into the street. Outside a few guards sit lazily about wearing the same symbol as the two finely dressed men inside, though the guards are all in chain mail.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 19, 2023 3:46 am

Jan 19, 2023 3:46 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

If there is a thieves guild in town, Veronica will probably go stay there for the night and meet up with everyone in the morning because they are being turned away even after she told their story.

Veronica people watches for a while and waits for the others. If they are unable to find a place to stay for the night, she'll go stay at the thieves guild and meet up with everyone in the morning because she knows how the humans are and how they loathe anything that is different and don't want trouble sullying up their town/community.

Jan 19, 2023 3:46 am

Jan 19, 2023 3:46 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

After observation of Cadigan and the bartender, Dennan is relieved that his suspicions were ill-founded; the two were conspiring, just not against the party or for any nefarious reason.

He tries to relax and let his guard down. That is hard for him here in the confines of town, but as Cadigan begins to turn out-of-tune strings into captivating melodies he begins to calm down and enjoy it even. He wonders why Veronica left so abruptly, but can relate to needing space and preferring the fresh night air if that was the reason. Still he thinks he should let her know that they all might be staying for a bit.

He turns to Layla, "Everyone seems to be settling in here. Cadigan sounds pretty good. Ey? I think I'm going to go find Veronica and let her know what's going on in here."

Last edited January 19, 2023 3:50 am

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 19, 2023 10:55 am

Jan 19, 2023 10:55 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla nods at Dennan.
"I am not sure why she ran off... this place seems fine. A bit gloomy crowd maybe. Perhaps something is on their minds. But I'd say we all chip in a bit and grant everyone a good meal and bed for a night."

Last edited January 19, 2023 10:56 am

Jan 19, 2023 11:19 am

Jan 19, 2023 11:19 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Yes. Food and rest. That’s what we all need. I believe we have a meal coming as our host took our 4 silver a head. We can split that for sure. As for rooming, I’m not sure they have anything here. Mr. Ale fast recommended we see a proprietor named Sebastian at the Boar’s Head for rooms. It’s a good idea to do so soon after having a meal here. I’ll go find Veronica outside and let her know what we’re up to. Hopefully she’s not far. Keep your guard up. We don’t know everyone in here or who else may wander in. I’ll be back shortly. Looking forward to that meal."

Dennan then heads out the door and stops in front of the tavern to peer around for any sign of Veronica.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 19, 2023 2:05 pm

Jan 19, 2023 2:05 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan will find Veronica outside people watching and still angered at those who told her to shut up after she had told their story about all they had been through and seeing Dennan will say "I heard they were going to turn us away to a place called Sebastians, that's why I left. Plus after I told our story about what happened to all of us, they told me to shut up about the Orcs. That's why I went outside because I didnae want to cause a scene or hurt anyone due to their rudeness and disrespect towards their guests. I was thinking about going to the thieves guild (if there was one) to rest for the night if we didn't get to stay, but it seems like we got lodging for the night then. That's good. Why are humans so rude and hateful to those of us who are different than them? Why can't they learn to treat others with respect? Like that family there with the little sick boy there. All they wanted is food, water, and a place to rest their head but got turned away. The humans are scared to catch that young lads illness. " She pointed out to a mother, father, and a little boy on wooden crutches frail, weak, and coughing get turned away from another inn/Tavern.

Jan 19, 2023 3:12 pm

Jan 19, 2023 3:12 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan understands Veronica's position. He too is easily consumed by mistrust for humans, seeing time and time again how their self preserving souls allow them to justify turning away and taking advantage of others just to better themselves.

"I know what you mean Veronica. I'm inside just waiting for something to go wrong. I thought Cadigan was selling us out somehow and am expecting any moment for some local authority or thugs to burst in and try to rough us up. But actually Cadigan was just working out a deal to entertain us this evening. I was wrong. I saw the bartender as shifty and looking for his next quick bag of gold. But he's just an awkward fellow." He looks to see if Veronica is any more at ease.

"One thing's for certain though. Even if things right now aren't as nefarious in there as my first instincts would have me believe. They still could become so at any time. There are orcs out there moving around not too far beyond this town's shelter. Something is clearly different about their patterns. These people may know that, which makes them scared and unpredictable to us. We can't leave Layla to see the people we freed to safety alone. It isn't safe. We need to help her. It seems the three of us make a good team."

"I'll tell you one thing. I'm relieved that the owner of this place here is hin. I know his kind. They are not weak-minded, self-preserving humans. They know the world, its dangers and follies. They respect life and believe comfort is deserved by all those who earn it. I feel he turned us away simply because he doesn't have rooms and this Sebastian he has referred us to we can trust."

Last edited January 19, 2023 3:14 pm

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 19, 2023 3:31 pm

Jan 19, 2023 3:31 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Outside, the hoof beats of riders returning to the hall breaks the silence of the night. Three riders get down and go into the mansion of a hall with purpose.

Inside the prisoners are slurping away at delicious soup. Layla can’t tell if it’s the best she’s had or if the hunger and ordeal has made it taste better by comparison.

Cadigan finally gets to playing in earnest though it is clear his skill is sun-par at the instrument, though singing the standard ballads his voice is quite pleasant.

Mr. Alefast is bringing a second helping out from the kitchen when the pair of finely dressed men off their head and stand up. They approach where Layla is sitting and sit, without asking. The room tenses as the y armored one begins.

"I couldn’t help but hear something about orcs." He smiles a yellow grin as Mr. Alefast catches his breath and clenches his jaw; Is he shaking his head ever so slightly? "I am Sir Antonic and I command here. It was mentioned that you escaped the Thousand Axe Orcs, that must have been harrowing. How did this occur? Do you believe they are looking for you?"

Rolls

Layla Whiterose: Insight - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 19, 2023 3:33 pm

Jan 19, 2023 3:33 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Layla can see Mr.Alefasts eyes wide and the interrogation (or that’s how it feels to Layla) begins. He silently and tensely hands out the second helping to everyone avoiding eye contact with Sir Antonic

Dragonling Inactive forever!

Jan 19, 2023 9:29 pm

Jan 19, 2023 9:29 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Gentlemen?" Layla asks as she is suddenly semi-surrounded by the men asking her questions.
Not that it matters much. She has the feeling that they dislike orcs as much as she does, eventhough they are a bit intimidating.

"We were lucky, mostly," she admits. "The Thousand Axes got attacked by other orcs... Stone Fists?.. no... Stone Tusks that is what Dennan called them. We took our chance during the attack. I am not sure if any orcs are looking for us. I am not even sure how many of them are still alive."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 20, 2023 3:03 am

Jan 20, 2023 3:03 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "Let's hope that we are given their protection because if not, we need to find those that will keep us safe and not sell us out for the first shiny coin that catches their eyes. Our Family is our fortress and we stick together no matter what." Veronica replied before she followed Dennan back into the inn.

Jan 20, 2023 4:11 am

Jan 20, 2023 4:11 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As he turns to head back in the Tavern with Veronica, Dennan responds, "After everything we've been through together over the last few days, it seems like that's what we are forming." His voice then trails a little as he tries to see through his own clouded memories of family. "...It's been a long time..." Then with quiet resolve he says, "Yeah, let's stick together." He shows a rare smile and says, "and get some of that hot food before it's gone."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 20, 2023 2:38 pm

Jan 20, 2023 2:38 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. She follows Dennan into the inn/Tavern only to see Layla being harassed by a group of human men.

"Shall we go help Layla out?" She asks him a moment later.

Jan 20, 2023 5:13 pm

Jan 20, 2023 5:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Yes" he answers emphatically.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 20, 2023 8:11 pm

Jan 20, 2023 8:11 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica walks up to the men harassing Layla and ask with a dark smile on her face showing long sharp vampire incisors "Can I help you gentlemen? Yes, Layla here was with us as a prisoner like we were. While captured, we saw two of the prisoners were made to fight each other and the loser was sacrificed for a religious ritual they did, we made our escape, killed an orc, grabbed our belongings, made another one run away, and they fought other Orcs while we escaped. We don't know if they are still looking for us, but all we want right now is protection, rest, and a good meal. My name is Veronica Crane, I am the great-granddaughter of the legendary Ichabod Crane and though, I am not human, I am dhampir and I'll do whatever it takes to survive. "

Jan 20, 2023 8:30 pm

Jan 20, 2023 8:30 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As Veronica commands the conversation and steps up next the men sitting with Layla, Dennan, to support Veronica’s action, steps close to the seated men as well. He watches their reaction to Veronica’s words closely and mentally prepares for if it becomes aggressive.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 21, 2023 4:39 pm

Jan 21, 2023 4:39 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The food is delicious and everyone’s strength is returning.

The room stops as Veronica addresses the two men. Mr. Alefast looks on with wide eyes, one of Cadigans strings break mid song.

OOC:

Cont after rolls

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Intimidation (advantage) - (2d20H1+1)

(1220) + 1 = 21

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 21, 2023 4:47 pm

Jan 21, 2023 4:47 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Sir Antonic is taken aback by the directness of Veronica’s statements. "Well, Verge welcomes you as all travellers. I think I have overstayed my welcome here." He says abruptly finishing his intereigation.

He stands and nods to his partner toward the door. "I hope your stay in town is uneventful." As he turns toward the door to leave. "Mr Alefast, delicious as always". He gives a grin to everyone as he opens the door to shuffle out.

OOC:

After Sir Antonic leaves the rest of the night here and at The Boars Head hostel (run by Sabastian) will be relatively uneventful unless you intend to do something else. I will montage us forward to the next morning if y’all let me know your intentions either here or in OOC.

Jan 21, 2023 4:54 pm

Jan 21, 2023 4:54 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

That sound fine by me Baron. Nice work Veronica!

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 21, 2023 8:39 pm

Jan 21, 2023 8:39 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Thank you, tried my best. You don't mess with family! Tee hee🧛‍♀️

Veronica walks next to Layla after the men leaves her and asks "Are you alright? They didn't hurt you or anything? Dreadful dogs! Let's go eat and head on to bed."

She smiles after that and follows Layla and Dennan to get some food and then go get some rest.

Jan 21, 2023 9:57 pm

Jan 21, 2023 9:57 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As the men walk out, Dennan turns to Veronica, smirks and says, "Nice work. They had nothing to say to that. Or more likely, you convinced them that they better not have anything to say to that."

As Veronica asks Layla how she is, Dennan sits down with them and enjoys some food.

Before the night is over he seeks out Mr. Alefast or Rodger the bartender to ask if they know of any other rangers who may be in town.

Also before the night is over he asks Veronica, "Hey, I was thinking about when we were outside. What do you think was all the to do at that manor down the way?"

Last edited January 21, 2023 10:04 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 21, 2023 10:32 pm

Jan 21, 2023 10:32 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods and gives a dark smile. "I must've frightened them. I am a dhampir after all. And I dunno. I was too busy people watching to see what was going on at the manor. " She replied a moment later.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 23, 2023 4:23 am

Jan 23, 2023 4:23 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The dinner finishes rather quickly and deliciously. Mr Alefast replies that he hasn’t seen mamy rangers recently but they frequently pass through so there might be some in town, you would have better luck in the morning.

The party finishes up and makes their way to the Boars head. It’s more of an open bunkhouse but the beds are nearly free, after mention of Mr. Alefast. Sabastian is a Sandy haired middle aged man whose face is wrinkled from the sun.

The beds are comfortable, all the more so because other than the other prisoners you are the only ones there. The morning greets the party and some prisoners have decided to leave to their homes and families or what is left of them now that they have their energy back.

A simple breakfast of bread and hard cheese is provided and Sabastian sits down the hall in a well furnished office at a writing desk with the door open.

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(17) + 1 = 18

Dennan Dmitros: Perception - (1d20+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 23, 2023 4:25 am

Jan 23, 2023 4:25 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica notices a face in the window apparently watching them. It’s a youngish face, maybe an old child or young adult. They catch Veronica’s eyes and duck down from the window.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 23, 2023 5:30 am

Jan 23, 2023 5:30 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica chuckles at that before turning to look at Dennan with a smile . " Looks like we have a small child spying on us. Its amusing. " She tells him a moment later.

Jan 23, 2023 12:53 pm

Jan 23, 2023 12:53 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan stretches out a bit as he gets out of his bunk. He is amazed that his sleep was restful in this open common space, perhaps it is because they fortunately did not have to share the room with others outside the party they brought. In any case, Dennan is thankful that Jon Alehouse sent them here.

