This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"We'd better hurry," says Granophyre, "before the orcs think to involve hyenas in tracing our scent. They are no blood-hounds, but they will find us here. There is room behind Xurl's tent for us all to pass, single file. We must be careful to lean against the rock wall, not the tent, and to step carefully." He leads Tamazaert that way, and you follow.
Granophyre DEX save: 11/ Stealth save: 5
Tamazaert DEX save: 7/ Stealth save: 5
Ednyss DEX save: 8/ Stealth save: 17
Auger DEX save: 8/ Stealth save: 15
Varielky DEX save: 8/ Stealth save: 3
Benita DEX save: 17/ Stealth save: 24
You start moving, one-by-one, behind the tent. Granophyre almost immediately slips on a rock outcropping, and pebbles slide down as he falls to his left upon the tent wall. But with Tamazaert's help, he rights himself and keeps walking. Ednyss' shield scrapes against the rocks for a moment, dislodging more pebbles. As you get close to the far end of the crevice, you hear yelling coming from inside the tent, in orcish. But you see no movement at the far end, and keep moving.
In a few minutes, you have made it to the far side of the tent. You can peek out and see many orcs to your left, in the plaza, and horns have continued blowing during the three minutes it took you to make it here. No one sees you, as there are a few more boulders blocking a clear view from the plaza.
OUTSIDE XURL’S TENT -- ON THE OTHER SIDE
You are now situated like so (red star). The blue line shows your planned exit route. The only thing between you and escape is a palisade and a 30’ tall guard tower, the guardpost on top of which you can see from where you are. A large hooded lantern hanging from the tower’s roof is being turned in various directions to throw light over 100’. Similar lanterns are active at all the guard towers surrounding the town and within it. You hear activity in the men’s harem, and see movement in the tents between it and the tower, but no one is actively searching for you where you are.
In the distance, in the east, you hear yipping. Hyenas.
Two orcs approach from the plaza at a jog, come to within 30’ of you, stop, looking around, but do not see you behind the boulders, turn away, and run toward the men’s harem entrance.
Varielky is as silent as her steps are, but it's probably not just to remain hidden. She vacantly stares at the back of whoever is in front of her, following them wherever they go. Well, it's not like there was much she could do anyway, so she doesn't even think of trying to be otherwise. Currently, the only thing that her mind is busy with is the results of the fight they just ran away from. Had they a choice? Does it matter at all? She ran from a fight. She wants to scream, but her dry mouth stays shut. Otherwise, all of this has truly been for nothing. Seeing whoever in front of her has stopped, Varielky stops as well, waiting for them to continue, or act.
(Because really, other than throwing an axe at the guard in the tower, which would be with a disadvantage due to the range, there's nothing stealthy about Varielky. Neither from RP perspective nor a mechanical one. Alone, her best bet would be to roll high enough with her +1 to Stealth.)
Auger moves with forward with the team until Auger can see the guard tower as clearly as possible without entering the range of the searching light (ooc: 120' Darkvision). Upon getting there he studies it for a moment, looking for the manner in which one gets to the top of the tower, trying to judge if any of the team could stealthily climb the tower and overcome the guard before a signal can be sent. In addition he studies the wall, trying to see if there are any points where the team could pass through it near the base.
He relays what he sees to the others and then queries the warriors in particular in a whisper, "Can either of you climb up that tower and take out that guardwithout being detected?", looking to Granophyre he adds,"Perhaps you can limit their ability to be detected?"
If either agree to make the attempt Auger also states, "If anyone is holding any rope we may be able to use it to climb down the outer side of the wall from the tower."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
**looking for the manner in which one gets to the top of the tower,
—A narrow ladder.
**he studies the wall, trying to see if there are any points where the team could pass through it near the base.
—No. It is a sturdy palisade.
**"Can either of you climb up that tower and take out that guardwithout being detected?",
Benita: “Probably I can. But each tower holds two guards. One is directing the light and the other is aiming a crossbow. As for escape…I could probably jump off and roll on the other side and come out all right. But…bruiser…you’re not looking to good.”
