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Bera, ranger of Beith.

As she was recruited in the thread by Amistad, I will roll for her also.

Bera, ranger of Beith, med range with orc longbow. [1d20+2] = 3+2 = 5 [1d20+2] = 20+2 = 22 [1d8] = 4 [1d8] = 7

Way to go, super duper critical! Got to be on the Dragon hasn't it rather than an orc?

Trick looses his crossbow, winging the shaft past the dragon's head. Amistad roars abruptly - the noise of a lion erupting from his throat, a distinctly inhuman sound - trying to intimidate the dragon. The dragon flaps its wings and roars back, answering the threat. The course of the battle is set.

Berra, her ranger's reflexes quick on Trick's heels, fires two longbow shafts at the orc as her hated enemy before the riders can charge - one of then sinking deeply into Bulak's shoulder (Critical, ranger bonus, 7+3x2 = 20hp). The orc war leader snarls and snaps the shaft off, letting it bleed as she draws her massive two-handed blade and yells a command to her troops. "Leave none of them alive!" Akkara fires from the rear, dropping arrows ineffectually into the enemy's rear ranks.

The night itself seems to darken as twilight falls under a divine pall - Issachar calls the rage of Gwanwen down upon the orcish horde, consecreating their deaths to the God's holy name. (Curse in effect, -1 to orc rolls)

Amistad charges the dragon, which remains undeterred, hacking its flank with his Reaver axe (-3) on his pass. Sir Peirs brandishes a light hammer - not the most effective weapon in a calvary charge, but inspiring nontheless in his red dragon plate - and leads five platemailed knights forward, charging hard against the dragon's flank. Sir Peirs thunks the dragon on the side (-6hp). Four of them miss their pass but Hendricks skewers the beast with his lance at full gallop (7x2 = -14hp). The dragon rears back in rage - it lashes out with its clawed forleg and exacts vengance on Hendrick's warhorse (-3) before it snaps its massive serpentine head forward and bites through Hendrick's platemail (-11). The brave knight collapses backwards off his horse, bleeding and unconscious on the ground.

Sgt Danzeiger leads his squad, five brave souls, charging the wounded Orc chieftainess. She smacks their lances aside with massive sword. Harker's lance strikes true, piercing her thigh (-6hp). She screams, hate and rage vocalized, and swings her sword at Harker in his pass, missing widely as her leg buckles.

Their leaders wounded but still standing, the troop of orcs charges forward as well, closing the gap slower than the horses did. (They attack next round.)

Round 2!

Date: 09 October 2021, 7:01pm
Light: Sunlight
Weather: 39-52 F, moderately breezy, no rain, overcast skies hidden by tree canopy
Sunrise 7:28am, sunset 6:30pm; Gibbous moon waxing
Effects: Curse on Orcs (-1 penalties)
Injuries: None

'Blackjack' Amistad & men.

Initiative Roll [1d6] = 3

Bera, ranger of Beith, med range with orc longbow. [1d20+2] = 18+2 = 20 [1d20+2] = 15+2 = 17 [1d8] = 3 [1d8] = 6

Akaara med range with orc longbow. [1d20+2] = 14+2 = 16 [1d20+2] = 11+2 = 13 [1d8] = 7 [1d8] = 2

Sgt Danzeiger attack [1d20+1] = 8+1 = 9 [1d6+1] = 1+1 = 2

Rusky attack [1d20+1] = 5+1 = 6 [1d6+1] = 6+1 = 7

Harker attack [1d20+1] = 14+1 = 15 [1d6+1] = 3+1 = 4

Spade [1d20+1] = 16+1 = 17 [1d6+1] = 3+1 = 4

Hooky [1d20+1] = 11+1 = 12 [1d6+1] = 6+1 = 7

Axe melee [1d20+2] = 19+2 = 21 Axe damage [1d8+2] = 8+2 = 10

Trick risks battlefield to run with potion to injured trooper.