As he comes to his senses Dennan catches Veronica';s comment. "We do, do we?" Dennan chuckles, "An amusing little spy, ey? Did the child know you saw? Hmm...Maybe you should be on the lookout for that face if you notice it again."

As he speaks to Veronica he notices that the office of Sebastian is open and notes that he intends to go ask him about doings in town, like what was going on at the manor last night, if he knows of any rangers, and has he heard about the orc activity outside of town.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 23, 2023 2:55 pm

Jan 23, 2023 2:55 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "I will. They are hiding below the window. I don't want to scare the wee tot but...It's not nice to spy on others!" She calls out and if her voice goes out the window to the child, she hopes it is enough to bring him/her out of hiding.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 24, 2023 3:29 am

Jan 24, 2023 3:29 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The boy peeks timidly back through the window at Veronica’s call. He waits a minute, chewing his lip and looking back over his shoulder before sliding back down. A moment later he is at the front door fidgeting. "Hullo"

Sebastians office is organized and clean. He sits at his writing desk but looks up with tired eyes as Dennan approaches. "Good Morning, I Hope your rest was pleasant." He sets his pen down. At the mention of Orc activity he looks around nervously and motions to shut the door.

"Yes, we know far too well about the orc activity." He pauses "a pair of your fellow rangers left town recently, or driven depending on who you ask… the rumors are not good. Some of the more drunken guards mention overhearing Sir Antonic talking of deals with these orcs." He pauses to see Dennans reaction. "He has always been an ambitious man…"

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 24, 2023 4:28 am

Jan 24, 2023 4:28 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Top of the morning to you, lad. What's your name? I'm Veronica. " Veronica says with a sweet friendly smile to the boy.

Jan 24, 2023 5:41 am

Jan 24, 2023 5:41 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

(In the office) Dennan thanks Sebastian for hosting the party and assures him his rest was pleasant. Dennan closes the office door as Sebastian solemnly answers his questions. The man must've noticed Dennan's sour expression when he brings up Sir Antonic.

"I had a distaste for that Antonic. He cowardly cornered our companion, Layla, with a crony of his when she was alone. Our other companion Veronica made him shake in his boots and run out of Mr. Alefast's establishment with his tail between his legs. But now this information you say about the spineless wretch reveals him as a greater danger to this town. We were prisoners of the orcs! Some were sacrificed in their vile rituals. Now this man is selling out his own people!?" Dennan is trying hard not to raise his voice and to suppress his growing anger.

After a moment, in a calmer tone..."The orcs that were our captors are not normally found south of the mountains. If Antonic's ambitions are connected to these orcs' abductions, well, that is something that can't be left alone to continue."

Last edited January 24, 2023 5:53 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 24, 2023 3:10 pm

Jan 24, 2023 3:10 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica gives the young boy a piece of deer jerky out of her pack as a breakfast treat before asking "So tell me boyo, why were you spying on me and Sir Dennan? It's not polite to spy on others. If you are curious about me, I am not human. I am dhampir : half human half vampire. A vampire bit me when I was 16 and though I get older, I still have my youthful appearance. Don't worry, I won't bite you. I only suck the life out of bad people and monsters that prey on the weak and innocent like yourself. Like that bad man that harassed my friend Layla. "

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 25, 2023 3:21 am

Jan 25, 2023 3:21 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

(Office)

"There are a few who would agree with you. I have some contacts in Threshold I am writing. I don’t have much by way of evidence though other than murmurs, and I don’t know the extent of his dealings." He pauses. "If he were just placating the orcs to not attack, it might be one thing but I have a feeling it goes much deeper knowing the snake of a man Sir Antonic is…"

"If we had some solid proof, we could plead our case to the Baroness who could intercede. We are too few to do anything more of import here without some assistance."

(Out of the office)

The boy looks curious at Veronica. "Sir Antonic said you were bad people. But you don’t see too bad to me. He was going to pay me a copper." He glances to the door. "Just to keep an eye on you, but you aren’t going to cause trouble right?"

Layla and Cadigan are finishing their breakfast as Veronica engages with the boy.

Jan 25, 2023 3:50 am

Jan 25, 2023 3:50 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Evidence you say? Hmm...maybe there's a way. Tell me, do you know what may have been going on in the manor last evening? It seemed some riders approached it with purpose."

He forces himself to come to terms with the possibility of having to stay in town for longer than he had hoped.

After Sebastian is done with him, Dennan intends to run what he learned by Veronica. As it stands, he can imagine a couple of ways to collect 'evidence'. One way (which he despises, but will do if needed, and knows it is up Veronica's alley) may be a stealthy 'following' of Antonic in town, see who he talks to, where he goes, what dealings he has. If he deals in the manor ofter, there may be a way to hide out and spy there. The other way (which Dennan feels mildly more comfortable about) would be to follow him out of town, perhaps into the wilderness, to catch him dealing with the orcs directly. In any case, he wants to talk to Veronica.

Last edited January 25, 2023 4:37 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 25, 2023 5:22 am

Jan 25, 2023 5:22 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"We're not bad people. We are survivors. Have you ever thought that he might be a bad man? Because dealing with the Orcs is a thing a bad man does. Tell you what. I'll give you a gold coin only if you promise to tell him that we are just here to get food/supplies and will go on our way and if he promises to leave us be and if he doesnt do anything stupid, then we won't have to track down and kill him. Can you do that for us, Sonny?" Veronica asks after holding a shiny gold coin out for the boy.

Veronica then looks up and waves to Dennan with a smile after talking to the boy.

Last edited January 25, 2023 4:17 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 25, 2023 9:59 pm

Jan 25, 2023 9:59 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Dennan, come here. I found our young spy. Said he was going to be given a copper to spy on us by that slimy git who tried to harass Layla named Antonic. Isn't that right, lad? That Antonic fella thinks we're bad just because we escaped from the Orcs. " Veronica said a moment later.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 26, 2023 4:28 am

Jan 26, 2023 4:28 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Sebastian answers "I can’t say directly, I presume his riders are passing messages of some sort or reports. With what you say it might be in refrence to you all." He ponders that a moment.

"You must be careful, if he is dealing with the orcs and thinks you are valuable to them it puts you in a precarious position. There are many in town who do sympathize with his ambition if not his methods so guard yourselves. I haven’t had the nerve to trust anyone save Mr Alefast to date since things took this turn a few months ago."

"Here take this." He writes a quick note on a slip of paper and presses a seal into the wax. "My name won’t carry much weight but at least it’s proof of my trust. Please don’t prove me and Mr Alefast fools for being open with you but with what you have been through…"

He give a compassionate smile and stand walking toward the door. "It’s probably best if we aren’t seen talking together too much in case we cause suspicion, if you find some evidence, take it to Threshold to plead for help. I am known by some there and my letter will at least give you some credibility."

(In the lobby)

The boys eyes grow huge. "ma’am I don’t care what you are, for a gold I’ll tell Sir Antonic you are the Baroness herself." He fidgets suddenly full of energy. Though some of this is damped with the talk of tracking down and killing.

"It’s only, some my family works for sir Antonic though…." Suddenly somewhat morose.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 26, 2023 4:37 am

Jan 26, 2023 4:37 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica hands the boy the gold coin and laughs. "I'm hardly a baron. I know I was bitten by a vampire noble though. You are not your parents. You follow your own path. "

Jan 26, 2023 5:09 am

Jan 26, 2023 5:09 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan securely tucks away the sealed letter in his belongings. "Be assured we will not make you and Mr. Alefast a fool. Instead we will do whatever we can to reveal Antonic's corruption and deliver this news to Threshold. Thank you sir Sebastian. There is truly comfort in finding that men like you exist in this world." Dennan nods with a subtle bow and turns back toward the lobby.

Hearing Veronica call him over, he heads over to her, seeing her with the boy.

"So this is our young spy, eh?" Dennan responds to Veronica. Troubled that she said the boy was sent by Antonic but realizing they have an opportunity to get some info from the child, Dennan tries to sound tender as he asks, "What is your name boy?" Although he lacks experience dealing with children.

Last edited January 26, 2023 5:12 am

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 28, 2023 2:39 am

Jan 28, 2023 2:39 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Sebastian nods at Dennans remarks and wishes him luck as he leaves the room.

The boy is exuberant at receiving the gold coin from Veronica. He cannot stop looking at it as Dennan comes back into the main room. "But if you hurt Sir Antonic, my parents might get hurt too…" his voice trails off as he turns the gold coin in his hand.

The boy is jolted from his joy at Dennans question "I’m Aethelfred, my friends call me Fred though. For short you know. What are you all going to do here in town? Have you come far? Have you seen distant lands? Are do you have stories of adventures? Have you seen dragons?" He continues to ask questions in this vein until stopped.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 28, 2023 2:43 am

Jan 28, 2023 2:43 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

From the corner Cadigan smirks at the boys questioning from where he leans against the wall. He elbows Layla who looks on with endearing eyes.

The door to Sebastian’s office closes as the group talks.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 28, 2023 2:19 pm

Jan 28, 2023 2:19 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Well, Fred...I haven't seen any dragons yet but I have met a vampire noble and was bitten by one when I was 16. I am now 25 but I'll always look like a teenager forever. We just came into town to rest and recover from our travels and to get supplies before moving on again. The only adventure Dennan and I had was escaping the Orcs after I sucked the life out of one and we scared another one away.
I don't think anyone would hurt your parents if Antonic dies. Corpses don't hurt others unless commanded to by a necromancer. " Veronica replied after showing Fred the vampire bite on her neck.

Jan 28, 2023 5:13 pm

Jan 28, 2023 5:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan smirks at Veronica's direct reply. "Well, that was right to the point," he says. "I am a simple human ranger, Fred, so my life has been much more mundane than Veronica's. But I have spent much of my days protecting the good people of Karameinkos from the devastation of orcs. I have also been a member of parties of rangers and soldiers stationed at Riverfork Keep that were tasked to turn creatures like orgres and trolls back into the Achelos Woods or put them down."

Dennan watches the boy's expression as he and Veronica speak of their experience in the world. He then attempts to see what the boy has heard about orcs.

"Have you even seen the horrors that orcs are capable of inflicting on the innocent, Fred? The vile creatures are very much abound not far beyond this towns borders."

Last edited January 28, 2023 5:14 pm

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 29, 2023 3:59 am

Jan 29, 2023 3:59 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Fred looks between the pair as they respond. A mix of wonder, nerves and apprehension are clear on his face. Outside the activity for the morning grows as well as the noise.

(Continued)

Rolls

Dennan Dmitros: Insight - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 29, 2023 4:04 am

Jan 29, 2023 4:04 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan can tell that the boy is at least familiar with orcs and doesn’t seem to be afraid of their mention.

His eyes shift as he responds "I know They are around. My sister says she saw them in the forest a few weeks ago. But they didn’t do anything, just looked scary."

"I don’t know, pa says if we leave them alone, they will leave us alone. Kinda like bees ya know? They buzz and look mean but keep to themselves unless your mess with them."

He seems like he’s honest with his recitation of his understanding of the world.

Jan 29, 2023 5:52 am

Jan 29, 2023 5:52 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Trying to persuade the boy about the dangers of the orcs Dennan says, "Well Fred, I'm sure your pa is trying to keep you safe the best way he knows, but he is very mistaken about the nature of the orcs. They will overrun this town as soon as they feel they have the upper hand. Maybe they are cowardly until they feel empowered, but they don't just leave people alone. As Veronica told you we escaped from orcs. Do you know what those orcs were doing? They captured innocent people no different than your pa and sister and were marching them, bound as slaves, to an unknown fate. That's who were captives with us. All of us were whipped, bound, and tormented. Some of the captives were killed in a bloody ritual. We narrowly escaped when orcs happened to turn on each other. No. They will not just leave you alone. They will come for the people here when they feel an opportunity is open for them. And if someone in this town was to to even accidentally let the orcs believe they have that opportunity, the orcs will seize it. Then a copper or gold piece in your hand won't matter at all when orcs ravage your town killing most and taking the rest as slaves."

Knowing he may be less adept at persuasion than Veronica, and especially with children, he hopes Veronica might continue to try to win the child's trust. He turns to her and asks, "Is there anything I've forgotten about the vile orcs Veronica? I'm not sure your friend here completely understands their true threat."

