Exploration continues:

[Straither]

Tunnels: Aspis Cave & beyond.

"Sure. You like salt? Flour? Have you ever seen flour before? It is a wonder dust if you ask me. Biscuits.....dumplings......pancakes......."

Such culinary delights are beyond the taste or comprehension of these Insectoids, preferring blood drinks, fresh leaves and fungal matters. Mortar has little to trade; porcelain chamberpot and gemstone aside. The Aspis has already traded with Vennar, swapping the cleric's sigil emblazoned kite shield for his rustic and gaudy wooden shield. You can wonder how their Aspis society is made up and how it functions. The creature spoke of a 'duty and honour' it aspired to, that of mating with the Queen. Perhaps then, the more flash and visually aesthetic shield it now bears proudly will elevate it within the hierarchy to become a chosen suitor.

You don't get chance to discover more anthropological insights into their culture and lifestyle as the group are keen to move on once they are smeared with blotches of pheromone.

Elwita is helped and guided carefully through the Aspis Cave, moreso than anyone else as you give regard to her previous traumas at their hands. She is clearly agitated and walking a tense tightrope of emotions. Those trio of drunken Aspis are still belligerent towards the two dwarves but they do not act on any aggression beyond verbal abuse and machismo posturing.

The dutiful guard Aspis gestures the party west out of their guarded cave and charmed Chagg leads the way down a meandering earthen passage; a tunnel much like the one by the slippery staircase; reinforced with supporting beams and struts to buttress walls and ceilings.

You proceed about a hundred feet or so, coming to an adjoining passage that leads off to the right. Before you have much chance to do anything else, you hear lots of chittering and barking from the passage ahead and the flash of more carried firebrands. The juvenile weasel held by Mortar pulls hard on its leash, excited to greet those Giant Weasels heading directly for you.

There is some furore and several armed Orc guards come running towards you,

Orcs: reactions [1d100]=95

The initial reaction is quite friendly as two unleashed Giant Weasels come to fuss over the kit and sniff out those at the front of the party. The Orcs guards greet Chagg and must think he is guiding another set of esteemed slave merchants to the reserved markets. However they block your way, insisting you all turn back around as some trouble has broken out and you cannot pass at this time.

I am using this marching order in the passage but do correct me if you want:

Chagg
Edel & Brick
Olleg & Mortar
Vennar & Galadria
Durrant & Elwita
Jacupo & Rogger




Health Status

Olleg: 26/33hp
Brick: 15/18hp
Mortar: 7/10hp
Vennar: 12/19hp.
Galadria 16/17hp
Durrant: 7/7hp
Edel: 11/11hp (14/14hp with Pallas the Owl:
3/3hp)
Elwita: 17/54hp.
Jacupo: 7/15hp
Rogger: 10/10hp.

next actions please

Spells and potion uses: record keeping:

Mortar casts Invisibility, Improved Phantasm, Audible Glamour, Hypnotize, Change Self, Colour Spray.

Galadria casts Silence 15'ft radius, CLW, Silence 15'ft radius, CLW, CLW.

Edel casts Sleep, Magic Missile, Magic Missile, Detect Magic, Charm Person
Minus potion

Jacupo casts CLW, CLW

Rogger casts CLW

Vennar casts CLW, Hold Person
Ointment -1,

Durrant casts Wizard Lock, Burning Hands, Read Magic, Charm Person.

Spells Available:

Mortar: DM & RM, any 0/4 x 1st, 1/3 x 2nd
Durrant: DM, any 2/4 x 1st, 1/3 x 2nd
Edel: RM, any 0/4 x 1st, 3/3 x 2nd

Galadria: DE cantrip, any 1/4 x 1st, 0/2 x 2nd lvl
Vennar: DE cantrip, any 3/4 x 1st, 2/3 x 2nd lvl

Jacupo: DE cantrip, any 2/4 x 1st lvl, 2/2 x 2nd
Rogger: DE cantrip, any 1/2 x 1st.[/i]

[Edeldhur]

There is some furore and several armed Orc guards come running towards you,

Orcs: reactions [1d100]=95

The initial reaction is quite friendly as two unleashed Giant Weasels come to fuss over the kit and sniff out those at the front of the party. The Orcs guards greet Chagg and must think he is guiding another set of esteemed slave merchants to the reserved markets. However they block your way, insisting you all turn back around as some trouble has broken out and you cannot pass at this time.

