Matthew
2008-05-20, 08:56 PM
For those interested, I thought I would write up a report of the Gygax remembrance game I ran in March. Apologies in advance for the poverty of the style. I set the game in Garham (Yggsburgh, pp. 117-124) and adapted one of the adventure hooks provided on page 124. The party was made up of three player characters:
__________________________________________________
Glorissa (Level One Human Fighter)
Attributes: Strength 16, Dexterity 14, Constitution 14, Inteligence 13, Wisdom 13, Charisma 13,
Defences: Armour Class 18, Hit Points 11,
Possessions: Mail Armour, Large Shield, Long Sword, Dagger, Long Bow, Twelve Arrows,
Rolan (Level One Human Rogue)
Attributes: Strength 10, Dexterity 14, Constitution 11, Inteligence 13, Wisdom 12, Charisma 10,
Defences: Armour Class 14, Hit Points 6,
Possessions: Studded Leather Armour, Short Sword, Dagger, Short Bow, Twelve Arrows,
Aleena (Level One Human Illusionist)
Attributes: Strength 12, Dexterity 13, Constitution 10, Inteligence 15, Wisdom 9, Charisma 15,
Defences: Armour Class 15 (Armour Spell), Hit Points 4,
Possessions: Staff, Short Sword, Dagger,
__________________________________________________
Glorissa was played by my girlfriend Maki, Rolan by our friend John and Aleena by our friend Leanne, who is also John's wife. It was the first time Leanne had agreed to join us and so her character was rolled up on the night. Glorissa and Rolan, on the other hand, were veterans of an ill fated foray into the Dark Chateau, during which an encounter with an Owl Bear had decimated a party of six. Amongst those reduced to negative Hit Points were Glorissa and Rolan, so this adventure was set nearly a month later (slow healing times in my campaigns). Having heard of the skills of the master bowyer and fletcher, Alfred "Goose" Gandy (referred to as "Goosey Gander" for the rest of the game), the three companions made the journey to Garham in order to visit his workshop and peruse his wares.
Glorissa, Rolan and Aleena arrived in Garham at around midday. Although most of the boats were out on the lake, there were plenty of folk going about their business, but rather than ask one of them where they might find Alfred's workshop, they made straight for the Jolly Fisherman ale house. After striking up a conversation with the owner, Grady "Garfish" Hunter, and inquiring as to the location of Alfred's workshop, the companions ordered three flagons of 'fishy ale' and three platters of 'fish and chips'. After they finished their meal, Grady introduced them to Eldred Gandy, one of Alfred's sons who had happened to stop by on an errand. An amiable young man, he showed them the way to the workshop and introduced them to his father before resuming his errands.
Having looked over the prices cited in the book and knowing about the pricing problem, I decided to use standardised costs from my own campaign world:
__________________________________________________
Great Bow - 400 SP
Long Bow - 300 SP
Short Bow - 200 SP
Great Arrows - 25 SP for six
Long Arrows - 25 SP for six
Short Arrows - 25 SP for six
High quality versions cost twice the listed amount.
__________________________________________________
After a bit of bargaining with Alfred and a half hour or so testing out the various staves, Glorissa negotiated a deal on a quality long bow and a sheaf of twenty four high quality long arrows for seven hundred silver coins. Just as the deal was being agreed, though, there was a sudden commotion in the vicinity of the ale house.
A small crowd had gathered around a rather tired, but animated, young man. "There's been another murder at the stone quarry! Same as the last. The men are leaving the quarry!" After a short exchange, it was established that Trebor, son of Robert [my little Gygaxian salutation], had disappeared from the quarry lodgings during the night, but that what little remained of his body had been discovered around mid morning. According to the messenger, the flesh, eyes and ears had been removed and bones broken; indeed, they could only really be sure it truly was Trebor from his boots!
