bcool999's Ironfang Invasion

[silphael]

Going to the door, Perwialen asks :

"That's the side exit, right ? So that's the path we'll be taking to go out. No idea how many might be nearby. We better get ready for trouble, seems like they are quite numerous around."

[lostsole31]

Meanwhile, Adowyn is not in the storeroom getting the benefit of the above, because she left to get Aubrin ...

[bcool999]

Adowyn grabs Aubrin and returns to find Jet already out of the cellar. Upon seeing Aubrin, Jet gasps and asks, "Aubrin what happened to you!?"

"Oh this?" Aubrin replies sheepishly, "Just a lesson in being careful what you ask for. I'll walk it off."

Jet looks doubtfully at Aubrin before focusing at the task at hand, "Alright, it sounds like we are hightailing it into the woods. I have some supplies left in the cellar. You three! Help me carry it out!" Jet begins ordering about the 3 villagers who were in the common room who Aubrin had been keeping an eye on. Together they manage to haul 5 Provision points worth of food and drink out of the cellar.

Meanwhile, Aubrin calls a quick meeting with the party to decide your next steps. "Alright, I think we can all agree we need to get out of here. Best way would be to cross the bridge out of town (hopefully breaking it behind us) and making a dash into the woods. I know most the hidey holes in there and we will be safe enough to catch our breath and think on what to do. Now, we could make for the bridge right now, we got some supplies here and a few survivors... Or we could make our way to a couple other spots around town that are sure to have people. People like Jet that are holed up and can't get out without help. Also supplies to help us with roughing it in the woods. I am in no shape to help so I leave it up to you. I will help keep the other survivors out of trouble while we follow your lead."

Aubrin lists out a few other places that were likely to have people and supplies, The Phaendar Trading Company, Riverwood Shrine, and Oreld's Fine Shop.

What do you do?

[lostsole31]

Adowyn says to th heroes once gathered, "Okay, we have to do what we can to get as many people and provisions as we can, but I think we need to do it in a manner that makes sense for what we need in the long run, not the short. For that reason, I say we do not try the Trading post first. The orcs will be attracted to the largest places first, kind of like we had to deal with a strike right here. That means they will likely go to the Trading post first, because it is probably larger with more people. We can't help everyone, just what we can manage. I will get back to that.

"Aubrin said there is a bridge that needs to be crossed. I say we go to Oreld's first. As an alchemist, he is a specialist that can do and craft things we simply cannot replicate in the forest. More than that, I hear alchies are good with bombs, and we need to see if he has enough product to blow that bridge behind us once we have our herd full.

"Then, same thing for the shrine. If we can save anyone that can cast healing spells and see to the spiritual needs of refugees, that also can't be covered with tree bark and vines.

"Finally, if we aren't tapped out and have a chance, we descend on the Trading Company to pick over what the hobbos might have left for raw goods. And who knows? There might be others in hidey-holes like Jet was in.

"Now, let me put something else past you, but a way that might save more people and materials ... but might be riskier.

"I, my wolf, and this guy..." [and here she points to Walter] "... go to Oreld's. The other three of you go to the shrine. Then we try to meet up with what we have at the trading company. I know some folks are against splitting forces, but we might be able to save more lives doing that."

[digiman619]

Beryl shook his head. "That seems like a good way to end up dead. I can't heal you if you are halfway across town." He then sighed. "But if we don't, a lot of people might get needlessly killed in the crossfire." He groaned. "Fine, but if you get killed without me, remember I told you it was a bad idea."

[lostsole31]

Adowyn nods to the .... dwarf/not-dwarf? Then uses a toss of her head to the spellcaster (Walter, but she doesn't know his name yet), and says, "Leryn, come."

She is out the door with the wolf, and hopefully with Walter too.

[meemaas]

Walter follows after Adowyn, speaking calmly before they leave the building. "Please remember my name. I am Walter, not 'this guy'."

[SwordChucks]

"I'm Caliban. Cal if you prefer." He says as he swaps his quiver for another.

"We can stick close to the buildings on the way to the shrine, and there's some foliage surrounding it we can use for cover. I'm ready if you all are." He puts a reassuring hand on Jet's shoulder for a moment before heading to the door.

[bcool999]

Aubrin wasn’t sure if splitting up was the best idea but she admired the groups courage in attempting to save as many lives as possible. She wishes Caiden’s Luck to the small force splitting off of the main group, and offers her own healing magics to help tide Adowyn and Walter over until the group’s reunion.

After making it out the back door of the Inn, the group separates. Both quickly losing sight of the other amidst the darkness, smoke and flames shrouding the town tonight.

Swordchucks, digi and silphael go HERE

Lostsole31 and meemas remain in this thread.

