IC 30/9, Highharvestide Festival, 1-6/10/1359 DR

30/9: Successful raid on Thorfin's Mine. Norrin & Syrus lead supply convoy to Dwarfstead. While the dwarves are loading up at Dwarfstead, Norrin & Syrus head north to D'Ashe Manor and check in - Barbara is happy to see Norrin back for the night! The following happened at the Festhall while they were away: 20/9 Severe hall incident. 3 miners were killed, and 2 hall guards were injured, in a mass drunken brawl in the Hall. 27/9 Fire in kitchen - put out, but 10gp of damage. Barbara: "Don't stay away too long, my love. We need you and the Companions back here." Highharvestide (autumn equinox) - Norrin & Syrus return to Dwarfstead and escort the dwarven supply convoy safely back to Rockwood Hold in time for a slap-up feast celebrating the harvest festival, morale is high. 1-6/10/1359 DR: Resting and training, Fraener trains to 4th level under Mistress Gundra, PCs again complete a Long Rest. Dwarven morale is high, however scouts report signs the Orcs are massing for a big attack. Flint Rockwood: "Looks they've got tired of waiting for us to give in... Do we attack them now before they attack us, or wait for them?"

"We could use this to our advantage. How fortified could the hold be made? If its enough to withstand a frontal assault, perhaps we could give them a little taste of the hammer and anvil? If we locate ourselves outside the hold, hidden, and let the orcs pass, they could leave their flank, or better yet their rear, vulnerable. They are unlikely to throw a priestess against the walls directly, but while her demon is busy trying to break in, we attack and break her. I wonder how bold the rest of the orcs will be once their heaviest weapon is taken out of commission."

Simon N. said: Norrin & Syrus lead supply convoy to Dwarfstead. While the dwarves are loading up at Dwarfstead, Norrin & Syrus head north to D'Ashe Manor and check in - Barbara is happy to see Norrin back for the night! The following happened at the Festhall while they were away: 20/9 Severe hall incident. 3 miners were killed, and 2 hall guards were injured, in a mass drunken brawl in the Hall. 27/9 Fire in kitchen - put out, but 10gp of damage. Barbara: "Don't stay away too long, my love. We need you and the Companions back here." The look of concern is evident on Norrin's face. "We probably should think about expanding the guard numbers here," he says thoughtfully. "I'm glad no one was hurt in the fire." He hands her 25 gp of his own money. "Here. Give this to Ischa, with the instructions to hire two more guards and equip them. Erasmus is busy, so he won't be able to make them matching armour. Whatever leather or hide she can find will have to do for now." He gives her a long lingering kiss. "And start picking out draperies for the castle I'm going to build you." Tim M. said: "We could use this to our advantage. How fortified could the hold be made? If its enough to withstand a frontal assault, perhaps we could give them a little taste of the hammer and anvil? If we locate ourselves outside the hold, hidden, and let the orcs pass, they could leave their flank, or better yet their rear, vulnerable. They are unlikely to throw a priestess against the walls directly, but while her demon is busy trying to break in, we attack and break her. I wonder how bold the rest of the orcs will be once their heaviest weapon is taken out of commission." "It's going to be a war of attrition, that's for sure," Norrin replies. "Unfortunately, they have greater numbers than we do, and put less value on those lives, so I wouldn't be surprised if they try to storm over us. I like that idea of ambushing them; line the walls of the hold with crossbows and ballistas, and draw the attention away from us. Then we attack from the other direction. I know these dwarves are miners and not fighters, but once they realize that their very home is in danger, they'll defend what's theirs. Hopefully the supplies that Syrus and I brought back will help them hold out a little longer against a prolonged siege."

Tim M. said: "We could use this to our advantage. How fortified could the hold be made? If its enough to withstand a frontal assault, perhaps we could give them a little taste of the hammer and anvil? If we locate ourselves outside the hold, hidden, and let the orcs pass, they could leave their flank, or better yet their rear, vulnerable. They are unlikely to throw a priestess against the walls directly, but while her demon is busy trying to break in, we attack and break her. I wonder how bold the rest of the orcs will be once their heaviest weapon is taken out of commission." Jyrdani: "Hmm... Orc trackers are pretty good. If they catch us outside the walls, we're dead." Flint: "Once the Orcs are committed to the attack, they'll not easily break off - reckon we can likely do enough damage to cripple 'em before they pull back. But having a couple assassins outside the walls to take out the priestess might work, long as they don't get caught."

