BK
01
CH
11
SC
04

Armour of Thorns
We All Meet Down Here

…continues from Book #01, Chapter #11, Scene #03

Synopsis

5th Day of Tarsakh in the Year of the Sudden Journey
Leaving the perils of the Stonemarch behind them, the group head east and north to meet up with Altair's Talons at the northern range of the Cairngorm mountains. A lone peak with a shattered outcrop awaits them for the meeting point; before they attempt to cross the mountains through the orc-guarded pass and finally reach the Nentir Vale.
Finding a magic circle within the foothills they start a chain of events with the music of the wind that ends in a blast of lightning and thunder. Reeling from the shock they recover to see an insurgence of goblinkind that ends in a battle that they just about win. From the blast is born a female dwarf and the group take her under their wing before travelling north in the mountainous foothills to find the meeting place with the Talons.

For a chapter summary please see Chapter #11 Summary.

Cast List

Brünhilde Stonehearth 

Level 5/3 Female Dwarven Fighter/Druid

Khalin Grundokri 

Level 8 Male Dwarven Paladin

Kireth Majere 

Level 8 Male Half-Elven Wizard

Tradden Aversward 

Level 8 Male Human Fighter

Zero Uhlit 

Level 8 Level Male Human Rogue

Beltak Ancaron

Scribe of Pelor (NPC)

Scene Length

This scene started on Monday 24th May 2021 and was completed by the end of Saturday 12th June 2021.

Combat
Initiative Block

I

Round #06

Combat Encounter Completed


Creatures in Play:

[Sp] Rhasgar HP:48/64 64,56,49,44,37,42,24,41,20,10,48+2 to AC

[23] Zero HP:53/53

[18] Khalin HP:29/82 82,67,54,40,29BloodiedConcentrating

[09] Kireth HP:55/55

[08] Orcs

Orc #01UnconsciousProne

Orc #02 Dmg: 7 0,7UnconsciousProne

Orc #03 Dmg: 8 0,8BloodiedUnconsciousProne

[07] Tradden HP:59/66 66,59

[07] Brünhilde HP:69/95 95,89,77,63,69AC at a minimum of 16

[06] Beltak HP:45/64 64,45


Removed from Play:

[19] Orc War Chief Dmg: 127 0,18,23,39,61,74,85,97,127

[15] Orcs

Orc #05 Dmg: 35 0,35

Orc #06 Dmg: 17 0,17

Orc #07 Dmg: 17 0,17

Orc #08 Dmg: 25 0,25

[10] Orcs

Orc #09 Dmg: 17 0,17

Orc #10 Dmg: 35 0,35

Orc #11 Dmg: 26 0,12,26

Orc #12 Dmg: 16 0,16

[08] Orcs

Orc #04 Dmg: 35 0,35

[07] Ogres

Ogre #01 Dmg: 67 0,8,37,58,67

Ogre #02 Dmg: 84 0,9,15,27,38,48,62,67,84

Ogre #03 Dmg: 78 0,8,15,28,39,55,65,70,78

[04] Orcs

Orc #14 Dmg: 23 0,11,23

Orc #16 Dmg: 26 0,11,26

Orc #13 Dmg: 16 0,5,16

Orc #15 Dmg: 20 0,5,20

Combat
Battlemap

BM

Combat
Features of the Area

AF

Illumination: Daylight.

Tree trunks are Blocking Terrain.

Blocks Movement: Creatures can't enter squares of blocking terrain. A typical square of blocking terrain is completely filled, which prevents diagonal movement across its corners.

No Line of Effect or Line of Sight: Blocking terrain blocks line of effect. It blocks line of sight as well, unless the terrain is transparent.

Cover: A creature can gain cover by positioning itself near blocking terrain:

  • Half Cover: A target with half cover has a +2 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws. A target has half cover if an obstacle blocks at least half of its body. The obstacle might be a low wall, a large piece of furniture, a narrow tree trunk, or a creature, whether that creature is an enemy or a friend.
  • Three-Quarters Cover: A target with three-quarters cover has a +5 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws. A target has three-quarters cover if about three-quarters of it is covered by an obstacle. The obstacle might be a portcullis, an arrow slit, or a thick tree trunk.
  • Total Cover: A target with total cover can't be targeted directly by an attack or a spell, although some spells can reach such a target by including it in an area of effect. A target has total cover if it is completely concealed by an obstacle.

Trees are aflame: Squares coloured in red denote the tree branches are aflame as a result of Kireth's Fireball spell.

Combat
Rhasgar

Zero looked on in horror as the flickering light he had seen in the darkness of the cave at the foot of the cliff turn into a torch held aloft, followed by the large frame of the dragonborn paladin, Rhasgar.

From atop the cliff to the north, the deer that was Brünhilde skidded to a stop as what appeared to be a dragon-like creature, walking on its hind legs, wearing plate armour, stride out from a cave that had been hidden at the base of the cliff to the east.

The others, some two dozen feet behind Zero, saw the rogue freeze, looking towards the eastern edge of the clearing, though they could not see what had grabbed his attention.

‘Bekio, is that you?’ they heard a deep growl they recognised, though. Then they heard the symphony of bowstrings being stretched back.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Zero cursed under his breath. His half-plan of distraction involving posing as a goblin was out the window now. If he didn't take a shot now, the orcs certainly would.

[Zero: Move: NW, NW, W]

He hastened through the scrub, drawing just within firing range, took aim at the broad green back of one of the orcs, slowly exhaled and squeezed the trigger.

[Zero: Ranged Weapon Attack – Entrapping Hand Crossbow]

[Attack vs Orc #08's AC: 1d20+7: 21 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 8 ] and [4d6: 17 sneak attack damage] and [Dead]

The rogue's aim was exemplary and the bolt caught the nearest orc through the throat. Without a sound it buckled at the knees and dropped to the floor.

No sooner had the bolt flown than he was back behind the cover of the nearest tree.

[Zero: Move: E, SE, SE]

‘Aaaand here we goooo,’ he sang.

Combat
Orc War Chief

At the far side of the trees to the west a larger orc lifted the great spear he was carrying and held it into the air for a moment. When Rhasgar appeared at the entrance the orc dropped the spear down and the archers drew back their bows to the full.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

There was no more time to waste, and Khalin set off in a full sprint, angling his run between the trees and towards the clearing.

[Khalin: Move: NW, NW, NW, W, NW, NW, NW, NW]

[Khalin: Dash: NW, W, W, W, W, W]

As he charged he raised Aecris aloft and yelled at the enemy: ‘Come and pick on someone yer own size, ya green bastards!’

[Shield of Faith]

[Rhasgar is granted a +2 bonus to AC for up to 10 minutes]

As his cry echoed around the depression he sent a prayer to Moradin to protect the dragonborn, and hoped he might draw some of the fire.

Combat
Orcs

The small group of orcs that Zero had shot into released their taught bows, barely noticing the dwarf bursting through the trees.

[Orc #05: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 13 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

[Orc #06: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 20 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

[Orc #07: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 8 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

Between Khalin's protection and Rhasgar's armour, however, the arrows failed to hit their mark.

[Orc #05: Move: NE, NE, NE, N, N, N]

[Orc #06: Move: NE, NE, NE, NE, NE]

[Orc #07: Move: NE, NE, NE, NE, NE, NE]

With their arrows loosed they headed quickly towards the edge of the clearing, getting a better vantage point now that they were revealed.

Combat
Orcs

The arrows kept coming, from both the northwest and the southeast of the circle, darting across the depression towards the dragonborn.

