Play@YSDC

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2017 7:06 am**

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.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:05 am**

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?

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2017 9:44 am**

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.

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2017 2:12 am**

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.

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:59 pm**

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?

Posted: **Tue Aug 15, 2017 7:56 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:47 am**

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?

Posted: **Wed Aug 16, 2017 5:11 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Aug 17, 2017 5:28 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:22 am**

OOC: Insight 40%[dice]0[/dice]

Fenn thinks he has the measure of Arethus.

Posted: **Fri Aug 18, 2017 3:17 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Aug 18, 2017 4:15 am**

Claudius proves to be an excellent shot with the bow, but he is outmatched when it comes to swordplay.

Posted: **Mon Aug 21, 2017 8:15 am**

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.

Posted: **Mon Aug 21, 2017 10:16 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Aug 23, 2017 6:00 am**

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?"

Posted: **Wed Aug 23, 2017 11:59 am**

"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.

Posted: **Thu Aug 24, 2017 4:33 am**

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.

Posted: **Mon Aug 28, 2017 7:04 am**

"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.

Posted: **Tue Aug 29, 2017 5:39 am**

Posted: **Tue Aug 29, 2017 7:54 am**

Anakunaisi is ready to move.

Posted: **Tue Aug 29, 2017 9:45 am**

With the prospect of a dawn start, Fenn retires early for the night.

Posted: **Mon Sep 04, 2017 6:21 am**

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).

Posted: **Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:27 am**

"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.

Posted: **Tue Sep 05, 2017 5:07 am**

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

Posted: **Tue Sep 05, 2017 2:57 pm**

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...

Posted: **Wed Sep 06, 2017 5:04 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Sep 06, 2017 5:09 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Sep 06, 2017 10:03 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Sep 06, 2017 4:44 pm**

Anakunaisi

Spot Hidden 50%
[dice]0[/dice]

Anakunaisi pays attention... to his meal.

Posted: **Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:29 am**

All seems quiet to Claudius,

Posted: **Tue Sep 12, 2017 12:44 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:06 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:23 am**

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]

Posted: **Tue Sep 12, 2017 10:24 am**

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]

Posted: **Thu Sep 14, 2017 5:07 am**

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:

Anakunaisi:

Spoiler:

Claudius:

Spoiler:

Posted: **Thu Sep 14, 2017 10:12 am**

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]

Posted: **Fri Sep 15, 2017 5:06 am**

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.

Posted: **Sun Sep 17, 2017 7:02 am**

Fenn:

Spoiler:

Claudius:

Spoiler:

Anakunaisi:

Spoiler:

Posted: **Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:10 am**

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.

Posted: **Mon Sep 18, 2017 9:38 am**

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]

Posted: **Tue Sep 19, 2017 8:51 pm**

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...

Posted: **Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:08 am**

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:

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:

Anakunaisi:
The bandit takes careful aim and throws his weapon, and his patience is rewarded as his javelin flies true.

Spoiler:

Posted: **Wed Sep 20, 2017 5:24 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Sep 20, 2017 9:58 am**

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]

Posted: **Sat Sep 23, 2017 4:04 pm**

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]

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2017 5:41 am**

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2017 8:19 am**

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2017 9:57 pm**

Posted: **Mon Sep 25, 2017 7:08 am**

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:

Fenn, bloodied from the shield-bash, sees the other Brythunian scout moving to assist him. First, however, the smirking bandit will strike again.

Spoiler:

Anakunaisi's arrow punches through the javelin thrower's armor, wounding him badly. The bandit survives, however, and ducks behind a tree.

Spoiler:

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.

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2017 5:22 am**

Sensing an opening, Claudius strikes, but the big man's wild swing has taken him out of his reach.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2017 10:25 am**

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]

Posted: **Thu Sep 28, 2017 12:50 pm**

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]

Posted: **Fri Sep 29, 2017 6:55 am**

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:

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:

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.

Posted: **Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:41 am**

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.

Posted: **Mon Oct 02, 2017 9:43 am**

"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]

Posted: **Tue Oct 10, 2017 6:18 am**

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:

Fenn's target is too absorbed in the fight with Arethus and never hears the attack coming.

Spoiler:

Posted: **Tue Oct 10, 2017 7:54 am**

Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi carefully picks a new target and shoots...