[bcool999]

The main group works their way toward Oreld's shop. You are somewhat slowed by Aubrin's injuries and dealing with the townsfolk's fear and trepidation, but you progress safely by keeping out of sight.

From what you can hear from the shadows of buildings as you stalk toward’s the Oreld's Fine Shop, Hobgoblins are fighting townsfolk in all directions. The whole of Phaendar is under assault tonight, and victims already growing cold line the streets as you pass. A wolf howls in the distance, it’s eerie howl echoed by the screams of the dying.

Oreld’s Fine Shop—labeled with a small shingle hanging out front—is one of the few buildings in town made entirely of stone. Mortared white blocks form the walls of this odd shaped cottage. Scorch marks that shift in color from black to dark blue to glimmering violet mar one wall. The door to the shop stands open and bloody footprints lead inside.

[lostsole31]

Head inside.... Adowyn, Leryn, then Walter.

[bcool999]

Adowyn leads the way inside with Leryn right behind her. Walter trails behind Leryn. You quickly realize what caused the blooded footprints. A Hob orc stands in the store pursuing the shelves with bloodied boots. The blood likely comes from the man groaning softly in agony with a javelin in his gut and a metal collar with chain leading to the Hob Orcs hand.

Combat start
R1T26

Adowyn, you notice the orc as the orc notices you. The man in chains appears heavily wounded, what do you do?

[lostsole31]

Adowyn commands Leryn to attack even as she moves in and shoots the filthy orc and hopefully heals the man.

Spoiler: Adowyn Crunch

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FA: Command Leryn to attack.
MA: Move one square north, one square east to be in direct line with hobbo.
SA: Enduring crane strike on orc, assuming PBS. (1d20+7)[18], damage (1d8+1)[4]
* She doesn't take soft cover penalty, and orc is not in melee, so there should be no penalties.

[bcool999]

R1T22

Adowyn commands Leryn to attack even as she moves in and shoots the filthy orc and hopefully heals the man. The arrow slams home for 4 damage bringing forth a pained howl from the Hob orc. Holy energies trail the arrow, descending on the injured man for 5 Positive.

Walter, what do you do?

[meemaas]

Walter will follow Adowyn into the room, and after a quick judgement call, attempt to zap the Orc with another controlled burst of emotion.

Spoiler

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Move action: Move into the doorway
Standard action: Wild Surge Energy Ray (electric) for 1

Attack roll (1d20+3)[4] (Add another +3 if the target is wearing metal armor)
Damage (2d6+4)[10] (+2 damage per die from dual bloodline arcana)

Psychic Enervation (1d100)[49] 15 or below is a failure, causing me to be Dazzled and take 1 damage.

[bcool999]

R1T10

Walter will follow Adowyn into the room, and after a quick judgement call, attempt to zap the Orc with another controlled burst of emotion. However his lightning quickly grounds itself leaving a scorch mark on the floor.

Seeing the flair of electricity, the Hob Orc shouts out in goblin of all things.

Spoiler: Goblin

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"Filthy Elf Magics! BURN!"

He then removes a vial from a belt loop and chucks it at Walter. It hits cracking open into a burst of heat and flame dealing 4 Fire to Walter and catching Leryn in the snoot for 3 Fire.

Adowyn has a split second to react as the vial hurls through the air and manages to dodge around the doorframe enough to reduce the blast, but still suffers 1 Fire.

R1T7

Leryn, angry at getting burnt, gladly follows Adowyn's order and moves forward to bite the Hob Orc. However, the burn must have caused Leryn to tear up and miss.

R2T25

Adowyn, what do you do? (Remember to either roll a reflex save on your post or in the discord)

Walter on Deck, Enemy in the hole.

[lostsole31]

Adowyn takes careful aim, with a faintly whispered prayer to Erastil as she lets loose with another arrow.

Spoiler: Adowyn Crunch

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SA: Attack w/ Silver Strike, PBS, and Deadly Aim (1d20+6)[24] or (1d20+6)[7], damage (1d8+3)[6]

[bcool999]

R2T25

Adowyn takes careful aim, with a faintly whispered prayer to Erastil as she lets loose with another arrow. Fate seems to be with the archer as the Hob Orc almost seems to dodge into the path of the arrow to take 6 Damage.

R2T22

Walter's Turn, Enemy next, Leryn after that.

[meemaas]

Walter takes a deep breath, choosing to, instead of allowing his emotions to go wild, cast a spell for a smaller, but more consistent effect.

