The journey begins

KROD

Noticing the wing drooping with arrows, Krod grins, seemingly enjoying himself, as he concentrates his next swing on that side of the beast.

Attack: 1d20+14=32 -2= 30
Damage: 2d6+12=17

KAI

Kai tenses against flames that wash over him, preparing to meet the rush of the lead orc.

Reflex Save (1d20+8-2=7)

As the orc charges in, Kai again feints, trying to create an opening. He taunts the orc in it's own language as he does so.

"You've made a big mistake with this group, you're just too stupid to realize it!"

Bluff (feint – PHB 155) (1d20+9-2=19)

Kai stabs forward, aiming for this creature’s stomach as well.

Attack Roll (1d20+8-2=15)

If feint and attack both succeed:
Damage with Sneak Attack (1d6+2+3d6=14)

Damage without Sneak Attack (if feint fails) (1d6+2=7)

Kai, again, attempts to stab and brutally rip the blade out of the orc’s stomach, intending to cause a vicious gut wound. His right hand stabs out, attempting to pierce the orc straight through the throat as his left hand brings it’s blade back in to defend as necessary.

Attack Roll (1d20+8-2=11)

If successful, Damage (1d6+1=4)

More cautious with this foe, Kai brings both blades back in line, ready to defend against the orc’s return blows.

LILAS

Lilas smiles as the big boom and the finale of the body parts in the middle of the burst flying outwards.

Fireball again, no surprise. Her little dragon thinks, gazing at the show before gazing at the man who is desperately trying to grab the melee's attention.

Lilas winces as it the fire of her fireball licks at a momentary ally.

"Woops! Sorry! I'll try to aim better next time!"

Lilas takes a few steps back ((E 3)) and than aims her spel further away from the ally to aim in the center of the orc force ((P 6)) ,gesturing towards them once more, and once more, anxiously awaiting her own fire-work show.

(( FireBall ))

((Damage: 5d6= 22))

((DC: 19))

KAI

Kai tenses as he realizes that the elf is casting again.

I hope her bloody aim is better this time around...

Kai is, again, unsure of what she is casting... until he sees the flame blossom...

Here we go again...

Spellcraft (1d20+10-2=15)

Seeing the new threat approach, Kai again feints high, bringing the grizzled orcs attention up high. Stabbing forward with his other hand, he penetrates the armor to damage the orc. The orc snarls, hurt, and dances away from the second blow before it crosses his throat.

Korwin, standing over the fallen orc, sees the gryphon attack Krod and moves slightly to get a better angle to attack. During his swing though the chain gets stuck on the orc he just downed and he misses badly.

Lilas notices the orcs advancing through the fire and smoke and backs away to safety, unleashing another pebble of fire that explodes upon reaching the pre-described destination. Instantly the orcs within disappear behind a wall of flame and screams that quickly extinguishes to leave behind blackened bones, all the orcs dead.

After finishing with the orc, Krod has an opportunity to attack the gryphon as it approaches him, which he does with ease, smacking the gryphon upside the head. Noticing the wounded wing he continues his swing to connect with that side, further damaging the giant gryphon.

The gryphon, not happy at the damage being taken, rears up on its back legs and swipes with its two front claws at Krod before falling back down on all its feet, biting viciously at Krod yet again. Once swipe misses while the other claws his chest, the bite again descending on the big man’s’ shoulder ((Krod takes 11 dmg - YOU GOT LUCKY)).

The orc facing Kai ((Jerxal)), a veteran of many battles, hears the agonized screams of his company of orcs. Turning slightly to get a better look, he notices the charred bodies on the ground. Realizing his chances to survive are none to none, he turns and runs away from Kai ((Kai gets an AOO)). The orc on the ground near Korwin ((O5)), scared witless, attempts to get up and run ((Korwin & Krod get an AOO each)). The other remaining orc ((O1)) continues to run, keeping the rock between him and the party.

KROD

Seeing the Orc that Korwin tripped rise to his feet, Krod spins, snaking the spiked chain to it's full length, catching the Orc across the shoulders with the last few feet of the weapon.

