Expedition: Blackjack/Emmisaries to the Orcs - 01 Oct 2021

[Marullus]

Amistad, Piers, and Issachar each present a case somewhat independently, entreating the orc chieftess. She is receptive, and her dubiousness some gives way to curiosity. Though still not friendly, she seems content to hear you out.

"Silver tongues and mutual benefit... What do you offer, hrm? My men see your camps, your loggers. Your little city. We have a mountain. What do you have that I should hear you?"

Her gaze lingers upon the red-scale plates worn by Piers and the supple young green dragonhide worn by Akkara. Though all three of you speak with authority, she chooses to reply directly to Issachar. "Tell me, half-one. What is it these humans offer? The Southern Way is Mine. You treat with Bulak."

Date: 09 October 2021, 6:50pm
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

Amistad [3d6] = 8 issachar [3d6] = 7 piers [3d6] = 6

[Stirling]

Brother Issachar

"May Gwanwen prosper the seed of friendship" he says, raisibg his hands skywards, taking a moment to cast his Sanctuary spell. He proceeds closer to the dismounted orc chieftainess.

"Your eyes do not deceive you. You see a city growing, the ancient woods being felled. Civilization spreading inexorably, even Northwards to your domain. But as one new era begins, even elder forces awaken, to reclaim lost powers. Blood of green and red will only prevail if we collaborate. Alliances of trade and knowledge will secure our futures. Our 'wise sages' behold your mountain peaks. The one named Gehl holds untold mysteries within its depths. We can uncover them together. Bulak could be a noble ambassador to the Duke's Court. "

He looks intently at the dragon. "A fine beast. Did the chained one displease you?" he asks.

[Spearmint]

'Blackjack' Amistad

Feels a certain tension in the meeting, this Bulak testing our character and resolve.

"Yes you have many things. Captaining the outpost militia and mounting the seed of Gilgamesh. Scatha the red slain at the hands of Sir Piers and Lissa' the green mourns under the roof of her crystal dome not one day's flight from here. You should listen because we offer what you do not have. Unite your tribes into a peace treaty and we can second labour to help you mine ore, export silver from the dwarf smiths, fresh salted fish from the great river. Much more, the giants rule the mountain peaks. We can advocate with them on your behalf."

Amistad can sense the uncomfortable of Sgt Danzeiger and men to the Dragon and warrior host. Also aware young Trick has a trigger finger on the crossbow aimed under the wagon canopy at our hostess.

[Jernau35]

Sir Piers

"Think not just of the economic benefits of a treaty", Piers counsels. "Both of our societies value order and stability. Yet the world around us swirls with danger and instability. A treaty would place both of us on level ground and let us face true threats on our other borders"

[Marullus]

He looks intently at the dragon. "A fine beast. Did the chained one displease you?" he asks.

She smiles broadly, showing all her pointed teeth. "That one chose the way of Hate, an honorable calling for the unbowed. We honor its choice.

She purses her lips as she listens to Amistad. Piers' perceptive eye notes that she looks skeptical as Amistad names the black dragon parent as 'Gilgamesh' and then speaks of Scatha and Lisseth.

Piers speaks of a union against true foes. She smirks again with her wicked teeth. "What foe do you feel we share, servant of little gods?" She chortles, then slaps the back of one hand into the palm of the other.

"Bulak will accept your tributes," she announces, loud enough for her forces behind to hear her words. "Bring me the hide of the green wyrm of the wood. Bring me the heads of wyverns from the mountain's peak. Do this and Bulak will offer you trade you seek, as a respected tribe." The black dragon at her rear looks past you curiously to eye your wagons at the water's edge. Bulak waits with an impassive, firm gaze for your response.

Date: 09 October 2021, 6:50pm
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

[Stirling]

Brother Issachar contemplates the offer. It is a decision for wiser heads than his, Amistad wants trade and Sir Piers the ambassadorship. The cleric just thinks of a new flock to preach to.

It seems to me to be a show of strength. We commit to killing their nemesis in exchange. At present we have little they need.

The dragon 'chose the way of hate'. Interesting phrase. It might be a useful ally if we have common aims. To gain the plain above and access to the orc lands I think we should venture to investigate the wyvern challenge. The Green is days behind us though and we should press forward. Negotiate a bit more? Any ideas?

[Spearmint]

'Blackjack' Amistad

"The green hag is days behind us. Maybe already beset by the orc raiders we left. We have set our faces as flint to go in new directions, wether the road winds to the east of the mountains or the west,. It matters not as long as we go forward. If the denizens of the mountain peaks bother you, we can deal with those but in return we get unfettered access to the riches or ore in the mountain deeps. And unfettered is the true word of peace between us. It means without restraint and without chains. We will accept your task and bring you the wyvern heads. And in good faith, we will take the dishonoured one and perhaps the scrawny one, in the bag of hessian brought to the gates." The logger tries to look as impassable and authoritative as he can. After a moments silence he turns to the officer of the troops,

"Sgt Danzeiger, prepare the men. We move out within the hour to make the foot of the mountains."

