River's Edge engagement - Round 3

[tomcat]

ERRKK! was the sound that came from the orc's throat, as the large bear throttled him. Whatever courage the creature had clung to was quickly abated and it whimpered a reply.

"Two hunting parties... looking for the skulker! One went south, we came north from the crossing. Our count was five hands - at least until you murdered my mates!"

Esgalwen gave her arrow a slight tug causing an immediate reaction, though it was not enough to wound more. She despised the shadow creature, but could not reduce herself to their ways. Still, the pain got its attention.

"Where is this crossing? And how? The river flows deep here."

"We have boats... hidden in the reeds just south of here."

[GandalfOfBorg]

"Who or what is this skulker you speak of?" growled the Beorning.

[tomcat]

"I don't know what it is! We call it the skulker. He crawls about on all fours, mumbling to himself and making a terrible croak from his throat. Gets into bird nests, pools of water, and the sorts for food. Probably even snuck in a time or two to steal one of your folks' babes!" The orc sneered at his last remark. Grimbeorn quickly removed the wicked smile.

"I don't know no more! We was sent to bring him back. The Master said so!"

[GandalfOfBorg]

Grimbeorn couldn't believe the numbers the creature gave but couldn't ignore them as well.  This skulker also gave him pause for concern, as it reminded him of stories brought back by the one of the Little Folk called Bilbo of encounter he had in the tunnels of the goblins years ago when his father told him of the Battle of the Five Armies.  "We need to verify his word by finding these boats quickly.  We cannot leave these raiders roaming upon the lands."

[Eclecticon]

"Agreed.  Take us to the boats, creature."

[Telcontar]

Hathcyn's mind was full of dark thoughts and brooded.

"Know this creature, my wrath will be slow and vengeful should you cross us."

[tomcat]

The look from the orc at Hathcyn was hate-filled. "So what! Do you think I believe there is any chance that I will be set free? Find the boats yourselves and be done with it!"

[Telcontar]

"You know well that there are slow ways and fast ways.

The fire of revenge for the steading burned in Hathcyn, again he saw the beasts in his minds eye hacking at his friend Harhold for sheer amusement. Even these years later the scars had not yet begun to fade.

Awe roll

Rolled 1d12 : 10, total 10

Rolled 3d6 : 2, 6, 5, total 13

[tomcat]

Once more Sheg-naz was cowed. The creature's craven nature made its resolve only a fleeting gesture.

Sniveling in a ball, the orc replied, "Alright! Alright! I will take you to the boats."

Looking at each of his captors, Sheg-naz moved to stand. He pointed south, as he did, "They are this way."

The dark of early morning had faded to a gloomy gray, which was compounded by the river mist that slowly rose.

[Eclecticon]

Once again taking up axe and shield, Arbogast prepares to follow Sheg-Naz.

As he does so, he listens for the sounds of the riverbank, and the calls of the morning birds.  I mislike the sound of this 'skulker', he thinks, and may it be that the wild creatures will share that feeling, and hush themselves when it comes close.  Silent it may be, but that very silence may mark it out...

[tomcat]

Awesome, Paul! I will have a post up tonight or tomorrow.

[tomcat]

The companions moved quietly along the river's edge, heading south in the direction of the orc's boats. In the distant, eastern sky, the sun broke over the edge of the horizon and cast a orange light over the gloom. They effect was to make the fog now glow orange and white, and decrease their ability to see. The darker shadows no longer stood out in the fog.

It was voices that brought the raiders to their attention - orc voices. Grimbeorn gripped his captive tighter, clamping his hand over its horrid mouth.

"Where are they?" asked a gruff voice.

"I don't know, but I will skin Raglic when he returns," replied another.

"The sun is already over the forest. Soon the sky will be alight in filthy blue!"

"Quiet down, Lads!" commanded a third voice. "They will return when they return! If they found the Gollum then they will take all the time they need. The sun holds no fear for us!"

"But it will make it harder to hide!"

"Who needs to hide! The filthy Man-folk don't press to far west from their homes in the vale. And if they do see us, what will they do? We'll gut any that we see."
Time once more for Stealth checks against Opposed Awareness...

Orcs
TN opposed awareness 3d+4

1d12 : 9, total 9
Rolled 3d6+4 : 4, 1, 3 + 4, total 12

Company
TN opposed by PC

Arbogast 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 2d6 : 1, 5, total 6

Esgalwen 1d12 : 2, total 2
Rolled 2d6 : 2, 5, total 7

Grimbeorn 1d12 : 5, total 5

Hathcyn 1d12 : 6, total 6
Rolled 2d6 : 5, 6, total 11

[tomcat]

"Hush now!" commanded the gruffest voice. "I hear them approaching."

An orc with a long, curved bow of bone stood up tall from the reeds to look north, "Raglic? Did you find it?"

Behind him, other orcs also now could be seen. In Grimbeorn's arms, the pathetic Sheg-naz squirmed from his grasp, "Men have come! Slayers! Kill them!"

It was all he could shout out before the strength of the Beorning snapped his neck, but it was enough.
I will be adding a new combat round - initiative will be based on an opposed Battle roll between the highest ranks.

[tomcat]

Initiative roll

TN opposed battle 4d

Arbogast 1d12 : 1, total 1
Rolled 4d6 : 2, 1, 6, 6, total 15

TN opposed vocation 2d+5

1d12 : 10, total 10
Rolled 2d6+5 : 6, 4 + 5, total 15

[tomcat]

The orcs will have initiative in the new combat sequence