"You're right, as you so often are my dear. I'm wary of splitting our party, but a surprise attack on the priestess and the Black Suns may be our strongest chance. Can anyone get word to Tenho, perhaps? Another sneaky one may be very useful. "I have this Bead which could well take the priestess or a couple of Black Sun's out of contention for a whole minute. It'd give us a chance to thin the herd a little." 

"Do you know which god the priestess follows? It may give you dudes some insight into their strategy."  Drawls Ted.  "Clad in dark plate armour and bearing the mark of Gruumsh."  Ted covers one eye with his hand to illustrate his point.    "She will be a Gruuman, and they will most likely come at you dudes head-on."  Ted pauses to toy with his necklace of rat skulls and crescent moons for a moment.  "But a follower of Ilneval, the Horde Leader, will be cunning.  Ilneval's symbol is an upright bloodied sword."   He says, raising a sword in mock salute.  "A follower of Ilneval will defo be looking for some kinda back door action dudes.  Are there any 'secret' ways in or out, dwarves man, don't they always have secret tunnels"

Mistress Gundra: "Luthic... the Black Sun is a cult of Luthic."

Fraener still believes fighting the Orcs outdoors is a bad idea.  “We saw it happen last time. They move darn quick and there’s a lot of ‘em. Now funnel them underground where we know the terrain... we can set up ambushes and choke points. Traps and ways to split them up. Lord Flint and his men could have this place stripped and battle ready in no time. Then, when we have them beaten and their numbers manageable we counter attack...”

"Woah sweet, Luthic the great Cave Momma, Gruumsh's mate and goddess of fertility.  Maybe you can cut a deal with the Blood Moon Witch dudes?"   

The dwarves try to avoid giving Ted too disgusted a look.  Flint turns to Fraener. "Aye, that fits my thinking. A staggered defence, we lure 'em in inflicting heavy losses at each stage, until they're weakened enough we counter-attack..." He turns to Qiviel. "So the palisade will likely fall. Best get your steeds out of here before the battle, or the Orcs will massacre 'em."  OOC: I've put the Party marker on the Rockwood mine page and extended the map to help you plan defence. The mine hold is at the west end of a box canyon, so the orcs will need to approach from south & east.

On a dark night it counts as dark outside, so humans effectively no vision (all targets heavily obscured/disadvantage to hit), dwarves & orcs 60' darkvision (disadvantage on visual Perception).

Simon N. said: On a dark night it counts as dark outside, so humans effectively no vision (all targets heavily obscured/disadvantage to hit), dwarves & orcs 60' darkvision (disadvantage on visual Perception). On that note, is it possible to light the area (with torches, magic or whatever) to remove that disadvantage? 

Simon N. said: The dwarves try to avoid giving Ted too disgusted a look.  Flint turns to Fraener. "Aye, that fits my thinking. A staggered defence, we lure 'em in inflicting heavy losses at each stage, until they're weakened enough we counter-attack..." He turns to Qiviel. "So the palisade will likely fall. Best get your steeds out of here before the battle, or the Orcs will massacre 'em."  OOC: I've put the Party marker on the Rockwood mine page and extended the map to help you plan defence. The mine hold is at the west end of a box canyon, so the orcs will need to approach from south & east. Qiviel nods to Flint - "I will arrange the horses to be elsewhere. Rocco is a brave horse indeed, but I do not want to risk their slaughter in closed quarters." She turns to Ted and says softly, "At this point, I do not believe we can negotiate with the Blood Moon Witch, her crimes have been many against the dwarves and other travelers, including ourselves. We nearly lost our whole party to their attack and we would have lost Fraener right off the back of Rocco as we ran for our lives if not for luck." She then steps away to continue to conversation with Flint. "Speaking of tunnels... if we go with the idea to let them in, and we build choke points and traps to separate them... how difficult would it be to set up a few staggered portcullis to trap groups in place. And perhaps a murder hole or two if they can be dug into the ceiling quickly enough. If we can get some dwarves up in a murder hole above them, out of reach, to be able to fire bolts downwards or drop tar or something or perhaps one or two of us to drop down behind an incoming group. Perhaps we can even set up the Palisade as a Trou de Loup field."

Tim M. said: Simon N. said: On a dark night it counts as dark outside, so humans effectively no vision (all targets heavily obscured/disadvantage to hit), dwarves & orcs 60' darkvision (disadvantage on visual Perception). On that note, is it possible to light the area (with torches, magic or whatever) to remove that disadvantage?  Yes, you can use torches :) 

"If we put archers on the cliffs outside to harass them as they approach, but they fall back inside before the orcs get close, it should soften up their front line a little. If there is a spare shortbow lying around, I can shoot. We'd have to move quickly, though. I think even I can only just outrun their demon.