[Orc #09: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 23 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+3: 8 ]

[Orc #10: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 13 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

[Orc #11: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 18 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

[Orc #12: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 12 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

One of the arrows got through this time despite Rhasgar's armour, pinning itself just below the pauldron on his left arm.

[Orc #09: Move: NE, NE, E, NE, NE, NE]

[Orc #10: Move: NE, NE, NE, NE, NE, NE]

[Orc #11: Move: SE, SE, SE, S]

[Orc #12: Move: SE, SE, SE, S]

The orcs then moved forwards drawing another arrow as they skirted the edge of the clearing.

Combat
Kireth Majere

‘I take it we are no longer being stealthy?’ the mage asked, to no-one in particular, before sighing and striding forward towards Zero.

[Kireth: Move: NW, NW, NW, NW, N, N]

As he passed the rogue, seemingly unconcerned with the orcs at the other side of the clearing, he couldn't resist a snide remark.

‘Your thieves' cant, or sign language, or whatever it was, needs some work,’ he suggested, before turning a little to his left and heading under one of the other trees.

From there he turned to look at the orcs on the ridge and held forth his staff. With a word the end of his staff began to glow and then a bright streak stretched out from the end and accelerated across the clearing, growing into a growling, glowing ball.

[Kireth: Fireball]

[Radius 20ft centred on W5] with [Damage: 8d6: 35 ]

[Orc #04 Save (DC16) vs Dexterity: 1d20+1: 2] – critical failure!

[Damage: 35 ] and [Dead]

[Orc #05 Save (DC16) vs Dexterity: 1d20+1: 14] – failure!

[Damage: 35 ] and [Dead]

[Orc #06 Save (DC16) vs Dexterity: 1d20+1: 18] – success!

[Damage: 17 ] and [Dead]

[Orc #07 Save (DC16) vs Dexterity: 1d20+1: 21] – critical success!

[Damage: 17 ] and [Dead]

[Orc #09 Save (DC16) vs Dexterity: 1d20+1: 20] – success!

[Damage: 17 ] and [Dead]

[Orc #10 Save (DC16) vs Dexterity: 1d20+1: 3] – failure!

[Damage: 35 ] and [Dead]

The growling turned into a roar and exploded into flame amongst the orcs, toasting them to a crisp where they stood. The branches and early leaves on the trees close to where the centre of the inferno had been caught aflame and smoke rose into the air.

Combat
Orcs

The orcs nearest the fireball almost let go of their arrows far too quickly in their haste to dodge the blast, but managed to recover their feet, heading to the edge of the clearing rather than fire their bows straightaway.

[Orc #01: Move: E, E, E, E, E, E]

[Orc #02: Move: E, E, E, E, E, E]

[Orc #03: Move: NE, NE, E, E, E, E]

As they reached the edge they drew back their bows and fired into the killing zone.

[Orc #01: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 22 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+3: 7 ]

[Orc #02: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 23 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+3: 5 ]

[Orc #03: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 11 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

Two more arrows hit their mark, despite the paladin's armour and the blessing from Moradin.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

Seeing Khalin and Kireth fan out towards the enemy, and understanding that the best way to take attention away from Zero and Rhasgar was still ultimately to divert focus elsewhere, Tradden broke out into a run, the long grass and scrub providing good, solid footholds to enable swift passage. Drawing his other blade from his back, the fighter looked around to Beltak, fleetingly.

‘You and Kireth head straight north, 'Tak, and back up the Talons and our new friend!’

[Tradden: Move: W, NW, NW, W, NW, NW]

[Tradden: Dash: NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, W]

[Tradden: Action Surge]

[Tradden gains an extra Action]

[Tradden: Move: W, W, NW, NW, W, W]

As the human flashed past Khalin, he drew his sword and offered a roaring laugh. ‘Keep up Master Dwarf — or there will be none left by the time you get there!’

Combat
Brünhilde Stonehearth

Foiled by the cliff, Brünhilde accepted that the attempt to warn these “Talons” — assuming that is who was in the cave — was done. The fight was on.

She was not sure what it was that had stepped out of the cave, but the orcs clearly did not like it, and it was armoured in the way of an intelligent being so was probably not some other beast or monster. But the nature of the creature would have to wait. There were now more pressing matters to attend to.

The orcs were on the far side of the clearing, but that would not be a problem.

[Brunhilde: Move: NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, NW]

[Brunhilde: Dash: W, W, W, W, W, SW]

The deer form was one she chose when she needed to move fast. She bolted to the north and started to arc around to the west, picking up speed. It was exhilarating to charge as a deer. As she approached the orcs' position she saw some were on a higher bluff. She decided to start there, charging up the embankment and at the first orc from the north. She briefly wondered what the orc must be thinking as a deer came running at it as opposed to away from it. She also pondered other forms she could take now, or wished she could take now, a large bear, an owlbear… or just an angry dwarf with a big hammer.

[Brünhilde: Wild Shape – Ended]

[Brünhilde ends the form of a Deer]

She let the wild shape go and quickly returned to her natural form, just in time for the orc to turn and get smashed in the side of the head with Balunâzduun.

[Brünhilde: Action Surge]

[Brünhilde gains an extra Action]

[Brünhilde: Melee Weapon Attack – Balunâzduun]

[Attack vs Orc #11's AC: 1d20+7: 13] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6r2+4: 12 ] and [Bloodied]

She was impressed with the way it took the blow. Sure, there was a nasty cracking sound and blood flying through the air, but it was still upright.

[Brünhilde: Melee Weapon Attack – Balunâzduun]

[Attack vs Orc #11's AC: 1d20+7: 14] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6r2+4: 14 ] and [Dead]

Not for long, however, as she brought the maul back around in a savage swing, taking the orc in the midriff, briefly lifting it from its feet and dropping it to the ground.

Satisfied, she turned to the rest of the group of orcs shouting, ‘Who's next you pig-faced shit-donkeys?’

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

With the rest of the group dashing out towards the clearing, Beltak heeded Tradden's call and headed to the north and west towards Khalin and to help the Talons.

[Beltak: Move: NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, NW]

[Beltak: Dash: NW, NW, NW, W, W, W]

He followed in Khalin's footsteps but it seemed the dwarf was more fleet footed than the cleric and Beltak found himself a few strides behind.

Combat
Orcs

In the trees to the far northwest of the clearing the remaining orcs unleashed their arrows.

[Orc #13: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 15 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

[Orc #14: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 23 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+3: 7 ]

[Orc #15: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 7 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

[Orc #16: Ranged Weapon Attack – Shortbow]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 12 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

Rhasgar was struck only once by the volley, though, the arrow finding a mark just at the top of his leg.

At the sound of the crunch and cry from nearby as Brünhilde felled one of their comrades, however, the archers did not draw another arrow and instead threw down their bows and headed towards the sound.

[Orc #13: Move: NE, NE, E, E, SE, SE]

[Orc #14: Move: E, E, E, E, E, E]

[Orc #15: Move: E, E, E, E, E, E]

[Orc #16: Move: E, E, E, E, E, E]

One of the orcs was round the back of Brünhilde in a flash as the others headed into the open.

Combat
Rhasgar

Rhasgar, peppered by arrows, managed to regain some form of composure after his surprise. The sign of Tradden and Khalin under the trees and the ball of flame burning orcs on the ridge gave him some confidence and he turned towards the cave briefly.

‘To arms!’ he shouted. ‘Orcs!’

With that he then raised his scimitar and charged into the clearing.

