SESSION 12A: BEST LAID PLANS….
Mukri starts to line his hobgoblins up in single file. He looks over at the party to start to do the same.
Halee taps Risandor on the shoulder, "Tell him they should go first. Maybe tell them it's the place of status, you know the vanguard, where the most orc blood can be spilt and they can become a legend in their tribe."
"Yeah, yeah I've got it", Risandor responds. The halfling turns to the large hobgoblin and starts to explain the merits of them leading the assault.
The big hobgoblin just turns to Risandor, folds his arms and frowns. "Vat vou saying little man. Vou no vanter raid viz us. Vou break deal vis us and vaste our timen?"
Risandor, not knowing how to respond, stammers a little, "err".
"Ve leave nowen if zee no vonger vants to raid vis us. Ve not enter ork kave unless vee have more numbers. Ve not stupid."
"Yeah ok, just checking" Risandor crumbles. "Err, um, eminah, eminah, hey Ansic and Uthalin would you like to start to line up with our comrades here."
Disappointed with the outcomes of the negotiations' Halee takes Thomas aside for a moment. "Thomas, if this goes bad we're going to need a clear path out. Can you protect our rear? Keep a real good watch on the last hobgoblin and if anything goes wrong….." she makes a slicing motion with her index finger across her throat.
Thomas nods.
Halee lowers her voice and draws closer "And one more thing, see that copse of trees over there. There's something in there. Lurking. Watching us. I don't know what it is but it's big. Keep a close eye on those trees. We don't need to get boxed in here."
Thomas with a serious look on his face nods again. All the stress of the morning seems to have left him and with military efficiency he slings his shield upon his back and takes out his short bow. Testing the string and loosening his arrows he practices drawing.
"Shoohsen, vee go" Mukri motions. Risandor re-interprets for the group and the war party moves forward with stealthy determination.
Peering into the cave, Ansic can see that there is a cross intersection almost immediately. Some 10ft in, the initial corridor branches to the east and the west and also continues on another 20ft at least.
The caves are filthy. The floors are roughly hewn directly from the rock and there is debris, trash and filth everywhere.
Uthalin turns to Cord, "Definitely orc caves. Look at this rubbish. They make the goblins look clean." [DM note Uthalin passes another Knowledge Nature check.]
Cord nods and draws Otis from his sheath. He knows they are in for a big fight and he'll need both blades ready.
The hobgoblins are obviously well drilled in close order tactics and fighting in depth. The hobgoblin in the second rank raises its long spear over its head, covering the front of the hobgoblin in the lead. Any orc attacking here will face the wrath of both goblinoids.
As they enter the intersection, Ansic and the first hobgoblin fail to notice a suspended net trap (Perception DC 20, the hobgoblin has a perception of +2 but fails the role, Ansic has a perception of -2 and fails the role…..not surprisingly). As they hit the trip wire the net descends upon them. Metal pieces tied to the ends of the net make large clanging sounds as they hit against the walls and the floor. It's a Reflex save of DC 20 to avoid the trap. The net is tarred and difficult to escape. A character can attempt to escape the net with a DC of 12 with either a Strength check to burst the net or Escape Artist check. Attempts to burst the net using a Strength check suffer a -4 penalty for those caught in it. The hobgoblin rolls a 14 +2 reflex against reflex save but it isn't enough and he is caught in the trap. Ansic rolls a 9 +2 reflex against reflex save but it isn't enough either and he is also caught in the trap.
There will be no reason to check the monster reaction table as the orcs and the hobgoblin are already at war with each other and one is entering the domicile of the other without permission. The combination of both equals an instant hostile attitude and an attack posture.
ROUND 1A TROUBLE
Initiative: Orcs 14 + 0 = 14, Hobgoblins 16 + 2 = 18, Party 15 + 2 = 17. Both party and hobgoblins will be merged into one initiative round but all hobgoblins must act before party members.
