Seeing the movement, Malman is momentarily torn between continuing on his path or searching out the source of the movement. He did not fear the Orcs had some sort of assassin or the like waiting in the wings, yet the movement still gnawed at the back of his mind like a raw, exposed nerve. Long ago he had been careless. Now? Now he had to be sure. And so it was that he averted his course, and would head towards the manor, and by extension of the glint of movement.

(In case a perception check is needed to get a better look or track the source of the movement: Perception: 23.)

Attack: 24 Damage: 10

Rose remained focused on the orc though her anger was only inflamed when it ignored her. But no matter she thought, she would have to get his attention and there was only way she knew how to do that. Focusing on the only thing in reach, the bastards knees, she wound her hammer up for a direct strike. 

Burgee continues his run towards the cart, grabbing the staff as soon as he gets there. He still notices nothing special about the stick but knows the owner values its power. Burgee turns to look for the druid and plans the best path to arm the mage with the mystical item. 

 The orc flinches again as more mental assaults harass his mind, though it's clear that this orc is significantly tougher than expected. The smell of burnt flesh pervades the area, and rose can smell the orcs seared flesh joining the other gruesome scents in the air. As the heat was clearly intensifying, the orc spared a moment to grip at his armor, but it had already melted into his flesh to the point that he and his armor were effectively one being now. and giving up, though a pained, guttural growl escaped him as he did his best to ignore the pain, since he didn't know exactly who had caused it, and he was sure it wasn't the druid before him.

With Malman, he takes a moment, to stop and look at what he had spotted with his peripherals, and he spots a Tabaxi with bloody fists coming down from the path to the manor,  though still a distance away. The tabaxi was jogging sluggishly, like someone who was tired, and in pain, yet was still trying their best to hurry up. And when Malman looked up the path from there, he saw several other orcs lying down, and un-moving. Further up the hill, though it was hard to see, a tortle lay among the orcs, also, un-moving.

Rose, infuriated by the scene around her, and only adding fuel to the fire when she was outright ignored for Appa, she musters all her fury, and caps the bastard in his knees with great efficacy. Though the hit was hard, his seething and bloodily steaming armor still held fast, preventing his knee from buckling, though he did hitch in his movements.

Burgee makes it to his destination, rummaging quickly through the objects to pull out the staff, gripping it tightly. Burgee see's that the orc seems to be paying no mind to anyone else, he only has eyes for Appa who has proven to be both a worthy, and a deadly foe.. one worth killing. And ultimately, running directly behind the orc was likely the best, as well as most direct path. Another full dash would be in order but after that a quick jog and a solid (dc 14 ATHL) toss would make it, or a pair of dashes, and it could be slid or tossed to him without much risk, unless something else caught the orcs ire by then.

It was then that a yellow band of energy formed around the orc, and the form of an erthy fist began to appear around him, attempting to bind him, but with raw, unbridled strength, apparently further enhanced by his molten pain, he broke it in one of the most amazing feats of strength any of you had seen in a long time, and the hand shatters into dust. However at that same time you hear Sasha's voice No sister! Orcs are strong, you must assail the mind! and for just a moment... the orc seems to cease moving at all before drawing further on that strength he had just moments ago. Paltry spells not work on me! Too weak, TOO WEAK! he cried out, as he continued to attack Appa to the ignorance of all else. None of you worthy, except him! Gwen growled in frustration that this opponent was so singularly tough, yet glad the Ogre was blundering off to who-knows-where.

Changing tactics, Gwen takes a moment as she musters up one of her stronger spells, and Let my fear become your own, for you are a coward, through and through, you kill mindlessly.. like a spider, but you are small..... he barely seemed phased, though between att the attacks, he finally looked as though he were wearing down as his breath was as labored as the gritting of his teeth now. So many pathetic spells. You are all, truly, too weak!

however, it seemed as though the orc had had enough of interference by the others in his duel with Appa, and his ire only had one other direction to go... it seemed the pain was getting to him more than he was letting on, or he simply didn't know how badly he was suffering, as both attacks hit powerfully next to Rose but neither actually manage to land.

Party is up. Rose has a DAO. Burgee is 2 dashes away from melee to the orc, or 1 dash + 30 feet to toss the staff. Malman has spotted a Tabaxi monk, who looks injured. Cirrus was ready for anything though luckily the orc was too weak from his heat metal to be needed. Rose still has bardic.

(second verse, same as the first)

Bonus action: deal more damage to Orc by concentrating on Heat Metal. 

Vicious Mockery

Also if the chieftain rolls an 13+ on anything until my next turn, I will use Cutting Words. "Did you seriously miss every swing? Talk about WEAK!"

