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IC

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 7:06 am
by Cotton
Image

Our story begins in the area of the Kingdom of Nemedia known as The Northern March. Our bold adventures (the Brythunian Fenn, the Turanian Anakunaisi, and the Aquilonian Claudius) have gathered here with other mercenaries, sellswords, and soldiers of fortune to answer the call of the Nemedian nobleman Sabbatius Theophanes. Lord Theophanes has offered a large sum of money in exchange for protecting himself and the workers under his employ when they journey into the lawless and wild lands of the Border Kingdom. The purpose of this expedition, according to the noble, is to recover artifacts and heirlooms from a keep that belonged to one of his ancestors during the time of the Empire of Acheron.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:05 am
by Cotton
Image
Arethus

Between the workers and slaves, Man-at-Arms that serve his household, hired mercenaries, and horse drawn wagons, lord Theophanes has gathered a small army for this voyage. The three of you have been picked to serve in the expedition’s vanguard. You and several others will head into the Border Kingdom one day in advance of the rest of the caravan in order to scout ahead. The leader of the vanguard is Theophanes’ sergeant, a Nemedian named Arethus. In addition to yourselves and Arethus, the advanced guard consists of: nine of Theophanes’ foot soldiers (all Nemedian), two Aesirs (one male, one female) who appear related, a tanned Corinthian woman, a Hrykanian on horseback, a red-headed Brythunian, a Kushite with many scars, and a bearded and thin Zamoran.

You have one day before you begin your march into the Border Kingdom. You leave at dawn. Is there anything you do beforehand?

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 9:44 am
by Rooter
After checking over his gear, Fenn offers a brief greeting to the Turanian Anakunaisi whom he once traveled with before, but studiously avoids the rest of the mercenaries -- particularly the other Brythunian -- and mingles with the Nemedians, hoping to pick up some news or gossip.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 2:12 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius keeps his sword sharp with his whetstone, and he gets in some sparring and archery practice to keep his combat prowess likewise sharp. He does mingle with the others to learn what he can, particularly about the land to which they are going. He does not trust the Zamoran, though he does not let it show.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:59 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi, the Turanian, greets Fenn too, but doesn't force conversation. They will have plenty of time for that on the road... He walks around the place, casually juggling a couple of apples in his hands.

He steers towards a bigger group of mercenaries, and joins the conversation at an appropriate moment.

"Quite a force here. Do you know, are we to expect any specific trouble -- other than the usual Border Kingdom brigands?

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 7:56 am
by Cotton
Fenn finds a few of the Nemedian soldiers who were picked for the vangaurd in a group around one of the campfires. He overhears the oldest looking one, whom the others call Paulus, talk about the time that he had pursued a couple of thieves into the Border Kingdom. Apparently, he had found both the men stripped naked and drowned. Paulus says that he fled so quickly that he forgot to bring back proof that the men were dead. The other Nemedians mock his story, and call him a drunk.

Claudius, because he is keeping an eye on him, notices that the Zamoran keeps to himself and does not eat or drink any of the food in the camp. He also learns that the Border Kingdom is a forlorn and rainy place, and that there are no real paths or roads in it so traveling is slow going. Is Claudius only going to practice, or will he try to make some money by out-sparring and out-shooting others in the camp?

Anakunaisi's juggling impresses a few of the other mercenaries, most of whom appear deep in their cups. In answer to his question, one Aquilonian replies that the large force is because the harriers of the Border Kingdom have recently become more organized and aggressive. Another member of the crowd, one of the Nemedians picked for the vanguard, insists that nothing in the Border Kingdom has changed. He says that the number of people here is a result of lord Theophanes becoming increasingly paranoid as of late. The two men begin a drunken argument that quickly devolves into shoving and punching.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:47 am
by Rooter
Fenn does not so easily discredit Paulus' story as the other men. He observes Arethus, the leader of the vanguard from the corner of his eye. Does he seem a hardened soldier or the foolish sort who will get them all killed?

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 5:11 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius is eager to compete in both sparring and archery, both to earn some extra money and to see what his fellow mercenaries can do.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 5:28 am
by Cotton
OOC:   Wruter: roll insight on Arethus.
Mr. Handy: roll bow for competing in archery and either great sword or hand-to-hand for whatever kind of melee sparring your going to try.  

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:22 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Insight 40%[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn thinks he has the measure of Arethus.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 3:17 am
by Cotton
Arethus mingles in with the other soldiers, mostly his fellow Nemedians,but does not appear drunk or rowdy like quite a few of the men assembled here. He also carries himself like someone who has some training and combat experience. Fenn thinks that perhaps this man was picked to lead the vanguard for reasons other than the usual Nemedian nepotism.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 4:15 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius proves to be an excellent shot with the bow, but he is outmatched when it comes to swordplay.
OOC,Bow roll (60% skill) in the archery competition: [dice]0[/dice] Great Sword roll (70% skill) in the sparring matches: [dice]1[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 8:15 am
by Cotton
Claudius finds that he is better shot than quite a few of the mercenaries assembled, and wins thirty copper pieces as a result. Unfortunately, he is bested in the melee competition.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 10:16 am
by Rooter
Satisfied by what he has seen of the vanguard leader, Fenn turns his attention to Lord Theophanes: he has an instinctive mistrust of nobles' intentions, having lived under the yoke of Brythunia's petty lords. He casually mentions to Paulus that the Nemedian lord seems generous with his coin for this expedition.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 6:00 am
by Cotton
Paulus takes a swig from a wine skin before replying. "Mmm, the young Lord grew up hearing many tales of his proud Acheronian heritage, and I'm afraid they went to his head. His father, Mitra protect his soul, would never have done something like this. Inviting Aquilonians onto our land." He gestures towards where Claudius is demonstrating his skill with a bow, and spits. "Tell me, Brythunian, do the lords of your land choose such dangerous activities to occupy their time?"

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 11:59 am
by Rooter
"Only dangerous to those without the benefit of noble birth," Fenn mutters darkly. "It is well, then, that we have such a force at our disposal if the Border Kingdom is as dangerous as you say. I care not for your lord's follies or for Acheronian legends as long as the money is good and my sword is in my hand." Despite the bravura of his words, he resolves to look after his own skin first as always, lords be damned.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 4:33 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius graciously congratulates his fellow warriors on their swordsmanship and praises their efforts with the bow, though few of them are a match for his archery skills.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 7:04 am
by Cotton
"I'll gladly drink to that," says Paulus, raising his drink.


The other competitors applaud you're skill with a bow and make jokes such as: "You're sure your not Hrykanian?" and "Glad you're on our side."

OOC:   Unless there's any last minute things you want to do we'll move forward with the expedition.  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 5:39 am
by Mr. Handy
OOC,I'm good to move forward.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 7:54 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi is ready to move.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 9:45 am
by Rooter
With the prospect of a dawn start, Fenn retires early for the night.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 6:21 am
by Cotton
Dawn breaks and Arethus leads the three of you and the rest of the scouting party into the Border Kingdom. At first, the path you are on is trodden often enough by merchants trying to avoid Nemedian tariffs that it resembles a road, but all too soon the paths are completely over taken by nature. The going is slow. The men at the front of the scouting party must often clear the brush in front of them with hatchets, and those with horses end up leading them more than riding them. As the hours wear on you all notice a disturbing trend. More and more you see that someone, group, or thing has decorated multiple dead trees with the skulls of various creatures (mostly cattle or deer but also humans, canines, and rodents).

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:27 am
by Rooter
"Did you see such a thing when you were last in the Border Kingdom?" Fenn asks the oldest Nemedian Paulus, eyeing the human skulls in particular.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 5:07 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"It reminds me of some of the things the Picts do to frighten intruders," comments Claudius.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 2:57 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"My tribe used to put up the skulls of cattle and old horses to mark our territory," says Anakunaisi, the Turanian fighter. He doesn't mention the human skulls his devious witch lord of a master used to bury around his dominion...

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 5:04 am
by Cotton
Paulus responds, "Aye, I saw a couple of trees ornamented like this, but not nearly as many as these." As you keep moving Arethus shouts to the party, "I believe that the Aqulonian and the Turanian have the right of it. From what I understand, the warlords and larger outlaw groups use things like this to mark there territory here. Everyone stay on alert, and report any activity no matter how benign seeming." After this announcement you all hear the male Aesir, who goes by Osvald, say: "No shit Southerner. If part of your job is stating the obvious you're well suited to it." If Arethus hears this he makes no reply.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 5:09 am
by Cotton
Another hour passes, with only a couple of the more nervous men in the party pointing out what is clearly small animals making their way through the underbrush, and the vanguard reaches a clearing in the woodland. Arethus declares that this will be the spot the party stops to feed and water their horses and themselves. He puts Anakunaisi, two of the Nemidians, and the Zamoran on the first watch.

OOC:   1. Fenn
2. Claudius
3. Anakunaisi
[dice]0[/dice]
Anakunaisi give me either a Listen or Spot Hidden roll you're choice. Fenn and Claudius give me a Listen roll at -10% since you are not specifically standing guard.  