**looking to Granophyre he adds,"Perhaps you can limit their ability to be detected?"
Granophyre looks at his feet and replies, “I am unable to do more than I already am,” and subtly glances at where Tamazaert’s invisible hand covers part of his hand. Looking at Benita, Granophyre says, “La Cass is right. Here, eat this, I insist,” as he produces a small pill from a vial in his pocket and whispers an arcane command, which makes the pill glow subtly, then hands it to Varielky. Swallowing it restores 9HP to the shield-maiden.
Neither Granophyre nor Benita have rope, but both agree the tower is close enough to the wall for such a plan to work. (OOC: Auger thinks, too, in fact he feels certain, that he could hold Tamazaert and her infant in his arms and the feather fall of his cloak would still work well enough.)
"I can attempt to calm the guards," Ednyss starts, "but if one of them manages to resist it, we won't be able to deal with them without re-angering the other one. Regardless, I think Benita going up there and taking one of the guards out would be a good idea. The rest of us can be waiting at the base of the tower to take the other guard out. After that, we climb down using this," Ednyss pulls a coil of rope from his pack, "and make a run for it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Auger looks to Ednyss, Benita and Varielky and then says, "With them actively searching right now I think it should be just one approaching the tower in order to limit the chance of being seen. Two if we must. We cannot create a distraction without risking the town coming down on us. Whoever is best at sneaking or perhaps at killing quickly, or both, should go. It is important that the light remain lit and behaving as expected until we can get past the tower. Who can do this?"
(OOC: When Auger is addressing 'the Warriors' he is absolutely including Ednyss who to Auger is as strong a warrior as any.
Also, as stated previously, Auger relays all the facts, including his feather fall ability and estimations of how it may work with a pair of passengers)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky realises everyone is waiting for her answer. She considers it for a moment. "Fine. No kills, though." She says, looking at Benita. She sounds furious, though restrained. Thoughts of running away from the recent battle did not leave her yet. Well, until they're safe, she has to make it worth something, or it was just a coward's retreat. They cannot be captured now. Then, Varielky doffs her shield and straps it behind. She'll need both hands free now. "Let's go."
A couple of rolls, in case they're needed: Stealth: 10. In case Granophyre's bird gives advantage, here's the second roll: 21. Athletics to climb: 26.
(OOC: what are Auger, Ednyss & Granophyre doing while Varielky and Benita attack the tower? Remain near Xurl’s tent, move up to the men’s harem, or get as close as possible near the rocks or the closest tent to the tower? First player to shout out a response, that’s what you all do.)
The party moves to hide behind the last tent before the open corridor inside the palisades, waiting there as Benita and Varielky, waiting for a moment when the big lantern’s light is pointing away from them, dash across the open space. Benita arrives seconds before Varielky, who lags just enough to fall under the path of the searchlight as it comes back around. But just as it finds her, it whips up, and Varielky sees the Golden Bird has flitted up among the bats and is fluttering around the orcs in the tower. One orc has released a crossbow bolt, which thunks into the tower’s roof, and now the guard is grasping for the bird with her hands as the tiny creature darts up and down teasingly.
Benita and Varielky reach the tower’s base unseen, and note that dim moonlight is shining directly upon the ladder and near side of the tower, easing their way. They both zip up the ladder like lighting, and arrive on a small platform, completely surprising the two orcs, one of whom has grabbed the bird and they both, backs turned, are looking at its now inert form curiously, while small bats flutter nearby.
Varielky may attack, and Benita will, likewise. The platform is only 5’ square, so all weapon attacks are at disadvantage due to crowding.
Varielky doesn't attack. Rather, she wraps her hands around the Orc's neck from behind, trying to choke him until he loses consciousness and, hopefully, before he can make any noise. Meanwhile, she trusts Benita to deal with the ither one.
I assume this is some kind of grapple, so Athletics: 16.
If she manages to subdue the Orc quietly, Varielky lays the unconscious body in the platform. It might be crowded, but if she can, Varielky makes sure the body won't fall to its death.
(OOC: FWIW I agree with Ednyss, the party should have moved up to the edge of visibility with the tower. I wanted a range where Auger at least could observe what is going on - so the edge of his Darkvision range at 120')
Seeing that Varielky and Benita have been able to reach the platform, Auger motions to the others to follow, saying, "We should move to the base of the tower while they are distracted." Checking carefully that they can move without being observed, Auger begins moving towards the tower, hoping the rest would follow.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The location is already within Auger’s darkvision range. When Benita and Varielky reach the platform, the rest of the party rushes toward the base of the ladder, exactly as a scouting party of 4 orcs rushes stealthily around the corner of the tent, axes at the ready.