Last edited January 29, 2023 6:10 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 29, 2023 4:04 pm

Jan 29, 2023 4:04 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"No, you pretty much mentioned everything, Dennan. We were to be sent to their Orc Fortress to be decided our fate by their leader but we never made it because we escaped but we would've been either sold into slavery, made to be their slaves, to fight for their entertainment like two were made to fight to the death for a sadistic religious ritual, etc. They captured me from a city just like this one. Once they have you, the only way to escape is to fight and kill them because that is the only way to survive. I'll suck the life out of anyone who tries to harm me because that's the only thing that will sustain me. I'll also kill anyone who hurts me or my friends. We are all lucky to be alive from that hell we were put through. We are survivors!" Veronica said darkly to the boy named Fred baring her fangs at him and giving him a serious look on her face.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 29, 2023 4:10 pm

Jan 29, 2023 4:10 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica finally said to the boy "If you think for an instance that Antonic will spare you and your parents after dealing with the Orcs, think again. He might have already sold you to them as slaves. Humans will do anything to satiate their hunger and greed. Don't be naive. Naivety is what will get you killed. Be smart, keep your wits about you, stay vigilant and trust no one. That's what has kept me alive since my turning and I only help those who cannot defend themselves and who help me. Family protects family."

She then walks away from Fred and goes to see if everyone else is alright.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 30, 2023 4:32 am

Jan 30, 2023 4:32 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Fred looks between the pair his little brain chugging at the information he just heard.

Rolls

Dennan Dmitros: Persuasion - (1d20+0)

(7) = 7

Veronica Crane: Persuasion (advantage of Dennan succeeds) - (2d20H1-1)

(911) - 1 = 10

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Jan 30, 2023 4:37 am

Jan 30, 2023 4:37 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Fred bites his lip as he turns the coin over in his hand. "I… guess you could be right." His eyes shift between the pair and the door. "I.. uh.. really should be going, they will wonder what I’m up to"

Fred turns to leave as Cadigan stands, "you scared the little feller. Though maybe being afraid of the orcs is better. We may yet see what Aethelfred is made of." Cadigan finishes with a toothy smile as he watches Fred head toward the door.

OOC:

Ok. I think we’ve chilled here a bit. I think we should discuss the plan for moving forward. We can do that in OOC thread or here. If you want to say anything to Fred as he leaves feel free but we can go forward with the next task.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Jan 30, 2023 6:27 am

Jan 30, 2023 6:27 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

I'm ready to move forward.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 1, 2023 3:22 am

Feb 1, 2023 3:22 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As the group goes through their day they can tell that eyes are on them. Not spies like Aethelfred but the normal citizens, wary of outsiders. Most of the prisoners, now free, start collecting their things and figuring what their life will be. Cadigan and Layla hang around the Boars Head Hostle.

That night, the Jug and Platter is more joyful than last. A small group of farmers stumbled in and the added audience gives Cadigan the energy he needs. Across the street, the pair huddle together in the dark alcove Veronica found between a stack of crates and barrels. The smell of pickled… something, stings their noses as they watch;presumably this is the supply for the nearby open air stall.

The sun goes down and the laughter in the tavern grows. It takes much longer before they finally see Sir Antonic, now with two other figures leaving the manor.

<<Continued after rolls>>

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Stealth (advantage) - (2d20H1+4)

(717) + 4 = 21

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Dennan Dmitros: Perception - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Dennan Dmitros: Insight - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 1, 2023 3:31 am

Feb 1, 2023 3:31 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan recognizes one of the figures as one of the horsemen from last night, the other is the same guard that was with Antonic when he was accosting Layla.

They seem to be in good spirits laughing and joking around. In the woods, a wolf howls a reassuring message. They stroll into the tavern and the door swings closed.

[About 1-1.5 hours later]

A cat wanders across the street before spying Veronica and its hair stands on its end as it backs away. Clouds afloat across the moon suddenly darkening the scene (though not to Veronica’s Dhampir eyes).

The door swings back open and the three men stumble out. A guard from the mansion comes to meet them and is handed something small.

He nods curtly as the three stumble back to the mansion. The guard with whatever he was given then goes around the side of the mansion where a horse can be heard whinnying.

Feb 2, 2023 3:58 am

Feb 2, 2023 3:58 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan whispers to Veronica, "Well, that appeared to be a dubious interaction." Then he asks, "Can you maintain your stealth and keep tabs on Antonic, maybe sneak into the mansion?? I can go after that guard and either follow him to his destination or intercept him. If we do split up...be very careful my friend. We can meet back at the Hostel."

While he attends to Veronica's reply he also tries to determine if he hears any horses moving in the nearby stall.

OOC:

If the guard came close enough as he passed by, Dennan would cast Hunter's Mark on him. And depending on Veronica's response, he will go after the guard. If Hunter's Mark was possible before the guard walked around the side, Dennan will try to take a horse from the stable, then follow the guard. If the spell was not possible, he'll move fast to try to intercept the guard before the guard can mount his horse.

Last edited February 2, 2023 4:00 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 2, 2023 5:10 am

Feb 2, 2023 5:10 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "I can certainly try my best to do so. I'll follow him, but if he sees me, I'm sucking the life out of him and ending his pathetic life. Good luck to the both of us." She replies to Dennan before she silently follows Antonic into the mansion if he goes in there. Otherwise, she'll just follow him wherever he goes.

Last edited February 2, 2023 5:12 am

Feb 2, 2023 12:19 pm

Feb 2, 2023 12:19 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Okay then. Good luck. I hope you stay invisible. Get out if it seems unsafe. Quickly, give me something of yours that the wolf could smell if things go sour and we need to track each other."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 2, 2023 2:28 pm

Feb 2, 2023 2:28 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods and hands Dennan her red scarf that has her dhampir smell on it which smells like death and roses before she leaves to go on her mission to follow Antonic.

Feb 3, 2023 2:55 am

Feb 3, 2023 2:55 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan stuffs the scarf into his pouch and says, "Thank you. Let's hope we meet at the hostel erelong. May Zirchev increase your stealth."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 3, 2023 2:51 pm

Feb 3, 2023 2:51 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"And May the stars guide your path." Veronica replies to him before parting.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 3, 2023 7:16 pm

Feb 3, 2023 7:16 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The two start to make their seperate ways after they finalized their plans. Dennan can hear horses being prepared to ride. their way toward the mansion is illuminated by the light spilling out the open front doors. A drowsy guard stands watch, leaning against the doorframe.

The sides of the building have windows that also let the warm yellow light stab into the darkness. The opposite side of the building has a small out structure attached to the main mansion, it’s low roof gives the impression of a storage shed.

[continued]

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Stealth - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(1) + 1 = 2

Dennan Dmitros: Animal Handling - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

Dennan Dmitros: Perception - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Dennan Dmitros: Stealth - (1d20+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 3, 2023 7:29 pm

Feb 3, 2023 7:29 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

[DENNAN]

You slip across the street. The slight glow of your hunters mark, only visible to you, lines the guards footprints like pale green moss. As you approach, you can quickly tell that there are three horses being prepared by the different whinny and stamping of hooves.

You reach a point maybe twenty feet from the open staves that gives you a good view. You two riders waiting in their saddles while your quarry tightens some saddle straps.

The mounted guards eyes keep darting back and forth as they fidget in their saddle, obviously uneasy. You pick up a few hushed words about a "message" and "incident" and "newcomers".

Your quarry finishes quickly and prepares to mount his horse.

[Veronica]

You make your way to the wall easily. The guard at the door is so aloof and your footsteps so soft that you could easily reach out and touch him without him being the wiser.

Peeking in the windows reveals nothing incriminating. The hall that the entrance enters into is a wide open area with a fire pit in the center. The wooden walls are covered with tapestries of ancient victories presumably that show the honor of the houses history.

In the entrance there are somewhere between 10 and 20 guards, no sign of Sir Antonic.

Some guards are sleeping on benches, others are playing dice in the corner. None notice Veronica at the window.

Deeper in the hall, you can see a grand staircase leading up to the second level of the mansion. The second floor has windows not visible from the ground and fills the back half of the mansion. A large chimney is over the fire through the vaulted ceiling.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 3, 2023 10:18 pm

Feb 3, 2023 10:18 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica seeing no sign of Antonic patiently waits for him to come but knowing there are guards means he is very well protected.

"I'll wait an hour and if Antonic doesn't do anything, I'll head back to the hotel and tell Dennan what I saw." Veronica says quietly to herself while keeping watch for any sign of action from Antonic or the guards.

Feb 4, 2023 3:09 am

Feb 4, 2023 3:09 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

In seeing the three guards preparing to embark on some apparent errand, Dennan sinks into his vantage point not wanting to be spotted and cause the guards to raise an alarm to his presence. He especially doesn't want to veer them from embarking on their task. He thinks the best plan of action is to let them move on first and give them a head start so he can follow them undetected.

He decides that once out on the road and tracking his mark with the aid of divination magic, he'll make a wolf call that Silas will understand to reunite with his companion. There is one problem though...he can't tell if there is another horse in the stall. He'll need to move more swiftly on horseback to successfully track the guard before the powers granted him diminish.

OOC:

If there is not an another horse---even unsaddled (he would attempt bareback)---in the guards' stall, Dennan will try to recall seeing another stall or a horse tethered outside the tavern or some other establishment. Dennan doesn't himself like to steal, but he believes it is necessary in this case for the greater good

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 5, 2023 5:06 am

Feb 5, 2023 5:06 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennans quarry finishes saddling up and mounts his horse. The three trot out of town with a purpose, passing both Dennan and Veronica on their way out.

Rolls

Random roll if there are other horses. - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Dennan Dmitros: Animal Handling - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

Veronica Crane: Stealth - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Veronica Crane: Perception - (1d20+1)

(14) + 1 = 15

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 5, 2023 5:29 am

Feb 5, 2023 5:29 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

[VERONICA]

The horsemen pass your hiding spot at the windows and start to make their way out of town to the north, toward the mountains, at a canter.

You can hear some more noise coming from the stables. Inside no one seems to be doing much different or exciting. The night is winding down and their eyelids are getting heavy, duty be damned.

One of the guards, you assume a leader, goes up the stairs for only a moment before coming back down to the men. You are confident you have still not been seen in your hiding place.

[DENNAN]

With the guards gone, you enter the stables. There are a few horses to choose from and you make your selection, your knowledge of animals assisting you in choosing the one with best temperament and strength.

While it is unsaddled, the horse responds easily to your calming voice and lefts you mount bareback without much fuss. Quietly leave the stables and can see the tracks of phantom hoof prints lined with pale green leading toward the mountains.

You follow.

The road is rutted and rough as you leave town. After about 20 minutes of fast riding to not fall too far behind the train veers off into the treeline. The hastily covered trail betrayed by your hunters mark.

You make your way through the brush along the path for another 25 minutes when you hear a clanging of an armored figure moving and horses stamping the ground. The forest is glowing a flickering a campfire yellow ahead.

You can see the horses between you and a small clearing, the riders have dismounted.

[GRAMUN]

This night out in the forest is much like any other. The sound of insects is a constant, chirping of grasshoppers and the flickering of lightning bugs in the mountain forest north of the human town of Verge.

The night air is colder than usual but not so much so as to raise an eyebrow. Though something does catch your attention.

Woodsmoke, lots of it. In fact you can see the glow of a fire through the trees a good way off. It is coming from a clearing you know well and think you can be there in a bit of time if you were inclined to investigate.

With the weather it’s unlikely to be a forest fire.

[VERONICA]

About 45 minutes after the horses, and you can only assume Dennan, the guards in the mansion are either asleep or trying to go to sleep. They are laying sprawled across the floors and tables of the entry hall.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 5, 2023 6:22 am

Feb 5, 2023 6:22 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Gramun grumbles to himself. "Damn who's up to what now?" As he stares at the glow through the trees he wonders, woodcutters? No, he scared off the last bunch and besides they usually just want to chop the woods down not burn them. Maybe some arrogant noble from one of cities too scared, and unable to sleep comfortably without a fire as big as house. Maybe a orc or goblin raiding party they seem to love to set everything on fire. Hoping that it's not the latter thought (as he's not sure he could handle a full raiding party.) He strides through the trees towards the glowing embers keeping a steady stride until he gets closer with a plan of going for a more stealthy approach (gods willing) as he gets close.

OOC:

Gramun will cast guidance on himself as he get closer before he attempts to stealth his way closer to the source.