Not knowing where the counter attack will come from Mukri orders the hobgoblins in front and behind him to quickly cover the left flank whilst he will Aid Another to help his comrade to free himself from the net. They drop their long spears and ready their shields and long swords as they move up into a flank cover position. To do so they must make a small 5ft jump over the tarred net else risk being entangled. It's an Acrobatics DC 5 check. The first hobgoblin rolls a 9 1 for Studded Leather armour -1 for small shield and + 2 for Dex with no Athletics skill modifier = 9. He easily jumps over. The following hobgoblin rolls a 17 and also makes it.
Aid Another is a DC of 10 with a +2 Str modifier. Mukri rolls a 9 + 2 = 11 and passes. To break free the hobgoblin rolls a 3 + 2 Str modifier +2 Aid Another -4 for being trapped in the net = 3 and fails against the DC of 12.
The two remaining hobgoblins move up in support.
Following the hobgoblins lead, Uthalin jumps over the corner of the net into the eastern corridor to protect Ansic from a counter attack and Cord moves up to Aid Another (Uthalin rolls a 13 6 armour penalty +2 dex = 9 and passes). Cord lifts with all his strength and rolls a 6 + 4 Str modifier = 10 and passes the Aid Another test. Ansic rolls a 11 + 5 Str modifier + 2 Aid Another -4 for being trapped = 14 and easily breaks free and attempts to step forward 5ft to the north east to get away from the net. Stepping out of the net is a 5ft Acrobatics check to make sure you don't trip and become re-entangled in the net. Ansic rolls a 17 7 for armour penalty check +2 for dex = 12 total and passes.
Halee and Risandor step forward 5ft but Thomas hangs back, keeping an eye on the woods.
ROUND 1B AN UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING
Suddenly orcs come rushing from the western corridor. They charge the hobgoblin defenders in a savage assault. They are wild beasts, barely armoured but armed with wicked two handed falchions. The first raises its mighty weapon above its head, aiming to cleave the hobgoblin in two and hits it in the chest for 6pts of damage. The hobgoblin is stunned by the suddenness of the attack but isn't downed. The second orc misses its target.
ROUND 2A MUKRI'S LEADERSHIP
Mukri knows that the sudden orc attack could startle his hobgoblins into flight if they suffered to many initial casualties and he orders the fighters in the western corridor to rotate north.
As it 5ft jumps to the north east (with a successful Acrobatics check) the first hobgoblin stabs at the orc to the fore with its long sword and hits it in the groin for 10pts of damage. Amazingly, the ferocious beast stays on its feet. It's a killing blow but the shear will power of the monster keeps it going.
The next hobgoblin in the western corridor also stabs at its foul foe before 5ft stepping to the north. The skillful hobgoblin easily hits the orc in the face, causing a terrible wound that would kill a normal man with 7pts of damage but, similar to the first orc, the beast just won't drop.
Mukri 5ft jumps to the north west and slashes at the same orc (passing his Acrobatics check). He critically hits it in left leg, severing it above the knee and dealing 10 points of damage. Howling in frustration the orc topples to the ground but still isn't dead.
The hobgoblin under the net attempts to burst free. It rolls a 19 + 2 Str and beats the DC of 12. Standing above the net, it calls for the next hobgoblin to come forth and to hand it a long spear. He'll have his revenge the next round.
The remaining hobgoblin follows its comrades into the cave.
Ansic and Uthalin look warily over their shoulders whilst they also keep a watch on the eastern cave corridor. Cord looks on with relish. Patiently wait for his chance to get into the fray. Risandor begins the motions to cast a spell but Halee places a hand upon his forearm and stays him. "Wait" she whispers, "Let them sap their strength fighting against each other first."
Thomas keeps watch on the western woods.
ROUND 2B FEROCITY ISN'T ENOUGH
The orc with the severed leg bleed out another point and dies. Next round the orcs will need to take a morale check for having suffered their first casualty.
The northern most orc bleeds out another point. Even though it should be dead, its savage spirit is keeping it alive and it lashes out at the northern most hobgoblin with its two handed weapon but it misses.