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 10:03 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Listen 30%[dice]0[/dice]  
Busy chewing his rations, Fenn sits near the two Aesir, observing them curiously -- the woman in particular -- more than paying attention to the surroundings.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 4:44 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Spot Hidden 50%

[dice]0[/dice]

Anakunaisi pays attention... to his meal.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:29 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

All seems quiet to Claudius,
OOC,Listen roll (55 -10 = 45% skill) at the campsite: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 12:44 am
by Cotton
OOC:   I'll roll for the other men on guard now.
Nemedian #1: Listen 55% [dice]0[/dice]
Nemedian #2: Listen 50% [dice]1[/dice]
Zamoran: Spot Hidden 85% [dice]2[/dice]  
The scouting party is resting and eating in the clearing when suddenly one of the Nemedeans standing watch calls out that he hears what seems like multiple people approaching from the woods. At the same time, the Zamoran yells in his broken Nemedean that he sees the glint of steal; he is indicating the opposite direction of where the other soldier pointed. The other members of the party, now aware of the ambush, are scrambling around trying to prepare for it. All too soon, the arrows start flying.
OOC:   Go ahead and post your first action and we'll go by Dex order. Since none of the bandits have actually attacked yet, if you want to try to pick out individuals moving in the woods you'll need to make another spot check.  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:06 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius also sees the glint of metal and unshoulders his bow. In one rapid motion, he pulls an arrow from his quiver, nocks it, and sends it straight into the head of one of the attackers. His preference is to shoot an enemy archer if he can see one.
OOC,Spot Hidden roll (55% skill) at the campsite: [dice]0[/dice] Bow roll (60% skill) shooting at an ambusher: [dice]1[/dice] Damage to ambusher from impaling arrow: [dice]2[/dice]+[dice]3[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:23 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Spot Hidden 50[dice]0[/dice]  
Spotting the ambushers moving among the trees Fenn takes cover from the arrows and thrusts his sword at the first attacker to emerge from the forest.
OOC:   Short Sword 60[dice]1[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 10:24 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Spot Hidden 50%

[dice]0[/dice]

For Anakunaisi, the ambushers form a chaotic, whirling mess. He would want to get a better look at them, but at this point, he simply lets an arrow into this shapeless enemy...

Bow 50%
[dice]1[/dice]
Damage
[dice]2[/dice]
Damage bonus
[dice]3[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 5:07 am
by Cotton
The clearing erupts into chaos as arrows and bandits appear from seemingly every direction. The screams of fighting and dying men and the clash of metal fill your ears, and the world narrows as you are enveloped in the fog of war.

Fenn:
Spoiler:
The point of your sword meets a wooden shield as the bandit holding it rounds on you with his spear. His face twists into a snarl of hate as he thrusts the weapon at you.
OOC:   [dice]0[/dice]
[dice]1[/dice]
He does 6 damage to you (minus whatever your armor defend against) unless you dodge or block it  
Anakunaisi:
Spoiler:
You can't be sure if your shot finds its mark because as soon as you've loosed the arrow the ambushers reply by way of javelin. Fortunately, you are able to move quickly out of the way.
OOC:   [dice]2[/dice]  
Claudius:
Spoiler:
The ambushers respond in kind to your arrow. You are able to pick out an archer and a crossbowman before you need to find cover.
OOC:   [dice]3[/dice]-bow
[dice]4[/dice]-crossbow  

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 10:12 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn manages to block the spear thrust with his sword then launches a counter-thrust.
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]1[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2017 5:06 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

While Claudius knows that a crossbow bolt is deadlier than an arrow, he also knows it will take the crossbowman some time to reload, so he shoots at the bowman first. Now behind cover, he whips out a second arrow, which flies unerringly to its target.
OOC,Bow roll (60% skill) shooting at the archer: [dice]0[/dice] Damage to archer from impaling arrow: [dice]1[/dice]+[dice]2[/dice] Wow! :shock: 20 damage!

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 7:02 am
by Cotton
Fenn:
Spoiler:
You are thrown off balance by having to block the bandits attack, and as a result your attack misses. "Your skull is mine outlander!", he shrieks in Nemedian, taking another stab at you.
OOC:   [dice]0[/dice]
[dice]1[/dice]  
Claudius:
Spoiler:
The bowman attempts to find cover but is too slow. Your arrow finds his neck, however, and he collapses trying to contain the life spilling from him. The other bandit is not eager to join his two friends, and so drops his crossbow and rushes you. The large man quickly crosses the distance between the two of you and attempts to bury his ax in you.
OOC:   [dice]2[/dice]- dodge
[dice]3[/dice]- ax
[dice]4[/dice]
[dice]5[/dice]  
Anakunaisi:
Spoiler:
There's no rest for the wicked, your former master would often proclaim. You find that there is truth in this statement, as, having just dodged a javelin, you spot its thrower, taking aim at you again.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:10 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius hastily slings his bow and unsheathes the massive great sword he carries on his back. Demonstrating that he is a devastating swordsman as well as a deadly archer, he grips the hilt in both hands and tries to cleave his attacker.
OOC,I'll also use the great sword to parry him if he survives this attack. Great Sword roll (70% skill) attacking the crossbowman: [dice]0[/dice] Damage to crossbowman from great sword: [dice]1[/dice]+[dice]2[/dice] Great Sword roll (70% skill) parrying the crossbowman: [dice]3[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 9:38 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]0[/dice]  
Again Fenn blocks the attacker's blow and desperately tries to go on the offensive.
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]1[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2017 8:51 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi, as quickly as possible, fires an arrow at the javelin-bearing warrior.

Short Bow 50%
[dice]0[/dice]

But in his haste, misses...

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:08 am
by Cotton
Claudius:
You swing your great sword in an upward arc; slicing the Vanir bandit across the chest, and parrying his blow in one swift movement. The ambusher steps backward, surprised but largely uninjured thanks to his scale and leather armor. He screams in rage as he takes another swing.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]0[/dice]
[dice]1[/dice] + [dice]2[/dice]
[dice]3[/dice] + [dice]4[/dice]  
Fenn:
You are again unable to land a blow against your attacker. This time he lashes out with his shield attempting to unbalance you.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]5[/dice]-shield bash
[dice]6[/dice]-damage  
This is a small shield so you can dodge or parry it, but if that fails you'll have to make a DEXx5 check to keep your balance.
Anakunaisi:
The bandit takes careful aim and throws his weapon, and his patience is rewarded as his javelin flies true.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]7[/dice]
[dice]8[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 5:24 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius parries the mighty blow with his equally mighty sword, then connects with a powerful swing of his own, but it fails to penetrate the man's armor.
OOC,Great Sword roll (70% skill) parrying the crossbowman: [dice]0[/dice] Great Sword roll (70% skill) attacking the crossbowman: [dice]1[/dice] Damage to crossbowman from great sword: [dice]2[/dice]+[dice]3[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 9:58 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn is caught by the swinging shield.
OOC:   DEX x 5 = 60%[dice]1[/dice]  
Managing to keep his balance he snarls and swings his sword again.
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]2[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 4:04 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi's armor reduces the strength of the blow, but the javelin still buries itself deep in his body. He cries out in pain and anger, then attempts one more time to hit his enemy:

Short bow 50%
[dice]0[/dice]

Damage 1d8
[dice]1[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 5:41 am
by Mr. Handy
OOC,That's an impale, as you got 1/5 of your skill, so you do an extra 1D8 damage. You also didn't include your damage bonus, which is 1D4 normally but 2D4 for an impale.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 8:19 am
by evil_scientist
OOC,Extra damage for impale [dice]0[/dice] Does the bonus damage apply to ranged attacks? I think it's only for melee / hand-to-hand.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 9:57 pm
by Mr. Handy
OOC,It doesn't apply to firearms, and probably not to crossbows either, but a bow relies on the strength of the archer, and the damage bonus should still apply.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 7:08 am
by Cotton
The behemoth of a man locked in combat with Claudius shouts something in his mother tongue before striking again. Fortunately, the outlaw swung too wide and his blow bounces harmlessly off the Aquilonian's armor.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn, bloodied from the shield-bash, sees the other Brythunian scout moving to assist him. First, however, the smirking bandit will strike again.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]1[/dice]-the badit
[dice]3[/dice]
[dice]2[/dice]-Brythunian ally
[dice]4[/dice] + [dice]5[/dice]  
Anakunaisi's arrow punches through the javelin thrower's armor, wounding him badly. The bandit survives, however, and ducks behind a tree.
Spoiler:
OOC:   If you don't mind I'll go ahead and roll your two damage bonus die.
[dice]6[/dice] + [dice]7[/dice]
[dice]8[/dice]-bandit con check  
OOC:   Mr. handy is correct in that the damage bonus does apply to both bows and throwing weapons, but not crossbows and other possible range weapons. Technically the book says that you only apply half the damage bonus to ranged weapons, but I think I like the rolling better.  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2017 5:22 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Sensing an opening, Claudius strikes, but the big man's wild swing has taken him out of his reach.
OOC,Great Sword roll (70% skill) attacking the crossbowman: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 10:25 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]0[/dice]  
Again Fenn manages to turn aside the attacker's blow and, seeing one of his fellows moving to assist, attempts to strike back with renewed vigor.
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]1[/dice]  
OOC:   Damage[dice]2[/dice]+db[dice]3[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2017 12:50 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi tries to assess the situation. Approximately how many attackers are left? How are they positioned? And what's the status of Lord Theophanes, the Nemedian nobleman they were hired to protect?