Not firing into melee, the archers volley into the charging orc troops, four hits vs AC6. Sgt Danzeiger and men continue to harass the chieftainess Bulak. I believe only Trooper Spade hits for -4hp.

Amistad, hoarse from roar, leaps to attack dragon. Solid blow, one short of a critical, -10hp.

Concludes my action. Over to Piers and Issachar.

Wheeling his horse around after the charge, Sir Piers sees one of the troopers down. His first instinct is to rush to give aid but he realizes that the situation still hangs in the balance. He pulls on his reins, drawing his steed up on her hind legs. "MEN OF GAUL! ONCE MORE TO THE DRAGON! he roars, and charges again.

Hammer of Balthnoc (THACO:16) [1d20+2] = 12+2 = 14 Damage [1d6+2] = 1+2 = 3

Trooper #6 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 8+1 = 9 damage [1d6+1] = 5+1 = 6

Trooper #7 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20 damage [1d6+1] = 3+1 = 4

Trooper #8 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20 damage [1d6+1] = 6+1 = 7

Trooper #9 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 1+1 = 2 damage [1d6+1] = 2+1 = 3

Brother Issachar cast Holy Chant

Standing in the midst of the battlefield, between dragon and lancers surging and the orc chieftain taking on all comers, the grim 'Reaper of the harvest' sings out an ancient battle hymn to inspire the men and bring more doubt and fear into our orcish' foes.

Wele goelcerth wen yn fflamio
A thafodau tan yn bloeddio,
Ar I'r dewrion ddod I daro,
Unwaith eto n un:
Gan fanllefau'r tywysogion
Llais gelynion, trwst arfogion,
A charlamiad y marchogion,
Craig ar graig a grbn!
Arfon byth ni orfydd.
Cenir yn dragywydd;
Cymru fydd fel Cymru fu,
Yn glodus ymysg gwledydd,
'Nghwyn oleuni'r goelcerth acw,
Tros wefusau Cymro'n marw,
Annibyniaeth sydd yn galw,
Am ei dewraf dyn. a rough translation is as follows:

Troops of valour, stop your dreaming
Can't you see their spear points gleaming
See their warrior pennants streaming
To this battle field

Troops of valour, stand ye steady
It can not be ever said ye
For the battle were not ready
Our warriors never yield

From the hills rebounding
Let this war cry sounding
Summon all, the dragon's roar
Our mighty foe is flying

Strengthened Brave hearts on to glory
This will every be your story
Keep these burning words before ye
Our lancers will not yield.

effect is +1 to hit and damage for friendlies and -1 to hit and damage for foes, duration stops when Issachar takes damage.

The orcs charge towards the group with a battlecry, closing the distance rapidly. Bulak begins to fall back to reach them, to let her vanguard take the front. It was a strategic error, coming so far forward from her troops, but it looked like they didn't like getting too close to her dragon. The dragon flaps its wings to find the safety of the skies, one great buffet, another two or three and she'll be out of reach.

The party wheels about faster, however, and there's no hope for escape by the orcs. Arrows fall among the rushing horde, four of them falling before the shafts. It isn't enough distance for another charge, but the mounted knights still wheel, bringing their lances to bear effectively in a second pass. Blessed by the God of Death, Harker and Spade pierce Bulak and the orc drops unceremoniously to the ground. Cooper and Tubby likewise tear holes in the dragon's wings, preventing its ascent, and Amistad lands the final blow, severing its neck cleanly with his axe.

Seeing their leader and the dragon drop to the ground, there is a moment of hesitation among the orc forces, just a moment before they would make their own assault... but it is the Holy Chant reverberating from Issachar that makes the difference. The pure dread of the Cleric's curses overcomes their courage and the orcs instead turn and begin a full-out run towards the keep on the hill above. They have enough head start to be out of range of your spears for the moment, but they cannot outpace the warhorses for long if chase is given...