One of the southern orcs simply walks over the body of its fallen comrade and attacks Mukri. The mighty falchion critically hits Mukri in the groin dealing 13pts of damage and almost dropping the hobgoblin leader with one blow. The orcs all bellow with glee seeing the massive damage done to the hobgoblin. Another orc enters the western corridor. There appear to be more of them clamoring from the room beyond, waiting to get into the combat.
ROUND 3A DEFENSIVE MANEUVERS
Mukri stabs at his assailant with his long sword, easily bypassing its defences and striking it in the left shoulder for 9pts of damage. Again the monster should be dead but the ferocity of the orc keeps it upright. Mukri must make an Acrobatics check of DC 5 or become entangled in the net and he easily passes with a roll of 19.
The northern Hobgoblin lashes out as his foe and hits it for a further 4 points of damage to the stomach, but the beast still won't go down.
The northern most hobgoblin in the entrance tunnel drops his long spear and jumps 5ft to replace Mukri. He rolls a 20 and passes his Acrobatics check. He draws his long sword and readies his shield but cannot attack this round.
The last hobgoblin 5ft steps north further into the cave.
Seeing all the action Cord wants to start walking over the net to try to get into the action but Halee grabs him by the forearm and shakes her head "No", she whispers, "wait" she whispers. Grrr Cord getting frustrated.
The rest of the party wait to see the outcome of the fight between the hobgoblins and the orcs.
ROUND 3B MORE ORCS!!!!!
Two of the orcs in the western corridor bleed out one point each but neither are taken down to their Con level so both are still up and operating under the Ferocious rule.
The orcs suffered their first casualty last round. They have a morale of 8. Rolling 2d6 they score a total of 6 and pass morale. The fight continues.
The northern most orc in the western corridor swings at the opposite hobgoblin but the hobgoblin successfully blocks the attack with his shield.
The southern most orc in the western corridor also swings at the opposite hobgoblin and also misses.
Keeping a watch on the eastern corridor Ansic's eyes grow wide as he sees six orcs enter the corridor and come steaming towards Uthalin and him. The first orc throws a vicious attack at Ansic but misses. The second orc draws its falchion above its heat at attacks Uthalin but also misses.
ROUND 4A OPPS
After seeing more orcs coming from the east, the hobgoblins are worried about what might happen if more orcs come from the north but they also know that they need to get their two rank formation working for them and to get out of the net trap before someone else trips.
The northern most hobgoblin in the western corridor attacks the orc opposite him and slices it with his long sword across the stomach for 6pts of damage, dropping it for good. He 5ft steps forward to force an advance into the west.
The southern most hobgoblin in the western corridor attacks the orc opposite but fails to hit.
Mukri orders the hobgoblin in the net too advance 5ft to the northwest and attack a fresh orc. He needs to make an Acrobatics check of 5 but trips as he rolls a 1 and becomes entangled in the net.
Frustrated, Mukri shouts at the northern most hobgoblin to jump 5ft to the south west and engage the wounded orc with his long sword. The hobgoblin also needs to make an Acrobatics check of 5 which he just makes with a roll of 5. He lashes out with his long sword connecting with the ferocious orc in the neck causing another 6pts of damage and almost bringing the beast down.
Ansic takes a mighty swing against the orc opposite him with his long sword and hits it in the left leg, slashing it badly and causing 9pts of damage. It is a blow that would have killed an ordinary man and only the orcs innate ferocity keeps it up.
Uthalins' favoured enemy is the orc and he is relishing the opportunity to vanquish his foe. He raises the might dwarven war axe and brings it down easily hitting the opposite orc in the side of the head dealing 10pts of damage. The orc is staggered by the blow but not felled.
Cord is becoming more irritated because he cannot get into the fight. He yells out to Uthalin and Ansic "Advance when you kill one. Make room for Cord. Cord is coming through."