All are surprised. The two parties are 10’ away from each other. Auger & Ednyss may act first in any order.
Meanwhile, Varielky succeeds in grappling the orc in a chokehold from behind. Please roll 10 strength saves in a row to maintain the grapple and knock out the orc. Each successive grapple will get easier.
Benita cracks the other orc in the temple with her rapier guard, the orc twists and falls to her knees, and the Indallian then smashes her neck with the pommel of her dagger, knocking her flat on the floor, KOed.
"Hold a moment, I think I can do something about this," Auger says and then rushes forward into the 4 Orcs, ahead of the party. As he steps forward he reaches into the Sea of Stars and opens a small portal to an inky darkness, testing what lies beyond. Yes! A great zone of pressure. Unsure precisely how to direct these forces he centers them on himself and in among all 4 of the enemies, Auger releases the powers into them, battering them all mercilessly. The effort is exhausting to Auger and again, the piercing headache forms. If any Orcs still stand Auger motions to the others to finish them.
Auger
Move: Close enough to the Orcs, to place them inside the radius of the spell, without hitting the party. If Auger must take an opportunity attack to do it he will do so.
Action: Casts Arms of Hadar at Level 2. All in AOE must make a STR16 save to take half damage or lose reactions and take the following damage: 9
(OOC: This is necrotic damage and the spell says nothing about visibility except a reference to dark tendrils. Hoping this will not draw undue attention.)
With a group of guards quickly approaching, Ednyss mutters a dwarven curse under his breath before calling out to them, "At rest soldiers." Although he is not their commander, he infuses his words with divine strength in an attempt to calm the orcs, preventing them from raising an alarm or attempting to fight. As he casts the spell, he whispers to Auger, "If any of them are not convinced, I need you to handle anyone that resists my spell without the others seeing it. Otherwise, it will break the hold of Takal Demesh upon them."
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Action: Cast Calm Emotions O1, O2, O3, and O4 must make a DC 15 Charisma Saving Throw; On a failure, they are indifferent towards us until they witness one of their allies being harmed
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After Ednyss casts his spell Auger steps forward and speaks to the Orcs, his voice aided by a powerful and beguiling effect, "Xurl sentus, his disguisedsecretforces this way, and we have it undercontrol. The ones you seek may be headed towards the Female Harem. Go and aid the searchthere!"
Auger
Fey Presence
Once per short rest, as an action, you can cause each creature in a 10-ft. cube from you to make a WIS saving throw (DC 14) or become charmed or frightened by you (your choice) until the end of your next turn.
Move: to Q11
Action: Speaks while using his Fey Presence oriented on Charming the Orcs. Deception attempt roll 1: 5. Second roll for those who Auger has advantage in Deception: 20.
OOC: Sorting through it all the Fey Presence should have zero effect on any who have been successfully calmed by Ednyss and so the Deception attempts should not have advantage. Meanwhile those who are not Calmed but possibly Charmed would give Auger advantage on the Deception roll. Or so I think.
The orc in Varielky’s grasp struggles and kicks back, lifting the shield maiden off her feet and knocking her into the hanging lantern, which suddenly points toward the rocks to the north, illuminating a large flock of small bats. But the guard soon loses consciousness and falls at Varielky’s feet.
Ednyss’ spell becalms three of the orcs, who glare at the war cleric, Auger and Granophyre for a moment before their leader grunts under his breath, “There are intruders. Stay in your tent,” and moving past you, hisses over his shoulder, “Come on!,” and he and two others continue move on towards the rear of the men’s harem. The last orc, however, stares, bug-eyed at the dwarves and Auger, and a low growl begins deep in his gut, his fingers tightening on his axe haft.
“Obey your leader,” says Granophyre in a strange voice to the orc, whose eyes glaze over, before he too loses interest and jogs away to catch up with the others. Granophyre exchanges a wink with Ednyss. “Weak minds are easily swayed.”