Dao: Attack: 6 Damage: 11

Attack: Attack: 20 Damage: 4

Reroll DAO with halfling luck: 9

Rose doesn't flinch as the two attacks come for her and instead uses this opportunity to sneak in an attack of her own. As the 2nd attack lands next to her Rose raises her hammer high in the air and bring it down with all her might on the Orcs wrist. Regardless if it seemed affective or note Rose then runs under the Orcs legs so she is behind him and goes for another swing at the back of his knees.

Malman hesitates for but a few seconds before everything starts to click in mind. While he never saw either Tabaxi or Tortle before, neither are too big a surprise. Gundren had at least mentioned something about others having been rescued alongside him, though not much beyond that. Still, he would approach cautiously and openly after one last quick around for any Orcs, staff in hand but lowered to his side.

"'hoi there, friend. The-..." He glances off to the mansion and grimaces. "The other townsfolk. Gundren. Sildar. Are there yet any other defenders left? Is... friend there... are they dead?" He asked with genuine concern before patting his chest. "Malman. Friend of Gundren. Returned with others currently yet facing what remains of Orcs in town center. Still... facing them -- I need to know if the others are safe at least? If there are yet more roaming elsewhere."

Once Malman had directions for the others and confirms at least by word their safety, he would give the Tabaxi a nod as well as "Return to them. I'll get back to the others." If the answer is negative, but it sounded yet like something he could help with, he would instead dash in that direction. If the answer on all fronts is unknown, he would just nod solemnly and suggest the tabaxi find someplace safe to catch his breath while he went over to try and treat his friend.

(For in the event its the last case, here's the Medicine Check on Dot the Tortle. Otherwise he's dashing to one of the other two places, 24.)

 The hot metal continues to sear the orcs flesh, much to his annoyance, but as the metal had fused with his flesh, there was quite literally nothing he could do about it. And due to his nature as a warlord, he wasn't likely to give up and beg for mercy. Though this time, rose could hear popping and sizzling underneath the metal, as the sinew and muscle beneath the skin became distorted and cooked now. The pain was so intensely distracting that Cirrus mockery goes unnoticed. 

Burgee charges, Dashing to get within range of Appa to return to him his staff.

Gwen once more makes an attempt to turn her own fears on the orc.... But once again, he resists the effects somehow. Gwen cursing in frustration, gives up on spellcasting, and draws her rapier... moving in....

 Appa once more strikes out soundly at the orc while he's almost prone, landing a hard chop to his neck.

Roses first attack was filled with her fury but that power caused her to lose enough control, that her attack glanced off the chainmail, leaving the orc warleader unharmed. But realizing this, Rose changes tactics, and focuses. Her attack landing solidly, at the cost of some of its force, hitting the orc just below the joint, causing him to hitch, between the pain of his armor and the blow, he falls nearly to one knee. Growling with fury at her, he drops his weapon as he attempts to backhand her, but she's simply too quick or too small, and easily avoids it. Before an evil, angry smirk appears on his visage as he lunges at her with his entire body, attempting to pin Rose to the ground with her face against the armor, like an angry, molten father hugging his rebellious halfling daughter.

With Malman, Ja'ree flinches when Malman fist makes himself known, weakly putting up his fists in a reactionary defensive stance. But after the moment passes and he notices Malman is a dwarf, he relaxes to the point of looking frail. The... Town was... mostly evacuated once.. we knew.. we were under attack. Run to Neverwinter.  he says, panting. Main orcs had attacked town, and caught us... by surprise. Some branched off to manor, probably thinking more people were there... Fought us. Weird preist died protecting from the first attack. Dot... .. ... Dot died only moments ago. holding them off as I picked off the lone targets. Don't know about who else is alive or dead. But I am close to deaths door myself friend. Do you.. have a potion or... and no, only tqo groups attacked. This one is dead.

The two druids, frustrated with their lack of success, and worried about their leader...  Both cancelling a synchronized spell as flames are flung at the orc. The first ball of fire hits, while the second misses significantly, hitting the dirt near the already-ablaze town center.

Party is up. Rose needs to make a DC 18 grapple save. Gwen is moving in. Burgee can give Appa his staff on his next turn. 

Athletics check 13 plus bardic 3

Dc 13 wisdom save for orc for toll the dead or take 2

Rose cries out in pain as the orcs armor burns her skin. She struggles as much as she can but the orc is simply too strong and she is unable to break free.  Rose starts to feel weak as the red hot metal sears into her skin. She briefly considers using magic to heal herself but resists, thinking someone else might need it more. When she sees Gwen running closer Rose knows that help will be here soon, and all she has to do is hold on for just a little longer. Rose instead focuses on the Orc, and summons what little magic she can to try and kill this foul creature. A loud bell can be heard ringing as if coming from the Orc itself as Rose focuses on draining the beasts life force from its body. 