Tactically Halee is frustrated. She can see that this is a perilously dangerous situation but she cannot get a line of sight to fire an arrow or Intimidate one of the orcs. She knows too that if the hobgoblins break morale and run there would be a chance that Ansic and Uthalin might be cut off and trapped. She resolves that she isn't going to die this day no matter what but she's not ready to quit the field yet. She 5ft steps to the west. If the hobgoblins run, she'll backstab one of the cowards on their way out. She motions for Risandor to move up and whispers to him "Get ready with whatever magic you've got. If the hobgoblins run we're in trouble."
Risandor 5ft steps forward.
Thomas keeps one eye on the woods and one eye on the battle going on in the cave. He's ready to rush to the aid of his friends if the hobgoblins run.
ROUND 4B THE DARK SHADOW EMERGES
The three wounded orcs bleed out one point of damage each. Weaken by its wounds and a loss of blood the wounded western collapses to the ground, finally dead.
Eager to press home the attack, one of the southern orcs in the western tunnel advances 5ft and attacks the hobgoblin to its front. It smashes the hobgoblin with a low swing that catches it in the stomach, disemboweling it as it does 13pts of damage, incapacitating its opponent. It howls a terrible victory celebration as it stands over its fallen foe.
The next orc follows up, moving 5ft to the east and attacking the western most hobgoblin but it misses.
The northern most orc also swings at the western most hobgoblin but also misses as the hobgoblin narrowly avoids the blow.
Another orc tumbles into the western corridor from a room to the west.
In the eastern corridor, the lethally wounded orc swings its falchion against Ansic but misses.
The orc opposite Uthalin smashes the stout dwarf, bypassing his defences and hitting him in the chest for 6pts of damage.
The dark shadow emerges from the woods. It charges directly towards Thomas. As it comes, evil intent spreads across the 7ft, 400 pound monsters' thin lips in a devilish smile. Milk-white eyes glitter with the thrill of the coming kill.
ROUND 5A THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN
The hobgoblins took their first casualty and must test morale. They need to roll an 8 or less on 2d6 and roll a 7. The DM pulls a red handkerchief from his forehead dabs away some of the sweat and mutters to himself "thank gawd".
The hobgoblins are determined to get back into a fighting formation. The northern wounded male swings its longsword against the advancing orc and critically hits it in the chest. The blade buries itself deep in the ferocious monster and deals 17pts of damage. Reeling, the orc is barely standing and will soon bleed out.
The western most hobgoblin turns its blade against the orc to its front but fails to connect.
The last remaining hobgoblin in the southern corridor jumps 5ft over the net. It needs to make an Acrobatics check of 5 to remain on its feet and it rolls a 16, easily making it. Ignoring the fatally wounded orc to its front it lunges with its long spear to the next orc (getting a -4 penalty to hit in the process) but it misses the orc.
Mukri Aids Another to attempt to help the trapped hobgoblin bust free of the net. He rolls a 6 + 2 = 8 which isn't enough to help. The trapped hobgoblin tries to bust itself out and rolls a 14 + 2 -4 = 12. It succeeds, stands and grabs it's two handed spear, eager to seek some revenge.
Not knowing what else to do Risandor starts to sing to Inspire Courage. He strikes up a fine tune, "The boys are back in town….."
Cord yells at Uthalin to get out of there. Uthalin swings his war axe at the opposite hobgoblin but misses. He takes a 5ft step back onto the net and must make a DC 5 Acrobatics check or become entangled. He rolls a 12 + 2 for Dex -4 for his scale mail armour and -2 for his large shield = 8 and passes.
Cord jumps 5ft over the net to take his companions place in the front line. He needs to make a DC 5 Acrobatics check or slip and fall. He rolls a 10 + 7 for his acrobatics skill -5 for his scale mail armour = 12 and easily makes it. Humming the catchy tune, he builds up a mighty rage and yells "THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!!!!" he slashes at the opposite orc with Milo but fails to hit.
Ansic stabs at the opposite orc with his longsword but also misses.
Halee moves up 5ft but she cannot get a decent shot with both Uthalin and Cord in the way. She'll help Uthalin to get off the net next round.