Feb 5, 2023 7:05 am

Feb 5, 2023 7:05 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

After just getting outside of town Dennan, while tracking the guards, would have called to his wolf, Silas. He would have made a call that the wolf would understand to mean keep nearby but to the men ahead of him on the trail (if they did hear it) would just sound like a wolf off in the woods

Dennan calls again to Silas as he leaves the trail and follows the pale green glow of his quarry's tracks into the treeline. This time he hopes the wolf will understand to come to him. Continuing on through the trees and eventually following the flickering glow of fire as much as the faint luminescence of the tracking spell, he comes to the edge of a clearing where he sees the horses that the guards have dismounted.

Just outside the clearing he dismounts himself, gives the horse a gentle thanking rub, and then, using the cover of the forest, decides to attempt to move carefully around the clearing to find a vantage point to observe the human guards undetected.

OOC:

If Silas comes Dennan will quietly cast Speak With Animals

Last edited February 5, 2023 7:27 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 5, 2023 2:27 pm

Feb 5, 2023 2:27 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica looks for a back window to sneak into trying not to awaken the guards and spider climbs up the wall to the window. She'll use her crowbar from her thieves tools to try and open the window.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 6, 2023 2:18 am

Feb 6, 2023 2:18 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

In the forest, the fire is glowing bright and large, you can hear the snapping of logs within the center of the pile.

Back at the mansion, Veronica is able to easily climb the sheer wall of the mansion. In the bright window she comes to, she sees a small library or study. There is a small desk in the empty room. All is quiet as she inserts the crowbar into the edge of the closed window.

Silas comes out of the forest quickly and meets Dennan as he prepares to approach the clearing.

OOC:

Continued after rolls

Rolls

Dennan Dmitros: Stealth - (1d20+3)

(11) + 3 = 14

Gramun Blackbriar: Stealth - (1d20+2+1d4)

(7) + (4) + 2 = 13

Veronica Crane: Stealth - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 6, 2023 2:35 am

Feb 6, 2023 2:35 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan and Gramun approach the clearing from opposite sides. The clearing is about sixty feet across. In the center there is a group of three orcs and the three guards that Dennan had been tracking.

The humans edge closer to the orcs holding out the note with a straight arm.

"Orcs are here alone, no other orcs close" Silas tells Dennan after he casted speak with animals.

Both Gramun and Dennan are still unseen as the three orcs swagger up to the humans and snatch the note. The humans shift uneasily as the orcs say "you’re late, we are not be pleased".

Dennan would recognize some of the orcs as Thousand Axe who had previously imprisoned them.

[VERONICA]

The window pops open silently. Veronica slips into the room. There is a desk in the center, a leather chair near a small fireplace, a shelf of books as well as two doors on the opposite wall. You can hear a low murmer behind one of the doors.

The desk has some writing instruments as well as various nicknacks, a pile of papers, and a set of drawers.

OOC:

Let me know if you have more questions.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 6, 2023 3:27 am

Feb 6, 2023 3:27 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica silently looks at the papers while trying to listen in to what is being said.

Feb 6, 2023 3:29 am

Feb 6, 2023 3:29 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan responds quietly to Silas, "Thank you. You've read my mind again my friend. That is exactly what I believed you would have scouted. Are these orcs on foot or mounted?"

After Silas responds to Dennan's question, he instructs the wolf, "Stay here while I move to the other side of the clearing. Keep out of sight. When I fire a bolt, howl first, then rush into the clearing and attack the one closest to you, human or orc." He says the word human in disgust.

Dennan then attempts to stealthily move around the clearing so that he and Silas could potentially flank the orcs and humans. He plans to fire a bolt at whoever is holding the note. Readying his crossbow, with that goal in mind he tries to keep watch on the nefarious meeting as he moves.

Last edited February 6, 2023 3:35 am

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 6, 2023 6:35 am

Feb 6, 2023 6:35 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

How large is the fire in clearing?

Feb 6, 2023 11:43 am

Feb 6, 2023 11:43 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Do either of the humans bear a resemblance to the boy from the hostel, Fred? I mean would Dennan suspect either of them to be Fred's father?

Also, when you said that Dennan would recognize some of the orcs as Thousand Axe orcs that imprisoned them, do you mean that literally some of these orcs were present when they were being hauled through the wilderness as prisoners? Or do you just mean that Dennan recognizes them as Thousnad Axe orcs?

Last edited February 6, 2023 11:48 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 6, 2023 10:40 pm

Feb 6, 2023 10:40 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

What does Veronica find as she looks through the papers and what does she hear as she tries to listen in to the low murmurs from outside the door? Because she would do that after looking at the papers on the desk.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 6, 2023 11:30 pm

Feb 6, 2023 11:30 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Great questions,

The clearing is about 30 yards diameter with the large campfire/bonfire in the center.

It’s hard to see the details of their faces. One of them might have a resemblance to Fred but you are 50-50 on it.

I mean some of the specific orcs that imprisoned you but some are also just other Thousand Axe.

Veronica’s questions will be answered in next game post.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 7, 2023 12:31 am

Feb 7, 2023 12:31 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Gramun isn't sure he could take on all six humanoids, but he's quite sure he doesn't want orcs traipsing around the woods. He's going to continue to observe the meeting hoping that maybe the group breaks apart a bit so he can take them out separately. Regardless if he is seen by the group he is no fool and will cast entangle on them as he beats a retreat. For now he finds a comfortable spot in the underbrush to observe.

Feb 7, 2023 2:30 am

Feb 7, 2023 2:30 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Dennan is still locked and loaded, making his way around the clearing, observing the orc/human interaction as he goes…but he will wait to see what they do in the clearing before he fires a bolt…I mean Gramun definitely has a point there, six humanoids against a wolf and one human. Yeah…Dennan may have been thinking too brashly. 😬 I should reign him in a bit.😂

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 7, 2023 3:33 am

Feb 7, 2023 3:33 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

In the forest the meeting between orcs and humans is actually resolved rather quickly. There’s nothing much said between the parties other than the note being passed and a small satchel being handed back from the orcs to the humans.

"The humans are nervous" Silas sniffed the air. Soon one of the orcs holds out a hand, the humans pause staring at it a moment before returning the shake.

Then they turn, the orcs toward the woodline somewhere between Dennan and Gramun. Both are currently still hidden from each other but the orcs will pass fairly close to them.

The humans turn back and start back to their horses.

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Stealth (advantage) - (2d20H1+4)

(138) + 4 = 17

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 7, 2023 3:46 am

Feb 7, 2023 3:46 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Back at the mansion, Veronica shuffled through the papers on the desk.

They are mostly mundane reports about managing the town, receipts for supplies, trade ledgers, tax records.

After shuffling with the papers on top of the desk she edges over toward the door to listen at the mumbling.

She can hear what sounds like hushed fighting between a voice she recognizes, that of Sir Antonic, and a woman.

"… can’t make deals with…" she is cut off

"Don’t you start with that now, you are the one who started us down this path." Anger builds in Sir Antonics voice.

"I never said to ally yourself with demons!"

"It was you who said the it should be me in Threshold ru…" he is cut off this time

"But not this way! Are you so stupid you can’t think?" Her voice raising to a near yell.

"Quiet woman, the guards will talk."

"And what will they say of their leader that they likely aren’t saying already? Hmm?"

A large stomp as he near yells "I will not have you speak to me like this!" Heavy footfalls get louder as Veronica can only assume they are getting closer to the door.

Feb 7, 2023 4:17 am

Feb 7, 2023 4:17 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan thinks it better if those wretched human cowards don't know of his presence here and raise any alarms back in town that may flag Veronica, Layla, or Sebastian somehow. Dennan will let the humans leave the clearing before firing at the orc who has the note. He'll try to fire as soon as it seems the humans are out of the clearing and on their way. If the orcs leave too quickly he will attempt to follow them (perhaps first stepping out into the clearing once the orcs wouldn't be looking there).

OOC:

maybe Gramun would see him and Silas?

As soon as he can get a clear shot he'll fire. "Be ready when I loose the bolt my friend," he reiterates to Silas.

Last edited February 7, 2023 4:18 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 7, 2023 5:20 am

Feb 7, 2023 5:20 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica hearing voices near the door will quickly and quietly go out the window and leave before heading back to the hotel to wait for Dennan.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 8, 2023 3:18 am

Feb 8, 2023 3:18 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

In the forest, the humans are still getting on their horses as the orcs head into the forest along an easily followed path they cut through the brush. Dennan and Silas, his wolf freely walk through the clearing to follow. Gramun can see Dennan from his hiding place in the brush.

The clearing is quiet except the sound of orcs trampling off through the brush slowly getting further away. In the clearing, the bonfire still burns brightly, now unattended.

OOC:

Gramun has good knowledge of the forest in this area I would assume so it shouldn’t be too hard to find your way around even at night. Your hunters mark will wear off in minutes if you were still wanting that.

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Stealth - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 8, 2023 3:24 am

Feb 8, 2023 3:24 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica easily slips out the window shutting it after her. As she is departing, the sillouette of Sir Antonic appears in the window. He mutters something to himself behind the windowpane before turning back and sitting at his desk.

He opens the desk drawer and pulls out a box. From her place outside the window, Veronica can’t see what’s in the box but he pulls out some paper and starts writing.

He pours himself a drink, puts the paper he was working on away in the box and the box back into the drawer before standing and walking out the door, presumably to the stairs down to the hall.

OOC:

You can still go to the hostle if you want but wanted to give you some more context as you left the room.

Feb 8, 2023 3:32 am

Feb 8, 2023 3:32 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

If Dennan can see the orcs still, and it seems that the humans are not able to see in the clearing any longer:

Dennan fires a bolt at the orc he thinks has the note.

OOC:

Otherwise...If Dennan can't see the orcs still, OR it seems that the humans ARE able to see in the clearing:

Dennan hastily follows the orcs into the brush trying to sneak up with surprise and get a shot at the orc with the note.

Last edited February 8, 2023 3:41 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 8, 2023 5:10 am

Feb 8, 2023 5:10 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica goes back to the Hotel and plans to tell Dennan what she found out and more once he returns.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 8, 2023 7:50 pm

Feb 8, 2023 7:50 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Spying on spies." Graman chuckles to himself. Wondering where the figure in the brushes allegiances lie, he figures the best way to answer this is to create a little chaos. Seeing this separation of the groups as an opportune moment Gramun prepares to cast ice knife at the orc in the center of the group hoping to catch the other two in the blast.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 8, 2023 7:51 pm

Feb 8, 2023 7:51 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Spying on spies." Graman chuckles to himself. Wondering where the figure in the brushes allegiances lie, he figures the best way to answer this is to create a little chaos. Seeing this separation of the groups as an opportune moment Gramun prepares to cast ice knife at the orc in the center of the group hoping to catch the other two in the blast.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 9, 2023 2:36 am

Feb 9, 2023 2:36 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The orcs are surprised by the sudden attacks.

Rolls

Gramun Blackbriar: spell attack check - (1d20+3+2)

(4) + 5 = 9

Dennan Dmitros: Hand Crossbow to hit - (1d20+5)

(14) + 5 = 19

Ice knife explosion - (2d6)

(23) = 5

Dennan Dmitros: Hand Crossbow damage - (1d6+3)

(5) + 3 = 8

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 9, 2023 2:51 am

Feb 9, 2023 2:51 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The shard of ice flies from the brush where Gramun is hiding. It hits a tree near the lead Orc and shatters sending razor sharp shards into each of the orcs.

As they cover their eyes, Dennans bolt finds Purchase in the shoulder of the lead orc.

With eyes blinded by blood the lead orc points back and shouts in orcish. "KILL THEM ALL. I WILL DELIVER THE MESSAGE". He turns and starts retreating through the woods holding his shoulder where the bolt is embedded.

The other two orcs turn to face the attackers, readying their swords if anyone comes close as they look frantically around the dark woods.

OOC:

ORC 1 (AC 13 HP 6/11)
Movement: Draw weapon
Action: Ready attack

ORC 2 (AC13 HP 10/15)
Movement: Draw weapon
Action: Ready attack

I’m giving the extra info so you don’t have to worry about getting feedback from me. We are doing block initiative so both players can go now then both orcs will go. They know you are there but are obscured while they get their bearings. If you don’t hide assume they will be able to see you. You are about 40 feet away. They are in the forest

EDIT: rolls below are response to the intimidation attempt by Dennan. They should read orc 1 and Orc 2

.