Quillax said: Simon N. said: The dwarves try to avoid giving Ted too disgusted a look.  Flint turns to Fraener. "Aye, that fits my thinking. A staggered defence, we lure 'em in inflicting heavy losses at each stage, until they're weakened enough we counter-attack..." He turns to Qiviel. "So the palisade will likely fall. Best get your steeds out of here before the battle, or the Orcs will massacre 'em."  OOC: I've put the Party marker on the Rockwood mine page and extended the map to help you plan defence. The mine hold is at the west end of a box canyon, so the orcs will need to approach from south & east. Qiviel nods to Flint - "I will arrange the horses to be elsewhere. Rocco is a brave horse indeed, but I do not want to risk their slaughter in closed quarters." She turns to Ted and says softly, "At this point, I do not believe we can negotiate with the Blood Moon Witch, her crimes have been many against the dwarves and other travelers, including ourselves. We nearly lost our whole party to their attack and we would have lost Fraener right off the back of Rocco as we ran for our lives if not for luck." She then steps away to continue to conversation with Flint. "Speaking of tunnels... if we go with the idea to let them in, and we build choke points and traps to separate them... how difficult would it be to set up a few staggered portcullis to trap groups in place. And perhaps a murder hole or two if they can be dug into the ceiling quickly enough. If we can get some dwarves up in a murder hole above them, out of reach, to be able to fire bolts downwards or drop tar or something or perhaps one or two of us to drop down behind an incoming group. Perhaps we can even set up the Palisade as a Trou de Loup field." Flint scratches his beard. "Don't reckon we got time for portcullises and murder holes, but we could set up some wolf holes , aye. Outside the palisade? The Orcs send scouts at night to check on us, but if we work in the day and conceal 'em well, might remain hidden until they attack... Still I think maybe setting 'em inside, just inside the gate might work best - the palisade will conceal our work, then when the Orcs burst the gate and come in, they fall right in our holes... meanwhile we shoot 'em from the fort." He grins wickedly.

"those archers must be skilled in stealth for if not they would be the first to fall, I do not like this fortifying tactic we only give the orcs initiative to strike and us trap in this boxed fort like a coffin" "Why are we confident the orcs would lay siege on us?"

WhiteValyrian said: "those archers must be skilled in stealth for if not they would be the first to fall, I do not like this fortifying tactic we only give the orcs initiative to strike and us trap in this boxed fort like a coffin" "Why are we confident the orcs would lay siege on us?" "Give Ted, Syrus and I a bow each, and you a great axe and see how many hits you get on us from 80 feet. Even if we only get a single arrow off each, that's one slightly softer target to deal with up close. You're welcome to join us on the cliff, your magic has a greater range than our bows.  "As to whether they'll attack, Flint's scouts have reported a mustering. It certainly sounds like an attacking force, rather than a defensive manoeuvre."

Tim M. said: "If we put archers on the cliffs outside to harass them as they approach, but they fall back inside before the orcs get close, it should soften up their front line a little. If there is a spare shortbow lying around, I can shoot. We'd have to move quickly, though. I think even I can only just outrun their demon. Flint: "We got plenty of light crossbows - they're simple enough for you, right?" He considers. "I ain't putting my men outside the palisade - you've seen how fast the Orcs can move. By the time we saw 'em in the dark, they'd be too close. Besides, they throw a mean javelin."

WhiteValyrian said: "those archers must be skilled in stealth for if not they would be the first to fall, I do not like this fortifying tactic we only give the orcs initiative to strike and us trap in this boxed fort like a coffin" "Why are we confident the orcs would lay siege on us?" Flint nods to the three dwarven scouts off to one side. "My boys say the Orcs are massing, bringing in outlying groups... We reckon it's for an attack; that'd be typical Orc behaviour... Yeah I agree 'bout giving them the initiative. Alternative I reckon would be to raid their main lair, try to take out their leaders first."

Tim M. said: "If we put archers on the cliffs outside to harass them as they approach, but they fall back inside before the orcs get close, it should soften up their front line a little. If there is a spare shortbow lying around, I can shoot. We'd have to move quickly, though. I think even I can only just outrun their demon. “We must remember that darkness is the Orc’s friend. Also they move towards their enemies at great speed! They would soon overwhelm us if we try to fight them in the open.”