Also, if the chance arises, he tries to hit another bandit:
Short Bow 50%
[dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 6:55 am
by Cotton
Evidently the crossbowman had called for help as Claudius sees a javelin flying towards him. The crossbowman takes the opportunity attack as well, but Claudius sidestep him easily.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]0[/dice]-javelin
[dice]1[/dice]-javelin damage
[dice]2[/dice]- ax  
The ambushers raises his shield to block Fenn's slash, only to be run through by the other Brythunian. Nodding in greeting the Brythunian says, "Well met, brother. You looked like you needed a hand."
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]3[/dice]-bandit shield
[dice]4[/dice]-brythunian ally (crit)
[dice]5[/dice] + [dice]6[/dice]
[dice]7[/dice] + [dice]8[/dice]  
Anakunaisi counts roughly a dozen ambushers left as he surveys the battlefield. He spots more dead bandits than dead allies. Anakunaisi sees that both the Aquilonian Claudius and that Arethus, the Nemedian who was put in charge of the scouting party, are locked in two-on-one combat.
OOC:   Lord Theophanes is not currently with you. The three of you are part of a scouting party, and Theophanes will arrive with a much larger caravan a day after you reach your destination.  

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:41 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

The javelin is easily deflected by Claudius's armor, but his next blow, though well aimed, suffers the same against the armor of his foe.
OOC,Great Sword roll (70% skill) attacking the crossbowman: [dice]0[/dice] Damage to crossbowman from great sword: [dice]1[/dice]+[dice]2[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 9:43 am
by Rooter
"My thanks indeed," Fenn replies to the other Brythunian. "But let us aid Arethus and see off these bandits." He moves to engage one of the other attackers.
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]0[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 6:18 am
by Cotton
Claudius finds himself outnumbered now, but his attackers have clearly never tangled with a man who has faced Picts and lived. Their swings are easily deflected and avoided by the skillful Aquilonian.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]0[/dice]-ax
[dice]1[/dice]-short sword  
Fenn's target is too absorbed in the fight with Arethus and never hears the attack coming.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]2[/dice]-listen
go ahead and roll damage  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 7:54 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi carefully picks a new target and shoots...

Short bow 50%
[dice]0[/dice]

Damage
[dice]1[/dice]
Bonus dmg: [dice]2[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:52 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius takes advantage of his enemies being off-balance and presses his attack on the crossbowman, slashing him with his huge sword.
OOC,Great Sword roll (70% skill) attacking the crossbowman: [dice]0[/dice] Damage to crossowman: [dice]1[/dice]+[dice]2[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2017 10:01 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Short Sword damage[dice]0[/dice]+db[dice]1[/dice]  
Fenn strikes his target from behind.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 7:58 am
by Cotton
Anakunaisi's arrow sinks into the back of the short sword wielding bandit who was attacking Claudius. The man staggers, and bleeding turns back to face the Unbound. He advances on Anakunaisi, slowly with his small shield raised.

Claudius is finally able to land a blow against the crossbowman, and is satisfied to see a flash of scarlet as his opponent growls in pain. The wounded ambusher goes for another attack, but his foot lands on unstable ground and he slips and falls.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]0[/dice]
I'm going to say just roll damage if you'd like to attack him again while he's down.  
Fenn quick slice was not enough to penetrate the leather armor of the bandit. It is enough, however, to draw the man's ire. He turns and lashes out at Fenn.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]1[/dice]
[dice]2[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 9:20 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

If there is a chance, Anakunaisi shoots a second arrow into the advancing highwayman.

Bow 50%
[dice]0[/dice]
Damage + Bonus damage
[dice]1[/dice]
[dice]2[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 9:54 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn swiftly parries the blow and strikes again.
OOC:   Short Sword 60%[dice]1[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 4:38 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Having no compunction about striking an enemy when he's down, Claudius points the blade of his great sword downwards and drives it into the crossbowman's chest with all his might, penetrating his foe's armor.
OOC,Damage to crossowman: [dice]0[/dice]+[dice]1[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 6:45 am
by Cotton
The bandit's shield is too slow, and Anakunaisi's arrow catches him in chest. He takes another couple steps before slumping to the ground dead.
Spoiler:
OOC:   [dice]0[/dice]-shield  
Claudius drives his great sword into the torso of the prone crossbowman. The man struggles briefly, coughing up flecks of deep red into his orange beard before expiring.

The bandit leaps backwards to avoid Fenn's slash. Looking to Fenn's side the man grows pale, and drops his short sword and shield and raises his hands in surrender. Looking over Fenn sees that Arethus and the other Brythunian have handily dispatched the other ambusher and were in the process of rounding on this last foe.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:55 am
by Rooter
Before Arethus reaches them Fenn steps forward and presses the point of his sword to the man's throat, speaking in a low voice. "Who are you? Why did you attack us?"

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 5:27 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius lets Fenn do the talking, settling for glaring menacingly at the prisoner while hefting his bloody sword.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 10:06 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

If there are no more active ambushers, Anakunaisi walks over to the dead body and searches it.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 5:59 am
by Cotton
The young bandit begins to babble in Brythunian: “Please sir don’t kill me. I can not speak that tongue but you an’ he look like my countrymen. Please sir! They say the gods are kind to the merciful. Times are hard sir. My brother, he said that this was the only way we could make enough coin. Please, if you let me leave this clearing I’ll never make this mistake again.”

Looking around Fenn, Claudius, Arethus, and the other Brythunian mercenary see that, with the exception of a only a couple, the ambushers were mostly young and scrawny. In fact, the surrendering outlaw and his deceased brother, who looked close enough to him to perhaps be his twin, are barely old enough to be called men.

Surveying the carnage, Anakunaisi sees that fully a dozen of the marauders lay dead, and that three of the Nemedian footmen, the Corinthian, and the Hyrkanian were slain as well. While picking through the bodies looking for what little coins were hidden on them, he spots one of the men he shot earlier attempting to crawl away with bright splotches of blood trailing him.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 11:56 am
by Rooter
"Pah! Nothing but a rabble of beggar children and thieves." Fenn lowers his sword and turns away to tend to his injuries.
OOC:   First Aid 30%[dice]0[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 3:47 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Unable to understand Brythunian, Claudius goes to do what he can to help the wounded, though Fenn's injury is beyond his meager skills in making battlefield dressings. He is much better at inflicting damage than at repairing it. "That was a good fight," he says. "I killed three of them, two with a single arrow each. Even I didn't know I was such a good shot. Mitra must have blessed me."
OOC,First Aid roll (30% base skill) trying to treat [b]Fenn[/b]'s wound: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 8:37 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi unsheathes his knife, walks up to the wounded marauder, and puts his feet on his back, pinning him to the ground.

"Speak, dog. Who is your leader?"

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 6:55 am
by Cotton
Paulus approaches Fen and Claudius, and says: "You boys handled yourselves well enough in that fight. That's good, we might just live through this yet." He takes a swig from his flask. "I can take a look at that wound if you like. You don't get as far as I have not knowing how to bandage yourself up."


The man grunts in pain, but doesn't try to struggle free from Anakunaisi. "We followed a man named Carnas Ealtach. He said he'd make us all rich. He said we'd be the new lords. I saw the son of a whore fleeing." He makes a wheezing sound that might be a laugh. "I heard there's a bounty on his head in the civilized parts. Hope you bastards are here to kill him."

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 11:53 am
by Rooter
"It is but a small knock," Fenn replies to Paulus but subjects himself to be bandaged anyway.
OOC:   I still have 10 HP remaining so it's not too bad.  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 5:27 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Thank you," Claudius says to Paulus. "I'll see if the arrows I fired are still intact, and salvage what I can from the enemy." He goes over to the bodies of the men he shot to examine his handiwork and get whatever arrows he can.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 10:43 pm
by evil_scientist
Cotton wrote:The man grunts in pain, but doesn't try to struggle free from Anakunaisi. "We followed a man named Carnas Ealtach. He said he'd make us all rich. He said we'd be the new lords. I saw the son of a whore fleeing." He makes a wheezing sound that might be a laugh. "I heard there's a bounty on his head in the civilized parts. Hope you bastards are here to kill him."
Anakunaisi pushes his feet stronger against the man's back.

"I'm no interested in the bounty's of those civilized parts... But I am gonna kill that dog all right. Carnas Ealtach. Tell me more, who is he? Where is his place?"

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 2:40 am
by Cotton
Paulus cleans and bandages Fenn's wound with more ease and deftness than Fenn would have expected from the older man. "There you are son, now I've got others to look after," Paulus says before departing.
Spoiler:
[dice]0[/dice]-Paulus First Aid 60%
[dice]1[/dice]
Claudius finds and is able to retrieve a couple of his arrows as well as grab some from the quivers of the enemy archers. He finds that the weapons of these outlaws are of good quality and are almost certainly stolen.
Spoiler:
You can give me a spot hidden roll while looting the bodies.
As Anakunaisi presses harder into the marauder's back, he is forced to take a moment to catch his breath before he can answer. "I know that Carnas is from a tiny village around here, but not much else. He planned the attacks on merchant caravans, and was charming and mean enough to keep all us cutthroats from killing each other. Why would I ask more when the money was good and kept coming? I know he hates that would-be-king though, thats why he had us do up all the trees in this area with the skulls. Keep that lot out. As for our camp, well we kept moving around, wouldn't do to have the merchants get wise as to what roads to avoid."