[Rhasgar: Move: W, W, W, W, W, W]

[Rhasgar: Dash: W, W, W, W, W, W]

He knew he was out in the open, but drawing the orcs' fire whilst protected with his plate armour was his simple plan.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Zero looked about and sighted the colourfully attired war chief across the clearing.

‘Oh, yes,’ he said, steadying his aim on the crook of a branch, ‘real hero, leading from the back.’

[Zero: Steady Aim]

[Zero takes aim without moving and grants himself Advantage to his next attack]

He stared down the sight of his crossbow and fired.

[Zero: Ranged Weapon Attack – Entrapping Hand Crossbow]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+7: 18 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 7 ] and [4d6: 11 sneak attack damage]

The aim was good and the bolt flew true, catching the larger orc at the side of its belly and for a moment it looked down at the bolt before clutching the shaft and yanking it out with a growl.

Combat
Orc War Chief

Plucking the bolt out didn't seem to hurt the orc, but it did seem to anger it. The growl it made when drawing the bolt grew as it moved around the burning tree, being careful to avoid the fire.

[Orc War Chief: Move: SE, E, E, E, E, NE]

It then headed to the slope to the depression, finding a ledge to easily drop down into the clearing.

[Orc War Chief: Dash: NE, NE, NE, E, E, E]

It had already moved quickly and gotten itself into the clearing but it did not seem finished there.

[Orc War Chief: Aggressive]

[The orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see]

[Move: NE, NE, NE, N, N, NE]

With a howl it burst towards Rhasgar in the centre of the clearing, holding its spear aloft, cutting the gap in moments. It did not attack, however, keeping its spear aloft and shouting what appeared to be some form of command in a low bellow.

From the north, among the bushes and trees, forms rose from the ground, shrubs and small trees attached to their forms in some form of crude camouflage. They were large, very large, hulking giants, bare-chested but armoured on head and arm where the shrubs were tied. They were taller than Tradden, perhaps nine or ten feet tall, with large heads almost orc-like, holding clubs in their arms.

The war chief looked at Rhasgar and smiled.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

Khalin harrumphed with indignation as his passionate taunt went apparently unacknowledged, but kept running towards the war chief.

[Khalin: Move: NW, N, N, N, NW, NW, NW]

Rhasgar had boldly strode out to meet the enemy but, with more trouble apparently emerging from the north, he would need support. The dwarf started to mumble a prayer to Moradin as he strode onward and brandished Aecris towards the large orc.

A ball of energy coalesced round the head of the craghammer and shot towards the enemy, prompting a cry of triumph and thanks from the marshal…

[Guiding Bolt]

[Primary Attack vs Orc War Chief: 1d20+7: 15] – misses!

The triumph turned to anger as the bolt missed its mark and dissipated harmlessly. ‘Looks like I still need to work on that,’ Khalin mused to himself.

Combat
Orcs

With the war chief bellowing orders the rest of the orcs paid heed. One of the orcs to the northwest of the clearing threw down its bow and scrambled down the embankment.

[Orc #12: Move: SE, SE, SE, S]

It continued its run over the last ridge and into the clearing…

[Orc #12: Move: S, SE, SE, SE, SE]

…where it drew an axe and snarled at the dragonborn before it.

[Orc #12: Aggressive]

[The orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see]

[Move: SE, SE]

With a spurt of energy it charged in, surrounding the dragonborn.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Despite the chaos of the battlefield, Kireth strode forwards calmly, making his way closer to Zero.

[Kireth: Move: W, W, NW, N, N, NW]

The mage could hear the shouts and growls of the orcs, interspersed with the barking orders of Khalin, just above the crackle of the fire as the trees he had burned with his spell continued to catch and spread.

The trees here were in his way now, and he did think about burning them for a moment, but continued his walk instead.

[Kireth: Move: N, NW, N, NW, NW]

He paused at the edge of the treeline, spying the giant creatures awkwardly rising to the north and then to the frenzied orc chief in the centre of the clearing, gathering thoughts for his next move.

Combat
Orcs

With their bows largely ineffective against the plate-clad dragonborn, the orcs on the rise to the west dropped them and charged over the embankment towards the centre of the clearing.

[Orc #01: Move: E, E, E, E]

[Orc #02: Move: E, E, E, E, E]

[Orc #03: Move: E, E, E, E, E]

The three of them scrambled down the bank and then drew wicked axes, before shouting and cursing at the dragonborn and charging towards him.

[Orc #01: Aggressive]

[The orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see]

[Move: E, E, E, E, SE, SE]

[Orc #02: Aggressive]

[The orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see]

[Move: E, E, SE, E, E]

[Orc #03: Aggressive]

[The orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see]

[Move: SE, E, E, E, E, E]

They charged in with axes raised, chopping down on Rhasgar.

[Orc #01: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 7 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

[Orc #02: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 20 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

[Orc #03: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 20 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

Despite them flocking in around him, Rhasgar deflected their attacks assisted by Khalin's gift from Moradin.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

Tradden carried on his run, concentrating only on being able to get into combat and relieve the stricken Rhasgar.

[Tradden: Move: N, N, N, N, N, N]

[Tradden: Dash: N, NW, NW]

Finally arriving and standing next to the dragonborn, the human stood and faced the orcs partly back-to-back.

‘Hey,’ quipped Tradden, nodding at the somewhat-surprised looking dragon-man. ‘How ’ya been?’

With that, the two fighters stood ready to face the orcs together.

Combat
Hulking Giants

The giant creatures, covered in dirt, shrubs and leaves dusted themselves off and lumbered forwards towards the clearing with steps that shook the ground.

[Unknown #01: Move: S, S, S, S, S, S, SW]

[Unknown #02: Move: S, S, S, S, S, S, SW]

[Unknown #03: Move: S, S, S, S, S, S, SW]

They all approached the embankment and climbed down with little grace as they kept on moving to the melee in the centre of the depression.

[Unknown #01: Dash: S, S, S, S, S, SW]

[Unknown #02: Dash: S, S, S, SW, SW, SW]

[Unknown #03: Dash: S, S, S, SW, SW, SW]

Those near Rhasgar felt the giant creatures approaching as the floor of the clearing reverberated with their steps.

Combat
Brünhilde Stonehearth

The battle started to develop quickly. The nearby orcs moved towards Brünhilde, which was fine with her, but as they closed she glanced back to see what was happening with the lizard creature. Several more orcs, including what she assumed was their leader where attacking it, and Khalin and Tradden had moved up to fight with it. Then, from the north, three giants had entered the fray and were heading for that same central fight. She needed to mop up these orcs quickly.

[Brünhilde: Barkskin Hide]

[Brünhilde expends a charge and uses Barkskin]

[Brünhilde's AC is now 16]

With a word, her skin started to change, taking on the colour and texture of thick bark.

Then she turned back to the approaching orcs and shouted in their own tongue. ‘Well, what a set of pathetic runts you are. Four on one and I still have you outnumbered!’

[Brunhilde: Ready An Action]

[Brunhilde waits for orcs to be in range before casting Thunderwave]

That did the trick, with all four moving in to attack.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

The number of creatures in the clearing were growing rapidly, so Beltak quickly jogged up to Khalin's side.

[Beltak: Move: NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, NW]

Rhasgar was surrounded by orcs and with the larger creatures coming in from the north it did not look good. Where were the Talons? He took matter into his own hands and those of his deity.