Chris T. said: Tim M. said: "If we put archers on the cliffs outside to harass them as they approach, but they fall back inside before the orcs get close, it should soften up their front line a little. If there is a spare shortbow lying around, I can shoot. We'd have to move quickly, though. I think even I can only just outrun their demon. “We must remember that darkness is the Orc’s friend. Also they move towards their enemies at great speed! They would soon overwhelm us if we try to fight them in the open.” "Better that we put the archers on the walls and have them fall back before the Palisade gives way; it might not be safe to have them separated from the group. Unless we leave the archers upon horseback and send them fleeing before the Orcs can approach. We cannot fight them in the open, we get too easily surrounded, and we've seen how they can charge faster than we can run, so forcing them to come to up and limiting the number that can get to us at one time gives us a small advantage.  "And while I do not like to think of the caves as a coffin, it will be true that we will either live or die in the caves as there will be no opportunity to run as we did in the field. If we put in the wolf holes, perhaps with some fake horses to lure them in to further traps, we could thin the numbers." She pauses and considers. "The biggest threats will be the witch and her demon. I doubt she will storm the hold with the main forces, instead she will likely just send the demon, so we may be forced to destroy their entire group and the demon before we can go after her, at which point we will be tired and injured and she may still have plenty of magic. However, if we have a few archers outside on horseback, they can circle back as our reinforcements later, perhaps even take the witch out if she remains at the back... It would be very dangerous for them, though."

Mounted archery in a forest at night seems kinda risky... :)

Fraener’s greatest wish is to keep casualties to a minimum. He believes by using the underground terrain to our advantage, narrow frontage/high skill, traps, ambushes, support and such that more of us will live. “Not one Dwarf life should be wasted!” “By splitting our forces we leave those outside vulnerable and weaken the defence within. We must stand firm and make our stand where we can spill most Orc blood at least risk.” He looks Flint directly in the eye. ”I shall stand against this demon if it comes. I fear not the spawn  of The Pit. For I am of the line of Durgeddin and Lord Moradin is with me.” 

Quillax said: "Better that we put the archers on the walls and have them fall back before the Palisade gives way; it might not be safe to have them separated from the group. Unless we leave the archers upon horseback and send them fleeing before the Orcs can approach. We cannot fight them in the open, we get too easily surrounded, and we've seen how they can charge faster than we can run, so forcing them to come to up and limiting the number that can get to us at one time gives us a small advantage.  "And while I do not like to think of the caves as a coffin, it will be true that we will either live or die in the caves as there will be no opportunity to run as we did in the field. If we put in the wolf holes, perhaps with some fake horses to lure them in to further traps, we could thin the numbers." She pauses and considers. "The biggest threats will be the witch and her demon. I doubt she will storm the hold with the main forces, instead she will likely just send the demon, so we may be forced to destroy their entire group and the demon before we can go after her, at which point we will be tired and injured and she may still have plenty of magic. However, if we have a few archers outside on horseback, they can circle back as our reinforcements later, perhaps even take the witch out if she remains at the back... It would be very dangerous for them, though." Norrin fully agrees. "While the dwarves have strength in the tunnels, not all of us share that; I do not wish to fight in such tight confines, with the darkness being yet another hindrance. We should fight in the daylight, at a place of our choosing. We can funnel the oncoming force through a choke point and turn it into a kill zone. Wolf holes, caltrops, trip wires, spring traps, archers above, whatever it takes to reduce their numbers before the main battle."

Geoff said: Quillax said: "Better that we put the archers on the walls and have them fall back before the Palisade gives way; it might not be safe to have them separated from the group. Unless we leave the archers upon horseback and send them fleeing before the Orcs can approach. We cannot fight them in the open, we get too easily surrounded, and we've seen how they can charge faster than we can run, so forcing them to come to up and limiting the number that can get to us at one time gives us a small advantage.  "And while I do not like to think of the caves as a coffin, it will be true that we will either live or die in the caves as there will be no opportunity to run as we did in the field. If we put in the wolf holes, perhaps with some fake horses to lure them in to further traps, we could thin the numbers." She pauses and considers. "The biggest threats will be the witch and her demon. I doubt she will storm the hold with the main forces, instead she will likely just send the demon, so we may be forced to destroy their entire group and the demon before we can go after her, at which point we will be tired and injured and she may still have plenty of magic. However, if we have a few archers outside on horseback, they can circle back as our reinforcements later, perhaps even take the witch out if she remains at the back... It would be very dangerous for them, though." Norrin fully agrees. "While the dwarves have strength in the tunnels, not all of us share that; I do not wish to fight in such tight confines, with the darkness being yet another hindrance. We should fight in the daylight, at a place of our choosing. We can funnel the oncoming force through a choke point and turn it into a kill zone. Wolf holes, caltrops, trip wires, spring traps, archers above, whatever it takes to reduce their numbers before the main battle." “And they shall come at your bidding, mighty Lord? Thou shalt perish upon their swift blades and I would not see that. fall among the foolish! But I shall not see these Halls fall!”

