Gimli says, “Okay, we march, grab every arrow you see, us dwarves with carry them and we’ll sort them out on the way down.” He ties the orcs hands and feet saying, “You’ll be able to cut the ropes on the weapons or rocks around here, but this will slow you down at least, if we ever see your ugly face again, it will be worse than death for you!”
Merry, “Deor, to the front and direct us as you said you can see what Folca sees. First we must overtake the trackers and then we must pursue as fast as possible.”
The three dwarves start grab arrows and tossing blades off the path to make it tougher on the orc.
It’s a tricky balance with the orc - but we don’t want everyone to fight us to the death…
The spellbook will have several spells for you - but bear in mind Lightning Bolt and 10 foot Invisibility are both 3rd level spells, which require a 5th level caster.
Well that’s why Ghân bluffed the orc by mentioning surveillance. The orc cannot be sure that any bird in the sky is not watching him and reporting back to us.
The orc may well have heard of Crebain (Craban)…
In fact, if there are any normal birds around, Ghân can speak to them and tell them to first stare at the orc, then fly around well above the orc, looking alert.
There are some crows around already and a few vultures waiting nearby, when you ask them, the crows say they will be happy assist and thank you for the meals.
The vultures indicate they would be happy to scare the orc if he follows you. They are hoping you will provide another excellent meal for the future. Please just leave the bodies and we’ll take care of them.
Ah, yes. Orcs make excellent fodder for carrion beasts.
Assuming we can locate this lair, Mulligan and I could consider infiltration, especially if it’s possible to organise the prisoners for a quick escape when the fighting starts. For that matter some of the more able-bodied might like to attack their captors. I’ll collect any small portable weapons we might be able to smuggle in. Be warned though, Mulligan, what I’m proposing could be highly dangerous.
As long as Uncle Merry finds out AFTER we infiltrate the camp
Seriously, I think it is a good idea, if only to provide a certain amount of protection in case they decide to start taking hostages, killing captives etc. The alternative is to barricade the way in before the fight, so they can’t get to the captives.
Assuming we attack the camp before reloading spells (because we don’t want Gash to do so), Ghân can offer a couple of Entangle and Summon Insects spells.
It’s always tricky to help once your spells are used up. Here are some ideas:
distract with Cantrips (as you have planned)
bandage our fallen fighters (hopefully this won’t happen, but if it does, you could save a life)
distract Gash by pretending to cast (this is both risky and not necessarily going to work!)
distract the orc-kind by shouting a phrase in orc … “the Eagles* are coming!” “Surrender and be paid!” “Behind you!”
*or, due to a mispronounciation “The Eagles are cooing!”
Deor can do some basic first aid and I believe he is an alchemy student, so you could probably start teaching him to do what you do, but only the Rangers could currently have a chance to 2hp herbal cures.
Gimli says, “Good idea Gil-Gandel, my lads will gather up the smaller weapons also, we may not be quick, but we can carry large burdens with ease on this terrain. You too Gwaelur, grab any arrows, bolts, daggers, knives, short swords or short spears you can find and bring them along.”
The Vultures realizing you won’t mind there early feeding start on the first orc Gil-Gandel & Mulligan killed.
Merry asks, “Ghân, please ask the vultures and crows to not disturb the cairn and not let others disturb it until we get back.”
“Let us be off, then,” Thoroncir says, with the impatience of youth. “With each passing moment the enemy may regroup and lay fell plans for our arrival. To arms!”
As Deor and Ghân are usually travelling together, Ghân will happily pass on his knowledge.
It would be useful to have a second caster (standing behind the fighters) able to use the herbal cures.
- but bear in mind Lightning Bolt and 10 foot Invisibility are both 3rd level spells, which require a 5th level caster.