Auger and Ednyss — and Granophyre, holding Tamazaert’s hand — make it to the base of the tower and can climb the ladder without issue in the moonlight. Benita has taken hold of the spotlight lantern and is beaming it towards the nearest tents.
Ednyss nods thanks to Granophyre, and taps on the ladder to signal to Varielky that they are ready to come up. If the shield-maiden gives them the all-clear, he will gesture for the scholar and the invisible mother to climb the ladder first. Ednyss will also let Auger go up before him, and the dwarven cleric will bring up the rear.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"We'd better hurry," says Granophyre, "before the orcs think to involve hyenas in tracing our scent. They are no blood-hounds, but they will find us here. There is room behind Xurl's tent for us all to pass, single file. We must be careful to lean against the rock wall, not the tent, and to step carefully." He leads Tamazaert that way, and you follow.
Granophyre DEX save: 11/ Stealth save: 5
Tamazaert DEX save: 7/ Stealth save: 5
Ednyss DEX save: 8/ Stealth save: 17
Auger DEX save: 8/ Stealth save: 15
Varielky DEX save: 8/ Stealth save: 3
Benita DEX save: 17/ Stealth save: 24
You start moving, one-by-one, behind the tent. Granophyre almost immediately slips on a rock outcropping, and pebbles slide down as he falls to his left upon the tent wall. But with Tamazaert's help, he rights himself and keeps walking. Ednyss' shield scrapes against the rocks for a moment, dislodging more pebbles. As you get close to the far end of the crevice, you hear yelling coming from inside the tent, in orcish. But you see no movement at the far end, and keep moving.
In a few minutes, you have made it to the far side of the tent. You can peek out and see many orcs to your left, in the plaza, and horns have continued blowing during the three minutes it took you to make it here. No one sees you, as there are a few more boulders blocking a clear view from the plaza.
OUTSIDE XURL’S TENT -- ON THE OTHER SIDE
You are now situated like so (red star). The blue line shows your planned exit route. The only thing between you and escape is a palisade and a 30’ tall guard tower, the guardpost on top of which you can see from where you are. A large hooded lantern hanging from the tower’s roof is being turned in various directions to throw light over 100’. Similar lanterns are active at all the guard towers surrounding the town and within it. You hear activity in the men’s harem, and see movement in the tents between it and the tower, but no one is actively searching for you where you are.
In the distance, in the east, you hear yipping. Hyenas.
Two orcs approach from the plaza at a jog, come to within 30’ of you, stop, looking around, but do not see you behind the boulders, turn away, and run toward the men’s harem entrance.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky is as silent as her steps are, but it's probably not just to remain hidden. She vacantly stares at the back of whoever is in front of her, following them wherever they go. Well, it's not like there was much she could do anyway, so she doesn't even think of trying to be otherwise. Currently, the only thing that her mind is busy with is the results of the fight they just ran away from. Had they a choice? Does it matter at all? She ran from a fight. She wants to scream, but her dry mouth stays shut. Otherwise, all of this has truly been for nothing. Seeing whoever in front of her has stopped, Varielky stops as well, waiting for them to continue, or act.
(Because really, other than throwing an axe at the guard in the tower, which would be with a disadvantage due to the range, there's nothing stealthy about Varielky. Neither from RP perspective nor a mechanical one. Alone, her best bet would be to roll high enough with her +1 to Stealth.)
Varielky
Auger moves with forward with the team until Auger can see the guard tower as clearly as possible without entering the range of the searching light (ooc: 120' Darkvision). Upon getting there he studies it for a moment, looking for the manner in which one gets to the top of the tower, trying to judge if any of the team could stealthily climb the tower and overcome the guard before a signal can be sent. In addition he studies the wall, trying to see if there are any points where the team could pass through it near the base.
He relays what he sees to the others and then queries the warriors in particular in a whisper, "Can either of you climb up that tower and take out that guard without being detected?", looking to Granophyre he adds, "Perhaps you can limit their ability to be detected?"
If either agree to make the attempt Auger also states, "If anyone is holding any rope we may be able to use it to climb down the outer side of the wall from the tower."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"I can attempt to calm the guards," Ednyss starts, "but if one of them manages to resist it, we won't be able to deal with them without re-angering the other one. Regardless, I think Benita going up there and taking one of the guards out would be a good idea. The rest of us can be waiting at the base of the tower to take the other guard out. After that, we climb down using this," Ednyss pulls a coil of rope from his pack, "and make a run for it."
