CHAPTER THREE: What the dead mage said

[rredmond]

There are a few bows and slings among us as well, Glogs offer with a grimace as he attempts to smooth a wrinkle in his cape

[Argennian]

Savik considers Gordon's debrief about the situation with the orcs at the tomb. "Hmm, I wonder just who or what those orcs have been fighting with? It seems unlikely that the Order of Delleb would have beat us there but it is not impossible. Mayhap there is some kind of guardian of the tomb or some other group involved that we do not know of presently?"

"We're s'posed to stop 'em, Gordo, not wait fer 'em ta finish," gruffs Bran. "Any chance a puttin' 'em ta sleep? Or trickin' 'em?"

There are a few bows and slings among us as well, Glogs offer with a grimace as he attempts to smooth a wrinkle in his cape

"Aye, I agree with both Bran and Glogs in this. Let us not tarry any longer. We take down the guards outside the tomb and will then have any remaining orcs within the tomb cornered. We can then pick them off as they come out, at our leisure. Or go in after them," the Wood elf opines matter of factly as he prepares to move out.

[Gelatinous Q]

Stregghi strokes his chin and replies grimly: "Gods, the glyphs sealing the tomb haven't been breached in three centuries." Then, with a hint of satisfaction: "Likely they lost some of their number the moment they touched the doors, the brutes."

"We must hasten to drive the euroz out, and resanctify this place."

OOC: Gordon can lead you to the tomb site, a safe remove from the orcs standing guard. If you want to discuss strategy for handling them without alerting the rest of the detachment, go right ahead. We'll pick up when you've arrived at a plan.

[onlyme]

Iomhar suggests, "I say we fire a volley at the guards, and be ready for the alarm. We have to take em one way or the other...

[Nuke66]

"We can have a few of our sneaky ones get in position, then have the others open with a range volley. They shouldn't last long." Gordon offers.

[onlyme]

Iomhar shrugs. Ah, I suppose you mean me? why not...I can sneak behind one if someone takes the other. No arrows then...

[hedgeknight]

Having listened to the suggestions of his companions, Ulf finally speaks up. "If I can get close enough, I have a spell that could take out the two guards. Assuming they don't cleave me in twain before I can cast it. And I think I can sneak up there without being noticed. Just say the word, and I'll do it."

[Gelatinous Q]

Just for a basic visual reference, here's a quick and dirty hand-drawn map of your positions.

You guys are X, the orcs are Os.

You are currently concealed behind some pine scrub and outcroppings of rock. The remaining 65 yards between you and them, however, is open ground, grading slightly upward.

The orcs are still conversing in low tones amongst themselves. They seem to be paying as much attention to the interior of the tomb as they are to the approach.

[Argennian]

OOC: GQ, in looking at the map, if we were to backtrack a bit and then move to our left, would there be enough cover for us to get to another fire position, say either in the middle or even the far side of the indicated approach up to the tomb entrance?
If so, some of us could move over to the far side to catch them in a crossfire and also be in a position to catch any of the orcs if they tried to flee to that side. If not, we'll all have to launch our ranged attacks from the same spot.

Savik nods silently to the others and keeps an arrow knocked and ready for imminent deployment.

[Nuke66]

Gordon readies his bow, "I'll take the one on the left."

[Alethan]

Bran looks down at his throwing hammer, confident that there is no way he can throw it that far. He keeps it in hand, none the less, hoping maybe he can move closer and use it against one of the orcs (either in front of the entrance or inside the temple) before engaging in melee...

[rredmond]

Ooo hey Glogs has a bow too.

Glogs nocks an arrow as well.

can we see, any higher ground advantage to be obtained?

[onlyme]

are we missiling them or backstabbing them? I do not want to attempt both at the same time...

[rredmond]

are we missiling them or backstabbing them? I do not want to attempt both at the same time...

That wouldn't be good... at least not for the backstabbers!
I'm not sure how we are doing anything considering how open it is. If I weren't playing Glogs I'd be all for a Bold Frontal Assault! Darn it Glogs, why couldn't you have been a half-orc!

[Gelatinous Q]

OOC: GQ, in looking at the map, if we were to backtrack a bit and then move to our left, would there be enough cover for us to get to another fire position, say either in the middle or even the far side of the indicated approach up to the tomb entrance?
If so, some of us could move over to the far side to catch them in a crossfire and also be in a position to catch any of the orcs if they tried to flee to that side. If not, we'll all have to launch our ranged attacks from the same spot.

You could, but it would squander any chance of surprise (unless you successfully move silently). You'd also lose some altitude — there's a shallow ravine or depression off to your left — which would put you at a disadvantage (-1 to hit).

can we see, any higher ground advantage to be obtained?

The hillside behind you is too steep to ascend. Thieves could try a climb walls roll (at a bonus, owing to trees, shrubs, etc.) to gain some height.
~~~
One of the orcs turns and peers long into the tomb entrance, then turns back and bellows in frustration, "What takes Vargahsh to long? I think we should leave without him."

His companion lifts his porcine snout to the air and probes it with a few curious sniffs. A dark look comes across his face. He punches his friend on the shoulder. "To hell with Vargahsh. Something's not right here." He props his voulge against the door and notches an arrow in his bow. "Look sharp, man."

[Alethan]

OOC: time to move. Ranged should do their attacks now.

[onlyme]

OOC: time to move. Ranged should do their attacks now.

Agree... no sense trying to sneak if they are actively watching for something...
so, Iomhar has a short bow, who else will pepper them?

[Nuke66]

Gordon targets the orc on the left.

[1d20] = 11 to hit [1d6] = 4 damage arrow 1
[1d20] = 3 to hit [1d6] = 1 damage arrow 2

oops.....

[onlyme]

Gordon targets the orc on the left.

[1d20] = 11 to hit [1d6] = 4 damage arrow 1
[1d20] = 3 to hit [1d6] = 1 damage arrow 2

oops.....

It's ok... maybe you accidently hit the one on the right, then?

[hedgeknight]

Frowning at being ignored, Ulf watches as the ranged archers try to pick off the Orc sentries.