Of course, if I have wandered off by myself, it would not surprise me.
Can you tell I play too much Mafia
So Mulligan, Deor and Theogrim catch up to the three orc hunters.
Gil-Gandel appears OK and Fang is already snuffling out the orcs. The trail for now is easy to follow, it leads outward along some rocky outcroppings and even has some wide stairs.
Mulligan asks if they are OK, Gil-Gandel says yes and the three head back in.
Fang leads the way, rushing down the path and stopping for a fresh scent every once in a while. Gil-Gandel pauses at spots with some view to look for movement below. After about 10 minutes, he spots the orcs below on the path. The orcs are moving fast.
Ghân is not keen on Fang following orcs, so is relieved when they are sighted. He brings Fang back to guard himself (and Deor).
Excellent!
If it’s still daylight, Deor will call Folca back to help keep the orcs in sight. If it’s dark, he’ll let her sleep.
Would it be better to stop the orcs, or follow them and try to find where they are headed?
What does the group think?
CatInASuit, as I hope you now see, Thoroncir was endorsing Mulligan’s proposal but not giving orders.
glee, I like it when Fang chomps on orcs!
NAF1138, my vote would be for following the orcs, at least to see generally where they’re headed, before slaying them. But I would prefer that you not get too far separated from the rest of the party while within the bounds of Mordor. Of course, I will defer to Malacandra’s tactical analysis.
Deor headed back in will Mulligan and Theogrim.
While waiting on the outside group, what do the six inside do?
The trouble with finding out where the orcs are going is that we might find out more than we wanted to know right now, depending how far it is to their next lair. We’ll stick with our original plan and catch these three. I’ll estimate their running speed compared to Gwaelur and Ghan, and if they’re too fast for the other two, I’ll have to run them down myself - at any rate get close enough to make them turn and fight, but stay out of hand-to-hand range. If I can either lure or herd them towards Gwaelur, so much the better - it all depends whether they want to fight me or run away.
Gil-Gandel realizes he is the only one that can run down the orcs. Gwaelur has no chance in this foot race and Ghân is only a bit faster. Fang could keep up. That is up to Ghân to decide.
So Gil-Gandel breaks into a dash and the other two follow as fast as they can.
Gwaelur goes into a sustained charge to try and keep up with the elf and lets Ghân fall behind. The hunt is at last in earnest.
Down they go, Gwaelur puffing along but without the least bit of stealth, but like a well-oiled machine. Gil-Gandel racing slight ahead and then slowing down a to a fast walk to keep his wind.
In about 10 minutes the distance is being closed but the orcs are clearly aware of the pursuit. Gil-Gandel is impressed with the Dwarves speed if not his stealth.
The orcs are out of sight for another 6 minutes when the leap out from behind Gwaelur to attack him. All three charge with spears. Gwaelur is hit twice for 9 points.
He spins pulling out shield and battle axe as Gil-Gandel loads an arrow.
The orcs hit Gwaelur once for another 4 (13).
He hits two killing both.
Gil-Gandel puts two arrows in the third. It dies.
They get all the fun, and we only herd a spider.
Well run and well fought, Gwaelur. Stone-hard are the Dwarves in journey or chase, it is said - and it is said truly. Let us return to our camp now, after claiming what prize of war we can.
Thank you Gil-Gandel. You have a silver tongue and do your bardic tradition proud. Let us return to camp, I think I need a bit of rest. I haven’t run that fast in a long time!
“Ummm, Thoroncir, do you know how long this magical light lasts?” Brin asks, arrow nocked and ready to fly at the eight-legged monstrosity.
Thoroncir says to Brin, “Renee would know better than I as to the duration of her magical light. What say you, my lady? In any event, if you tire, I have a Dwarf-crafted lantern which will burn as long as we are likely to need.”
For now, I suggest… Maintain readiness if the spiders emerge. Our search of the orc bodies and confiscation of any items of interest, including the flaming sword, should be complete by now. Once Deor, Mulligan and Theogrim have returned, we’ll go to the outside campsite and await the return of Gil-Gandel and his detachment. We can set a watch, rest and have a meal.
Ghân uses 3 Goodberries on Gwaelur (his total is now 8 berries today).
He offers a Cure Light Wound as well now - or if Gwaelur is content to wait, Renee can probably give a better Cure.
Ghân states that Fang is not fighting orcs for the same reasons we are, so must be kept for tracking and defending Ghân and other Casters only.
I am only down 9 HP right now. I will be fine. Thank you Ghan.
Gwaelur, you feel tired indeed. You need to rest a bit down here. At least 10 minutes. You are somewhat winded and injured. Additionally, it is a steep climb back up. You should at least let Ghân bandage you up. Gwaelur is still down 10 after the berries.
Taking the hint from Gil-Gandel’s words, Gil-Gandel finds each orc had a heavy carry sack over their back. Doing a quick search he finds a variety of coinage, food, knives, colorful stones and odds and ends. He estimates that he can halve the weight by eliminating the food and many of the odds and ends.
Back in the caves.
Renee says, “Actually as a dim light it will last all through the night, but I have never tried to keep it this bright for a long period. I am feeling somewhat tired. Please good Thoroncir, light the clever Dwarven Lantern.”
Fair enough, we should be coming to rest for the evening soon anyway. Ghan examine me and heal me as you see fit. Bandages or a cure light wounds will not be turned down. The rest was nothing but my foolish Dwarven pride talking.
Gwaelur, you have a lot to be proud about!
Ghân uses bandaging and a Cure Light Wounds.
Assuming the an herbal salve is applied to the three stabs and the curelight does 3. Gwaelur is now down only 1.
He is ready for the return trip up the path.