Well, the adventurers needed hear no more, but boldly offered their services in investigating the murders. Rolan inquired as to a reward, but in the absence of Robert "Skipper" Ketchum, who was out on the lake, little was forthcoming from the villagers, that is until Alfred offered a second sheaf of quality arrows and Grady free meals and lodgings. Rolan's fellows were a little embarrassed at his cupidity, but once the offer was made, they did not turn it down. So, without further debate, Glorissa, Rolan and Aleena headed out along the dirt road towards the stone quarry. About an hour or so along the trail they encountered the quarrymen, escorting the body of Trebor back to Farham. The foreman, whose name was Rufus, showed them the body and warned them against staying near the quarry after dark. Used to the threat of danger, though, the companions were not disheartened and continued on their way.
Towards mid afternoon, they reached what was evidently the open stone quarry; a collection of ramshackle wooden structures and tents crowded one end of a roughly diamond shaped rend in the landscape. Stopping to listen, Aleena claimed that she could hear the sound of metal on stone somewhere in the distance. So, whilst she and Glorissa headed down into the quarry, Rolan stealthily picked his way around the edge, listening out for any indication that the illusionist hadn't let her imagination carry her away.
Whilst investigating the tents in the quarry, Aleena disturbed a pile of rags, which turned out to be a rather excitable, and half drunk, old man who introduced himself as Cedric. After listening to his rantings for a while, they discovered that his family had once owned the rights to the quarry and that he “wouldn't leave on account of a couple of murders; too much work to be done", though his feeble efforts at handling a pick didn't seem to achieve very much. More usefully, he did claim to have seen several shadowy figures a few nights earlier and to have heard harsh voices speak words that he did not understand. Glorissa and Aleena left him to his ramblings and finished searching the area. The only other thing they turned up was a crude looking broken knife, surely not of local manufacture!
Meanwhile, Rolan had made his way to the other side of the quarry and now thought he could indeed hear the noise Aleena had described. As he crept closer, the sound became louder, until at last he found himself on the edge of a small clearing and the source of the noise was revealed, a brutish looking humanoid, armoured in rusted mail and sat upon an old log, whetting the blade of a long handled axe. Though Rolan considered attempting to take the evil looking thing on by himself, he thought better of it and went to fetch his companions.
__________________________________________________
Move Silently (1 in 4) - Failed
Surprise (1 in 2) - Succeeded
__________________________________________________
On hearing his news, Glorissa and Aleena agreed that they should try and take the creature by surprise. Together, the three of them quietly approached the place where Rolan had seen him, but just as they were ready to strike, the Orc looked up and caught the glint of Rolan's steel. In a flash, he was up and racing towards the unlucky rogue, axe raised to strike. Rolan turned tail and fled back towards his companions. An arrow whistled by, shot from Glorissa's bow, but it did not find it's mark. Suddenly aware of the new danger, the Orc redirected his charge towards her, but she, dropping her bow to the ground, dodged his axe, drew her sword and struck him such a blow to the head that his helm was cloven and his skull split open. The axe fell from numb fingers and the beast fell to his knees before collapsing upon the ground.
__________________________________________________
Move Silently (1 in 4) - Failed
Party Surprise (1 in 2) - Failed
Round One - Glorissa misses with an arrow; Orc charges Glorissa and misses.
Round Two - Glorissa hits the Orc (1d10+2 = 9); Orc is slain.
__________________________________________________
Of course, our heroic protagonists quickly fell to despoiling the body of their fallen foe, discovering two human ears hung from his belt, and, after searching the area, a crude horn and leather wrapped packet of presumably human flesh. Rolan also discovered booted tracks leading off along an animal trail. Aleena suggested that the Orc had probably been a guard set to watch the stone quarry and, after a short discussion, the companions agreed to follow the tracks and seek out any others of his wretched ilk. It was late in the afternoon when they came upon a fork in the trail; a second less worn path led up a rocky hillside, whilst the main trail meandered downwards along a more accessible route. Since the more recent tracks followed the less worn path, they elected to do the same and soon found themselves above the tree line. Deprived of cover, they proceeded cautiously, but it did not avail them much. The sound of harsh voices told them they had been discovered.