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 4:30 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi continues the interrogation.
"Are there any more ambushes set up along the road?"

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 4:44 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius finds something else of interest in his search.
OOC,Spot Hidden roll (55% skill) searching the bodies: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 5:58 am
by Cotton
Anakunaisi:
The man responds, "Not from us. Not enough of us left for that. First the night raids, now you lot. By the gods this hurts. Either kill me and get it over with or let me crawl off into the woods to lick my wounds or die."

Claudius finds a talisman that looks to be very old and very expensive. It is inscribed with a creature whose top half is a bearded, helmet wearing man, and whose bottom half resembles that of a fish.
Spoiler:
OOC:   Mr. Handy, you can give me an occult role to see if Claudius recognizes this.  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 10:36 am
by Rooter
Listening to Anakunaisi's interrogation of the man, Fenn interjects. "Wait, who is this 'would-be king' you mention that Carnas hates?"

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 4:53 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius has no idea what the talisman is for, so he brings it over to where the prisoner is being interrogated. "Do any of you know anything about this?" he asks. "Ask the captive, he may know."
OOC,Occult roll (5% base skill) about the talisman: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 2:55 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi too takes a look at the peculiar amulet.

Occult 25%
[dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2017 6:51 am
by Cotton
The wounded man looks at Fenn with disgust, "Some vain warlord who wants to be more than he is. I never met him but Carnas and some of the others talked about him. Just another scofflaw with delusions of greatness."

Anakunaisi recognizes the amulet in Claudius' hand immediately. He has seen sailors and fishermen from Shem wear it for protection while out on the water, and knows that the image on it is of one of the Shemitish gods, Dagon.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 12:15 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"That's Dagon, petty god of the Shem," he says to Claudius. "Worn mostly by sailors. Or by marauders who kill sailors."

"And what about the night raids you talked about? Who attacked you?" Anakunaisi keeps pressuring the captive. The others might notice that the Turanian (Anakunaisi, that is) takes some bitter satisfaction in this act of interrogation and torture.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 4:54 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Or by mercenaries who kill marauders who kill sailors," says Claudius, examining the amulet. "This one looks ancient, though, and very valuable. I wonder if it has magic in it?"

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 6:11 am
by Cotton
The captive scowls at Anakunaisi, but says nothing. Evidently he has grown tired of answering questions.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 7:57 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"If you answer, I give you quick death. If you don't - well, you can enjoy the sensation of the coyotes eating you alive."

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 12:53 pm
by Rooter
"I say we let him go to carry word that we are not to be trifled with," Fenn puts in. "The sooner we reach the keep and its treasures the better."

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 6:16 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"The state he is in, he can carry the word to the closest hyena den. Or the nest of the vultures," Anakunaisi snarls. He is clearly fixated on the local wildlife.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 4:26 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"He may have useful knowledge of the local area," says Claudius. "If he will not talk, however, then he is of no further use, save to feed the scavengers."

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 12:01 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"I'm asking for the last time: who attacked your gang?"

If the captive doesn't answer, Anakunaisi kicks him in the ribs and leaves him on the groung. He then searches any unlooted bodies and gathers his stuff, gets ready to continue their journey.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 8:28 am
by Cotton
OOC:   Make either a fast talk or persuade roll for me.  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 12:58 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
Fast Talk 40%

[dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:08 am
by Cotton
The captive refuses to respond once again. If left alone he will crawl off away from the clearing as he is too weak to walk on his own.
OOC:   Anakunaisi and Fenn can both give me a spot hidden roll if they choose to loot bodies before the scouting party moves on.  

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:22 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
Spot Hidden 50%

[dice]0[/dice]

Out of spite for not getting any more useful information, Anakunaisi cuts the man's tendons.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 1:20 pm
by Rooter
OOC:   Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn is too distracted to glean anything further from the bandits and prepares to continue traveling.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 7:14 am
by Cotton
Arethus has the young ambusher that Fenn spoke with bound, gagged, and put on his horse. The one Anakunaisi injured is left to die. Arethus orders everyone to ready up, and the scouting party moves on. A couple hours pass and the skull ornamented trees become less and less frequent. A short while after passing the last gruesomely decorated plant, the group spots what appears to be an abandoned village. The handful of huts are cold and weather beaten, but at least the foliage is not as thick here and the ground is mostly dry. Arethus calls the mercenaries together and says, "The sun will set soon, and I have no wish to continue slogging through this wretched marsh in the dark. It seems to me this could be a good place to set up camp if we are cautious, but its a poor leader that doesn't at least take the ideas of his men into account. What do you all think? Check it out or keep moving?"

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 6:23 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"I think we should investigate the village," says Claudius. "There could be another band of raiders holed up there with the same idea, and we don't want to risk leaving an enemy at our backs."

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 8:53 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"We need to look for a defensible spot, and survey access and exit points."

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 12:20 pm
by Rooter
Fenn pulls the gag off the captive ambusher. "Know anything about this place, dog?"

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 8:19 am
by Cotton
The young would-be bandit is quick to reply. Shaking his head he says, "Just another abandoned village. There's a lot of them around here, don't think I've ever been to this one."

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 11:06 am
by Rooter
"I agree with the others, it would make sense to investigate the village though with caution," Fenn replies to Arethus.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 5:04 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi pulls his knife, and starts exploring the village. Are all the buildings more or less similar, or is there a more important or rich looking one?

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 6:16 am
by Cotton
There are five buildings in total in the village. They are all of varying size and quality of construction, but it appears they all simply served as houses for the people that once lived here.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 9:24 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi goes to the first building, and walks around in it. If there are windows, he looks inside.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 10:21 am
by Rooter
Fenn joins in making a search of the buildings, keeping his sword drawn.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 5:54 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius also approaches the buildings to aid in the search, his great sword in his hands.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2017 2:41 am
by Cotton
The five huts have symbols carved into the roughly made doors, those who are familiar with the worship of Mitra recognize them as protective wards. Inside of them are crude furniture, and in the hut that is more or less in the middle of the cluster of buildings there is another one of these wards crafted from string and fish bones lying on the tiny table. It looks like it was intended to be worn as a necklace. Behind this hut is a small graveyard with wooden headstones, they lack any kind of writing however since the villagers were most likely illiterate.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2017 4:39 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"The villagers show a distinct lack of faith," says Claudius. "They had protective wards here, yet they abandoned them. Why did they not believe Mitra would protect them?" He picks up the ward on the table and puts it around his neck.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2017 11:44 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi snorts at Claudius' comment.

"Well, perhaps they had faith a plenty, but these symbols were not enough to protect them from... whatever it was that came here."

Anakunaisi checks the graves. How old they are? Are there any new ones?

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 1:38 am
by Cotton
Anakunaisi spots two graves that he is certain are very recent. He isn't sure about the other dozen or so, although he would lean towards them being older.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 8:28 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Following some morbid instinct (now doubt a residue of his days as a necromancer's slave), Anakunaisi takes a stick or branch, and digs into the mound. How deep is the grave?

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 10:52 am
by Rooter
"Disease seems the most likely explanation..." But still Fenn scans the village grounds for any signs of violence or tracks of sudden departure.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 4:38 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Perhaps," says Claudius, "but where could the survivors who must have dug the graves have gone?" He also searches for tracks.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:51 am
by Cotton
Anakunaisi finds the graves to be several feet deep, which makes sense on account of the animals that would no doubt dig up the bodies otherwise. It would take him a little while to dig up the graves without tools or help, but it could be done.
OOC:   Wruter and Mr. Handy can both give me a spot hidden and a track roll if you so desire.  

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 12:56 pm
by Rooter
OOC:   Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]Track 10%[dice]1[/dice]  
Seeing nothing untoward, Fenn shrugs and starts looking for a well-sheltered place to spend the night in.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2017 10:11 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

If there's anything to find, Claudius does find some traces of recent passage.
OOC,Spot Hidden roll (55% skill) looking for signs of the villagers: [dice]0[/dice] Track roll (50% skill) looking for signs of the villagers: [dice]1[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:02 am
by Cotton
Claudius, while searching in and around the abandoned village, finds evidence of a small group of people coming into, and then leaving the village, this group came from (and went back in) the direction the scouting party is heading. He can tell that they are human by the breaks in foliage and small bits of cloth left behind. Claudius is also able to find three distinct imprints which tell him there are at least two males and one female in this group, and that they are traveling barefoot. He doesn't stray far from the village and so isn't sure how far he'd be able to follow the tracks, although it certainly doesn't look like these people were trying to keep a low profile.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 5:53 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius points out the tracks. "It's possible that they came here and found the villagers dead," he says, "then buried them and returned the way they came."