Rolls

Orc 1 will to oppose intimidation - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Orc 1 will to oppose intimidation - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 9, 2023 2:54 am

Feb 9, 2023 2:54 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As Veronica reaches the hostle, she can see most people sleeping. Or at least what few remain in the town from their original party. She does notice a faint light under the door to Sabastians office, flickering like a flame. Her bed is freshly made and a stray cat has made its home in the comforter.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 9, 2023 2:44 pm

Feb 9, 2023 2:44 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica sees the cat and smiles. "Aww, aren't you a precious kitty." She says as she sits on the floor next to the bed looking at the cat with her haunting yellow eyes.

Feb 9, 2023 3:17 pm

Feb 9, 2023 3:17 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Confused as to where the shards came from, but with no time to consider that (because the leading orc with the note is evading the scene and trying to deliver it), Dennan yells (in the Orcish tongue) at the two possibly confused remaining orcs , "Your leader has abandoned you. Are you fools going to stay here to be delivered into the hands of the Stone Tusk!?? Suit yourselves."

(Dennan does himself hope the ice chards are not a result some magic of the Stone Tusk orc clan, once again alerted to the blazing fire in the clearing.)

Dennan fires a bolt at the orcs and says to Silas, "Attack!"

OOC:

That was an attempt at intimidation. I'll roll now if that helps keep us moving.

Last edited February 9, 2023 3:21 pm

Rolls

Intimidation (Charisma) - (1d20+0)

(16) = 16

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 10, 2023 5:54 am

Feb 10, 2023 5:54 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Gramun grumbles to himself "looks like I'm going have to take care of these two before I can put out that fire. Now pay attention this time you old dwarf." He fires off another Ice Knife at one of the orcs.

OOC:

Orc 2

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 11, 2023 3:13 am

Feb 11, 2023 3:13 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica allows the kitten to approach her and stays quiet and still as not to scare or startle her.
"It's ok. I won't hurt you. " She whispers with a smile.

If the little cat allows her to, she'll gently pet it with her cold dhampir hands.

Veronica will just visit with the kitten and hopes that Dennan will get back safely.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 11, 2023 3:58 am

Feb 11, 2023 3:58 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The kitten pet a up to Veronica’s pets and stretches; it’s claws reach out and grab the blanket on her head as it does it’s imagation of downward dog. After it is fully awake, it grubs its side against Veronica purring loudly.

Rolls

Gramun Blackbriar: Wisdom attack - (1d20+3+2)

(12) + 5 = 17

Damage - (1d10)

(6) = 6

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 11, 2023 4:04 am

Feb 11, 2023 4:04 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

In the forest, another shard of glass flies from the bush. Instead of shattering this one imbeds itself into one of the orcs guts, bowling it over prone.

Dennans threat and the appearance of a wolf cause Orc one to frantically look around the treeline as he drops his weapon and runs, obviously assuming the attack is from a large stone tusk party.

The orc on the ground is crying in pain and attempting to scramble back into the forest when the wolf leaps at it.

Silas latches its teeth on the retreating orc scrambling away on the ground (orc 2). Whe would teeth cut and quickly squeeze the life from the orc.

Othe other orcs can be heard deeper in the forest retreating though they will be hard to catch.

Dropping out of combat unless you would attempt to catch them.

Rolls

Wolf attack - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Damage - (2d4+2)

(14) + 2 = 7

Feb 11, 2023 5:14 am

Feb 11, 2023 5:14 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Relieved that Silas finished one orc and the other is fleeing in fear, Dennan seizes the opportunity to chase down the lead orc with the note before it gets too far away.

He calls to the wolf, "Silas, come, find the orc!" as he rushes into the woods in the direction of the leader orc's departure. Although he can still hear the orc's rustling retreat, he hopes the wolf can take the lead and make up for Dennan's impaired vision under the night sky. Also he thinks moving out of the clearing is wise because he can't be sure the ice attack wasn't from Stone Tusk orcs or some other foe. In any case, at least the mark of the ice attack was these Thousand Axe orcs!

Last edited February 11, 2023 5:17 am

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 11, 2023 6:37 pm

Feb 11, 2023 6:37 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

With the orcs cleared off Gramun takes care of his first priority putting out the fire. But he's intrigued by the human chasing after the orcs into the woods. He seems to have a wolf following him around. Why a wolf would want to follow a human around he doesn't understand. Also what were the orcs doing in these woods in the first place? He'll put out the fire and then attempt to follow the others into the woods.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 11, 2023 11:16 pm

Feb 11, 2023 11:16 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica chuckles at that and says while still petting the kitten "Would you like to be my friend and companion, little one? I'll keep you safe. I just hope my friend Dennan is ok. "

OOC:

What type of cat is the kitten? Just curious.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 13, 2023 3:40 am

Feb 13, 2023 3:40 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The black kitten stares up at Veronica through golden eyes. It sits on the side of the bed and cocks its head to the side before licking its nose with a flick of its pick tongue.

The kitten jumps down and starts toward the door but stoops short, looking over its shoulder expectantly.

Rolls

Dennan Dmitros: Survival (advantage) - (2d20H1+4)

(126) + 4 = 16

Gramun Blackbriar: Athletics - (1d20+3)

(10) + 3 = 13

Random roll - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 13, 2023 3:51 am

Feb 13, 2023 3:51 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Silas and Dennan follow quickly through the forest. It is dark but the wolf slips between the brush easily. Every few steps, Dennan can see drops of blood.

Suddenly, Dennan can see churned earth ahead of him… down the rather steep edge of a hidden gorge. He creeps up and sees the lifeless body of an orc down the bottom of the gorge; apparently crushed against the rocks as he slipped on the dew covered moss and vegetation in his fleeing.

A short while later Silas points his nose behind Dennan and snarls.

Meanwhile, Gramun is easily able to put out the bonfire. The tracks the others left are not hidden and he knows they are headed for the small creek gorge. Picking a secret path, he is able to reach the human and wolf at the top of the gorge cliff in time for him to get snarled at by the wolf.

OOC:

The cliff is wet rocks about 20-30 feet down and has a small creek running through it. You assume it will be more difficult climbing down unaided than normal scaling of rocks due to the darkness and wetness.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 13, 2023 6:49 am

Feb 13, 2023 6:49 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica looks at the kitten. "Where are you going? Do you want me to follow you?"

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 13, 2023 6:58 am

Feb 13, 2023 6:58 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Gramun casts speak with animals. "Whoa, hold there friend." "Just making sure your companion isn't a lumberjack, bandit, or an idiot. What are you doing with a human anyway? He didn't "tame" you did he? He better not be an enchanter, I refuse to be a puppet. He won't make me dance, I hate dancing." Gramun continues to ramble to the wolf before turning his attention to Dennan.

Feb 13, 2023 4:12 pm

Feb 13, 2023 4:12 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan is alerted by Silas' sudden pose but is somewhat put at ease by the fact that the figure the wolf is reacting to is not an orc (or even a human...a dwarf maybe?) He is further comforted by the figure's apparent communication with Silas. This helps Dennan to realize the encounter is a denizen of the forest.

He rests his hand on Silas as if to tell the wolf to steady.

Then he says, "So the ice magic...that was you? You must know the forest well to be able to head us off here so quickly."

Very curious about this figure before him, Dennan waits for a response, despite being concerned with getting that note and returning to town. (He is rather worried that it has been a long time and Veronica could be in trouble in that mansion or elsewhere.)

Last edited February 13, 2023 4:18 pm

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 14, 2023 3:02 am

Feb 14, 2023 3:02 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The cat looks back at Veronica and dips its head in a semi nod. It turns back toward the door and slips easily through the a crack into the inky darkness of the night.

Veronica can see the reflected light of its golden eyes as it looks back into the room expectantly.

Back in the forest, Silas replies to Gramun speaking to him. "Dennan friend of forest. Never tame. Absolutely not dancer."

The normal sound of the forest returns to the pair at the edge of the gulch. Silas relaxes after sniffing the air a bit. He licked his lips and starts poking around the trees exploring the area.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 14, 2023 5:38 am

Feb 14, 2023 5:38 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica follows the kitten but cannot crawl through the crack it crawled through so just walks outside the door of her room with her things. If she sees the kitten, she'll continue to follow it.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 14, 2023 8:28 am

Feb 14, 2023 8:28 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"huh what's that? You talking to me?.. what do I look like someone who wouldn't know the forest very well? I knew I should have left that patch of moss growing off the back of my neck, don't want folks to get the wrong impression that I'm from the city or something. Ha, ha,! " Gramun enjoys his attempt at humor, but realizes he should probably get to the point. "Those orcs are there more of them? What were those humans doing with them?" I'm assuming you want to continue tracking them if that's the case you can explain while we continue to move forward. Are we going down or around?

Feb 14, 2023 4:43 pm

Feb 14, 2023 4:43 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The humor goes largely over Dennan's head, but he smiles anyway. He is intrigued by the bizarre demeanor of this forester.

"Well, I thank you for what you did back there. I'm not sure what would have happened if you hadn't intervened."

He continues with a more serious tone, "Yes. There are more orcs out there. My companions and many villagers were captured by Thousand Axe orcs---same clan that the one at the bottom of the gorge belongs to. We were being transported north, to be delivered to their leader for some unknown fate, when a group of the Stone Tusk orcs---a clan more likely to be found here, south of the mountains---ambushed our captors while they were sacrificing captives in a fire ritual. My companions and I freed the captives and narrowly escaped during the upheaval and brought the group of prisoners to Verge, only to learn that humans in high positions there---one in particular, named Sir Antonic, who arranged the meeting we witnessed in the clearing---have been conspiring with the Thousand Axe orcs."

Dennan says the next part with obvious anger in his voice. "I do not know why this human would betray his people and to what end, but I do know my companion Veronica is tracking his movements in town trying to find out his motives. I fear she may be surrounded by his henchmen by now. I need to get a note that is on that dead orc below which may shed some light on the situation and then quickly return to Verge with proof of the wrongdoings of this betrayer, Antonic."

Once he gets all that out, Dennan breaths...

Last edited February 14, 2023 5:00 pm

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 15, 2023 5:24 am

Feb 15, 2023 5:24 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Hmmm, I see," says Gramun taking a look over the edge at the orc. One minute Gramun is standing there the next there is a large gray squirrel. The squirrel that is Gramun starts making his way down towards the orc.

Feb 15, 2023 12:29 pm

Feb 15, 2023 12:29 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Astonished and puzzled as the the squirrel scurries away Dennan says in a confused tone, "uh...don't forget the note?"

OOC:

greenman and Baron, assuming there is no issue with Gramun, as a squirrel, finding his way down to the orc and making it back, can Gramun come back and respond and then we let a DM montage get us back to the town? I'm assuming, like Dennan and maybe even more so, town is not Gramun's first choice, but somehow we have to get this party, now with Gramun included, back together.

I know there's a few posts about moving the party together through montage in the Idle Chatter thread but I thought I'd mention it here too.

Last edited February 15, 2023 1:02 pm

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 16, 2023 3:48 am

Feb 16, 2023 3:48 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

In the forest they are able to retrieve the letter from the body of the orc in the gulch. It’s nothing more than a small fold of paper sealed with the insignia of Sir Antonic of Verge.

The travel back to Verge is uneventful, if long. The moonlight lighting the path to the horse and further on to the path that Dennan had taken to the meeting. Soon they can see the dark village with most everyone asleep, tiny tendrils of smoke swirling up to the nights sky.

Within no time they find their way back to the boars Head Hostle. Outside they can see the figure of Veronica leaning over looking at something at the side of the building.

Veronica, after following the cat outside is led just a few feet to a small hole in the side of the building. The cat puts a paw on the side of the crack. Upon looking closer, there is a glimmer of yellow inside. It’s a small gold chain and a locket.

Inside the locket, there is a picture of a young man and woman painted intricately inside the medallion. The cat watches Veronica open it then rubs his body against her leg before its eyes set on the giant squirrel licking its lips.

The night is getting late and you will need to share information and decide what your next course of action will be.

Feb 16, 2023 4:01 am

Feb 16, 2023 4:01 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Veronica, you made it safely back. It's good to see you." First looking at the cat rubbing Veronica's leg and then shifting his gaze to the large squirrel he says, "It seems we both have made new friends."

He then relates all that happened in the clearing and there after, ending with, "...and I am not even sure his name, but he definitely saved me from brashly taking on three orcs with just the wolf."