AOO (Orc near Korwin): Roll(1d20)+14:11,+14 Total:25-2=23
Damage Roll(2d6)+12:1,3,+12 Total:16 + 1d6 Acid Roll(1d6)+0:4,+0 Total:4 - Total Damage = 20

KROD

Rolling his wrist as the weapon strikes, Krod's continued motion releases the weapon and his momentum continues his swing into the Griffon.

Attack: Roll(1d20)+14:18,+14 Total:32-2=30
Damage: Roll(2d6)+12:5,2,+12 Total:19 + 1d6 Acid Roll(1d6)+0:2,+0 Total:2 = 21 Damage total ((I forgot the weapon crystal on the spiked chain earlier!))

Slicing into the Griffon again, Krod grunts with satisfaction is he sees flesh, feathers and blood scatter in front of his assault.

Krod hit hard, bird hit hard, good fight

KORWIN

Korwin, ducking beneath Krod's spiked chain as he shreds the orc with it, focuses his concentration inward and disappears briefly from view. Snaking his arm out, he whips his chain toward the gryphon, catching it unaware as he blinks back into view, too late for the beast to react to his sudden strike.

This should be the last of the enemy... for now.

Attack: 1d20+11 (15+11) -2 = 24

Damage: 1d6 = 5

Sudden Strike: 3d6 (6, 5, 4) = 15

Total Damage = 20

LILAS

Lilas smirks as the orcs run, crying to their mommies probably.

"Next time, don't feel up on your prisoners you brutes!"

As they start to run, however, Lilas shakes her head, immediatly going back to casting and forming no doubt, a different vicious spell.

It was a firey bolt, yes, but this one, as she gestures at the running last orc, hits 'pon the orc's butt, and yes, it was aimed for, and instantly burns where it touches.

"You bastard of a orc, come back here and fight! Scared of fire are ye? I'll show you real fire!"


Got quite a temper against them don't you? Should keep it in check....you got other targets to worry about, right? Her little dragon friend says.

Lilas than turns to gaze towards where the arrows had been firing, where were they?)

(( Scorching Ray ))

((Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20= 9 (+6) -2= +4= 13 touch attack, suck!))

((Damage: 4d6=17 damage))

((DC: Don't believe there's a save, but if there is... 18))

KAI

As the orc turns to run, Kai attempts to plunge Razor into his lower back, right for a kidney.

((OOC - Invisible Castle is down at the moment. I used some of my dice at home. If you like, I can redo the rolls when the site comes back up))

Attack (1d20+8-2=25) (rolled a 19 which threatens a critical)
Crit confirm (1d20+8-2=24) (rolled an 18 which should confirm the critical)

Damage (2d6+4=12 )(rolled 8 ) = Total 12 damage

As Kai plunges the blade into the orc's body, savagely tears to out, angling the blade to slice against the spine as it exits.

Kai's strike as the orc leader turns to run brings it down.

Krod, noticing the orc attempting to stand from his prone position, lashes out with his chain and downs the orc.

KAI

Kai fades from view. A few moments later, he appears next to the griffon ((D8)) and attempts to plunge one sword after the other into beast's flank.

Primary Attack (1d20+8-2) (1d20+6=11)

If successful: Damage + Sneak Attack (1d6+2, 3d6=[5, 2], [3, 5, 1]=16)

Secondary Attack (1d20+(8-2)=9)

If successful: Damage and Sneak Attack (1d6+1, 2d6=[1, 1], [4, 1]=7)

Kai, seeing the only threat remaining is the gryphon, concentrates before disappearing from view. He reappears next to the gryphon and takes two swipes with his swords, both which miss.

Korwin strikes out at the giant gryphon, hitting it easily across the face, ripping off the beak. The gryphon stumbles for a second, seeming impervious to the blow, before falling silent to the ground.

Lilas, seeing no other options, points her finger at the running orc and releases her spell. A ray of fire shoots forth, hitting the retreating orc in the back of the head. The orc takes another step before falling to the ground, still.

--END OF COMBAT--

KAI

Kai cleans his blades on the griffon's carcass, sheathing them as he turns to the others

We may wish to be moving on before our captors return.

Giving a slight nod of his head towards Korwin and Krod, he continues

Interesting style of fighting. The two of you wield those chains well.

KORWIN

Korwin quickly hooks his spiked chain on his belt as he surveys the surrounding area. Looking at the burning tents, he assesses the possibility of entering them or extinguishing the flames.