__________________________________________________
Move Silently (1 in 4) - Failed
Party Surprise (1 in 2) - Failed
Monster Surprise (3 in 10) - Failed
__________________________________________________
Rolan turned on his heels and ran for the trees, whilst Glorissa did her best to conceal herself behind a rocky outcropping. However, Aleena, thinking quickly, used her magic to transform into the likeness of the monster they had slain and, when his expected fellows appeared, she pointed excitedly down the trail, as though being pursued by enemies. Her duplicity was rewarded and four of the creatures sped down the trail to search for fictitious foes.
Once the four humanoids were out of sight, Rolan and Glorissa emerged from their hiding places and joined Aleena. Knowing that they had to move quickly, Rolan snuck towards the place from where the Orcs had emerged. He found himself about six feet above a cleft in the hilltop; below him was another of the monsters, apparently guarding a cave entrance. Not waiting for his companions, he dropped down to strike the unwary creature from behind, but his blow went awry and his enemy whirled around to face him. In a moment, it had drawn it's broad bladed sword and struck a blow that Rolan barely avoided, and which left him sprawled upon the ground. Just as all seemed lost, Glorissa leapt from above and with one blow slashed the beast's throat.
__________________________________________________
Move Silently (1 in 4) - Succeeded
Party Surprise (9 in 10) - Succeeded
Monster Surprise (1 in 10) - Failed
Surprise Round - Rolan misses with a backstab.
Round One - Rolan misses; Orc hits (1d8+1 = 4); Glorissa charges Orc (1d8+2 = 10); Orc slain.
__________________________________________________
Wary of the cave entrance and the prospect of returning Orcs, both Glorissa and Rolan strung their bows, hoping to take at range any further enemies. Aleena followed her companions down into the cleft and, anticipating the presence of another foe, used her magic to illuminate the cave mouth. Sure enough, her spell revealed an Orc stood in the tunnel mouth, poised to attack with a cruel looking spear. The companions let loose with arrows, but to no avail. The wretched creature too quickly fled down the passage. Bellowing a war cry, Glorissa drew her blade and gave chase, her companions close behind. The short tunnel terminated in a largish room; as Glorissa entered, the Orc sprung from the shadows and attacked, but her mail coat turned his spear thrust aside and her return stroke ended the matter. The evil creature fell dead upon the floor.
__________________________________________________
Aleena casts a Light spell
Party Surprise (5 in 10) - Succeeded
Surprise Round - Glorissa misses with an arrow; Rolan hits (1d6 = 2).
Round One - Orc flees; Party gives chase.
Round Two - Orc misses Glorissa; Glorissa hits Orc (1d8+2 = 5); Orc slain.
__________________________________________________
A swift search of the room turned up several packets of meat of undetermined provenance, as well as several carefully packed eyeballs and a small wooden box of spices. In the centre of the room was a sturdy table and nearby a large brass cauldron containing a vile looking stew. Since there were no other exits, the companions retraced their steps. About half way down the passage they discovered an adjoining chamber that contained a half dozen or so sleeping pallets. Worried that they were taking too long, Glorissa went to the cave mouth to watch for the return of their enemies. Meanwhile, Rolan and Aleena discovered a smaller third chamber adjoining the second. Inside was a more elaborate, if filthy bed, a wooden box, a desk and what appeared to be a small altar.
Before they were able to explore further, though, Glorissa called to them that she could hear their enemies returning. Between them they quickly devised an ambush. Glorissa headed for the first large chamber, dragging the corpse of the Orc guard with her, whilst Rolan lay hidden in the second. Aleena, using her magic to assume the form of the Orc guard, stood at the cave mouth to greet his returning companions. As soon as her foes came within sight, Aleena gestured for them to follow her inside and sped down the passage. The Orcs fell for this second duplicity almost as easily as the first; following swiftly behind they were caught off guard when she turned on them. Glorissa attacked the first Orc to emerge after Aleena and, though he evaded her blow, Aleena brought him low, slashing at his belly with her short sword and burying her dagger in his throat. At the same time, the shadowy form of Rolan emerged from the adjoining chamber, flitted along the passage and struck another from behind, thrusting his short blade down deep between his shoulder blades.