Well done!

Date: 09 October 2021, 7:02pm
Light: Sunlight
Weather: 39-52 F, moderately breezy, no rain, overcast skies hidden by tree canopy
Sunrise 7:28am, sunset 6:30pm; Gibbous moon waxing
Effects: Curse on Orcs (-1 penalties), Holy Chant
Injuries: None

"After 'em boys! Run 'em down!" Sir Piers waves his hammer in the direction of the fleeing orcs. He does not go with them though. instead he dismounts next to Trooper Hendricks, and begins a prayer of healing to Baudh, holding up the Holy Symbol Of Faithfulness as he does so.

Cure Light Wounds [1d6+1] = 2+1 = 3

Additional +1hp for the Holy Symbol

Trooper#6: Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 8+1 = 9 damage [1d6+1] = 1+1 = 2

Trooper#7: Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 8+1 = 9 damage [1d6+1] = 3+1 = 4

Trooper#8: Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 13+1 = 14 damage [1d6+1] = 2+1 = 3

Trooper#9: Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 11+1 = 12 damage [1d6+1] = 4+1 = 5

Trick comes up rushing to aid the cleric over the stricken trooper..He has with him a vital potion of healing which he pours down the soldiers throat.

A volley of loose arrows from the wagon chase the heels of the fleeing orcs as they run before the lancers. Only one strikes home, Bera long range with orc longbow. [1d20+1] = 1+1 = 2 [1d20+1] = 18+1 = 19 [1d8] = 2 [1d8] = 5

Amistad looks to the dead bodies of the Dragon and slain chieftainess. He breathes a heavy sigh of relief. It could have been him. He signals to Sgt Danzeiger to charge forward but with a caution.

"I won't buck needless slaughter. Corral the orcs if they lay down their arms. We can deal with them in peace."

Amistad hopes for a good conclusion to the battle. We don't want the fleeing orcs to re-in force their stronghold and we struggle to pass. But another pitched fight might cost us men which we cannot afford to lose.

The troopers charge off, envigorated by slaying the chief and with 'whoops and hollers' spur their steeds to harass the orcs.

Seeing the trooper cared for, he waves at the archers, picking up the Dragon head as a trophy.

Brother Issachar

Seeing the orcs retreat and flee is a blessing. His spell duration closes as he moves so no further radius of influence. He walks to the fallen body of Bulak.

Intoning an orcish prayer he sets her in pose, weapon in hand on her chest and eyes closed. He repeats the sentence she spoke earlier, "She chose the way of hate. We respect her choice."

As far as the Dragon is concerned we should say to the orcs, "Meat is back on the menu." Treat their dead chief with respect, let them eat the dragon meat. The supplies would be good for the others abd could help us in future relations, a beaten foe treated well.

Trick pours a potion into the mouth of the unconscious Hendricks, then Piers calls upon the power of Baudh as well. The knight rises, feeling hale and grateful. (please make sure that Potion is marked off from Amistad's supply.)

Issachar goes to honor Bulak by arranging her body, but finds she still breathes. She is unconscious from her wounds, but has not bled out.

Akkara and Bera send arrow shafts after the fleeing orcs as they rout and flee. Bera curses as she snaps her bowstring (critical fumble), which prevents a further shot as she restrings it.

The orcs are running towards their keep, arrows whizzing over their heads. They cannot outrun warhorses, however. Pier's four troopers charge straight into their midst, Lance's leveled, while Sgt Danziger leads his five knights to circle them and cut off their retreat.

Cooper's Lance strikes home, skewering an orc in the back and sloughing him to the ground. (one orc slain) Pursued and their retreat cut off, the orcs rally as a black mohawked brute yells in their tongue. Piers' knights find that riding four horses through twenty armed orcs is more challenging than they hoped - Jacko and Santana are hacked down and subcumb to the wounds of longswords and the hewing of orcish axes, bleeding profusely on the ground, their warhorses screaming and white-eyed as they flounder with broken legs.