I think the tents are a total loss now. Maybe a map will survive the conflagration, or some other tidbit we can use to determine our location and circumstances.

Taking note of the others left standing, Korwin introduces himself, "Hello, my name is Korwin, and the big guy is Krod. Krod, will you keep an eye on that treeline to the north... where the attack came from? I'm going to search the dead for clues."

Promptly, Korwin begins searching the dead bodies, starting with the orc veteran, then the gryphon, and then each individual orc. Having seen death on a similar scale at the abbey, he does not shy away from the burns, blisters, and blood.

After gathering up anything of interest, he piles it in the center of the clearing, spreading it out in a neat and orderly fashion so it is all clearly visible. Looking up at the others he says, "Here it is. Maybe something will be useful or informative."

Korwin steps back from the gear and waits expectantly for the others to chime in with their thoughts and ideas.

Master Ligand always used to say, "Boy, you've got two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Listen more than you talk and you'll learn a lot more."

KORWIN

Nodding to his fellow combatant, Korwin says, "Krod here is the real master with the chain. He taught me everything I know about using one."

Looking over the person that addressed him, Korwin sizes up the individual who is speaking, "Korwin is my name, and yours is...?"

(( Please post a character description of what I would see when looking at you. Clothing, features, coloring, racial characteristics, etc. ))

(( Korwin is small, and obviously a gnome at less than 3 and a half feet tall with light gray skin, black hair, and gray eyes. He's not wearing anything that resembles armor of any kind, but instead wears monk's clothing. Loose fitting, lightweight trousers and a loose tunic with a cloak over it secured by a wide belt from which hangs his spiked chain, a few pouches. Visible at his neck is an amulet on a chain. On his feet are a pair of boots, and a haversack on his back complete his attire. ))

Continuing, Korwin states, "I agree. We shouldn't linger here any longer than is absolutely necessary."

If you disturb the hornets' nest, you're going to get stung

Korwin removes his spiked chain and inspects each link and blade, making sure that it's clean with no debris in between the links that can cause it to bind and then replaces it on his belt.

Searching all the bodies thoroughly, Korwin notes that the original five orcs, the ones that held the group captive and carried them, had plain black tunics with a small black scorpion on the left breast. They carried no weapons or armor and had no money. A couple of these orcs have purple fletched arrows protruding from their skin.

The remaining orcs seemed to be wearing leather armor and carrying basic short swords. The problem is, all these goblins were incinerated by the fireball blast. The armor is ruined, while the swords are still serviceable. The orc veteran, on the other hand, had studded leather armor and a long sword, both in pristine condition.

When Korwin searches the gryphon he finds, under the feathers, a harness built for riding. Nothing else is found.

While searching the tents, Korwin notices, in the distance to the west, three more orc bodies, riddled with arrows. They too have swords, still sheathed, and leather armor.

The east tent, the one the party got re-equipped in, has nothing of value. The north tent had three beds, mostly burnt now. A locked chest survived the explosion. The southern tent and the western tent are completely empty, housing nothing at all.

KORWIN

Korwin hurries over to the 3 other orcs he noticed and diligently searches them as well.

I dont' think I'll find anything different, but it's best not to leave something uncovered.

1d20+12=28, 1d20+12=15, 1d20+12=14

Returning to the clearing, he heads into the tent with the locked chest... the fire having burned itself out. Carefully inspecting the surface upon which it rests, as well as the top, front, sides, and behind it, Korwin tries to determine if the chest is trapped in any way.

Search (1d20+12=18)

Motioning to the other party members to stay clear, just in case he missed anything, he rummages around for his tools inside his haversack. Retrieving them, he runs his hands lightly over the surface of the chest, looking for any abnormalities. Focusing on the task at hand, he disables the device (( if there is a trap )) and inserts his pick into the lock, gets a feel for the mechanism, and with a slight push and then a quick twist and a pull, pops it open.

Disable Device, Open Lock (1d20+12=30, 1d20+12=32)

(( oops, forgot to add in the +2 from masterwork thieves' tools ))

Standing up once again, he returns his tools to his haversack and steps away from the open trunk, motioning the others to come closer and take a look inside. After everyone has a look, he kneels down, carefully searching the trunk for any false bottoms or hidden pockets and examines the contents with the rest of the party.