Last edited February 16, 2023 4:04 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 16, 2023 5:04 am

Feb 16, 2023 5:04 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "Well, if he is here with you, I'll meet him. Otherwise, this cute little kitten shows me a golden locket on a chain with a man and woman in it. I wonder who they are. I have some information too. Seems Sir Antonic and a woman, maybe one of his mistresses , were arguing about his dealings with the Orcs. The woman wasn't happy about it. I know his place was swarming with guards. I snuck in and eavesdropped a little on the conversation before I headed back to the hotel and found the cute little kitten. It's a Gem, isn't it? It led me here but I feel like this mysterious locket holds more questions than answers. " Veronica noted a moment later.

Feb 17, 2023 2:53 am

Feb 17, 2023 2:53 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"That's really interesting that the cat would show you the locket. If I can get some rest and the cat stays with you, I might be able to talk to the cat tomorrow and ask why he led you to it. It's possible our squirrel friend may be able to do the same--I mean if he wasn't a squirrel--It was apparent that he and Silas had a moment in the forest earlier."

Dennan thinks for a second, "Hmm...I wonder if our friend Fred would know who the man and woman are. If we run into him again before we leave in Verge, perhaps you could show him.

Speaking of leaving this town...you heard Antonic directly speaking of dealing with orcs, we managed to retrieve Antonic's seal that his guards carried out to the orcs--although the guards left the meeting with something the orcs gave them. It's too bad we didn't get that too--and I have Sebastian's sealed letter to bring to Threshold. Do you think it's time to journey there, present our findings, expose Antonic, and make a case for assistance for Verge? Or is there something more we could do here?

We still don't even know why the Thousand Axe Orcs are on the move so far south and what they were intending to do with us and the prisoners they captured."

Dennan looks at Gramun the squirrel and says, "and if I hadn't already used my animal communication powers earlier finding out what Silas had scouted, I could talk to our new friend right now, maybe the cat too." He shrugs.

Last edited February 17, 2023 2:58 am

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 17, 2023 2:59 am

Feb 17, 2023 2:59 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Gramun assumes his dwarf form. He looks at the cat "I think I would have much too large of mouthful for you, don't you?" He turns and looks at Veronica and Dennan. Gramun Blackbriar, "There now you know my name, and as life changing as I know that is, I would love for you to move the conversation to dealing with orcs. I though these woods were a nice quiet place. Seems I was wrong, Dennan informed me of some sort of conspiracy between Orcs and humans. Personally I would rather they conspired themselves off of a cliff." He turns to Dennan, "No offence."

Feb 17, 2023 2:44 pm

Feb 17, 2023 2:44 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"None taken Gramun Blackbriar, defender of the forest. Pleased to know your name, even if knowing doesn't change our circumstances with the orcs in these lands. Yes! Let's discuss how to deal with those death dealing woodland destroyers."

"But first maybe there is some reason for this cat's interest in Veronica and this locket that could shed some light on the people of this town."

OOC:

I was confused in my post earlier, I think Dennan does have a slot left to cast speak with animals. If so, he casts it and asks the cat why he led Veronica to the shiny yellow thing. Who put it there? And what people used to wear it?

Last edited February 17, 2023 2:45 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 17, 2023 2:48 pm

Feb 17, 2023 2:48 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"All I know is the cat wanted to show me this and I have no clue why. But Sir Antonic is definitely going to put this village in danger if he is working with the Orcs, which he is from what I heard between him and the woman with him. We'll definitely need to move on so we don't get captured again. All those people are going to be taken and we are not strong enough to take on a million Orcs by ourselves. " Veronica said a moment later.

Feb 17, 2023 2:50 pm

Feb 17, 2023 2:50 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"As much as I would like to try. That is very true Veronica."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 17, 2023 2:54 pm

Feb 17, 2023 2:54 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I doubt Layla and the bard she saved will want to continue on with us though. And everyone else already left for home. So we would need an army to fight them. I think leaving would be the best option because survival is important. " Veronica finally said after she gave the kitten scratches behind the ears and neck.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 18, 2023 1:21 am

Feb 18, 2023 1:21 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The cat ducks behind Veronica’s legs as the dwarf appears where his next attempted prize was resting (if a little large). Following the discussion back and forth the cat raises its head to meet Veronica’s scratch before staring at Dennan as he talks to the animal.

"You can talk?" The cat ducks further behind Veronica for a second. "Smell like dog… but locket from… old friend." He takes a tentative step out.

"Run from Orc when they coming south through mountain. Hiding and carry locket till reach here, cat slip through stinky orc no problem. Think safe from orc, but now… not so much. Orc smell here." He lifts his head sniffing the air.

"Friend made locket and gave to me to keep safe." The cat looks fondly at the jewelry his ears up. "Want to go back to tower but too many orc now. Maybe you help keep locket safe." The cat turns back to Dennan.

"Trust dead smell woman. Sneaky"

Feb 18, 2023 3:01 am

Feb 18, 2023 3:01 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Responding to the cat Dennan says, "I trust dead smell woman too. She is sneaky and a good ally. You can count on her to help you keep the locket safe, and I will help her."

Dennan takes a moment and relates the cat's account to Veronica and Gramun. "The cat says the locket was made by a friend who fled from orcs coming south though the mountains and also says it's not safe from orcs here. He is speaking of a tower that he wants to go back to, but there's too many orcs."

He looks at Veronica with an I'm-sorry look, "Umm...he also asked us to help him keep the locket safe...I told him we would."

Dennan continues with some more questions for the cat. "Your friend made locket? Where is your friend? Too many orcs where? Before orcs who was in the tower? Where is the tower?"

Last edited February 18, 2023 3:02 am

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 18, 2023 1:12 pm

Feb 18, 2023 1:12 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The cat looks up at Veronica as Dennan relays his message before continuing with his answers.

"Yes, friend made locket in tower. After man die. Friend right there in locket." The cat looks to the picture of woman, pausing a moment. "She said she would meet at tower."

The cat gives a big yawn and stretches before continuing. "Too many orcs at tower, they come from north mountains. Friend and man lived in tower tower with me. Tower at top of river on mountain. Beautiful tower, many birds to hunt. High up mountain where river start."

He looks at the Foamfire River that runs through the city from the mountains in the north south to meetup with the Windrush river.

Feb 18, 2023 2:55 pm

Feb 18, 2023 2:55 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan relays the cats story.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 18, 2023 7:34 pm

Feb 18, 2023 7:34 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "Please tell her thank you for the information and that my name is Veronica. I don't know her name but I'm grateful that she trusts me and is an ally." She says to Dennan a moment later.

Feb 18, 2023 9:38 pm

Feb 18, 2023 9:38 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan tells the cat what Veronica says and asks the cat what her friend calls her (him?).

He says to the others, "I believe the cat is telling us the tower is up river from the river that flows through this town. If we were to follow that it would take us away from Threshold. What should we do? "

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 19, 2023 3:59 am

Feb 19, 2023 3:59 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Well, the tower has tons of Orcs right? Do you want to be outnumbered by Orcs right now? I say we move on and find more allies to help us. " Veronica suggested a moment later.

Feb 19, 2023 4:26 am

Feb 19, 2023 4:26 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"That makes sense Veronica. Before running headlong into the orc infested tower ourselves, in Threshold we can hopefully both convince the right people to intervene in Verge and also gain more information about the tower and the situation with why the orcs are coming through the mountains in the first place. In any case, I will be glad to get out of this town and be back on the road for at least a little while."

Last edited February 19, 2023 4:30 am

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 19, 2023 4:43 am

Feb 19, 2023 4:43 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Can't say it pleases me to hang around in town," says Gramun. But I suppose I can give you some time to gather some info before scouting the tower.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 19, 2023 4:43 am

Feb 19, 2023 4:43 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Can't say it pleases me to hang around in town," says Gramun. But I suppose I can give you some time to gather some info before scouting the tower.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 19, 2023 2:13 pm

Feb 19, 2023 2:13 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Then let's go then. And if the little kitten wants to come too, then she needs to hop into one of our backpacks so we can carry her." Veronica added a moment later after placing the locket in her backpack.

Last edited February 19, 2023 2:13 pm

Feb 19, 2023 2:33 pm

Feb 19, 2023 2:33 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan smiles as Veronica rustles with her backpack, "One of our backpacks?..." He looks at the cat and says to it, "want to come with us?" and nods toward Veronica's pack.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 20, 2023 2:56 am

Feb 20, 2023 2:56 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The cat looks at the locket a moment before nodding. "I come with until not able." And quickly jumps into the bag. It moves some stuff around kneeling with its paws before settling down.

The group sets off for Threshold along the northern road that they had traversed earlier. The sun crests the horizon to the sound of birdsong. The winding road snakes through the foothills and sound the beginnings of mountains.

By midday they are traveling the road along the Windrush river. The sound of the clear cool water fills the air, bubbling and churning over around rocks and down small waterfalls. The river at this point is about twenty meters across.

OOC:

Continued after a couple rolls

Rolls

Gramun Blackbriar: Perception - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Veronica Crane: Aid Perception - (1d20+1)

(17) + 1 = 18

Dennan Dmitros: said Perception - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Noise

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 20, 2023 3:09 am

Feb 20, 2023 3:09 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Even with the noise of the river, Gramun notes the sound of hoof beats about 100 meters behind them around a curve. They don’t sound in a rush and it sounds like there are only two or three horses.

Silas pricks his ears up and looks behind before circling around Dennans legs. The cat squirms in rhe backpack.

OOC:

Regardless of what everyone does, you will soon see three riders. A finely dressed woman, a servant, and a chain mail clad soldier. They are wearing colors of Sir Antonic.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 20, 2023 8:49 am

Feb 20, 2023 8:49 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"we've got riders approaching behind us." Gramun steps off to the side of the road. He's not eager to engage until he knows what he's engaging with.

OOC:

if there's cover he'll cast guidence and try and hide amongst the foliage.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 20, 2023 1:49 pm

Feb 20, 2023 1:49 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Veronica will become invisible until the riders go by.

"Everyone go invisible until they pass by." Veronica says before going invisible and remains very still off the road still as a statue.

Feb 20, 2023 2:03 pm

Feb 20, 2023 2:03 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Jumping to action on Gramun's cue, Dennan skirts off the road in the opposite direction as Gramun into the cover of brush saying to Veronica, "No one from Verge would recognize the dwarf."

OOC:

If Veronica reacts before Dennan and is hidden already, then I guess Dennan just says that to the air as he hurries off the road. I'm assuming Silas would have known to take cover too.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 21, 2023 1:51 am

Feb 21, 2023 1:51 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

OOC:

Yeah Veronica just went invisible. Lol.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2023 2:27 am

Feb 21, 2023 2:27 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The party shifts off the path hiding in the brush ahead of the riders seeing them.

OOC:

More to come

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Stealth - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Dennan Dmitros: Stealth - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

Gramun Blackbriar: Stealth - (1d20+2+1d4)

(13) + (2) + 2 = 17

Rider perception - (1d20)

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2023 2:42 am

Feb 21, 2023 2:42 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The three riders, the finely dressed woman, the servant, and the guard come close enough for the party to see. The woman has black hair in long curls. She rides with poise and confidence that makes it clear who’s in charge.

The servant is dressed in Verge colors, a dagger mounted at his side. The guards eyes dart back and forth scanning for danger as the three trot along the road.

The woman starts "When we get there, you will secure me a room close to the court."

"Yes, ma’am"

"I need to talk to the Baroness straight away. Theo, you will attend me as I get an audience."

"Ma’am" the guard nods as his eyes glance over the parties hiding spot. He spits. "Do you think she will agree?"

"I don’t know. She was always pragmatic so I presume our chances are good". The woman continues.

Veronica recognizes the voice from the night before when she overheard the discussion with Sir Antonic. The guard clenches his jaw and they continue to ride in silence.

OOC:

They are about even with the party now, if the party does nothing, the riders will continue past toward Threshold.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 21, 2023 3:57 am

Feb 21, 2023 3:57 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica stays silent and still and allows for the riders to ride away from them and will only tell Dennan about the woman only when it's safe for them to do so.

Feb 21, 2023 5:07 am

Feb 21, 2023 5:07 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Not yet noticing a budge from Veronica or Gramun, Dennan presently stays put. He wonders what business these travelers of standing have at the court in Threshold, and directly with the Baroness even. The woman seems impatient to Dennan as if her mission is very urgent. Dennan is not one for putting faith in his fellow humans, but he can only hope beyond hope that her motive is similar to his and his companions.