"Hang on Rose, help is coming," Burgee cries as he makes the final sprint toward Appa and tosses the druid his staff.  "Your staff as agreed," Burgee says. "My apologies for not taking better care of it but it is here at last. Please,  save my friend!" Burgee exclaims as he turns to face the orc with fire in his eyes. 

After Rose feels the initial burn, it stops and the glow begins to fade from the Orc's armor (this doesn't not mean I have canceled the spell. I'm still concentrating on it, I'm just not causing the extra damage this turn). Cirrus is surprised by the clever way his spell is being turned against one of his allies. He then throws a Cure Wounds at Rose. He then shouts at the chieftain, "HEY UGLY! YOU WONDER WHY YOUR ARMOR'S BURNING? LOOK RIGHT HERE! I'LL BURN YOU ALIVE IF I HAVE TO AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!" I'm hoping to goad the Orc into letting go of Rose and charging at me to get revenge. I want to move closer, in the opposite direction of Gwen (if the Orc charges me he will get farther away from her) and position myself so that there is nothing obstructing his view of me.

 Malman, finding out that atleast most of the town was most likely more-or-less safely on their way to Neverwinter. And so, tries to help the Tabaxi to a spot to rest, however Ja'Ree says Thank you for your concern friend, but I'm afraid I must insist. I must go where I am needed. Rose wouldn't let me live it down if I just sat back. But thank you for your concern. patting the dwarf on the shoulder as Malman chooses then to shrug and inspect the  Tortle. It doesn't take him long to see that she was in fact quite dead. For atleast several minutes. Though luckily, so were all the orcs along the path up, however it looked as though the manor had been set ablaze by several flaming arrows, and upon looking around him, he notices one or two of the orcs had crossbows with oiltipped heads that were yet unused.

Rose feels the searing pain of the hot metal against her flesh as it begins to burn her intensely. Casting magic ineffectively, most likely due to the searing pain on the entire side of her face. 

Burgee finally makes it to where Appa is, and, while the orc is thoroughly distracted, tosses Appa his staff. The druid clutching it with a grim look on his face as he stares down at the orc wrestling with the poor Halfling. Cirrus, seeing that the orc was taking full advantage of his agony, ceases to empower the spell, though still holding onto it, and both the orc, and Rose feel the heat abate, though it still has that core of heat waiting to reignite. 

I appreciate thee. And I shall do so.  in the background, Cirrus attempts to taunt the orc, but his concern for Rose's well-being trips him up, and his voice cracks as he does so, ruining his otherwise convincing performance. Cirrus starts running as he intended, however, it doesn't take long to notice that his taunts went un-needed (sorry ,not much i can grant with a 4-7 :/)

Gwen makes it to the orc, Rapier in hand, and shouts Get off her you freak! stabbing at the orc , her blade sinking deep into his ribs, having found that hole in his chainmail, forcing him to cough up blood, luckily for Rose she was too short to be hit by the spittle. Just at that moment, like a blinding flash, Ja'Ree appears, seemingly out of nowhere in a brilliant display of overwhelming speed, and several kicks aim at the orcs face. The first one landing solidly across the orcs face, knocking loose one of his tusks, but his old injury from the castle acting up just as he's about to land the followup as the kick goes over the orcs head, but he manages to stop it before it hits anyone else.

Foul creature. It is time we ended this. Amma's eyes glow a brilliant veridian as he looks at the orc, and simply says Flee this place, like the coward you are. And tell unto the world, and all you meet how thee were brought low by a town full of children. Appa's expression didn't change. The orc, clutched at his head as he feels the powerful compulsion overcome his body. As if I wou his retort is cut off as he begins to scream, only momentarily, before blood begins to rush out of every hold in his head, his face contorted in agony. Shaking, and convulsing for a moment, before falling limply to the ground. And no sooner than he had, did vines and roots spring forth from the ground, near the now-free Rose, before pulling the orcs body beneath the surface, as the ground resettled around him. The staff glowing momentarily before dissipating. 

And finally, before anything else could be said, everyone near Appa feels serenity, as healing overwhelms their bodies. 

Sasha, you and your sister, Pursueth the Ogron.  I shall attendeth here. and both tabaxi shapechange, before following the lumbering being into the forest.