Chris T. said: “And they shall come at your bidding, mighty Lord? Thou shalt perish upon their swift blades and I would not see that. fall among the foolish! But I shall not see these Halls fall!” "You ennoble the virtues of your people, good Fraener," Norrin says, smiling, "and rightly so. I would estimate one good dwarf is worth a hundred -- nay, a thousand -- orcs. But a human, such as myself, standing over four cubits in height, was not made to fight in darkened dwarven tunnels. I would be more a liability than an asset in such close quarters. We will free your halls, friend dwarf, and we have a plan to do just that." He nods to Qiviel. "The orcs will come to our beckoning. We just have to lure then in."

Ted shakes his head sadly.   "Oh man, it's such a shame dwarves and orcs cant just get along.  They have so much in common; living underground, the love of axes, rock(s), heavy metal (armour), partying and fighting."  He shrugs.  "Well, I'll head out to scout, warn you, dudes, early if I can." "Have you dudes got anything I could use as a signal?  Oh, and any spare arrows?  I'm running low." 

Replying to Ted "unfortunately orcs have an inner desire for destruction while dwarfs love to create and thank the gods no love is made between them wouldn't want to know what abomination they breed" "mounted cavalry is doomed to fail as the orcs can run just as fast and throw just as many javelins either we stick to the fort and prepare for a siege or raid the witches caves during the morning where they mostly sleep"

In despair at Norrin’s council, Fraener tries one final appeal. ”Why, good Norrin, would the Orcs come to you in the forest in daylight? The forest is already theirs. They want Dwarf silver and Dwarf blood. They have attacked Flint’s Hold before and we know they are planning a further attack. What is to stop them simply walking around your carefully prepared position and carrying out their planned attack? An attack that will surely succeed if we are not here to help. Any division of our forces is reckless at best. The enemy will destroy us piecemeal. I beg you to reconsider.”

She examines her helmet as she thinks, tracing her fingers over the dents. "I understand your desire, Fraener, to stand the ground of the Hall and defend it with steel and blood but equally, as you state, Norrin, that puts several members of our party at a disadvantage, which puts the dwarves at risk as well as all of us. Whatever decision is made, we are all aware that splitting the party may be suicide, so, before we end up arguing with emotion and perhaps stirring up bad feelings, let us consider the fact and try to set the emotion aside for a moment. "We know we can barely outrun them upon horseback and certainly not upon foot, so whatever our choice is, it must be something that allows us not to be surrounded or separated. We know we have an advantage in the day and a disadvantage in the dark for most of our group, so wherever we hold our ground must be at the least well lit either with sun or torches or magic. We cannot hold our ground well in open lands for that reason, but we successfully took the mines where we could limit the number fighting us at one time and protected those with less armour as we swarmed on each one. If we remain underground, we have no path of retreat and no way to avoid the witches magic, much like the dragon's breath, and if we lose our light, we run the risk of half our party being blind should things go wrong. If we are above ground, at night we are disadvantaged heavily in the open." She rests the helmet upon her lap and rests her arms upon it. "Regardless of the decision made, this place will need to be fortified and made ready for battle. Traps and any other manner of devices that can be added for protection and defense should be added... however, if this was a human encampment, would we hold the ground here or take the fight to them?"

WhiteValyrian said: Replying to Ted "unfortunately orcs have an inner desire for destruction while dwarfs love to create and thank the gods no love is made between them wouldn't want to know what abomination they breed" "Whoah Strohm trust you to think about breeding, dude do you think about anything else?"  Ted takes a long pull of his halfling weed pipe, exhaling a raspy giggle with the pungent-smelling smoke.  "What would you call dwarf orc offspring anyway?"  Ted's amusement seems to be amplified by scornful looks he's getting.  "A ... Dorc?" No one but Ted laughs, the compound is still, a lone tumble weed blows across the scene. "Uhum, er ..I'll get to er ...scouting then."  Ted walks off away shoulders shaking, his hand over his mouth, before he rounds the corner he turns and yells back.  "Hey Q, I'll give Rocco a brush down while I get Champion ready, if that's ok with you?"  "Oh and good tactics dudes!  Make sure you ..."  His voice fades as he rounds the corner.    (OOC Where can I find the map please?)