Hey archolewa, how many orcs guards can we see? Do they also have those horns which were used before to sound the alarm?
Are we able to overhear any details about the trouble they are talking about?

[Straither]

how many orcs guards can we see? there are three of them. Each in uniform and one has stripes and pips indicating a higher authority. Chagg in fact salutes this one.

Do they also have those horns which were used before to sound the alarm? Possibly, you might be wise to assume so. I will let you roll an Intelligence based observation check.
Are we able to overhear any details about the trouble they are talking about? not detailed. More like "Chagg, you scummy dog. Take your guests back, you can't come this way. Go around, move now, now. Go back upstairs until it is clear."

[Edeldhur]

Edel

Intelligence based observation check (Int17): [1d20]=14

[Straither]

A casual observation as you encounter them shows the men to be 'conflict ready', with loaded crossbows or broadswords drawn. The Sgt has a horn slung over his shoulder. The giant weasels only holding back on aggressively mauling and attacking because you have the juvenile giant weasel with you. It may not take too great a signal or command to trigger their attack instincts, particularly if they smell a rat or a dwarf ...

[Edeldhur]

Edel

Assuming my modified marching order is accepted

With a flick of his wrist, and a few short words, Edel casts a magical spell aimed at inducing sleep on the orc sergeant, and then the rest of the patrol, including the weasels if possible.

[Straither]

as these guards have preloaded crossbows pointing at you, your gestures to start spell casting will be seen as a hostile action. Could you roll initiative please to see if your spell goes off before they shoot at you.

Orc guards initiative: [1d6]=5

[Edeldhur]

Edel

Initiative [1d6]=2

[Straither]

A casual observation as you encounter them shows the men to be 'conflict ready', with loaded crossbows or broadswords drawn

No worries, let me resolve the initiative and advance the scene.

[Straither]

Tunnels: beyond the Aspis Cave.

Halted in their progress up the passage by the sudden intervention of armed guards and hunting Giant Weasels, the party deliberate over what to do next. Some favour a surprise attack, others counsel trying to continue their 'slave merchants' ruse and sidestep this patrol to go about their business. Going back down the passage and through the Aspis Cave once more does not seem a feasible option however much the Orc Sgt tries to shepherd them that way.

Chagg's reactions: [1d100]=26

Considerations happen as the characters strategize.

Chagg considers too. Whilst he remains under the charmed coercion of Edel and considers him an esteemed friend to be listened to and protected, he has no such feelings towards other party members. Even factoring in a perceived upgrade in Edel's own charisma attribute, from Cha 10 to 18), the extra loyalty towards his ally (+40%) is mitigated by the knowledge confessed by Brick in front of him,

"Ogre is dead. Dumped the body in the pit, sort of. Ants are having at it now."

and having been the victim of a Hold Person restraint which while not physically wounding him, he saw that Olleg got the nod from Durrant to bind his unnamed Orc comrade and lead him away for summary execution.

The above reaction check even with the best loyalty added still only resolves as Uncertain with a minor leading towards positivity.

Chagg considers his options to make good his escape. Saluting the Orc officer he blabs quickly, "Sir, this Master Edel is an envoy of the Slave Merchants receiving audience above but I fear his cohorts have deceived him, the are infiltrators and murderers." He tries to grab Edel by the arm and pull him into the side passage to shield and protect him. "Friend Edel, come this way quickly for your safety."

Edel though has no such thoughts, already concluding to end the encounter swiftly. The mage gestures to cast a Sleep inducing spell, reaching into his pocket for live crickets or sandy grains.

initiative comparisons

As soon as this happens, the two Orc crossbowmen trigger their loaded bolts which thud with power but no precision into the raised shield of the nearest opponent Brick who puts himself in harm's way to protect the mage.