Charisma check:vs 10, not sure which roll ... [2d6] = 9 [3d6] = 17

[Marullus]

[3d6] is still correct.

She laughs at you -- loud, abrupt, and unkind -- as you attempt to demand unfettered access to the riches of the dwarven mines. The dragon snorts and sits more upright, fluffing its wings; its serpentine neck thrice the orc's height. "Ha! A moment ago it was honored ambassador and trade. Now it is a demand all the riches and ore of the mountain." She sneers.

"Take your wyrm-slayers and I will let them up the mountain and show you the path to the wyverns heights." She nods to the assembled armored knights separately. "These will stay here, under my watch to keep you from... renegotiating again."

"You bring me wyvern heads and I will offer trade and respect to your Archduke as a respected tribe. No more. None enter the mountain or its vaults except in chains."

Date: 09 October 2021, 7:00pm
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

Clarify: I don't understand what you're asking for here.

And in good faith, we will take the dishonoured one and perhaps the scrawny one, in the bag of hessian brought to the gates.

[Stirling]

Brother Issachar

Casts a Sanctuary spell on himself, pointing as if appealing to the heavens and crossing himself. He spurs his horse forward a few steps.

"Cousin Bulak. Should Bulagos and 'the Wise Ones' know how you impede Sir Piers and guildsman Amistad, they would not be pleased. Your demands to hold the Duke's men hostage is not in good faith. Reconsider your proposal."

He holds his open palms out. (speaks in orcish)."Better to lose your head than lose face. But we can avoid both if we find some compromise."

Charisma roll vs 11 (12 to orcs): [3d6] = 8


Well we will find out very quickly if she wants to attack us. I don't think surrendering the troops or the wagon is good so I expect this to go one of two ways. She will let us through pointing a way up the mountain or order the Dragon and guards to attack.

[Spearmint]

And in good faith, we will take the dishonoured one and perhaps the scrawny one, in the bag of hessian brought to the gates.

Amistad was referring to the chained dragon and the unknown but wriggling captive taken by the guards through the gate, seen by Issachar as he went to evangelise

'They drag a large sack behind them, something within struggling'. & 'Akaara asks Issachar thoughtfully, "What kind of creature do you think was wriggling in that sack the orcs were dragging? It was no bigger than a child." Her voice trails off, her concern obvious about orc snatchers.'

'Blackjack' Amistad "We have not come to raid your mountain's ore but to trade and build. The Duke could command and conquer but we have convinced him to see the light and a better way to prosper. The troops are a token for our security and will stay with us. You are unable to take care of the wyvern problem yourself as we shall be if we are short of arms and men. Time presses on us to agree or reach an impasse."

He hopes his intentions are clear enough. We expect to pass by this stronghold unmolested and will agree to end the wyvern problem. However we will not be separated as a force, intimidated into turning around or kow-towing to every unrealistic whim of Bulak and we will enforce our peacekeeping if necessary.

For a sense of who is where? I picture Issachar in front now of Amistad who is on the left of Sir Piers. Sgt Danziger and four troops in line to the right of Amistad and the other five troops mounted on the left of Sir Piers, staggered in formation like a V shape. Behind us at the apex is the wagon with Trick, Akaara and Bera. Hopes that helps if anything breaks out. Sgt and co would charge the dragon and the other men charge into the squad of orcs. Though hopefully it won't come to that ...

[Marullus]

You are intentionally pressuring the situation so you need a roll. [3d6] Cha by Amistad. Win and you get to pass, lose and it escalates and drops reaction level back to Dubious.

[Jernau35]

"The Duke's men ride with the Duke's ambassador". states Piers flatly. "They go where he goes."

"Come Bulak, a disagreement over petty things here benefits nobody", he says with more warmth. "If you wish to know who our common enemies are, then think of all those who cause you to shelter behind those walls over yonder. It cannot be the soldiers of Gaul, for we have only just arrived, and in peace at that".

As he waits for the situation to resolve, Piers scans the potential opposition for anybody who looks like a possible spell-caster.

As a Knight, Sir Piers gains the following effect:

Immunity To Fear
All humans following the leadership of a Knight or Cleric in battle are immune to non-magical fear and morale checks


Sorry about the delay in posting everybody. I was trying to think of something good to say for a day or two. Then I forgot I hadn't actually posted anything at all.

[Spearmint]

Amistad

Charisma check:vs 10 [3d6] = 13

[Marullus]

Cousin Bulak. Should Bulagos and 'the Wise Ones' know how you impede Sir Piers and guildsman Amistad, they would not be pleased.

