The Treasure Map (iC)

[MikelaC1]

In the years gone by, The Park Avenue Inn was a small but very romantic dining spot in Wilverton with a long clientele list and even longer waiting list. That was before Lord Mouton and his thugs overthrew the government, harassing and taxing any sort of prosperous business and forcing the management to cut service and quality to the point where it became just another adventurer's dive, where groups formed and reformed, always looking for the next big score, to either pay off the loansharks or get ahead in the game.
Your group is one of 4 in the Inn right now, studiously avoiding eye contact with each other lest it be seen as challenge. Separate from all, with his chair tilted against a post is an "Imperial Guardsman", a half-orc, which marked him as the lowest tier and thereby most corrupt. Mouton had no humans in his guardsman ranks, it was all half-orcs, orcs, half-ogres, ogres...and rumours of even worse inside the castle walls. For now, your group has not attracted any sort of extra attention from him, or the others, unless they are hiding it well.
At the moment, Garrett Greyholm, ranger and leader of the group, has a "treasure map" spread out on the table, arranged in such a way that no one else in the bar can see it. The ranger came across the map in the ruins of one of the temples ransacked and destroyed in the riots five years ago. The map details a treasure trove including gold and gems and a few other assorted items, also mentioning what appeared to be a very well made short sword which really caught his attention, given his specialization with that sort of weapon. The map also mentions a puzzle that the original maker was not able to solve in order to gain the treasure.

[spectralphoenix]

Felix sits with his back against the wall, trying to keep an eye on anyone in the tavern who gets too close while seeming calm and unconcerned. And mostly failing at the latter task. Fortunately, there are enough cagey adventurers in the place that he fits right in.

Well, let's have a look then. No doubt we're going to be spending the next fortnight lost in some dreadful swamp?

Finally redirecting his attention to the map, he does his best to commit it to memory. While Garrett's wilderness skills were far superior to his own, Felix could at least ensure he remembers as much as possible in case the map was lost or stolen.

[animorte]

William is acting as a body-block to the table and map, but otherwise seems mostly at ease in the environment. He's experienced many faces and times, though admittedly better than what the present circumstances offer. He is able to maintain a smile despite absent-mindedly tending to the smudges on various pieces of worn tableware.

Well, let's have a look then. No doubt we're going to be spending the next fortnight lost in some dreadful swamp?

William grimaces at the thought, but lends out another one of his classic "morale boosters":

If that's the case we better enjoy this...lovely spot while we're here, but then that swamp is sure to be worth it!

He gestures to the treasure again, but otherwise maintains his position blocking line of sight. He's also attempting to stay between their table and the rest of the residents in order to de-escalate any hostility should the need arise.

[Metastachydium]

Torta, quick as ever, has made sure she occupies the farthest chair from the door, with adequate line of sight to both the entryway and the noble guardsman diligently laboring to ensure that law and order are maintained. Though the loose clothes conceal it just fine, all her muscles are tense, ready to explode into movement at a moment's notice. She'd really rather be elsewhere, truth be told. A dirty swamp with fewer friendly faces, perhaps. Just the six of them and the muck or whatever it is this time. Can't not be. she nods, all terse, to William. The air, at least, has to be less dense once the road is hit.

Spoiler: OOC

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Mostly for my own amusement of dubious quality, Torta will try to pick up some snippets of conversation and assorted noises from around the room with Listen: (1d20+17)[37]

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Garrett seems largely unaware of his surroundings, being intensely focused on the map spread before him. He toys absentmindedly with the end of the long black braid falling over one shoulder as he speaks.

"Swamp or no, my greatest concern is that puzzle." He cracks a slight smile. "Swamps aren't that hard to deal with."

"Anyhow, before we begin, I think it's best we set some expectations. I think we should split the spoils evenly, but that shortsword is mine. Its value will come out of my portion.

I know some groups think that splitting the spoils based on contribution encourages harder work, but I've found it just encourages backstabbing."

He spits the last word a bit wryly, and glances up, his eyes darting from face to face, gauging trust. And, while he was at it, flickering to the rest of the room as well, to see if anyone else was a little too interested in his map.