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2017 9:09 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
Mr. Handy wrote:Claudius points out the tracks. "It's possible that they came here and found the villagers dead," he says, "then buried them and returned the way they came."
"Or killed the villagers and left. Strange killers though, spending so much time burying their victims. Maybe you are right."

He kicks around a few lumps of dirt, then turns his attention back to the graves.

"I say we dig one up. See what's what."

He asks around for a shovel and help.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 3:16 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Is that wise?" asks Claudius. "What if they are infested with plague?"

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2018 5:59 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Claudius can see a weird, perverse light flickering in Anakunaisi's eyes.

"Very well," he says, finally. "Let's continue the inspection of the houses, we have a job here."

Anakunaisi continues exploring the small group of buildings, looking for the best one to stay at.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 7:00 am
by Cotton
Not much more to say about the buildings. Anakunaisi believes that any of them would be serviceable enough to spend the night in, if a little cramped.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 11:47 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi proposes that house as the main sleeping area.

"We need to patrol tonight," he says. "Stationary guards won't be enough."

He looks around: how many troops are left?

"The best would be to have one guard at the house, and two people patrolling the village."

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 11:53 am
by Rooter
Fenn agrees with this assessment and volunteers for first watch on patrol.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 7:37 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

"I shall take the first shift guarding the house," says Claudius.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 7:59 am
by Cotton
There are 15 members of the scouting party left so you'll have to split up into two huts (and remove what few furnishings are in them), but fortunately they are all fairly close together. The few horses with the group and the prisoner will be left outside. Arethus agrees to the suggested patrol and stationary guard arrangement, and claims the other spot on the first patrol.
OOC:   Sorry I didn't word myself entirely correctly a little earlier when Anakunaisi asked about the houses. Also if that's the plan then let me know which shifts each of your characters will take, and which house you're going to sleep in (we'll call them A and B for reference), and if you're going to do anything else during the night.  

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:38 pm
by Mr. Handy
OOC,I'm taking the first shift, and I'll sleep in building A. I'm not planning to do anything else during the night.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:59 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi will take the second patrol, and sleep in building B. He proposes to build barricades from the removed furniture to limit direct access to the huts, if it is possible.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 7:53 pm
by Rooter
Fenn will take the first patrol with Arethus before retiring to building B. When no one is looking he will surreptitiously put a piece of iron such as a spare horseshoe over the door to ward off evil spirits.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:31 am
by Cotton
Having searched the the tiny village and surrounding area, the scouting party breaks to eat. The mood among the mercenaries is somber, except for the two Aesirs who drink and talk among themselves in excess of what seems a good idea considering the circumstances. The group prepares to camp for the night. They use the tables from the huts as makeshift barricades, they won't do much but might trip up someone trying to sneak in. The first shift begins.
OOC:   Can the two characters on the first shift roll either listen or spot hidden? Also if there's anything else you'd like to do before bedding down for the night go ahead and post that.  

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:09 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Spot Hidden 50[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn patrols the village with Arethus but doesn't notice anything amiss.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 3:44 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Before nightfall, Claudius takes some string or thread and ties it at knee level between trees around the village's perimeter, attaching bells if available, or failing that other small metal objects that would clink together if the lines are disturbed. Hopefully the sound will alert them if anyone - or anything - intrudes. He then takes up his post, remaining watchful.
OOC,Spot Hidden roll (55% skill) on watch: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:55 am
by Cotton
The first shift passes uneventfully, and its members go to wake their replacements and retire for the night. The second shift begins and the area around the collection of ramshackle huts is quiet as the grave. Anakunaisi and the Zamoran are patrolling while one of Nemedians stands guard between the two huts.
OOC:   Scientist give me a spot hidden or listen roll.  

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 8:11 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
Spot Hidden 50%

[dice]0[/dice]

Anakunaisi slept a few hours, and now is ready for action... But hopes for no disturbance.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 8:01 am
by Cotton
The second watch also encounters no disturbance, and soon enough it is time for the third. The night air is silent, devoid even of the croaks and caws of wildlife. The second shift of guards retires and time passes.

All too soon the sounds of shouting can be heard just outside the two shelters, and all the mercenaries within are awoken.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 10:56 am
by Rooter
Cursing, Fenn grabs his sword and crouches by the doorway.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2018 5:44 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius springs to his feet, grabbing up his mighty greatsword and peeking outside.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 8:03 am
by Cotton
Peeking through the entrances to the two huts, Fenn and Claudius in time to see their Kushite comrade chuck a spear into the darkness. Following the weapon's arc they can see blurred shapes moving in at the edge of the village. The shouting originated from the other side of the huts but now the Kushite has joined in as well, screaming about attackers.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 10:07 am
by Rooter
Fenn moves outside to join the Kushite.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 5:30 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius sticks the greatsword point first into the ground beside him and draws his bow. Nocking an arrow, he peers into the darkness and tries to line up a shot.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 3:32 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

If there are torches or other flammable materials around, Anakunaisi lights one, and hurls it towards the attackers to get some vision.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 7:05 am
by Cotton
As the Kushite's spear finds its mark one of the figures lets out a strangled cry. Anakunaisi hurls a torch which lands between the scouting party and the figures. This reveals a glimpse of wild looking men, pale faced and long haired. Their clothes are tattered and their feet are bare. They scramble to avoid the light, but anyone with a ranged weapon can take a shot at the retreating forms.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2018 6:08 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Thanks to the illumination from the torch, Claudius's arrow finds its mark in one of the raiders.
OOC,Bow roll (60% skill) shooting at a raider: [dice]0[/dice] Damage to raider from arrow: [dice]1[/dice]+[dice]2[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2018 7:58 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi switches to his bow as quickly as possible, and lets a shot flying.

Bow 50%
[dice]0[/dice]

Damage
[dice]1[/dice]
[dice]2[/dice]
Total damage: 7

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2018 8:04 pm
by Cotton
The majority of the dimly lit forms are already retreating into the darkened marsh, leaving their wounded and dead behind. A few, however, linger long enough to return fire at those who attacked them. A large stone flies from the darkness and strikes the Kushite warrior in the face, and he staggers and falls backwards. Claudius and Anakunaisi find themselves in the path of an arrow each.

Spoiler:
Arrow fired at Claudius:
[dice]0[/dice]
[dice]2[/dice]
Arrow fired at Anakunaisi:
[dice]1[/dice]
[dice]3[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 3:39 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius tries to duck back behind the wall beside the door out of which he shot, which he was using as cover, but he doesn't move fast enough.
OOC,[b]Anakunaisi[/b]'s attack was an impale, so it should do an extra 1D8+1D4 damage. Dodge roll (16% base skill) to avoid the arrow: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 12:04 pm
by Rooter
Fenn checks the fallen Kushite.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2018 8:24 am
by evil_scientist
Impale bonus damage,I keep forgetting about this rule, thanks, Mr. Handy! [dice]0[/dice] [dice]1[/dice]
Anakunaisi
Dodge 42%

[dice]2[/dice]

Anakunaisi is hit by the arrow. Luckily, he is wearing armor, but the wound is still deep.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 6:36 am
by Cotton
Both Claudius and Anakuaisi are hit by arrows while scrambling for cover. Fenn ducks low and checks on the Kushite, who is alive but with a bloodied, broken nose, split lips, and missing teeth. Those attackers not killed have fled, and the scouting party now finds itself with two fewer members. The two Nemedians patrolling the village must have run into the attackers first; one is gone and the other is bristling with arrows.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:06 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

With practiced ease, Clauidus snaps off the arrow, removes both ends, and skillfully binds his own wound.
OOC,First Aid roll (30% base skill) treating my wound: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:36 am
by Rooter
"Who were they?" Fenn asks the Kushite.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2018 6:15 am
by Cotton
The Kushite mumbles something that sounds like "not sure" but its hard to know for sure due to his injury.
OOC:   You can roll 1d3 for hit point regain, Mr. Handy.  

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2018 8:35 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
First Aid 30%

[dice]0[/dice]

Anakunaisi tries to wrap some bandages around his wounds, but fails.

"Hey, little help here," he calls out to the others.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2018 10:25 am
by Rooter
Hearing the call for help from the wounded, Fenn does what he can to assist.
OOC:   First Aid 30%[dice]0[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2018 4:24 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius only feels a letter better, but at least he is no longer bleeding.
OOC,Does my roll being 1/5 of my skill or less give me a bonus? HP regained from First Aid: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2018 7:40 am
by Cotton
Paulus has been making rounds once again like after the first ambush checking to see who needs patching up. He is able to clean and wrap the wound, but there's only so much that can be done.
Spoiler:
60%
[dice]0[/dice]
[dice]1[/dice]
Claudius:
Spoiler:
You can add another point for a total of 2 HPs regained.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 12:38 pm
by Rooter
"We'd best keep a patrol in case they come back." Fenn goes to examine some of the dead attackers for clues as to their identity.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 5:57 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius nods, also going over to search the bodies.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2018 7:44 am
by Cotton
Those who search the bodies of the dead find that these men are older and more ragged than those that attacked them before. The corpses' clothes are threadbare and they have no footwear at all. However, every one of the three slain men bear tattoos strongly resembling the talisman that Claudius found earlier.
OOC:   Let me get a San check from everyone, it has been an extremely stressful day for you all.  