[Beltak: Scorching Ray]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+8: 24] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6: 5 ]

[Attack vs Orc #03's AC: 1d20+8: 23] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6: 8 ] and [Bloodied]

[Attack vs Orc #02's AC: 1d20+8: 26] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6: 7 ]

Holding out his amulet Beltak offered a prayer before stabs out light and flame shot out from the holy symbol of Pelor. Three beams of dripping flame struck into the orcs leaving the stench of burning flesh and dark scars upon the orcs.

[Beltak: Healing Word]

[Rhasgar regains 1d4+4: 5 hit points]

He then turned his attention back to Rhasgar, praying for the dragonborn to keep his resolve.

Combat
Orcs

Away from the clearing to the northwest of the main group, the orcs and Brünhilde were having their own private melee.

The dragonborn was surrounded and the war chief engaged, so the orcs nearby attacked a familiar enemy in the dwarf, moving in for the kill

[Orc #14: Move: NE, NE, E, E]

[Orc #15: Move: NE, NE, NE, NE]

[Orc #16: Move: E, E, E, SE]

But as they stepped close and started to swing, Brünhilde gestured with her right hand before taking hold of her maul in both hands, pointing the head straight down and slamming it into the ground. As she did so she shouted another magical word and a blast of sound, like thunder, exploded outwards from her, the boom echoing out across the clearing.

[Brünhilde: Thunderwave]

[Cube 15ft centred on D12] with [Damage: 3d8: 11 ]

[Orc #13 Save (DC14) vs Constitution: 1d20+1: 15] – success!

[Damage: 5 ]

[Orc #14 Save (DC14) vs Constitution: 1d20+1: 9] – failure!

[Damage: 11 ] and [Push: W, W] and [Bloodied]

[Orc #15 Save (DC14) vs Constitution: 1d20+1: 18] – success!

[Damage: 5 ]

[Orc #16 Save (DC14) vs Constitution: 1d20+1: 6] – failure!

[Damage: 11 ] and [Push: NW, NW] and [Bloodied]

Two of the orcs were were sent reeling backward by the blast, the other two managing to hold their ground, but all were weakened. As they started to move back in again Brünhilde readied her maul and grinned.

[Orc #14: Move: E, E]

[Orc #16: Move: SE, SE]

Surrounding the dwarf the orcs chopped inwards in unison as though they were trying to fell a short tree.

[Orc #13: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 17 vs Brünhilde's AC (16)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d12+3: 6 ]

[Orc #14: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 20 vs Brünhilde's AC (16)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d12+3: 12 ]

[Orc #15: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 9 vs Brünhilde's AC (16)] – misses!

[Orc #16: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 19 vs Brünhilde's AC (16)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d12+3: 14 ]

Three of the strikes hit, even against the bark-like skin that now covered Brünhilde, causing strange elements of wood and bark to fly off from the dwarf.

Combat
Rhasgar

In the midst of the melee at the centre of the clearing the tall frame of the dragonborn shone out, his steel armour glinting in the light and the roar of his voice echoing round the depression.

He took a moment to shout a word to Bahamut, holding his blade aloft, and within a moment flames licked up and down the scimitar in glorious fashion.

[Rhasgar: Flame Tongue Scimitar]

[Flames erupt from the blade, shedding bright light in a 40ft radius and dim light for an additional 40ft]

[While the sword is ablaze, it deals an extra 2d6 damage to any target it hits]

With the scimitar aflame he paused no longer and swung it around in an arc at the largest of the orcs.

[Rhasgar: Melee Weapon Attack – Flame Tongue Scimitar]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+7: 17] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 10 ] and [2d6: 6 damage]

The blade seared the orc's flesh and Rhasgar turned it back for another strike.

[Rhasgar: Melee Weapon Attack – Flame Tongue Scimitar]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+7: 15] – misses!

This time the orc was ready for the swing and with great agility leapt backwards to avoid the blow.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Losing sight of some of the orcs as they charged toward the armored dragonborn, Zero was forced to break cover. He darted toward the next tree and looked ahead for that infernal war chief.

[Zero: Move: NW, NW, NW, NW, NW, NW]

Watching carefully from the low branches he looked for a good target. The group around Rhasgar were all concentrating on the dragonborn, so Zero took time to be unseen amongst the low branches of his tree.

[Zero: Cunning Action]

[Zero can take a Bonus Action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+9: 19 ] – success!

[Zero is hidden and gains advantage on attack rolls]

‘Ohh, there you are,’ the rogue cooed, spotting the war chief and taking aim again. ‘Can't hide from me.’

His finger squeezed the trigger and with a snap the bolt flew across the clearing.

[Zero: Ranged Weapon Attack – Entrapping Hand Crossbow]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+7: 23 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 10 ] and [4d6: 12 sneak attack damage] and [Bloodied]

The bolt thudded into the orc war chief's thigh, lodging almost up to the feather, and drew a single guttural call from the orc as a single jet of blood swept the clearing floor.

Combat
Orc War Chief

So close to the dragonborn now, with his allies around him, the leader of the orcs gritted his jaw against the pain of the bolt and then let out an ululating shriek.

[Orc War Chief: Battle Cry]

[Each ally within 30ft gains advantage on attack rolls until start of Orc War Chief's next turn]

[Orc War Chief can make one attack as a bonus action]

The orcs close up responded with a cry of their own and even the larger behemoths to the north replied with a low moan that echoed around the depression.

Then, grasping its spear in both hands while Rhasgar's attention was distracted by the noise, the orc struck swiftly.

[Orc War Chief: Melee Weapon Attack – Spear]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 25 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d10+4: 11 ] and [1d8: 7 Gruumsh's Fury] and [Bloodied]

The spear stabbed into the dragonborn's side, opening a wound that spurted hot blood onto the mud and grass of the clearing. The orc wasted no time in withdrawing the weapon and then bringing it back around in a wide arc.

[Orc War Chief: Melee Weapon Attack – Spear]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 8 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

Rhasgar was ready for this one, however, and brought up his shield to deflect the blow.

The orc steadied himself before thrusting the spear back in again at Rhasgar's chest.

[Orc War Chief: Melee Weapon Attack – Spear]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 19 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – misses!

This time the dragonborn had to react quickly, bringing up his sword to turn the thrust aside.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

Rhasgar was a brave and sturdy soul, but the leader of the Talons was still the focus of the enemy's attack.

[Khalin: Move: NW, NW, W, NW]

With the orcs still paying no heed to the marshal's approach, Khalin angled his run round to come at the enemy leader from his blind spot.

[Khalin: Melee Weapon Attack – Aecris]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+9: 29 ] – critical hit!

[Damage: 2d8+6: 13 ]

[Crusher: Khalin has Advantage against Orc War Chief until the start of his next turn]

Still concentrating on the dragonborn, the war chief was caught completely unawares as Khalin brought Aecris arcing round in a mighty swing, the impact lifting the big orc off its feet.

[Khalin: Channel Divinity – Inspiring Smite]

[Rhasgar gains 2d8+8: 17 hit points] and [No longer Bloodied]

Buoyed by the strikes, Rhasgar felt renewed strength, nodding to the new arrival in thanks as the dragonborn steeled himself for the next attack.

With the enemy momentarily winded, Khalin brought his hammer down again, this time backhanded.

[Khalin: Melee Weapon Attack – Aecris]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+9: 24 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+6: 11 ]

The second blow landed, battering, but not felling, the orc.

Combat
Orcs

The orc just above Tradden responded to the war chief's cry by moving swiftly to one side.

[Orc #12: Move: W]

Positioned where it wanted to be it struck out at Rhasgar's back with its axe.

[Orc #12: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 25 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – critical hit!