Spoiler

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Standard action: Cast Jolt, targeting the Orc

Attack roll (1d20+3)[23]
Damage (1d3+2)[5]

[meemaas]

Spoiler: Crit Confirm

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Crit and a Miss!!!
Confirm (1d20+3)[22]
Damage (1d3+2)[3]

[bcool999]

R2T22

Walter takes a deep breath, choosing to, instead of allowing his emotions to go wild, cast a spell for a smaller, but more consistent effect. The jolt of electricity hits the Hob Orc for 8 Electric.

R2T10

Spasms from his shock causes the Hob Orc to drop the chain holding the man captive. Your foe stumbles away while grabbing at at vial on his hip which he quickly quaffs. After doing so, the worst of the electrical burns heal before your very eyes.

R2T7

Leryn though, doesn't let the enemy have respite. He bites deeply into the foe's thigh for 9 Damage, which causes the Hob Orc to scream before falling to the ground unconscious.

Combat End

Leryn shakes the Orc a few times with his fangs still deep in the Orc's leg, but with no response he lets go and looks to Adowyn with his head cocked at an angle.

Meanwhile, the man in chains is shaking like a new-born calf. No doubt his impalement or his enslavement or both wearing away his nerves. Still, he musters his courage to say through shaky lips, "T-the o-others... in the b-basement... hiding." with the clarity from his partially healed wound he adds, "D-door, trapped." while looking at the door to the east.

[lostsole31]

Adowyn helps him to his feet. "Show us how to get past the trap, please. Let's get folks out of here, grabbing what we can. We are going to meet up with Aubrin and others and cross the bridge. Are you Oreld? Because we need to know if we can drop the bridge behind us. "

[bcool999]

Despite Adowyn's words, the man stays where his is, still trembling like a leaf in a windstorm. He manages to squeeze out a few more shaky words, "Y-yes I'm Oreld. S-sorry. I-I can't... m-my hands won't s-stop shaking." At the mention of dropping the bridge, Oreld looks thoughtful and says, "S-stump remover... In the back room. M-might help?"

It is obvious that Oreld is in some form of shock. The shaking in his hands makes it impossible to disarm the trap without setting it off.

[meemaas]

Walter will walk up to Oreld and calmly speak to him. "Don't worry, you're safe with us. We would put our lives on the line to make sure you can escape safely. I am a powerful mage, and my friend here is an expert sharpshooter, and we will bring you and a many others as possible to safety." He places his hand on the mans shoulder in a comforting manner. "But we won't be able to get you to safety until you can clear your head. I need you to take a few deep breaths and focus. You will get out of here, I promise."

Spoiler

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Walter wants to make a Diplomacy check to try and calm the man down.

[lostsole31]

Adowyn will try to add a comforting presence as well.

Spoiler: OOC

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Aid Another on Diplomacy check. She has a +2 modifier.

[bcool999]

Oreld looks uncertain towards Walters attempts at comfort. Then he glances over at Adowyn and remembers how she managed to heal him and the scales seem to tip in the party's favor. Oreld breathes in, and breathes out before muttering to himself, "Come on Oreld, stiff upper lip. Tonight's not the night to fall to pieces."

With a nod to the party, Oreld makes his way over to the door and slowly opens it partway before stopping and reaching through the gap to fiddle with something on the other side. Seemingly satisfied with his work, Oreld pushes the door open the rest of the way... and nothing happens.

What do you do next?

[lostsole31]

"Thank you, Oreld. We don't know the things you have here, you do. So, start gathering up what you think is important, and what we can carry including whomever you have in here. Please point the way to them. Oh, and grab that .... what was it? .... stump remover?"

[bcool999]

Oreld nods at the thanks but thinks a moment before saying, "Feel free to take what you need from the store, and the townsfolk are down the trapdoor there," Indeed the rug in the next room is hiding the trapdoor much like lingerie hides a naked figure, "I need to get this damned chain off of my neck and the brute didn't have the decency to have a key on him. After that I will get to work making a stump remover for you, but it will take a few minutes. Ah, and here," Oreld hands you a key, "This opens the cabinet in my workroom, it my more valuable components in it. Maybe you can round up those below to gather supplies while I work on making the stump remover?"

With that, Oreld starts working on the lock around his neck to get the chain and collar off.

What do you do? Raid the storefront? Rescue those in the Cellar? Loot Oreld's Workshop? Something else?

Spoiler: OOC

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Lazy PCs wanting the NPC shopkeep to loot his own shop for them *Grumble Grumble*

[lostsole31]

Adowyn commands Leryn to defend Oreld. She then hands the key to Walter. "You're probably smarter than I. You'll have better luck figuring out what to grab."

Adowyn will then throw back the rug and open the trapdoor carefully speaking soothingly, "My name is Adowyn and we are here to rescue you."

If time permits, also, loot the orc for anything useful.

[meemaas]

Walter will start by checking the workshop cabinet to see what is there.