IC XII

[MonsterMash]

Totally off topic, but you guys might be interested in checking out these two games. They're both on rpg.net, and you'll need an account to read them, but they're totally worth it. I think they're two of the finest examples of what a play-by-post -- nay, a D&D campaign -- can be like. The first is run by Wyzard, the second by another DM, with Wyzard, MonsterMash and me as players:
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?519 ... D-Campaign
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?682 ... f-Imladril

They both have a style that I try and emulate, to some degree, and it's also a good introduction to what I consider to be good posting technique, especially in the Imladril game.

Of course one of those games is really familiar to me

[Wyzard]

Thanks for the kind words.

[Alethan]

Totally off topic, but you guys might be interested in checking out these two games. They're both on rpg.net, and you'll need an account to read them, but they're totally worth it. I think they're two of the finest examples of what a play-by-post -- nay, a D&D campaign -- can be like. The first is run by Wyzard, the second by another DM, with Wyzard, MonsterMash and me as players:
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?519 ... D-Campaign
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?682 ... f-Imladril

They both have a style that I try and emulate, to some degree, and it's also a good introduction to what I consider to be good posting technique, especially in the Imladril game.

Reading the second one through when I have time now. I love reading entire threads of games like this. It is so deceiving, though. You aren't hampered by posting rates, so the story has really good flow. Then you eventually catch up to the current date and your flow is interrupted by reality.

[thirdkingdom]

Surprise Round

The adventurers allow the orcs to enter a reasonable bow range then step forward out of concealment. Bows thrum and a rain of arrows hisses through the air as Aquar chants a chorus of encouragement. Two orcs fall instantly from the deadly barrage. The orcs screech to a halt and look around in bewilderment, piggish eyes squinting against the glare of the sun.

Okay, so for those looking I messed up the damage rolls, but took that into account. The orcs failed their morale check, so will flee next round. I mostly just stopped the action to see if you guys were going to finish with missile fire and/or resort to Sleep.

[Wyzard]

Hmm. I'll go ahead and cast. I expected the arrow-fire to be more effective; I do want to clear the deck of as many as we can.

[thirdkingdom]

Hmm. I'll go ahead and cast. I expected the arrow-fire to be more effective; I do want to clear the deck of as many as we can.

Well, there were two insta-kills and another wounded. If you saw my notes in the "Rolls" thread, I went ahead and assumed you guys were going to fire at about one hundred feet out. That way, there would be no penalty for distance, for any of the weapons, and regardless of the orc's actions (charge the party or flee) the group would be able to get at least one more volley off before melee/out of range. Of course, if this was not what y'all intended I can retcon it for you. They rolled exactly what they needed to fail their morale.

[Wyzard]

Nah, no need to retcon. Severi will cast, and hopefully our archers can pick off any that survive.

[MonsterMash]

Thurgan, dwarf

Thurgan reloads and looks for another orc to shoot at.

[Alethan]

Rhys the Traveler

Rhys turns and fires at the orcs with his longbow.

Bow, Long (Basic): +3 To Hit (+1 BAB, +2 DEX); 1d6 Damage; Range: 70/140/210

[Grognardsw]

Aquar the cleric continues his benediction chant among the archers (+1 to hit.)

[thirdkingdom]

Rounds One and Two

Totally surprised, with two down and a third wounded and blinking against the harsh light of the sun the orcs as one turn and begin to flee. Another volley of arrows is sent at them, and whilst more shafts hit their targets only one orc is slain outright. Rhys catches the largest a glancing blow with his shot. Severi, fearing they will escape, casts his sorcery of somnelence and watches as all but one -- the largest -- slumps to the ground, asleep. The hulking orc continues to run, paying no heed to his unconscious comrades. The men-at-arms fire another volley; one lodges in the reaver's back, another in his thigh, but the monster runs on. Rhys takes careful aim with his massive longbow, squints at the fleeing orc, and fires. The arrow describes a graceful arc through the air before lodging in the creature's throat. It collapses, instantly.

From somewhere further in the Forgotten City a harsh horn begins to bray, and a low, cacophonic drumbeat begins to sound.

[Wyzard]

Severi goes out to execute the fallen orcs, taking as many of the light foot as will go with him. "Cover us!"

I've got one sleep spell left. I hope that Mursley has two. We might be able to take one more group, depending on how big it is, but then we need to take off.

If we don't kill this group of them, though, then it's been pointless. Also, someone should search the big one. If he's a leader type, he might have his own loot.

[Grognardsw]

Aquar has Hold Person, which would effect four orcs, but they get Saves.
Are our horses nearby?

[Alethan]

Rhys the Traveler

Rhys runs up to the largest orc he just took down and quickly searches the body for anything of value and of interest.

"Depending on what comes out, we may be making a speedy retreat."

[shaidar]

Mursley, MU

when the drums start Mursley nervously starts to look around, watching for the orcs he expects to see pour out of the ruins so he can raise the alarm

Mursley does have 2 sleep spells, ready for use as we make our escape

[chap126]

Anohir, Priest

"Can our mystic friend scale a tree or a building to get a better vantage point so we can have as much time as possible to decide what to do?"

[MonsterMash]

Thurgan, dwarf

"War drums, now they're taking us seriously". Thurgan looks around to see if any buildings are in sight with orcs emerging. "At least we will find out all their entrances this way".

[thirdkingdom]

The adventurers hurry forward and make short work of the sleeping orcs. Most are carrying only oorts and sorts; a total of 8 gold is collected from their pouches. The largest one -- the orc slain by Rhys' arrow -- carries a pouch with a dozen gold coins and a dented tin flask. When the stopper is removed, a foul smell wafts forth, and the sound of sloshing liquid can be heard.

Anohir looks about him for a tree, and sees none tall enough to afford a view of the surroundings. The drums continue to beat out their arrhythmic beat, but the horns have stopped. A dozen or so orcs can be seen emerging from a squarish building to the west; amongst them are several large, hulking shapes. Ogres, perhaps.

You guys are in between buildings 7 and 8. The new orcs have emerged from building #11.

[MonsterMash]

Ogres would be tough to handle as sleep isn't going to get many. Might be best to do a withdrawal soon

[Grognardsw]

We can get a volley of arrows off and sleep before melee, to reduce orc number, then Aquar could try Hold on the ogres.

Are the horses nearby?