Orcs: light crossbow bolts [1d20]=9 [1d6+1]=5+1=6 [1d20]=7 [1d6+1]=2+1=3

The Orc Sgt whistles sharply and utters a command for the Giant Weasels, "Attack, attack." triggering their hunting instincts to leap into the fray and dodge among the numerous limbs to attack as trained.

The giant weasels only holding back on aggressively mauling and attacking because you have the juvenile giant weasel with you. It may not take too great a signal or command to trigger their attack instincts, particularly if they smell a rat or a dwarf ...

Giant Weasels attack: vs Olleg [1d20]=17 [2d6]=12 : vs Elwita [1d20]=4 [2d6]=6

While Icon Elwita is able to wrestle free of the lunging predator, Olleg is surprised by the accelerated burst of aggression and the Giant Weasel latches fangs to penetrate deep into his neck and throat, savaging him brutally and almost rending his head off with a deathly vice-like grip. -12hp

The young kit weasel is challenged by the swift behavioural change and acts with a trained reaction. It has no charmed hold upon it, only being pacified through the Gnome racial ability that Mortar has to communicate with burrowing mammals. Potentially, better circumstances may have allowed it to become a trained animal companion to the illusionist but with the adults instincts provoked, it reacts accordingly too, grabbing Mortar by the beard and tries to ragdoll him as it learns to tear prey apart.

Juvenile kit reactions: [1d100]=18Giant Weasel kit attack: vs Mortar [1d20]=4 [1d6]=6

With the escalation into combat, the party can respond with attacks and spells of their own. Edel's Sleep effect comes into play. The area of effect cast a few yards behind the line of Orcs to catch them only and not the frontline party members in its sphere of influence. The three Orcs drop prone to the ground, slumbering noisily as near comatose states overwhelm them. Chagg takes off, imploring friend Edel to follow him to safety up the side passage.

next actions everyone please.

Health Status

Olleg: 14/33hp
Brick: 15/18hp
Mortar: 7/10hp
Vennar: 12/19hp.
Galadria 16/17hp
Durrant: 7/7hp
Edel: 11/11hp (14/14hp with Pallas the Owl:
3/3hp)
Elwita: 17/54hp.
Jacupo: 7/15hp
Rogger: 10/10hp.

[Howman]

Olleg, Dwarf, 14/33

Surprised by the weasel's ferocity, Olleg stumbles back as the beast rends his throat. Recovering his footing, Olleg attempts to dislodge the weasel with both sword and shield.

Shield bash to hit [1d20]=1
Bastard sword (1H) to hit [1d20]=6 for [1d8]=1 damage

The dice really do not want to cooperate...

[corum]

Galadria

Calls to the group ahead "take out that Sergeant". Then turning inward to pray will cast "Chant" to aid them.

[Rex]

Brick

Brick attacks the weasel on Mortar.

Bastard Sword [1d20+2]=4+2=6 to hit [2d4+5]=6+5=11 damage

[Edeldhur]

Edel

Trying to keep up the ruse as much as he can, Edel will move to the side passage, but remain in sight of the fight - "Chagg, trust me and help us" - he urged the orc - "Like I told you before, a new order is coming, and you will want to be a part of that. Join us and you will be the one giving the orders, not taking them" - he added.

I guess no real action apart from talking - he is drained of level 1 spells, and will be dead in a heartbeat if he gets in melee. He has some darts, but should not be throwing into melee, so...

[OGRE MAGE]

Mortar pulls out his dagger when his prized pet turns on him, attempting to kill it before it bites him any worse.

Dagger Melee Attack [1d20]=7 Dam [1d4]=2

[gurusql]

Vennar

Vennar will cast Hold Person on the 3 orcs, not seeing the Sleep coming.

[Straither]

Tunnels: beyond the Aspis Cave

The party spring into action. Jacupo moves to staunch the blood spurting from the savage tear in Olleg's neck. The giant weasel gripping the dwarf refuses to let go, his vice like grip sustaining the grievous wounds in equal measures.

The other adult weasel and the juvenile renew attacks but continue to miss. Missing seems to be a theme as Rogger, Elwita & Durrant all fumble along with Mortar, Brick & Olleg.

Even under the prayerful Bless spell uttered by Galadria, none of the party are divinely aided in their martial attacks.