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

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

Posted: **Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:52 am**

Claudius takes advantage of his enemies being off-balance and presses his attack on the crossbowman, slashing him with his huge sword.

Posted: **Thu Oct 12, 2017 10:01 am**

OOC: Short Sword damage[dice]0[/dice]+db[dice]1[/dice]

Fenn strikes his target from behind.

Posted: **Sat Oct 14, 2017 7:58 am**

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:

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:

Posted: **Sat Oct 14, 2017 9:20 am**

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]

Posted: **Sat Oct 14, 2017 9:54 am**

OOC: Short Sword 60%[dice]0[/dice]

Fenn swiftly parries the blow and strikes again.

OOC: Short Sword 60%[dice]1[/dice]

Posted: **Sun Oct 15, 2017 4:38 am**

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.

Posted: **Mon Oct 16, 2017 6:45 am**

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:

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.

Posted: **Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:55 am**

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?"

Posted: **Tue Oct 17, 2017 5:27 am**

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

Posted: **Wed Oct 18, 2017 10:06 am**

Anakunaisi

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

Posted: **Fri Oct 20, 2017 5:59 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Oct 20, 2017 11:56 am**

"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]

Posted: **Sat Oct 21, 2017 3:47 am**

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."

Posted: **Sat Oct 21, 2017 8:37 pm**

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?"

Posted: **Mon Oct 23, 2017 6:55 am**

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."

Posted: **Mon Oct 23, 2017 11:53 am**

"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.

Posted: **Tue Oct 24, 2017 5:27 am**

"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.

Posted: **Tue Oct 24, 2017 10:43 pm**

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?"

Posted: **Thu Oct 26, 2017 2:40 am**

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:

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:

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."

Posted: **Thu Oct 26, 2017 4:30 pm**

Anakunaisi continues the interrogation.
"Are there any more ambushes set up along the road?"

Posted: **Fri Oct 27, 2017 4:44 am**

Claudius finds something else of interest in his search.

Posted: **Tue Oct 31, 2017 5:58 am**

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:

Posted: **Tue Oct 31, 2017 10:36 am**

Listening to Anakunaisi's interrogation of the man, Fenn interjects. "Wait, who is this 'would-be king' you mention that Carnas hates?"

Posted: **Wed Nov 01, 2017 4:53 am**

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."

Posted: **Thu Nov 02, 2017 2:55 pm**

Anakunaisi

Anakunaisi too takes a look at the peculiar amulet.

Occult 25%
[dice]0[/dice]

Posted: **Sat Nov 04, 2017 6:51 am**

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.

Posted: **Sun Nov 05, 2017 12:15 pm**

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.

Posted: **Wed Nov 08, 2017 4:54 am**

"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?"

Posted: **Sat Nov 11, 2017 6:11 am**

The captive scowls at Anakunaisi, but says nothing. Evidently he has grown tired of answering questions.

Posted: **Sat Nov 11, 2017 7:57 am**

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."

Posted: **Sat Nov 11, 2017 12:53 pm**

"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."

Posted: **Sun Nov 12, 2017 6:16 pm**

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.

Posted: **Mon Nov 13, 2017 4:26 am**

"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."

Posted: **Thu Nov 16, 2017 12:01 pm**

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.

Posted: **Tue Nov 21, 2017 8:28 am**

OOC: Make either a fast talk or persuade roll for me.

Posted: **Tue Nov 21, 2017 12:58 pm**

Anakunaisi
Fast Talk 40%
[dice]0[/dice]

Posted: **Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:08 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:22 am**

Anakunaisi
Spot Hidden 50%
[dice]0[/dice]

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

Posted: **Thu Nov 23, 2017 1:20 pm**

OOC: Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]

Fenn is too distracted to glean anything further from the bandits and prepares to continue traveling.

Posted: **Tue Nov 28, 2017 7:14 am**

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?"

Posted: **Wed Nov 29, 2017 6:23 am**

"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."

Posted: **Wed Nov 29, 2017 8:53 am**

Anakunaisi

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

Posted: **Wed Nov 29, 2017 12:20 pm**

Fenn pulls the gag off the captive ambusher. "Know anything about this place, dog?"

Posted: **Sun Dec 03, 2017 8:19 am**

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."