Spoiler: roll spot

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I may as well roll a spot here, to see if we have.... Competition. (1d20+11)[16]

[MikelaC1]

At the moment, no one seems too interested in your group, with 6 members you outnumber any other group and have a sort of battle hardened look that some of the others lack. The strong devour the weak in Wilverton and the weak are not willing to challenge since the law will not protect them if they fail. Torta has an amazing pair of ears (not to mention a natural 20) and hears quite a few snippets, but your group is not the subject of any of them, mostly talk of quality whores at the Golden Rose, good but oh so pricy alcohol at the Kings Quay bar and how the dealers are all on the take at the Sapphire Nugget casino.
As conversation continues, the half-orc straightens up and walks to the bar. Without even waiting for the barkeep to serve him, he draws himself a full mug of frothy ale and takes a swig directly from the whiskey bottle sitting on the bar...without bothering to drop even a copper, and returns to his chair. Of all the guards, the half-orcs in service have the best noses for gold and the biggest appetites for graft. They enjoy bullying their orc underlings but in turn have to steer clear of the bugbears and ogres who for the most part outrank them.

[animorte]

William gives a nod of reassurance to Garrett.

Agreed. I've never had... particularly prominent puzzle prowess. He smiles briefly at each one in turn, proud of his alliteration. Do we have any details on the context of this puzzle?

He is generally self aware enough and tends to defer to the younger and sharper minds of his trusted friends. Otherwise he just thinks of himself as a peace-keeper.

[Metastachydium]

And fine by me. Torta joins William, nodding calmly at Garrett and meeting his gaze, still on the edge of her seat but pleased to learn that the other patrons' mminds are more preoccupied with worldly concerns than her companions' plans. The puzzle, though. she adds quickly motioning towards William with a flick of her shoulder to acknowledge his point, if not his skill with language. What's that about? Missed the details, frankly.

[spectralphoenix]

Felix restrains himself from further disparagement of the terrain, realizing that he was coming perilously close to whining.

I suppose I knew what I signed up for when I chose to follow a ranger he thinks.

Hmm. Looks awfully scant on details. I don't suppose you have any idea who wrote this in the first place? If not, we'll just have to go in blind and hope for the best.

[Starbuck_II]

Sonamy drinks ale slowly, "what sort of dangers do you think we will find at the treasure? No one hides gold and swords without putting some sort of trouble in the way."

"I'm fine with you getting the sword if we must, you the boss, but any magic scrolls I'd like to see, though I guess Felix will want some too."

[spectralphoenix]

Distracted from the map by the mention of his name, Felix responds

I agree with Garrett, of course. We split the take evenly, and he gets the sword as part of his share. Anything else, we'll have to decide after we've seen it. We'll be here all night if we start bargaining over trinkets that may not even exist.

[animorte]

William addresses Sonamy first, making a show as if to whisper (though barely making an effort to lower his voice), and with an exaggerated wink: "With any luck, just more orcs."

And then follows up on the valuable remark by Felix: That's the truth! I don't ask for much but I'm sure something is bound to catch my eye... Anyway, unless somebody has a clue about what lies beyond I suggest we ask around or at least get a move on while we have plenty of daylight left."

William then takes a long hard look, squinting at the map as if some new obscure detail might reveal itself. "What distance are we expecting to travel anyway?"

Spoiler: Survival roll?

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(1d20+4)[14]

[Chimaera]

Urag is busy eating and feasting on everhthings his hands range. He look with few interest in the map, much more dedicated on eating a particularly juicy chicken wing.

"I leave the decision on the path we take to you, Garret. And you can get dibs on the fancy sword, but if we find any magic axes I'll call dibs on them".

He shugs a mugful of beer and let out a loud burp, spilling some saliva and chicken bits on whoever was on the other side of the table and some of the map.

"So when do we leave? I'll just need to take a quick **** and I'm ready to go".

[Metastachydium]

You're gross, Urag. Did you know that? Torta inquires, her face showing little in the way of emotions as she wipes, well, something off of her face, making a mental note not to claim anything the man touches if they really end up finding much of value, before shooting an almost pleading look in Garrett's direction.

Spoiler: OOC

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T.'s good to go!

[Chimaera]

"Thanks", the large man says with a mouthful smile, "There still some bit there in your hair", he says waving a greased seven-digit hand too close to Torta's face.