Matt said: WhiteValyrian said: Replying to Ted "unfortunately orcs have an inner desire for destruction while dwarfs love to create and thank the gods no love is made between them wouldn't want to know what abomination they breed" "Whoah Strohm trust you to think about breeding, dude do you think about anything else?"&nbsp; Ted takes a long pull of his halfling weed pipe, exhaling a raspy giggle with the pungent-smelling smoke.&nbsp; "What would you call dwarf orc offspring anyway?"&nbsp; Ted's amusement seems to be amplified by scornful looks he's getting.&nbsp; "A ... Dorc?" No one but Ted laughs, the compound is still, a lone tumble weed blows across the scene. "Uhum, er ..I'll get to er ...scouting then."&nbsp; Ted walks off away shoulders shaking, his hand over his mouth, before he rounds the corner he turns and yells back.&nbsp; "Hey Q, I'll give Rocco a brush down while I get Champion ready, if that's ok with you?"&nbsp; "Oh and good tactics dudes!&nbsp; Make sure you ..."&nbsp; His voice fades as he rounds the corner.&nbsp; &nbsp; (OOC Where can I find the map please?) You can see the Hold map by loading the VTT. Area maps at&nbsp;<a href="http://frloudwater.blogspot.com/2020/08/faerun-adventures-beginner-5e-d-game.html" rel="nofollow">http://frloudwater.blogspot.com/2020/08/faerun-adventures-beginner-5e-d-game.html</a>

"I'm confused. We're saying not to split the party, but we can't all fight in the tunnels, but we can't fight in the open as we'll get overwhelmed. Which is it?" "I've done some scouting, and they are bound to not approach using the road. There is a lot of space between the road and the cliffs, so predicting what actual route they'll follow is nigh impossible to predict. So we cover them all and hope to catch some - hear me out. "Qiviel, your trous de loup idea is a good one. Some within the palisade will be useful, however, what about getting some dug between trees on the approach? I have highlighted some possible locations in blue on this rough map I sketched ;)&nbsp; "Flint, how many spare crossbows do you have? Perhaps we could rig some tripwire traps between bushes and or trees? I marked these in green. Also, any chance we could fashion some&nbsp; chevals de frise &nbsp;to block the gap between the cliffs? "Finally, I know you are all against the idea of anyone being outside the gates, but Ted and I could both be positioned on the cliff outside overlooking the entrance. We can set up some torches to light the vicinity and, as soon as an orc enters the circle of illumination, we both unload a shot or two into them. We are both quick enough to get back behind the gate before anyone can reach us. A couple of you on the inside to slam and bar the gate once we're through, and we're safe. I've marked in red the approximate range at which we could hit them. "Bear in mind, these traps are not there to cause any major casualties although, if they do, then all the better. No, these are intended to slow their progress and make them wary of charging us. Of course, the demon will simply traverse through the trees, so there is little chance of impeding it."

Norrin nods thoughtfully at Erasmus' plan. "My thoughts exactly. Use the traps and diversions to funnel them into a kill zone of our choosing. During the big battle, we have someone attack from behind and take out the witch. We work during the day, but we will have to have patrols out to watch for scouts who might be spying on us. If we see anything, we shoot to kill. We definitely don't want word getting back to their leaders about what we're doing." He taps the diagram with a strong finger. "I like that." He looks at Fraener. "Patience, my friend. Do not be hasty. We will regain your home, but it must be done correctly." His voice quietens. "Making hasty plans has recently cost me a good friend of mine, Jack Blackthorn. A better ranger I have never known. In my anguish, I contemplated charging in and killing all of our foes in retributive fury, consequences be damned. But I realized that was not the way; having both of us dead would not solve anything. And when the time came, we used intelligence and wisdom to win the day, and we are better for it. I urge you do do the same."