"Enough! Lay down your arms and you shall live!" bellows Sgt. Danziger in orcish as Tubby and Cooper reign in their mounts and join his ranks. There is a moment of uncertainty among the orcs, who still outnumber the knights more than two to one, but the brute of an orc drops his battle-axe and then the others follow suit.

Date: 09 October 2021, 7:03pm
Light: Sunlight
Weather: 39-52 F, moderately breezy, no rain, overcast skies hidden by tree canopy
Sunrise 7:28am, sunset 6:30pm; Gibbous moon waxing
Effects: none
Injuries: None

Brother Issachar

Oh I thought Bulak was dead. Okay he helps her on the way.

Issachar to hit melee [1d20+3] = 17+3 = 20 heavy flail damage [1d8+3] = 2+3 = 5

'Blackjack' Amistad

Has to rein in his anger. He is disappointed immensely in the death of the two lancers. Needless in his view and a sacrifice we cannot afford to lose. We cannot let blood lust drive us. He is angry with himself for allowing the negotiations to proceed to combat and for Trick's trigger finger. Still we beat a foe stronger than us and much more dangerous. On balance, two troops versus a total party wipe out is a burden his shoulders can bear.

He commends the gallant action of the troopers and Sir Piers and the vocal wisdom of Issachar. He pats Trick on the head and says "he should be proud of his part in bringing down the dragon". He salutes the archers.

With 'Mohawk' & co' surrendering I would like to do the following if we can organise it.

Amistad orders Sgt Danzeiger to pick up all the weapons of the orcs. He allows Mohawk to keep his and designates him 'sgt' over the orc troops. We put the Dragon head on the wagon along with Bulaks armour and sword (we might need it later as proof of her death), and we take a dragon claw each for the party (16 claws for 16 people), as a momento. Allow the dragon's body to be cut up for food for the orcs in the stronghold. Feed the dying horses, (Amistad will slay them), to the chained dragon. Order that stronghold gates to be broken and a funeral pyre made for the troops, orcs and Bulak. We deal with their deaths honourably.

Then we order the release of the chained dragon. If it chooses to follow us freely if Akaara can convince it great. She and Bera could try to train it, Issachar or Piers? We give the little figure struggling in the sack freedom also.

The waterfall and stronghold are named in our history as 'Bulak Falls'.

We move on in peace.


hope that is not too much to ask but I didn't want to role play each facet of the battle aftermath. Suggestions and input from Sir Piers and Issachar also.

Brother Issachar

As far as the Dragon is concerned we should say to the orcs,"Meat is back on the menu."Treat their dead chief with respect, let them eat the dragon meat. The supplies would be good for the others and could help us in future relations, a beaten foe treated well.

The priest reiterates what he spoke earlier regarding advice for the ending of the conflict. I like the idea of a joint pyre. He goes to act as the intermediary between the orcs, the dominant one of the group 'Mohawk' and the requests of Amistad and Sir Piers.
"How many men remain in the stronghold?, when do you get relived of duty or resupplied?" he asks questions regarding the fortification and the camp above the waterfall.

"Bulak has passed on, she 'chose the way of hate and we respect her choice'. You have choices to make now you are in charge. Will you make peace with us as an ally or do we continue to enforce the peace at the end of a lance?" I think my understanding of Amistad's plans is to leave all the orcs behind us at this fortification. It could be risky if they double cross us as we are likely to return this way but leaving now on tolerated' terms rather than hatred or indifferent, (not sure you can ever be on good terms with a foe after a battle), should put us in good stead. We could still investigate the wyvern problem without making promises to eradicate them.

I don't think my skills lend to any kind of recruiting roll or any orcs and we have Bera who can range more than adequately for us. I think having a dragon would be good (roleplay), but could be a loose cannon in the midst of a larger orc horde if it felt mistreated and wanted vengeance. But it would also boost our visible threat and intimidation, standing as an equal foe. I would say go for it if you can communicate with it and train it though be aware of the likely risks.