He looks to Garret and to the map, "Ready whenever you are, Garret".

[spectralphoenix]

Realizing the danger of getting caught in the crossfire, verbal or culinary, Felix claps his hands and comes to his feet.

Right. Whatever's out there, waiting won't make it any easier. Time to move.

He starts to make his way to the exit and his horse outside, giving the drunken guardsman a wide berth.

[animorte]

William shakes his head in silent disapproval while checking his clothes for any residue.

Felix is right. Let's go do what we're best at. Improvising!"

He turns the rest of his drink up then gently places the dirty glass back on the table as if it's still hoping for better days. He gives Garrett a quick pat on the shoulder then follows closely behind Felix, still brushing his sleeves for good measure.

[Starbuck_II]

"Well, I'm ready, " Sonomy said with a drink as he places his drink down.

"Urag, I've always wondered why the extra finger, does it come in handy?" Sonomy says as he prepares to leave to get his horse.

[Metastachydium]

Torta likewise stands, and perhaps a bit faster than absolutely neccessary, reflexivelt reaching up to the indicated spot to try and separate her mess of a hair from whatever mess Urag's decoreated it with. She then looks at Garrett once more, electing to patiently wait for the brave leader to gather up his belongings before she'd join the others. She doesn't really want to leave him and that map of his alone inside with that half-orc.

[MikelaC1]

Deciding against further conversation, the group gathers up the gear and leaves, the other groups in the bar paying them no mind and half-orc guardsman busy chugging the flagon of ale he poured for himself.
Using their knowledge of the local area and geography, the group finds their way to the spot indicated by the map as the starting point and begin to follow it. After about 10 minutes of walking, they are about to enter a more densely forested area, that will force those on horseback to dismount and walk. Just as they are doing so, Torta hears a noise and looks up to see a group of 5 orcs that were clearly planning some sort of ambush, but couldnt contain their patience long enough. The orcs are spread out in a semicircle 50 feet away from the party, there is one to the left, 3 in the center and one to the right of the group. Seeing as the group was just walking without any sort of tight military formation, they are all more or less in the same position, facing down the orcs.
One of the orcs steps forward and in his heavily accented common says Just hand over the map, turn yourselves around and no one gets hurt

Initiative

[animorte]

William smirks because he knows this map will find the possession of nobody else, especially not to some ill-intent orcs. "Should have stayed hidden from my friends here" he thinks to himself.

Initiative: (1d20+3)[20]

William is going to prepare his group as they've been accustomed to many times before with the Bless spell: (+1 to all attack rolls and savings throws vs fear, 50 ft. burst, 5 minutes).

Spoiler: OOC

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I'm going to safely assume that since we have been called to initiative, my diplomacy will do no good here. That group looks aggressive already!

[Chimaera]

"What's the fun if none get hurt?", the towering man says spitting in the ground, too close to Torta's footwear, and draw his massive axe, "I suggest you to go back to whatever holes you live by and rethink your life choices... Or come closer and have some FUN".

He steps to get between the orcs in front of them and the less muscular party members, eager to bring down the axe on whoever get close enough.

Spoiler: Init and action

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Initiative (1d20+3)[14]

Moving to the front to block anyone trying to hit the casters and readying to chop their upper halfs if they come closer.

PA 2, Greataxe (1d20+8)[16]
Dmg (1d12+11)[23]

[spectralphoenix]

Let's see if combustion can improve your manners.

Spoiler

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Initiative: (1d20+7)[11]
Casts Lesser Orb of Fire on the closest orc he has a clear shot at.

Ranged Touch Attack: (1d20+5)[11] +1 if bless has gone off already
Damage: (4d8)[23]

If he's in melee, he takes a 5ft step back before casting, otherwise, he tries to move to put the burlier party members between himself and the orcs afterwards.

[Metastachydium]

With threats flying back and forth anyhow, Torta finds it easier to simply show some good old fashioned contempt through not bothering to even address their assailants. Instead, she merely flings an annoyed Was that on purpose? It better wasn't. at Urag as she swiftly removes her foot from anywhere near the spittle and draws her club, muttering some strange old phrase as she taps the weapon with her thumb.