The largest of the Orcs still stood, though, and he struck Glorissa a hard blow with his wicked two handed axe. Though her mail coat saw off the worst of it, many links were ruptured. Nonetheless, she fought back with skill and valour, turning aside a second blow with her shield, she thrust her blade up under his jaw, through the pallet and deep into the brain pan. It was at this moment that Rolan realised there were only three Orcs and spun on his heels just in time to see the last barrelling down on him with a spear. He was fortunate to dodge the blow in that narrow passage, but the Half Orc was not so lucky, for Glorissa was soon upon him, pinning his spear to the wall with her shield she slew him before he could draw blade.
__________________________________________________
Party Surprise (1 in 1) - Succeeded
Surprise Round - Glorissa misses; Aleena hits twice (1d6 + 1d4 = 5); Orc slain; Rolan backstabs (1d8+5 = 8); Orc slain.
Round One - Glorissa misses; Rolan misses; Aleena misses; Orc hits Glorissa (1d12+2 = 7).
Round Two - Glorissa hits (1d8+2 = 6); Aleena misses; Orc misses; Glorissa hits (1d8+2 = 6); Orc slain; Half Orc charges and misses Rolan.
Round Three - Glorissa charges; Half Orc misses Glorissa; Glorissa hits Half Orc (1d8+2 = 10).
__________________________________________________
Satisfied that there were no further enemies, the companions took some time to rest and tend to their wounds. Once properly recovered they renewed their search of the adjoining chambers. In the wooden box they found a small bag of assorted coins and jewellery, whilst on the desk a sheaf of papers in an unfamiliar language. Rolan let his greed get the better of him when he noticed a ruby embedded in an Orc skull sitting on top of the altar. With a greedy grin, he used his dagger blade to pry it out. Holding the ruby up to the light, his smile faded and an inexplicable sense of dread assailed him. After a few moments it passed, but Rolan was left with the unsettling feeling that something unpleasant had noticed him.
As the afternoon faded into early evening, and after gathering the heads of their fallen foes as proof of their deeds, the three companions set out to return to Garham.
__________________________________________________
Index of Reviews (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3552310)
Index of Free Stuff (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3550807&postcount=63)
OSRIC (http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric/)
Labyrinth Lord (http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.htm)
Adventure Competition (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4317636&postcount=1)
__________________________________________________
Glorissa (Level One Human Fighter)
Attributes: Strength 16, Dexterity 14, Constitution 14, Inteligence 13, Wisdom 13, Charisma 13,
Defences: Armour Class 18, Hit Points 11,
Possessions: Mail Armour, Large Shield, Long Sword, Dagger, Long Bow, Twelve Arrows,
Rolan (Level One Human Rogue)
Attributes: Strength 10, Dexterity 14, Constitution 11, Inteligence 13, Wisdom 12, Charisma 10,
Defences: Armour Class 14, Hit Points 6,
Possessions: Studded Leather Armour, Short Sword, Dagger, Short Bow, Twelve Arrows,
Aleena (Level One Human Illusionist)
Attributes: Strength 12, Dexterity 13, Constitution 10, Inteligence 15, Wisdom 9, Charisma 15,
Defences: Armour Class 15 (Armour Spell), Hit Points 4,
Possessions: Staff, Short Sword, Dagger,
__________________________________________________
Glorissa was played by my girlfriend Maki, Rolan by our friend John and Aleena by our friend Leanne, who is also John's wife. It was the first time Leanne had agreed to join us and so her character was rolled up on the night. Glorissa and Rolan, on the other hand, were veterans of an ill fated foray into the Dark Chateau, during which an encounter with an Owl Bear had decimated a party of six. Amongst those reduced to negative Hit Points were Glorissa and Rolan, so this adventure was set nearly a month later (slow healing times in my campaigns). Having heard of the skills of the master bowyer and fletcher, Alfred "Goose" Gandy (referred to as "Goosey Gander" for the rest of the game), the three companions made the journey to Garham in order to visit his workshop and peruse his wares.