Last edited February 21, 2023 5:08 am

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 21, 2023 8:06 am

Feb 21, 2023 8:06 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Gramun starts to wonder what he got himself into. Fancy nobles never made him comfortable to begin with. But his whole point was to go after the works he saw tripping around in the woods. Things are starting to seem a lot more complicated than he would like. But he stays quiet and is hiding spot waiting to see what his two companions have to say.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 21, 2023 1:56 pm

Feb 21, 2023 1:56 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica whispers to Dennan and Gramun "That's the woman I overheard arguing with Sir Antonic about putting their town in danger with the Orcs when I snuck into their house. I snuck out before I got caught but his mistress looks very beautiful. Let's wait until they move on before we continue on our way. "

Feb 21, 2023 8:14 pm

Feb 21, 2023 8:14 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

If Dennan hears Veronica's whisper, he does what she says and stays put. He's astonished to find out the travelers are led by the woman Veronica spoke of.

Based on what Veronica previously related about the conversation between her and Antonic, Dennan is now more convinced the woman is seeking help against Antonic's dealings with the orcs.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 23, 2023 3:13 am

Feb 23, 2023 3:13 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The riders pass the party uneventfully.

In a few hours Threshold comes into view.

A walled city, it is exceptionally orderly. Sitting on the bank of the Windrush river, the grey of the walls and curling smoke from the chimneys is much different from the small village of Verge.

The town hall can be seen in the inner city while some industrial buildings are on an island connected to the city by two long bridges.

There is a line at the gate by the time you get there in the late afternoon. Farmers and merchants are waiting their turn to get in. Guards are checking each person for weapons larger than daggers, and reminding the visitors to abide by the kinds rules. One of the main ones being magic or mystical phenomena is forbidden within the city walls.

OOC:

You can have a slight of hand roll if you are trying to hide any weapons from the guards or convince them to let you bring them ins with a diplomacy roll, both DC15.

Inside the city, the streets are light because no building is taller than twice the width of the path. Some asking around about taverns would give two main options, the hook and hatchet with the main clientele being the town guards and The Black Jug typically for travelers.

The Baronness is in Tarnskeep a fortress on the lakeshore a short walk north though she keeps court most days in the Threshold town hall. She is expected back in town tomorrow.

Each of the taverns have a few rooms for rent. Additionally, Veronica can see the telltale signs of an active thieves guild written in books and crannies in Thieves Cant symbols.

So, what’s first? Room and sleep? Gathering info? Going straight to Tarnskeep and knocking on the gate?

Feb 23, 2023 3:47 am

Feb 23, 2023 3:47 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan, feeling a little overwhelmed by the complexities of this walled city, tries to keep his wits about himself. He feels the need to lean on his companions here, particularly Veronica who he knows feels more at home in the bustle of a place like this.

"So how are we gonna get our weapons in there?" he subtly asks his friends.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 23, 2023 4:06 am

Feb 23, 2023 4:06 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Well, all I have are my daggers and my fangs. Those are the only weapons on me besides our little feline friend here. We could try to hide our weapons, but it's hard for me to hide my scary vampire fangs." Veronica chuckles pointing to her backpack with the kitten inside.

Feb 23, 2023 5:04 am

Feb 23, 2023 5:04 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan sighs. He loathes the idea of being trapped inside the city walls without the being able to rely on his sword if needed. But he figures he will turn over his weapons if the act of abiding by the King's Law will help their cause here. Jail time or fines will not help them get an audience with the baroness or anyone else that could help the orc/Antonic situation.

"This cursed city will fine you for getting into a fist fight even," Dennan grumbles as he readies himself to turn his weapons over to the guards. He will ask the guards how he will be able to get his items back.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 23, 2023 8:47 am

Feb 23, 2023 8:47 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

What weapon? Says Gramun. " All's I have is this here stick. He chuckles to himself knowing what the word it could become something with a bit more weight to it. " I'd rather not linger in this city though" he says to the others. "If you're set on holding on to your sword lad then it can't hurt to at least ask."

OOC:

he'll cast guidence on Seck before he approuches the guards

Feb 23, 2023 1:11 pm

Feb 23, 2023 1:11 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"It makes me feel better that you two know how to survive and travel light." He says as he unslings his longbow, unclips his crossbow, and unsheathes his short sword. He pauses at his scimitar and after a moment says, "I’ll take your advice Gramun and ask about this blade."

Last edited February 23, 2023 1:11 pm

Feb 23, 2023 1:26 pm

Feb 23, 2023 1:26 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

To the guard that checks him:

"I need some work done on this blade. I just might consider selling it for another if, as I heard, the craftsman here are good at making fine nimble blades. I suppose I’ll need to bring it in with me to take care of that business. Do you suggest a particular smithy?"

Last edited February 23, 2023 1:29 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 23, 2023 2:30 pm

Feb 23, 2023 2:30 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica tells the guard that all she has is a little kitten in her backpack, her daggers and her vampire fangs which she opens her mouth to show the guards her long vampire incisors. She hands over her daggers before asking "How do we contact you to retrieve our weapons once we are done visiting the city?"

The kitten pokes its head out of the backpack and meows sweetly showing its adorable face at the guards.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 24, 2023 3:30 am

Feb 24, 2023 3:30 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The guard gives the daggers back to Veronica. "You can keep the knives. Law is against more deadly weapons."

He turns toward Dennan looking him up and down.

Rolls

Dennan Dmitros: Deception - (1d20+0+1d4)

(19) + (2) = 21

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 24, 2023 3:37 am

Feb 24, 2023 3:37 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"We have a few blacksmiths that do good work. But if you want my opinion, I don’t get anything done except by Mulen over at the Spade and Sctthe. He works mostly on farm equipment but can get an edge sharper than the others here. ". He takes a sheet of paper out.

"You’ll need a waiver for the sword." He starts writing "Name?" Flattening the paper out on his thigh. "And even with this, you will need to keep it covered to not scare any locals."

The guard gives a warm smile through teeth in need of a dentist. "Have a nice day."

He gives the kitten a scratch as a means of goodbye; before turning toward the next visitor. A pig farmer wrestling with a rather unruly sow.

Feb 24, 2023 3:58 am

Feb 24, 2023 3:58 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As Dennan Dennan conceals his scimitar, he turns to Gramun and says, "Thanks for your guidance, that was alot easier than I expected."

"So what is our plan of action? Some rest is called for. Maybe we should secure a room close to the court. Who knows, we may run into the party we saw on the road and get a chance to feel out that woman a bit."

Last edited February 24, 2023 4:02 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 24, 2023 4:24 am

Feb 24, 2023 4:24 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Thank you. Have a nice day. " She says with a closed smile before joining Dennan and the others.

"How about we go stay at the travellers inn?" She suggests a moment later.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 24, 2023 8:40 am

Feb 24, 2023 8:40 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I'm not a fan of roofs or beds, but I'll admit I could shut my eyes for a while. And I might as well see this thing through at this point."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 24, 2023 2:50 pm

Feb 24, 2023 2:50 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Let's go then. I just hope we have enough money to stay the night there." Veronica said and will follow the others if they head to the travellers inn.

Feb 24, 2023 5:01 pm

Feb 24, 2023 5:01 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Alright. Let's. We need some rest."

OOC:

What is the proximity of the traveller's inn (Black Jug?) in relation to to the court and Tarnskeep?

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Feb 25, 2023 4:53 am

Feb 25, 2023 4:53 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The party decides to go to the Black Jug tavern and inn.

After asking around for directions they set their course to the island in the river. They learn that Tarnskeep is actually just north of the city proper, apparently the Baronesses ancestors weren’t fond of the noises of city life.

They pass the town hall and learn that the Baroness will be back to hold court tomorrow afternoon to hear petitions from the townsfolk after some urgent business she has planned in the town hall in the morning.

The black jug is easy to find just across the bridge from the town hall. The island is filled with craftsman shops, warehouses, and docks. You learn that lumber is likely traded downriver from here from the building signs.

The Black Jug has a subdued interior, the building has been constructed in a way that each table is in some nook or cranny to give some modicum of privacy to the patrons. Additionally, the inside is painted a dull black; the light of the lamps and colored bottles behind the bar give a sharply contrasted color to the room.

The bar seems to be the place for strangers to meet and socialize. At the moment, there are about 7 people sitting or standing near the bar. The waitress greets you and asks inf you would like a table or would you be happier at the bar.

Feb 25, 2023 3:37 pm

Feb 25, 2023 3:37 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Hello, and thank you," Dennan says the waitress. And then he turns to his companions, "If my friends have no objections, I would prefer one of those nice private tables."

While in this room Dennan will attempt to scan for anything that stands out. Are there any people wearing Verge colors here? Are there important looking people or any shady looking people, any ranger looking people etc...

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 25, 2023 11:00 pm

Feb 25, 2023 11:00 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"I'm fine with a private table." Veronica replies with a nonchalant smile which is close mouthed. She doesn't want to frighten anyone away with her vampire fangs. she scratches the kitten behind the ear as she goes with the others to their table.

greenman Inactive forever!

Feb 26, 2023 11:11 pm

Feb 26, 2023 11:11 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Whatever, doesn't matter to me." say Gramun. "But if you want to buy me an ale, it may soothe my nerves having to spend time indoors." Obvious you can't take the dwarf completely out of the druid..

Feb 27, 2023 12:32 am

Feb 27, 2023 12:32 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan responds to Gramun. "I understand my friend. Definitely your ale and meal is on me tonight."

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Feb 27, 2023 2:52 pm

Feb 27, 2023 2:52 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica Sits down at the table and asks the server for a glass of water before asking how much a meal is.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Mar 1, 2023 3:34 am

Mar 1, 2023 3:34 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The waitress leads them to a private table and you are surprised that while you are concealed somewhat from prying eyes, you still have a good view of the public space near the bar. The cat wriggles free from the bag and curls up next to Veronica in the bench.

Of the patrons at the bar, there are a pair of burley men in work clothes chatting and leaning on the bar. They are the closest to you and you can overhear snippets of their conversation. "…new quota for logs is impossible…" and "if I were in charge…" and "someday I’ll ride that barge downriver, once I’ve got ‘nut saved"

Next there’s a traveller who looks like they just got off the boat, cloak still wet from the water spray. His attention is captivated by the woman next to him. She commands a certain amount of respect with her presence and confidence. She is doing most the talking in what seems almost like an a performance quality delivery.

Finally, other than a few singles of minimal interest, at the other end of the table there is a gnome and a human pouring over a map and have a book open next to it. They are discussing something and pointing toward the map with drunken fingers. Every once in a while, the gnome writes down a quick note.

The waitress comes over with some ale and a basket of bread. "Where y’all in from?" She starts filling the mugs. "We’ve got a room or two open if you are wanting. Rooms are normally a good a night but we can settle business when you are more situa… oops" she spills some ale on the table and curses under her breath as she cleans it up. "Where was I? Right, any news from your travels?" She smiles as she finishes up pouring.

Rolls

Veronica Crane: Perception (advantage) - (2d20H1+1)

(1916) + 1 = 20

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Mar 1, 2023 3:47 am

Mar 1, 2023 3:47 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica if she looks at the bar and sees the confident woman talking to the traveller, knows a con when she sees one (being the thief of the party).

Sure enough with some of the woman’s exaggerated hand mostions Veronica can see the woman assessing the contents of the travellers pockefs before she finally lifts a small pouch from the poor boatman. She turns to order another drink sliding the pouch into her own pocket as she promptly finishes her story with the traveller and scans the room.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 1, 2023 5:01 am

Mar 1, 2023 5:01 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica just smiles and says quietly to the others "Seems we have a fellow pickpocket in our midst. Guard your belongings, boys."

Mar 1, 2023 6:29 am

Mar 1, 2023 6:29 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan nods in acknowledgment of Veronica’s warning, he suspects she’s referring to the woman who seems to be captivating a man who looks like he’s just recently made it to the city, although Dennan’s not entirely sure. In any case he minds his belongings and raises his guard, glad Veronica has her perceptive eyes on the room.

Though, he himself is interested in the Gnome and human absorbed in a map together. He wonders what the two could be discussing and also if the Gnome is from Highforge or maybe deeper north in the Wufwolde Hills. If so, Dennan wonders if he the Gnome knows anything thing about Thousand Axe orc activities south of the mountains.