Malman looks as if he might snatch up one of the crossbows, but his hands hesitates inches away from one. He then shook his head, realizing that one stray shot could very well only exacerbate the situation. 'Perhaps if I was Paavu' His lips tilted upward at the corners at the thought. But then he his face hardens before he looks to Ja-Ree.

Well... to where Ja-Ree was a second ago. Although he was but imagining it, only a thin outline of where the Tabaxi had been remained along with a quickly settling dust trail at where his feet might've been. Just as he started to rub at his eyes, he startles, hearing at least the faint echo of a shouts. Without further hesitation, he double times it over the shout.

At best he arrives probably a minute after things had started calm down though, a might winded and confused at whatever sight unfolds in front of him, but happy as well to see that everyone looked relatively well.

(Deleted entire post since apparently healing was done)

Rose breathes a sigh of relief as she is let go and crawls away from the orc once he drops. When she feels healing magic coursjng through her she touches her face, checking for any signs of permanent damage. But knowing magic healing usually didn't leave scars Rose stood up and gave Gwen and Ja'ree a hug. Thank you, both of you. I thought that bastard was going to cook me alive. Is everyone okay? Where's Dot? Rose looks around for the Tortle as well as checking for any further threats still wandering around. 

 Ja'Ree had looked ragged just moments before, but as the warmth flooded over those that Appa had chosen for it to effect, they would feel most, if not all of their health returning, to the point of feeling revitalized, as if they hadn't just fought a life or death battle. Gwen seemed relieved the fight was over as she fell to her knee's and sighed heavily, a smirk tugging at her lips. Even as the druidic apprentices run off into the forest to content with the ogre, Ja'Ree is shaking from the aftereffects of the healing, surprised by the efficacy. Gwen pulling both Rose and Ja in for a triple hug when Rose hugged Ja. MMMMMf! It's so good to see you again Ja'Ree... After we heard the place was under attack, we were worried, since this town doesn't really have a 'guard.' And I'm glad he never got the chance Rose! my gosh, how strong is this... Appa.  she says with a momentary glance in his direction, one in which Appa seemed to be seeing if the staff had any damage, and otherwise confirming its condition.

However when Rose's question came out, Ja'Ree's spirits sank, and his eyes averted themselves. D..Dot fell, in the melee. We had heard the fighting in the town since we were outside, and saw them fleeing towards neverwinter... but by the time we started to move, they had already begun to ascend the pathway. We had been fighting them since. Then, just as she fell, I saw a Sun appear in the middle of town, only to vanish moments later. I assumed the town itself was still under attack... So.. Dot, is no longer with us.... he seemed sullen and sad, but not broken. But you, and Gwen are still alive. So not all is lost. Let those whom have perished these days find peace in their afterlife, whatever may come. he said, pounding one fits into his open palm, and bowing his head in silent remembrance of those who were lost this day. Rose who had been checking for threats, and seeing none up until the news hit her.

Rose seems relieved when she doesn't see any more enemies nearby and embraces Gwem and Ja'Ree in a tight hug. When the news is broken about Dot Rose's heart sinks in her chest and tears once again well up in her eyes. W-where is she? Ja'Ree I need you to take me to her please. If Ja'Ree didn't lead her to Dot Rose would go looking for her fallen friend. Once there Rose kneeled down beside the Tortle, desperately checking for signs of life. Rose didn't want to believe that this had happen, that she had gotten Dot killed and couldn't even do anything to try and help. Rose layed her head on Dots chest and began to cry, apologizing to her friend profusely for failing her. The weight of all the recent loss seemed to be hitting Rose all at once. Rose knew Dot wasn't the kind to stake to string emotions, always stoic and a woman of few words. In some ways she was like Paavu, and she knew she wouldn't want Rose wasting time crying over her. Still, Rose couldn't stop herself, and with no immediate threat looming over her she was reluctant to move from Dots side as she let all the tears and guilt that had been gathering out.

Cirrus approaches Ja'ree, "Ja'ree, the survivors, where are they?" Getting the same response he gave to Malman (presumably), he sighed, somewhat relieved. "We must see how they are when we get the chance." He then walks to Appa, bowing slightly, "Appa, I cannot possibly thank you enough for helping us get here so quickly. And words cannot describe how grateful I am that you would use your awe inspiring power to help us dispense retribution on these hideous monsters. I trust that is truly the staff you've been seeking? I hope it is in decent condition. You have greatly helped us all, and I must thank you again."