Glorissa, Rolan and Aleena arrived in Garham at around midday. Although most of the boats were out on the lake, there were plenty of folk going about their business, but rather than ask one of them where they might find Alfred's workshop, they made straight for the Jolly Fisherman ale house. After striking up a conversation with the owner, Grady "Garfish" Hunter, and inquiring as to the location of Alfred's workshop, the companions ordered three flagons of 'fishy ale' and three platters of 'fish and chips'. After they finished their meal, Grady introduced them to Eldred Gandy, one of Alfred's sons who had happened to stop by on an errand. An amiable young man, he showed them the way to the workshop and introduced them to his father before resuming his errands.
Having looked over the prices cited in the book and knowing about the pricing problem, I decided to use standardised costs from my own campaign world:
__________________________________________________
Great Bow - 400 SP
Long Bow - 300 SP
Short Bow - 200 SP
Great Arrows - 25 SP for six
Long Arrows - 25 SP for six
Short Arrows - 25 SP for six
High quality versions cost twice the listed amount.
__________________________________________________
After a bit of bargaining with Alfred and a half hour or so testing out the various staves, Glorissa negotiated a deal on a quality long bow and a sheaf of twenty four high quality long arrows for seven hundred silver coins. Just as the deal was being agreed, though, there was a sudden commotion in the vicinity of the ale house.
A small crowd had gathered around a rather tired, but animated, young man. "There's been another murder at the stone quarry! Same as the last. The men are leaving the quarry!" After a short exchange, it was established that Trebor, son of Robert [my little Gygaxian salutation], had disappeared from the quarry lodgings during the night, but that what little remained of his body had been discovered around mid morning. According to the messenger, the flesh, eyes and ears had been removed and bones broken; indeed, they could only really be sure it truly was Trebor from his boots!
Well, the adventurers needed hear no more, but boldly offered their services in investigating the murders. Rolan inquired as to a reward, but in the absence of Robert "Skipper" Ketchum, who was out on the lake, little was forthcoming from the villagers, that is until Alfred offered a second sheaf of quality arrows and Grady free meals and lodgings. Rolan's fellows were a little embarrassed at his cupidity, but once the offer was made, they did not turn it down. So, without further debate, Glorissa, Rolan and Aleena headed out along the dirt road towards the stone quarry. About an hour or so along the trail they encountered the quarrymen, escorting the body of Trebor back to Farham. The foreman, whose name was Rufus, showed them the body and warned them against staying near the quarry after dark. Used to the threat of danger, though, the companions were not disheartened and continued on their way.
Towards mid afternoon, they reached what was evidently the open stone quarry; a collection of ramshackle wooden structures and tents crowded one end of a roughly diamond shaped rend in the landscape. Stopping to listen, Aleena claimed that she could hear the sound of metal on stone somewhere in the distance. So, whilst she and Glorissa headed down into the quarry, Rolan stealthily picked his way around the edge, listening out for any indication that the illusionist hadn't let her imagination carry her away.
Whilst investigating the tents in the quarry, Aleena disturbed a pile of rags, which turned out to be a rather excitable, and half drunk, old man who introduced himself as Cedric. After listening to his rantings for a while, they discovered that his family had once owned the rights to the quarry and that he “wouldn't leave on account of a couple of murders; too much work to be done", though his feeble efforts at handling a pick didn't seem to achieve very much. More usefully, he did claim to have seen several shadowy figures a few nights earlier and to have heard harsh voices speak words that he did not understand. Glorissa and Aleena left him to his ramblings and finished searching the area. The only other thing they turned up was a crude looking broken knife, surely not of local manufacture!
Meanwhile, Rolan had made his way to the other side of the quarry and now thought he could indeed hear the noise Aleena had described. As he crept closer, the sound became louder, until at last he found himself on the edge of a small clearing and the source of the noise was revealed, a brutish looking humanoid, armoured in rusted mail and sat upon an old log, whetting the blade of a long handled axe. Though Rolan considered attempting to take the evil looking thing on by himself, he thought better of it and went to fetch his companions.