I changed Chant for Bless as you are out of 2nd level spells.

Jacopo: ministers a Cure Light Wounds [1d8]=8Giant Weasels attack: vs Olleg [2d6]=8 : vs Elwita [1d20]=10 [2d6]=9 juvenile weasel [1d20]=8 [1d6]=5

Rogger: Morningstar melee: [1d20]=1 [2d4]=4Elwita: broadsword melee [1d20+1]=3+1=4 [2d4+1]=8+1=9Durrant: Quarterstaff melee [1d20-3]=12-3=9 [1d6-1]=6-1=5

As if that is not enough trouble, the group soon realise that these Orcs were not alone and from the northern end of the passage, about fifty feet away, another quartet of Orcish crossbowmen come running around the corner, alerted by the barking and whinnying of the Weasels and the cries of battle.

Orcs: light crossbow bolts [1d20]=5 [1d6+1]=1+1=2 [1d20]=5 [1d6+1]=4+1=5Orcs: light crossbow bolts [1d20]=2 [1d6+1]=2+1=3 [1d20]=1 [1d6+1]=2+1=3

The are an equally inept bunch of guards, rattling bolts that ping into the tunnel support struts.

Vennar prepped his holy symbol and mind to issue another holding rebuke. The first three Orc guards have fallen asleep under Edel's spell, timely then that the cleric can point out three of the new intruders and bind them still.

Orcs: Saving throws 17+ vs Hold Person: [1d20]=7 [1d20]=10 [1d20]=7

The fourth doesn't try to reload his crossbow. Instead he grabs a held colleague and drags him away out of view. His warning call loud and clear enough, that "intruders and mages are in the tunnels."

Edel follows after the fleeing Chagg.

"Chagg, trust me and help us" he urges. "Master Edel, come this way. The Steward will keep you safe from these marauders, I will vouch for you." The charmed Orc stops to wave on Edel, encouraging him to flee the conflict. He turns about to go deeper into the passage but suddenly halts, his back aching in cruel fashion as he gets lifted off his feet with a blade thrust through his spine and chest from behind. Before he can gag a last gasp of breath, a dagger silences his throat.

Backstab - +1/+2 dagger and short sword THAC0 20 - triple damage: [1d20+5]=18+5=23, [1d4+1]=1+1=2; [1d20+3]=14+3=17, [1d6]=6

A hooded Halfling steps from a niche of shadows, wiping the blood from his blades across the corpse of Chagg.

"Come this way if you want to live." he whispers, beckoning the mage.

Health Status

Olleg: 14/33hp
Brick: 15/18hp
Mortar: 7/10hp
Vennar: 12/19hp.
Galadria 16/17hp
Durrant: 7/7hp
Edel: 11/11hp (14/14hp with Pallas the Owl:
3/3hp)
Elwita: 17/54hp.
Jacupo: 7/15hp
Rogger: 10/10hp.

Spells available
Mortar: DM & RM, any 0/4 x 1st, 1/3 x 2nd
Durrant: DM, any 2/4 x 1st, 1/3 x 2nd
Edel: RM, any 0/4 x 1st, 3/3 x 2nd

Galadria: DE cantrip, any 0/4 x 1st, 0/2 x 2nd lvl
Vennar: DE cantrip, any 3/4 x 1st, 1/3 x 2nd lvl

Jacupo: DE cantrip, any 1/4 x 1st lvl, 2/2 x 2nd
Rogger: DE cantrip, any 1/2 x 1st.

Next Actions everyone please

[Rex]

Brick

Brick attacks the weasel on Mortar once more.

Bastard Sword [1d20+2]=10+2=12 to hit [2d4+5]=6+5=11 damage

[Howman]

Olleg, Dwarf, 14/33

"Get off me, you mangy rat!" Olleg bellows, striking at the weasel with its jaws around his neck.

Shield bash to hit [1d20]=1
Bastard sword (1H) to hit [1d20]=9 for [1d8]=6 damage

[gurusql]

Vennar

If he is in range he will cast Cure Light Wounds on Olleg.

Cure Light Wounds [1d8]=5 (added the roll)