Looking at the monstrous brute bearing down on him Thomas knows he's got only one chance to defeat the fiend. Drawing on every fiber of his body he yells "COME ON YOU MOTH-EATEN, CAVE-SLINKING TUNNEL WORM!!!!". To demoralize his opponent, he needs to beat a DC of 13. He rolls a 6 + 9 for his intimidate skill = 15. The monster is shaken for one round.
ROUND 5B THE BEAST IS COMING
Three orcs bleed out 1pt of damage with the one in the western corridor succumbing to its wounds and dying.
One of the southern orcs in the western corridor 5ft steps forward and attacks the goblin to its front. It swings wildly but fails to connect the hobgoblin to its front.
The next southern orc also 5ft steps to the east but this time attacks the western most hobgoblin and hits it in the left leg causing 8pts of damage.
The last front line orc in the western corridor attacks the now wounded hobgoblin and also hits the big male in the left hip. The falchion cuts to the bone, dealing a further 11pts of damage and downing the hobgoblin.
Another orc spills from the room to the west to fill the corridor. Mukri piers beyond it but cannot see any more orcs beyond that now in front of him.
In the eastern corridor the first orc swings eagerly at Ansic but he cannot penetrate The Rocks defensive pattern.
The next front line orc lines up the barbarian and has more luck, just hitting the Cord as he almost avoids the blow to the face. Cord will have a nice scar as 10pts of damage are shaved from his life.
The shaken monster opposing Thomas stops in its tracks and yells back in an attempt to demoralize Thomas. It needs a DC check of 10 +1 for Thomas' hit die -1 for Thomas' Wis modifier = 10. It rolls a 10 + 7 for its Intimidation skill and -2 for being Shaken = 15. It beats the DC by 5 and Thomas is shaken for 2 rounds. At the end of the round the monster is no longer shaken by Thomas' previously successful demoralization attempt.
ROUND 6A SLEEPY TIME
The wounded hobgoblin desperately slashes at the orc to its south west to reduce their numbers. It smashes the orc in the left thigh with his long sword dealing 4pts of damage.
The hobgoblin in the net attacks over the top of the front rank with its long spear but it misses.
The remaining front line hobgoblin drops its long spear and draws its long sword and shied and slashes at the now wounded orc. It hits the orc, this time in the groin and deals 7pts gravely wounding it.
In the eastern corridor Cord slices first with Milo and then with Otis at the orc in front of him. He hits the orc in the stomach and again in the left leg for 10pts and 5pts respectively. He deftly raises his two swords and cuts the head of the orc from its body yelling "DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD!".
Encouraged by Cord's bravado, Ansic swings at the orc opposite him and also hits the fiend. He does 12pts of damage to the right leg of the monster dropping it from the fight.
Thomas yells out "Halee help" as he draws his bow and fires at the monster but he misses.
As Halee turns to help Thomas she yells at Risandor "Ris, get in there and put those orcs to sleep else Cord is dead." She 5ft steps towards the cave entrance and in horror sees the monster approaching Thomas. She draws her short bow and fires a shot but misses the beast.
Risandor 5ft steps to the north west and casts a sleep spell against the 4 remaining orcs in the eastern corridor. The spell DC is 10 + 1 (for a 1st lvl spell) + 3 (for Risandor's Cha bonus of +3 = 14. It's a Will save and the orcs have a save of -1. They roll a 16, 18, 4 and 9 and two fall under the spell.
Seeing his opportunity to act, Uthalin steps forward out of the net (Acrobatics check of DC 5 needed, Uthalin rolls a 15 and easily passes), past Cord, over the orcs dead body and coup de grace one of the sleeping orcs. He utters "Uzgul Dok Al" as the bites deeply into the orcs flesh (Death sees you all).
The orcs have lost 7 out of 15 combatants and are one off needing to take another morale check for having reached 50% casualties.
DEW
adds more guns to the Volcano Dwarves!