__________________________________________________
Move Silently (1 in 4) - Failed
Surprise (1 in 2) - Succeeded
__________________________________________________
On hearing his news, Glorissa and Aleena agreed that they should try and take the creature by surprise. Together, the three of them quietly approached the place where Rolan had seen him, but just as they were ready to strike, the Orc looked up and caught the glint of Rolan's steel. In a flash, he was up and racing towards the unlucky rogue, axe raised to strike. Rolan turned tail and fled back towards his companions. An arrow whistled by, shot from Glorissa's bow, but it did not find it's mark. Suddenly aware of the new danger, the Orc redirected his charge towards her, but she, dropping her bow to the ground, dodged his axe, drew her sword and struck him such a blow to the head that his helm was cloven and his skull split open. The axe fell from numb fingers and the beast fell to his knees before collapsing upon the ground.
__________________________________________________
Move Silently (1 in 4) - Failed
Party Surprise (1 in 2) - Failed
Round One - Glorissa misses with an arrow; Orc charges Glorissa and misses.
Round Two - Glorissa hits the Orc (1d10+2 = 9); Orc is slain.
__________________________________________________
Of course, our heroic protagonists quickly fell to despoiling the body of their fallen foe, discovering two human ears hung from his belt, and, after searching the area, a crude horn and leather wrapped packet of presumably human flesh. Rolan also discovered booted tracks leading off along an animal trail. Aleena suggested that the Orc had probably been a guard set to watch the stone quarry and, after a short discussion, the companions agreed to follow the tracks and seek out any others of his wretched ilk. It was late in the afternoon when they came upon a fork in the trail; a second less worn path led up a rocky hillside, whilst the main trail meandered downwards along a more accessible route. Since the more recent tracks followed the less worn path, they elected to do the same and soon found themselves above the tree line. Deprived of cover, they proceeded cautiously, but it did not avail them much. The sound of harsh voices told them they had been discovered.
__________________________________________________
Move Silently (1 in 4) - Failed
Party Surprise (1 in 2) - Failed
Monster Surprise (3 in 10) - Failed
__________________________________________________
Rolan turned on his heels and ran for the trees, whilst Glorissa did her best to conceal herself behind a rocky outcropping. However, Aleena, thinking quickly, used her magic to transform into the likeness of the monster they had slain and, when his expected fellows appeared, she pointed excitedly down the trail, as though being pursued by enemies. Her duplicity was rewarded and four of the creatures sped down the trail to search for fictitious foes.
Once the four humanoids were out of sight, Rolan and Glorissa emerged from their hiding places and joined Aleena. Knowing that they had to move quickly, Rolan snuck towards the place from where the Orcs had emerged. He found himself about six feet above a cleft in the hilltop; below him was another of the monsters, apparently guarding a cave entrance. Not waiting for his companions, he dropped down to strike the unwary creature from behind, but his blow went awry and his enemy whirled around to face him. In a moment, it had drawn it's broad bladed sword and struck a blow that Rolan barely avoided, and which left him sprawled upon the ground. Just as all seemed lost, Glorissa leapt from above and with one blow slashed the beast's throat.
__________________________________________________
Move Silently (1 in 4) - Succeeded
Party Surprise (9 in 10) - Succeeded
Monster Surprise (1 in 10) - Failed
Surprise Round - Rolan misses with a backstab.
Round One - Rolan misses; Orc hits (1d8+1 = 4); Glorissa charges Orc (1d8+2 = 10); Orc slain.
__________________________________________________
Wary of the cave entrance and the prospect of returning Orcs, both Glorissa and Rolan strung their bows, hoping to take at range any further enemies. Aleena followed her companions down into the cleft and, anticipating the presence of another foe, used her magic to illuminate the cave mouth. Sure enough, her spell revealed an Orc stood in the tunnel mouth, poised to attack with a cruel looking spear. The companions let loose with arrows, but to no avail. The wretched creature too quickly fled down the passage. Bellowing a war cry, Glorissa drew her blade and gave chase, her companions close behind. The short tunnel terminated in a largish room; as Glorissa entered, the Orc sprung from the shadows and attacked, but her mail coat turned his spear thrust aside and her return stroke ended the matter. The evil creature fell dead upon the floor.
