Orcs are attacking a village (one shot prep)

[Pinjata]

Hey lads and lassess,

I am preparing a one-shot for my group and I'd appreciate some help on technical side of things.

Basically, PCs will be teleported to one of the villages, threatened by a recen Orc not-crusade. Big Good players (strong casters, good dragons and bulk of the Army) will engage main horde, while there are many villages that cannot be evacuated on time and are rather lended a bit of help in shape of adventurers.

Now PCs will be teleported to village A where they will be informed nearby Village B will be evacuated to village A, but orc raiders are already in the region - moving villagers may need escort.
I need sort of:
If PCs escort the villagers, this happens (they get some sort of benefit. what kind?)
If PCs fortify the village, this happens (they get some sort of benefit. what kind?)

PCs could also:
- go and try to kill Orc leader
- try to persuade local X to help defend the village

This will be 3.5, lvl 6 and I was thinking of facing the team with three CR 8 encounters - mostly CR1/2 Orcs with some higher level clerics as leaders and perhaps reducing number of attackers upon some things PCs do beforehand.

This is the raw stuff I have so far. Any advice is appreciated.

thanks

[Honest Tiefling]

I think the plan will depend greatly on what the party can do, their equipment, the skills and state of the villagers, and nearby terrain.

[Pinjata]

I think the plan will depend greatly on what the party can do, their equipment, the skills and state of the villagers, and nearby terrain.

Well its standard lvl 6 party ... that includes skills and equiptment. Villagers will be able to setup a small and very squishy militia. Village will be placed on a small hill nearby river. This gave me an idea. Perhaps i should have PCs running from one gap to another, plugging the hole and meeting enemies there?

[Honest Tiefling]

I'd let the PCs decide what to do, unless you can get them on board before the game on an idea. Of course, that doesn't mean you cannot hint that mobility is a problem...

But as for the terrain, what is it like between the villagers and potential safety? What hazards to overcome? What season is it, and will dehydration/hypothermia become a problem? Are the stores full or empty? Is there a way to repair armor in the village? Will livestock be taken with to provide food for the long term, or slaughtered for the short term?

[Pinjata]

I'd let the PCs decide what to do, unless you can get them on board before the game on an idea. Of course, that doesn't mean you cannot hint that mobility is a problem...

But as for the terrain, what is it like between the villagers and potential safety? What hazards to overcome? What season is it, and will dehydration/hypothermia become a problem? Are the stores full or empty? Is there a way to repair armor in the village? Will livestock be taken with to provide food for the long term, or slaughtered for the short term?

Basically I think it is best to set things up like this: Harderst CR they will face is ten. If they:
- organize the village defence, CR is reduced for 1
- themselves help with fortification, CR is reduced for 1
- go and escort villagers coming to primary village, CR is reduced for 1

I mean ... I'd appreciate some aditional ideas on how to quantify their work. But good observations no less.