Posted: **Tue Dec 05, 2017 11:06 am**

"I agree with the others, it would make sense to investigate the village though with caution," Fenn replies to Arethus.

Posted: **Tue Dec 05, 2017 5:04 pm**

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?

Posted: **Fri Dec 08, 2017 6:16 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Dec 08, 2017 9:24 am**

Anakunaisi

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

Posted: **Fri Dec 08, 2017 10:21 am**

Fenn joins in making a search of the buildings, keeping his sword drawn.

Posted: **Sat Dec 09, 2017 5:54 am**

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

Posted: **Tue Dec 12, 2017 2:41 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Dec 12, 2017 4:39 am**

"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.

Posted: **Tue Dec 12, 2017 11:44 am**

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?

Posted: **Fri Dec 15, 2017 1:38 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Dec 15, 2017 8:28 am**

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?

Posted: **Fri Dec 15, 2017 10:52 am**

"Disease seems the most likely explanation..." But still Fenn scans the village grounds for any signs of violence or tracks of sudden departure.

Posted: **Sat Dec 16, 2017 4:38 am**

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

Posted: **Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:51 am**

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.

Posted: **Sun Dec 17, 2017 12:56 pm**

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.

Posted: **Sun Dec 17, 2017 10:11 pm**

If there's anything to find, Claudius does find some traces of recent passage.

Posted: **Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:02 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Dec 20, 2017 5:53 am**

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."

Posted: **Thu Dec 28, 2017 9:09 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Dec 29, 2017 3:16 am**

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

Posted: **Tue Jan 02, 2018 5:59 pm**

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.

Posted: **Fri Jan 05, 2018 7:00 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Jan 05, 2018 11:47 am**

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."

Posted: **Fri Jan 05, 2018 11:53 am**

Fenn agrees with this assessment and volunteers for first watch on patrol.

Posted: **Fri Jan 05, 2018 7:37 pm**

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

Posted: **Sun Jan 07, 2018 7:59 am**

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.

Posted: **Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:38 pm**

Posted: **Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:59 pm**

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.

Posted: **Sun Jan 07, 2018 7:53 pm**

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.

Posted: **Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:31 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:09 am**

OOC: Spot Hidden 50[dice]0[/dice]

Fenn patrols the village with Arethus but doesn't notice anything amiss.

Posted: **Thu Jan 11, 2018 3:44 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:55 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Jan 17, 2018 8:11 am**

Anakunaisi
Spot Hidden 50%
[dice]0[/dice]

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

Posted: **Sat Jan 20, 2018 8:01 am**

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.

Posted: **Sat Jan 20, 2018 10:56 am**

Cursing, Fenn grabs his sword and crouches by the doorway.

Posted: **Sat Jan 20, 2018 5:44 pm**

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

Posted: **Tue Jan 23, 2018 8:03 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Jan 23, 2018 10:07 am**

Fenn moves outside to join the Kushite.

Posted: **Wed Jan 24, 2018 5:30 am**

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.

Posted: **Sun Jan 28, 2018 3:32 pm**

Anakunaisi

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

Posted: **Mon Jan 29, 2018 7:05 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Jan 30, 2018 6:08 am**

Thanks to the illumination from the torch, Claudius's arrow finds its mark in one of the raiders.

Posted: **Sun Feb 04, 2018 7:58 am**

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

Posted: **Sun Feb 04, 2018 8:04 pm**

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:

Posted: **Mon Feb 05, 2018 3:39 am**

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.

Posted: **Mon Feb 05, 2018 12:04 pm**

Fenn checks the fallen Kushite.

Posted: **Tue Feb 06, 2018 8:24 am**

Anakunaisi
Dodge 42%
[dice]2[/dice]

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

Posted: **Fri Feb 09, 2018 6:36 am**

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.

Posted: **Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:06 am**

With practiced ease, Clauidus snaps off the arrow, removes both ends, and skillfully binds his own wound.

Posted: **Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:36 am**

"Who were they?" Fenn asks the Kushite.

Posted: **Thu Feb 15, 2018 6:15 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Feb 15, 2018 8:35 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Feb 15, 2018 10:25 am**

Hearing the call for help from the wounded, Fenn does what he can to assist.