in reply to Ted "if anything my people should breed more as once the whole forest of Rawlinswood belongs to the elves now half is taken over my half-demons tribes and Human druids, with humans even if you kill 100 of them they can be easily replaced in a mere decade while newly mature elf would take a 100 years to ready for battle. the only reason Elves of Leth managed to hold out now is due to not just our arcane superiority but those human factions fighting each other. Leth cannot stand alone I know that more than anyone so i seek to spread my influence here in the human kingdoms if i become a famous adventurer I can use my fame and fortune to secure Leth's independence in case of future emergencies and if Leth were to fall i would create a safe haven for my people here in the human kingdoms with my many half-children." "all right then it's settled we make our stand here at this dwarf fort and as for light could any of our mages cast light onto an arrow or bolt and fire it on to the enemy to give our human compatriots visual when fighting at night"&nbsp;

GM: The dwarves can supply you with 10 light crossbows. It will take a relevant tool use proficiency to set them up effectively to use in a trap. You can dig pits &amp; put stakes in the bottom; the larger they are the more obvious they are, being harder to disguise. Anything over 5' diameter is unlikely to fool all but the most careless enemy.&nbsp; Doing a lot of work outside the fort will be very obvious and make a lot of noise, leave a lot of tracks. Dwarves are not renowned for their stealth. Flint looks at Erasmus' plan. "The Orcs will be sure to attack us while we're working on this lot."

Flint: "I don't know what you humans thinks wrong with our tunnels, that they ain't big enough to fight in. Ten feet ain't enough for ye? We can keep 'em well lit easy enough - we got three priests, counting Fraener, plus your wizards."

Simon N. said: GM: The dwarves can supply you with 10 light crossbows. It will take a relevant tool use proficiency to set them up effectively to use in a trap. What proficiency would that be, please? Doing a lot of work outside the fort will be very obvious and make a lot of noise, leave a lot of tracks. Dwarves are not renowned for their stealth. "Tracks could be just as beneficial. If it looks like we've been working on traps, they'll still have to spend time discerning that we haven't . And if they start to get cocky, assuming we haven't built any, the ones closer to home are more likely to surprise them. Also, if the pits are obvious, they'll simply avoid them, and we use this to funnel them where we want them." "The Orcs will be sure to attack us while we're working on this lot." "You mean, we can encourage them to attack during the day, when it is most beneficial to us? That certainly isn't to be sniffed at." "I don't know what you humans thinks wrong with our tunnels, that they ain't big enough to fight in. Ten feet ain't enough for ye? We can keep 'em well lit easy enough - we got three priests, counting Fraener, plus your wizards." "Well, if you want your halls smeared with orc-blood, we're all more than happy to oblige. However, the fewer foes that make it all the way to the hold, the better, wouldn't you say?"

"And that's why the workers will be under guard," Norrin adds. "The sentries will be dealing with any orcish incursions during the day, protecting the workers. And don't fret, Flint. There will be time enough to bloody your axe in the tunnels. I don't anticipate eradicating all of the orcs outside the mines. We will have to make forays into the tunnels to clean out the stragglers. But by then, they will have greatly reduced numbers."

Tim M. said: Simon N. said: GM: The dwarves can supply you with 10 light crossbows. It will take a relevant tool use proficiency to set them up effectively to use in a trap. What proficiency would that be, please? Doing a lot of work outside the fort will be very obvious and make a lot of noise, leave a lot of tracks. Dwarves are not renowned for their stealth. "Tracks could be just as beneficial. If it looks like we've been working on traps, they'll still have to spend time discerning that we haven't . And if they start to get cocky, assuming we haven't built any, the ones closer to home are more likely to surprise them. Also, if the pits are obvious, they'll simply avoid them, and we use this to funnel them where we want them." "The Orcs will be sure to attack us while we're working on this lot." "You mean, we can encourage them to attack during the day, when it is most beneficial to us? That certainly isn't to be sniffed at." "I don't know what you humans thinks wrong with our tunnels, that they ain't big enough to fight in. Ten feet ain't enough for ye? We can keep 'em well lit easy enough - we got three priests, counting Fraener, plus your wizards." "Well, if you want your halls smeared with orc-blood, we're all more than happy to oblige. However, the fewer foes that make it all the way to the hold, the better, wouldn't you say?" Flint throws up his hands. "Fine, fine! We do it your way, then." Re tools, none of these fit&nbsp; <a href="https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Tools#content" rel="nofollow">https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Tools#content</a> &nbsp;- it's be trapper's tools, or Survival with a hunter's trap as per Outlander background&nbsp;<a href="https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Outlander#h-Outlander" rel="nofollow">https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Outlander#h-Outlander</a> &nbsp;

Fraener sheds a silent tear that the humans just don’t get it. But they are his friends and it seems he has been out voted so he will help them 100%. He feels sure that death waits for him and his friends in the forest.&nbsp; “Flint, I am sorry we must leave your halls when you need us most. You hospitality has been most welcome and I hope to meet you again in better times. Please keep your folk safe and do not venture out.”