[Damage: 2d12+3: 21 ] and [Bloodied]

With so many creatures around him it was no surprise that the paladin would succumb to a strike now and then, but this one hit home with impact, cutting through the plate and sinking into his shoulder blade.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Kireth looked at the group hacking at each other with axes, swords and hammers and sneered. So crude. He looked down and his attention was caught by a small insect, finding its way amongst the grass at his feet. He reached out and picked it up, holding it between thumb and forefinger before looking at the group, sneering, and then crushing the insect.

[Kireth: Sleep]

[Radius 20ft centred on 2] with [Effect: 7d8: 36 hit points]

[Orc #03 falls Unconscious and Prone]

[Orc #02 falls Unconscious and Prone]

[Orc #01 falls Unconscious and Prone]

Three of the orcs fell to the ground mid-strike, their axes clattering to the ground. Kireth wiped his hand clean on his robe.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

Blows were reigning down on Rhasgar and despite the fact that Tradden knew the dragonborn to be exceptionally tough it was clear that he couldn't take much more. The orcs were falling, either to death or to sleep — thanks to Kireth he assumed — but it wasn't enough. Not with these three lumbering whatever-they-weres heading in their direction. Well, they would have to come through an Aversward first.

[Tradden: Move: N, N]

Positioning himself so as to be of most nuisance to all three, the fighter finally managed to stop for a fraction of a second and take them in.

[Tradden: Nature Check: 1d20+0: 17] – success!

They were a bit of a mixture of good and bad really. The good points where that they didn't look like the sharpest, or indeed the most agile. Also, they didn't wear much armour — the one right in front of him only had some tattered mail on its arm, and a helmet that was ill-fitting to start off with, but now also had various grasses and bushes stuck in it to make it jauntily off-set. The bad points were that they were really big. Really big. And mean looking. And big. Something old Mr Ironfoot had told him about as a youngster, years back when he was educating him about the myths (ha!) of orcs and goblins… There was always something else. Really large ones — maybe 10 feet high, lumbering and stupid. What did he call them? Turning his neck for a second, Tradden snapped off a comment behind him.

‘Hey, er, Khalin… I think these might be… Ogres…!’

Whether they were, or were not, they were still coming right at him and Tradden was past declaring that he was Tradden Aversward and at their service before asking what that exquisite musk they were wearing was? He saw an opportunity to strike, feint and strike again, and he took it.

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #01's AC: 1d20+8: 16] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+5: 8 ]

[Slasher: Ogre #01's speed reduced by 10ft until start of Tradden's next turn]

[Tradden: Combat Manoeuvre – Feinting Attack]

[Tradden expends one Superiority Die to gain Advantage on next attack]

[If next attack hits, Tradden may apply Superiority Die roll to damage]

The first hit was solid, slashing into the midriff of the creature. Tradden was clearly lining up to move right… but then was somehow drifting left, which the creature did not anticipate, and an opening in its defences appeared…

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #01's AC: 1d20+8: 28 ] – critical hit!

[Damage: 2d8+5: 21 ] and [1d6: 6 critical damage] and [1d8: 2 superiority die damage] and [Bloodied]

[Slasher: Ogre #01 gains disadvantage to attack rolls until start of Tradden's next turn]

Wide open, as it happened, Tradden tore through the fleshy abdomen with his longsword, and just at the right time there was a white, sparky flash, and the spurting blood turned into a red ice all around the wound.

A good start, mused the fighter, but he knew what was coming next, crossing his blades in a blocking motion.

Combat
Ogres

The lumbering giants, identified as ogres according to Tradden's dwarven mentor, seemed to be reacting to the orders of the chief orc and looked for ways around the young fighter.

[Ogre #02: Move: S, S, SW]

[Ogre #03: Move: SE, SE, SE, SE, E]

One moved around the side of Tradden, aiming for the centre of the melee. The other, however, headed off towards the east and the cave where the dragonborn paladin had come from.

The first of the ogres, angered by the cut to its belly, didn't seem to be able to find a way past Tradden, though, and instead tried to go through him, bringing down its club on the crossed swords.

[Ogre #01: Melee Weapon Attack – Greatclub]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 8 vs Tradden's AC (18)] – misses!

Tradden's swords, however, caught the blow and the impressive wiry strength he had managed to deflect the heavy blow.

As the other ogre rounded Tradden's back it brought its club down on Rhasgar's exposed flank.

[Ogre #02: Melee Weapon Attack – Greatclub]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 23 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – hits!

[Damage: 2d8+4: 10 ]

The club crunched into the back of the dragonborn's plate with an almighty thud, pushing Rhasgar forwards and knocking the wind out of him.

Even as the creature struck, Tradden was on it in a flash, whirling around and bringing down his sword.

[Tradden: Sentinel Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+8: 9] – critical miss!

The young fighter's swing was wild, though, and he cut a slice through thin air.

The third orc, over at the cave, started swinging its club at the entrance, though whether it was attacking someone or was bludgeoning the rock at the cave's ceiling was hard to tell.

Combat
Brünhilde Stonehearth

Brünhilde was done with spells for now. It was time to start smashing orcs around directly. As the orc's weapons came in, a few scoring hits, she grimaced, but largely ignored them and took an advancing step to her left.

[Brünhilde: Melee Weapon Attack – Balunâzduun]

[Attack vs Orc #16's AC: 1d20+7: 22] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6r2+4: 15 ] and [Dead]

She swung Balunâzduun from right to left, crunching into the first orc's midriff with a satisfying crack of bone. It went down, and she knew it would not be getting back up again.

[Brünhilde: Melee Weapon Attack – Balunâzduun]

[Attack vs Orc #14's AC: 1d20+7: 19] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6r2+4: 12 ] and [Dead]

She then quickly reversed her swing, and without much finesse, just brute force, did the same to the next orc, this time swinging the maul's head from left to right, sweeping the orc aside with a wet muffled thump and cry.

[Brünhilde: Move: W]

As she did so, she turned and moved to get a better view of the other fight whilst positioning herself to fight the last two orcs. She was itching to have a go at those big things.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

Beltak could see that Rhasgar was nearly on his knees. The dragonborn had taken cut after cut and was definitely weakening. The scribe grimaced and started a prayer to Pelor to spare the dragonborn, even if it meant harm to himself.

[Beltak: Life Transference]

[Beltak takes 4d8: 19 damage]

[Rhasgar gains 38 hit points] and [No longer Bloodied]

The pain wracked through Beltak's body as he felt his very essence being pulled from him, but the pain was momentary, gone quickly with the realisation that he had healed another.

Combat
Orcs

With their allies felled by the mighty maul that the dwarf carried, the orcs facing Brünhilde attacked with a frenzy.

[Orc #13: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 15 vs Brünhilde's AC (16)] – misses!

[Orc #15: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 13 vs Brünhilde's AC (16)] – misses!

Their swings were wild though, the axes chopping down and deflected by the haft and head of the maul with expertise.

Combat
Rhasgar

With orcs on the floor around him and renewed vigour flooding his veins, Rhasgar rounded on the batter orc war chief and bellowed.

‘Where is Bekio?’ he demanded, to which the orc simply smiled thickly.

The dragonborn growled and sliced across the orcs's belly with his scimitar.

[Rhasgar: Melee Weapon Attack – Flame Tongue Scimitar]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+7: 17] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 5 ] and [2d6: 7 damage]

The strike was only partially deflected by the war chief's spear and Rhasgar drew more blood from the thing. In frustration, he brought the blade back again, aimning at the orc's head.