__________________________________________________
Aleena casts a Light spell
Party Surprise (5 in 10) - Succeeded
Surprise Round - Glorissa misses with an arrow; Rolan hits (1d6 = 2).
Round One - Orc flees; Party gives chase.
Round Two - Orc misses Glorissa; Glorissa hits Orc (1d8+2 = 5); Orc slain.
__________________________________________________
A swift search of the room turned up several packets of meat of undetermined provenance, as well as several carefully packed eyeballs and a small wooden box of spices. In the centre of the room was a sturdy table and nearby a large brass cauldron containing a vile looking stew. Since there were no other exits, the companions retraced their steps. About half way down the passage they discovered an adjoining chamber that contained a half dozen or so sleeping pallets. Worried that they were taking too long, Glorissa went to the cave mouth to watch for the return of their enemies. Meanwhile, Rolan and Aleena discovered a smaller third chamber adjoining the second. Inside was a more elaborate, if filthy bed, a wooden box, a desk and what appeared to be a small altar.
Before they were able to explore further, though, Glorissa called to them that she could hear their enemies returning. Between them they quickly devised an ambush. Glorissa headed for the first large chamber, dragging the corpse of the Orc guard with her, whilst Rolan lay hidden in the second. Aleena, using her magic to assume the form of the Orc guard, stood at the cave mouth to greet his returning companions. As soon as her foes came within sight, Aleena gestured for them to follow her inside and sped down the passage. The Orcs fell for this second duplicity almost as easily as the first; following swiftly behind they were caught off guard when she turned on them. Glorissa attacked the first Orc to emerge after Aleena and, though he evaded her blow, Aleena brought him low, slashing at his belly with her short sword and burying her dagger in his throat. At the same time, the shadowy form of Rolan emerged from the adjoining chamber, flitted along the passage and struck another from behind, thrusting his short blade down deep between his shoulder blades.
The largest of the Orcs still stood, though, and he struck Glorissa a hard blow with his wicked two handed axe. Though her mail coat saw off the worst of it, many links were ruptured. Nonetheless, she fought back with skill and valour, turning aside a second blow with her shield, she thrust her blade up under his jaw, through the pallet and deep into the brain pan. It was at this moment that Rolan realised there were only three Orcs and spun on his heels just in time to see the last barrelling down on him with a spear. He was fortunate to dodge the blow in that narrow passage, but the Half Orc was not so lucky, for Glorissa was soon upon him, pinning his spear to the wall with her shield she slew him before he could draw blade.
__________________________________________________
Party Surprise (1 in 1) - Succeeded
Surprise Round - Glorissa misses; Aleena hits twice (1d6 + 1d4 = 5); Orc slain; Rolan backstabs (1d8+5 = 8); Orc slain.
Round One - Glorissa misses; Rolan misses; Aleena misses; Orc hits Glorissa (1d12+2 = 7).
Round Two - Glorissa hits (1d8+2 = 6); Aleena misses; Orc misses; Glorissa hits (1d8+2 = 6); Orc slain; Half Orc charges and misses Rolan.
Round Three - Glorissa charges; Half Orc misses Glorissa; Glorissa hits Half Orc (1d8+2 = 10).
__________________________________________________
Satisfied that there were no further enemies, the companions took some time to rest and tend to their wounds. Once properly recovered they renewed their search of the adjoining chambers. In the wooden box they found a small bag of assorted coins and jewellery, whilst on the desk a sheaf of papers in an unfamiliar language. Rolan let his greed get the better of him when he noticed a ruby embedded in an Orc skull sitting on top of the altar. With a greedy grin, he used his dagger blade to pry it out. Holding the ruby up to the light, his smile faded and an inexplicable sense of dread assailed him. After a few moments it passed, but Rolan was left with the unsettling feeling that something unpleasant had noticed him.
As the afternoon faded into early evening, and after gathering the heads of their fallen foes as proof of their deeds, the three companions set out to return to Garham.
__________________________________________________
Index of Reviews (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3552310)
Index of Free Stuff (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3550807&postcount=63)
OSRIC (http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric/)
Labyrinth Lord (http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.htm)
Adventure Competition (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4317636&postcount=1)