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2018 8:12 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
SAN 55

[dice]0[/dice]

The days ordeals take their toll...

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2018 11:36 am
by Rooter
OOC:   SAN 55[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn too is weary. "Perhaps these were responsible for the missing villagers."

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2018 6:27 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

In spite of everything, Claudius somehow finds the strength to continue.
OOC,Sanity roll (current level 40) for the exhausting day: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:50 am
by evil_scientist
OOC,What's the amount of SAN loss?
Cotton wrote:Those who search the bodies of the dead find that these men are older and more ragged than those that attacked them before. The corpses' clothes are threadbare and they have no footwear at all. However, every one of the three slain men bear tattoos strongly resembling the talisman that Claudius found earlier.
"More off-sea worshipers of Dagon?" Anakunaisi wonders out loud.

"We need to finish resting, but with as many guards as possible. Lightning does strike twice into the same place."

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2018 4:44 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Agreed," says Claudius. "My wound is bad, but I'm strong enough to finish my watch."

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2018 9:39 am
by evil_scientist
"And I'm still bleeding. I need some rest," Anakunaisi states the obvious. He plans to retreat to one of the houses and sleep.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2018 1:14 pm
by Rooter
Fenn, who is uninjured, reports to Arethus.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2018 6:02 am
by Cotton
Arethus, reasoning that moving through the swamp at night would be even more dangerous than staying put, has all those that are uninjured remain on guard the rest of the night. Those who were injured may either rest or stay on guard. Fortunately, light is not far away and may feel like an eternity squinting into the darkness beyond the village is only a couple short hours. As soon as there is enough light enough to move by, Arethus orders everyone to make ready to march, and the second day of the expedition begins.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2018 10:29 am
by Rooter
Fenn rides beside the oldest Nemedian soldier Paulus, inquiring if he has heard tell of the activities of this Dagon cult in the Border Kingdom.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2018 8:15 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius rides at the forefront, his bow at the ready. He is glad to have his armor on now, especially with his wound having weakened him.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 9:48 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

The Turanian rides along in the middle of the squadron. His wounds are quite bad. He will have to rely on his quickness, alertness, and light armor -- and perhaps something else...

He keep an eye on their surroundings.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:24 am
by Cotton
Paulus says, “News rarely comes out of the Border Kingdom." He scratches at his beard thoughtfully, "When I was a boy I remember my uncle telling me of a time when he and a group of other young men drove out a group of degenerates that worshiped a fish god instead of Mitra and sent them fleeing into the Border Kingdom where they presumably died, he was the town drunk though and since my father never mentioned anything of the sort I didn't really believe him." He wonders aloud, "That boy you interrogated said that his group had also been attacked in the night. Do you think it was those... wretches that attacked us in the village?”

Before Fenn or anyone else can offer an answer the party’s point-men call for a halt. In the early morning light the members of the scouting party can see a wide stream, flowing in roughly the direction they came and coming from near the direction they are headed. And floating in the stream, currently twisted about a rock, the body of the man who was taken while on patrol last night.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 4:55 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"We should examine the body," suggests Claudius, "and then give him a decent burial."

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 10:13 am
by Rooter
"Could be a diversion for an ambush," Fenn mutters, hanging back and scanning the surroundings warily.
OOC:   Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 10:17 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"That's right, this reeks of ambush," Anakunaisi agrees with Fenn, and scans the surroundings. He looks for any landscape objects that might hide enemies.


If needed,here's a roll: [b]Spot Hidden 50%[/b] [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 3:13 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius nods and takes a good look around.
OOC,Spot HIdden roll (55% skill) at the stream: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 6:25 am
by Cotton
Refusing to allow themselves to be taken off-guard again the party spreads out seeking any cover that may deflect an arrow or thrown spear. Men's eyes dart around the surrounding foliage, weapons loosened in scabbards or already drawn. Several tense moments pass in which the only sound is that of the stream. The scouts are certain that, at least for now, no enemy lies in wait around them.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 10:28 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi (hopefully with the assistance of a few soldiers) tries to fish out the body with a spear.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 3:12 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius also helps retrieve the body.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 10:45 am
by Rooter
Meanwhile Fenn rides a little way along the stream, scanning the ground for signs of the perpetrators' tracks.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 6:03 am
by Cotton
Anakunaisi, Claudius and a couple others retrieve their comrade's body and begin the work of burying him. A brief examination reveals that he was most likely drowned by his captors and left to float.

Wruter:
Spoiler:
OOC:   You can make a spot hidden roll since you have some idea of where and what to look for based on the previous track rolls.  

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 10:12 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]  
But Fenn cannot determine the attackers' path and goes to rejoin the others, ready to move on.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:59 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

Now that the body is properly buried, Claudius also looks for the tracks of whoever dumped him there, but without success.
OOC,Track roll (50% skill) looking for the killers' tracks: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2018 10:47 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
Tracking 10%

[dice]0[/dice]

Anakunaisi is not an experienced tracker.

He refills his water skin from the stream, and is ready to continue their journey.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 6:22 am
by Cotton
Unable to find any sign of the those who abducted and drowned their ally, the remainder of the scouting party continues deeper into the Border Kingdom. The day passes in tense silence, everyone to on edge and listening for the sounds of ambushers. By sunset the group reaches the base of a steep hill, on top of it sits the ruins of the Acheronian keep that is the end goal of this expedition. From here it doesn't look like much.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 9:08 am
by Rooter
Fenn looks to Arethus for their orders. "Do we go in now or wait for Lord Theophanes? Given the hostility we have encountered it may be prudent to at least scout the perimeter."

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 9:57 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi agrees with Fenn, and is ready to go scouting.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 5:15 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius nods and joins them.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2018 6:50 am
by Cotton
Once everyone has gathered around Arethus he says, "Staying in one spot has yet to work out in our favor. We wait only long enough for the cover of night and then everyone one of us will go. If there's anyone there we'll be the ones taking them by surprise, Mitra willing."

Once the sun has set, and the scouting party's eyesight have adjusted to the darkness they creep their way up, moving as fast as they dare while staying quiet. Reaching the keep the group finds themselves in the remains of a palisade wall, and a few other rotting wooden structures. The two buildings which stand are a made of stone, and the scouting party judges them to be a great hall and a small temple. The remains of the keep seem to be abandoned.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2018 6:47 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

"We should explore the smaller buildings first," says Claudius quietly. "Then the keep. This place has seen better days, but it looks more defensible than staying out in the open. Of course, someone else may have come here first with the same thought."

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2018 7:09 pm
by Rooter
Fenn agrees, muttering, "Surely these artifacts that Lord Theophanes wishes to retrieve have long since been looted."

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2018 5:07 am
by Cotton
The party turns toward the smallish, angular temple. A building like this would not be an uncommon sight in a keep so removed from the rest of the world, and it seems like that any unlooted valuables would be in there. Entering the building the scouts finds themselves in the outer court, where the lower class men and women would have worshipped. It's big enough for all of them to stand comfortably, but the musty smell and ruined wooden furniture makes the room seem claustrophobic. Beyond this room is the inner hall where the lord of the manner and his family would have paid homage to their gods.
Spoiler:
Sorry for the delay everyone, my schedule became really busy temporarily due to some change ups at work.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 5:06 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"We should proceed to the inner hall," suggests Claudius. "Anything of interest is more likely to be there."

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:48 pm
by Rooter
Fenn mutters agreement and suggests Paulus and the other Nemedian scouts keep watch at the main doorway while they proceed inward. He has his sword drawn, not liking this place, listening intently for any stir of enemy activity.
OOC:   Listen 40%[dice]0[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 7:21 am
by Cotton
Fenn, Claudius, and Anakunaisi enter the inner hall of the temple. It looks as though it has been converted from its original purpose to a mausoleum. There are six sarcophagi in the room, one of which is more ornate than the others, and is placed towards the back of the hall whereas the other five are closer to the door the three warriors have entered through. Fenn hears the noise of soft footfalls moving quickly. Before he can alert the other two all three hear, from a darkened corner of the room, "Hail strangers, what brings you here?"

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 4:04 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"We are travellers. Saw this place of worship... Decided to honor the gods of the land, might they grant us safe passage."

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 7:13 pm
by Rooter
While Anakunaisi is speaking Fenn peers warily around the interior of the hall for any hidden attackers, feeling they may have walked into a trap.
OOC:   Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 4:16 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius believes that Mitra is the only true god, though he says nothing. He too looks around.
OOC,Spot Hidden roll (55% skill) in the inner hall: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon May 07, 2018 10:49 pm
by Cotton
None of the trio see any sign of an impending ambush. Disturbingly, although the room is not well lit, there doesn't appear to be anywhere for a person or group of people to hide. Including the identity-less voice which says, "Travelers in this place are a rarity, and no one has come to this building to honor any god in a while."

Re: IC

Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 3:40 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius steps forward. "I am not familiar with your gods," he says. "Can you tell me about them?"