[Rhasgar: Melee Weapon Attack – Flame Tongue Scimitar]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+7: 14] – misses!

This time the orc managed to step back, out of the way of the blow. It continued smiling, licking its lips, and tossing its spear from hand to hand, taunting the dragonborn.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Quite comfortable in his sniping spot beside the stout tree, Zero reloaded his crossbow and fired again at the orcish war chief.

[Zero: Ranged Weapon Attack – Entrapping Hand Crossbow]

[Attack vs Orc War Chief's AC: 1d20+7: 23] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 10 ] and [4d6: 20 sneak attack damage] and [Dead]

With the orc's concentration and rage focused on Rhasgar it didn't notice the bolt pierce its kidney.

It was in half swing when its body gave up and it twisted and turned as it fell to the floor.

‘Yes!!’ Zero shouted, almost giving away his position.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

As the orc chieftain fell, Khalin permitted himself a slight smile. Zero was lethal when set in the shadows, and the greenie's hubris was rewarded with death.

[Khalin: Move: E, E, NE]

Careful to avoid the bodies about — some dead, some sleeping — the dwarf moved to Rhasgar's shoulder to offer support. There was no time for pleasantries though, and the marshal brought Aecris quickly to bear against the nearest ogre…

[Khalin: Melee Weapon Attack – Aecris]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+9: 22] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+6: 9 ]

[Crusher: Khalin moves Ogre #02 one square E]

His swing was true and the blow wounded the enemy amidships with a satisfying crunch. The dwarf leaned into the blow, shoving his larger opponent back a yard or two, and setting himself back to back with the dragonborn.

[Khalin: Move: N]

All the time the dwarf kept Aecris moving, retaining as much momentum in the wheeling hammer's head as he could muster, in what was now becoming a practised swing…

[Khalin: Melee Weapon Attack – Aecris]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+9: 10] – critical miss!

But this time the ogre got its giant plated arm up in time, blocking the blow. Khalin grunted, wondering whether another prayer to Moradin might have been a prudent move.

Combat
Orcs

The orc closest to Rhasgar saw its leader fall and for a moment it looked as though it would falter. However, it gathered its wits and continued its assault on the dragonborn.

[Orc #12: Melee Weapon Attack – Axe]

[Attack: 1d20+5: 22 vs Rhasgar's AC (20+2)] – hits!

[Damage: 1d12+3: 13 ]

As the blow came in, Khalin saw it from the corner of his eye and sprang to react.

[Khalin: Interception]

[Khalin intercepts Orc #12's strike and reduces damage by 1d10+3: 13 hit points]

[Damage is reduced to 0]

Its swipe with its axe was sure, but Khalin countered from the left and brought his shield up to bear the force of the blow.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Kireth kept his distance, under the shade of the tree, trying to understand where the errant ogre was heading and what it was heading there for. Likely the rest of the Talons he surmised, though surely with Aukan and Rangrim they would be able to hold it off for a few moments.

His attention turned back to the melee in the centre of the clearing. Most of the orcs were down, but one still stood, thrashing its axe at Rhasgar. Kireth held up a hand and a bolt of fire leapt from his palm.

[Kireth: Fire Bolt]

[Attack vs Orc #12's AC: 1d20+9: 18] – hits!

[Damage: 2d10: 16 ] and [Dead]

The bolt struck the orc at the side of the head, knocking it sideways and down in a fiery burst. It tried to get up, but failed, and lay there resting in the dirt.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

The sounds of battle were now becoming just as telling to Tradden as if he could observe visually. Lately, he could distinguish between the heavy footsteps of the ogres compared to the much lighter footwork of Khalin, with Rhasgar currently residing somewhere in between.

Slashes and stabs had their own audibility, whether they hit or not. The sounds of spells shooting from a ranged Kireth certainly stood out. All of that painted a painting in Tradden's mind of the current battlefield, and as such he knew that the fight behind him was going as well as it could be, and so he did not take his eye off the hulking ogre in front of him, instead waiting for a moment to strike.

As the creature pulled one arm back to smash down on the puny human, Tradden again struck.

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #01's AC: 1d20+8: 28] – critical hit!

[Damage: 2d8+5: 16 ] and [1d6: 5 critical damage]

[Slasher: Ogre #01 gains disadvantage to attack rolls until start of Tradden's next turn]

Lunging forward and leaning onto his front foot, Tradden lashed out as if he were a deranged fencer, drawing a vicious figure of eight from head, down through the ogre's chest and then back up. There was method in his madness however, and the ambitious strike carved bloody wounds over the ogre's upper torso. It was all in the wrist.

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #01's AC: 1d20+8: 11] – unknown!

[Tradden: Combat Manoeuvre – Precision Attack]

[Tradden expends one Superiority Die to gain a 1d8: 6 bonus to the attack roll]

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #01's AC: 1d20+8+6: 17] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+5: 9 ] and [Dead]

With another flourish Tradden held his pose, but swished his longsword back over his head, concentrating for a second. This had to hit home if he was going to put this brute down before it had chance to hit back. And then, with a swiftness and accuracy the nearby Khalin had never previously witnessed, Tradden stabbed home, efficiently, and withdrew just as quickly. The thing's heart was pierced, and it was dead before it hit the ground, toppling forward towards Tradden.

[Tradden: Move: E, E, SE]

The fighter was already gone, however, pirouetting around the other nearby ogre, and crouching down as he span, lashing out with his other blade in one of his trademark whirlwind attacks.

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Rhythm Blade Shortsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+8: 24 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+5: 6 ]

The other ogre roared in anger as a significant chunk of its hamstring landed on the scrub a few feet away. Tradden's attention was, however, towards the east, and he bellowed out a challenge.

‘Hey, ugly! Come pick on someone who knows how to kill ogres!’

Combat
Ogres

The ogre in front of Khalin looked confused, its helm slipping over its eye as the branches atop it unbalanced the weight. Its leader was gone and it seemed lost. However, its small eyes picked out the tiny, hated humanoid before it, a foul dwarf. It took a stride forwards, despite the blade of Tradden cutting at its legs and brought down its club.

[Ogre #02: Melee Weapon Attack – Greatclub]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 21 vs Khalin's AC (18)] – hits!

[Damage: 2d8+4: 15 ]

The club smashed into Khalin's shield and slammed it into the marshal's shoulder.

Whilst the ogre was powering into the dwarf, Tradden saw an opportunity to strike.

[Tradden: Sentinel Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+8: 27 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+5: 12 ]

The young fighter slashed the ogre's unprotected flank as it lunged into Khalin's defences.

The wind had been drawn from Khalin's lungs by the ogre's blow and he had to take a moment.

[Khalin: Saving Throw vs Concentration (Con): 1d20+6+4: 24] – success!

The dwarf managed to hold his concentration on the prayer he kept muttering to Moradin to keep Rhasgar safe.

The ogre's club came around again, however, quicker than the dwarf thought.

[Ogre #02: Melee Weapon Attack – Greatclub]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 19 vs Khalin's AC (18)] – hits!

[Damage: 2d8+4: 13 ]

Another heavy blow struck the dwarf and the ogre's face turned from confusion to some form of an ugly smile.

Over to the east, in front of the cave, the other ogre could be heard roaring and slamming its club into the darkness as well as the roof of the entrance, ignoring Tradden's shouts.

Combat
Brünhilde Stonehearth

Brünhilde glanced at the main battle again and saw things were going well. One of the big things and the orc leader were down, and she presumed the rest were still fighting out of plain stupidity.