OOC: First Aid 30%[dice]0[/dice]

Posted: **Fri Feb 16, 2018 4:24 am**

Claudius only feels a letter better, but at least he is no longer bleeding.

Posted: **Sat Feb 17, 2018 7:40 am**

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:

Claudius:

Spoiler:

Posted: **Tue Feb 20, 2018 12:38 pm**

"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.

Posted: **Wed Feb 21, 2018 5:57 am**

Claudius nods, also going over to search the bodies.

Posted: **Fri Feb 23, 2018 7:44 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Feb 23, 2018 8:12 am**

Anakunaisi
SAN 55
[dice]0[/dice]

The days ordeals take their toll...

Posted: **Fri Feb 23, 2018 11:36 am**

OOC: SAN 55[dice]0[/dice]

Fenn too is weary. "Perhaps these were responsible for the missing villagers."

Posted: **Wed Feb 28, 2018 6:27 am**

In spite of everything, Claudius somehow finds the strength to continue.

Posted: **Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:50 am**

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."

Posted: **Thu Mar 01, 2018 4:44 am**

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

Posted: **Thu Mar 01, 2018 9:39 am**

"And I'm still bleeding. I need some rest," Anakunaisi states the obvious. He plans to retreat to one of the houses and sleep.

Posted: **Fri Mar 02, 2018 1:14 pm**

Fenn, who is uninjured, reports to Arethus.

Posted: **Wed Mar 07, 2018 6:02 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Mar 07, 2018 10:29 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Mar 07, 2018 8:15 pm**

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.

Posted: **Sat Mar 10, 2018 9:48 pm**

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.

Posted: **Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:24 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Mar 14, 2018 4:55 am**

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

Posted: **Wed Mar 14, 2018 10:13 am**

"Could be a diversion for an ambush," Fenn mutters, hanging back and scanning the surroundings warily.

OOC: Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]

Posted: **Wed Mar 14, 2018 10:17 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Mar 15, 2018 3:13 am**

Claudius nods and takes a good look around.

Posted: **Thu Mar 15, 2018 6:25 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Mar 15, 2018 10:28 am**

Anakunaisi (hopefully with the assistance of a few soldiers) tries to fish out the body with a spear.

Posted: **Fri Mar 16, 2018 3:12 am**

Claudius also helps retrieve the body.

Posted: **Fri Mar 16, 2018 10:45 am**

Meanwhile Fenn rides a little way along the stream, scanning the ground for signs of the perpetrators' tracks.

Posted: **Sun Mar 18, 2018 6:03 am**

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:

Posted: **Sun Mar 18, 2018 10:12 am**

OOC: Spot Hidden 50%[dice]0[/dice]

But Fenn cannot determine the attackers' path and goes to rejoin the others, ready to move on.

Posted: **Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:59 pm**

Now that the body is properly buried, Claudius also looks for the tracks of whoever dumped him there, but without success.

Posted: **Thu Mar 22, 2018 10:47 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Mar 27, 2018 6:22 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Mar 27, 2018 9:08 am**

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."

Posted: **Tue Mar 27, 2018 9:57 am**

Anakunaisi agrees with Fenn, and is ready to go scouting.

Posted: **Wed Mar 28, 2018 5:15 am**

Claudius nods and joins them.

Posted: **Mon Apr 02, 2018 6:50 am**

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.

Posted: **Mon Apr 02, 2018 6:47 pm**

"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."

Posted: **Mon Apr 02, 2018 7:09 pm**

Fenn agrees, muttering, "Surely these artifacts that Lord Theophanes wishes to retrieve have long since been looted."

Posted: **Thu Apr 19, 2018 5:07 am**

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:

Posted: **Fri Apr 20, 2018 5:06 am**

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

Posted: **Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:48 pm**

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]

Posted: **Sat Apr 28, 2018 7:21 am**

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?"

Posted: **Sat Apr 28, 2018 4:04 pm**

Anakunaisi

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

Posted: **Sat Apr 28, 2018 7:13 pm**

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]

Posted: **Sun Apr 29, 2018 4:16 am**

Claudius believes that Mitra is the only true god, though he says nothing. He too looks around.

Posted: **Mon May 07, 2018 10:49 pm**

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."

Posted: **Tue May 08, 2018 3:40 am**

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

Play@YSDC

IC

IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC

Re: IC