"We're not leaving, Fraener! We're bolstering defenses and hopefully encouraging the enemy to sing to our tune, rather than the other way around. If all else fails, then we fall back to the hold, where archers on the roof cover our retreat. If the full weight of their army is thrown at us while we prepare in the canyon, we fall back.&nbsp; "None of this is to leave Flint unguarded, or vulnerable to attack. We wish to deal with this threat. If they send all their might against us here, we will break them at the walls. If they only send skirmishes, we crush them, then take the fight to their lair and bury them there."

A momentary flash of anger reddens Norrin's vision, and just as quickly, is gone. For half a heartbeat, he contemplates walking out and leaving the dwarves to their fate, orcs or no orcs.He calms himself as he remembers that the dwarves have different ways of doing things than humans, and this is their home at risk, after all. He too would be as passionate if he were in a situation such as this.In addition, if he wants to be lord of this region, he must do what is necessary to protect the people of the region, and fight against the darkness and evil. He nods in response to Erasmus' words. "Here, we have a position of defence. We have a stockade surrounded by a palisade, filled with capable warriors. We have an idea of the enemies forces and what they will bring to bear. But what does that mean? What is the object of defence? To preserve. Preserving is easier than acquiring. If both sides are considered of equal strength, then the defensive is easier than the offensive. We have something the orcs want, and they must come to us to get it. And in that, we can control them, what they do and where they go. Anywhere where we can dissuade them from attacking, whether it's from what we do, or what they think we are doing, will be in our favour. If we wait for them to attack first, then we will know their strengths, but they will not know ours. That is another advantage. From that moment forward we can make use of all defensive means without losing this advantage. The defensive is the stronger form of making war. Therefore, fortifying our position of strength here and letting them bring the fight to us is the wiser choice."

Q's pit idea is good, but if putting crossbows in is tricky, how about filling them (and soaking the nearby trees) in with flammable stuff (oil, tar, pitch, dwarven molotovs).&nbsp; At the right moment firebolt/flame arrow the pits/trees.&nbsp; The timber should be pretty dry this time of year (cant remember it raining once in all the games I've played :-P).&nbsp; &nbsp;Sucker the orcs into a big bonfire trap at the start, set fire to the woods.&nbsp; That might be fun.

Matt said: Q's pit idea is good, but if putting crossbows in is tricky, how about filling them (and soaking the nearby trees) in with flammable stuff (oil, tar, pitch, dwarven molotovs).&nbsp; At the right moment firebolt/flame arrow the pits/trees.&nbsp; The timber should be pretty dry this time of year (cant remember it raining once in all the games I've played :-P).&nbsp; &nbsp;Sucker the orcs into a big bonfire trap at the start, set fire to the woods.&nbsp; That might be fun. Well it's autumn (October) now so raining more frequently, about 1 day in 4 on average.&nbsp;

Q, slightly more pleased that everyone seems to be getting on the same page, nods gratefully at the volunteering of tending to Rocco as that will free up some of her time to assist in the preparations. "So, now that we're all working on the understanding that we're building a funnel outside the caves and will fall back to them to defend with the Dwarves, give me a shovel and point me to where I'm digging a wolf hole."

I can utilise my arcane spells to assist in both obscure the pits or I can delay them by creating a web.

Relieved that we are nearly within the safety of the fortress, Fraener prays to Moradin that Jyrdani and the gate guard can make it back through the doors on time. “We can ill afford any loses let alone one as noble as she!”

Chris T. said: Relieved that we are nearly within the safety of the fortress, Fraener prays to Moradin that Jyrdani and the gate guard can make it back through the doors on time. “We can ill afford any loses let alone one as noble as she!” Norrin hopes the gate guard can free himself, or else he's a goner, but Norrin and Fraener could probably rush out there to help him. Fraener helping with the extraction while Norrin fights off any orcs that attack. Risky, though....

Dwarf scouts + Ted will provide cover from the battlements for as long as possible.&nbsp; It would be good to keep the line route of retreat open if possible.&nbsp;&nbsp; OOC I'm taking my dad for a hospital appointment Friday, hope to be home for the game Sat.&nbsp; If not I'll let Simon know, and one of you 'dudes' can drive Ted.&nbsp; Have a good weekend all. X