If Malman doesn't arrive first, whenever he would meet Rose at the halfway point to Dot, he stopped long enough intended to get answers about the other battle. But then seeing the state she was in and whoever else had follow her, all it took was one look back to understand. So instead, unless not being guided by Ja'ree, he would simply point her further up the path before continuing on to find the rest. Although this time his pace would be slightly more sedate as it sunk in how little help he had been to anyone.

Yet. The news about the evacuees gave him some hope, and it would -- or so he silently determined -- would be his next goal to catch-up to them and pass along the update. For even with a couple hours headstart, such a mass of people could only go so far so fast without their numbers inevitably bogging them down a little. But that was the future, and with a more determined set to his face, he picked up the pace once more in his jog to Cirrus and the rest.

(I'm assuming it'll yet be another set of posts worth of actions before he meets up with the rest officially, so capping it here.)

The swift Ja'Ree of several moments ago was gone, replaced with a healthy, but slow Ja'Ree, as he finally met Rose's gaze. His eyes were sad, but determined. She is not far. Come. I will take you to her. he says softly. Leading rose back to where Dots corpse lay. Appa, finishes inspecting the staff and quietly places it upon his back. It is indeed my staff, and no appreciation is needed. What must be done, must be done. the old druid said, sounding very much like a paladin of some strict oath or another. Back whereupon it belongeth. I appreciate thine assistance in its retreival. For no other scents were present within the abode whereupon I hath laid it last. Unfortunately, the forest whispers my name, and tells me of another threat rising  upon the other side of yonder mountain. I am afraid I will be able to assist you no further. However, I am a man of my word and if not for such a dire threat, I would have no reason to break it. So instead, I shall offer a blessing.

Rose and Ja'ree, and whoever else was going with them would arrive at Dots final resting place. Even in death, dot looked fierce yet calm. Still clutching to her longsword tightly, even after passing on. Bodies were strewn about her, at-least as many as Appa had decimated earlier, sans the cheif and the ogre. And both Dot and Ja had fought them off, alone.

I have within this ancient body, the power to grant you a single blessing. I know of the plight of thine people, Kenku. Flightlessness. I also, hereupon understand that one of your comrades associates has fallen in the defense of this town. Thus, I offer you a choice, as even I possesseth limited reserves. I have enough power, to bringeth back the fallen ally. Or I can grant your body a blessing, whereupon you, and you alone, will regain flight in its true sense. And with it, thou can breedeth thine genes unto other of thine kind, restoring flight to your future generations, as I trust your progeny will not repeat the mistakes of thine past.

Ja was mourning in his own way, as he looked away from the scene, towards Neverwinter, just barely visible in the great great distance. Ja agreed with Cirrus' sentiment, but for now, Rose should be allowed to mourn. For it was somewhat rare for her to break character and just.. let it out. And Ja wanted to give her this chance. Malman joining them not long after.

(A heads up to all, I will be ending the LMOP campaign in the next few days. I will do my best to give everyone at-least some character resolution. The campaign was effectively completed, since the ultimate goal was to get the map back to Gundren so he could find it.)

Burgee stood in silence as Appa talked of the blessing. His head swirled with the dream of flying through the air. All of his life, this was the quest. Everything else was just in support of finding just that. He dreamt of finding a home near the sea and a companion to share his home with.

Walking from the door he arrived high upon a cliff and could feel the salt air sweep over him as the sounds of the sea crashing upon the shore roared below. He inhaled the smells of the ocean below and the winds around him. As he glanced back, over his shoulder, she stepped out of their home. He felt his love and sorrow at the same time. His love for gifts she helped create. His sorrow knowing she could never share the feeling. A tear fell from his eye as she approached. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tight when she arrived and they both stood for a moment looking out over the sea; listening. Then the sound. His heart jumped as the black specs began to take shape and come closer. They both heard the echos in the sky and his heart was full of love. He looked to her, gave her a mighty hug, and launched himself into the sky. With a few strong flaps of his wings he was feeling the winds rush over his feathers and then, in a moment, was surrounded by four smaller kenku, as they cawed out. The grouped up together and swooped down toward their home. 

And Burgee smiled. But then his face became ashen as the heaviness of the decision fell upon him.  "Appa, what you ask is to restore my kind at the expense of a friend," Burgee looked towards the others. "This may be a decision best for others that knew Paavu better than I, but for one to give so that a generation may blossom I feel was something Paavu would willingly give himself. I would gladly take your gift for myself. But a gift that can be given to future generations is one I cannot deny my kind." Burgee looks at Maalman. "He was your friend, and I knew him only a short while, but this gift I ask of the fallen. Not just for me, though I too shall rejoice, but for all future kind. And may the spirit of Paavu live in them all. For while I have breath, his name will be spoken as the giver of life to all that I sire."