Bulak's demeanor is no longer curious as the humans flex and posture before her. "Why do you think Bulak rules this tower?" She scowls and replies without mirth, her stance confident in the orcs and dragons which back her. (disposition lowered. I think we're done with checks, but they're now 4d6)

"No. You shall not pass," she says flatly, crossing her arms and unimpressed by your posturing.

Date: 09 October 2021, 7:00pm
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

Being Clear - letting an entire armed force past the perimeter defense BEFORE earning trust with the wyvern/dragon tasks is currently unacceptable. You are earning trust/respect to be able to go on to the other orcs. You can take your whole force back south to the green dragon, you can take only the PCs forward to the Wyverns, or you can defeat Bulak and go straight to the other orcs by force and with your whole host.

If you're holding fast on going forward with your whole force, declare round 1 and initiate combat rolls.

[Marullus]

*bump*

[Spearmint]

Initiative Roll [1d6] = 3

With tension in the air over negotiations hitting a stalemate and envoys and dragons alike posturing, it is Trick whose nerves and trigger finger break first. The cartwright's apprentice sending a large crossbow bolt to thwack tamely into the ground beneath the dragon's feet.

Trick fires harpoon. [1d20+1] = 9+1 = 10 damage [1d8] = 2

'Blackjack' Amistad hears the whine and thud of the bolt. The die cast, he always thought it would come to a confrontation. He calls to Sgt Danzeiger shouting a brief command, "Seperate her from the Dragon." before using some 'Lion totem' power and roaring at the Dragon. He spurs his horse to close the gap and if engaging in melee, attacks with his battle axe. (now imbued as usable one handed. Axe melee [1d20+2] = 12+2 = 14 Axe damage [1d8+2] = 1+2 = 3

The officer and his half squad charge forward the 25 yards to engage and surround the orc chieftainess. Several lunges are made but few of the lances find a mark. Only one of the five landing a blow through her platemail.

Harker charge attack [1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20 [1d6+1] = 2+1 = 3 -6hp for double damage on the charge.

Akaara curses the boy and sends a couple of arrows into the line of orcs 100 yards away.

Akaara med range with orc longbow. [1d20+2] = 11+2 = 13 [1d20+2] = 8+2 = 10 [1d8] = 4 [1d8] = 7 (first should hit ac 6).

over to Sir Piers and Bro Issachar

[Stirling]

Brother Issachar

seeing how the encounter has gone from talking to fighting, the Reaper priest of Gwanwen lifts his holy symbol and shapes a rough area with his hand, covering a section of ground under the dragons feet. He speaks a 'Curse' spell (reverse of Bless) and says in orcish "I bind your heart and minds to wither and lose hope. The battle is lost and doom is upon you." The effect is to provoke uncertainty, dismay and fear in enemies in the affected 20 x 20 ft' area, causing them to have a -1 penalty to all morale saves, attack and damage rolls for an hour.

[Marullus]

Holding for Piers.

[Jernau35]

Initiative [1d6] = 1

Won't be using that one....

Sir Piers wonders if the orcs will let them leave the area unmolested, or if they will attack once the party makes to leave. He hopes for the former, not wanting to lose any men so early in their journey.

And then, in a moment, he has his answer.

"CHARGE! To the dragon boys! FOR GAUL!"

"SPREAD OUT! DON'T BUNCH UP!!" Piers hopes the troopers will bring down the beast before it breathes death on them all. He grips the Hammer Of Balthnoc as he rides in to the fray.

Hammer of Balthnoc (THACO:16) [1d20+2] = 19+2 = 21 Damage [1d6+2] = 4+2 = 6

Trooper 6 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 13+1 = 14 damage [1d6+1] = 5+1 = 6

Trooper 7 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 10+1 = 11 damage [1d6+1] = 5+1 = 6

Trooper 8 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 3+1 = 4 damage [1d6+1] = 4+1 = 5

Trooper 9 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 14+1 = 15 damage [1d6+1] = 5+1 = 6

Trooper 10 Trooper Attack (THACO:19) [1d20+1] = 17+1 = 18 damage [1d6+1] = 6+1 = 7

Plus double damage for whichever troopers hit.

[Spearmint]

in answer to pm question. To be fair, Amistad would use the totem power initially before any melee as he had seen it used before to great effect vs Scatha. My reading of the effect is the Dragon saves as a fighter equivalent of it's HD level vs spells at -5 (1 for each level of Amistad) plus additional -1 from Issachar curse.

My reckoning is Sir Piers and the last trooper only had successful melee hits (20 damage mind), if they reach him before he flies away if he fails save. Bulak had a single wound. One orc injured by arrow. Think that summonses our actions if we win initiative.