One of the other big things was blocking the cave entrance, so it was impossible to see what was happening there. She decided it might be best to wander over there and kill the big thing just to make sure everything was ok.

[Brünhilde: Melee Weapon Attack – Balunâzduun]

[Attack vs Orc #15's AC: 1d20+7: 18] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6r2+4: 15 ] and [Dead]

With her mind made up, she smashed the first of two remaining orcs with Balunâzduun, folding its leg under it in a rather gruesome fashion.

[Brünhilde: Melee Weapon Attack – Balunâzduun]

[Attack vs Orc #13's AC: 1d20+7: 16] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6r2+4: 11 ] and [Dead]

Then, keeping the momentum going, she brought the maul up over her head and down on the last orc. It did not offer a great deal of resistance, and crumpled to the ground, its head and neck broken.

[Brunhilde: Move: SE, SE, SE, SE, E]

Brünhilde then turned and started her small legs pumping as she moved towards the cave, skittering down the embankment.

[Brünhilde: Second Wind]

[Brünhilde spends a Hit Die and regains 1d10+5: 6 hit points]

As she scampered down, she drew in large lungfuls of air, preparing her for the battle ahead.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

Beltak remained under the tree, wary that both Kireth and Zero were nearby and would need protecting if any other creatures sprung from the undergrowth.

Deciding upon a simple course of action he concentrated on the ogre attacking Khalin and softly stated a prayer to Pelor.

[Beltak: Sacred Flame]

[Ogre #02 Save (DC16) vs Dexterity: 1d20-1: 17] – success!

A light appeared to shine from above the ogre but it flickered out before it took any hold.

Combat
Rhasgar

Buoyed by the orcs falling around him, and Tradden's swift dispatch of the ogre, Rhasgar moved back towards the hulking giant of the ogre.

[Rhasgar: Move: NE]

With his blade held high he struck at the clumsy beast.

[Rhasgar: Melee Weapon Attack – Flame Tongue Scimitar]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+7: 15] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 6 ] and [2d6: 5 damage]

The blade bit into the ogre's thigh and was followed by a jet of the flame searing the creature's flesh.

With a flourish the paladin whirled the blade around for another strike.

[Rhasgar: Melee Weapon Attack – Flame Tongue Scimitar]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+7: 9] – misses!

This time the ogre managed to get its club in the way of the attack, deflecting the blow.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

The brutish ogre hammering Khalin caught Zero's eye. Tough as the dwarf was, another couple of thunderous blows and he'd be strawberry jam.

The rogue took aim and hoped his tiny bolt might hit a vital part of the enormous creature's anatomy.

[Zero: Ranged Weapon Attack – Entrapping Hand Crossbow]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+7: 9] – misses!

Unfortunately, it whistled wide of the mark as the monster lumbered about swinging at its foes.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

Khalin wiped a streak of blood away from his face as he steeled himself against the ogre's latest attack. Setting his feet in a wide stance once more, he brought Aecris up and across the ogre's chest.

[Khalin: Melee Weapon Attack – Aecris]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+9: 17] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+6: 10 ] and [Bloodied]

As the blow hit true the dwarf threw a line of thanks to his deity into the whispered mantra he was maintaining.

[Divine Smite]

[Ogre #02 takes 2d8: 14 radiant damage]

The marshal pressed the advantage by putting his full weight into the follow up strike.

[Khalin: Shove]

[Khalin makes an opposing Strength Check: 1d20+4: 22 vs Ogre #02: 1d20+6: 16] – success!

[Ogre #02 is Pushed SE]

[Khalin: Aecris]

[Khalin expends a charge and Ogre #02 is Pushed E and Knocked Prone]

[Ogre #02 takes 2d8: 5 damage]

He caught the ogre still off balance and knocked the hulking beast onto its back in an impressive show of strength.

Combat
Kireth Majere

There were only two enemies left now, one that Khalin had bowled over and another still causing problems at the mouth of the cave.

Kireth studied the one at the cave entrance for a moment. It was throwing its club around, perhaps striking at something within, but also hitting the top of the entrance and the sides with its wild swings. At any moment the mouth could collapse.

He decided to try and attract its attention.

[Kireth: Fire Bolt]

[Attack vs Ogre #03's AC: 1d20+9: 17] – hits!

[Damage: 2d10: 8 ]

A small bolt of flame sprung from the end of his staff and struck the ogre in its rear.

The thing hardly seemed to notice.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

All of the enemies being strewn on the floor, Tradden again craned his head around to see what the other ogre was doing. A flash of fire emanating from the treeline towards the ogre made up his mind — if Kireth thought it was worth attacking, he would follow.

[Tradden: Move: E, SE, E, ...] – interrupted!

As he moved off, however, the prone giant at his feet swiped at him with its arm.

[Ogre #02: Melee Weapon Attack – Greatclub]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 10 vs Tradden's AC (18)] – misses!

With a deft leap over the flailing arm of the hapless ogre on the floor, the fighter skipped towards the other near the cave.

[Tradden: Move: ..., E, E]

Keeping a low stance he then jumped up to slash at it as he neared.

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #03's AC: 1d20+8: 20 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+5: 7 ]

[Slasher: Ogre #03's speed reduced by 10ft until start of Tradden's next turn]

Following the initial blow up quickly.

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #03's AC: 1d20+8: 23 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+5: 13 ]

…and again…

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Rhythm Blade Shortsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #03's AC: 1d20+8: 20 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+5: 11 ] and [Bloodied]

Once, and then again, Tradden's longsword was brought down at an angle across the creature's back, this way and that, causing a large, red “X” to welt and scar. Then, with a flourish he whipped the shortsword underneath the cross, in a horizontal line, as if to underline and accentuate the earlier hits.

Tradden always fancied himself as the strong, quiet, brooding type. Nothing could be further from the truth of course, and he just couldn't help himself. No one quite nailed an “Ah, ha!” like Tradden.

‘Ah, Ha! The mark of Aversward!’ he exclaimed.

Combat
Ogres

Dazed and a little confused, the ogre on the floor slowly rose to its feet, regaining its balance.

It looked one way and that, but caught sight of the dwarf and lumbered towards Khalin.

[Ogre #02: Move: W, W]

Closing in on the marshal it swung its club in a wide arc.

[Ogre #02: Melee Weapon Attack – Greatclub]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 21 vs Khalin's AC (18)] – hits!

[Damage: 2d8+4: 14 ] and [Bloodied]

The blow caught Khalin at his side and knocked the wind out of him for a moment.

[Khalin: Saving Throw vs Concentration (Con): 1d20+6+4: 12] – success!

He recovered quickly, keeping his prayer to Moradin softly whispered, despite the pain from his side.

The ogre did not relent and swung the club back once more.

[Ogre #02: Melee Weapon Attack – Greatclub]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 23 vs Khalin's AC (18)] – hits!

[Damage: 2d8+4: 11 ]

The blow struck again, despite Khalin's best effort to raise his shield.

[Khalin: Saving Throw vs Concentration (Con): 1d20+6+4: 23] – success!

Again, he managed to keep his concentration on his prayer and widened his stance.

Over by the cave entrance the third ogre kept pounding at the rock with his club, despite the cuts across its back. With one huge swing came a crack that echoed around the clearing, before the ceiling of the cave began to fall.

With the sound of what Tradden could only think of as a stray dog choking on a bone, but was in fact a belly laugh from the ogre, the giant turned about and brought its club down on the fighter.