Re: IC

Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 8:56 am
by Rooter
Perturbed by this apparently disembodied voice Fenn moves to inspect the closest sarcophagi.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 6:58 am
by Cotton
The voice responds, "The gods and I are not on good terms, but there are a group of vermin nearby who worship a sea god." The longer the trio listen to the voice the more they are confused by it. It is oddly high pitched but still drips with hatred.

Fenn sees the stone sarcophagus, he could push the lid and open it slightly if he were so inclined, but he would risk making noise.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 7:43 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"Why would one worship a sea god so far from the shore?"

Anakunaisi slowly paces around the place in a small radius, trying to spot the source of the voice.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 4:54 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"We met some of those vermin," says Claudius. "They tried to kill us, but we killed them first. What have you heard about them?"

Re: IC

Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 10:37 am
by Rooter
Fenn pushes back the lid of the sarcophagus slightly to peer inside...

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 9:13 pm
by Cotton
The voice responds, "When they first came to this place they told me that they had been driven from their homeland by the adherents of another god. They believe they've found a place sacred to their god under the long hall, and have refused to leave ever since."

If the owner of the voice notices Fenn, it does not let on. Fenn is greeted by a musty smell and the sight of fine clothing, faded with age, and a desiccated arm.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2018 3:36 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"They are still here, then," says Claudius. "Do you want them removed?"

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2018 9:07 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Cultists still lurking around? Anakunaisi prepares his bow... He continues moving around, slowly, to check for points of entry / exit in the place.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2018 9:52 am
by Rooter
Fenn draws back from the sarcophagus, his curiosity outweighed by the sudden idea of where or rather what the voice might be coming from, as he listens to the conversation. "The other building outside looked like the long hall. At least we know where they are hiding and will be prepared. Perhaps we can take them by surprise, even."

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 7:08 am
by Cotton
To Claudius the voice replies, "Why would you be so willing to throw yourselves into danger to help a stranger?"

As far as Anakunaisi can tell the only entrance or exit to this inner room is the one the trio came through.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:14 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Revenge, for a start," says Claudius with a shrug. "We've tangled with these blackguards before, and they've killed some of our men."

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 1:07 pm
by Rooter
"Protection, too," Fenn adds. "We can help each other. What of the treasures stored here? Those are what we have come to retrieve on behalf of our employer. Have the Dagon-worshippers taken them?"

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2018 8:56 am
by Cotton
"Revenge. Greed." The voice muses. "Understandable motives. I do believe we can help one another if the three of you and your companions are willing to listen to my proposal."

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2018 9:00 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

Striking bargains with a disembodied voice... Anakunaisi feels like he is back at his old master's dark tower...

"We are willing. Speak, voice. We are listening."

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 2:01 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius nods, though he isn't sure if the voice can see it.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2018 6:52 am
by Cotton
"Very good. All I need from you is one of the wretches that squats in the great hall. Alive, and bound. Leave it here and then simply vacate this ruin until this time tomorrow. In exchange I will rid this place of the cultists, and whatever treasures remain are yours for the taking."

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2018 9:50 am
by Rooter
"Fine by me," Fenn replies though he isn't sure how much they can trust this unseen and nameless spirit. Not wanting to spend any longer than necessary in this tomb he goes to rejoin the rest of the party outside.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 3:35 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Agreed," says Claudius, following Fenn.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 12:40 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi joins the others outside.

"Let's check out the building."

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 5:45 am
by Cotton
As the trio exit into the outer room of the temple they find the rest of the scouting party waiting with weapons drawn. They seem confused and on edge. All eyes are on the trio.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2018 6:57 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"We've come to an arrangement with the caretaker of this shrine," says Claudius, not mentioning the fact that said caretaker is a disembodied voice. "Some of the people of the sort we fought before are squatting in the great hall. If we capture one of them alive and bring him back bound, leave, and return the next day at this time, then the caretaker will get rid of the rest of them and allow us to keep the treasures that remain."

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2018 11:24 am
by Rooter
"Who will accompany us to the Great Hall?" Fenn adds, looking over the various mercenaries. "I suggest Arethus and the other Nemedians remain here to guard our backs."

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 3:53 am
by Cotton
There is some muttering among the group of sellswords. Finally Arethus holds up a hand to silence the men, and says, ”You spoke with this caretaker? The conversation was muted somewhat by the wall dividing the rooms but, by Mitra’s bones, we heard only the three of you speak aloud.”

The big, Aesir man squints at the trio, hand on the hilt of his blade. He spits the word ”devilry”, and if words were weapons this one would be sharpened to a razor’s edge.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 5:21 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius looks to Anakunaisi, who is far more knowledgeable in the ways of magic than he is. It comes as a surprise to him that their companions outside did not hear the voice.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 10:35 am
by Rooter
Fenn, meanwhile, squares up to the Aesir with one hand on his own sword hilt. "Perhaps if you had the guts to face what lies in that tomb you would not be so quick to speak of devilry, Aesir."

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 10:44 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi is surprised, too, although such things as a voice only sounding in one's mind is not unheard of.

"The caretaker might as well be the devil's spawn. But unlike the fish god's cultists, he is ready to converse and understands reason. Let's not forget: we came here on a mission, and you are soldiers."

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 6:52 am
by Cotton
OOC:   I'm going to call for a fast talk or persuade roll from Anakunaisi and Fenn to keep everybody in line.  

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:57 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Persuade 30%[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn can see the Aesir wilting under the force of his determination.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 9:11 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
Fast talk 40%

[dice]0[/dice]

Hopefully Fenn's persuasive power is enough...

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2018 7:25 am
by Cotton
The Aesir sees something in Fenn's eyes and decides, perhaps for the first time in his life, that discretion maybe the better part of valor. With the most vocal detractor quelled the rest of the men fall in line for now.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2018 2:46 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Right," says Claudius. "Let's head for the great hall. We'll approach with stealth." His own doubts are allayed by Fenn's words.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2018 9:21 am
by Rooter
Fenn nods. "We only need to capture one of the cultists so perhaps it is best that only a small group venture within instead of entering into a full battle. Arethus and the others who are too cowardly to follow can stand guard." He sneers at the Aesir.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2018 12:29 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi prepares his weapons, and gets ready to sneak in. He approves the plan.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 7:28 am
by Cotton
The whole of the scouting party ventures back into the night. Arethus sets up duos and trios of men in a half circle around the long hall's entrance as quietly as possible. Then, Anakunaisi, Claudius, and Fenn creep to the large building. The doors are rotted and rusted and so getting them open stealthily require a few minutes work, but the trio manage to get in. The first thing they notice is a light coming from near the back of the hall. It is pale and slightly green tinged but is still surprising in the pitch blackness the scouts had grown accustomed to. The second thing is a fog that floats around the ankles of the three men, but grows thicker and fills more of the room the closer it gets to it and the green light's source.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 5:05 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius unsheathes his massive greatsword, leaving his bow shouldered. The bow wouldn't help them take anyone alive, nor would he even be able to see a target through the fog until he was too close to use it. He could always hit someone with the flat of the blade to knock him unconscious. He leads the way toward the light, trying to be as silent as possible.
OOC,Sneak roll (50% skill) walking towards the light: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 8:58 am
by Rooter
Fenn follows with sword in hand, scanning the darkness for signs of movement. "What manner of fog is this?" he whispers to Anakunaisi. "Surely it is no natural thing."
Spoiler:
Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2018 9:47 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi racks his mind: has he seen anything like this fog before?
OOC,[b]Occult 25%[/b] [dice]0[/dice]
In the meantime, he readies his bow.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2018 5:22 am
by Cotton
The trio creep along towards the fog bank, but can not see what, if anything, lies within. Anakunaisi is certain that what lies before them is no natural fog; it is made specifically to partly blind and deafen any that traverse it. However, he is also certain it is made to guard an entrance of some sort; if they want to find the cult the trio will have to go through it.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:16 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

"Witchery and deception... The passage is hidden in the depth of the fog," ANakunaisi shares his insight with the others.

He moves into the the vile mist, carefully looking for a way forward.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2018 5:15 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius strides silently into the mist.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2018 8:51 am
by Rooter
Repressing a shudder, Fenn follows.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 8:15 am
by Cotton
As the fog bank engulfs the trio, their green-tinged field of vision is narrowed almost entirely to what is directly in front of them. They come to a set of stairs descending downwards, very strange for this sort of building, and the fog seems to waft up from the bottom of them. Heading down the stairs the distinct smell of sea water and decay becomes stronger and stronger.
OOC:   The stair case is narrow enough that you have to walk in a single file line. Whoever is first please make a DEXx5 roll.  

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 2:29 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi is wounded, so he lets somebody else go first...

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 3:43 pm
by Rooter
OOC:   I have the highest DEX so I'll go first.
DEX 12 x 5 = 60[dice]0[/dice]  
Being a little more agile than the others, Fenn takes the lead, keeping a careful balance on the narrow steps as he descends.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 10:48 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi follows, an arrow readied on his bow.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 4:46 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius brings up the rear, gripping his greatsword in both hands.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 7:30 am
by Cotton
As the trio progresses down the stairs, Fenn brings them to an abrupt halt. Before them the stairs halt suddenly, leading to a steep drop to who knows what below. The fog is thick, and had Fenn been less surefooted he would have discovered that the hard way. This is clearly a trap made for less keen eyed strangers wandering through the fog. Leaning over the side, Fenn can see clearly man-made hand and foot holds carved into the stone where the stairs end.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 9:07 am
by Rooter
"We will need to climb down here," Fenn reports then lowers himself to the first of the handholds and begins to descend into the chasm.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 10:37 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi puts away his bow. He holds his knife between his teeth as he follows Fenn into the chasm.