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Auger looks to Ednyss, Benita and Varielky and then says, "With them actively searching right now I think it should be just one approaching the tower in order to limit the chance of being seen. Two if we must. We cannot create a distraction without risking the town coming down on us. Whoever is best at sneaking or perhaps at killing quickly, or both, should go. It is important that the light remain lit and behaving as expected until we can get past the tower. Who can do this?"
(OOC: When Auger is addressing 'the Warriors' he is absolutely including Ednyss who to Auger is as strong a warrior as any.
Also, as stated previously, Auger relays all the facts, including his feather fall ability and estimations of how it may work with a pair of passengers)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
"My Golden Bird could distract the guards in the tower so that Varielky and Benita may quietly climb up and overcome them," suggests Granophyre.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(Sorry, I thought I posted a response already.)
Varielky realises everyone is waiting for her answer. She considers it for a moment. "Fine. No kills, though." She says, looking at Benita. She sounds furious, though restrained. Thoughts of running away from the recent battle did not leave her yet. Well, until they're safe, she has to make it worth something, or it was just a coward's retreat. They cannot be captured now. Then, Varielky doffs her shield and straps it behind. She'll need both hands free now. "Let's go."
A couple of rolls, in case they're needed:
Stealth: 10. In case Granophyre's bird gives advantage, here's the second roll: 21.
Athletics to climb: 26.
Varielky
(OOC: what are Auger, Ednyss & Granophyre doing while Varielky and Benita attack the tower? Remain near Xurl’s tent, move up to the men’s harem, or get as close as possible near the rocks or the closest tent to the tower? First player to shout out a response, that’s what you all do.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(OOC: Ednyss would want to get as close as possible to the tower (safely hidden) as possible without risking Benita and Varielky’s Stealth)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
The party moves to hide behind the last tent before the open corridor inside the palisades, waiting there as Benita and Varielky, waiting for a moment when the big lantern’s light is pointing away from them, dash across the open space. Benita arrives seconds before Varielky, who lags just enough to fall under the path of the searchlight as it comes back around. But just as it finds her, it whips up, and Varielky sees the Golden Bird has flitted up among the bats and is fluttering around the orcs in the tower. One orc has released a crossbow bolt, which thunks into the tower’s roof, and now the guard is grasping for the bird with her hands as the tiny creature darts up and down teasingly.
Benita and Varielky reach the tower’s base unseen, and note that dim moonlight is shining directly upon the ladder and near side of the tower, easing their way. They both zip up the ladder like lighting, and arrive on a small platform, completely surprising the two orcs, one of whom has grabbed the bird and they both, backs turned, are looking at its now inert form curiously, while small bats flutter nearby.
Varielky may attack, and Benita will, likewise. The platform is only 5’ square, so all weapon attacks are at disadvantage due to crowding.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky doesn't attack. Rather, she wraps her hands around the Orc's neck from behind, trying to choke him until he loses consciousness and, hopefully, before he can make any noise. Meanwhile, she trusts Benita to deal with the ither one.
I assume this is some kind of grapple, so Athletics: 16.
If she manages to subdue the Orc quietly, Varielky lays the unconscious body in the platform. It might be crowded, but if she can, Varielky makes sure the body won't fall to its death.
Varielky
(OOC: FWIW I agree with Ednyss, the party should have moved up to the edge of visibility with the tower. I wanted a range where Auger at least could observe what is going on - so the edge of his Darkvision range at 120')
Seeing that Varielky and Benita have been able to reach the platform, Auger motions to the others to follow, saying, "We should move to the base of the tower while they are distracted." Checking carefully that they can move without being observed, Auger begins moving towards the tower, hoping the rest would follow.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The location is already within Auger’s darkvision range. When Benita and Varielky reach the platform, the rest of the party rushes toward the base of the ladder, exactly as a scouting party of 4 orcs rushes stealthily around the corner of the tent, axes at the ready.
All are surprised. The two parties are 10’ away from each other. Auger & Ednyss may act first in any order.
Meanwhile, Varielky succeeds in grappling the orc in a chokehold from behind. Please roll 10 strength saves in a row to maintain the grapple and knock out the orc. Each successive grapple will get easier.