Piers feels great remorse over the death of the two troopers. He'd rather give them an honorable burial than just cast them onto a funeral pyre. It might also affect the morale of the other men if they see how they will be treated if they fall in the Duke's service.

As for talking to the other black dragon, it is something worth trying. Though wether it would feel particularly happy to accompany us knowing that we just killed other dragon, is something that Piers doubts.

The agreement with the orcs is something that we shall have to hope holds. We came in peace, to try and secure the Duke's borders, and we may have just started a war.

He declines to take a dragon claw.

Amistad

Sure, knowing how to respect the dead is a good point. We could bury them by the falls and mark the spot with a rock cairn though I thought the imagery of them on top of the fortified gates, either side of the beaten Bulak with lance and dragon claw in hand, helms by their feet and covered in black dragon scales might be a send off to remember.

Though not sure I plan on doing many funerals.

And yes we must strategies about our next conversations with chiefs so it doesn't go the same way. Amistad only has average charisma so negotiations are not his strong point.

Finding that Guhra Bulak is only unconscious from her wounds, Issachar winds up and smashes her head like a gourd with a flail as she lies helpless on the ground. Simultaneously, the knights and orcs stand awkwardly, neither risking the uneasy peace. Despite the coup de gras of Bulak, the orcs do not move to hasten the death of the two troopers. By the time Piers and Amistad join them, however, Jacko and Santana have bled out and can no longer be saved. The horses still lie screaming with broken legs and Amistad needs to silence them.

"Bulak has passed on, she 'chose the way of hate and we respect her choice'. You have choices to make now you are in charge. Will you make peace with us as an ally or do we continue to enforce the peace at the end of a lance?"

With Issachar as translator, Amistad offers field-promotion to the brutish orc. You learn that the brutish, mohawked orc is named Shagrol. He agrees readily to your proposal and, surrounded by your knights' lances, the remaining dozen and a half orcs fall in behind him. Proceeding up the cliffside, you ceremonially subdue the keep by cutting the lashings and collapsing the gate of their log palisade. Issachar is able to narrate for you as Shagrol enters the keep, announcing Bulak's death and his own ascension. There is some loud dissent, but with your clear and visible presence in the courtyard, Shagrol soon subdues it and solidifies the keep under his own hand. The orcs heave on the chains, restricting the scarred dragon and pining it down. The horsemeat is tossed to it, which it devours with savage ferocity.

You find that there are another two dozen orcs in the tower, leaving about 43 of them under Shagrol. There are apparently some prisoners below, and the ones who marched out were the better warriors. Shagrol will now command this as the southern outpost; they don't get relieved. He expects a new wagon of food in a week.

Spearmint reccommends pyres for all, but Piers, as the Baudhic priest of the Knight's own faith, recommends proper burial and honorarium to not dismay their comrades. The knights set to digging two graves by the river campsite and then building a tall cairn of riverstone atop them. Their names are roughly chiseled in a large, flat headstone along with the designation that the place is now called 'Bulak Falls.' The corpses of the orcs, Bulak, and the dragon are carried and hauled back up to the keep above. The orcs are practiced at bulding pyres and do so according to their own traditions. It is after midnight before they speak their praises to the unutterable name of their foul god and set Bulak alight. Dragon claws are hacked off and distributed to everyone, except Piers who refuses to take one as spoils. The orcs are hesitant about the dead dragon, but do accept, butchering it and dragging its pieces into the tower kitchens.

Dawn arrives, the ruddy sun breaking the southeastern horizon, as your hard labors finish. The knights are exhausted, the orc peace tentative under Shagrol. There was some conversation about the feral dragon, but decisions need to be made.

Do you move on or rest? Do you rest in the orc tower or back to your camp? Do you do anything with the dragon?