Search (1d20+12=13)

I just KNOW there's got to be a map or a set of orders from Chain Face or SOMETHING that will give us a clue as to why we're here and what's going on!

As the others inspect the trunk and the other tents, Korwin returns to the clearing and tries to find the least damaged of the purple fletched arrows. He procures one, and then pulls up the red fletched arrow with the white shaft and stows them both in his haversack after inspecting the tips to make sure there's no poison on them.

I don't know if we'll need these, but I think there's a significance to the coloring.

Looking over the chest, Korwin does find something in his search. The chest has no lock on it. And yet, it's locked. Korwin finds no traps.

KORWIN

Scowling in frustration as he inspects the chest, Korwin turns to the others, "There are no traps that I can find, and I can't find a lock either, but yet... the chest is still locked, and unopened. Does anyone else have any ideas?"

KROD

Krod grunts and nods his allegiance to Korwin, turns towards the tree line to the north, takes a few steps in that direction to put a bit of distance between himself and the party. As he walks ((30')) he cleans the spiked chain meticulously and with a practiced move, slaps it over his left shoulder, the chain slicing through the air, curls itself about his torso from left shoulder to right hip, all blades safely pointing away from him.

Krod enjoy fight but it end too soon, hopefully fight more soon

Not taking his eyes off the tree lined area in the distance Krod comments, "Krod can open box"

((Krod is an almost 7' tall stony-skinned, hairless humanoid. He wears the spiked chain, a mithril chain shirt, and a few minor items.))

LILAS

Lilas smirks as the last running orc dies, scorched in the head....oh well.

As the warrior starts to speak, Lilas remains silent as the party talks, and searches, saying nothing but one thing.

"I am Lilas."

No need to point out the obvious, that she's a spell caster.

As the little rogue speaks up, Lilas laughs.

"That's gotta be a magical effect, can I take a look see, Korwin?"

After all, she didn't want to enforce herself, honestly, if they didn't want her help, she wouldn't give it.


((Lilas is a tan elf, very dark tan, almost copper looking. Her eyes are very unique, however, when one looks into them, they would notice she has cat-slitted eyes that are amythest colored, her hair, also, is a very bright purple color, obviously, not any elf race that you could distiniguish. In fact, what makes her truly off, is bright amythest scaled wings sprouting from her back, though they don't seem to be completely grown. A tail, the very tip, also, is amythest scaled, and is only seen slightly poking out her back. She is wearing a purple robe, with gold lining decorating flames, coloring inside being flame-colored. She is wearing a ring on her right hand, and a gold chain that catches your eye is hanging on her neck. A cloak is put over the robes, also decorative and seems to be have been dyed purple, but the decorations are simply random. Her physique is actually quite average looking for a starting warrior. What is mostly noticeable about this character is she seems to be very observant, wary at all times, and yet her facials always remain expresionless except on rare occasions. If one looks at her hands, where should be normal nails, black claws sprout instead, curved and sharp. ))

KORWIN

"Regarding the chest, I've exhausted all of my skill. Please, feel free." Korwin stands up and steps aside, his face briefly downcast at his failure.

KAI

Responding to Korwin's question

"My name is Kai. I am honored to meet all of you."

((Kai is a moderately tanned human of medium build, just under 6 foot tall. His hair is black as coal and tied back in a ponytail that comes just below his shoulders. He wears leather armor that has been dyed a dull black and has a short sword scabbarded at each hip. The cloak thate wears, also black, has a hood that is currently lays flat across his upper back. Dark gloves are worn on each hand, black boots as well. In front of his neck is a rougly triangular piece of black fabric that resembles so sort of mask that can be pulled up over part of the face. The most striking feature are Kai's eyes. A vibrant, emerald green, his eyes always seem to be assessing whatever he looks at.))

Kai takes a look at the items that Korwin has accumulated from the bodies, searching for usefull items as well as clues that may deal with why everyone is here.

Shortly after introductions are made, as Korwin makes to pass the chest to Krod ((I think I understood that was what was happening)) you hear a wolf's howl from the forest. It doesn't sound close, but remembering the speed of the monster you can never tell.

Almost immediately a purple-fletched arrow lands next to the party. Glancing around for the culprit, a lone figure stands at the edge of the barren land next to the forest to the west, bow in hand.