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 6:48 pm
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius sheathes his greatsword across his back and descends last, his skills as a climber proving useful.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 5:24 am
by Cotton
OOC:   Everyone can give me a climb check at plus 10% since the way is made specifically for climbing.  

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 8:56 am
by Rooter
OOC:   Climb (+10%) 35%[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn makes his way down with a steady footing.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2018 2:53 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
Climb 43+10=53%

[dice]0[/dice]

Despite his climbing skills, Anakunaisi missteps.... :shock:

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 2:41 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

The going proves difficult for Claudius as well.
OOC,Climb roll (49% + 10 = 59% skill) climbing down the shaft: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2018 8:22 am
by Cotton
The green light is dim, the fog is thick, and the surface the trio clings to is wet and slippery. While climbing down both Anakunaisi and Claudius slip, they both scramble for purchase but neither are able. For a moment things seem dire, but then both scouts find that they are not falling, at least not quite. Instead they find themselves floating downward. It is a sensation like being underwater but still being able to breathe, and it is extremely disorienting at first. Also, if any of the mercenaries called out while falling, or when he realized he wasn't, he'll find that he was unable to speak or make a sound.
OOC:   Fenn can make a 0/1 SAN test for seeing his companions levitate, the two experiencing it can make a 1/1d2 San test.  

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2018 8:54 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
SAN Roll,For levitation [b]SAN 55[/b] [dice]0[/dice] [b]SAN Loss[/b] [dice]1[/dice]
Instead of the bone breaking depth, Anakunaisi is plunged into the void of weird, mind-bending and reality morphing sorcery!

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2018 9:13 am
by Rooter
OOC:   SAN 55[dice]0[/dice]  
Still clinging to the wall, Fenn goggles at the bizarre sight of his companions floating downward through the air.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2018 4:45 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius is disturbed that he is floating slowly downwards, but he is not about to complain.
OOC,Sanity roll (current level 40) for levitating: [dice]0[/dice] Sanity loss: [dice]1[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 7:11 am
by Cotton
After taking a moment to adjust to their new reality, how do the scouts proceed?

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 12:30 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi

If it is dark, Anakunaisi instructs the guards to light a torch.

He looks around: what is the place they are in? A corridor? A hall?

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 4:41 pm
by Rooter
Knowing there is nothing he can do about the others' predicament, Fenn continues climbing carefully down, hoping to reach the bottom before long.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2018 4:51 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius unsheathes his sword and looks around while Fenn catches up to them.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2018 7:19 am
by Cotton
Claudius and Anakunaisi have landed in a hallway of sorts. Water fills it up to their ankles, and the fog ends above their heads like a strange cloud. The wall they were climbing down is at their backs, and in front of them is a rough cut corridor, too intentional to be natural but lacking in anything but utility. Fenn has managed his way down by the time Anakunaisi has got a torch lit. Its fire looks sickly in the green tinged light that emanates from down the passage.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 4:51 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Shall I take the lead?" whispers Claudius. "I can move silently and still be prepared to deal with any trouble ahead."

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 9:58 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi nods. "Take the lead. We follow a few steps behind."
OOC,If the sickly light is enough to see, Anakunaisi doesn't light a torch. A torch attracts attention.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2018 4:47 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius advances softly, gripping his greatsword in both hands.
OOC,Sneak roll (50% skill) in the corridor: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2018 9:02 am
by Rooter
Fenn brings up the rear.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2018 5:08 am
by Cotton
The trio move down the corridor at a snail’s pace, the sound of their splashing footfalls echoing around them. They emerge into a cavernous room, and are stopped dead in their tracks by the simultaneously terrifying and awe-inspiring sight before them. Towards the back of the room, partly submerged in water and muck, is a titanic corpse. A creature with a bulbous head reminiscent of both a whale and a pale, hairless man. It’s visible appendages terminate in clawed, flipper like growths. The reek of the thing is almost enough to overcome the scouts completely, and, horrifyingly, the green light they have been navigating by seems to emanate from its slick, rubbery flesh. If the scouts can keep their wits about them, they notice the rushing and splashing of recently awakened cultists who begin to emerge from alcoves cut into the rooms walls.
OOC:   We'll just retcon the torch then. It's a 1/1d10 SAN roll for seeing the whale/man creature.  

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2018 9:24 am
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi
Rolls,For seeing the creature [b]Sanity 54[/b] [dice]0[/dice] [b]Sanity loss[/b] [dice]1[/dice] Sanity now 53
Anakunaisi has seen foul things before... but this... this... this is something worse. Bile and acid fill his throat, and he throws up. He tries to grab his weapons, but his hands are shaking from the violent spasms in his innards.

Re: IC

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2018 4:23 pm
by Rooter
OOC:   SAN 54[dice]0[/dice]  
Fenn manages to keep his wits about him enough to raise his sword and shield against the oncoming cultists.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 3:22 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius's eyes go wide. "By Mitra," he mutters under his breath. He doesn't understand what this bizarre thing is. All he knows is that he must take one cultist alive and kill all the others. He moves toward the nearest one, hoping to bludgeon him unconscious with the flat of his blade before he can properly awaken.
OOC,Sanity roll (current level 39) for seeing the creature: [dice]0[/dice] Sanity loss: [dice]1[/dice] Idea roll (65% stat) to avoid temporary insanity - failure is good: [dice]2[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 3:03 am
by Cotton
Claudius rushes to the nearest cultist who is still making his way to his feet. The trio can see that three other cultists are awake and scrambling for weapons. They are, however, far enough away that the scouts maybe able to retreat without engaging in a melee, and before the rest are up and active, if they are quick enough.
Spoiler:
Apologies for the delay, I recently got a new job in a different state and real life has been a little hectic. Also go ahead and roll your attack for me Mr. Handy.

Re: IC

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 3:06 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius's swing narrowly misses.
OOC,Great Sword roll (70% skill) trying to knock the cultist unconscious with the flat of the blade: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 10:17 am
by Rooter
As the cultists scramble for their weapons, Fenn swings his sword at the one nearest him, aiming the blade below the waist in an attempt to disable him without killing.
OOC:   Short sword 60%[dice]0[/dice]  

Re: IC

Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2018 3:31 am
by Cotton
Claudius' swing goes wide and the cultist stabs at him, but slips in the muck and misses.
Spoiler:
Dagger: 55%
[dice]0[/dice]
Fenn knocks the wind out of a charging figure with the flat of his blade, and the mud smeared, scrawny man crumples to the ground.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2018 6:40 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius, seeing that Fenn has a prisoner already, lunges again at his foe, this time not bothering to use the flat of the blade. He is confident that he can either parry the man's dagger if he withstands the blow, and if not, his armor should be able to deflect it. However, it is highly unlikely that the man will survive.
OOC,Great Sword roll (70% skill) trying to attack the cultist: [dice]0[/dice] Damage to cultist, impale: [dice]1[/dice]+[dice]2[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2018 10:06 am
by Rooter
"We must flee before we are overwhelmed!" Fenn shouts. Disarming the felled cultist, he lifts the prisoner over his shoulder and looks around. Is there another way out of here or must they climb back up the abyss?

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2018 4:51 am
by Cotton
Claudius brings his full force to bear on his mud covered foe, connecting at his collar and and arcing down and at a diagonal, slicing the man neatly in two.

Hefting the emaciated man, Fenn searches for an exit, but with most of his view taken up by the monstrous corpse the only choices he can see are heading back or going around the creature... and through more cultists.

Re: IC

Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2018 5:02 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Claudius retreats (he will not bring himself to think of it as fleeing), trying to catch up to Fenn. "Quickly, back the way we came," he says.

Re: IC

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 5:45 pm
by Rooter
Carrying the prisoner over his shoulder, Fenn jogs back along the entrance passage as fast as he is able. "I hope that floating sorcery works going up as well as down," he mutters.

Re: IC

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2018 10:24 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi recovers from the shock, and joins his companions in this tactical retreat...

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 3:20 am
by Cotton
Racing back through the green-lit cavern, the trio and their prisoner, find themselves back at entrance. To their dismay they don't begin immediately to ascend, and for a moment they catch their breath there, unnatural fog floating just above their heads.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 4:05 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"We climb," says Claudius, sheathing his greatsword across his back and beginning to scale the wall. "I'll tie a rope off at the top and lower it if you need it."
OOC,Climb roll (49% skill) climbing back up the wall: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 12:49 pm
by evil_scientist
Anakunaisi stands in position to fend off any abominations that follow them. Hopefully Claudius can make the climb quickly, and get them all out of this pit of madness.

Re: IC

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 5:12 pm
by Rooter
Fenn begins the climb more slowly, grunting with the weight of the prisoner slung across his shoulders.
OOC:   Climb 25%[dice]0[/dice]