[Ogre #03: Melee Weapon Attack – Greatclub]

[Attack: 1d20+6: 19 vs Tradden's AC (18)] – hits!

[Damage: 2d8+4: 18 ]

It appeared to be a crushing blow, but somehow Tradden got his blades up in time to deflect the majority of the force.

[Tradden: Combat Manoeuvre – Parry]

[Tradden expends one Superiority Die: 1d8+3: 11]

[Damage is reduced to 7]

The orge roared at the young fighter in frustration.

Combat
Brünhilde Stonehearth

As she ran, Brünhilde again took stock of the situation. Only two of the big things remained, and the one in the centre of the clearing looked to be on its last legs. She had intended to head right over the cave mouth, but that would take some time, and she could help in the middle now.

[Brunhilde: Move: SE, S, S, SE]

Her mind made up, she moved down the embankment as quickly as she could and charged the creature. It was engaged with the lizard and Khalin, and a well-placed hammer should do the trick.

[Brunhilde: Dash: SE, SE, SE, S, S]

As she moved into the middle of the clearing, she moved into a sprint, bringing her maul over her head.

[Brünhilde: Charge Weapon Attack – Balunâzduun]

[Attack vs Ogre #02's AC: 1d20+7: 20] – hits!

[Damage: 2d6r2+4: 17 ] and [Dead]

She threw all her weight into the blow, bringing the maul forward and smashing the ogre in the side of its ribs that gave way under the force of the heavy maul head.

Combat
Beltak Ancaron

From under the trees Beltak could see that the entrance to the cave had taken an almighty blow and the entrance was smoking with rubble. He took off as fast as he could.

[Beltak: Move: NE, E, NE, E, NE, E]

The scribe ignored the ogre, its hulking frame leering over him, and skirted to the side to inspect the rubble.

[Beltak: Move: E, NE]

He wasn't worried about the ogre swiping at him — he knew Tradden would take care of that. He was more interested in ensuring the collapse of the cave had not caused harm to anyone.

With tentative grabs, he pulled at the stones. ‘Over here!’ he shouted. ‘Help!’

Combat
Rhasgar

With a roar that startled Khalin, Rhasgar took off at Beltak's words. He sprinted past Brünhilde, barely noticing the newcomer and headed towards the ogre.

[Rhasgar: Move: E, E, E, E, E, E]

He didn't stop at the ogre, however, circling its flank and sliding down to his knees in front of the cave entrance in one agile action.

[Rhasgar: Move: E, E, E, E]

There he began to furiously claw at the rocks and stones that had tumbled onto the ground.

Combat
Zero Uhlit

Big as the ogre was, he could only glimpse parts of it as it swung at his friends.

[Zero: Move: N, N, N, N, N, N]

Zero scrambled ahead through the brush and slid to a halt beside Kireth, who flashed him a disgruntled look.

[Zero: Cunning Action]

[Zero can take a Bonus Action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action]

[Stealth Check: 1d20+9: 24 ] – success!

[Zero is hidden and gains advantage on attack rolls]

The thief then raised his crossbow and let a bolt fly at the rampaging hulk.

[Zero: Ranged Weapon Attack – Entrapping Hand Crossbow]

[Attack vs Ogre #03's AC: 1d20+7: 26 ] – hits!

[Damage: 1d6+4: 9 ] and [4d6: 7 sneak attack damage]

The bolt struck the ogre, but even with Zero's accurate shot it didn't seem to affect it much.

Combat
Khalin Grundokri

Khalin took a deep breath as the ogre before him fell, but his relief was short lived as the sound of falling rock echoed around the hollow from the east. The dwarf looked on in horror — there could only be one reason why the other brute had been try to collapse the cave entrance: to trap whoever was inside, presumably the Talons. It was strange that they had not reacted earlier if so, but Rhasgar's frantic reaction suggested someone was indeed trapped.

‘Moradin's Beard!’ cursed the marshal as he sprinted across to help.

[Khalin: Move: E, E, E, E, E, E, E]

The final ogre still lumbered nearby and Khalin brandished Aecris towards it as he ran. As the marshal added a different cadence to his whispered incantations, the head of the craghammer glowed once more with radiant fire before a ball of incandescence rocketed into the ogre's flank.

[Guiding Bolt]

[Primary Attack vs Ogre #03: 1d20+7: 23] – hits!

[Damage: 4d6: 10]

The ball was true but the ogre paid it no heed, still laughing at those surrounding it.

Combat
Kireth Majere

Kireth looked at the kneeling rogue beside him as Zero let fly with one of his bolts. The ogre was powerful, the mage could see that, but it was powerful as brute savagery, not with intelligence. Zero's shot barely seemed to scratch the hulking giant and Khalin's follow up was, well, woeful.

He thought for a moment on how such physical power could be harnessed, the small mind within the huge body easy to time and direct. It was a fleeting thought before he raised his staff.

He spoke a soft word and a ghostly, skeletal hand appeared at the tip of the staff before hurtling towards the ogre.

[Kireth: Chill Touch]

[Attack vs Ogre #03's AC: 1d20+9: 20] – hits!

[Damage: 2d8: 5 ]

The hand grasped hold of the ogre's shoulder, lingering there in a rime of frost.

Combat
Tradden Aversward

Tradden didn't wait to see what would happen following the flashes of various light which struck the ogre. By the time the one coming in from the treeline had struck home, the fighter was already chopping down.

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #03's AC: 1d20+8: 9] – critical miss!

Perhaps he wasn't set right, perhaps the flash from the magics raining down on the beast had more of an effect on his eyesight than he thought, but either way the blow was clumsy and wayward. Not to be denied, however, Tradden turned his wrist, adeptly, and struck again.

[Tradden: Melee Weapon Attack – Frost Longsword]

[Attack vs Ogre #03's AC: 1d20+8: 19] – hits!

[Damage: 1d8+5: 8 ] and [Dead]

This time the blade hit true, finally ending the large creature, which growled as it collapsed sideways into a heap.

[Tradden: Move: E, E]

Tradden's shortsword was already sheathed on his back by the time the ogre hit the floor. Stepping over one outstretched, muscled leg the fighter knelt down at what had been the cave entrance and used his now free hand to gently prod and feel some of the dusty debris.

[Tradden: Investigation Check: 1d20+3: 22] – success!

The roof of the cave mouth had completely fallen in, bring down grass and scrub from the ledge on top to mix with the larger stones. Judging by the overall shape and curve of the mouth and taking into account the slope of the bank, it didn't look like digging out the entrance would be too difficult — but it might take a while. Not good if there was no air getting in. It struck the human that the way the mouth had been collapsed meant that there was a chance that they could bring more down if not careful.

At that point he heard a district sound of muffled shouts coming from behind the rocks, which he took to be a good sign, albeit ramping up the urgency a notch.

Turning round he beckoned to Kireth and Brünhilde. ‘I will defer to anyone with more knowledge of rock and stone than me… which I think is possibly everyone… so if you have any good ideas say now. Otherwise, I suggest we move fast, but carefully. We could do more harm than good if we are not careful.’

Combat
Completed

CO

[Combat Encounter Completed]

Combat
Experience

XP

Experience awarded.

[Brünhilde gains 735 xp to reach 42,423 xp]

[Khalin gains 705 xp to reach 43,261 xp]

[Kireth gains 706 xp to reach 43,222 xp]

[Tradden gains 704 xp to reach 43,280 xp]

[Zero gains 704 xp to reach 43,280 xp]

No-one is ready to progress.

Combat
Completed

End

[…continued in Book #01, Chapter #11, Scene #05…]