Spoiler: OOC

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Initiative: (1d20+7)[27]
Move action draw club;
standard action cast Shillelagh on club (+1 enhancement to hit and damage; damage dice go up to 2d6);
free action ignore orcs;
free action chastise Urag;
free action Spot: (1d20+17)[33] and Listen: (1d20+17)[31] in case she missed something the first time.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Garrett draws his shortswords in response to the orc's challenge. ]"No, thanks." He says simply, in a similar tone of voice as if he were refusing a particularly pushy salesman.

Spoiler: actions

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Initiative: (1d20+2)[17]

Free action: be flippant

Move action: keep pace with Urag, flanking if possible

Attack action: (1d20+11)[16] (+2 if flanking, +1 if bless)

Damage: (1d6+5)[7] piercing, +1 acid

(Damage is rolled assuming the orcs are actually orcs.)

[Starbuck_II]

Sonamy draws his rapier as he moves to flank with Garrett or Urag if possible. Doing his best to skewer the foe., "Have at ye, beast"

Spoiler

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Status: Bless (+1 morale hit, +1 vs fear)

AC: 20 () HP: 31/31()
touch: 14, ff: 16,
Saves: +3/+8 /+5
Speed: 30 ft

Init: (1d20+4)[19]
Attack: (1d20+11)[16] (+2 if flanking, +1 if bless)
Dam: (1d6+2)[8]
If Sneak Attk: (1d6)[6]

[MikelaC1]

Actions explode almost immediately. Once again, Torta's ears pick up something from behind and when she turns to see what is going on, she sees the guardsman from the bar coming up from behind in an attempt to ambush them, which has unfortunately been screwed. The party universally goes before the orcs, Urag absolutely demolishes the orc he is facing, while Felix turns one into charred ash. Garrett scores a hit but the orc survives the shot, Sonamy also scores a hit on his orc, but not enough to kill it. The orc fighting Garrett scores a hit that almost hits a major artery but at the last moment he twists enough to keep it only a normal hit for 8 points. The half orc coming from behind is able to attack William for 13 points but fortunately the alert warning from Torta keeps it from being a sneak attack.

Round two
Urag engaged on second orc
Garrett and Sonomy engaged on first orcs they struck
William engaged on sneaky half orc, right beside Torta
Felix not actually engaged

[Metastachydium]

Torta offers but a look of annoyed recognition to the half-orc assaulting William. Oh, it's you. she says with unbroken calm. Pay good attention, now. Keeping her eyes locked on the glorified thug, she vanishes from sight to reappear behind the creature swinging her club at its neck.

Spoiler: OOC

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Initiative (if I understand the procedure correctly): (1d20+7)[24]
Swift action use Ghost Step to turn invisible (Su; does not provoke);
move action move to maybe flank with William;
standard action emerge suddenly from invisibility, trying to club the half-orc (attacking flat-footed AC): (1d20+5)[24] for (2d6+1)[11] magical bludgeoning and (1d6)[4] sudden strike. To-hit is +7 if flanking.

[spectralphoenix]

We should really find a better class of tavern for our scheming Felix mutters as he starts calling up another blast of mystic flame. There must be SOMEWHERE Urag hasn't been barred from yet.

Spoiler

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Initiative: (1d20+7)[27]

Felix uses Fiery Blast, dealing (3d6)[9] damage in a 5ft radius burst (Reflex 18 half). Avoiding friendlies, if he can hit multiple orcs he does so, otherwise he targets the one that appears most wounded.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

"It seemed like a fine enough tavern," Garrett complains, inwardly lamenting his lack of social perception. Then he focuses on the matter at hand, swinging his twin blades at the opponent in a posthaste arc.

Spoiler: actions

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Initiative: (1d20+2)[13]

Free action: Lamentations of the low charisma score :P

Full round action: attack the orc, five foot stepping to flank if possible. Please correct me if I am wrong, I have never used twf before, it's a -2 to both attacks and 1/2 str bonus on the off hand?

Main hand attack:
(1d20+9)[18]

Main hand damage: (1d6+9)[11] +1 acid

Off hand attack: (1d20+8)[16]

Off hand damage: (1d6+6)[10]

(Attacks again made assuming the orcs are orcs.)