Benita cracks the other orc in the temple with her rapier guard, the orc twists and falls to her knees, and the Indallian then smashes her neck with the pommel of her dagger, knocking her flat on the floor, KOed.
You are now situated like so.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Strength saves? Okay.
Varielky
"Hold a moment, I think I can do something about this," Auger says and then rushes forward into the 4 Orcs, ahead of the party. As he steps forward he reaches into the Sea of Stars and opens a small portal to an inky darkness, testing what lies beyond. Yes! A great zone of pressure. Unsure precisely how to direct these forces he centers them on himself and in among all 4 of the enemies, Auger releases the powers into them, battering them all mercilessly. The effort is exhausting to Auger and again, the piercing headache forms. If any Orcs still stand Auger motions to the others to finish them.AugerMove: Close enough to the Orcs, to place them inside the radius of the spell, without hitting the party. If Auger must take an opportunity attack to do it he will do so.Action: Casts Arms of Hadar at Level 2. All in AOE must make a STR16 save to take half damage or lose reactions and take the following damage: 9(OOC: This is necrotic damage and the spell says nothing about visibility except a reference to dark tendrils. Hoping this will not draw undue attention.)DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
With a group of guards quickly approaching, Ednyss mutters a dwarven curse under his breath before calling out to them, "At rest soldiers." Although he is not their commander, he infuses his words with divine strength in an attempt to calm the orcs, preventing them from raising an alarm or attempting to fight. As he casts the spell, he whispers to Auger, "If any of them are not convinced, I need you to handle anyone that resists my spell without the others seeing it. Otherwise, it will break the hold of Takal Demesh upon them."
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Action: Cast Calm Emotions
O1, O2, O3, and O4 must make a DC 15 Charisma Saving Throw; On a failure, they are indifferent towards us until they witness one of their allies being harmed
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
After Ednyss casts his spell Auger steps forward and speaks to the Orcs, his voice aided by a powerful and beguiling effect, "Xurl sent us, his disguised secret forces this way, and we have it under control. The ones you seek may be headed towards the Female Harem. Go and aid the search there!"AugerFey PresenceOnce per short rest, as an action, you can cause each creature in a 10-ft. cube from you to make a WIS saving throw (DC 14) or become charmed or frightened by you (your choice) until the end of your next turn.Move: to Q11Action: Speaks while using his Fey Presence oriented on Charming the Orcs. Deception attempt roll 1: 5. Second roll for those who Auger has advantage in Deception: 20.OOC: Sorting through it all the Fey Presence should have zero effect on any who have been successfully calmed by Ednyss and so the Deception attempts should not have advantage. Meanwhile those who are not Calmed but possibly Charmed would give Auger advantage on the Deception roll. Or so I think.DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The orc in Varielky’s grasp struggles and kicks back, lifting the shield maiden off her feet and knocking her into the hanging lantern, which suddenly points toward the rocks to the north, illuminating a large flock of small bats. But the guard soon loses consciousness and falls at Varielky’s feet.
Ednyss’ spell becalms three of the orcs, who glare at the war cleric, Auger and Granophyre for a moment before their leader grunts under his breath, “There are intruders. Stay in your tent,” and moving past you, hisses over his shoulder, “Come on!,” and he and two others continue move on towards the rear of the men’s harem. The last orc, however, stares, bug-eyed at the dwarves and Auger, and a low growl begins deep in his gut, his fingers tightening on his axe haft.
“Obey your leader,” says Granophyre in a strange voice to the orc, whose eyes glaze over, before he too loses interest and jogs away to catch up with the others. Granophyre exchanges a wink with Ednyss. “Weak minds are easily swayed.”
Auger and Ednyss — and Granophyre, holding Tamazaert’s hand — make it to the base of the tower and can climb the ladder without issue in the moonlight. Benita has taken hold of the spotlight lantern and is beaming it towards the nearest tents.
What next?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Ednyss nods thanks to Granophyre, and taps on the ladder to signal to Varielky that they are ready to come up. If the shield-maiden gives them the all-clear, he will gesture for the scholar and the invisible mother to climb the ladder first. Ednyss will also let Auger go up before him, and the dwarven cleric will bring up the rear.
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”