He figures, if given a chance, he will find a way to strike up a conversation with the Gnome. He can speak Gnomish due to his past experience dealing with Gnomes (as he has be hired on many occasion by Halflings to retrieve specialty Gnome made items from the Hills and bring them to the Shires). He figures he could strike up a conversation on those grounds.

But before doing anything like that he first wants to get a sense of his companions thoughts and plans for the evening and for tomorrow.

Dennan responds to the waitress trying not to be too forthcoming with infomation, "I am a ranger and really would call much of the woodlands and hills from the edge of the 5 Shires all way to the Hillfollow river my home. Still, as much as I try to avoid spending time in towns and cities, I realize it is sometimes necessary for supplies. There are good craftsman here in Threshold."

Last edited March 1, 2023 6:33 am

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 2, 2023 3:07 pm

Mar 2, 2023 3:07 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica then asks Gramun curiously. "So how do you know Dennan? He and I were once prisoners of the Thousand Axe Orcs until we escaped from them."

Last edited March 2, 2023 3:07 pm

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Mar 4, 2023 4:29 am

Mar 4, 2023 4:29 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The waitress replies to Dennan. "Oh yes, the finest craftsmen north of Highforge, or so they say." She whipped her hands on her skirt. "You know, we had a pair of rangers in here a day or two ago; but of a sour reclusive lot; no offense" she quickly added with an awkward smirk.

"Said they had come down from the north talking all sorts of normal spook stories of armies and whatnot. Never know how much to trust of them though." After hearing Veronica mention thousand Axe "oh, that was them they were on about, couldn’t remember till you said it."

The pickpocket woman looks around the room; her eyes settle on the Gnome group, where she sidles over and strikes up a conversation pouring over the map.

The waitress continues. "Anyway, if they are friends of yours, they might still be around, they stopped staying here but I’m sure I can find out where they are or went, if my expenses were covered." Her eyes flick toward your coin purse.

Mar 4, 2023 1:49 pm

Mar 4, 2023 1:49 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan holds back a laugh at the waitress' comment. "None taken, I think I agree with your take on rangers."

He puts his hand on his coin purse. "I am not rich but I should like to cover our meal and room and also your expenses for your help. I always touch base with fellow rangers. This is how we help each other keep the wild safe for travelers and merchants." He says to hopefully make his motives appealing to her and bargain for a community service discount. "How much?"

When the waitress leaves the table Dennan will ask Veronica, "Is that woman, who is now at the Gnome table, the pickpocket you spotted? Perhaps we should intercede. That Gnome may be familiar with the mountain foothills and have an idea about what the orcs are up to."

Last edited March 4, 2023 2:05 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 5, 2023 2:46 am

Mar 5, 2023 2:46 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "I think so. Let's be careful though. We don't know who we can trust here."

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Mar 6, 2023 3:18 am

Mar 6, 2023 3:18 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The waitress bites her lip as she looks at Dennans coin purse as he asks how much. "Oh, shouldn’t be more than a few coppers really, a silver at most should do." She smiles as she’s called away to the kitchen suddenly to respond to a clattering of pans.

The gnome looks to be explaining something to the pickpocket with naive enthusiasm. The pickpocket, playing the part looks enamored whith whatever the gnome is saying.

Closer to you the workers stand to leave. "… Heard there might be new work ‘round Verge soon. Boss says we migh’ be ‘xpandin’…" the rest of the sentence is cut off as they leave the door.

Mar 6, 2023 3:30 am

Mar 6, 2023 3:30 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan responds to Veronica. "You are right we really don't know who we can trust. But a little conversation with the Gnome hopefully can't hurt and may lead to more information. Besides a little intervention could help the fellow hold on to his coin this night. Will you and Gramun keep eyes on the room as I go and interject over there?"

Last edited March 6, 2023 3:31 am

greenman Inactive forever!

Mar 6, 2023 5:19 am

Mar 6, 2023 5:19 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Gramun responds to Veronica, "oh I don't know him, but he seemed to know why the orcs were in the woods, and that is something I would like solved. Sometimes you just have to go in the direction of the wind, even if the wind smells a bit foul." Gramun takes note of Dennan preparing to go over to the gnome. "He also seems to like sticking his nose in it." He chuckles loudly. "This is reason one of the many reasons, cities never provide a good place of rest." He downs the rest of his ale, mutters a small prayer and scans the room for folks watching the pickpocket, after all there is no guarantee she is at it alone.

OOC:

Gramun cast guidence while checking the room

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 6, 2023 1:55 pm

Mar 6, 2023 1:55 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Of course darling. Go have your little conversation with the gnome over there. We'll be just fine." Veronica tells Dennan with an amused smile.

Mar 6, 2023 4:53 pm

Mar 6, 2023 4:53 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"Thank you," Dennan says, nodding to Verionica and Gramun.

He then takes another sip of his ale, very much wishing he was out exploring with Silas instead of sitting in this Tavern about to invent small talk with an unknown gnome and potentially confront a pickpocket. Still, he grabs his tankard, gets up, and proceeds over to the Gnome table, watching the pickpocket closely as he approaches.

When he arrives he says to the gnome in the Gnomish tongue, "Excuse me sir. Sorry to interrupt, but I didn't want to miss my chance to make your acquaintance. I'm Dennan Dmitros, a ranger. I have been tasked on occasion to run errands for the hin of the Shires. They prize many gnome-made goods and send me to Highforge and sometimes, for real specialty items, deeper north into the Wufwolde Hills to purchase items and bring them back to the shire. I once was even tasked to personally escort the Gnome merchant [insert name] to and from the Shires. Pleasant and intelligent fellow. Gnomes always make good company.

I couldn't help but notice that you look very knowledgeable yourself. I wanted to ask, how's the safety in the hills these days and the mountains beyond? I'm hearing troubling reports from fellow rangers as of late. Instability there is not good to hear for the sake of your kin and also not good for anyone's business in general, including the jobs I get from the hin."

Last edited March 6, 2023 4:55 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 7, 2023 1:56 pm

Mar 7, 2023 1:56 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica carefully scans the bar making sure that no trouble comes for them or Dennan like last time with Sir Antonic and his ilk.

She whispers to Gramun "Be on your guard. The last Tavern we went to in asking for help after we escaped from the Orcs, some very unfriendly human types accosted one of our own and is actually working for the Orcs. It was a man named Sir Antonic who was a town guard. If he or his men stop by, we need to quietly take them out or anyone like him."

Veronica then scratches the back of the kittens ears before returning her to her backpack.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Mar 8, 2023 3:47 am

Mar 8, 2023 3:47 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The kitten snuggles into the bag after Veronica’s scratch, purring loudly.

The gnome stops talking mid sentence as Dennan speaks in Gnomish. Smiling wide he responds in gnomish "Names Quadon, Quadon Bilge. Well let Ranger! I have long ago come to trust your ilk in my journeys." The pickpocket, now forgotten by the gnome, scowls at Dennan.

"The hills are good as far as I’ve heard. It’s been many years since I’ve been to Gnomes Ferry, I doubt I would recognize the place. I have to say it’s refreshing to hear one speak the language." He smiles before looking back at the map.

"Ranger, I have a commission to make a map of the northern mountains. My patron believes the current maps are lacking in both contemporary information and accuracy. As you know north of Threshold is sparsely populated. But where are my manners, I am a cartographer, a master some might say."

He pauses for effect before continuing. "In your Ranger duties, have you travelled north? This woman here was just telling me about her excursions north and the peoples there, fascinating stuff!" He nods to the pickpocket who shifts uneasily. Those at the table can she her hand absently slipping under her cloak.

"Regardless, we will be leaving in the morning to start our survey. A marvelous adventure, and one to pad my pockets if this patron comes through with the rest." He grins through bright teeth.

Mar 8, 2023 5:42 pm

Mar 8, 2023 5:42 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Speaking in Gnomish…

"Wow, yes Gnomes Ferry is quite a magnificent achievement of ingenuity. A cartographer you say? It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Master Bilge. I do have some knowledge of the northern mountains, mostly from other ranger companions, though. Personally, I have spent most of my days protecting the hills and the forest south of the mountains.

I am happy to find that you have heard the hills are yet safe. The things I have heard still worry me though especially about orcs coming through the mountains.

I very much hope it is safe out there for the sake of your survey."

Still speaking in Gnomish, "As far as safety goes though, if you intend to have this woman accompany you, I wouldn’t count on her being available in the morning. I suspect her motives are simply those of a common thief and would hold fast onto your purse in her presence. From our vantage point at ourtable, my companions and I witnessed her pickpocketing her last mark in this tavern. I wonder what fantasies she has spewed about the north to gain your confidence."

OOC:

Dennan will rely on anything he knows about North to reveal the thief. Especially if she or the Gnome says what their conversation was about and he could contradict her story with fact.

Last edited March 8, 2023 5:57 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 9, 2023 3:00 pm

Mar 9, 2023 3:00 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica sitting at the table says to Gramun " That woman we spied on the road that was heading to this town. I saw her the night I snuck into Sir Antonics house looking for information. She was arguing with Sir Antonic about working with the Orcs and I think she was his mistress. If she is going to speak to the Baroness, I hope they help her. Otherwise everyone is going to be made into slaves because that was what happened to Dennan and I. That's why we escaped so we can continue to survive. I hope we can gather allies to help us fight back against the evil humans and the Orcs."

greenman Inactive forever!

Mar 11, 2023 6:08 pm

Mar 11, 2023 6:08 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

"You would think it would be such a simple thing to realize that slavery doesn't work, because you're never going to have someone desiring to actually be a slave. Of course trying to explain that to an orc or an idiot human like this Sir Antonic of yours. And folks wonder why I hide away in the woods." Gramun lifts the tankard of ale once more to his lips only to realize how empty it is. He frowns and turns his attention once more to surveying the room.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 12, 2023 12:32 am

Mar 12, 2023 12:32 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods. "Indeed. I'm smarter than a lot of humans and I am a dhampir. Even though I am half vampire, half human, I know that slavery is wrong and I would love to suck the life of anyone that believes otherwise. Feckin Humans and their deals of death! May they all get their just desserts." Veronica then stabs her dagger into the table to prove a point and shows her fangs in anger with a growled hiss before she clears her throat and composes herself and places her dagger back into her boot before giving a closed mouth smile though her red eyes looks at the room like she is insane.

Baron_T Inactive forever!

Mar 12, 2023 3:50 am

Mar 12, 2023 3:50 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

The gnome replies to Dennan. "Yes, the best cartographer if I do say so myself. As for orcs, I am sure we will be able to handle ourselves." He smiles.

"A simple thief you say?" The cartographer glances at the woman; who in turn squints at Dennan and the gnome. "Well I thank you for your help in this matter, ranger, I hope to see you again. Unless you are free to accompany me and my colleague on our commission. I don’t know that we would have much to offer, financially."

The pickpocket, reading the room turns toward the door. Another man from one of the booths rises and leaves with her.

Back at the table, the waitress comes back. She’s can relay rumors that some of the garrison had been told to be ready to leave in days, some secret news apparently caused the Baronnes to send out the call to be ready. Though, she is still holding court tomorrow.

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 12, 2023 1:22 pm

Mar 12, 2023 1:22 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica nods at that. "It sounds very interesting. If they are against the Orc slavers, they should be able to help put a stop to their nefarious ways but we'll see what happens. Is the public allowed to attend the Court of the Baroness?" Veronica asks the waitress a moment later.

Last edited March 12, 2023 1:22 pm

Mar 12, 2023 3:15 pm

Mar 12, 2023 3:15 pm

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Dennan says, "You and your colleague, a party of two that knows the land, surely could avoid orcs in the wilderness. They are careless, always leaving trails and never moving quietly. Good luck to you Master Bilge. I look forward to your finding your completed maps. Perhaps you would share the name of your patron so I know where to study your completed work in the future. I unfortunately have business in this area or I would certainly be interested in accompanying you on your excursion."

After the gnome’s reply, Dennan will return to the table with Veronica and Gramun.

Last edited March 12, 2023 3:19 pm

Amberthegirlgeekgamer87 Inactive for 11 months

Mar 13, 2023 12:41 am

Mar 13, 2023 12:41 am

[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

Veronica looks at Dennan with a smile "So, how did it go?"

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Game Details

Characters
- greenman
  
  Gramun Blackbriar
- Seck
  
  Dennan Dmitros